Acquistioner’s Entry 2: Meeting Karl Leaves Big Impression
Four planes later we’re making the final approach to Port Elizabeth. I guess it’s time to check out that duffle bag. I enter the combination into the cheap-looking lock and I’m a bit surprised at the hefty sounding clunk it makes as it opens.
Inside are freeze dried rations, ropes, various tools, some jungle attire and a 3 foot long tube that is open at one end. The other end of the tube bulges into a transparent globe about the size of a soccer ball. The tube is surprisingly light. Two obvious grips ring the midpoint of the tube and stamped next to the grips are the words “Stuffocator Mach 1″. Curious…
The plane lands and I collect my things. Boy am I ready for a shower and a shave. After 46 hours of plane hopping I’m pretty ripe. My brain seizes on the idea of Karl having a hotel, hot shower and decent meal all lined up. Follow that with a soft bed in a deluxe hotel and 8 hours of sleep and I’ll be good to go. Time to find Karl…
Emerging from the plane door I’m overwhelmed by intense sun and oppressively humid heat. Descending the steep plane stairs quickly turns treacherous. My duffle bag catches on the railing and flies out of my hand toward the tarmac. Desperately I lung to save it and succeed in coming in fourth place in the race to the ground. The winner is clearly the duffle bag but a strong second and third place finish goes to the 2 unfortunate people in front of me on the stairs.
The scorching heat from the black tarmack has us instantly on our feet. I try to apologize to the 2 businessmen, but the reality is there is no adequate apology. Their light colored tropical business suits are smeared with runway dirt and grease. Abrasions are swelling their foreheads.
I try to disappear into the crowd and forget the whole incident. My goal is to find Karl and the hotel.
Walking another 10 yards beyond the customs agent I hear someone say “Nice exit V”.
Turning toward the voice, my sense of shock wrestles with utter embarassment. I’m looking at someone about 5′ 2″, blond hair, blue eyes and clearly athletic. She has a sign held loosely in one hand with the letter “V”. Fluent stupidity starts to flow…”are you Karl?”
“After watching you exit the plane I wish I could say no, but I promised Finn I’d look after you on your first assignment.” Karl said.
“Is that all your stuff? We have to hurry. Your plane being half an hour late makes our boat connection very tight. I’ve got a taxi waiting let’s go.”
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