An; her we go, you know the drill, review and ill update.
Linna threw her bags into the taxi and headed to the airport. Daley and Leon were waiting. She smiled thinly, realizing that she had managed to pack les than them, having only one case to their four.
"Ready to go?" Daley asked brightly, desperately keeping his tone light. Linna nodded and followed the silent Leon and the determinedly chatty Daley through the terminal.
They had decided that Linna, Leon and Daley should go for Priss, they were using Sylia's money as well as their own and would keep in touch. Nene had elected to stay with Mackey and Sylia refused to leave her brother, so Linna found herself in the uncomfortable position of going halfway round the world with two virtual strangers, one who blamed her for what had happened, and another who she barely knew from a sack of potatoes.
Daley and Linna were thrust into each others company during the long flights that it took to get them to get to Egypt, where they would move over to Libya, neither liking it at all. At first, uncomfortable silences stretched between them, only broken by Leon's regular snoring. But gradually they warmed to each other and were able to carry out civilized conversations without griping at each other. Daley had some amazing opinions on the politics of the day, and surprised Linna many times by his insight. Daley in turn found it fascinating that this girl, so much a country person, like himself, hated it as much as he did. She had some quite clear cut views on things like abortions and drugs, but remained vague on matters such as the need for more war like units in China and Japan.
Nevertheless, they were both mightily relived when the 48 hours of flight and transaction time was over. They disembarked and headed to the rent-a- car. They chose a light white van, big enough for their luggage and cool enough in the hot weather. Linna sat in the back and did a rather shoddy job of directing them, they only got lost twice.
In the hotel that they had booked the two men shared a room, and as Linna had a bigger room, set up all their computer gear that Daley had insisted they bring. Leon watched balefully, standing with his hands in his pockets, as they set up, Linna carrying weight that would have made him puff. His glare became even more pronounced when Daley showed Linna what his 'Machine' could do. He ground his teeth as Linna laughed at something Daley showed her. What right had they to be happy when he was feeling so down? Then his mood lifted a little, he would see Priss soon, he could feel it.
'Leon's mood is lifting' though Daley with relief. He had felt his friends glare a few moments earlier and had been ready for an outburst. When he didn't come he made himself relax. Hopefully Leon would cheer up when they found Priss... if they found her. Daley winced inwardly, watching Linna type an email to her leader, the pale one...Sylia wasn't that her name? There was no way either he or Leon would give up on finding her, for the simple reason it would make everyone's lives easier.
Later, when everyone was sleeping off their jet lag, Daley leant on his room's balcony and indulged in a smoke. He watched the sun sink, and then stared down at the street watching passerby's wander around. He let his thoughts roam, wondering, musing, remembering. He was so deep in his memories that he barely noticed when a familiar figure stepped out of the hotel lobby. She looked around, and then headed off to the left. Daley watched her for a second before grabbing his jacket and running to the lift.
She knew he was following her four minutes after he began to, and could see him two minutes later. Linna knew that it was Daley a few minutes after that. It didn't matter, but she was a little annoyed that he saw fit to follow her. Not that she really cared, but he was more likely to get himself into trouble than get her out of it, if that was what he was thinking. She walked unerringly through the maze of city blocks, showing to Daley that she actually knew the city better than she had demonstrated earlier wit her map reading. It was dark and beginning to cool down when she finally reached the place. She stood and waited until Daley peeked around the corner.
"Come on over." She called when she saw his shadow, and he came, albeit sheepishly.
"This house belongs to a friend of mine. I know it doesn't look much but her husband will be able to help us." She told him as she rapped on the door.
The door opened and an elderly Egyptian woman opened the door. She let out a cry when she saw Linna and ushered them into a nice house with tiled floor and ferns decorating the lobby. It certainly didn't match the front of the house, which was badly in need of paint. Everything was meticiulsy clean and Daley saw quite a few antiques. The old lady shut and bolted the door before giving Linna a hug.
"Mistress Yamazaki! How are you? And you're parents?"
