One Tin Soldier Rides Away

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1

Listen, children, to a - YouTube that was written long ago about a kingdom on a mountain and the valley-folk below…

Broadcasting live from SBC Television studios at 50 Federation Square…
…you’re watching to SBC One’s The Nation Tonight with Alistair Huntley:

"Good evening, ladies and gentleman, thank you for tuning into The Nation Tonight. Over the last couple of days, geologists with the Anglo-Syrene/Auralia (ASA) mining company have uncovered in the mountainous Rivanjariya headwaters of Auramont what may be the largest ever coltan find.

"A spokeswoman for ASA told The Nation Tonight that the company estimates that more than a thousand metric tons of coltan - an ore used to produce tantalum capacitors found in almost ever modern electronic device - may be embedded below the surface of the ~200,000 hectare survey area. Coltan is now selling for up to US$450 (~F$2300) per kilogram, and the price is going up as demand for electronic weaponry and consumer gadgets increases.

However, as much as 90% of the mineral deposits are deep underground and require expensive hard rock mining techniques to extract. The capital to exploit these mines doesn’t exist domestically, so ASA will have to travel abroad to seek funding. Mineral rights and security of the mines are other large challenges facing this operation.

"The Rivanjariya headwaters are notorious for being the site of protracted legal battles and violent conflict over land ownership. Much of the land is under suit for the recovery of aboriginal title after the segregation-era government deported the native population to a barren aboriginal reserve. Meanwhile, white landowners who came seeking mineral riches are often delinquent on their bank loans because the deep mineral deposits were too expensive to exploit. The Syrene White Armed Patriotic Organization (SWAPO) terrorist organization is thought to be active among the white population there.

“Finally, a portion of the land is set aside for federal and state conservation areas, and this territory has fallen under the control of drug smuggling interests…”

Headquarters of Anglo-Syrene/Auralia PLC
Port Sophia, Providence

“When my great-grandfather joined that first group of rough-necks that went prospecting for gold in the Asalo Hills, which, then as now, were overrun with all the savages, fugitives, and general refuse of the earth, he did not fear the certain death that awaited him there.

"It’s that testicular fortitude that made him his (and this company’s) first millions and it’s that gusto we’re going to take with us up the Rivanjariya,” pronounced Anglo-Syrene/Auralia’s managing director Oswald Hayes IV as he announced the coltan find to the executive team in a gleaming Port Sophia highrise overlooking the Syrene Coast.

“We got the land in a fire sale, but we can expect a fight from those butt-hurt rednecks and unwashed [racial epithet]’s that don’t know how to play the market. Now we just need the machines to turn it over and the manpower to protect it. Starting today I’m sending out our freshest faces to scour this godforsaken continent for some scoundels, chappies, or, hell, even furries that will sell us some drills and men.

“Also, Ms. Jones, be sure to jump on the trade unions and tell them we’ll start the gravy train running soon enough. We don’t want the PLF jumping up our ass for not hiring union labor, especially since their coalition partner’s already going to be having a shit-fit over the mining operation going down on so-called ‘aboriginal lands.’ Better yet, let’s be a ‘good corporate citizen’ and start the recruiting among the ‘disaffected youth’ of Freetown,” chortled Hayes.

Maynard-Johnson International Airport
Airport City Free Zone, AFT

A cadre of suits glided down the corridor like a flock of migratory Canadian geese. The blond, blue-eyed executive at their head was 29 year-old Albert O’Day. This Elizadoran golden boy’s doe-eyed demeanor belied his sharp mind for business.

As project manager, O’Day was leading the hearts and minds tour to secure equipment and a security team for the mining project. His first stop was Christie Island where he would meet with business interests from across the region at the Grand Orient Hotel in Downtown Rilanon.

