Matt Cutter returned to the Maltalka region a new man. He made peace with his mother and made reasonable amends in the United States before returning. Mendlesohn had told him a group of tourists who were ready to camp and safari in the Rwenzori Mountains, not far from the LaMistas, but in a neighboring country. When Cutter returned to Cutter Unlimited, he took all the time preparing for the tourists' travel. He was set to travel by river.
In the meantime, Sheena was considerably far along in her pregnancy. She was only three months but was beginning to show. Chris wondered if she should spend her spare time saving the nations of the African jungle.
"Kaian women once fought armies," Sheena said, while holding Chris's head on her body, "I may be originally from Texas, but I was raised here and I will do what I can as I can."
Chris got up and put on a shirt.
"Okay, but I'm hearing reports of the beginnings of war and I don't want you risking your life and the baby's life too much."
"Chris, African women have dealt with everything inhumanely unmanageable for centuries. I understand your concern, but I was raised to withstand anything thrown at me."
"Okay."
Elsewhere, Dr. Michael and Jan Peterson met someone in a dark alley two cities from where Cutter Unlimited was.
"I got the serum," that someone said. "I can't believe we have to do this in secret."
"We'll be okay," Dr. Jane said, "We've asked my sister, Diane, to join us on a trip with our daughter on a safari before we bring this to the United Nations. We are leaving her with Jackie until we know the transport is safe."
"Be careful," the someone said, "The Rwenzorian government was taken over recently by a dictator who doesn't believe in sharing resources with anybody. Watch your eye for any informants in your mist."
The someone gave Dr. Jan and Michael Peterson a vial of the serum. The two of them glued the vile to a white lanyard.
"It's for protection, " Dr. Michael Peterson said. "We'll make a fake one before we go."
"That's good and all, but you misunderestimate the Rwenzorian government. They hunt down anyone who defies their rule. The plant where this serum comes from has been banned for public consumption. We've only acquired it through illegal means. I can't stay, I've said too much."
The someone ran down the alley and turned the opposite corner from where he entered. Dr. Jan and Michael Peterson turned around and got out of the alley corner, hiding the vial in their jacket. In the distance, they heard a gunshot, and ran back to their hotel.
Matt Cutter was checking underneath his truck. He was sweaty and there was some oil on his white tank top, as well as some grime. He was contemplating wondering whether the used car dealership where he bought his vehicles were getting rusty. The detailing was always good, but his design hasn't been updated. He just needed enough to update.
"Excuse me," a female voice said, "Am I in the right place?"
Matt pulled out from under the truck and saw a beautiful woman.
"Are you looking for Cutter Unlimited?" Matt said, trying to find a rag to wipe his arms off.
"Yes, my sister, brother-in-law, and niece haven't arrived yet, have they?"
"No," Matt said, finding the rag. "Is this for the safari tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" she looked sad and frustrated, "I thought it was today!"
"Well, you have been saved an introduction, I'm Matt Cutter." Matt opened his palm to shake her hand.
"I'm Diane Larson. Please tell me you go out in the jungles of Africa like that."
"Depends on the circumstance, but I usually dress more formally for a safari tour."
Diane touched his hand and started touching up his arm.
"I am glad that we'll have someone strong as you to guide us through the Rwenzoir Mountains."
Diane caught herself and stopped. Matt touched her hand.
"It's been a while since I felt a connection."
"Really?"
"Yes." Matt pulled her into his office and the two started making out. In the distance, a radio was reporting on developments.
"Whether or not the Rwenzoirian government chooses to go to war, it all hangs in the balance as leaders of both countries cannot come to peace about medical negotiations."
Matt took off his shirt as Diane and him started making love on his sofa.
Elsewhere, President NGhama was in the same room as President Otungo. There were people trying to keep the peace on both sides.
"You don't understand!" President Otungo said, "Stealing one of our prized plants for a global vaccine will murder us as a country."
"But if we don't play fair with the world, "President NGhama said, "We deprive them of a resource that can save lives. Plus, our reputation!"
"We come down to the truth of it," President Otungo said, "NGhama only wants to keep a pretense that he plays fair with the world while the world continues to take advantage of this continent and our countries! I refuse to make peace with a man willing to compromise his African values for world tolerance."
