The truck you're in hits a rock, hard- you wince at the noise of the undercarriage scraping. Your driver is in a hurry to get to the eye of the storm, and safety isn't his number one concern. Which also might be contributing to him driving directly towards the pinned down army convoy. Unarmored trucks with machine guns bolted on fare poorly against armored vehicles with high caliber machine gun. Another clunk, momentary vertigo, and you're on the flat ground making for the road, but a few yards out. You're a man with a gun in Algeria- a country that has fallen apart in to a state of civil war. You're working for a foreigner to bail a militia leader out of Algerian government custody. No doubt for nefarious purposes, but you're not one to argue. You've already got one warlord out to kill you. You want out of the country, and with your past, you needed money to get out. And you knew only one way to get money.The man, Maliki, was in a Fuchs APC, covered by three MG3s, and seventeen Algerian soldiers, converging on the last armored vehicle they had left. Your employer had paid for forty some men and technicals to cover you. You had no idea how many were left, but a quick glance to the field surrounding the Algerians showed a lot of very still trucks. Your truck screeches to a halt behind the still burning BMP wreck. Not safe, but it stopped bullets. Shakir, your driver is laughing in excitement. The man in the back though, the man with the mark 19 grenade launcher is loudly complaining the gun doesn't work. Constant gunfire from the army position. Your hired men are performing poorly. You've got about sixty meters between you and your target. You had to extract Maliki from there, before he caught a bullet.>[ ] Get out of the truck, get your rifle, start hunting heads.>[ ] Get Shakir driving again- you need to get closer to the Fuchs, bullets be damned.>[ ] Go take a look at the mark 19. That'll take care of all the rest of the soldiers.>[ ] Other.
>>28860128>>[ ] Go take a look at the mark 19. That'll take care of all the rest of the soldiers.retard gunner probably can't fix a simple jam. help him, then get to shootingwelcome back OP
>>28860215Seems quiet still, I'll dumpbump with some pics if that is ok OP
>>28860215Going with this. Writing.
>>28860128Seconded. Fix Mark19, then start shooting.
>>28860215>>28860349Third.
You haul open the car door, ducking low- you can feel the heat from the BMP burning merrily. You wonder where the crew or occupants might be. You spare a look to the rear- the sand is wet. Blood or motor oil, you can't be sure. "Shakir, stay here a moment, Tahir!" You shout, hauling yourself in to the back of the truck, "Stop holding down that trigger and move over!""This piece of shit gun won't fire!" Tahir points at the Mk 19, pointed down to the cab, "There's plenty of ammo, see?" He pops open the gun's case. Sure enough, a great deal of shiny 40mm high explosive grenades lay within it. You take a peek.No jam, butunder the gun's trigger there was a switch with an S showing.S stands for safety. Might have been for the best, actually.An echoing chatter of machine gun fire, then both you and Tahir are kissing truck bed when you hear bullets ricocheting off of the husk of the BMP. You've attracted some attention. You hear an explosion, and the bullets die down for a short time. That would be the other RPG, you guess. No clue if that killed the soldiers, or Maliki, or was just fired fruitlessly off in to the dirt.>[ ] Safety off. Send Shakir and Tahir off to hit the guards to distract them. You'll go in on foot.>[ ] Safety off. Get back in the cab, and charge now while the soldiers are suppressed.>[ ] Leave that safety on. Send Tahir and Shakir out to distract the soldiers, and go in on foot.>[ ] Other. >>28860308Don't worry about it.
Rolled 86>>28860707>[ ] Safety off. Send Shakir and Tahir off to hit the guards to distract them. You'll go in on foot.S stands for SAFETY, NOT SHOOT!Imbecile. Get that gun working, NOW!
>>28860747Seconded.
>>28860747Will follow your lead. Second.
>>28860707Fire a few shots off into the distance of the soldiers, creating a distraction, then take the truck out in a wide arc, peppering them with 40mm HE. Use the Mk19 as firebase, get out of the truck and pick them off.
>>28860747
>>28860784>>28860771>>28860747Okay, going with this, and elements of this->>28860803Writing.
>>28860841>imperialist pig>you can keep your coca cola, big dick and freedom>Allahu Akhbar
Rolled 61You don't say anything. You slap down the cover, switch off the safety, point the gun up and away from the truck."It will work now. Hit the guards, Tahir, but steer clear of the APC. We want Maliki alive."Tahir looks down to the Mk19, nods, "So, it was jammed then?" You ignore the question, tap on the cab window, catching Shakir's attention, "Stay wide of the soldiers. The grenades have more than enough power to reach them at range. Stay alive, I need you to drive me out of here."Shakir grins, and gives a thumb's up. Still running on that high from taking down the BMP you're guessing.You leave it be. You step off the truck bed, open the cab door, and draw your tools. SVD, IR goggles, and flashbangs. Night is starting to fall quickly, which will work to your advantage. After a final check, suppressor on your dragunov, you slam the door shut, and point to the north. Shakir nods happily, and pulls away, driving off. Tahir in the back meanwhile is enjoying his new toy. Occasionally you can hear him whooping for joy amidst the grenades firing.You pull the IR goggles on- leave them turned off for the moment. Not dark enough quite yet. You hear the clatter of machine gun fire pick up again, hard to tell from where in the echoes. Looking around the corner, you can see muzzle flare tracking Shakir's truck to the north. Now or never. Sticking around the flaming BMP was making you uncomfortable. When the air support came, you wanted to be far from visible.
You sprint, and for a moment are surprised that you're not trying to fight through the pain of running on torn tendons. You dash past the crater of one of your IEDs, and get to the tipped over Ural truck. You just needed to see where Maliki was. You check in the canvased back of the Ural- six dead men riddled with holes, and another man hyperventilating in the corner, soon to join them. You peek around the edge, rifle first- sixteen desperate men, huddled around the bullet riddled jeep and Fuchs, firing shots in to the hills. The three MGs on the Fuchs though, those were roaring. The men weren't exposed, making full use of their firebase. The Fuchs is still in the crater, not about to move anywhere. One of the soldiers crouched by the jeep looks up at you, raises a finger- you put a bullet through this throat, and duck back in to cover. No bullets chase you- you were quick enough, or perhaps they have more to worry about it. Top of the list, 40mm explosive rain.Whistling. Your grenades would be coming shortly then. You keep your head down, and ears covered. You hear shrieking metal, you feel the shock waves wash over you, and flinch- a few of those shots were uncomfortably close. Then, silence. You look through the holes in the canvas. No more gunfire from them, though the flunkies you've got are wasting their ammo on the smoke. The grenade launcher stopped firing though- you're hoping it's a jam. You really didn't want to get turned in to a paste dragging Maliki out. >[ ] Go now, CZ out. You don't want to get spotted, and the smoke will do the trick.>[ ] Stay where you are. Wait for the smoke to clear. You don't want to die in a charge.>[ ] Throw a flashbang. Wait for it to go off, then go. Current stock: 4. Any edge you can get is good.>[ ] Other.
>>28861479>>[x] Go now, CZ out. You don't want to get spotted, and the smoke will do the trick.flashbang will only alert the enemy of orur presence.stay in cover as much as possible
>>28861479>[ ] Go now, CZ out. You don't want to get spotted, and the smoke will do the trick.Carrying a sessile body is a two man job; we'll need Maliki's cooperation for this.
>>28861479>[ ] Go now, CZ out. You don't want to get spotted, and the smoke will do the trick.
>>28861479Flashbang is not so effective outside, it will also alert enemy. scavenge for frag grenades.Worst case, we could tape or tie two or three flashbangs together, making a bigger bang.
>>28861547Second this option. We need Maliki.
>>28861597>We need Malikiwe knowwe are here to "rescue" him
>>28861577Clever thinking that. You can spend some time to search, but by then the smoke and dust from the 40mm HE volley will die down somewhat- would you want to go scavenging for, frags or perhaps a smoke grenade?
>>28861625Meant Makir or Shakir
>>28861626Smoke grenade for sure. We need Maliki alive.
>>28861626It'll take 10 seconds to have a quick look, the grenades would probbly be in their pouches or on their webbing. If not, use a shemagh or whatever and tie a few flashbangs together. Add pebbles and you have a makeshift grag grenade. Anything to even the odds.
>>28861626no, let us not waste time.smoke is here, we are cleartime is the most important factor
>>28861715Second
Rolled 75Okay, taking a quick once over in the tipped over Ural fucked up by IED and machine gun fire, die roll will determine. Either case, you're charging in, with or without smoke/frag.