"All fine, thanks Mary. This is Daley, he's helping me out. I was wondering if Michael was home?"
The old lady nodded and smiled, "you know the way." She said, looking upstairs.
Linna gestured for Daley to follow her. As they ascended the stairs Daley asked, "You've been here before?"
Linna smiled mischievously over her shoulder at him, and led him down a corridor decorated the same as the lobby. She knocked on the door and a deep baritone called from the other side, "Come in."
Linna opened the door and entered, Daley close behind.
Michael was sitting in a darkened room full of his computer equipment when the visitors arrived. He looked up and dropped the bag of cashews he had been eating from. A tall, slim brunette walked through the door, followed by a fashion statement. She had an odd haircut that somehow fitted her perfectly, and was wearing jeans and a green turtleneck.
"Impossible!" he said and began to smile.
"Possible!" retorted Linna, coming over. Michael stood and hugged her, dwarfing her with his height (and belly).
"I thought that after last time you got mixed up with me you had had enough!" he chuckled, remembering the teenage girl who he had helped out of a fix.
"Not nearly enough." Linna grinned, and then introduced the fashion statement as a Daley Wong, Michael thought she could do better, but didn't say so just yet.
"Sit! Sit!" he cried jovially, sweeping papers from the couch. Linna sat gratefully, Daley a little more hesitantly.
"What brings you into this part of the world again my dear?"
"Again?" asked Daley, fixing Linna with an inquisitive eye.
"Shut up Daley. You followed me so you're gonna have to figure it out for yourself." It was the first time Linna ad mentioned Daley's attempt at stalking, and he subsided.
"I need some help Michael. I need to know whats going on in Libya at the moment."
Michael, who had been rummaging under his desk for the cashews bumped his head and began to swear.
"What the hell do you want to know for?"
"A friend went missing there a little while ago, at the same time as the phenomena and I need to find her."
Michael looked between the two, Linna watching him anxiously, Daley looking bewildered.
"This friend wouldn't happen to have anything to do with the phenomena, by any chance?" he asked quietly.
"Maybe."
"Or the piece of debris that fell through the atmosphere and landed in the Sahara?"
"How'd you guess?" asked Linna. Her friend's powers of deduction would never cease to amaze her.
"There's been a lot of activity concerning it at my base. My bosses are worried about the fact that the Libyans are being awfully quiet about it."
"Could you get the details for me?" asked Linna. Michael sucked in his breath.
"I know im asking a lot, but I wouldn't if it wasn't important. If the Libyans find out how to use the liquid metal technology that that 'piece of debris' utilizes it would mean a lot of trouble."
Michael sighed. He thought for a minute, "Come back tomorrow afternoon. I'll have it for you then, but-" he added as Linna began to than him, "you're going to have to share what you know."
Linna nodded and they left. Linna was silent on the way back to the hotel, until Daley asked,
"You've been her before."
"Yes."
"When?"
"When I was sixteen. My parents had always wanted to see Egypt, so that's what we did. I got separated from them, and found myself in an alley. It's a long story, but the short of it is that I saw something I shouldn't have and Michael had to track me down to make me give evidence, and to protect me."
"From?"
"The thing I shouldn't have seen." Linna was unyielding. Daley sighed.
"I'm sorry I followed you."
"You damn well should be." Linna's voice had taken on a brittle edge and Daley winced.
There was silence for a second before Daley said sheepishly, "I never was good a tailing anyone."
"True," agreed Linna, "you do stick out like a sore thumb," She eyed his pink shirt ostentatiously.
"Hey!" said Daley, "at least I can read a map!"
"But you sure as hell can't fly." Retorted Linna.
"That's hitting below the belt!" grumbled Daley, Linna chuckled and the friendly banter continued until they reached the apartment and separated to go to their respective rooms.