"My agencies are working round the clock to find those who took your plant."
"Yet, my agencies have already tracked the ones who stole from us. Do you defend their right to steal?"
"No, I defend my right to see people get what they need."
"Well, we are going to have to take it from you. Luckily, we know exactly where the plant is."
The two Presidents walked out of the room with their people.
"Let's give it a day or two before negotiations recommence. We need to talk about avoiding war as much as possible." NGhama ordered.
"Let's give it a day or two. Then, we strike."
Mendlesohn was around as Cutter was in his office for the rest of the day with unbeknownst-to-him female tourist, and turned on the television.
"A man was found murdered in Maltaka City. He is Gerald Otunda, on the now defunct Rizernoirian Health Department. The police searched his body and found no evidence of foul play, and no chemicals in his system."
Chris watched this news. Sheena came in from the laboratory.
"What's going on?"
"Gerald Otunda was murdered in Maltaka City today.I really feel there's a war about to start."
"We need to go to Maltaka tomorrow and prepare Kali and the villagers."
"I think we need to stay put."
"It will be a short trip, we have to make sure everyone's safe."
Chris and Sheena turned the volume off on the television, as a ticker taper on the television screen had "Is war already happening in Maltaka?"
The next day, Matt Cutter was ready to go on this safari trip. He briefly parted ways with Diane. Diane was able to meet up with her sister, brother-in-law, and niece. They arrived at Cutter Unlimited with the rest of the safari company.
"Welcome to Cutter Unlimited Safaris! I'm Matt Cutter, and we are going to be taking you all to the Rwenzoirian Mountains." Matt said, winking at the little girl.
"I hear war's brewing there. Will we be safe?" another tourist asked.
"Mendlesohn, my collegue and I plan on keeping you all safe. We've designated safe routes away from any conflict that may arise."
The little girl walked over and tugged on Matt's shirt.
"Mr. Cutter?" The girl asked.
Matt bent down and smiled at the little girl. "What's up, little lady?"
"My name is Cheryl Peterson, and are you sure we'll be safe?"
"As long as you are with me, you're safe." Matt said. He softly pinched her cheek and she went back towards her parents and aunt. Diane smiled flirtatiously with Cutter. Drs. Jan and Michael Peterson looked less amused. Cheryl was wearing the locket.
"Okay, we are going to take my bus down to the river, and we are going to get there by river, since the bus routes go through tribal lands and uninterrupted nature. Mendlesohn will escort you all to the bus."
Mendlesohn looked bemused and faked a smile.
"Right this way, ladies and gentlemen."
The tourists weren't entirely swayed as Matt looked more trustworthy to them than Mendlesohn. When the last tourist left the building, Matt went over to Mendlesohn.
"A little brighter, Mendlesohn. This group is worth a million dollars."
Mendlesohn smiled a bit more genuinely, but uncharacteristically as the two men went into the bus and drove toward the river.
President NGhama was trying to reach President Otunga.
"Why won't he answer my calls?!" NGhama said. "I would think peace is something he'd find profitable."
His military aide looked as though he heard a different language from the President.
"I'm sorry, sir, but war is profitable."
"You're no use, I will dial him directly myself!"
President NGhama took the phone from his aide and called President Otunga. He got voicemail.
"President Otunga. I come wanting peace before this gets out of hand. Please call me back in the next hour. I don't want us to go to war. If that sounds uncharacteristic of me, it's not. My country cannot afford to go to war, and your country has had too much war. We can help each other out here. Call me back!"
His military aide looked more reassured.
In the meantime, Sheena and Chris drove to Kali's village. The village didn't seem to be any particular frenzy. Still, Sheena opened the door as soon as Chris parked and she bolted towards Kali's tent.
"Sheena, you really shouldn't bolt like that in your condition!" Chris said.
Sheena turned around quickly to respond:
"I'm carrying this baby, not you. The baby is not going to get hurt by my movement."
Chris submitted but still looked cautiously on his pregnant wife.
Kali overheard this minor outburst.
