The Neutralizer pursued the Mercedes!

The Soldier donned the headset and pulled up the voice activated com-sat (a toy installed by Dino Perez, the Farms electronics genius) calling the Farms war room. Dave Novak the Farm's computer expert picked up! "Dave, I have a visual on Saladin but unable to apply tracker....can you help"! "Copy that" came Dave's response. "The border satellite will be over in 6 minutes....can you stay with target"?? Just then the soldier caught a flash in the B's rear view. Instantly, 3 Kawasaki KLX

"Dave, I've got company". Target is on TX Route 67 toward Shafer, TX....do your best...Neutralizer out"!

History had taught the Neutralizer that the best defense was a good offense. The soldier pulled the handbrake, power shifted into third and wheeled the B into a tight 180spin facing the 3 bikers! The MGB was strengthened by Steve "The Doctor" Skeggs' additional gift to the 1.8 liter/twin turbo engine i.e. a small supercharger removing any turbo boost lag. The soldier hit the gas grabbing at the MAC-10 sub gun behind the passenger seat. With the top down he had full field of vision.

The B roared to the lead Kawasaki with the sub gun tracking. The soldier unleashed a storm of parabellums into the first biker even before the target noticed and the rider went careening off into the dessert. The second rider checked and let a ragged line of 9mm go from his Uzi flying high and to the right of the B. The third rider drove right passed the MG in an attempt at a pincher movement. The soldier fish-tailed the nimble B hitting rider 2 with the rear bumper sending him into the air. The MG came around once again with its Pirelli P-0s digging for pay dirt. The sports car was now facing the third biker. Again the Mac -10 sub gun sent its dark message taking that last threat out!

The Neutralizer pulled the MG to a quick stop and called the Farm. The mission controller, Susan Simpson, answered this time. "Susan, intercepted by 3 hostiles....they are neutralized but I have lost Saladin". Her response was quick....."Dave is working the satellite and thinks he might have a bead on Saladin's car, sit tight"! Seconds ticked. Simpson came back..."Dave's got him"! "His car has just turned off Route 67 and is headed south toward the Fort Leaton historical site". "Sending the GPS coordinates now". "Got it Susan, thanks". "Will track from here"!

The soldier turned the B around and headed back toward the Mexican border. Another soft probe to locate the first of 2 tunnels from which the Taliban wanted to transport dirty bombs onto US soil. Get the tunnels, get the bombs and neutralize Saladin!

NEXT: Tunnel of love
NOTE: Previous 2 Neutralizer chapters can be found in the March and May Drivelines respectfully.

~~ Ralph Arata    

Natter n Noggin --- New Venue. Even month’s location The monthly meeting of club members gathering for livid conversation while enjoying a wee libation has run into a snag. The meeting place for this event on even months (held ‘down south)’ was at Roundhead's Pub in Lombard. Unfortunately the establishment closed its doors. Fortunately there are many sites along Roosevelt Road to take up the slack. We have agreed upon meeting at Anyway’s Pub in Oakbrook Terrace—about 2.5 miles east of Roundhead’s location. It has plenty of parking and was rated as one of the 10 Best Villa Park Restaurants in 2018 by TripAdvisor. Hope to see you there!! Anyway’s Pub 5 E Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 (630) 932-9323