• Hey Larry, how's it going? I hear you've done some rehab?

Ya...aah, some. But this time it's for real. I got a whole new outlook, Tom... Completed the full twenty-seven step program, and they tell me the ninth time's a charm.

• And you've parted company with A.I.M.?

Well, as you may know, Tom... A.I.M. failed to process some of my paperwork, and I found myself without an organization to represent me, so I joined M.E.R.C., the More Economical Recruitment Center. It's a new, ah...start up company run by Speck T. Kline and Biff Apscott. I'm working with all new guys, well...except for Biff, who still does some field work when he has the time.

• And what's with this new laptop? Are you taking it to play Quake out in the field or what?

It's a new high-tech thingy, Tom. I don't know much about it, other than it looks like a really small suitcase.

• Have you any word on the mission this time out? Word's out that there's one evil lady running the country!

I don't know what mission I'll be signing on for, Tom. But if you're talking about that wacko broad down in Arulco, it's definitely looking like a hotspot. Could blow up really good anytime, man... ah, sir, ah...Tom.

• Are any of your old pals from last time out still around?

Ya...ah, Static's still with A.I.M., but I try to avoid hanging out with him. He's like a really bad influence. There's also a new guy named Steriod, I'm trying to avoid, too. I'm doing my best, Tom, but it ain't easy, you know. AIM's probably got about twenty veterans that your readers may know, but ah... I'm the only Roachburn still doing this line of work.

• Your father, the legendary Leon Roachburn, has retired?

Actually, Tom, he's dead. Died in grease fire this past Christmas eve. There was nothing left of his trailer, man, except a small jar of burger sauce. Never had a chance.

• I'm sorry to hear that, Larry. Are you all right to continue?

Ya, I'm okay... Just been a rough year, Tom. You know, we didn't quite see eye to eye, me and the old man. So, he went and left everything in his will to Pamela Sue Anderson. Don't ask me why...

• I think I know. Returning to business, are you guys getting issued any new types of weapons?

Ya, there's a whole bunch of new stuff, Tom. Lucky for me, they all pretty much work by pulling the trigger, so I don't feel like I missed too much while I was away becoming a better person.

• The villagers talk of something unspeakable in the mines. Are you worried?

You know, Tom... I've seen it all. On a couple of occasions, I've seen more than anyone else who was in the room with me. So, ah...to answer your question... No, Tom.

• Oh yeah, I heard Gus bit it, how'd it happen?

You'll have to tell me, Tom. I bowled with Gus just last night and he was very much alive. Beat me by three points. He's working for A.I.M. now, Tom.

• That's Tim!

Where?

• It was good talking to you, Larry.

You, too, Tom.

• We left the camp soon after, with me not that much the wiser about A.I.M.'s involvement in the civil war that looked set to erupt in Arulco, and wondering whether if I were pulling the purse-strings in that battle whether I'd really look to M.E.R.C. to save a few bucks. Next up was a call back to Sirtech to see what extra info they could throw my way...