2

The white jet streaked through the sky on it’s way to Rilanon, inside the extremely expensive jet sat Kurt Clinton, Head of Acquisitions for Concordance Industries, the largest company in Allegheny. He had been contacted by Doctor Houseman directly about the news of the coltan reserves found in Syrene, which was rare because Houseman hardly spoke to anyone anymore unless it was through pre-recorded messages, he remarked to himself at the time that the good doctor was looking slightly ill, he kept these observations to himself though. As the jet cut through the sky he read up on information that had been gathered about ASA and the internal conflict of the area surrounding the newly found reserves. Coltan was important to Concordance as it was used in almost every one of their products ranging from your average bedside hospital machine to the military grade augmentations the government had ordered for the military. Recently released company directives mandated the expansion of the company into all markets, foreign and domestic, even slightly related to the products made by Concordance. There was no doubt amongst the company that Houseman himself was secretly working on something big. Accountants were ordered to shift money to projects that didn’t exist, the amount of Concordance’s personally owned PMC operatives were doubled and newly graduated scientists were being picked up, forced into draconian non disclosure agreements and sent to labs to work on whatever it is Houseman is working on.

Sounds of descent snapped Clinton out of his train of thought, he laughed to himself as he told himself to stop thinking about the company’s secrecy. He went over the plan to himself as they hit the runway, he was to convince the rep of the Anglo-Syrene/Auralia company to either negotiate a purchase of the entire company or fund and take control of the entire project with the company’s money and mercenaries. The worst case scenario would be missing out on a deal and having to find a way to acquire the competing company and mine the coltan through them.

As the plane taxied to a stop Clinton grabbed his briefcase and straightened out his black suit and red tie before walking down the air stair to an awaiting vehicle. The hotel itself was something to behold, no expense was spared for the building that had housed many past esteemed national dignitaries. Clinton walked in with the penchant look of superiority Alleghenians were known to have. Spotting the signs to the meeting area he saw Albert O’Day and closed in him.

“Good day Sir, I am Kurt Clinton, Head of acquisitions at Concordance Industries. You must be Albert O’Day.”

Clinton set his briefcase down before O’Day and his constituents and quickly set up his presentation. “Now gentlemen, so as not to waste your precious time let’s begin. For those that do not know I am Kurt Clinton, Head of Acquisitions for Concordance Industries. Now for those of you uninformed you may be asking what and who we are. Concordance Industries is THE largest corporation in Allegheny, We mostly deal in medical technologies and the famed Human Augmentation Project, but as part of a company mandate we are looking to expand our already large company to the international scene. We have just over 1 Million people in the medical and military research fields under our employ. Our hospitals are rated #1 by independent medical journals across the East Pacific and we own almost 85% of the healthcare industry in Allegheny. Our work with the Human Augmentation Project has brought about some of the most advanced Augmentation technologies next to the Packilvanian Hive and what’s better than being able to enjoy the advantages of augmentation without the constant drone of a Hive Mind. That’s who we are, so why am I here. I am offering your company to become part of the Concordance family along with all the benefits and money that comes with being part of that family. I can tell you, with a business record like ours, your future will be in safe hands. With out burgeoning company empire and your know how for getting the good stuff out of the ground we can make that future even brighter. Thank you.”

3

Ivan de Jeannot read the reports about Syrene. He was quite tall for a vulpine, his silver and red fur giving him a unique appearance. “Hm…Apparently, there might be trouble with the natives.” If there was one thing Ivan liked it was a challenge.

His plane soon touched down. He exited the plane, accompanied by his brother Captain Gerard de Jeannot of the Vulshainian Air Force and a few soldiers. “I’m telling you Ivan, the military might not get involved here.”

“Well, if this works, we will have gained an ally.” His brother had gold and red fur and was about the same height as Ivan. Unlike Ivan who wore a business suit, Gerard wore a cyan military greatcoat and peaked hat. The soldiers wore CBAs (Confederate Battle Armors OOC: Think of the armors worn by the ODST soldiers from Halo games). They easily found where they were having the meeting. Many of the people there stopped and looked at the Vulshainians, having never seen vulpines and lobos before. A few people almost ran into each other, doors, and walls.

They quickly went in and watched the presentation given by the Alleghenian.

4

Grand Orient Hotel
Rilanon, Christie Island

“Thank you for your very enticing offer, but I’m under strict directives to keep the principal ownership of the project within the ASA family,” O’Day chirped with a smile.

"On that note, I’d like to offer the you opportunity to prove yourself with a small initial investment at one of our new mining sites. Depending on your performance, we will award the final contract and a stake in the larger profits to you or one of your competitors.

“We’ll provide the access, infrastructure, and labor. What we need from you is your expertise in extractive technologies and… err… pacification of certain opposition elements. Our federal government is very strict about arms importation, so we have to stick to ‘training locals and local sources.’ However, I trust that also have experience in blurring those edges a bit.”