>>28861759
Flashbang wasn't going to do a whole lot in open air- a flash, a loud noise, not much else. What would be really helpful though was a smoke grenade. It's a bit uncomfortable to tread on dead men, but you set that aside as you search. The army had to have been straining. Or these were conscripts- AK-74s, uniforms, and not much else. The officer, the dying man at the back though, an F-1. Soviet make. You grab for, it tugging it away from him. He protests, raising a hand, complaining that he can't go back now, arming terrorists. You put him out of your head, slice open the canvas. Take a peek outside. The dusk had given armed shadows to every nook and cranny. Plenty of places to conceal bullets. You pull the pin and throw it out to where you last remembered your enemies, and duck back in to cover. The Ural rattles again, and you hear shrapnel whickering against steel. You turn back around, CZ up, head down.You bite back a bit of bile as you step on somebody's calf, torn away from his leg. You have to steady yourself in the torn up street. You hate yourself for that. You can't but think of your father when you see people in pieces like this. The blood runs in rivulets.You don't count the bodies- it'd be hard anyway, torn apart and spread out as they are. Red, pink, brown. All the parts of a person that are supposed to be inside are outside. An open air butcher's shop.You're very glad for your nice new boots, but make a note to clean them when you're out of here. You hear the technicals roaring around the periphery- circling vultures, keeping an eye out for movement or gunfire perhaps? You creep to the Fuchs, flatten yourself by the entrance.You hear noises within. Maliki's voice."Please, stop," His voice is weak."Just tell them to call it off!" >[ ] Round the corner. You're quicker than a shell shocked conscript.>[ ] Negotiate. No risks for your vital cargo.>[ ] Wait. They're probably going to come out. Better to lay in ambush.>[ ] Other.
>>28862292>>[ ] Negotiate. No risks for your vital cargo.>give us maliki, and we will let you live to see your families again
>>28862292I don't want to give away our position.>>28862292>[ ] Round the corner. You're quicker than a shell shocked conscript.All or nothing.
>>28862292Flashbang get their heads down, and pop in with the CZ raised. Maliki will be in need of a hearing aid for the rest of his life, but he'll live.
>>28862373this gets my vote, but instead shoot the guards dead.
>>28862373i'll change to this!flashbangthen bangbang
>>28862373He has fingers doesn't he? He probably has hairy ears too. He'll be fine.
You don't have to hear much more. You pull out the flashbang, pull the pin, do a quick count, then throw and turn, covering your ears. The last thing you hear before a deafening pop is a desperate, panicked shout. Even outside of the APC, it's loud. Earsplittingly so. The small steel container served as a megaphone for the thing. You feel a headache coming on as you turn the corner.Four men- laying on the ground, a bandage around his arm. One in an officer's beret, slouched against the wall, yelling, covering his eyes. A third standing, waving his gun in the air.. The fourth is Maliki, stumbling towards you, dressed in a hospital gown.You kill everyone in a uniform. They hear it. Maliki, on the other hand, is shrieking at the top of his lungs like a banshee. He stumbles in to you, shouting, begging to be spared. He's pale, lost a lot of weight- and you note with some revulsion he's missing the fingernails on his right hand. The army paid him back in interest for the trouble caused, you guessed. "Maliki, Maliki! It's me, calm down!" His unseeing eyes finally focus on you. But he clearly didn't hear you, judging from his confused face. He shouts, wordlessly. Longs horrified, looks up at you."I'm deaf!" "And alive, come on," You drag Maliki for the door, but you're surprised at his strength as he tugs back. He's still barely a wisp of a man, you could carry him out if you needed to."Are you stupid? I don't want to die! The prince, he, he knows I talked!" "Maliki, we came to rescue you-""Don't, don't do this to me, please- I, I have some money stashed away- we, we could buy a citizenship in Malta, or-" Maliki starts babbling. A deaf, panic stricken man recovering from bullet injuries is in your care. >[ ] Carry him out bodily. DC 45>[ ] Threaten him nonverbally in to following.>[ ] Coax him out. Friendly like. DC 65.>[ ] Check the driver's seat. Maybe you don't need that truck after all.>[ ] Other.
Rolled 43>>28862664>>[ ] Other.bitchslap him, then point to our toyota. lets get going
>>28862664We've got no damned time for this, threaten him (put the gun against the back of his head), force him out of the APC, and let's get going.Once he's calmed down a bit, then we can try talking to him.
Rolled 54>>28862664>>[ ] Coax him out.Put a gun to his head.
>>28862775Agreed. If he doesn't follow, slap into submission'
>>28862775I'm pretty sure that's threatening. Anyway, I got the gist. Writing.
Rolled 14>>28862746>>28862775sweet Allah guys, what's with the guns?
Rolled 99>>28862664>[ ] Coax him out. Friendly like. DC 65.I don't want to be mean.
>>28862824Everything goes with a smile and a gun.But ffs, it's war, at any time the 40mm HE rain might come.
You really don't want to die, especially for Maliki's whining. You raise the pistol, point it at his face. He immediately folds over, starts blubbering- not what you wanted, but he's remarkably pliant with his hands up. You push him out on to the road. He shrieks at stepping in the human stew.You're almost tempted to ask Maliki what he thought would happen when he employed you to cover a ransom rip off. The smokes fading now, and the dark is coming in- in the middle of Maliki repeatedly asking what he was stepping in, you can hear ululating, cheering. Your hired men are moving in, picking through the remains for equipment. It doesn't take long to find your ride, surrounded by a small crowd of survivors. They're taking bids on the Mark 19. Tahir takes them half jokingly. Shakir sits up at the sight of you dragging the confused Maliki ("I hear nothing! Who are these people? God, God, God be kind to me, please God!") and starts honking on the horn. The group of seven step away at the sight of you, giving you a once over. They seem afraid of you. Which is just fine. "What are you doing to me? Please, were we not friends? Did you not remember me in Constantinople? When you and Aghali came to me, in the middle of the night, wanting to keep a secret from Mu'awiya? I kept it! Do you not remember?"You wave your gun in Maliki's face, and he obligingly shuts up. There is laughter from the group, that only intensifies when they realize Maliki can't hear them. You're sick of these jackals. You pull open the cab, push Maliki in. Shakir looks a bit puzzled at the disheveled, shivering wreck."Friend of yours?""No. Get these people out of the way, we're going.""So soon? That APC- the men are talking about getting winches, dragging it out. Very profitable, business, you know.">[ ] "Profit? Fine, we stay. Make sure I get a good cut.">[ ] "No, we go now. Let them do what they want.">[ ] "No. We have to go. Bring me back to Rachim, we'll need to pick him up.">[ ] Other.
Rolled 9>>28863229>>[ ] "No. We have to go. Bring me back to Rachim, we'll need to pick him up."let the rest of the vultures scavenge, and get killed when the army swoops in for a "rescue"-we are somewhat professional, we finish the mission. and if God is good we get out of this war-ridden country asap
>>28863229>[ ] "No. We have to go. Bring me back to Rachim, we'll need to pick him up."
>>28863229>[ ] "No, we go now. Let them do what they want."Make them set up a perimiter to delay any reinforcements.
>>28863274Agreed.The jackals can try to grab this shit and get murdered when the cavalry arrives.We've already got cold hard Euros and possibly pay for this mission. Let's finish it and get out of this hellhole of a country.
>>28863311>>28863274Pulling out with friend in tow.
"No. We have to go," You glance back at the crowd, giving them a hard look. They step back, then find other things to do, "Bring me back to Rachim, we'll need to pick him up.""Rachim?" Shakir snorts, but he turns the key in the truck, as you swing yourself up in to the bed- you check the Mk19. Looks like there was plenty of ammo left. You decide to play it safe, switch the safety back on. Tahir seemed rather excitable. You lean over the cab, looking at Maliki. He was shivering, staring off in the distance, fingernail lacking hand tucked in his armpit. He'd live though, and wasn't looking to rabbit. The three of you pull around, driving up the rough ridge to where you last left Rachim.Sure enough, Rachim was sitting there on a rock, thumbing at his phone. Nice, shiny phone. You pull up along side and he looks up. He looks miserable. But he gives you a silent nod, and hauls himself up in the truck bed, opposite of you. "Didn't take you for a coward, Rachim," Tahir starts, leaning on the Mark 19, "Surprised me. You were real gung ho earlier, you know?""Yeah, hah, I, I, I guess-""You paying him?" Tahir looks to you, jerks a head at Rachim, "Cause if you are, I think you should give me and my brother his share. He didn't do shit." Rachim stays silent. He doesn't meet your eyes.You knock on the truck window twice. Shakir looks back, a bit confused, but you point ahead. You can figure out where to go later, first thing was to get moving before you were spotted. "Rachim, you have a direction for us to go?" You ask him. Priorities. "Go? Oh, uh," Rachim brings up his smart phone again, taps at it. He's hard to hear over the wind of the truck going, "He, uhm, we're going to want to head- head north by northwest-""Point, if you're not too scared," Tahir shouts.Rachim rolls his eyes, jabs a finger to your left. After some communication with the front of the truck, Shakir veers north by northwest.
