Heidelberg, Germany (U.S. Army V Corps Headquarters)

"Five bucks says we don’t get in."

"After all we’ve been through and you still doubt him? You’re on; that’ll give me cash for fast food later on."

"He may be arrogant but there’s no way he knows the frickin’ base commander," Hephaestus said. It was a new limo of the same make and model as the damaged one but that didn’t improve his mood in the least. "There’s no way we’re getting onto this base. None whatsoever."

The gate guard walked up to the limo, his rifle casually slung over one shoulder. "Where’s your VIP, sir? I’ve got some questions to ask him."

The limo’s rear passenger window opened. "You have a question for me, Private?"

"Yes sir. We don’t have your name on the list, and right now, we’re on a security alert. I’m sorry sir, but no unauthorized personnel are to be on the base right now."

"I understand, Private…Porter, is it?"

"Yes sir."

"Well, Private, I wouldn’t want to get you into trouble, especially at a time like this, but would you be willing to do me a favor?"

"…It depends, sir."

"Call this number and ask to speak to the general regarding Mr. Knox and his entrance to the base." A hand held out a business card, and Private Porter walked over and retrieved it.

"But sir, this is…"

"Unusual, to say the least, but he’s been expecting me for some time."

"Sir it’s 2018, and I’m sure the general won’t appreciate…"

"Private, I realize it’s unusual circumstances, but I just ask you to bend the rules this once for me. By the way, I seemed to have accidentally dropped some items onto the ground. Would you mind retrieving them? As I don’t know how many I’ve dropped, I wouldn’t know if some were missing."

The private stared through the window for several long seconds.

"One phone call, Private Porter. That’s all I ask."

He leaned down, picking up the items and returned them to the passenger (and surreptitiously pocketed the $100 bill). "Wait here."

"No problems."

At the guard booth, the private dialed the phone and spoke for about two minutes, then hung up. He didn’t notice that the trunk to the limo had opened and closed during the exchange, nor did he notice the shadow that passed him when he entered the booth and walked onto the base. Private Porter hung up the phone and returned to the limo.

"General Keefe says he has no authority to let you in, although he did recognize your name."

Up front, Hephaestus lifted his hand, palm-up. "Pay me."

"Wait and see," Mouthymerc replied. As if on cue, the booth’s phone rang and the private went to answer the phone. The call was brief, but the look of shock and surprise on Private Porter’s face remained for some time. "Told ya’."

The private returned to the limo. "That was the base commander. He says to let you through, with his apologies, and that one of the sergeants will take you on a tour."

The limo pulled forward when the gate arm lifted, and the intercom clicked on. "Hephaestus, make sure to park facing the exit in case we need to make a quick getaway. I don’t expect trouble, but it always helps to be prepared. John, you’re with me."

Mouthymerc grinned at Hephaestus, who reluctantly retrieved and handed over a $5 bill. "I’ll try not to spend it all in one place."

"Here, take this," Equinox said to Hephaestus as he passed by the limo. It was a police scanner and many of the channels had been preset. "If you would monitor the guard frequencies and let me know if there’s trouble."

"Sure."

"And try not to doubt me so much. I may be an arrogant ass, but I usually come through in the end," Equinox added with a smile.

Hephaestus had the grace to blush before he asked, "Why are we here, anyway?"

"We’re doing some shopping. Channel three is us."

Most of the radio chatter was quiet or routine, so it was easy for Hephaestus to monitor Equinox and Mouthymerc’s conversation. It was quickly apparent that they were posing as well-connected real estate developers looking at American military bases scheduled for closure. However, that seemed unconnected to the current mission, and more specifically, Hephaestus’ role in it (be prepared to drive and fix stuff).

There was a beep, interrupting Hephaestus’ musings, and he glanced at the dashboard. The trunk release had been activated and the vehicle shifted as several objects were placed into the opened hatch. Then, it slammed shut. Over the radio, he could hear the two agents finishing up their tour, and their voices were echoed outside as they returned to hearing range.

"Thank you, Sergeant, for the late-night tour. I appreciate your assistance and patience in this endeavor. Here’s my card, in case you ever end up in Italy. Please feel free to look me up."

"No problem, Mr. Knox. It’s been great to meet you, and thanks for the stock tip. I think you just saved me a bunch of cash."

Mouthymerc and Equinox returned to the limo and exited and the intercom buzzed as soon as the doors slammed shut. "Let’s get out of here as quickly and as subtly as possible."

Hephaestus started the engine and went straight for the gate, tossing a jaunty half-salute on the way past the guard. "What was that all about?"

"I have no idea, quite frankly. He’s got a plan, though, that’s the only thing I can tell for sure."

"Is this a plan that’s going to get us all killed? I mean, they’re pulling out the big guns, and you don’t do that for grins."

"…" Mouthymerc opened his mouth several times to reply, but settled for staring out the window at the passing scenery.