Losing Masks

by Nicholas Metelsky

  “Come in!” I needed a secretary. I was getting sick of screaming.

  “Sakurai-san,” the man who walked into my office bowed. He was dressed in camouflage clothes. “The security outside reported that the trucks with goods from “Boei to Kogeki” arrived.”

  “That was quick,” I chuckled. “Let them pass. Tell them to go to the second warehouse.”

  “Yes, sir,” he bowed one more time before leaving.

  I took out my cell phone and dialed Taro's friend. It so happened that over time, he had become responsible for not only the base construction but everything connected to the base itself. He was also the supply and maintenance manager.

  “Yes, Sakurai-san.”

  I like this caller ID function.

  “Suzuki-san, several trucks from “Boei to Kogeki” are about to arrive at the second warehouse. I gave you the documents, so take care of the goods.”

  “Yes, Sakurai-san. On my way!”

  “Okay. Later.”

  Next, I called Antipov.

  “Hello?”

  “Are you busy right now, Kirill Romanovich?” I heard a heavy sigh in response.

  “As always, you're so extremely polite, boy. How many times do I have to say—I'm not that old for you to address me this way.”

  I'll stop when I’m tired of making fun of you. For now, you have to deal with it .

  “So are you busy?”

  “Just cracking the whip on my people. What's up?”

  “Your new toys are about to arrive at the second warehouse. Do you wanna take a look?”

  “Ohh. That's intriguing. Yes, I do want to.”

  “Then come to the warehouse. I'm heading there now myself. We can meet there.”

  “Deal. On my way!”

  One more call left. I made it on my way out of the building.

  “When will you start using the radio? What if I didn't have my cell phone with me?” That was the first thing I heard.

  “But you do. Don't whine, Alexei, go to the second warehouse, we'll be giving out carrots.”

  “Carrots? Good ones?”

  “You'll like them,” I grinned.

  “On my way!”

  When I approached the warehouse, two trucks were already inside, being unloaded. Four more were waiting outside. Antipov and Svyatov were running around the landing stage, watching the unloading process. Like kids in a candy shop, I swear.

  “Well, have you already seen the price list?” I asked as I approached the men.

  “Oh boy!” Antipov was enthused. “I expected anything but not some heavy MIAs. I don’t even care that they're Spanish.”

  “What difference does it make?” Alexei shook his head. “Many people underestimate them, forgetting that the Spanish manufacturers have been collaborating with our engineers for a long time. They have a lot of very good MIAs, and Ruptura is among them.”

  “Yes, I know, Alex, I know. But they have a lot of crap, too, that's what dictates their reputation,” Antipov replied.

  “Well, Ruptura is definitely not one of them,” said Svyatov, watching the next box being unloaded. “And what's in the rest of the trucks?” He turned to me.

  “Is it just heavy artillery here?” I gestured at the trucks.

  “Yep,” answered Svyatov.

  “Hmm… Then there should be a dozen Spanish A12 Penetrantes in protective modification, five Russian Beagles...”

  “Beagles? THE Beagle?” Antipov interrupted me, then shook his head. “Oh my god, boy.”

  “Yeah, boss, those are not toys for kids. That's for sure.”

  “Something wrong?”

  “No, no, it's great,” the captain patted me on the shoulder. “For some reason, I thought they weren't easy to get outside of Russia.”

  “Probably,” I said with hesitation. “But I got them from the same place where aristocrats buy them. These five Beagles were the last ones.”

  The men just shook their heads in response.

  “You're a lucky guy, boss. Okay, what else?”

  “That's about it. The rest are components, equipment, and some bonus ammunition.”

  “Very nice,” said Svyatov. “You're definitely cool, boss. Penetrante, however, is not the best choice.”

  “But it's super cheap,” I said.

  “But it's better than many others,” Alexei added. “Although, you should have gotten some attack bombers.”

  “They only had a defense refurbishment. The rest for some reason is not popular. That's why they are not interested in stocking them.”

  “Idiots,” remarked Antipov.