Linna was up early the next day, out at dawn and returned before Leon and Daley woke. It was a warm day already and she was in high spirits. She contacted Nene and asked her to tell her when their extra luggage, courtesy of Sylia would arrive. Nene agreed and asked if they had found Priss yet. Linna reminded her that she had been in Egypt less than twenty four hours. Nene repeated the question and Linna laughed and told her they had a lead.
Leon's mood lifted when he was told of Linna and Daley's nocturnal jaunt and the possible lead on his girl's whereabouts. He chatted amiably over breakfast at the restaurant Daley had chosen, surprising both Linna and Daley when he actually addressed Linna to her face, asking her when she was to visit her friend. Linna covered her shock and told him that afternoon. Until then, she suggested that he and Daley do some sightseeing.
"Aren't you coming?"
"No, I have some things to take care of." As she left them, Linna wondered why she was suddenly the leader. Surely it was up to Daley and Leon, they had much more expertise in this sort of thing. She was lost, and had no idea as what to do next, or how she would even begin to get across the border into Libya.
Nene called as she wanderd through the main market place of Cairo. Linna chatted for a miute, and then Nene told her that their extra luggage would arrive in three hours. Linna thanked the girl, didn't bother to ask how she knew and continued on her jaunt through the haggling rabble.
Leon and Daley were having a good time, they had seen the old ruins of the quarry where Hatepshut had made her tall standing stones, stared up at the Sphinx and wandered through the pyramids. They were both very hot a sweaty when the returned to the hotel, and showered and changed hurriedly before Linna arrived and they walked the ten blocks to Michaels house. Linna seemed quiet and a little pensive, so there wasn't much talking on the way.
***
"Are you here to interrogate me again?" the singer's voice was sarcastic. She was sitting in her cell, arms folded and looking bored.
"Absolutely." Agreed the officer who had just entered.
"You're going to get the same answers." Priss eyed the balding research department clerk, "but I suppode you already know that."
"Where did you get the suit?"
"Jesus made it for me."
"What were you doing in orbit?"
"Talking to Allah."
"Who are you?"
"Mary, mother of god, wife of Joseph." Saying that made Priss think of Leon.
"Where do you come from?"
"A little place in the stratosphere. It's called 'heaven' perhaps you've heard of it?" saying that reminded her of the song she used to sing. High above the clouds of heaven, light was burst inside my brain....
"Why aren't you being serious?"
"Because I don't like you."
"How was the suit created?"
"Using grass, twigs and a lot of paint."
"I give up." He threw up his hands in annoyance and Priss smirked. If they seriously thought she was going to tell them how to make the hard suit then they were seriously mistaken. As if anyone in the Libyan army would be able to operate in one anyway. They didn't know how to activate one.
"You will not be fed until you tell us." Snarled the clerk viciously. Priss kept her face neutral, but her heart began to beat faster. He slammed out of the room and Priss rolled her brown eyes. 'What have you gone and done now? Priss, you're seriously in trouble this time.' She thought to herself.
***
"Are you sure about this?" Linna asked her burly friend. He gave her a look.
"You're sure." She muttered, eyeing the printout in front of her distastefully, "damn."
"Why is it so bad?" asked Leon angrily, "we know where she is!"
"Wake up lover boy," said Daley dryly, "she's in the middle of a high security compound. There's no way in hell we're gonna get her out by ourselves."
"We have to try," muttered Linna, "or theyre gonna figure out how to use the hard suit."
"Hard suit?" asked Michael sharply.
"I'll tell you some other time." Sighed Linna.
"So what are we gonna do?" complained Leon.
"The first thing we have to do is get into Libya." Said Daley, rubbing his chin.
"We have passports." Said Linna.
"That won't be much help. The Libyans don't get on with forigners."
"Then we'll have to sneak in," said Leon desperately.
"That's your forte then." Said Linna, "I don't know anything about this kind of stuff."
"Will someone please fill me in?" wailed Michael.
Linna told him the very basic details and he frowned thoughtfully.
"theres a shipment of both men and women going over the border in three days time. Theyre going over for varios things, but mostly to join the army and research facilities. I could get you aboard if you want."
