Andre slumps in the front seat, suffering. Duncan and Heidi look on fearfully from the back seat. Heather decides she has to do something.
"I'm going to talk to them," she says resolutely.
"No, it is too dangerous!" her father pleads.
Andre looks over through his bruised eye. He sees that the redhead is afraid, but also sees courage.
Heather says, trying to keep her voice from wavering, "Daddy, I'm in charge of the mission now. I have to try and reason with these people. It's my responsibility now." And with that she steps out of the car.
The troopers look on as the young redhead steps out and walks over to them. They look her over; she wears sensible khaki shorts and a white vest, leaving exposed considerable cleavage, in which is nestled a shimmering gold cross.
Heather decides to seize the initiative. "My name is Heather MacPhail, I'm director of the Christian Crusade for Charity Fund. We are heading into the interior on a humanitarian mission. We do not have much, but are willing to pay a fair toll for passage." She tries to speak forcefully, but her thin voice wavers as she watches the assembled men eye her body lustfully.
"Don't you speak our language, girl?" one asks.
"Uh, no," she admits.
They talk to each other. "Is that your papa there?" another says, pointing to the back seat.
"Uh huh," she nods, looking over towards the car. She watches the men with growing fear.
"Yeah, there is a toll, girl," the leader says, smiling...
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