CoSoMU Hiring Hall
Freetown, Carpentera

Scores of young men and women, mostly Afro-Syreners, lined up around the Council of Socialist Mineworkers’ Unions (CoSoMU) hiring hall in the Freetown industrial district. They had their union cards and cash in hand ready to snatch up the mining jobs on offer that day. Youth unemployment in Carpentera had creeped up over 50% and the resulting social had brought many to their wits end. Suddenly shipping out to the remote, dusky mountains of Auramont sounded a lot more enticing.

The event had attracted the who’s-who of the state labor aristocracy and PLF nomenklatura. Premier Duvall Sherman was even in attendance to watch his wife cut the ribbon to start the races, as it were. Among the social realist murals of proud miners, heaping lodes, and smiling babies, the following banner was draped across the hall:

THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THERE HILLS
Good Mining Jobs in the Rivanjariya Headwaters of Auramont
Company Housing and Schools Available for You and Your Family
Enquire Today! F$8000 Annual Dues or Valid CoSoMU Card Required.
Constitution Court of the Federation
Federation Mall, Augusta Federal Territory

Aboriginal activists from all over the country had gathered to protest the court’s ruling on the Rivanjariya Headwaters. The justices had announced once and for all that the evicted aboriginal landowners would receive compensation, but the government had no authority to return the land.

At the center of the crowd was Miriam Herilalaina, a tall Aramasy woman with long, black hair. She had been an aboriginal activists since her college days. She represented the radical wing of the Aboriginal People’s Unity and Transcendence Organization (APUTO), which eschewed the more moderate electoral wing. Like many radical APUTO members, she was also a militant in the Armed Freedom Front of the Aramasy Nation.

“Brothers and sisters, today we weep for our ravaged nation,” she cried out in her native Aramasy. “We weep for the men, women, and children who sacrifice their livelihoods and their sacred lands in the name of some white man’s law. But we shall not weep in vain, and we shall not hold our breath for the elected stool pigeons to stand up for us. We shall take what is justly ours in good time!”

5

“Mr. O’Day is it,” Ivan said, “if you like my company Jeannot Industries could assist you in surveying and environmental procedures. My company is well equipped in not only mining but also in repairing the area once we are done. In addition there are medical researchers who are quite interested in talking with the locals concerning unique plants which could lead to cures for all sorts of diseases. The Vulshainian Armed Forces Corps of Engineers is also experienced with dealing with opposition in a diplomatic fashion. Violence in this kind of venture is extremely bad for business and will frighten away investors. I would be glad to assist you in any way we can.”

6

Kurt Clinton returned the smile, it wasn’t what he wanted and he was prepared to make a different offer, that is until the two Vulpines had shown up near the end of his presentation.

“Vulshainian Military?!” He said to himself in his head. “What the hell are they even doing here?”

The situation had turned sour, it was no international secret that Vulshain and their ‘Goody Two Shoes’ King were butting their heads into every international problem they heard on the news. If they were granted the contract, Concordance would lose the profit needed to proliferate itself and they might be able to convince ASA to refrain from selling to them. Clinton wasn’t sure, he had yet to get a good read on O’Day and didn’t have the ability to know more about Higher ups in ASA. Concordance kept most of it’s morally questionable activities top secret but the Augmentation project was pretty questionable in of itself and it was a big issue in Allegheny.

“Yes of course, that is most unfortunate. If we most prove ourselves to the task than I can assure that you will be most pleased with the outcome. Concordance has recently acquired a majority stake in the Ashley Extraction Corporation, we shall direct their equipment and resources for the operation whilst providing the funds for the investment. Our personal security firm shall head up protection of the site. Rest assured that they are well trained in the ways of ‘pacification’ when it comes to ‘opposition elements’. As for arms I am sure we can figure something out.”

Clinton took a sip of a nearby glass of water, “With that all said, Concordance Industries accepts your offer.”

It wasn’t the best, but his hand had been forced. Even the mere thought of a national military suddenly having interest in this reserve was enough to make him take any sort of deal just to get a foot in the door and an opportunity to get ahead of the game.

“Shall we discuss the planning later?” He asked, packing up his briefcase.