"We'll hit a road- we just follow that for about fifteen kilometers, and we'll be outside of a farmhouse- Mr. Heron says we can lay low there," Rachim looks up to Tahir, "You and your brother can leave us there.""You sure?" Tahir smiles, leaning on the launcher- he flicks the safety off, "I think your friend could use some help.""We, we don't need any help.""I'm just offering to your friend here. You're not involved, coward," Tahir turns to you, smiles brightly, "Me and my brother, we did good, right? My brother takes out a BMP, I kill a bunch of soldiers. We're hard core killers! We could help, you know. You seem a profitable guy."You hear a helicopter in the distance. You wonder if the flunkies are still there, trying to wedge the APC out of the crater. You keep your eye on the horizon, goggles on. Currently, Shakir was going through scrubland. No sights, no sounds, nothing around. You rest your hand on the CZ in your lap, underneath your coat. Just in case. You look at Rachim. Through the lens, it's hard to read his face. You didn't know he was this soft. Tahir impatiently pounds the truck cab with his sneakers, getting your attention again. You look up. "Come on, eh? Bring us along for this job. We work cheap, you know that. And we're good muslims too- brave. Loyal. No hesitation in doing our duty."You glance at Rachim again. He's shaking his head. Your objective is to just get Maliki to run to ground, run to his contacts. Report who they were to Mr. Heron. You get a million euros clean, and get out. Still. Having someone to watch your back might not be a bad idea. Rachim was a disappointment on that front, to say the least. You couldn't trust him to drive even. You'd have to talk with him.>[ ] "Thanks, but no thanks, Tahir.">[ ] "Okay Tahir. You're on. Let's work together.">[ ] Other.
>>28863815Rachim is up to sum shit, I've had this feeling since last thread. We need to gauge his loyalty. Sooner than later.>[ ] "Okay Tahir. You're on, Just...Take your enthusiasm down a notch or two. You take orders from me, NO questions asked.Also, the Mark 19 wasn't jammed, the safety was on. Now you know, next time you do it right.
>>28863911>>28863834>[ ] "Okay Tahir. You're on.You think we can stop tumbling down the rabbit hole? Nope.
>>28863911second
>>28863911>>28863933>>28863956Hiring him on. Writing.
Tahir seems friendly enough. And it's hard to say no to an extra gun watching your back. Aside from that, he had the benefit that he wasn't asking to be your friend. Just paid. You take another glance to where you came from. The horizon is lighting up with flashes. "Very well, Tahir. I can cut you in. Just remember three things- first, you pull no triggers without my say so. Second, you ask no questions about what we do. And third," You sit up, point at the safety on the Mark 19, "You see this symbol, the gun won't fire, switch it like so," You switch the safety, "It will fire. Though right now," You turn the safety back on, "Let's just leave that as is."Tahir nods eagerly, "Of course, of course- ah, I just want to know, what do I call you?">[ ] "Sir.">[ ] "Make up a name.">[ ] Other.You keep an eye on Maliki the whole time. Through your goggles, you just see him staring down, occasionally rubbing the back of his sleeve on his nose. But his eyes were sharp and focused again. Shakir lights up a cigarette partway through, and Maliki asks for one. Shakir gives him a rude word, and nothing else. Shakir apparently didn't trust Maliki.Rachim for his part tapping away at the phone looks up at you with a relieved look. He inches closer to you, turns his phone screen to you. A message from an unlisted number, saying in English "You're clear." Good news for you then. Nothing left but to ride. Though, maybe in the meantime you could talk to:>Rachim>>[ ] Ask his connections to Sonatrach. >>[ ] Ask how he met Mr. Heron and his merry gang of mercenaries.>>[ ] Ask why he was playing coward.>>[ ] No questions. Just an emphatic threat that if he ever caused you problems again, he would be shot in the knee caps and left to fend for himself in the desert.>>[ ] Other.>Tahir>>[ ] Get to know Tahir. Keep friendly.>>[ ] Ask Tahir if he had any connections in the area.>>[ ] Ask if he knew any other candidates for your budding mercenary band.>>[ ] Other.
>>28864422Tahir nods eagerly, "Of course, of course- ah, I just want to know, what do I call you?">[ ] "Make up a name." John for now.>Rachim>>[ ] Ask his connections to Sonatrach.
>>28864422>[x] "Sir."he wants to be a badass soldier, make him feel like a soldier>Rachim>[x] Ask why he was playing coward."Why did you not join me in the rescue? Is there an angle to this mission I'm not aware of? What happened to you and me having each others' backs?">Tahir>[x] Ask Tahir if he had any connections in the area.Let him talk freely, about his affiliations and knowledge of the area. If he mentions anyone/thing that might be useful, ask more when he is done yapping
>>28864569Ok, I switch to this. Totally agree!
>>28864569>>28864631So much consensus. Right, writing.
>>28864569>Pic related to our futureafter we get our swag on
>>28864692Damn, I thought his t shirt said "Heron" at first glance.
>>28864657Gotta be tough on Rachim so everyone knows discipline is expected.
>>28864692
"Sir," You answer Tahir. Tahir laughs."Hah! Well, I hope you didn't get offended by the question. Just curious, man.""Don't worry about it. Just how it is in this business," You're laying it on a bit thick there, but you can see Tahir's smile fade, and his eyes widen with interest. That hooked him in, "You seem pretty familiar with this place, Tahir. You do a lot of this work?""Huh, oh yeah, I mean-" Tahir scratches the back of his head, turning it this way and that, unsure, before he eventually confesses it, "I'm actually from Morocco. Well. I was born here, moved to Morocco, my brother he kept the fort down here-"It takes a while for Tahir to come to a point where he is helpful at all, but eventually he confides that he had actually done work as a smuggler primarily out of Tlemcen. Had a bit of a hash habit. Shakir though, was the good brother. He actually was a welder, well respected in Djelfa before Maliki moved in, and (Tahir said confidingly) a bit slow. In Tahir's opinion, Shakir would barely be able to feed himself without Tahir's guidance. You have a premonition that Shakir would say the same about him. You leave it at that. Turn your attention to Rachim. Still staring at the phone, tapping at it. "Rachim."He looks up. You can see the worry in his eyes. "You hesitated," He looks down at the phone, taps frantically. You would not be ignored. You reach out, grab it, pull it away from him. He doesn't resist. You spare a glance. Messages. To Mr. Heron. Reporting that everything was proceeding apace, casualties among the hires, and would Mr. Heron please intervene to ensure that the army would treat prisoners humanely? The last message Rachim received was 'No reports of prisoners.'You look up to Rachim. He's very nervous."I, I'm very sorry-""Sorry?" Tahir is speaking now, laughs, "You could have gotten us killed with your cowardice you know!"
You wave off Tahir. Points for eagerness, but you can handle your own messes. "Rachim, you volunteered to drive-""I did! I did. I, I don't know what to say, I just. I just froze up."Tahir snorts. The truck bounces on to road again. Amazing what paving could do to make a journey more pleasant. Back to Rachim."Is there something you're not telling me?" "What?" Rachim looks up, starts shaking his head frantically, "No, no, there's nothing I could keep from you. You are my friend, I am your shadow, your earth, your support-""Then why didn't you support me back there?"Rachim bites his lip, looks away, "Can- can I have my phone back?""Answer me.""Look," Rachim rolls his eyes, scratches his chin, "It's just- I, I something went wrong. It won't happen again." "It won't?" You ask. Rachim's sweating now. Very nervous. Guess you couldn't blame him that much. Tahir didn't seem to like him. "It won't."Rachim was very technologically savvy. Quick learner. Educated. Knew English. But he messed up on the fight back there. Good thing you didn't need to rely on him. "Can I have my phone back? Please?"Tahir perks up at that, leans over to you, looking at Rachim's phone- you can see Rachim visibly tense up, "Nice phone, sir. He really wants it back. What say we take a look?"Rachim looks away- then perks up looking down the road point, "There! This is the turn we have to take. There'll be a house ready at the end of the road- supplies, moving water, all that. Turn, Shakir! I, I'm going to have to navigate, my- I mean, sir, please give me the phone back?" Shakir dutifully turns. As he does, Rachim looks up at you, gives a nervous smile, putting out his hand. He really wants his phone back.>[ ] Trust Rachim. Hand him his phone back.>[ ] Don't trust Rachim. But, you're not going to go rooting about in his stuff. Pass him his phone.>[ ] Take a look at what's inside his phone.>[ ] Other.
>>28865406Another quick look wouldn't hurt. Might get some useful intel.>[ ] Take a look at what's inside his phone.
>>28865406>>[ ] Other.Ask him if he would mind us looking at his messages, his response will tell us everything we need to know
>>28865470>>28865508let us combine these two. ask first, if yes look at messages, if no look at messages.just give him the opportunity to be straight with us
>>28865508>>28865470Okay, combining. Also, taking a (probably not quick) food break. Be back shortly.
>>28865636Its quite late where i am, probably going to read the rest tomorrow morning.Great thread, really appreciate the initiative!!
>>28865697Yup, OP is not a fag. I appreciate your writing man, and I'll stick around until i fall asleep on my keyboard. approaching 0300hrs here
>>28866073I'm also enjoying the quest. The wait is worth it to me. I haven't been this hooked to a quest since Nazis in Fantasy Land. It's a shame that QM stopped. I was enjoying what he/she was doing.
>>28866766It's rare to see a realistic quest pulled off so well. I'm a big fan of whoever is QM'ing this.Also, a toast to QM's and quests gone by.
>>28866894I've been here from the start, so I'll bump the thread with something that might bump the archives.http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?searchall=polite+society+quest
>>28866992One before this is only on foolz.