  “Supply and demand, you know,” I remarked. “They don't buy for themselves, but for their clients.”

  “I'm talking about their clients who don’t buy such great weapons.”

  “Ah... well, then yes, they are idiots.”

  “Listen, boss, and when can we check out the acquisition?” He and Antipov were standing there and smiling, waiting for my answer.

  “I don’t know. As soon as we set the place up for the MIAs. This warehouse, as you understand, is a temporary storage solution.”

  “We need engineers,” Antipov noted. “And a couple of system guys.”

  “Engineers....” Fantik couldn’t deal with everything on his own, I guess. “Right. I don't have any engineering connections, though.”

  “Finding just any engineer is not a problem,” said Svyatov. “What is a problem is finding smart and faithful people. You know, my former mates are coming back this week.”

  “So?” I didn't understand.

  “I mean, if we jump on it right away, we can bring in new technicians. And even a system operator. Unlike fighters, they're more limited when it comes to employment.”

  “Okay, don't waste any time then. When are they coming back here?” I asked Svyatov.

  “They should have been here two days ago. I'm not quite sure.”

  “All right,” I thought. “First, I'll find the techies for us. But they belong to a clan, so they'll agree only on a one-time basis. They can set up the place for us, and then we can do just fine with Fantik for a while.”

  “Who?” Both men asked at the same time.

  “Haven't I told you about him?” The Russians did not even answer that. “Heh, he is one vigorous old man. I'll introduce you later. He's a very competent technician. Okay, I'm going to get back to work.

  Oh, Suzuki-san, I need you to do something for me,” I figured I’d take advantage of the guy passing by.

  Puzzling the poor fellow with an order to build another hangar, I headed back to my den.

  I'll quickly finish with the remaining papers and go to Swallow. It's been a while since I’ve gone there. Or should I train? Perhaps not. First, I will deal with important things, just to get them out of the way. Damn it, where can I find a good secretary? It'd be even better if I could find a paperwork assistant. Hiring a technical guy would be a good idea, too. Fantik would be good at it, but he's wanted by the police. Also, it would be nice to... eh. The damn staffing issues!

  The next morning I overslept. Can you believe it? That never happened to me. Actually, I woke up on time, but after some contemplating, I decided that I could allow myself a little extra sleep. So my oversleeping was quite conscious. Because I overslept, I had to take a very quick shower and skip breakfast—I didn’t have time for both. While I was good at ignoring my empty stomach, I couldn’t stand a dirty body.

  Outside, I saw another morning show: holding her backpack as a shield, Mizuki was slowly approaching the cat sitting on the fence. When I slammed the door, the girl jolted away from the cat, and Idzivaru gave me such a look that I even felt guilty for a moment. He’s a terrific cat.

  “Mizuki,” I sighed, “aren't you ashamed for torturing the poor animal every morning?”

  “What? I'm the poor animal, and he's an evil cat!”

  Calm down, Max.

  “Sorry,” I tried not to laugh. “What did you just say?”

  “That I'm
a little cutie, and he,” she pointed her accusatory finger at the cat, “is an evil cat!”

  I still kept asking myself this question: was she really that silly or just a genius actress?

  “Let's go, huh? Poor animal,” I scratched behind Idzivaru’s ear, passing by the cat. “Your nerves are made of steel, whiskers.”

  On the way to school, I was waiting for Mizuki to start pestering me again, but her first question really confused me.

  “Listen, Shinji, do you have a girlfriend?”

  What is she getting at?

  “No? I thought so.” Witch. “I don't have a boyfriend either.”

  Right, you have a fiancé.

  “It's a beautiful morning, is it not?”

  Now my brain is about to explode.

  “And the day will be just as good. I checked the weather for today. At night... Listen, since you don't have a girlfriend, can you train me tonight? Please, please, please.”

  Oh-ho-ho. Poor fiancé of hers.

