Chapter 22: Comfort Zone
The day started out as any other. But that meant that there was probably someone getting dismembered in an alley or just getting pick pocketed. Down in the food market, Rock was doing the usual errands for the Hong Kong Triad. That ranged from running protection to beating the shit outta someone poor bastard because they owed money.
In a nearby alley Rock was with some other Triad members and were working over a guy who owed them money. The man was down on the ground and shaking with fear; "Wait don't kill me… h-how much d-do I you" asked the man. "You owe us 30,000. Thought you could just borrow that kind of money and hope we'd forget about it" answered one of the gangsters.
The man just started rambling, begging them not to kill him and how he couldn't pay them back in full. He was finally silenced by Rock who quickly slapped him across the face and grabbed him by the collar. "Quit your bitchin' and listen… we're gonna give you 'til this Friday to pay us back… in full!... And just to get our point across…" Rock proceeded to headbutt the man in the face, a sudden spray of blood started pouring out of the man's nose and Rock's face was sprayed red.
Rock dropped the man to the ground. The latter was clutching his nose in pain and rock crouched down and said, "If you don't shift into high fuckin' gear we're gonna kill you… GOT IT?!" The man understood fully and quickly got up and ran.
Rock cleaned his face and gave the order for the men to go back, they did as told and left in their car. Rock walked out of the alley and notices Revy leaned up against the side wall casually smoking a cigarette. "Enjoy the show" asked Rock while lighting a cigarette of his own and leaning up next to Revy. "Jesus Christ… You really know how to make someone shit themselves" complimented Revy.
"So, what's up" asked Rock. "Dutch want's us back at the office, says someone important is paying us a visit" explained Revy.
Inside the Lagoon Company Office, the crew was met by Ms. Balalaika and she had a job to offer. "So, what's this about, it seems pretty important for you to show up personally" asked Dutch. "Well Dutch, I have a job that only you can pull off" explained Balalaika. She placed 2 large briefcases on the table, they opened them, and inside were large quantities of crystal meth.
"You see Dutch we have negotiated a deal with some rebels in Burma, and they need their shipment of meth to be received within 2 days" she looks at Rock, "And Rock… given your experience in handling these sort of deals… I want you for the hand-off."
"Do you think that's wise… it's a bit risky to be dealing with rebels" said Rock. "While I agree with you we have to stay true to our agreements. Also, to make sure the deal happens, I will have one of my men accompany you" explained the Russian woman. "While we have no problem with that, we just don't want any unnecessary setbacks" said Dutch. "I see your concern, but Andrey is a talented man, he can hold his own and will back you up if it gets too hot" explained Balalaika. With that, the Russians took their leave and left.
An hour later the crew was on the water. Rock was in the passenger bay talking with their Russian companion. "You seem young, how long you been doing this" asked Rock. "One year, I want to prove my worth and gain respect" explained Andrey. "That patch on your uniform, that's Spetsnaz right" asked Rock. "Yes it is, I was part of the elites during my time in Afghanistan" said the Russian.
"I bet that was hell, trust me… I know what it's like to fight those hajjis" said Rock. "You fought in the Middle East" asked Andrey. "Yeah… I was a Marine back in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait" explained Rock. "Kuwait… you we're in Desert Storm?" asked the Russian. "Yeah I was a commander in a Force Recon unit" explained Rock.
"We fought on different battlefields, but against the same enemy. I respect that" said Andrey. "Yeah… but that war was hell. We weren't fighting any farmers or sheep herders. We were fighting an actual, invading force. Those Iraqis had helicopters and tanks. I'm just glad I lived through it" said Rock.
"Well at least you fought a true enemy, our forces WERE defeated by farmers and sheep herders" said Andrey. "Yeah well, at least it's over" said Rock.
A few hours later they crossed into the Bay of Bengal and proceeded to head up a river in to Burma. They were definitely out of their comfort zone now.