"Mind if I take a look?" A look of panic crosses Rachim's face. You can't help but be disappointed. Rachim furrows his brow, shakes his head."Please, please, just let me see it first, I'll give it right back to you.""Hah, so you can delete it first?" Tahir leans over greedily, "Come on, I've seen this before, you have to hit this button-""You've only just met him, he and I are friends!" Rachim shouts at Tahir, finally losing his temper, "Why should he listen to you, he doesn't know you-""He knows you're a coward!""Enough!" You raise a hand with a shout. Look at Rachim. He silently pleads. You shake your head. Life is too important to waste on good manners. You look at the phone's screen, tab through his messages. Mr. Heron's dialogue is straightforward- a play by play of the raid. Mentioning of concern that the BMP was not mentioned. Request for ETA on air support. Wondering whether or not Mr. Heron had thought about Rachim's offer. Earlier, some texts regarding you. Mostly talking about your skills as a sniper. Rachim had heard you were in Djelfa. The earliest message listed however was Rachim mentioning "Sonatrach screwed me over. I'll turn it all over to you, please just help me. I know we haven't talked, but you know who I am." Anything earlier than that isn't recorded.Four other conversations of interest on the phone. One with an 'Abel' regarding payments to HCLI, and complaint about fees regarding conversions. Another with his mother- well wishes. Asking if she got the money. How father was. No replies via text. Third was a series of messages to Thomas, starting professional regarding work, rapidly descending in to dick jokes. The fourth however...A series of pictures. An attractive, blond woman in a sweater, a coy smile on her face, and then her fingers go to the hem-"Whoa!" Tahir grabs the phone, dragging it closer, as Rachim blushes furiously, "Who is THAT?"
A series of...Rather intimate pictures of a woman displaying a great deal. You pull the phone away from Tahir, but the damage is done as he crosses to Rachim, keeping himself between the embarrassed young man and his phone."Wow, what a looker, what a slut- did you pay her for that? C'mon, it'll all be water under the bridge if you tell me who-""She's not a whore!" Rachim shouts, grabbing past Tahir. You keep it away from him, but close the window on her messages, "I knew, I knew you would dig that up you lousy filthy-""Can you believe this? Puppy love! He thinks just cause she sends pictures of her snatch, she's likes him! Yeah, you and half of Algeria I'm sure. C'mon, Rachim," Tahir leans in whispers conspiratorially, "Did you pay for them?"Rachim splutters, shivers, then gives an inarticulate yell, leaping for Tahir. Tahir twists his flailing arm behind him, holding Rachim down on the truck bed. Probably for the best. Rachim seems beyond reason. at the moment. Rather embarrassing all things considered, but maybe there's more information past the text messages. You do note the text number though- that's not an Algerian area code.Rachim is still cursing the both of you, swearing to kill you. >[ ] You have to be sure. Keep looking.>[ ] Give the phone back to Rachim. You're not going to give him shit because he hid his porn.>[ ] Give the phone to Tahir. Make it clear to Rachim what happens for disobeying.>[ ] Other.>And back. Sorry about that folks. Seems near everyone is going to sleep- lemme know if you want to call this a stopping point. If I wake up tomorrow and see the thread, I'll pick up in it tomorrow. Either way, check the twitter, I'll keep you guys up to date.
>>28867637>>[ ] You have to be sure. Keep looking.But tell Tahir to shut his trap and keep lookout instead. we're not doing this to embarrass Rachim, I for one just don't trust him anymore.All this fucking killing and blood is messing with my mind. If God is good, I will eventually be able to sleep again
>>28867718Hm. Okay, I'll write up that update. I don't think it'll be too controversial of a choice. Then, I guess we'll call it a night as I think everyone else has gone to sleep. Sorry gone to sleep people....I guess I can keep this thread up for a few hours, then pick it up when timezones agree later.
>>28867911sum sleep sounds good!thanks for your good work anon
>>28867911I am still awake, but I'm just one person. I'm playing League and reading this.
"Shut up.""Yeah, quit crying because-" "You too, Tahir," You shake your head, thumbing through the phone, "Let him go, keep looking out.""Rachim wants to tear your balls off man, you heard him.""I did. Don't worry."Rachim by this time has shut up. Staring flat down. Breathing hard. Trying to keep his fury tamped down. Tahir slowly stands, taking his hands off of Rachim, staring at him. Nothing. Rachim stays still. Satisfied, Tahir goes back to leaning on the Mark 19. Things are quiet again as Rachim stands. His face is still a twisted mask of rage.You go through Rachim's emails, his apps- and aside from finding out the woman's name was 'Laurie M.', that Rachim had actually been employed by Sonotrach for a short time, and that Rachim had been working for Mr. Heron for eight months, and paid in euros. He had also sent a report to Mr. Heron stating that Maliki was linked to a man known as a 'prince,' and suggested Mr. Heron look at the oil states of the Arabian peninsula and see if any member of royalty there matched any of the purchasing pattern that Maliki had. No reply from Mr. Heron, but seeing as you were called in, you guess that failed. Judging from bank emails, Mr. Heron paid Rachim handsomely for his work. Rachim also had emailed Mr. Heron, asking him if he had recommendations for mental doctors. Mr. Heron did not respond to these requests via email. Laurie M. emailed Rachim too. Thanking him for gifts. Most importantly, a very long report on you, detailing everything Rachim knew of you as a child, and some independent research about your time journeying across North Africa, and information on your father. Very detailed. Included a psychological profile. Rachim had a very idealistic view of you.It remains unsent. You glance up to Rachim. He's staying very still. Staring away. >[ ] Give him his phone back.>[ ] Send all pertinent data to your email, then give him his phone back.>[ ] Keep his phone.>[ ] Other.
Any if this thread is here tomorrow, I'll pick up from here. If not, I'll figure out a proper schedule. Either way, I'll update the twitter. Thanks for sticking with me folks.
>>28868469>>[ ] Give him his phone back.What's with my biography Rachim?And I won't say I'm sorry either. 'Cause you have been acting fucking weird.
>>28868545Thanks for running.
This quest is depressing.
>>28868794war is depressing anon
>>28868794You're in a war torn shit hole. Of course it'll be depressing!
Keep it up for tomorrow please.
It just needs to last something like 8 hours!...Who am I fucking kidding.
Right, so there'll be a new thread tomorrow. Also, we're giving up on suptg then? Just foolz from here on out?
>>28873923Theres only one thread missing, why would you give up?
>>28873939I'll go archive it then.
And here's polite society 4.http://archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/28714055/#28714055Gotta sleep. Hope we'll have another thread tomorrow. Or, y'know, this one can miraculously live. That'd be cool.
>>28873939Pretty big hole, isn't it? Suptg archive goers will hate it.
>>28874022>>28873939>>28873923If any of us had the HTML we could ask LordLicorice to insert it into his database.
>>28873923Feel asleep on keyboard, woke up. Thread still alive.>feelsgoodman.jpg
>>28874683> Angelic likes Polite SocietyYou're a good person.
Rolled 97>>28868469seconding this guy >>28868556hoping OP will be back
>>28868469>>28868556Add this: (even though it is dangerous to mess with a man in love)also take care so Malik donesn't her our convo(even though he prob is deaf from the flashbangs)>Rachim! This woman on your phone, how did you get in touch with her? Did she get you in league with the foreigners? Have you considere she might be playing you?Get a grip man!
>>28876364Second this option
>>28876930>I have come a long way>Here is to finding back to myself>Here is to turning my gun back into a tool>And for the darkness to leave my heart>Allahu Akhbar>here is to hope
Poke for awesome.
>>28860128OP there better be a fucking OP Hilux Toyota. This is not a Modern War in North Africa without BATTLING TOYOTAS
>>28877981Of course there are Toyotas. TIA
>>28877992https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_War I assume it is this, the quest?
Alright, I'm up. Writing.
Well, there was plenty of things deleted on the phone, but you got just about everything you could. Let it be for now. You turn off the screen and pass the phone to Rachim. He takes it from you, taps at it, then looks up over the road."Two story house. Has a sign out front, ' Jean-Marie Gavel Vineyard.' You'll know it when you see it.""Why do you write so much about me, Rachim?" You ask. Rachim takes a dark look."There will be no occupants, and there should be a change of clothes on the sec-""Ah, mature Rachim! Pretending you don't hear him? You're that mad about your girlfriend?" Tahir laughs again. Rachim grits his teeth, but it has the desired effect. "Mr. Heron wanted to know all about you before employing you.""Who says I needed employment from him?""I don't know, I was trying to do you a favor! It helped when you needed to leave Djelfa, didn't it? I thought, I thought we could meet again, and be friends."Rachim planned pretty far ahead then. Next topic, as the truck turned on to a gravel driveway, getting close to an old, colonial era house."And the woman? How did you meet her?" You stay in the truck as Rachim sits miserably. Tahir is watching with interest, but you nod pointedly to Maliki's side. A perfunctory nod, then he hops off, pulling open the cab, dragging out Maliki. Maliki by this point has thankfully stopped screaming and whimpering, but he does look about in confusion."Please, leave her out of this-" Rachim's frustration pours through again, but you hammer on."Was she the one that recruited you?""What? No, I mean, why would she-""Did you ever wonder that she might be using you?"
