Chapter 2
It takes Shrag a couple days to move his belongings to his new apartment. The distance between his new and old apartment is several hundred miles. During his moving, he stops by one of the banks where he holds a safety deposit box, and cleans it out. There are several such accounts around the country, and a few around the world where Shrag has stashed money over his lengthy career. Ten thousand here, a hundred thousand there; it adds up to a nice sum. Some of the money came from bonuses for a particularly hard job done well. Most, however, came from assignments where the previous owner was a target, and had no more use for it.
Shrag gets settled into his new place quickly. He makes a few modifications in the walls and floor. These modifications are not apparent to observation. They are places of concealment, where weapons, equipment, and cash are stored. Once satisfied with his work, Shrag makes a visit to an old friend. Shrag met her many years ago while on an assignment. Her name is Ella. She is a grumpy old badger that is not much to look at, but is extraordinary at the art of making documents that will hold up to scrutiny. Driving to the airport, Shrag thinks more of his plan. There are many things that can go wrong, but the risks are all acceptable.
After arriving at San Furnando airport, Shrag rents a car and drives to the other end of town. He enters a run down adult bookstore, and walks directly to the back. He knocks twice on the solid metal door, then knocks three more times. After a moment, the door opens and Ella stands there with a pistol in her paw.
"Shrag. I was wondering when you would visit me again. What’s it been, three years? Come in."
"Closer to four. How you been, Ella?"
"You know, keeping busy, making lots of money. Another couple of years and I’m retiring in style. I won’t say where, but I will own it."
"I’m glad to hear it. I hope you have been training someone to take your place."
"If I was, I wouldn’t tell you. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you out in the cold when I retire. Just remember to check the BBS in a couple years. Now, what do you need this time?"
"Something different. I want to join the military. The base I want to be transferred to is on Furion Island. I’ll leave it up to you to decide from where. I’m too old to do it the legal way. Give me S.O.R.T. (Special Operations Response Team) status and the rank of private."
"Are you sure? I could make you an officer if you want."
"No, I want to fade in with the personnel. An officer would draw too much attention."
"I see. This isn’t just a job, is it? You are really planning on joining the military."
"Ella, you know better than to ask questions like that; but since you are going to make this work for me, yes. I will need this to last, so make sure and change the proper computer records as well."
"No problem, but it will cost you."
Shrag throws a stack of one-hundred dollar bills on the table. "Here’s the down payment. Five thousand dollars. I trust you will bill me the balance. My PO box is written on the last bill."
Ella examines the stack and nods. "This will do, for now. Sit over here so I can take your picture.
After Shrag concludes his business with Ella, he cleans out another safety deposit box, and returns to the airport. He returns the rental car and waits for his return flight. The thought he might have been under observation has worried Shrag since arriving, but he has kept his eyes open and his senses sharp. There had been nothing. The return flight arrives late in the night, and Shrag goes to sleep after going to his apartment.
The next morning, Shrag wakes early, and hungry. I should have bought some food last night, he thinks. He showers and dresses, then leaves the apartment. After stopping by the local stop-n-rob, he drives to a place near the base, eating a breakfast burrito on the way. There is a small hill next to the perimeter fence where he sets up a telescope. Under the cover of the forest, he watches the goings on of the base, hoping to catch a glimpse of Captain Ryan. Around noon, he packs up and leaves. He stops at the local grocery store to buy food, and various needed supplies and condiments. Walking through the aisles, he just begins to grab what looks good. He knows this is not a very efficient way to shop, but can take care of the things he misses at a later date.
With the groceries put away, Shrag connects his laptop to the phone line at his apartment, and checks his email. There is only one message, which reads, [Return at once]. He quickly turns off the computer and closes the cover. It was expected, but still sends a shiver through him. "Oh well, I knew that was coming." Shrag sits back and closes his eyes, wondering if he is doing the right thing, but also knowing he is now committed.
There is little to do but wait. Ella’s package will take another day to arrive, and without that, he can do little. Shrag kills time by reading and cooking. The next day drags on and on, but eventually the time comes to check his post office box. As expected, there is an overnight delivery envelope there. He takes it back to the apartment and spreads the contents over the kitchen table. The ID looks very good. She even made it appear aged a bit. The transfer papers and other documents all appear proper and official. There is a note in the envelope with a number on it. 6,000. Shrag smiles as he reads it, knowing it is his bill for Ella’s services. She is well worth the money, he thinks. So, tomorrow it starts.