OPPORTUNITY - The power of resistance: English Version

By Gabriele André and Wolfgang André

Queimada Grande die verbotene Insel verbirgt ein Geheimnis. Zwei Naturwissenschaftler werden durch den Fund eines Buches, in der Mandalay-Region von Myanmar, vor eine herausfordernde Entscheidung gestellt. Unvorhersehbare Ereignisse durchkreuzen ihren Plan dieses Geheimnis der Welt vorzuenthalten. Ein narzisstischer Senator instrumentalisiert einen labilen und korrupten Police Lieutenant, um dem Geheimnis auf die Spur zu kommen. Gier ruft weitere durchtriebene Kontrahenten auf den Plan. Ein integrer Archäologe wird auf der Suche nach seinem vermissten Partner unwillkürlich in die mysteriöse ereignisreiche Geschichte verwickelt und trifft dabei auf arglistige und gefährliche Personen. Feind und Freund sind näher, als man denkt. Gut vs. Böse begleitet dieses spannende Abenteuer, im vielfältigen Brasilien im Kampf gegen die Zeit.

Queimada Grande, the forbidden island, hides a secret. Two scientists are faced with a challenging decision after the discovery of a book in the Mandalay region of Myanmar. Unforeseen events thwart their plan to keep this secret from the world. A narcissistic senator instrumentalizes an unstable and corrupt police lieutenant to get to the bottom of the secret. Greed attracts other cunning opponents to the scene. An archaeologist of integrity, searching for his missing partner, involuntarily gets involved in the mysterious eventful story and encounters malicious and dangerous people. Enemy and friend are closer than one thinks. Good vs. Evil accompanies this exciting adventure, in diverse Brazil in the fight against time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: tredition
• Release date: Mar 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9783347584860

Gabriele André

Die Autorin Gabriele André (geb. am 26. Jänner 66) hat mit Ihrem Gatten, dem Autor und Cartoon Zeichner Wolfgang André (geb. am 07. September 65) diesem Kriminalroman erstmals einen lang gehegten Wunsch leidenschaftlich verwirklicht, indem Sie die vielen Geschichten und Anekdoten aus Polizeikreisen zur Wiener Unterweltkultur auf eine ganz spezielle Art zu Papier bringen wollte. Die spätberufenen Autoren hatten in den letzten Jahrzehnten Ihre Gabe, Menschen genau zuzuhören, perfektioniert. Die nach außen etwas introvertiert wirkende Schriftstellerin kombiniert mit Ihrem neuesten Werk genau diese fantasievollen, detailreich dargestellten Milieustudien, auf Basis teilweiser wahrer Gegebenheiten mit einer zeithistorischen Betrachtung Ihrer Heimatstadt Wien, während und nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Wertvolle Recherchearbeit und die genauen Insights Ihres Co-Autors, Ehegatten und ehemaligen Polizisten Wolfgang André waren der Nährboden für ein einzigartiges Buchkonzept mit weiteren geplanten Fortsetzungen, welche sich gerade im Schreiben befinden,… coming soon! Gabriele André wurde in Wien geboren. Sie liebt die Natur. Beschäftigt sich gerne mit dem Gestalten von Pflanzen und Ihren Katzen. Sie ist eine begeisterte Hobbygärtnerin und Weltenbummlerin. In dieser Ruhe findet Sie die Inspiration für fantastische Geschichten. Gabriele ist eine ausgeglichene und beständige Person und überdies eine hervorragende Köchin, die viele Speisen der internationalen Küche beherrscht. Immer wieder verzaubert Sie auf kulinarischer Weise Ihre Gäste. Ihre Liebe zum Schreiben hat Sie gemeinsam mit Ihrem besten Freund und Ehemann Wolfgang, entdeckt. Ihr beliebtes Genre sind Krimis und Abenteuer-Thriller. Eine Potpourri von Geschichten treibt Ihre Ideenschmiede und die Fantasie am Schreiben von Romanen und Drehbüchern voran. In einem tollen Versuchsprojekt mit der inVia Online Schule entsteht gerade ein Werk, welches im Oktober 2024 veröffentlicht wird. Nur so viel - Titel: SHYYSH - AI/Dangerous Error, ... mehr wird noch nicht verraten. Stolz macht uns auch die neue CRAFTBOOK - Serie, welche auf Wunsch der Kinder im Begleitunterricht - "Wissen mit Wolferl" - entstand.