"yes!" said Leon immediately, and Linna almost groned.
"theres a catch." Added Michael warningly, "I wont be able to get you out-"
"I have something that will take care of that." Interrupted Linna, earning surprised looks.
"And," continued Michael, "women and men are separated on the shipments. I don't know whether or not youll be able to meet each other again."
"That's not so good," areed Leon thoughtfully.
"Could we smuggle walkie talkies in?" asked Daley.
"Nope. They have scanners for bombs, excetera."
"What about disguising her as a man?" asked Leon. All three men turned and looked at Linna, at her slim figure and hair.
"nah." They said together.
"Excuse me!!" cried Linna, "but I can, obviously contrary to popular consensus, take care of myself."
The men looked at her doubtfully and she began to fume.
"Do you know what we'll have to go as?" asked Daley, to quell Linna's murderous look.
"ummm." Fingers tapped keyboard and Michael said, "Two security guards are needed....and one desk clerk in the research section."
"I've had enough of desk jobs," grumbled Linna, but consented and Michael sent their application forms out.
Things happened quickly, and in three and a half days ther was a convoy of three trucks heading through Libya, one with laggage and equipment, including Linna's special 'extra help'. The other two carried the ment and women. Linna herself was sitting in the back of a truck bumping along a dirt roadway in the middle of the desert. The girl next to her, also to be a desk clerk in the research department chatted constantly, getting on Linna's nerves, but when she wasn't blathering on Linna got on well with Susan and they became friends over the four hour journey.
Leon and Daley talked little on their trip, in another army truck. Daley was wishing he had thought to bring water with him and Leon was wondering how Priss was.
"Crap." Muttered Linna, eying the high fences and security camera's installed around the compound.
"This is not gonna be easy."
An; well, I've decided (at the urging of a reviewer, thanxs Linnafan!) that Linna and Daley are only gonna be pals. There's not much else they can be anyway, with Leon in his current state, so yeah, pals are more comfortable anyway, don't you think??? Anyway, R and R!!
Linna threw her bags into the taxi and headed to the airport. Daley and Leon were waiting. She smiled thinly, realizing that she had managed to pack les than them, having only one case to their four.
"Ready to go?" Daley asked brightly, desperately keeping his tone light. Linna nodded and followed the silent Leon and the determinedly chatty Daley through the terminal.
They had decided that Linna, Leon and Daley should go for Priss, they were using Sylia's money as well as their own and would keep in touch. Nene had elected to stay with Mackey and Sylia refused to leave her brother, so Linna found herself in the uncomfortable position of going halfway round the world with two virtual strangers, one who blamed her for what had happened, and another who she barely knew from a sack of potatoes.
Daley and Linna were thrust into each others company during the long flights that it took to get them to get to Egypt, where they would move over to Libya, neither liking it at all. At first, uncomfortable silences stretched between them, only broken by Leon's regular snoring. But gradually they warmed to each other and were able to carry out civilized conversations without griping at each other. Daley had some amazing opinions on the politics of the day, and surprised Linna many times by his insight. Daley in turn found it fascinating that this girl, so much a country person, like himself, hated it as much as he did. She had some quite clear cut views on things like abortions and drugs, but remained vague on matters such as the need for more war like units in China and Japan.
Nevertheless, they were both mightily relived when the 48 hours of flight and transaction time was over. They disembarked and headed to the rent-a- car. They chose a light white van, big enough for their luggage and cool enough in the hot weather. Linna sat in the back and did a rather shoddy job of directing them, they only got lost twice.
In the hotel that they had booked the two men shared a room, and as Linna had a bigger room, set up all their computer gear that Daley had insisted they bring. Leon watched balefully, standing with his hands in his pockets, as they set up, Linna carrying weight that would have made him puff. His glare became even more pronounced when Daley showed Linna what his 'Machine' could do. He ground his teeth as Linna laughed at something Daley showed her. What right had they to be happy when he was feeling so down? Then his mood lifted a little, he would see Priss soon, he could feel it.