"God above, what are you, my mother?""I'm a survivor, Rachim. And I did not survive by taking things at face value- even you as a friend," You stand from the truck. His expression tells you that he's clamming up out of spite now, "I'm not going to apologize for what I did- you were acting strangely. And Tahir, though he put it bluntly, is right. Your cowardice could have cost lives, were we not lucky.""I just didn't-""What if the bombs didn't go off? Or worse, the BMP spotted us ahead of time? Rachim, hesitation gets you killed. You wanted to be part of this. But I can not have any patience for someone that risks my life," You haul yourself out of the truck, "Even for a friend."Rachim stays sitting in the truck. You leave him, unbuckle the holster on your CZ. Time to see if this vineyard is as unoccupied as Mr. Heron thought.It's actually rather comfortable. It's properly decorated, in a western style. There isn't much dust either. People had stopped here before- all kinds of spies, ragamuffins and good for nothings coming through. You wonder if Mr. Heron had special cleaners come in after they came through, or if his men personally do it. They'd need to clean after Tahir and Shakir, that was certain. The fridge is fully stocked, and Tahir and Shakir have already started helping themselves to some fried chick peas and cous cous. You would complain about their carelessness, but you suppose that if you wanted to know if things were poisoned, that'd be a quick way to go about it. There is a wine cellar, with a rather lot of rope for the old casks, and a padlock on the door. Not exactly Guantanamo, but it'll do. Maliki is sitting in a plush chair, rather like the one you first met him in, except rather than displaying confidence and comfort, his face is riven with fear and worry. A look out the back finds a garage with road access, probably for the truck to park in, and a field of grapes left to the elements.
The only other thing of interest is a hatch in the center of the field rusted over. A few experimental tugs, and you deduce you'll need heavier equipment to pop it open. You leave it for the moment. Checking the garage, you find a car. A 1996 Ford Fiesta. Keys are left on the seat, unlocked. Entering the house, you find Tahir and Shakir arguing over whether to try some wine they found. Tahir espouses that it's just curiousity, just a try and no more. Shakir espouses that that is flagrantly contravening the words of Mohammad, peace be upon him, and Tahir was being a titanic imbecile for even bringing it up. Rachim is inside now, looking in a panic at the food, and rapidly tapping at his phone, doubtless to ask Mr. Heron if it was okay to eat. There are three beds upstairs and a large couch downstairs, so comfort was no problem. You test the latches on the windows, they hold. A good view of the road, but no lights along it. Your house is the only thing lit up you can see in the area, though there's distant twinkling hills. So. Objective: Get Maliki to talk about his contacts to run to ground to. Problem: Maliki is probably deaf. As you walk behind him from coming downstairs and clear your throat, he doesn't even twitch. Just stays staring about like a frightened field mouse. At least he isn't running. Possibly trusts you.Shakir finds a stereo and a collection of old cassette tapes. Samples the selection of music, and eventually, miserably settles on The Doors. Maliki doesn't react to the music, but keeps his trap shut, glancing at everyone in the room. Probably planning something.>[ ] Give Maliki some time. Tell everyone to rest, eat, and be merry. Problems can wait until morning, and fatigue won't help anybody.>[ ] No time like the present. Find pen and paper, and see about interrogating Maliki.>[ ] Give Maliki an opportunity to escape. Leave the truck's keys out, then wait in the car in the garage. If he goes, you can follow him.>[ ] Other.
Rolled 6>>28879016>>[x] Other.We eat!Then we go over our weapons and vehiclesThen we rest2 and 2 guard dutyTahir&ShakirUs and RachimAnd no wine, not now. we are working.those on guard duty are responsible for both Malik and any intruders
Sorry, what's our mission exactly? Get Maliki to give up his contacts?
>>28879016First things first: Hydrate.Second thing, send someone to a lookout position, make watch rosters. Light and sound dicipline. Check if food is ok.Should use Malikis weakened state of mind to start interrogation. Start off easy, and let him know that if he doesn't talk, the flashbangs are in the truck.So:>[ ] No time like the present. Find pen and paper, and see about interrogating Maliki.in combination with:>[ ] Other.
>>28879098Well, Mr. Heron wants to find Maliki's contacts- the plan was that you bust Maliki out, he leads you to contact. Rachim advises Mr. Heron who he should be watching, you get paid. Maliki being deaf might make that a bit difficult though.
Rolled 90>>28879122the question here is:do we make Maliki trust us and so tell us, or do we not even bother the deception, and just beat it out of him?
>>28879159Time is of the essence, i say we give him one chance, and if that doesnt work, start working on him.Maybe waterboard him, and then follow him if he "escapes".that way, he's not suspicious, as he might have been if he got to escape easily.
>>28879189I was wondering if we should try to infiltrate be his friend, or just tell him that we wants his info....I'm also thinking "fuck the westerners" but that might just be me
>>28879091Second, but let's have a merry feast. Pamper Maliki like we trust him. Psyops. Maybe we can do the key idea too.
>>28879243yeah, I'd rather try and gain his trust, not reveal that we are working for someone else. In case everything goes to shit and we suddenly end up needing our countrymen
>>28879230I dont think killing a bunch of guys in his convoy, detonating a flashbang ON him, drag him across dead people, on gunpoint is the best basis for a friendship. I say beat it out of him, let him escape, and take it from there.
>>28879281Haven't you ever heard of capture-bonding? Let's at least make the effort. He'll be more compliant once he's eaten. Plus, if it appears like we are care-free he might try to escape and we can follow him. I think we should interrogate him later, though.
>>28879281it was not his convoy, he was a prisoner. read the archives
>>28879305Capture-bonding takes time, and I want out of this country. I don't say we pick up a pipe and start beating the crap out of him, i say we threaten him. And THEN start "active interrogation"
>>28879325I know it wasn't, but he was in the convoy, and we killed everything except him, and put him through extreme trauma. Might not love us for that.
>>28879305>>28879325>>28879343-we have worked for/together with Malik on more than one occation-he was a prisoner in the convoy-we rescued himdon't think it is to far fetched to tra and cultivate a friendship here.>>28879358you are just bloodthirsty
It seems we want to interrogate him. Start nice, and then if that fails, enhance it? I'll start writing, but keep an eye on the thread.
Rolled 93>>28879091Second. Let's bandage his hands too. Be all friendly like. Give him a bit of comfort so potential torture-time is more jarring. I'd rather not do that though.
>>28879382no, only one anon for interrogation.
>>28879376Ok, stepping down on the bloodthirst, lets question him over dinner, wine and dine, then throw him in the basement if he doesnt give up his contacts.
>>28879402Ah, my apologies. Well, start by being friendly to Maliki then?
>>28879424Yea. He was always good to us after all. Let's put his mind at ease at least for now.
>>28879423thank you anon.we can alway switch to more direct measures later!I'm still very sceptic to the foreigners. who knows, we might end up on Malik's side once again
"Tahir," You snap your fingers as Tahir looks up, "Pour a glass for our friend. And cook something. We need something warm."Tahir nods, searches the cupboards until he finds a wine glass, and pours the burgundy within. Shakir looks a little doubtful, but shrugs it off. He would know of Maliki's tastes. He warms up the stove, gets cooking. Rachim is watching you very carefully now. You see Maliki's eyes are settled on Rachim by this point. He looks up as you set the wine glass in front of him. You step away, let him figure it out as you go searching a desk for pen and paper. You come back to Maliki still staring ahead quietly. The wine glass is untouched."You don't want to drink?" You say, experimentally. Maliki looks frustrated. Right, still deaf. You write it on the sheet, turn it to him. "How do I know you haven't poisoned it?" He asks. "All wine is poison," Shakir's contribution is unheard. You write on the sheet. "Why would we poison you when we're trying to save you?""You, you might want to make it look like an accident? So that the prince could direct my men to avenge my death?"Maliki overestimates the love people feel for him. You write on."Are you hurt too much?"Maliki looks at the writing, thinks. He offers his hand. Yeah, that looked bad. You nod to Rachim. He steps out, soon comes back with a medical kit which he passes to Tahir. Tahir, after a few moments of rooting in it, decides he doesn't know what he's doing. He passes it to you. Do what you can, wrapping up the hand, sterilizing and covering up the cuts. Maliki however is focused on something else in the kit."I hurt badly. The morphine."He might not be lying, you suppose. But you're a little shaky on how much to give him in his state.>[ ] Ask for another glass of wine. Drink it. Allay his fears.>[ ] Ask him about who the prince is.>[ ] Give him the morphine. Just a little.>[ ] Be direct. "We need some place safer than this. Do you know of any?">[ ] Other.
>>28879665>[x] Be direct. "We need some place safer than this. Do you know of any?"make him feel like he has a bit of control of the situation. if he has a suggestion, reward him with a little morphine
>>28879665Give him a little morphine. Just a little bit, light loosen his tongue.
>>28879778First info, then reward.
>>28879800Agreed
>>28879800>>28879778>>28879726I think this is compatible. Writing.
>>28879665No LSD? Darn.