Book preview

«TUBARAÓ»

Chapter 1

The full moon dominates this night as a big giant spotlight pointed directly onto the mighty, jet-black Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Brazil. Due to the luminosity, one perceives small bright, sparkling reflections in this night, which by brief flashes arouse the appearance of countless stars dancing. A fantastic scenery if it were not for the complicated job to be done. Appearances are deceptive; everything seems quiet and calm. Underwater, however, at a depth of about 40 meters, near the rugged cliffs of Queimada Grande, things look different. This forbidden area is as dangerous underwater as it is on land.

The predominantly nocturnal white sharks Tubaraó, called in Brazilian, are strongly represented here. They do not exactly make the night dive a walk in the park. The authorities prohibit diving and fishing within a one-kilometer radius. Strictly speaking, one is not allowed to approach the snake island Ilha das Cobras, as the Brazilian press likes to call the island, in this officially prohibited zone. The snake island lies about 33 kilometers south of the Brazilian coast, known for its unspeakably enormous, highly aggressive venomous pit viper population. In addition, the island is a protected nature reserve, and it is only accessible with difficulty due to the rugged coastal cliffs that drop steeply into the sea.

There are no sandy beaches; landings are already tough and dangerous under normal circumstances. Léon is aware of the prohibition, but he has no choice but to take the risk. He has taken on an assignment. Léon has principles, and when he accepts a mission, it is carried out to his client's satisfaction. He is well known for his trustworthiness in the scene for this. For him, however, this is more than an assignment. He is helping an old friend and client. The two have maintained an intimate friendship for several decades.

Léon is a man for the rough, with a tremendously positive reputation and experience for special operations. At 56 years of age, he is still an absolute agile adrenaline junkie who misses almost nothing. He gained his knowledge in the Foreign Legion, which he left honorably as a Sous Lieutenant in 2000 with several awards. His way into the Legion was a way out at that time. Léon does not enjoy looking back to the time after he was falsely accused of murder and got hunted down. He prefers to let time rest and look back only on the skills he has acquired and what he has learned. It was not his best period of life, but the past made him a strong man of integrity with instinct and abilities to constitute specific solutions. The silhouette of the Tocantins wreck is already visible in the headlight cone of the shining diving lamps.

Almost to the day 87 years ago, on August 30, 1933, the merchant ship commissioned under the Lloyd Brasileiro shipping company sank off Queimada Grande with an incredibly coveted cargo. Since then, it has been lying at a depth of about 25 meters.

Léon and Ronan approach the wreck carefully and attentively. Everything seems calm; only the air bubbles of the open-circuit respiration from the diving tanks attract sporadically curious startled sea creatures. As an experienced master diver, Léon vigilantly controls the surroundings. Something is bothering him.

His gut feeling tells him that something is wrong. Tensely, he observes the surroundings with the shark harpoon. He keeps a careful lookout for nocturnal sharks. There is barely an hour of oxygen left. His buddy Ronan Strike, the tall, muscular experienced combat diver, a highly decorated reserve officer in the U.S. Marines, is sifting through the labeled steel boxes. Léon shows the nonverbal Okay sign of the diver communication and aims the diving spotlight by circular movements at the target object's position. Léon has now also seen and confirmed the boxes. Just a few more meters. Done. Léon slowly turns once around his axis. He rechecks the surroundings, swirling up a little mud with his split diving fins. He indicates to Ronan that everything is fine. We are ready to go! Léon gives Ronan the signal to start the underwater operation with his thumbs up. Léon keeps an eye on the surroundings.

He has a clear view. Carefully, Ronan attaches 500 grams of Semtex to a box. The plastic explosive sticks well because it is soft and malleable. Meanwhile, Léon continues to observe the surroundings keenly. Ronan is the right man for this work; he is highly conscientious. Just one mistake can be the last. He carries out the task with concentration. Slowly, the first curious white sharks appear. Léon reacts immediately. He promptly signals this using the diver communication, the vertically extended hand in front of the forehead. At the same time, he lights up the shark's route. Ronan nods. Done. The first explosive charge is in place. He presses the wired MK1 detonator with the electric detonator into the plastic explosive to activate the initial spark. He then installs a second explosive charge in a girder immediately next to the steel box. Ronan checks the wiring of the detonators with the electric detonator again; then, he activates the system. The control system of the detonators tells him that the charging energy of the two batteries will last for just under 72 hours. From now on, the red LEDs flash every second. Ready.