'Leon's mood is lifting' though Daley with relief. He had felt his friends glare a few moments earlier and had been ready for an outburst. When he didn't come he made himself relax. Hopefully Leon would cheer up when they found Priss... if they found her. Daley winced inwardly, watching Linna type an email to her leader, the pale one...Sylia wasn't that her name? There was no way either he or Leon would give up on finding her, for the simple reason it would make everyone's lives easier.
Later, when everyone was sleeping off their jet lag, Daley leant on his room's balcony and indulged in a smoke. He watched the sun sink, and then stared down at the street watching passerby's wander around. He let his thoughts roam, wondering, musing, remembering. He was so deep in his memories that he barely noticed when a familiar figure stepped out of the hotel lobby. She looked around, and then headed off to the left. Daley watched her for a second before grabbing his jacket and running to the lift.
She knew he was following her four minutes after he began to, and could see him two minutes later. Linna knew that it was Daley a few minutes after that. It didn't matter, but she was a little annoyed that he saw fit to follow her. Not that she really cared, but he was more likely to get himself into trouble than get her out of it, if that was what he was thinking. She walked unerringly through the maze of city blocks, showing to Daley that she actually knew the city better than she had demonstrated earlier wit her map reading. It was dark and beginning to cool down when she finally reached the place. She stood and waited until Daley peeked around the corner.
"Come on over." She called when she saw his shadow, and he came, albeit sheepishly.
"This house belongs to a friend of mine. I know it doesn't look much but her husband will be able to help us." She told him as she rapped on the door.
The door opened and an elderly Egyptian woman opened the door. She let out a cry when she saw Linna and ushered them into a nice house with tiled floor and ferns decorating the lobby. It certainly didn't match the front of the house, which was badly in need of paint. Everything was meticiulsy clean and Daley saw quite a few antiques. The old lady shut and bolted the door before giving Linna a hug.
"Mistress Yamazaki! How are you? And you're parents?"
"All fine, thanks Mary. This is Daley, he's helping me out. I was wondering if Michael was home?"
The old lady nodded and smiled, "you know the way." She said, looking upstairs.
Linna gestured for Daley to follow her. As they ascended the stairs Daley asked, "You've been here before?"
Linna smiled mischievously over her shoulder at him, and led him down a corridor decorated the same as the lobby. She knocked on the door and a deep baritone called from the other side, "Come in."
Linna opened the door and entered, Daley close behind.
Michael was sitting in a darkened room full of his computer equipment when the visitors arrived. He looked up and dropped the bag of cashews he had been eating from. A tall, slim brunette walked through the door, followed by a fashion statement. She had an odd haircut that somehow fitted her perfectly, and was wearing jeans and a green turtleneck.
"Impossible!" he said and began to smile.
"Possible!" retorted Linna, coming over. Michael stood and hugged her, dwarfing her with his height (and belly).
"I thought that after last time you got mixed up with me you had had enough!" he chuckled, remembering the teenage girl who he had helped out of a fix.
"Not nearly enough." Linna grinned, and then introduced the fashion statement as a Daley Wong, Michael thought she could do better, but didn't say so just yet.
"Sit! Sit!" he cried jovially, sweeping papers from the couch. Linna sat gratefully, Daley a little more hesitantly.
"What brings you into this part of the world again my dear?"
"Again?" asked Daley, fixing Linna with an inquisitive eye.
"Shut up Daley. You followed me so you're gonna have to figure it out for yourself." It was the first time Linna ad mentioned Daley's attempt at stalking, and he subsided.
"I need some help Michael. I need to know whats going on in Libya at the moment."
Michael, who had been rummaging under his desk for the cashews bumped his head and began to swear.
"What the hell do you want to know for?"
"A friend went missing there a little while ago, at the same time as the phenomena and I need to find her."
Michael looked between the two, Linna watching him anxiously, Daley looking bewildered.
"This friend wouldn't happen to have anything to do with the phenomena, by any chance?" he asked quietly.