You look to the syringe. Pretty little thing- this is direct from Mr. Heron. Probably not watered down or stolen. Good stuff. You pick it up delicately between thumb and index finger. Roll it in your palm, looking to Maliki. Maliki looks frustrated, repeats it- his voice is strange, probably because he can't hear himself as well."Yes, that. Give me that.""Maliki, I know you're a total light weight," You pause in your writing to look up and smile. Trying to be jovial, "I'll give it to you, don't worry. But first, we need to know a safer place than this.""I can tell you after, come on-""I'll give you the syringe after you give me the information Maliki. We're all in this together after all."Maliki looks down, pursing his lips. You carefully set the syringe on the opposite side of the table. Was he an addict? Or was he just looking for an excuse to not answer questions? Guess you'd tell shortly. Maliki thinks, chews the inside of his lip. His subtly relaxes. Different tactic then."Well, never mind. I can soldier through the pain. A place that's safe? Well, my friend, you know me. I concerned myself with keeping Djelfa safe.""I thought you had connections," You write. "I do- rather, I did. I don't think that they'd be interested in me now," Maliki gives a sad shrug, "I imagine the government got the last of my money. I'm not much good to you, I'm afraid."Interesting turn there. You take a look around the room. Rachim is watching. Tahir is trying to figure out how to turn on a great big flat screen TV. Shakir finishes his cooking, approaches the table with a plate of warm food.It seemed strange that Maliki would out and out admit that he was worthless. Perhaps he didn't fear you? >[ ] Encourage Maliki.>[ ] That's a shame. End the interrogation here. Let him think you're soft.>[ ] Enough carrot. Time for stick.>[ ] Other.
>>28880103>>[ ] Encourage Maliki.You are not completely worthless Maliki, at least I hope so...takeabreath.gifYou still owe me you know! Help me get out of this place and then out of the country and we are even.Put the morphine down on the table, within his reach. See if he goes for it.If he does, pin his hand to the table with our knife
>>28880103Encourage Maliki by telling him that we have contacts that are going to be able to get him out of the country. They know he can't do anything here now that the military has turned on him, but they need his contacts to carry on the good work.Even names will be enough to start again. They're very powerful after all, just look at the resources they spent to rescuing him.
>>28880169>pin his hand to the table with our knifeI got carried away there, save the knife for later. if he goes for the morphine, wait for him to use it, then stop him at the last moment
>>28880190This.
Encouraging. Writing.
>>28880103He's lying, in the APC he said: " I have some money stashed away- we, we could buy a citizenship in Malta, or-"Tell him what you'll do if he lies again. Show him the flashbang, or put a towel and a pitcher of water on the table. Tell him it's not for drinking.
>>28880190ok, I'll go with this. still would like to tempt him with the morphine, just to check if he has a drugproblem. if he has, everything will be easier
>>28880240If we don't get any progress with the nice approach this turn, I'll jump on the rapetrain with you.
>>28880240This.
If it gets rapey we can waterboard him with wine. I think Shakir will enjoy the sight.
http://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB122/CIA%20Human%20Res%20Exploit%20A1-G11.pdfhttp://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB122/CIA%20Human%20Res%20Exploit%20H0-L17.pdf
>>28880330No brakes on the rape train.
>>28880363This is a thing to take into concideration. But - the thing is - friendly questioning takes time - months, even years. If we have that much time - fine. If not we tell him that he is not in Geneva.
You don't bring up the fact that you know Maliki is lying. You try a different tact. You raise a hand."Don't worry about being worthless or not, Maliki. I'm just trying to get you out alive. You've done good for me. I just want to make sure that we both make it out safely. I've got friends too. But we need a safe refuge for the time being. You got anything?"Maliki looks at the paper pensively, then up to you. Well, you're not lying. While he hesitates, you set the morphine down on the table. Within his reach, but not clearly offering it to him. Maliki thinks- but a warm plate of food is offered to him and you. After a nod of thanks to Shakir, you write, "Tell you what, wait until you're full. You've had a rough time tonight. The sooner the better, but take your time to recover, okay Maliki?""Do you think we're being followed?" Maliki interrupts. He looks to the morphine again, looks at you questioningly. You ignore that. "Well, of course we would be, Maliki. I'd say we might have a day, maybe two."Maliki licks his lips, reaches for the wine and takes a drink. Considering. He nods, "Good wine. Okay. Are you working for the prince or not?">[ ] Yes.>[ ] No.>[ ] Other.>>28880363>You found me out!>By the by, please don't try this at home kids. This is not meant to be an accurate depiction of an interrogation. Don't become a mercenary and expect it to be this easy. Yadda yadda blah blah.
>>28880421>>[ ] Other. Less he knows, the better keep him guessing, and make it hard for him to plan his answers.
>>28880421>Maliki -"Are you stupid? I don't want to die! The prince, he, he knows I talked!" I'd say they're not on good terms.
>>28880421>>[x] Other.Let us eat, talk can wait for a little whileAsk Rachim what broke him when he got tortured. Stand behind Malik when you ask, we need to be sure he can't hear
>>28880484don't answer his questions, one way or the other.he is not in command here, he needs to understand that
>>28880421>[ ] No.
>>28880483>>28880488Dodge the question, or just not answer?
>>28880538I think we should answer no, but that's just me. I don't see what we'd gain from his thinking we are working for the Prince.
>>28880538dodge, we must eat before the food gets cold
>>28880538Dodge it. He'll get that we're in charge.
>>28880538Give him a no to reassure him, but don't give him much else.
>>28880570>>28880551Building rapport my friends, we need him to see that we can be trusted. He's already been tortured, being 'kind' for a few days will make the threat of torture much more effective.
>>28880571this instead of dodge
>>28880548>>28880571How do we know that "no" is the "right" answer?I'd rather keep in control of the situation by keeping himguessing for a while longer
>>28880571Second.>>28880594I'm willing to take the risk.
>>28880611of course you are amount of samefagging intensifies
>>28880594I say the rape train s leaving the station. Time to jump on it!Waterboard the fucker, we dont have time to be nice.
A lot of replies out of the blue. Okay- seems there is a lot of 'no' out there. But we want to tread a fine line without being too hard on that no. Writing.
>Sorry about the delay. You roll your eyes, and write, "I haven't had any princes giving me orders.""Do you work for the prince or not?" Maliki seems insistent. You give him a hard look."You're awfully suspicious for a man I just rescued from army custody.""I want to be sure," Maliki licks his lips, looks at his food. Then nods, "Okay. Let's eat."Progress was made. You decide to be a bit sure though. He hadn't actually seen Rachim yet."Why did you put the bounty on Rachim? Please write your replies." Your paper is starting to fill up. Maliki gives you a suspicious look, then takes the paper, flips it over."He was a spy," He writes."For who?""Westerners. I don't truly know- I was informed by a friend.""You can't be any more specific?"Maliki purses his lips, looks up to you. Then picks up the pen, and scratches at it."Mu'awiya sent a man with proof."You take it in. Look up at Maliki. He gives a little shrug. You take up the pen again."He's still on speaking terms with you then?""Not exactly. But he knows better than to have a man like that around. He's too far in bed with the westerners, too enraptured of their ways, he wants to go over to them, turn his back on Algeria for crumbs from his master's plate," Maliki pauses to take a drink of wine, then resumes writing, "Rachim isn't to be trusted. Mu'awiya told me that.""Mu'awiya doesn't trust me either.""He hates you. That is different. It's a matter of blood avenging blood," Maliki pauses. He looks up at you, then writes again, "You and Aghali were such good friends. What happened?"You ignore the goad. Focus on what's relevant."Is Mu'awiya involved with the prince?""Not as far as I know. But, these men, they are secretive.""Can you tell me the prince's name at least?"
Maliki taps on the paper. Scrutinizes you.He pushes the paper back without anything written on it. Before you can get out the bolt cutters, Maliki speaks."There is someone we could meet, in Oran. He can get us safe harbor. In the morning."Maliki reaches for the morphine. You debate mentally whether or not to let him have it, but you conclude that him being happy and sleepy on morphine meant that he wouldn't run off. You pass it to him- he surprises you with his restraint. Pushes the plunger in his vein halfway, then pulls it out and passes it to you. His lids dip low and he nods a bit, but smiles gratefully. You pack away the drug, and nod to Shakir, "Take him up to a room, would you? Keep an eye on him."Shakir looks a little disgusted by the sight of the drugged man, but walks to Maliki's side and taps his shoulder. Maliki nods, following him upstairs like a lost lamb. Rachim coincidentally finds some place else to be while this occurs, and reemerges to join Tahir at the television. After some work, the news comes on and Tahir gives a victorious shout of success. He then groans in disappointment when Rachim turns the channel to INN."-al-Samad condemnation this morning. Reports have filtered from Algeria that terrorist and warlord Maliki al-Saghir has escaped government custody. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Bevan provoked controversy when he spoke off the cuff at a dinner conference."