"Sheena, Chris, please tell me you two didn't come for marriage advice?" Kali said.
"No," Sheena retorted, "We heard about potential war and wanted to be sure you and the village were safe and had an plan is all."
"Sheena, we are safe, and we already have a plan in place. Our plan is to flee to the closest village to the town."
"Not to the mountains?"
"Sheena, the villages from the mountains have communicated to me their own plan to move similarly but in the other direction. The mountains are target areas."
"Okay, well, you know where to find me and Chris for any additional defense."
"Sheena, much to your chagrin, I do agree with Chris that maybe you need to rest more in this department."
"But, this war!"
"Sheena, there is no war yet. When there is, we will be ready. I will be ready. And, you and Chris need to be ready and put your child first."
Sheena looked like a person does at any age when their parent guilt trips them.
President Otunga re-entered his office as he was in military meetings all day.
"Mr. President, President NGhama left you a voicemail insisting you call him back." His secretary said.
"I don't need to hear it, but I will call him back."
Presidet Otunga took his phone and called President NGhama. President NGhama was enjoying the breeze in his garden when someone rushed out and told him Otunga was on the phone. NGhama stormed into his office and answered.
"What do you mean calling me back three hours after I called?"
"I lead a country too, and my understanding is that somewhere in your country, someone is harbouring something very precious of ours."
"That's a suspicion, not a fact."
"One of our ministers of health was murdered in your country yesterday."
"I thought that was a former."
"Former, present, who cares NGhama?! Assassinations are acts of war."
"It wasn't my people that did it."
"NGhama, for someone who wants peace, your temper is suggesting war. All I want to know is if you are harboring something that belongs to us."
NGhama signaled to find the information then responded to Otunga.
"I can assure you, no one is harboring anything." NGhama white lied.
"We are very protective of what is ours."
"Yes, so are we."
"Not really, my friend. We have force, and you have a passable military."
"Otunga, I really do want peace. My country cannot afford another war."
"Well, you spend most of your war funding in battle with your own people. I spend most of my war funding on preparation for battles with outside forces. Is Maltaka an outside force?"
"No."
President NGhama hung up the phone.
"Call back Otunga's office. Tell him I will call him back personally later in the day."
Otunga wasn't offended by the hang up as NGhama thought he'd be.
"I will take NGhama's call. "
In the meantime, a paper was given to him with the names of those who currently possessed what he was looking for. Dr. Michael Peterson and Dr. Jan Peterson.
Cutter and Mendlesohn moved all fifteen of the tourists and their supplies from the bus to the boat and spent a good chunk of the day traveling on the river. Cutter made a point to tell the tourists what they needed to know about the natural wonder of the area.
"All this is very fascinating, Mr. Cutter, " Cheryl Peterson said, "You sound just as smart as my Mommy and Daddy."
Cutter smiled at Cheryl. There was something about her that reminded him of someone.
"Thank you, Cheryl." Matt said, "I am sure you are just as smart as your parents."
"Thank you, Mr. Cutter, "Jane Peterson said, "She is."
"We are proud about all she has learned on her own in the nine years since she's been with us." Michael Peterson said.
It was the almost late afternoon when the boat landed on the shore of the jungle leading to the mountains. Cutter and Mendlesohn got out and attached the boat to the shore then got out the camping supplies. The tourists helped and they set up camp.
Jane and Michael Peterson set up camp a little way from the rest of the tourists.
"Are you sure you want to set up there?" Mendlesohn asked "It's safer with company."
"We need to do some research of the area, and we don't want to pester anyone. Diane will be closer by and she'll let us know what needs to happen."
In the meantime, Sheena and Chris were driving back.
"I feel bad that we didn't stop by Cutter's."
"I am sure Mendlesohn and Matt have things covered." Chris said.
"Yes, but these are the same dolts that put survivalist tourists in a war zone. "
"Honey, I don't want you to fret. That was years ago." Chris said, calmly driving.
"Matt Cutter does anything for a good amount of money, even make stupid decisions."
"Cutter has everything under control."
Sheena looked out the window as the two continued on the road away from the town Cutter Unlimited was.
"Right, I'll assume they'll call if they need anything."