7

Dima Krutikov looked over at his business partner, Tusya Yugantsev. They had slipped into the room a few minutes after the Vulshainians entered. Krutikov leaned in towards Yugantsev, and began speaking quietly in Lobonese.

“Seems the Vulshainians are putting the nose of their government in yet another place where it doesn’t belong.”

The two lobo men were co-founders of the largest private military company in Laiatan, Sokol Defense Industries. Krutikov was 48 and a retired colonel in the Laiatanese Marine Corps. He stood at six feet, 4 inches tall and was covered in white fur that was slightly grayed, a result of his age. His piercing blue eyes looked around the room, examining each person. Yugantsev was just a bit younger than Krutikov, aged 46 and served with him in the Marines. He was shorter than his counterpart, standing at six foot. His black fur was grayed, like Krutikov’s. His green eyes roamed the room, especially studying the Vulshainians. Both men wore suits, the coats unbuttoned and shoes shined.

The two men waited for their turn to begin their presentation. They quickly set it up, and Krutikov began.

“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I am Dima Krutikov, and this is Tusya Yugantsev. We both have served more than twenty years in the Laiatanese Marine Corps.” Krutikov motioned towards his partner. “We are co-founders and owners of Sokol Defense Industries, the largest private military firm in Laiatan. As of 2011, we have roughly forty-five thousand employees, with nearly seventy percent of them being from law enforcement or the Laiatanese military. We are employed by a range of companies from mining, lumber camps and even banks.”

Krutikov stepped back and Yugantsev stepped forward.

“We also offer training for law enforcement and fledgling military services. We have trained multiple Skopa teams across Laiatan, and have a good track record with training and defense. We are the largest of three private security contractors for the Laiatanese State Department. We’ve defended diplomats, politicians and other important persons inside Laiatan and in dangerous areas abroad. We can guarantee that your mines or any other area will be sufficiently defended with no risk of a shortage of manpower or budget cuts like-” he looked over at the Vulshainians. “some organizations under the control of a state. We hope that you seriously consider our company for your security needs. Thank you.”

The two men took down their presentation and stood off to the side, waiting for a response.

8

Ivan nodded. “My company has used the services of Sokol Defense Industries several times, and I can vouch for their abilities and skills. They are quite skilled and experienced in what they do, and what they do, is nothing short of the best. If you need someone defending your mines, then you can’t go wrong with Sokol Defense Industries.”

Ivan mentally smiled. He knew how to play the business game, and sometimes if you make a competitior or potential rival look good then that rival might owe his/her success to you. It was a delicate game of pulling the strings of puppets, and one wrong move could leave the strings tangled up. He wondered where this would go now.

9

The Pax delegate had been sitting quietly in the room for some time. He was chosen for this meeting by his superiors specifically because he had no outward augmentations, was human, and was relatively unknown throughout the world. If one looked closely, one could see the small antenna protrusion behind his ear, but it was well hidden by creatively styled hair. He stood.

“Good day my friends. Now that the groundwork has been set, let me undermine it all. I come representing the Pax, by and far recognized as masters of mining and military technologies.”

He paused a moment and glanced around the room.

“I see many good options for your venture here. All of them would most likely be able to offer you success in some form or another, and I respect the accomplishments that each of them has made. One must realize the fatal flaw afflicting most of them all, being profit driven corporate entities. What the Pax offer is the services of the Pax military to secure the mining area, along with a generous lease program on Pax mining equipment. I also offer it with a price that may be too good to refuse. The Pax request, in exchange for the aforementioned services, only 10% of the gross mined product and 10% ownership in the mining venture.”

He smiled.

“I would challenge anyone here to refute the reputation of the Pax military. I think you will find that no one really can.”

10

Ivan smiled as he stood up. He was about do a gamble. “My company will assist in providing equipment and any other assistance ASA may need for a reasonable amount. In fact, I will not ask in return for any of the profits generated from this venture. That belongs to Syrene. And I will not charge for assisting in any cleanup and environmental restoration.”

11

OOC: I’m waiting to respond for another day or so in order to give others the chance to hop on this first round of bids, although people are welcome to join in at any time and we can even “hand wave” some continuity issues. In the meantime, http://theeastpacific.com/index.php?showtopic=9913&st=0& is the OoC thread if you have any questions or concerns.

