Genny hands Chandler a smock. "Put this on. To be honest, if I may, the suit and tie are a bit much out here. " She then goes to show him what needs done and how to do it.
The aide nods at Natalie. "Well, we've got a pretty good crew here, they work together well, but with the recent kidnapping of those scientists, everyone is on edge. With that group of refugees on their way in, I need my teams to be on their top game. If you can somehow help with that, maybe convince them that they're safe here, something like that, it would indeed help. "
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Cynthia considers the request, a musing look on her face. "Well I did take that public speaking class a few summers ago." She promptly raises a finger, "One second..."
Cynthia snags ahold of Richard before he gets led away, "Excuse me a moment, I need Rich real fast." She explains as she finds as much of the crew of this endeavor as she can, "Need you to help me sell that everyone's safe here, Rich. Put on that million dollar smile, eh?"
Cynthia ensures she's not committing any fashion faux pas, before talking to a group of the aid workers. "Excuse me, everyone, I'm Cynthia Betterman, I'm here as part of a junket to help assist the situation you're familiar with....Now, I know the situation at the moment is making everyone uneasy, and I can understand that, but what we have to remember is that aide camps are considered low value targets to begin with. Any fighting that goes on is not going to focus on the evacuation of civilians and wounded, they're worried about those aircraft up there, not the guy on crutches. What IS going to help in this situation is for everyone to be working at their best effort, staying alert, and being clearheaded."
Networking/Mediation
Smith then says, "Before we crossed the border we heard about some people getting kidnapped, how common is that? And who is doing it? The sovies, DPRA or the Muj?"
"In addition, we are working on procuring additional funds to assist this camp in helping the region and its people recover from this war. But until then, the people here need you to help them. Not me, not American philanthropists, but you and you and you and all of you. Together, we will make a difference in this region."
Once he and Nat are done speaking, he returns to Genny and puts the smock on. "Sorry about that. As you heard, I am here to help in procuring funds on behalf of the Chandler Global Humanitarian Aid; the American philanthropists I mentioned. And as you've seen, I also have a way with words. And speaking of which," Richard begins as he helps Genny with what she told him to do, "The reason I came all the way here is to gather information on the situation. My associate can handle the men in charge, but I prefer to people like you who might be a bit more blunt in their honesty, to get a better sense of what's going on. So, can you tell me anything about these attacks? And aside from the attacks, has anything else happened in the area? I heard some men mention something about scientists up north. Are they involved in the attacks?"
Natalie's stirring speech and Richard's additional rhetoric seems to move the crowd, even though they barely know them. Perhaps it is the promise of American money that pushes them over or perhaps Natalie's ever malfunctioning wardrobe. Either way, after they are finished, the promised busload of wounded comes in and people get straight to work triaging them. The camp becomes a mass of controlled chaos, doctors and nurses and volunteers rushing to and fro, but with renewed purpose.
Genny rushes to complete the job she had started with Ward, speaking along the way. "The DPRA would have you believe it is the fault of the Mujahadeen. Their 'random terrorist acts' put their own people at risk, et cetera. Thing is, from what I've heard, DPRA has been pushing into villages and cleansing them of Muj. It's horrible either way. Honestly? Makes me sick to my stomach.", she sighs. "I heard about the scientists, but your guess is as good as mine. They shouldn't have been out there anyway. DPRA and Soviets put up a very strict border policy before this happened. How they even got in, I'll never know. Our no borders policy and pull with the UN is what got us and I presume your folk in."
The Legionnaire looks at Smith. "None, either, all of the above? This place has turned into a hot bed of crazy. I don't know who in their right mind would be coming here to perform scientific things during an invasion, but that's that. They paid the price." He pauses, reflecting. "Not that I don't care, I do, but you gotta have some kind of serious.. what is the word?... balls... to be doing that kind of thing."
Smith reflects and says, "War itn't for tourists. Man I got to schlep this altruistic clown around a war zone. My luck he'll want to go bribe president Karmal or some nonsense. I guess I have to keep him alive until I get my pay. Who is the local Soviet commander? Is he a boozehound, a ladies man or something else? How bout the DPRA or the local Muj?"
Communicate
Louis shakes his head, a smile coming to his face. "From what I hear tell, all Soviet commanders think they are both and very proud of it. I'm not a hundred percent, but I've heard the name Korsikov around the higher paygrades. Far as the DPRA goes, the 'Premier of Lashkar Gah' is one Jidal Mustafen. Runs the place pretty tight, but as soon as his leash is yanked, he's all puppy. As far the rebels go, names don't fly well with their kind, but I'm sure a few of them have managed to get in here. Maybe a little discreet asking might get you in the right direction. You looking for another job?"
Smith smiles and says,"I am always looking for some side work. What you got?"
