Arriving at the Border Camp
Lieutenant Caroline is in the driver's seat of the third rover buggy. Mac, who's now a free man, is in the navigator's seat reading a paper map and a compass. He tells Caroline directions on where to turn and what to avoid. Caroline accidentally drives in a mud puddle. Fortunately only the six men in the back seat got covered in mud. The cargo, which is covered in a blue plastic tarp, is fine. Sergeant Johnson mattock mans the gunner's seat. He scans the perimeter with his binoculars on multiple settings to find hostiles. Johnson notes there's a pack of wolves in the brush. Caroline honks the horn. The wolves run back into the forest.
“Weather's been too nice lately” says Mac. He looks at the sky. There appears to be some heavy clouds on the horizon. Caroline says “this is nothing compared to when you left the ship last winter Mac.” Mac chuckles. “Yeah. Once we got to the imperial capitol Charlie nearly got 'imself kidnapped by a couple of squirrel girls.” Mac folds the paper. Then he says “to think we're getting a squad of them visiting us in our country.” Caroline says “I just hope the new border patrol knows what they're doin'.” Mac chuckles again. “If not then at least they'll have a good time before they're killed.” Caroline slows down. She glares at Mac and says “I rather not think about things like that citizen. And I would ask you to refrain from making those kinds of comments while we're on the trip.” Mac rubs his shoulder. “Geeze! If you're gonna act like that. I'll stop. I don't wanna miss Charlie's company.”
The buggy slows down near the camp. Everyone can see the smoke of the bonfire rising in front of the cabin. It seems like there's a couple of primitive tents set up around the cabin. Lieutenant Caroline parks the buggy. Then she speaks up. “We have arrived. Sergeant, what's the status of the camp?” Johnson scans the camp. “I see squirrel people. There's about thirty or so of them. They look well dressed enough for the cold.” “Good!” Caroline says, “that means we don't have to provide them with coats. Which saves us a trip back to the station. How's the cargo looking?” One of the grunts checks the bungee cords. “Cargo is secured, mam!” “Very good,” says Caroline. Caroline touches the side of her helmet. Once tuned into the proper radio signal Caroline says “BP2 this is PBE. Peanut butter has arrived. Over.” Mac tunes his radio. “Roger that. This is BP2. We are still in the middle of frisk- Hey! Stop that!” A woman can be heard giggling on the radio. Caroline asks “Would you like some assistance?” The radio responds “no no! This is our job. We just have to remind the women that we're checking for hidden weapons and contraband. They seem to be enjoying things a little too much, over.”
“Copy that.”
Caroline hops out of the buggy. “Lieutenant,” Caroline orders. “Take McGee, Rock, and Foreman to the checkpoint. If things get out of order I'll leave it to you to handle it.” “Yes mam!” Johnson hops down from the gunner's seat. Three of the armored spacemen hop off the buggy. Then they head to the checkpoint. “Mac you're with me,” says Caroline. Mac hops out of the passenger seat. “I assume you need me to talk to the leader of this expedition?” Caroline says “that's exactly why we brought you. Our other diplomat is busy handling the saplings. Your job is to handle the Risuners.” “Oi oi!” Mac sighs. “Keep this up and I'll be gray and bald by the end of the week.”
Caroline and Mac approach camp. The squirrel people, or Risuners as they call themselves, perk up the moment Mac enters camp. Mac immediately identifies the leader. “Well look who it is?” He says “fancy meeting you here again.”
---To be continued.