12

Dee Ma’niddahs sighed as he read through the reports. She didn’t care much for the Syrenese natives in the mineral rich area nor did she care for anyone elses bids. She was confident that her role as the Corpororate Sales Executive at Hewitt-Michaels Ltd, the largest mining company in all of Dannistaan, let alone East Dannistaan, would seal the deal. Or at least a significant chunk of it. It sounded like a callous way to think of people, but Dee knew that to win at the male dominated game, you had to make some sacrifices for the bigger picture. Going around worrying about the environment did not win HML, as it is known, win any contracts. There was a reason why they could keep the costs down. It helped HML had it’s own security division, Hewitt-Michaels Security Group, known as HSG in the trade. This advantage meant they need not rely on any state interference from back home in Dannistaan.

As her plane touched down at Rilanon Airport and she boarded her taxi to the Grand Orient Hotel, Dee ran over her sales pitch once more. Following the signs at the hotel to the meeting, she saw it was in progress and seemingly male dominated. She smirked. If she used enough of her female charm it might give her the edge in this macho testosterone fuelled environment. Quietly she took her seat at the table, two very angry looked private guards from HSG flanking her incase something went wrong…

13

Nahrin National Assembly Hall, Nahris City, Nahrin Union/Republic of Nahris
“The motion is passed 390 votes for, none against and 10 abstentions.”
Kenny Cuthbert smiled at the motion being passed with little incident. He was hoping to avoid any political issues regarding his Government’s proposals to ban the importation of Coltan from the Federation of Syrene. Instead, all future Columbite and Tantalite needs were to be met from recycling of older electronic equipment. Related to that was an approval of funds into the research of a viable Tantalum replacement. A further motion was approved to condemn the Syrenese administration for it’s lack of concern for the native populace and environmental impact of any Coltan mining. Cuthbert was hoping that even if it did not change the actions of the Syrenese Government, it would send a strong message. Kenny expected a related motion imposing new tariffs on Syrenese imports to be passed by a similar margin.

“Sir,” an aide approached him, “The Secretary of Defence would like to see you ASAP regarding the OWL Stage B implementation.”
Kenny nodded.
“Tell her I will be finished soon with my business in the National Assembly and will be in touch when I’m ready.”
“Yes sir.”

14

Levo Yusmeversi folded his hands and set his head over them, staring out into the abyss of venture capitalists and government dogs duke it out on the main floor of some nation’s grand hotel. “Look at them, Yulor,” he whispered in Unonian to his business partner from Listonia. He again made sure no one was paying attention to them. “Like they’re willing to throw all sorts of money at any government.”

“They call it investing,” Yulor Mislevikoy muttered. He casually scratched his ear - human ear - and went back to putting his hands firmly in his lap.

“Listonia could’ve gotten away with something like this, you know?”

“We’re too involved in world conflicts to get away with it.”

“I don’t know,” Levo chortled as he propped his head up and mulled over a thick stapled document. “It’s easy once you think about it. Promise riches with any sort of proof you make up to appease the capitalists, get them to invest in a fabrication, supply your people with jobs, all the while getting them to police your troublemakers. Perhaps even smoke them out completely.”

“They will find out.”

“Not if they sell it right. Not if they’re careful enough.” He paused to listen to the delegations. “What a taking. They’re getting rid of their problems for free.” He leaned back after reaching about halfway through the document. “I’m not convinced there’s anything there. Except opportunity.”

“Should you say anything?”

“I’m contracted by eight Vekaiyun companies here to sniff things out. If I go home empty-handed, I might lose my job. Now let’s see, who do we have here already? We have military, trainers, construction…”

He stood up. Speaking in English, he addressed the group, “Excuse me, Mr. Day? My name is Levo Yusmeversi. I have a mining firm that might be able to help you map this potentially record-breaking coltan vein. Getting an accurate depiction of this vein would certainly maximize profits.”

15

Eric Barrett and his associate Sarah Fredrick listened to all of the arguments and took notes for each speaker but decided to speak up.

“I’m not interested in mining nor am I interested in providing security services. What I am interested in is providing what is best for my company and the companies that have contracted me. I’m Eric Barrett, Executive VP of CapCoal Worldwide.”

“I’m representing three companies and the ASN of East Malaysia, so what I am looking to do is: provide financing or insurance if needed or buying the raw material. If necessary I can contact an East Malaysian mining company to make a joint venture operation.”