Ronan informs Léon by a sign that the explosive charges are activated. Léon confirms. After a quick view at his Leonardo dive computer, he points to the surface to check the remaining breathable air. Slowly, the two of them rise to the surface. Quick as torpedoes, coming out of nowhere, two more great white sharks race towards them. Meanwhile, the dangerous hunters become more curious and reduce their distance. The experienced divers are used to this, but something is different. Léon knows the behavior of the predators very well and knows that if the sharks do not yet point their lateral fins steeply downwards and bend their hulls, there is less danger. He shows his assessment to Ronan using an understandable hand gesture of the diver's communication. Ronan can interpret the sign correctly, nods, and presses his back close to Léon. The well-rehearsed team has enough panoramic vision to avert any unpleasant surprises in this position. Ronan has grabbed his diving knife, and Léon holds the armed harpoon in front of his hull. The two are wellmatched. They carefully maintain eye contact with the three sharks. Slowly controlled, under observance of the decompression, the two continue to ascend, soon it is done.

The dangling rope with the buoy of the motorboat is already visible under the moon's radiant glow near the water's surface - only a few more meters. The sharks are still behaving calmly, although their circles around the two are already noticeably tighter.

Léon lets his partner go ahead. Finally, they accomplished. Ronan grabs the rope and heaves himself into the boat, followed by Léon shortly after.

We're on time, he says, climbing into the boat.

Ronan helps him take off the diving equipment.

"Yes, everything workedflawlessly.

Do you want a beer too?"

Gladly, I can use it now, Léon replies as he frees himself from the heavy diving tanks.

Ronan hands him an iced can of Heineken. He points to the water. The sharks have followed them and are silently circling the motorboat. Now and then, one can make out the shark fins in the moonlight.

There are our friends, he says sarcastically.

Friends? That's a bit of a mouthful, Léon replies, toasting Ronan. After a big gulp, they put the cans down and take care of the equipment.

After a glance at the clock, Ronan asks,

Léon, are you ready? Can we go?

Yes, all right, we can! says Léon.

Ronan starts and switches on the windlass to haul in the anchor. The windlass is working at full power. Abruptly, the rattling of the retrieved anchor chain is interrupted. It is stuck. Ronan releases part of the chain back into the water and starts another attempt. Nothing, no movement whatsoever, only the winch motor is struggling enormously. A repeated attempt also fails. The anchor is extremely stuck. The motor of the winch sounds again with a plagued noise.

Léon spontaneously reaches for the switch. He immediately turns off the winch motor. Thoughtfully, he looks at Ronan.

I'm going back down; something's wrong here!

In one go, he finishes the beer can, puts on only the diving tanks with the mask, and steps into the fins. After reaching for the shark harpoon, he jumps into the water between the circling sharks. As if they were not even there, Léon pulls himself into the depths by the anchor chain. Shortly before the sighted anchor, he quickly recognizes the problem: the chain has become tangled on a steel girder.

He begins to untangle the chain. While untangling, Léon perceives that one of the sharks has followed him and has taken a tense posture. He hastily detaches the anchor chain from the steel girder, trying to keep an eye on the shark. The shark continues to make its rounds. The distance increasingly minimizes.

The surrounding circles become smaller and smaller. The very moment the chain detaches from the girder, the shark attacks with lightning speed at tremendous speed. Léon grabs the loosened anchor chain at the last moment, just in time. He can stretch just under a meter of the massive chain protectively in front of his body to hold it in front of the shark's wide-open mouth. The powerful bite is so brute that it is even audible underwater. Impetuously, the shark bites into the chain so that some of its teeth break out.

