Traveller Probo

The gathered men appeared relaxed. Osborne knew otherwise.

The new Transporter was hidden behind sterile white panels and the equipment’s invisibility added to its mystery. Osborne knew Transporter 2 had been rigorously tested but to have his team sent with the new unit made him inexplicably nervous. Even the reassuring presence of Zak Chandler didn’t make him feel any better. Osborne and the rest of the Byzantium Traveller team were dressed for the mission, though only those to be sent were armed with a sword, spear, and extra dagger in their boot.

Zak stepped out to congratulate each of the team. Nine, including a nervously excited Professor Taylor, were scheduled to journey to Byzantine Constantinople, while a team of four was to secure the Area of Convergence. Two were armed guards while two Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operators would monitor mission progress from the air. Unlike the rest of the team, the four were armed with MP5 machine pistols with suppressors, for there was to be no surprise attack as experienced in New Zealand. Like the drones proposed for the American mission, the Byzantium Traveller UAV would operate at a height that would prevent ground detection.

Osborne was proud to note that his men looked tough and capable, with a studied nonchalance any would envy. They had been more nervous at the ceremony. Now, it was all about the mission.

In the crowded public viewing area, over two-hundred dignitaries and journalists waited. Professor Askar accompanied the Turkish President and a gaggle of ministers, international diplomats and military high command. A bank of TV cameras stood poised. There was also a VIP area for the rest of the Byzantium Traveller team. There sat Colonel Babacan, Brother Alex, the major from the Hakkari Brigade, and Captain Nuray Kartal with Deniz. The trainers turned to join them but as he went to walk away, Osborne called Chuck over.

“Chuck! Last minute change of plans mate!” Osborne muttered. Chuck leaned in to listen intently, for last minute changes usually meant trouble. “Get in line mate! You’re being Transported to check the lads on location.”

Chuck frowned and replied sharply, “Bullshit!”

“No bullshit. I forgot to tell you earlier,” smiled Osborne as Chuck looked up hopefully.

Chuck frowned, “Jeez Ozzie. If this is some kind of lame-assed joke I…” but Osborne interrupted. “No joke Chuck. Get the fuck over there before I change my mind and send Hami.”

Chuck gave a rare, beaming smile and muttered, “You bloody beauty!” and made his way to the others. McFee had been waiting and greeted Chuck with a slap on the shoulder. Hiding a smile, Osborne walked to the VIP area where he shook hands and received hearty congratulations. Somehow, he had convinced the politicians not to railroad the event and to save their speeches until after the Travellers had been sent. Only the President was to make a brief farewell.

Osborne noticed the only remaining seat was next to Captain Kartal. He paused a moment and glanced at the others but none met his eye, so he asked her if he could sit there and received a small smile and curt nod. As he took his seat, Osborne was particularly aware that they made contact. She moved slightly and seemed to have moved a little closer, so their shoulders touched comfortably. He felt himself redden, then concentrated on the team as the President gave a rousing, patriotic speech to wish the Travellers well.

They were ready.

At a signal from Zak, the first group, including McFee and Chuck, was positioned into the Area of Convergence as they had been trained. They were accompanied by their two guards. Osborne caught a look of excitement from Chuck and then, without a sound, they winked out of existence.

To his surprise, Captain Kartal leaned to him and murmured, “This is all so different to how I imagined. Your men are so very brave. It has been a pleasure Captain.”

Osborne was surprised at her amiable tone, not that she had been unfriendly of late. They just hadn’t spoken. “The pleasure has been all mine Captain Kartal. This isn’t as scary as when I took you horse-riding though. That was a trying time.”

She surprised Osborne with a loud bark of laughter, incongruous considering the significance of the moment. She turned to him with a quizzical look, “I hope that won’t be my last lesson Captain.”

Osborne frowned and smiled in confusion but he couldn’t detect any trick. “I’ll have a little more time after today, if you’re interested that is?”

Captain Kartal was silent as she watched the second group of Travellers walk into the Area of Convergence. The required five-minute interval had passed. If there was any danger, one of the guards would have returned. All appeared to be well. Parker and McAlister stood with Professor Sir Adrian Taylor who looked terribly nervous but capable. Osborne felt a sudden rush of affection for the academic and silently wished him well.

After they winked out of existence, Captain Kartal took a breath and shook her head before turning to Osborne. “Yes Captain, that would be delightful,” she replied. There was a quick, nervous smile and then she turned back to the phenomenon of the Transporter.

Erol and the remainder of his Turkish countrymen stepped into the Area of Convergence and stood proudly. It was always hoped that weapons would be unnecessary. They would be in the great city for only a few days and there would be hourly reports. Erol and the other Turks raised their hands in salute and the spectators, including the President, his generals and politicians, suddenly stood and applauded as they cried out support for their brave men.

But, they were gone.