A clip is played over a picture of a genial man with a gray mustache, wide eyes, and rimless glasses."It's just, we can't just let this be Somalia the second here, right? Christ's sake, the days of the Barbary pirates are back- how do soldiers, trained soldiers, with tanks lose to a band of yokels in pickups? Mark my words, that was intentional, intentional, and somebody has got- Oh good bloody God are you recording? No more questions, no more questions!"It cuts back to the newscaster, a striking man with steel colored hair and matching suit. With a look of concern, he speaks on."Though he later tendered an apology, this further underlines the tensions between the government of Algeria and the international community. Germany has recently cancelled their licensing agreement over the Fuchs with Algeria, citing recent instability. Italy has taken a harder tone, as Algerian refugees have been turned away from their shores, one anonymous minister confiding that they were considering naval deployments to maintain Italian security in the wake of these issues. The fate of the remaining hostages is still unknown, but we have a very special report with one of the escaped hostages. Catherine?" Rachim watches the channel with interest. Tahir, for his part is entirely confused, not capable of speaking English. You drink a bottle of water, eat some food, and set up watches.Is there anything else you want to do tonight?>[ ] Scan the news channels. See what's going on in the world.>[ ] Talk to Rachim. Confront him with Maliki's words.>[ ] Get Rachim to call Mr. Heron. You need to talk.>[ ] Nothing. Focus on your patrol. Keep safe. Wait until morning.>[ ] Other.
>>28881725>>[x] Talk to Rachim. Confront him with Maliki's words.>>[x] Get Rachim to call Mr. Heron. You need to talk. we need to get to the bottom of Rachim's motives.then we can have a word with Heron
>>28881764Second this
>>28881764What are we gonna talk to Heron about?
>>28881812I want to hear what he knows about this "Prince" character. Why there was a goddamn tank at the convoy, and I would like to try and get a more clear idea on who he works for.
>>28881862also, what his deal with Rachim is, and if he has played him with this "wester girlfriend"I do not trust Rachim fully anymore, but he is easily led, if he has been tricked we can still save a remnant of our friendship, if not...
>>28881725>>28881862>>28881910if we end up calling Heron, Do NOT mention>"There is someone we could meet, in Oran. He can get us safe harbor. In the morning."
"Tahir," You clap the man on the shoulder, jerk your head back to the door, "You're on watch.""Oh come on, we just got the television-""What did we agree on in the truck?" Tahir opens his mouth to protest, then shuts it. He gives a curt nod, all business again."Sir," He stands, marches out. Rachim continues to stare at the television. Commentators are on now."-I'm saying, this kind of thing happens ALL OF THE TIME there-""You don't know that-""-all of the time, it's just they're usually killing each other. This woman, this woman gives her life-""Quite literally in this case.""Yes, quite literally in this case- and her interpreter who was a good person-""D'you, d'you think they held the baby up? Wondering, 'huh, is this a white baby? Or is it a good baby?' I'm, hah, I'm imagining them just clustered around, comparing the skin color-"Worthless commentary. You sit on the couch by Rachim. He's still enraptured."Rachim," Rachim looks up at you crossly, pointing at the television."Aren't you curious?""About what?""About what they think of us!" "No," You grab the remote, turn off the television, "I'm curious about who you're working for.""I don't know.""I would hope you'd be a bit more curious than that.""What was it you told Tahir? 'No questions.' Well, Mr. Heron gave me the same spiel.""Rachim-""They pay me in euros! My job was to tell them what Maliki was on about, who he met, what his plans were, who he bought from, who he fought with," Rachim stands violently, waving his hands around, "Is he CIA? A mercenary? An arms trader? Who gives a shit! I want to get out of this shit hole! I'm SMART god damn it. I just want, I need a chance to prove it."He's getting upset again. Standing up, waving his arms. Not that you're worried- you're no Hercules, but even you can take him."And the girl?""Leave her alone.""You don't meet a girl like that just at the local market.""I said leave her alone.">[ ] Push it.>[ ] Leave it.>[ ] Other.
>>28882194>>[ ] Other.Do you think I ask these questions to hurt you? With the history you and I got?Ok then. I'll act like your mother this time, and hope you will show me the same respect you would show her. Where did you meet this girl, and more important, When?
>>28882194>[ ] Push it.
>>28882317>>28882285Like a dog and a bone. Writing.
>>28882194Pls stop punishing our conscience with tv-shows of our lolrandom murders of foreign reporters. We need our sleep
"Rachim, you and I are friends.""Are you sure? You flashed my, her, you know what you did.""You've known me since we were children.""Do I? You've always been strange," Rachim crosses his arms, stepping back from you. As if there were a sudden chill in the room, "Why are you so dead set on her?""It's strange is all.""Is it so strange to imagine someone might like me?"Even through out his whine, that one hit you a bit deeper. There had been a girl before, that Rachim had thought liked him. He looks at you fiercely. You stand up. That's all it takes for him to shrink. You keep him in your eyes for a while, then speak again."Where did you meet her? And when?""...No secrets then.""You can worry about a private life when I don't have to worry about waking up in the morning with a bullet in me, where God damn you, where did you meet her?"He's quiet a little bit longer, before he admits it."Annaba. Four months ago. I was picking up some food with some guys. She was a humanitarian worker. We hit it off.""Humanitarian worker. That's not very specific.""Look, she was with some of the aid workers, okay? We just talk via email.""And send her gifts?""She never asked for any.""But she certainly rewarded them. She interested in your politics? In your work? You sure she isn't one of Heron's?""I don't know, okay? I was just glad somebody liked me." He's a child, still. But, admittedly, you don't know how this woman could be trouble. But better safe than sorry."How did Heron meet you?""Old Sonatrach contact introduced me to him. That, that was long ago. He calls me up out of the blue though- knew I was running out of money. My mother, she, she-""Isn't well," You guess. Rachim nods. You just want this over with."So, you rolled over on Maliki, just like that?""Maliki is a bastard," Rachim hisses, eyes narrowing to slits, "You haven't seen what he's done. That smug smile he can get- I hoped daily he'd get hit with a drone strike. But it didn't happen."
"Mr. Heron has a bigger fish to catch.""Yeah," Rachim sighed. He shrugs, "But, now...I can't help but feel sorry for Maliki. I know what the DRS can do to people. He'll never have a full night of sleep ever again in his life."You're not sure about that. But you frown, "Just a phone call? That's all it took to turn you?""A phone call from my mother's phone," Rachim corrects. Then he rushes to speak quickly, "But, she's not threatened or anything! She isn't in trouble. Just, Mr. Heron called on her- you know, my father studied at the École Polytechnique. Mr. Heron said he was an old classmate, wanted to visit him-""So he's threatening your family?""No! He's taking care of them!"With the implicit threat that that can stop. Rachim seemed to have the wool nailed to his eyes though. Next topic. "Call Mr. Heron. I want to talk to him.""At this hour?""At this hour."Rachim, with a muttered curse under his breath, takes out his phone, and starts dialing. He passes it to you, and then promptly walks away. Off to the backyard to sulk, you guess.It's picked up on the second ring."Rachim?" Mr. Heron. Sounding tired. Speaking English."No.""Ah," He yawns in the phone, "Rachim already told me things were a success.""It's not about that. It's about the BMP you failed to mention to us.""Last minute change of theirs. They were worried about a riot in Djelfa, figured the extra security would help. I found out when you did. You took care of it though.""Only barely. Who is 'the prince'? Maliki keeps talking about him.""I am sorry, but I do not know," His voice is strained, clipped, "This is why I'm paying you a ridiculous amount of money to let a warlord escape, to find out. We keep seeing this name across North Africa, linked to crime and terror. Is this all? I thought it was an emergency.">[ ] "That's all.">[ ] "We're going to Oran. Make sure you can support us.">[ ] "Have you seen the news? No concerns?">[ ] "Mr. Heron, who are you working for?">[ ] Other.
>>28882915>>[x] "Have you seen the news? No concerns?"in what way do you profit from every eoropean country cutting support and closing it's borders to algerie?
>>28882915>>[x] Other.Rachim's girl, is she a friend of yours?What will it take for you to get your claws away from him and his family?
>>28882988>>28882963Okay, I'll see about combining that. But now, must eat. Be back in about an hour probably.
>>28882915>>[ ] "Mr. Heron, who are you working for?"Letting him know that we do not take him at face value might be a good shock. Getting him to cut us in might be useful.
"You turn on the news lately?" You glance at the TV. Better not to turn it on. You turn away from the screen, "No concerns?""It's not my job to run your country.""What IS your job? Who are you working for?""You ask quite a lot of questions. My answer to them all is that I'm paying you.""What about Rachim?" You can see him in the dark. Staring over the decaying vineyard, "Are you paying him?""Rachim is very comfortable with our arrangements.""And his mother?""Her too.""What is she sick with?""Had a stroke. We're keeping her stable.""And what of this woman that Rachim is attached to? Was that your doing as well?""Who, Laurie?" He laughs bitterly, "My God, you are a paranoid one. She had a fling with him while brushing up her resume by volunteering for Food for the World. She downloads albums without paying for them, got a DUI year before last, and will probably get tired of Rachim long before he gets out of Algeria. She's an 'artistic' photographer, but doesn't have any real talent. She was majoring in journalism before coming to Algeria, but she dropped it after coming home. Guess she couldn't cut it abroad. Him and her exchange emails- he doesn't talk business, and she's interested in him as a means of credibility. A typical American girl, watching from the outside across an ocean, who, lacking any interesting character of her own, latched on and borrows some from Rachim. She thinks of him as nothing more than a curiosity, a conversation starter with other, more real people," He takes a moment to breah Does that answer your question?"Rachim is almost indistinguishable against the field in the moonlight. "Why the interest in Rachim?""He was available, and more importantly, he's loyal. He wants the best for people. Meaning he'll work for me just fine. Don't you worry. He's got a fair nest egg."You notice something. When Heron is mad, his voice starts to lilt somewhat.>"Thank you. That'll be all.">"Oran. Be ready if we need help.">Other.