Razor-sharp teeth splinter into Léon's face, and he quickly backs away. Knowing that the next attack does not take long, he grabs the harpoon in a flash, takes aim, and shoots the shark directly in the eye. Mortally wounded, the great white rolls around its axis a few times, then slowly sinks to the bottom of the sea. As swift as an arrow, the other two great white sharks aggressively attack their conspecific. Starved, they tear the adult great white shark apart. Unbridled, they shred large parts from it. An unrestrained regular fight for food, a genuine bloodlust, takes place. Even during the surfacing, the number of sharks increases enormously. Léon hastily pulls himself up on the anchor line, always with a brief look back at the number of rapidly forming sharks. Such spontaneous aggression has never happened to him before.

Finally, back on the surface, he pulls himself swiftly aboard with Ronan's help. Exhausted, he unloads the diving equipment.

"The anchor is free! The sharks are busy

with the big meal! Shit, that was close!"

Did they cause any problems? asks Ronan, after noting that Léon appeared exhausted, completely breathless.

Léon grabs a bath towel, slightly shaky.

"You could say that, give me another beer!

Our friend already had me on his menu.

Then he took a little iron to himself, and I could

protect myself with the anchor chain. That was close;

I harpooned him!"

He takes the equipment from him and takes care of it. Ronan notices that an arrow is missing from the harpoon. He reloads, places it within reach, and tosses him a beer can.

Who is our client, anyway? he asks curiously as the exhausted Léon opens his beer.

After a big gulp, Léon replies,

"Dr. Will Boomer, he is an excellent friend!

You're going to meet him tomorrow; he's a great guy and an outstanding scientist."

All right, that's all I wanted to know, Ronan says, hauling in the free anchor.

The Atlantic has an almost ghostly appearance. It is silently calm and quiet on the surface, only light breezes with the smell of salt spread out occasionally. No one suspects what is happening underwater. That night, all that remains audible is the babbling and gurgling of the inboard engine.

The rhythmic red flashing of the initial electric detonators at a depth of about 25 meters is visible from the boat. Knowing that he was damn lucky, he says sarcastically,

I should start thinking about retirement!

Ronan looks at him, puzzled. The two of them start laughing loudly. The V8 Mercury engine babbles and bubbles. Then they toast each other with their motto:

"Whoever fights can lose;

whoever doesn't fight has already lost!"

After completing their mission on this breathtakingly beautiful moonlit night, the two make their way back. Léon turns the throttle; they leave Queimada Grande at full speed with their fast motor yacht.

«PRIVAT STUDIO»

Chapter 2

In the European time zone, at the exact moment, the rain sets in in the 16th arrondissement of Paris on this early March day. The morning rain pours down in streams. The heavy precipitation has awakened Dr. Stanley Auburn, an archaeologist of integrity, in his penthouse. The man in his mid-forties sleepily glances at his watch. It shows it is 6:15 a.m. He puts on his soft brown bathrobe, opens the terrace door, and looks down on Rue Benjamin Franklin in the noble Passy district. The air is cool.

Stanley loves rain. To refresh himself briefly, he remains standing in it. Excellent, he thinks, a natural refreshment after the long night. The precipitation gradually turns into a drizzle. He rubs down his wet, slightly curly hair in the bathroom and runs a relaxing bath with eucalyptus back in the apartment. He loves this kind of bath. He hangs the damp bathrobe over the heated towel rail. Still slightly tired from yesterday's Limes Congress in Vienna, he sets up a coffee with his old aluminum Moka pot.

The Congress was highly successful. Stanley met and immediately gained another sponsor and client for his upcoming African expedition. This archaeology Congress is primarily concerned with provincial Roman archaeology. Where archaeologists from all over the world, natural scientists, ancient historians, building researchers, and interested clients meet, Stanley loves his work. It fulfills him. He is well-read. Well-liked by his colleagues, he is considered highly dedicated and competent. Archaeology has always been his passion. He researched from early childhood and showed a passionate interest in the cultural development of humankind. His parents realized the dream. He still has a lot planned. Achieving his goals is such a top priority that he amicably broke up with his longtime girlfriend before Congress. He is just as uncomfortable with this as Corina is. Stanley has enormous fears of commitment.