"And you will call them when you need anything I cannot provide for you, but I believe we're all set."
"I just don't want to raise a baby during wartime."
Chris looked at her reassuringly. He sped up some, because even if reassuring his wife was good enough in understanding his concern, he still had premonitions and wanted to get her to safety.
President NGhama called President Otunga around 4:30pm. His secretary picked up the phone and was able to connect straight to Otunga.
"President NGhama, I hope from our last exchange you were able to cool off."
"I was, Otunga, and I really do want reassurance of a peace between our two countries."
"I can guarantee that," Otunga white lied, "and all the suspicions I raised earlier was just conjecture to get you riled up."
NGhama had information, but it wasn't accurate nor relevant.
"Yes, you'd have me riled up so I would declare war on you, but I am not falling for that."
"Yes, I figured you weren't. But, I also know that you will stop at nothing to cover yourself when caught with your pants around your ankles. Have you heard of our mythical, cure-all plant?"
"Yes, but that is a fairy tale."
"It's no fairy tale. It's our prized possession. Apparently, people from your country have been collaborating with the United Nations and have stolen our plant and plan on marketing it for universal use."
"I know nothing of this." NGhama didn't know truly.
"You say you don't want war, but you have countrymen secretly stealing our possession behind our back so your government can be accepted by the United Nations and passing our possession as your miraculous find."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"So, all this talk of peace is just showmanship, and I did not pay for a ticket."
"I'm serious, Otunga, I have no idea what you are talking about. Please, we must have peace between us."
"Your country cannot afford a war, I know. But, mine can." With that, Otunga hung up the phone.
NGhama looked shocked.
"Try to get Otunga back on!" he shouted to his secretary. "Try!"
Back at the camp site, the tourists had a wonderful dinner and Cutter regailed the tourists with aggrandized tales of his adventures in the jungle. Diane tended to Cheryl as Jan and Michael did enjoy their relaxation time, and the entire family went to bed along with the rest of the tourists. Diane was the last one up and Mendlesohn went to bed a good two hours into Matt's story.
"I am so glad Cheryl sleeps with her parents," Diane caught herself, "That sounds wrong on so many levels."
Matt came over to her and put his hand in hers.
"It's okay."
Diane kissed Matt's palm.
"You know, I know I am set up and all, does Mendlesohn have his own tent?"
"Yes, on the other end of the camp."
Diane put her hands around his face and kissed him.
"I would love to check out your tent," Diane said, wrapping her arms around Matt's clothed shoulders. "Are you sure no one will hear us?"
Matt and Diane walked to Matt's tent. He opened the tent cover and the two fell into each other and made love.
President Otunga called President NGhama at 11:30pm.
"You've awoken me from a sound sleep!" NGhama said as he answered the phone.
"You've been up all night, awaiting my phone call, NGhama," Otunga said, "I would be up all night too, if I had your guilty conscience."
"Guilty conscience?"
"I've known for quite a while that your country harbors refugees from my country, and your country also protects foreign agents who steal resources from us."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"You've been wanting our national plant for years. Our former, treasonous Health Minister's corpse was on your land and had traces of that plant on him at the time of his passing."
"We didn't kill him!"
"No, but my intelligence leads me to believe not only do you help those smuggle resources from our land, but you've smuggled refugees out for a long time."
"Otunga, if you are thinking about war, think about all the efforts I've made for peace."
"I have." Otunga hanged up.
President NGhama shook before his body gave way to slumber.
In the morning, Matt Cutter was getting dressed. Diane was wearing his shirt. As Matt put on his socks and shoes, Diane caressed his bare back and wrapped her arms around him, caressing his bare chest.
"I'm not done, Matt."
"Diane, I have to get up and get the party ready for this safari. You need to head back to your tent."
Diane turned around and kissed Matt on the lips.
"Where are we going to be once this safari is over?" Diane asked.
"You and your niece are heading back to the States, and I'll be right here."
"What if we didn't go? My sister and brother-in-law know that as long as I keep Cheryl protected, they have nothing to worry about."
Matt gently placed her hands off of his back. She rested them on his chest.
