Some Words of Introduction Needed

"Please excuse me,' he said, speaking correctly, but with a foreign accent, 'for presuming to speak to you without an introduction.'"
from The Master And Margarita

Looking back, things seemed to be hanging out in a pretty big way. I was on a roll. Oddly enough it was a simpler time. The Berlin wall came down, the Soviet Union was cooked and Blam Boom in a jiff the Cold War was over. Now, back then, there were former Soviet Block countries looking for some fast money, and lots of talented people from which to pool. Business was good... oh and my business could best described as used parts, kind of technical stuff. But I'm getting ahead of the story, and I feel a little rude since I promised an introduction.

So by way of introduction what say we start with the cast of characters, pictured right are some of the people who in one degree or another played a role in that most productive of years.

Starting bottom up we have Bronwyn, last name not needed, I think this is the only photo I have ever seen of her, and she would kill me if she knew it was up for all to see. Spoke seven different languages, held passports from as many countries, graduated Sandhusrt in the 80's, and had one hell of a knack for closing a deal.

Darius, all I can say is there is a reason the muslims don't drink, but he had a nose for used equipment like nobody else.

Anastasia, The Romanian Princess, now she was a trip, let's just say she helped facilitate deals, kinda like Coco Chanel meets Lou Cabrazzi. More about her later.

Then there is McFadden, the Scott, the Watchdog, Mother, looking over all the operation and keeping us honest. He liked flow, money, beer, it didn't matter as long as it kept coming.

My turn I guess, and please take this as a confession, because I started out like all good business men selling what people want and need. When I say people, I mean groups uh or organizations or countries, any entity with backing, underwriters if you will. Their wants, well the Irish were always keen on C4, F16 Fighter parts for Iran, Russian T34 tank parts in all the various "Stan" counties (and yes finding reverse gear in those things is tough), it's really a mixed bag. Hardware, weapons, bang bang shit, get it, I sell the instruments of war, I am a weapons dealer. It really did start to come together that year, 1995, and it all kicked off in Amsterdam.