However, despite everything, he misses Corina very much. She is a loyal soul, a great woman. Stanley knows that she loves him madly and that she has a desire for family. The pretty, sophisticated Corina Brandt comes from Germany. She has been successfully doing investigative journalism for years. In the past few years, she even cooperated with the FBI several times on assignment. She is well known and sought-after in her industry. While the chocolaty, nutty aroma of the imported Brazilian coffee Caboclo spreads, Stanley walks into his studio and starts up the two computers. Finally, the coffee is ready. Black without sugar, he pours it. After the first sip, he speaks to himself,

"That’s a coffee, lovely.

I really need to stock up for Africa."

Every month, he always orders the same coffee on the Internet. To make sure he does not forget, he quickly rushes to his studio, dressed only in a towel, calls up the Amazon page for his order, and places it. Then he pours himself some more coffee and takes it into the bathroom; finally, the long-awaited relaxation. He gets into the tub, the scent of eucalyptus spreads. He leans back calmly, takes a sip of the coffee, and enjoys. In his mind, he once again reviews the focal points of Congress. With joy, he thinks about the upcoming expedition in Africa. In two weeks, it is time.

He knows that this adventurous journey can last longer than half a year. In this regard, he thinks he has made the only right decision to separate from Corina. He loves her very much. However, he wants to further his career and not stand in the way of her happiness. It is a massive lifespan that one invests in many things, and one should not steal it from another person if one disagrees with oneself about where the journey is going. Wistfully he thinks, maybe after the expedition, everything will be different, and he also desires to become more down to earth. At least the chance exists, he is sure. The decision was indeed not easy for him. Stanley has a strong sense of responsibility and does not want to harm anyone.

Because what if something goes wrong? Expeditions are always dangerous, especially this specific one, in the middle of the jungle.

Stanley is less afraid. He is well-trained. After studying in America, he enlisted in the Navy SEALs for two years. He would not want to miss the training. It benefits him time and again. But he is aware that there is always an incalculable residual risk in such adventures. He would not want to make Corina a widow in the prime of her life, at the age of 28. His mind is made up; he is sure.

Better a terrible end than unending terror, he whispers to himself as he soaps himself up.

Stanley washes off, leans back for a few more minutes, and slowly drinks his coffee. The self-reflection in the relaxing bath does him good. Refreshed and with a new sense of well-being, he steps out of the tub. After his morning shave, he heads to the kitchen and pours himself another cup of coffee. Today, he has no appointments during the day and can continue working on one of his coveted textbooks. An appointment, a long-planned dinner at the Lapérouse, with his best friend DDr. Werner Wideschy, is scheduled in the evening. Stanley is already looking forward to it. While he is still going through everything in his mind, he hears the signal of an email message. Stanley walks to his studio, sits down at the computer, and checks the e-mails.

A message from Dr. Will Boomer, he writes:

Hello, you go-getter, I heard the Congress was quite a success, and you shined, as usual, colleagues informed me. Congratulations. I am on the road with my new machine. I got the registration two days ago. When I finish my work in Brazil, I will fly to Los Angeles next weekend. Our office is ready. I have signed the lease for five years for the time being. An extension is possible at any time. I think you will then decide this for yourself. I look forward to our time together when we see each other in LA. after your expedition to Africa. Keep me posted. All the best, your friend and partner, best regards, Will.

Stanley is very pleased about the kind lines. He responds with the euphoric feeling of having made the right decision for his upcoming path.

«SIRIUS AVION»

Chapter 3

The new sports aircraft, Sirius Avion 3000 TL RDJ267, quietly pushes through the clouds. The powerful midday sun stands high on the horizon. In the glaring backlight flies a young magnificent Andean condor. A species of birds that belongs to the New World vultures. The potent scavenger really enjoys gliding majestically through the clear blue sky towards the sun. It dominantly shows off its approximately three-meter wingspan. One has the impression it relishes the acquired freedom by the prohibition of hunting and feels visibly well. That was not always the case.

Intensive hunting by the Spanish Conquista reduced its population to such an extent that this species faced extinction. Brazilians like to symbolize it as the heraldic bird of some South American states. Unrestrained and free, the blackbird of prey makes its rounds. Not even the descent of the Sirius Avion 3000 TL RDJ267 impresses the mighty Andean condor.