"Maybe."
"Or the piece of debris that fell through the atmosphere and landed in the Sahara?"
"How'd you guess?" asked Linna. Her friend's powers of deduction would never cease to amaze her.
"There's been a lot of activity concerning it at my base. My bosses are worried about the fact that the Libyans are being awfully quiet about it."
"Could you get the details for me?" asked Linna. Michael sucked in his breath.
"I know im asking a lot, but I wouldn't if it wasn't important. If the Libyans find out how to use the liquid metal technology that that 'piece of debris' utilizes it would mean a lot of trouble."
Michael sighed. He thought for a minute, "Come back tomorrow afternoon. I'll have it for you then, but-" he added as Linna began to than him, "you're going to have to share what you know."
Linna nodded and they left. Linna was silent on the way back to the hotel, until Daley asked,
"You've been her before."
"Yes."
"When?"
"When I was sixteen. My parents had always wanted to see Egypt, so that's what we did. I got separated from them, and found myself in an alley. It's a long story, but the short of it is that I saw something I shouldn't have and Michael had to track me down to make me give evidence, and to protect me."
"From?"
"The thing I shouldn't have seen." Linna was unyielding. Daley sighed.
"I'm sorry I followed you."
"You damn well should be." Linna's voice had taken on a brittle edge and Daley winced.
There was silence for a second before Daley said sheepishly, "I never was good a tailing anyone."
"True," agreed Linna, "you do stick out like a sore thumb," She eyed his pink shirt ostentatiously.
"Hey!" said Daley, "at least I can read a map!"
"But you sure as hell can't fly." Retorted Linna.
"That's hitting below the belt!" grumbled Daley, Linna chuckled and the friendly banter continued until they reached the apartment and separated to go to their respective rooms.
Linna was up early the next day, out at dawn and returned before Leon and Daley woke. It was a warm day already and she was in high spirits. She contacted Nene and asked her to tell her when their extra luggage, courtesy of Sylia would arrive. Nene agreed and asked if they had found Priss yet. Linna reminded her that she had been in Egypt less than twenty four hours. Nene repeated the question and Linna laughed and told her they had a lead.
Leon's mood lifted when he was told of Linna and Daley's nocturnal jaunt and the possible lead on his girl's whereabouts. He chatted amiably over breakfast at the restaurant Daley had chosen, surprising both Linna and Daley when he actually addressed Linna to her face, asking her when she was to visit her friend. Linna covered her shock and told him that afternoon. Until then, she suggested that he and Daley do some sightseeing.
"Aren't you coming?"
"No, I have some things to take care of." As she left them, Linna wondered why she was suddenly the leader. Surely it was up to Daley and Leon, they had much more expertise in this sort of thing. She was lost, and had no idea as what to do next, or how she would even begin to get across the border into Libya.
Nene called as she wanderd through the main market place of Cairo. Linna chatted for a miute, and then Nene told her that their extra luggage would arrive in three hours. Linna thanked the girl, didn't bother to ask how she knew and continued on her jaunt through the haggling rabble.
Leon and Daley were having a good time, they had seen the old ruins of the quarry where Hatepshut had made her tall standing stones, stared up at the Sphinx and wandered through the pyramids. They were both very hot a sweaty when the returned to the hotel, and showered and changed hurriedly before Linna arrived and they walked the ten blocks to Michaels house. Linna seemed quiet and a little pensive, so there wasn't much talking on the way.
***
"Are you here to interrogate me again?" the singer's voice was sarcastic. She was sitting in her cell, arms folded and looking bored.
"Absolutely." Agreed the officer who had just entered.
"You're going to get the same answers." Priss eyed the balding research department clerk, "but I suppode you already know that."
"Where did you get the suit?"
"Jesus made it for me."
"What were you doing in orbit?"
"Talking to Allah."
"Who are you?"
"Mary, mother of god, wife of Joseph." Saying that made Priss think of Leon.
"Where do you come from?"
