Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kiltmen Down

[starbkjrus]

Mr. Dove, I'm afraid that I don't recognize those names. Perchance are they friends of yours from McHooters?

[davedove]

Mr. Dove, I'm afraid that I don't recognize those names. Perchance are they friends of yours from McHooters?

You caught on quickly. As you can see, appearances can be deceiving.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

... appearances can be deceiving.

Yes, they can!

Be well,

[Panache]

... Plus, now we know what prompted Grant to pursue Panache to the frozen north.

Ah, this is before the great race to the Arctic Circle between the Maple Leaf and the Saltire*.

Yes, they can!

Hey.....

Jamie

* One can only wonder if Grant will ever publish the log of the Last flight of the Maple Leaf?

[davedove]

Scene 1

Private villa on St. John, U.S.Virgin Islands

The day was as beautiful as any ever seen in this part of the world. Unfortunately, because of my complexion, I was forced to seek shelter from the direct sun under a beach umbrella. I had taken a bit of light reading from my library to relax with in the beach chair, a scholarly text on Scottish archeology.

My associate, Ms. Starling, having no problems with the sun, was stretched out on a towel nearby. The small swimsuit she wore would have gotten her arrested in some places, it revealed so much. Glancing her way, I had to admit that she was one of the few women who could pull off that look. Unlike most people though, I knew that beautiful body contained one of the most brilliant investigative minds I have ever encountered. Ms. Starling had been with my team the longest and served as my lieutenant.

My other associates were scattered about the beach, enjoying this tropical paradise. My butler, Timothy moved back and forth from the beach to the villa, bringing drinks and snacks and occasionally helping the ladies with tanning lotion and sunscreen.

Timothy had just returned from the villa when I heard him call out, “Mr. Dove, I believe there is something here that needs your attention.”

Ms. Starling and I instantly recognized the worry in Timothy’s voice and quickly went inside. There, stuck to the wall of the living room, was a piece of paper secured with a Scottish claymore.

Ms. Starling instantly responded, pulling out a small radio (though I will never figure out where she keeps it in that swimsuit.) “All personnel, intruder alert, secure the perimeter!”

I quickly calmed her down. “Stand down Ms. Starling. Whoever left this will be long gone.”

“You’ve seen this before then?”

“Yes, one other time, it’s a message from the League of Moderators.”

“Oh yeah, that group that invited you to compete for a position.”

“Quite right, I lost out to Panache. He’s quite a wily competitor. I hope to match wits with him again someday.”

“But a note pinned to a wall with a sword, don’t they know about email?”

I had to laugh at that. “Indeed they do, but some of their members tend to like the dramatic.”

I removed the sword and opened the note. Ms. Starling moved to read it along with me.


Mr. Dove,

You and your associates are hereby summoned to the Great Hall of X Marks the Scot on a matter of utmost importance. As always, this sword will serve as your pass into the Hall. Please proceed with all due haste as time is critical.

The League of Moderators

“Well that’s certainly informative,” was Ms. Starling’s sarcastic response.

“True, but this is only the second summons I have ever received from them. Whatever it is must be important. Ms. Starling, round up the team and tell Timothy that we need to pack.”

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

So, Charlie's Angels, and Dave's Devils is it?

Be well,

[davedove]

My last post today:

Scene 2

A private jet en route to South Carolina

As our jet made its way from St. John to Charleston, South Carolina, I began to mentally review my associates and their capabilities.

First of all, Ms. Starling, my lieutenant, had the unique skill set of both a police detective and an investigative reporter. Additionally, she had a fine tactical mind. I knew that if I became incapacitated, the team would be in good hands with her.

Next was our pilot, Ms. Falcon. I haven’t seen an aircraft, or even any other vehicle, that she couldn’t operate.

Next was Ms. Thrush, who could only be described as a combination infiltrator and con artist. This woman has the amazing ability to blend comfortably into any social setting. I have seen her equally at home in both a royal ball in her finest gown, or a NASCAR race in cut off shorts and a tube top.

Ms. Hawk was our weapons expert. She knows the combat characteristics of any weapon ever made, and many of those still on the drawing boards. I have never learned her complete past, but I have determined it had something to do with a certain covert government agency.

Ms. Raven also has a past, but hers is a little better known. She was in and out of jail as a youth. She would probably be there now if I hadn’t recruited her onto the team. Now she serves as our breaking and entering specialist. We haven’t found a lock yet that she hasn’t opened.

The last and newest member of our team is Ms. Swan. An expert computer hacker and internet surfer, she has the uncanny ability to sift through the staggering amount of information available on the web until she finds just what she’s looking for.

My team’s specialty is retrieving lost objects. Our clients seek us out when all the conventional channels have failed them. If something is lost, it’s our job to find it and return it to the rightful owner.

As I contemplated the note from the League, one thought kept coming back to me, what could the League need us for?

[ccga3359]

Dove, I too, bid for this contract. You severely undercut me. I see that you signed for the book deal. Curse you. Send Ms. Thrush over to negotiate kilt check movie rights.