After flying his new seaplane through the vertical low-lying white clouds, 60-year-old Dr. Will Boomer glides calmly and steadily along the Brazilian coast in clear visibility. It seems as if the Andean condor accompanies him. An excellent presentation that Dr. Boomer does not want to miss. He immediately takes a few photos with the onboard camera. A fantastic opportunity to test the new technology, he thinks. The 4K resolution produces beautiful images. He is thrilled. The photos are so perfect that they create the impression one is flying next to the bird at one meter. After a few successful shots, the bird of prey turns away. Dr. Boomer grins. As a scientist, he has experienced some adventures and seen many things in his long career, but this event is unique for him. He loves birds. Ornithology was his principal subject for several years. Wistfully, he thinks of beautiful past times.

He was particularly interested in ornithology and the protection of species. He led an exciting life for science, and now almost at the end of his professional career, he must make such a decision. He is not entirely comfortable with this, but he believes he is doing the right thing. At least his experienced colleague Prof. Dr. Hari Acharaya shares his opinion. After a lengthy examination of all possible options, the two agreed to take the right path. He hopes to have made the right decision.

This morning, the flight offers a beautiful view of the impressions of the Brazilian coast, the Copacabana, the Ipanema, up to the coastal city of Caraguatatuba, due to the excellent visibility. Even the Brazilian relief Serra do Mar, which stretches for about 1500 km along the east-south coast, can be seen. This area is one of the most geologically valuable sections in the naturally protected regions of the Atlantic Forest because of its fauna and flora. The excellent weather conditions allow an unrestricted view of the Dedo de Deus, the finger of God. Dr. Boomer is impressed and again takes some snapshots using the onboard camera.

The mighty peak of the 1692-meter-high mountain massif, whose outline resembles a hand pointing to the sky with its index finger, is a genuinely picturesque motif. It is rare to get such pictures of geological monuments in front of the lens. He is thrilled and impressed. This modern technology fascinates him. Everything is so clear and works via touchscreen. He did not expect these kinds of shots on this day. Satisfied, he treats himself to a can of cold fresh lemon tea and enjoys the flight.

The idyll is interrupted by the acoustic GPS signal when the aircraft is only 30 miles from its destination. Dr. Boomer enters the coordinates, controls the data on the advanced avionics display, and activates the autopilot. After the check, the aircraft enters a stable descent to a constant altitude of 1000 meters. As agreed, he sends Léon a WhatsApp message to inform him of his imminent landing at Base Aérea de Santos Airport. The two have arranged a meeting. He hopes that everything went correctly and according to plan.

He then reaches for the radio to request permission to land at Airport de Santos.

"Tower Santos, Sirius RJD267,

request permission to land. Over."

"Sirius RJD267, I have you on screen,

cleared to land on Runway 35 Alfa,

approach northwest, wind 300/3 knots,

QNH 1019, parking at position 13," the air traffic controller replies friendly.

Dr. Boomer repeats, acknowledges, and initiates the landing approach with the coordinates provided. The conditions are fabulous, with good visibility, a dry runway, and no wind. Under these conditions, the plane hovers toward the runway. Impressed and without any problems, he lands the plane perfectly precisely at the small airport.

«CAMINHÃO TANQUE»

Chapter 4

Caminhão Tanque, the tanker, already stands ready on the runway, waiting for the arrival of the registered aircraft. Beró, the driver, is a very attentive serviceman. His well-known, friendly demeanor makes him very popular among pilots. Despite his southern mentality, customers trust his services. Béro counts as very conscientious and reliable. His diligence and work ethic reflect themselves in the care he takes of his truck. Such a well-maintained vehicle one sees relatively rarely in these regions. Béro is somewhat of an institution at Base Aérea de Santos Airport, having worked here since its official opening on July 20, 1960.

The airport serves primarily as a stopover for overnight refueling of chartered aircraft. Due to the short runway of the small airports and the accompanying weight restrictions, many destinations have not been approached non-stop with the maximum allowable amount of fuel. Many planes need the airport for a stopover for a necessary refueling stop. Béro has many customers. His fame reaches all the way to the rainforest. It is his life, and the customers are very satisfied. He is a trained, gifted mechanic that people trust.