"A little place in the stratosphere. It's called 'heaven' perhaps you've heard of it?" saying that reminded her of the song she used to sing. High above the clouds of heaven, light was burst inside my brain....
"Why aren't you being serious?"
"Because I don't like you."
"How was the suit created?"
"Using grass, twigs and a lot of paint."
"I give up." He threw up his hands in annoyance and Priss smirked. If they seriously thought she was going to tell them how to make the hard suit then they were seriously mistaken. As if anyone in the Libyan army would be able to operate in one anyway. They didn't know how to activate one.
"You will not be fed until you tell us." Snarled the clerk viciously. Priss kept her face neutral, but her heart began to beat faster. He slammed out of the room and Priss rolled her brown eyes. 'What have you gone and done now? Priss, you're seriously in trouble this time.' She thought to herself.
***
"Are you sure about this?" Linna asked her burly friend. He gave her a look.
"You're sure." She muttered, eyeing the printout in front of her distastefully, "damn."
"Why is it so bad?" asked Leon angrily, "we know where she is!"
"Wake up lover boy," said Daley dryly, "she's in the middle of a high security compound. There's no way in hell we're gonna get her out by ourselves."
"We have to try," muttered Linna, "or theyre gonna figure out how to use the hard suit."
"Hard suit?" asked Michael sharply.
"I'll tell you some other time." Sighed Linna.
"So what are we gonna do?" complained Leon.
"The first thing we have to do is get into Libya." Said Daley, rubbing his chin.
"We have passports." Said Linna.
"That won't be much help. The Libyans don't get on with forigners."
"Then we'll have to sneak in," said Leon desperately.
"That's your forte then." Said Linna, "I don't know anything about this kind of stuff."
"Will someone please fill me in?" wailed Michael.
Linna told him the very basic details and he frowned thoughtfully.
"theres a shipment of both men and women going over the border in three days time. Theyre going over for varios things, but mostly to join the army and research facilities. I could get you aboard if you want."
"yes!" said Leon immediately, and Linna almost groned.
"theres a catch." Added Michael warningly, "I wont be able to get you out-"
"I have something that will take care of that." Interrupted Linna, earning surprised looks.
"And," continued Michael, "women and men are separated on the shipments. I don't know whether or not youll be able to meet each other again."
"That's not so good," areed Leon thoughtfully.
"Could we smuggle walkie talkies in?" asked Daley.
"Nope. They have scanners for bombs, excetera."
"What about disguising her as a man?" asked Leon. All three men turned and looked at Linna, at her slim figure and hair.
"nah." They said together.
"Excuse me!!" cried Linna, "but I can, obviously contrary to popular consensus, take care of myself."
The men looked at her doubtfully and she began to fume.
"Do you know what we'll have to go as?" asked Daley, to quell Linna's murderous look.
"ummm." Fingers tapped keyboard and Michael said, "Two security guards are needed....and one desk clerk in the research section."
"I've had enough of desk jobs," grumbled Linna, but consented and Michael sent their application forms out.
Things happened quickly, and in three and a half days ther was a convoy of three trucks heading through Libya, one with laggage and equipment, including Linna's special 'extra help'. The other two carried the ment and women. Linna herself was sitting in the back of a truck bumping along a dirt roadway in the middle of the desert. The girl next to her, also to be a desk clerk in the research department chatted constantly, getting on Linna's nerves, but when she wasn't blathering on Linna got on well with Susan and they became friends over the four hour journey.
Leon and Daley talked little on their trip, in another army truck. Daley was wishing he had thought to bring water with him and Leon was wondering how Priss was.
"Crap." Muttered Linna, eying the high fences and security camera's installed around the compound.
"This is not gonna be easy."
An; well, I've decided (at the urging of a reviewer, thanxs Linnafan!) that Linna and Daley are only gonna be pals. There's not much else they can be anyway, with Leon in his current state, so yeah, pals are more comfortable anyway, don't you think??? Anyway, R and R!!