>>28884581>"Thank you. That'll be all."
>>28884581>>"Thank you. That'll be all."
>>28884724>>28884654No last gibes? Okay, writing.We also appear to be getting closer to the point where players are falling asleep- I was hoping to get further than just townhouse+chat in this thread. I gotta pick up the pace. Anyway, lemme know if you guys are still good to continue or not.
>>28884581>Who are these men I wonder... >Are we right to work for them? >The suffering we have brought upon so many souls of this land.... >May Allah have mercy on our soul.Just disconnect the call.Get some sleep, if we can.
>>28884581>"Oran. Be ready if we need help."
>>28884803I`ll be here for a while longer.
>>28884803I am not terribly likely to pass out
>>28884803this still going? I just caught up after missing the start of this chapter. Good to see you back again, OP. Really good quest.
>>28885300Same here.
>Good. Conscious people."No, thank you. That will be all." "Good. Don't worry. One million clean euros. Enough to start ov-"You hang up. Toss the phone on the couch. You knew that, and so did he. He just wanted to rub it in. You don't feel guilty at being safe. Your father taught you that. He taught you many things. How to shoot straight, English, French, Arabic and Tamazight languages, the difference between a defensive and an offensive grenade, to make a splint and hide in streams. To ignore pain and hunger, to find north, to build a shelter. to take a life in a hunt. To tell if a man was lying and how to force the truth out of him without leaving a mark on his skin. But his last lesson, the most important, was how easy it was to die.You go upstairs, unpack your rifle, and watch out the window with a cigarette for company until your watch is up. You have some dreams in your sleep of your youth.In the morning, you awake to Shakir making breakfast. A shower, and a change of clothes that are probably too expensive for you, and you come downstairs to the brothers arguing. Rachim is still in his room, but a quick check shows he's okay. Just staring at a wall. Back downstairs Shakir serves you all food, complaining the whole while that Tahir is the youngest, and should be doing it. Even, with some disdain, Maliki. Rachim makes sure to stay out of Maliki's sight admirably."He'll be in Oran," Maliki reports as you write questions on paper, "Works as a manager at the railroad- before they got bombed to shit, he helped move things. As it is though, he's got money and a big house by the Mediterranean. God, you should see it! Right in a lagoon on the sea, and the women! He knows such beautiful women!""And he can help you?" You're skeptical. A bit too high profile for your tastes.
"I only went to his house once, friend. I've met him but three times- the first, he took me to his house for me to meet this man, Amir Al'Quayym who got me some money for me to buy some equipment. Second time, well, he wanted to talk me about Yaqub, and how he needed my support. We talked in the railyard then. Surrounded by all these men with big guns. Third time was actually outside of Oran, kilometers out in an old mine's entrance. Scary. But, that's how I get intelligence on Huffaz's movements, so, so I could-""In the past," You write. You want to get this over with, "What's the plan?"Maliki shrugs, "Walk up and talk to him in the open. He wouldn't dare try anything in broad daylight, his job would be on the line. He's employed by the government you know.""That seems like a quick way to get you arrested," Tahir supplies from the couch. He's busy watching Cars dubbed in Arabic. You silently agree with Tahir, and write the suspicions. Maliki shrugs, "Well, why don't you play intermediary then? Talk to the man, let him know that I'm safe and that I could still be useful.""You aren't worried about the prince?" You write. Maliki smiles."Well, I am. But between dying in government custody, or having a chance of living, I know what I'm going with. Besides, you'll be there looking out for me!"Right. Planning. You dislike cities. They frowned on grenade launchers, so you'd have to be subtle. Your small convoy had a lot of driving ahead of it, the plan is:>Assuming you'll take your SVD and CZ, and Tahir and Shakir take their AKMs.>[ ] Take both the car and the truck, splitting between the two of them. More vehicles the better. Keep the mark 19 in a tarp on the truck bed. No reason to leave behind firepower.>[ ] Take just the car, leave the mark 19 behind. The SVD will draw questions enough if spotted. >[ ] Leave the car, just take the truck with your stuff packed in. You don't want to take Mr. Heron's car. It's possibly some kind of trap.>[ ] Other.
>>28885608>[ ] Take just the car, leave the mark 19 behind. The SVD will draw questions enough if spotted.
>>28885608>>[ ] Other.take both cars, the brothers in the fiestaRachim, Malik and us in the truck. Leave the Mark 19 here
>>28885608>[x] Both vehiclesAgree with taking everybody along, maybe keep the Mrk 19 to get past any difficult check points?If things get to heavy we can ditch it anyway
Rolled 88, 1, 82 = 171>>28885676>>28885782Okay, writing. Give me three 1d100 rolls by the by.
Rolled 34>>28885885Allahu Akhbar
Rolled 56, 46, 38 = 140>>28885885
>>28885676Second this.
Rolled 83>>28885885Shit. Allahu Akbar indeed
Rolled 22>>28885972
Rolled 99>>28885972>>28885988Number 3, for me. God is Good.
>>28885608If we know enough about the Mk 19, we could break it down into fairly unrecognizable components and ferret them away in both vehicles. Having an agl is one hell of A trump card in most any conflict.
>>28886010are you retarded?
>>28886042We have a smuggler on hand, this should not be difficult. Are you asking as a form of rebuttal or do you make such inquiries of everyone you meet?
>>28886156I only ask the ones who obviously can count to potato.a mark 19 in pieces will still look like a mark 19 in pieces, 40 mm grenades, barrels magazines. where and how do you propose we hide this?we are in africa, but checkpoints are manned by real soldiers, not monkeys, and we are going to a city, not a ring of clayhuts.
>>28886341Oh, I took a certain familiarity with smuggling for granted. We put the pieces inside the body panels of the cars, the way smugglers do. Even a potato should be able to manage it.
>>28886546>Even a potato should be able to manage it.by all means then, go ahead.
>>28886590I appreciate your full throated endorsement :)
>>28885608>>[ ] Take just the car, leave the mark 19 behind. The SVD will draw questions enough if spotted.We are going into a city during a war without being invited. We need a way to look less conspicuous. Not arriving in the same truck we fought government troops with before seems like a good first step.
>After a minor interlude looking up videos on youtube labeled Mk-19 disassembly that did not actually lead to them disassembling it- I'm going to say that your combined technical expertise is not serving you well enough to actually disassemble it and hide the component pieces among the two cars. You'll have to settle for a tarp. Not to mention you still have a shit ton of 40mm ammo."Okay, you and you-" You point at the brothers, "In the car. Stash the AKMs, get them out of sight. Don't flash them unless we get in to a fight. Collapse the Mark 19, get it under a tarp, I'll get in the truck soon. You," You point to Maliki, write, "Meet you in the truck." You go upstairs to check on Rachim. He seems less cheery, but isn't in a full sulk when you see him again. He's tapping at his phone while it charges in the wall."Rachim. We're going.""Yeah, yeah, I heard from up here," He pauses, "I'm not going to be riding with Maliki, am I?""Of course you are, I need you close at hand in case things go wrong.""Well. Maliki MIGHT have a problem with me.""That's fine, stay in the bed in back. If he causes any problems, I'll take care of him."Rachim does not wear an expression filled with faith. "We both want out of Algeria. Come on, we do this job, we're scott free.""Yeah. Okay."Morale might be a problem in the future. But the job should be simple. A drive across country, 500 kilometers, about six hours driving across check points and militia territory. And the possibility of foreign intervention.One million euros. One million euros, and a new life. You remind yourself of that as you head for the car. Maliki is sitting in the cab, staring numbly forward. You direct Rachim to the the truck bed, and he steps in. Maliki looks at him- but gives no greater sign of recognition. Goes back to staring forward.You get in the driver's seat, and make for the road. >Cut short because I have to go deal with work shit. Sorry to end so abruptly.
>>28886817>Sorry to end so abruptly.n problem, as long as you take the mark 19 with you, so that we can get safely through the checkpoints next thread.later OP
If we keep this up until tomorrow, do we get another session?
This seems pretty fun.
>>28881704>al-SamadWhen does Michael Thorton show up to stop time and place three bullets in our head?
>>28887711I don't think this is anything more than a cute reference to Alpha Protocol. Like the CnC Generals reference earlier, I think they're just quick nods.
>>28887696This is more depressing than fun...
>>28889023I'm personally looking forward to shit going wacky myself.
>>28895096Time to rape things up!
>>28898619pls no rapes
>>28902504
>>28889023Speaking of nods... Amir Al'Quayym?
Next session, Wednesday the 18th, 11:00 4chan time.