The reputation of his reliability precedes him. He cannot take many jokes from his helpers when repairing and servicing aircraft. He knows that human failure is a significant cause of airplane crashes, and they start with service. He has not been involved in any accidents since he started the job. Another reason he enjoys prestige and respect among his pilots is that they trust his control and work attitude. On this beautiful weekday, Thursday, March 05, 2020, the airport is bustling with activity. Béro has his hands full. Planes take off and land almost every hour. Additionally, he has received a new employee who has just completed his training, is starting his probationary period, and must manage his first work assignment independently today. Béro does not find him very likable; he cannot get much out of him.

He does not understand the airport management to take in such an annoying know-it-all. But he has had to put up with the inclusion of this bloke by order. Now he watches his back and waits to see what else the creep will do. The addition of personnel is not within his authority, but he has a clear say in hiring permanent staff. In this regard, due to his negative gut feeling, he casts a particular eye on this suspicious oddball.

Dr. Boomer rolls his machine toward parking position 13 as instructed. Léon and Ronan have also arrived and formed a small welcoming committee; they wave to the proud pilot. After the machine is adequately parked, Dr. Boomer turns off the engine and steps out of the cockpit, pleased and in a good mood.

Béro has already positioned his truck to refuel. He gets out and greets.

"Olá Senhor. (Hello, sir) It's good to see you again.

Fill up?"

Dr. Boomer shakes Béro's hand and hands him his tip.

"Olá (hello), my dear, yes, fill it up.

I'm just as happy! How is your grandson, Carlo?"

"He's growing and growing.

Needs new soccer shoes almost every month.

I think he's going to be a great player.

When I retire, he may already be playing in the Seleção.

It's his dream to play in the national team.

Obrigado. With the dica (tip), I'll buy Carlo new shoes," Béro replies gratefully and gets to work.

Dr. Boomer smiles. While patting his shoulder, he wishes Béro furthermore all the best with his grandson. Then he heads over to his friend Léon.

There is great joy because the whole mission has happened via email and WhatsApp, and he has not met Léon in person for a while. After a big hug, Léon introduces his new diving partner, Ronan. Dr. Boomer shakes his hand.

"I understand you're very well-trained for special

assignments. Pleased to meet you. I'm Will."

Ronan responds sympathetically with a firm handshake.

"Okay. Ronan. It's an honor to work on your team.

Everything got done as instructed."

Meanwhile, Léon wedges the wheels of the landing gear. Dr. Boomer quickly presses the red Serviço button on the hangar door. He also wants to use the shortstop for an engine oil check. The three wait next to the machine for the serviceman. Meanwhile, Dr. Boomer tells Léon about his new office in Los Angeles while Ronan examines the machine. The southern mentality is well known for the fact that everything takes a little longer. Meanwhile, the sun heats the asphalt that one can feel the heat even through the thin soles of the espadrilles. The three of them take advantage of the provided shadow of the wing and wait, wait, wait and wait…

«SANTOS AIRPORT»

Chapter 5

Amadé Lefévre, the malicious, 35-year-old, unkempt French mechanic, finally makes his way to the hangar. His dragging gait seems listless in the heat shimmer of the heated asphalt of the runway. He repeatedly wipes his oil-smeared hands on the greasy, dirty overall and runs them through his hair a few times with a sarcastic smile. The gloss comes more from the engine oil than from the pomade. Enthusiastically, he insists on a handshake, cheekily grinning as he extends his filthy hand in greeting. Dr. Boomer negates the absolute rude request of the demanded handshake. He is astonished by this repulsive obtrusiveness. Léon and Ronan look at each other speechlessly.

Piqued, smug, Amadé withdraws his hand.

"Olá Senhor, I am Amadé o novo (the new one)!

Some know me, others can get lost!"

Then he laughs maliciously. Friendly but determined, Dr. Boomer replies,

"Good afternoon, my dear.

I'm not searching for friends. I already have them.

I just want to refuel and do an oil check.

Please work carefully. The machine is brand new!"

Amadé reacts disgruntled.

"Oh Senhor, I see:

I'm just a mechanic, compreendido (understood).

What can I do for the noble gentleman, per favor?"

Shaking their heads, the three of them head into the direction of the restaurant.

Ronan turns around again to look at the serviceman.

A rare, strange bird!