Seating in the driver seat, always been where he was most comfortable, Johnny, sees Natalie and Ward gather a crowd together and give a bit of a speech. After the crowd seemed energized imagine that. As he sees the members of team disperse among the crowd, Macomb decides it may be safe now to go park the car. After getting direction on where the motor pool is in the camp he proceeds to park the car and chat up the guards by the motor pool.
Damn it gets busy around here. Names Macomb. Hired hands on the wheel for an aide workers and a source of cash. What can you tell me about this place? Where can I get a bite to eat and maybe take a shower?
After Richard finishes helping Genny with what she asked for help with, he takes off the smock, "Well, it was nice meeting you. And thanks for the smock, and speaking of which, the suit improves the way people see me, which helps to make what you say sound more legitimate than it might usually. When dealing with people like I do, that's important. Now if you'll excuse me, I should go meet up with my associate and discuss some things. If you need anything of me personally, don't hesitate to find me." Richard then looks for Nat.
Natalie's cover, Cynthia, is off by herself after that big teambuilding moment. It wouldn't do for her to act like it was an everyday action for her. Even she had to admit that it was a pretty good lie...or speech, whatever it was, and made some mental notes on what she'll have to use again sometime.
It'd be up to the Red Crescent aides to seek her out, to make good on their end of things, otherwise she'd look too eager.
It wouldn't take much for Richard to find her, fortunately.
Louis looks at Smith. "I was just meaning that you've been asking a lot about the local war fighters. Just thought maybe you were interested in being more than a babysitter, that's all."
Macomb meets with one of the motor pool guards/ mechanics. "Food is whatever is left out in the mess tent, man. They don't give us much. It's mostly donated and even that takes some time to get in country." He smiles and then adds, "If you're looking for a shower, the river's just over that hill. Clean water is for the med tents, man."
Genny nods and waves good bye to Mr. Chandler, smiling as he goes. He finds Natalie working with some of the triage personnel, coordinating care.
Smith smiles, "Got to keep my options open, is there a side mission you folks need taking care of. I know my principal and he is going to want to visit other such places around the country. Plus its easier to find work like this than through Soldier of Fortune Magazine."
"Sure, sure.", he nods. "I overheard some of the higher ups discussing those scientists that went missing, but I haven't heard anything since." Louis shifts his gear as he continues. " Maybe you should go and see if they have mounted some sort of rescue mission."
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Smith smiles and says, "I am game. Can you point me in the direction of those higher ups?"
"What have you uncovered, Nat? I don't think the scrubs around here know very much, just that there were scientists. We should find Smith, see if he knows how we should get across the border."
Natalie looks back at 'Richard', checks out the area...Notice then noting the subtle changes between personalities, lets her persona drop for a moment, a blissful moment. "I've got transport for us that'll take us past where we want to go. That's what I needed you for. After that, we'll be back out in nowhere and it's going to be all Smith and...I feel I should say Wesson...Macomb. I think. I've got something else to grab, before I get back in there and see what else can be scrounged up, but it's going to be hot if it's found.."
Natalie goes through her process to get that broad recon she asked for. over where the scientists were taken from, since that's what Smith found to be best, tactically.
Louis points Smith in the direction of where Cynthia and Richard were giving a speech.
Natalie doesn't notice anyone looking at her specifically, most people are too busy with the multiple wounded that just came in.
After a while, a document folder gets placed into her hands and the deliverer seems to vanish into the crowd of medical personnel.
Smith makes his way over to the higher ups and looks for the most martial looking of the group and says, "Your man Louie sent me over here to look for a job."
A man dressed in khaki pants and a khaki button shirt looks over at Smith. "Louis? That no good scrub? Heh. Looks to me like you have a job already. ", he nods to Cynthia and Richard.
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Smith looks at the man and says, "This gig is a short term one, so I figured to make some contacts while I am here and to see if you need a helping hand later. My principal will be moving on to the next camp on his whirlwind tour of combat zones. The Sovies itn't gonna leave any time soon. Such is the life. "Vive la mort, vive la guerre, vive le sacré mercenaire"
He nods, a half smile forming. "Well, the Legionnaires could always use a good trooper like yourself. Come see me when you're done, I'll set up a meeting with the Commandant. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
Smith finds Cynthia and relays his info to her.
Then he goes back to the jeep and helps Macomb topping off the vehicle's fluids and stuff and then he either gets some shut eye.
-Posted with Wayfinder
After the excitement of the busload of injured dies down in the next few hours, things return to somewhat normal in a camp of Red Crescent volunteers in the middle of a warzone. Macomb is able to procure a truck for the hauling of yourselves and whatever scientists you may find. While the guards are concerned as to why you would want to go out there, they figure that Big American Money (tm), has something to do with it and so leave you alone as you pass out of the camp.
With the information that Natalie got, you are able to navigate fairly easily towards the site, meeting her team along the way. They help guide you as close to the area as the vehicle will allow, then you tread another two miles on foot through hilly terrain.
