Convoys in the dark

[Kugelan Free State]

The Lone jackal barked in the wilderness. The pitch black night stretched out endlessly and only the furtive steps of the hunted crackled against the twigs and fallen leaves. the confident hunters watched on with silent knowing the thick golden pelt of the lion did not betrey his position to the unsuspecting impala.

The Uhmlanga Highway was one of only two roads leading North into Umbazi, it was guarded by a single police checkpoint. Officer Lucas Voek was once a very competent police officer. His Uncle a famous Colonel with land had managed to get him a position, but he had blown it when he had been found with a young junkie hooker, his face bloated with alchohol and cocaine. His superiors couldn't fire him, nor could they keep him.
So he was banished to Uhmlanga and forgotton about.
He didnt mind so much he could entertain his own peculiar brand of fun while working the night shift on the Uhmlanga, and thats just what he was doing when he heard the roar and splutter of an Engine on the service road behind his station

 

[Umbazi]

The trucks stopped, their engines still running, their heavy headlamps piercing the thick darkness of the Himyari Night. Officer Voek watched in trepidation as the trucks began disgorging large numbers of black figures, in baggy clothing and some in robes. Many carried machetes or AK-47s. Voek quickly reached for his own side-arm and radio, but knew it was futile. If he tried anything he'd be cut to ribbons.

"Ahallah Salaam!" a voice called cheerily from the darkness. "You be droppin' the radio now, pole-pole?" the voice carried an edge of menace. As Voek watched, sweating, the armed men quickly swarmed over the border, taking up guard positions. The rest began to limp across the now "open" border, the trucks not daring to cross.

A fat black man in a colorful robe came out of the darkness into Voek's eyeline. His fingers were coated with rings, and he wore thick spectacles, even in the darkness.
"Hakuna Matata, friend. We be needing your crossing-post, now. How can we make the Night worth your while?" the fat man walked up with utter confidence, untill he was within arm's distance of the terrified border guard. The robed man flourished a fine cigar between his fingers, straight, unlit. He also nodded, and 2 men brought forth a heavy case filled with the clinking of bottles.

"You will find co-operation is much to your benefit, friend. We can even make these...cold, lonely nights...more bearable." The fat man smiled, revealing a mass of crooked deeply yellow teeth. In the darkness, Edward could make out now the lithe, slender form of women being led out of the trucks.

"All this we offer in generosity. But we can offer even more, if you help us find customers to share such largesse with." the fat man smiled. "Think on it, but for now, let us pass, yes?"

The last was more a statement than a question. He could see clumps of people moving in the distance, some starving families, running across the border, clutching children to them. Others he could see were armed, and watching the darkness nervously.

Voek looked at the radio and gun he had, and wondered just what the hell was going on tonight along the Uhmanga Highway.

 

[Kugelan Free State]

Lucas Voek forgot about the badge on his chest ad the gun in his hand, he felt the special easy grip surface slip through his numbed fingers and then he heard it as itclattered on the rocky floor.

As a person Lucas considered himself, his eyes were baggy from sleep deprivation and his head hurt from comming down off the crack he had snorted hours earlier.
He saw a glimmer in the fat mans eye, it was a glimmer of profit and he stared at it with awe.

Eventually he spoke, breathing out gusts of anchoholic breath at the fat man

"Who are you, bro. You're not meant to be on this road"​

 

[Umbazi]

The fat man simply laughed. "Bold, eh? Perhaps you are already familiar with our wares, no?" The fat man sniffed theatrically. "If you must call me something, call me Boss." the Fat man smiled wolfishly. "And dese- are my crew."

Some men slipped past Voek, and entered his border hut, presumably to make sure there was noone else around, and to cut off communication. It was a sort of Invasion, Voek realised. An Invasion of Crime, offering him- when it really didn't need to- all the luxuries and amenities needed to ameliorate the harshness of life, to make things easier on the harsh veldt.

"You got one chance, bro." the fat man said suddenly, leaning in close, his own foul breath on Voek's face. "I repeat mah question- whats it going to be? The good times, the good life, the low-down and the look-away, or...not?"

Voek could hear the trucks starting up again, as some prepared to role back into the darkness, back to Umbazi. Others prepared to cross the border, and bring their cargo to a whole new market.

 

[Kugelan Free State]

Lucas Voek hesitated for only one moment longer, he had a feeling that if he declined his blood would flow upon the earth.

"Sure, whatever"​

What else could he say, He watched the fat mans eyes light up he was close and he knew it, this was the defining moment in his life, he could have ended it right then and there, but maybe now. maybe he would live.

 

[Umbazi]

The fat man smiled and laughed. "Excellent, brother. It begins." The Fat man clapped, and the Convoy roared into life, speeding across the border with a spray of dust, heading deep into the country, baring its wares and gifts to as yet unknown markets, leaving Lucas alone with the Fat man and his coterie...and a crate full of fine alcohol and drugs.

"Help yourself, brother. Your first reward for co-operation." The Fat Man, despite his colorful dress and bulk, managed to easily slip back into the darkness, along with his men, leaving Lucas alone with the crate full of goodies.

It was only the Beginning.

 

[Kugelan Free State]

Voek chuckled too himself, he had survived. but the dread of uncertainty spread into his gut. He knew that that Fat man would be back, he'd want more than just a blind eye next time, he would want names and telephone numbers.
Voek bent down to inspect the crate he had been left. Packets of white powder and bottles of good quality vodka twinkled at him in the starlight. This nights haul was worth more than his months salary. Probably worth more than 3 months salary, Voek chuckled to himself again

He would begin to get together a list of criminals and "trustworthy" officials he could rely on. Voek was convinced there was alot more than a quick buck to be made out of this little venture