[Greg Anos]

After we got there, we rented a 18 wheeler for the croakers and their gear, with plenty of leftover spaces for hauling things back. The rest of us split into two cars and headed out to the headquarters. Per orders, the 18 wheeler stopped 10 kilometers from the site. I also left one car there. The rest of us piled into one car and headed on.
I had us stop about 2 klicks from the main entrance.
"OK, here is where we split up. BadGoodDeb. You pick youself out a nice sniper nest about 3 klicks from main entrance door. We'll back you up 'til you're in place. VR's human will cover your back. Then VR and I'll take a little stroll. Remember the sniff I gave you. Ralph likes to play games with doubles. Ears back, he's real. Ears down, he's a double. Now let's get rollin'."
'Bout ten minutes later, BadGoodDeb gives us the set sign.
"Well, Doggie, time to take a stroll."
"We're going to be sitting ducks."
"Naw, we're gonna be walking ducks."
"You're really instilling confidence in me."
"Shall I put a leash on you?"
"You try and I'll tear out your throat myself!"
"So let's go take that hike to Valhalla. That's what Her Majesty pays us for. Besides, the weathers nice. It's a good day to die."
So we walked along the road toward the main entrance. There were some big ornamental rocks along the road. As we got to the third one, suddenly there was a burst of dust right next to us and a sound like ripping linoleum. I reached for VR and did a rollin' dive behind the rock, all in one motion. VR lay next to the rock, making a puddle.
"Welcome to the front lines, VR."
"S-s -shut up, you <bleep>ing Redneck."
I tapped my lapel. "Who's got the MG42, Deb? Anybody we know?"
"Yep, Ralph's human, GeoffC. Shall I take him out?"
"Who's his No 2."
"Nobody. The belt is coming out of a huge box."
"Time for some fancy shootin', Deb. See if you can hit the MG42's receiver."
"Well, I'll try. Probably take a couple shots. I hope he doesn't track me after the first shot. Why not the human?"
"Professional courtesy. Finding a human that works with a talking dog isn't easy. I don't want to rile Ralph up unnecessarily."
"He's already shooting at you."
"Just follow the orders, Deb."
"OK, Boss."
A few moments later, I heard the big bark of the .50 cal, followed by a curse from BadGoodDeb. Then another big bark, followed by a chortle from Deb.
'Look at the guy run!"
"Got the gun?"
"Sure, Boss. Right in the receiver."
"Take a look around on IR and see if you see any other welcoming committees."
A couple minutes later, "No, Boss."
"All right, VR, let's finish our stroll."
I went slow for a few meters until VR's legs got a little steadier. By the time we got the the fancy shrubbery by the front door, VR had calmed down a little. We walked over to the door, which I opened. VR walked in, followed by me.
The change was shocking. From the heat and the dust of the outback, to a stereotypical air-conditioned corporate reception room, complete with your standard corporate receptionist.
"Welcome to Montsnmag Mining Research Center. Can I help you gentlemen?"