Eventually you come through a small wadi and then out to see a clear valley below you. In it is several tents, probably sleeper tents and one big one that would probably be the main observation tent. These look to be prefab buildings and in fairly good condition, but there are no signs of life at all.
The lead scout looks at you, shaking his head. "There it is. We'll watch from here. Good luck."
Smith has got his Kalashinikov rifle fully loaded and out front as he takes point, he looks around:
Awareness for any ambushes
Tracking to find the trail to the site
Smith approaches the site cautiously, picking out a fairly easy path to follow. He notices that it must have been some time since anyone was here, as weather and other natural forces have washed away any signs of passage. The tents lie open and flap in the slight breeze. At first it looks like it was just an abandoned camp, but that's when Smith sees a brass shell casing sticking out of a desert shrub root. Looking around, he sees equipment strewn about the center of the campsite. Whatever happened here happened fast.
Natalie frowns, holding a weapon she's not exactly comfortable with, that shotgun from the big bag of guns she brought. She moves to follow Timothy's lead. "And suddenly we're back out of my element again...Just tell me what you need done."
Smith says quietly, "Just huddle back a bit and let me get a look around, I need to keep my eyes peeled for clues."
He then kneels down looking at the casing to determine what caliber it is. Then looks at the equipment to see what kind it is and what its uses are for.
Search for clues
Tracking to see where the egress was or if there may have been a helicopter landing or something.
Looking over the brass shell, Smith sees that is marked with the stamp of 5.56mm. It was a NATO round. The equipment looks to be scientific in nature, possibly weather measuring gear.
Most tracks have already been washed away by wind and such, but on the outskirts there is an unmistakeable imprint of heavy tire treads, possibly cargo truck size, that haven't disappeared yet.
Maocmb starts walking the parameter of the camp looking for any information he can gather that Timothy might have missed.
and then tries to see what he can tell by the tire tracks left.
Macomb follows the perimeter of the camp, but doesn't see anything else that Smith hasn't pointed out. He does know however that the tire treads belong to a large truck, probably 2 and a half tons, but hard to tell manufacturer from tire treads.
Agent Smith what do you make of these tracks? Any idea how long ago they were made? I think our best bet would be to have someone trace these tracks and keep in radio contact. Maybe we can get the vehicle to them some other route. Pointing to the tracks Obviously there is some clear way to here for larger vehicles.
Smith says, "One shot was fired by a French casing in .223 Small Nato, with it being awhile since the action, the footsteps are gone so, it could have been a precise maneuver by Alfa Group, of the KGB or the blue hats. They must have wanted them alive and then carted them all off."
He then says, "About the tracks, this was definitely a well executed plan and the Soviets don't have many soldiers that can pull that off. What they did to President Amin last December. I think it would be best for me to reconnoiter this. Anyone want to come with me?"
I can come with you. Natalie and James will have Natalie's contacts to get them where ever we end up.
Razor offers
Smith says, "Then who will drive the truck?"
Probably one of the people on Natalie's crew can drive the truck. Just thinking you could use someone else who was used to trudging through the outdoors. If you think that Ward in his $1000 suit is a better choice or want to separate Natalie from crew then take one of them. Just thought I was a sensible choice. It's a truck not a tank.
Natalie shrugs, "I hired them for their survival skills, not their driving skills. I can't vouch for that."
smith chuckles and says driving a deuce and a half is much more difficult than an m60. I am glad to bring anyone who can handle themselves and remain stealthy. its time to lerp.
Johnny reluctantly shakes his head and says Ok then Natalie would you prefer to take your work crew along with you and join Smith? Which would have Ward and I backtracking in the truck and trying to rendez-vous with you elsewhere.
Nat nods noncommittally, "Alright, let's not stay split up for too long though."
Ward and Macomb head back to the truck, taking their time to choose good footing. Natalie and her scouting party follow Smith at a distance as he heads into the camp proper. There are six living tents and one working tent. Scientific equipment of all kinds is strewn about the site. Glancing inside an open tent flap on the nearest tent, you can see that the place was ransacked. Clothes are dumped on the floor and the bed is flipped over. That's all that can be seen from the outside. The camp is laid out in a semicircle. The main tent surrounded on the northern side by the six other tents. You are looking into the first living tent, on the northwest side. The tire tracks you found earlier from scanning the perimeter lead away from the camp towards the northeast. It is early morning, so there is enough light to see inside the tents.
Alright Ward help me find a roadway to where the campsite was. Those tire tracks mean it is possible to get a large vehicle over there just not the way we came.
Macomb says as he takes out the keys it is obvious that he is anxious about the other two team members.
Sneak
Tracking
Smith makes his way ahead trying to be as quiet as possible and checking for any other tell tale signs of enemy movement or if there is an ambush or anything of that ilk. Shell casings, a left candy wrapper or something to find where these scientists were taken to.