“I have the money and technology available at my disposal, so neither is an issue.”

16

Grand Orient Hotel
Rilanon, Christie Island

“I appreciate your enthusiasm, Mr. Jeannot, but I’m afraid the locals aren’t quite as interested in talking with you,” O’Day chortled. “But you’re free to talk with whom you like, as long as you keep the riffraff away from the mines.”

"As for your presentations, ladies and gentlemen, I am thoroughly impressed. However, actions speak far louder than words. Our esteemed managing director, Mr. Oswald Hayes IV, has proposed a contest of sorts in which you would all be allowed to compete for the final contract. You will all have access to one or more sites for a probationary period, after which we will pick the most exemplary candidates to continue the project. What we’re look for in you is performance and a certain… drive to succeed.

"If it is agreeable to you, Messrs. Krutikov, Yugantsev and Jeannot, I think that the natural course of action is for your two companies to work together on common sites since you appear to have collaborated so well in the past. Ms. Ma’niddahs, Messrs. Clinton and Yusmeversi, and gentle sir from Packilvania, you will each have your own sites. As for you, Mr. Barrett and Ms. Fredrick, we warmly invite your participation.

In any case, you are all invited to the banquet we are holding at the eminent Jubilee Society in Augusta to inaugurate the project. We’ll have the lawyers settle the terms in the meantime. I look forward seeing you and your cohorts at our little gathering.

Jubilee Society
Garden District, AFT

Located in a swank neighborhood just outside of central Augusta, the Jubilee Society was where the who’s-who of the Anglo-Syrener elite when to see and be seen. The gilded Beaux Arts architecture of the Grand and Petit Salons recalled a bygone era of opulence and nobility. The reasonably intimate event would take place in the Petit Salon, as it was not publicized to the press given the controversy of the project. Oswald Hayes IV hoped that this discretion would give the Chancellor and other dignitaries the license to stop by.

Outside the grounds a private security firm patrolled with live ammunition to ward off the crime that had become commonplace in modern Augusta. Waiters and waitresses scurried back and forth to make sure the wine was flowing and the roast beef appropriately tendered and carved for the esteemed guests. Meanwhile, Hayes stood at the grand staircase to greet his esteemed guests. He was eager to watch them interact; it was like those ant farms he had as a child.

17

Jeanott nodded. He had several aces up his sleeve, though; aces that would be quite beneficial. “I believe working together with Ms. Krutikov and Mr. Yugantsev again would be a good idea. I look forward to it.”

He knew it would be tough talking with the locals, but he liked a challenge.

18

OOC: Both of my characters are men, Krutikov is not a woman.

IC:

“If it’ll win us the contract, so be it.” Krutikov thought to himself. He had hoped for their own site to prove themselves, but ultimately decided it was better to have an actual mine to defend.

“We thank you for this opportunity to work with our Vulshainian counterparts,” Yugantsev replied as the two men began packing up to attend the banquet.

19

Ivan smiled as he extended his hand to Krutikov. “I look forward to working with you again,” he said, grinning. “May fortune smile and bless us.”

20

Dee took the opportunity in the resulting movement from the hotel to the banquet to try to speak to O’Day privately. If she played her cards right, she might be able to give him an exclusive offer too good to miss.

“Mr. O’Day,” she said as she quietly moved towards him, “Could I have a word with you in private?”

Outside the Grand Orient Hotel
Exact Location Unknown
“Richmond 08 to Richmond Charlie, over.”
“Richmond Charlie, go ahead Richmond 08, over.”
“Target sighted entering hotel. No movement thus far. Target has not exited any of the egress points on the building. Deep cover agents report target is inside the conference room booked by ASA. Over.”
“Understood. Continue surveillance. When target leaves hotel, acquire target and egress via appropriate routes. Do not, repeat, DO NOT harm anyone else in the area unless cover is compromised. Over.”
“Roger that. Richmond 08 out.”

“Richmond Charlie to Albany 05, over.”
“Albany 05, go ahead, over.”
“Albany 05, move into position Delta six. Await extraction of team and target, over.”
“Roger that Richmond Charlie. Out.”

A bush shuddered slightly just as a large armoured car moved to the front of the hotel. A man carrying a cash transportation briefcase hoped out and walked towards the hotel reception…