"Yes, well, I don't want to risk anything. A country on the brink of war is not the safest place for any child to come into."
"Why are you wanting to end this?"
"I don't want it to end, Diane, but…"
Matt kissed Diane, and the two started to lay down with Matt on top of her. A plane was heard, and it sounded close to the ground.
"What is that?" Matt said, grabbing his gun and knife sack.
Diane was left on the bed, but was unsure of his concern and started walking towards the front of the tent.
A plane was flying over the campsite. Matt, and several tourists came out of their tents to watch. The plane flew past them, before it circled around. Matt noticed the circling, and saw machine guns from the plane drop off. The plane started shooting.
"GET DOWN!" Matt yelled as he and the other tourists dove straight down on the ground. Matt started crawling towards Mendlesohn's tent. The plane went straight through the camp, firing at the tents. It then flew up in the air.
Matt got up in front of Mendlesohn's tent and went in.
"Mendlesohn! Get up!" Matt said, his bare torso dripping from the dirt on the ground.
Mendlesohn woke up.
"We've got to get everyone to the boat, now!"
Mendlesohn put on his pants, grabbed his gun, and went with Matt to every tent.
"EVERYONE, TO THE BOAT NOW!" Matt shouted.
As Matt was doing this, more planes came around and cornered the camp. This time, bombs were being dropped.
Matt was just starting to go from the top down and cleared about three of the tents. The tourists were barely dressed themselves but he had to lead them to safety. Many were running with him when the bombs fell.
"Get down!" Matt said, as the tourist group he was with fell to the ground. Tents were exploding, and Matt was concerned about causalities but he didn't have time. He could feel fresh dirt on his back from the explosions. As planes continued to circle round and try to fire at the tourists, Matt pulled out his gun and shot at a couple of planes.
The tourists got up and this time, they were running for their lives towards the boat. Mendlesohn had more tourists rounded up and at this point, there were many in the boat. Mendlesohn fired his gun into the air, most to the shock of a couple of tourists who were still surprised to see themselves in a war zone.
Matt stormed into tents telling the tourists to get to the boat and that there wasn't much time. He ran with a couple of groups before he saw they were fine on their own. He went to check everyone he knew in sight as bombs and guns were still firing around him. When he got to the boat, his bare torso was sweaty, minorly dirty, and he was glistening from the combat around him. A tourist was trying to get in and struggling. Matt put his gun in his pants pocket and got them on the boat. Diane came running from where she was, still in Matt's shirt and her underwear, and ran to the boat.
"Matt! Matt!" She was trying to say.
Matt grabbed her arm and shoved her into the boat. He then quickly untied it and jumped in it himself. A plane tried dropping bombs into the river to get the boat to capsize, and some water did come in, but the boat steadied. Matt fired his gun in the air trying to impact the last plane. The planes dissipated the further the tourist boat got from the shore.
Matt panted and looked around as the tourists were equally shocked that their trip was interrupted by war.
"I'm sorry for this, folks."
No one acknowledged their shirtless safari host.
Diane finally spoke up, as she looked terrified and frantic.
"Where's my niece? Where's my sister? Where's my brother in law?"
Matt looked at her.
"What do you mean?"
"I tried to get them from where they were, but the guns and the bombs."
"Do you think they are still there?" Matt said.
"They aren't here!"
Matt grasped Diane's hands who were shaking profusely.
"They aren't?!" Matt looked around, "Don't worry, I'll get them."
"But, Matt, it's a warzone!" Mendlesohn said.
"I don't leave anyone behind. I'll meet you at the River's Turn in two hours." Matt got up, put his gun in his pack holder, and dove into the river. He swam back to the campground. Matt saw planes on either end of the shore as he got out of the water, dripping wet but having no time as he had to go find Dr. Michael, Dr. Jane, and Cheryl Peterson.
Bombs fell and exploded on all sides as plumes of smoke and dust could be seen from the boat.
"CUTTER!" Mendlesohn shouted.
Matt Cutter was on the ground, face down, wet, and covered in dirt. Planes flew over to circle the damage. A paramilitary plane with soldiers came up from the eastern side of the mountain and started descending onto the campsite