Chapter 4

5 days later... 

0700

Alexander and Bianca were at the designated rendezvous point in the desert several miles from Albuquerque. They sat and waited in their rental car, a rented 4-door Jeep Wrangler.

A half hour went by before the first people showed up. 

"We've got something." Alex said as he spotted the vehicle approaching.

As it got closer, they could make out the details.

It was a late 80's Chevrolet Suburban. Painted matte black, with big Off-road tires. As it got closer, Bianca noticed it had a full external roll cage and plenty of auxiliary lighting. It was pulling a custom ruggedized trailer. 

As it drove up and parked, she heard the familiar clattering of a Cummins diesel engine. 

She and Alex stepped out of the Jeep and walked to the front of the jeep. 

The doors on the Suburban opened, and 4 people stepped out.

2 women, 2 Men. 

One of them approached Bianca. 

"darkangel, I presume?"

"Yes. and you are?"

"I'm Thomas Redford, former Army Ranger. This is my party. That is Dan Vollman, my mechanic, former Marine Field Mechanic. Over there is Corporal Anna Rollins, former Marine. And this is Elise, my wife. Former Paramedic and Trauma Surgeon." 

"Nice to meet all of you. You all seem to fit what we're looking for. I must warn you, though, before you agree to anything, there are some things we need to discuss. We'll wait until the others get here. Do it all at once." 

Soon 3 more vehicles showed up. All similarly prepped. Once everyone who showed interest in the mission were there, Bianca gave the rundown of what their mission was, and what would be required of them. 

"Welcome, everyone. I'm Bianca. I made the post on your forum. Thank you all for making the time to come out here. I'm sure you're all eager to know why I called you out here. You all claim to have background in Survivalism, Combat and Preparedness. I am assembling a team of ambitions, adventurous and fearless individuals. We will be given several missions, and I expect all of you to carry them out flawlessly."

"Wait...is this a Game show?"

"Negative. This is not a Game-show, reality show or anything done for a chance to win a Million dollars."

"So...what will we be doing?"

"There are people out there who, if they had a means to do so, would commit mass murder on levels not seen since the second World War. Our job is to prevent that."

"So...vigilantes?"

"Sort of. We're not sanctioned by any government, we don't ask for permission, we fly under the radar. We do all we can to avoid attention. We do everything we can to stop evil, corrupt individuals from committing heinous crimes against Humanity. Even if it means murder. We won't exist. As far as anyone knows, you'll already be dead. We've got a plan if you're willing to join the team. If this seems like something you can't do, Please, get back into your trucks and leave right now. Otherwise, stay."

"So what sort of threats are we dealing with?"

"I can't say until you have all agreed, and signed the waiver. But please, keep in mind that once you signed, it cannot be undone." 

When everyone had signed the paperwork, Bianca dismissed them, but told them to be on call. She called a contact and set up the cover-up. Bianca had a close friend of hers set up an elaborate system to fake the deaths of the team. Each member told their family members and friends that they were going to be moving out of the country. Paperwork would show that all of them boarded a Flight to France which would "disappear" over the Atlantic. All aboard would be assumed Dead. 

10 days later... 

The whole crew gathered at a park near JFK airport. After passing through security gates, they drove to one of the Shipping companies. Bianca got out of the Jeep, went inside, and came out 10 minutes later. 

She got into the Jeep, and drove to a security gate. The other 4 trucks followed her. She led the way to a large hangar. As they pulled in, a huge cargo jet came into view: A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in Military grey. 

When everyone had parked, they all met beside the trucks.

"Again, I want to thank everyone here for coming. You've all made huge sacrifices, and will be rewarded for it. I know I told you some of what our mission is all about. I'll explain more once we get to our destination. For right now, we're parting ways. But before we do, your vehicles need to be altered a little bit. First, all Identifying numbers need to be removed. Next, I've got forged Number plates for the trucks and trailers. Finally, as all of your vehicles are Diesel, you'll need to drain all of the fuel tanks. European Biodiesel is a bit different than what you're used to here.

You all need to listen very closely to me right now. As of right now, you are all to begin using your Alias's. You will receive your new Passports and ID's shortly. You will be flying first to London Heathrow to refuel, and then on to Venice. From Venice, you will follow the directions I give you, to my Headquarters. Any questions?"

"Why aren't you going with us?"

"Because, Gentlemen...I still exist. Alex, here, will make sure you don't get lost."

With that, she turned and left, driving to the rental turn-in lot.

She caught her return flight to Italy.

Within 18 hours, the crew arrived in Venice. They drove the 350km to Stelvio, in Bolzano, Italy. Following the GPS Coordinates, they arrived at Bianca's house. They all pulled into the carpark, went inside and slept.