  Finally, we got to school. I saw the Okhayashi siblings waiting for me. Okay, I know Rydon always waits for me, but I wasn't sure about Aniko. Who knew what she could want from me. Mizuki waved to me and ran away. What I liked about her was that no matter how big of a pain in the butt she could be, she never crossed a certain line, which often happened with other girls. Akemi, for example. She still couldn’t leave me alone, insisting on the fact that I had PROMISED her a child. She clung to this idea of hers, which had never directly been discussed between the two of us. It was too late to be rude about it. Such things had to be stopped at the root, and I had missed out on that moment. My silence only played to her advantage. Oh well, as long as I hadn’t agreed to anything, I still had options. Besides, I didn’t mind it, I just don't like being pressured.

  “Hi, Ray. Aniko,” I got a smile and a nod from her in response.

  “Hell-o-o,” Rydon yawned, stretching at the same time.

  “Hello, Shinji,” the girl replied.

  Then she glanced sideways at her brother. Apparently, she thought it was ill mannered to yawn.

  I wonder what she really needs from me. She wouldn't just be waiting for me right at the entrance to the school for no reason.

  “Shall we go? Otherwise, this poor fellow will fall asleep standing right here?” I addressed the girl, nodding at Rydon with a smile.

  “You think sleeping at the school desk is a better idea?”

  “It's so much more convenient.”

  “It's not good to sleep in class,” she shook her head, throwing another glance at her brother.

  Aniko was very articulate and persuasive. One word from her and Ray didn't have a wink of sleep left on his face.

  “In any case, you're right, Shinji, it's time to go to school.”

  So we went in. On our way, I was waiting for her to say what was on her mind, but it never happened.

  Devil-woman. She knows that I suspect something but still isn’t saying anything. Apparently, we'll have to wait till lunch, but whatever. That means that the conversation is not too serious.

  It was a regular day at school, not different from any other. But extraordinary things can happen even on an ordinary day.

  “Hi, Sakurai Shinji,” I heard during the second recess.

  “What's up, Toyotomi Ken,” I said, turning to him.

  I put my elbow on the desk, propping my chin up with my hand. Now I was just sitting there and anticipating what he had for me today. Although, I was sure I knew.

  “How's school?”

  “Great.”

  Even Rydon tore himself away from his notebook, hearing such a fun conversation.

  “How's your love life?”

  “Even better.”

  “I see,” Ken said, looking around pensively.

  Then he sat down at my desk, forcing me to lean back in my chair.

  “Do you mind?”

  “I don't care,” I grabbed the notebook on which Ken almost sat. “So what's going on?”

  “That was a good book you recommended. The author writes really well.”

  Oh my, it smells like trouble.

  “But I got an impression that he covers mainly the aspects of spying more than anything else. Perhaps, you could suggest something more hands-on? By the way, sign this, please.”

  The guy took out a sheet of paper from his jacket pocket and put it in front of me. I glanced at the sheet, then stared at Toyotomi, then stared at the sheet. Finally, I looked at the guy again.

  “Is this an application to join the club?”

  “Yup. I was surprised too,” Ken shrugged. “However, I think having more people won't hurt. The more we have, the less the probability of the club being shut down.”

  That was true. A good example was the profanity club. In general, many clubs still existed only because of the number of people enrolled in them.

  “So what about the additional reading materials?” Ken asked, taking the sheet of paper after I signed it.

  “Do you just want to kill time?” That made him think.

  “I...”

  “That's a stupid question,” I interrupted before he could blurt out something stupid. “Sure. Our club is only on paper, after all.”

  “Umm... yes. Sure. Only on paper.”

  “Do you know Russian?” I specified.

  “Not really.”

  “That's too bad. There’s a really good book but it hasn't been translated,” I deliberated.

  What should I foist off on him so he'd leave me alone for a while? Actually, why not?

  “So you'll have to work on your Russian. Remember this—Zhmarkin A.A. 'Theory of hidden displacements’.“

  “Wait, wait. Besides the fact that I don't know the language, how am I supposed to find a book not translated into Japanese?”

  “Well, how did I find it? On the Internet, of course. You're a library member, aren’t you?”

  I don't know if the problem in this world is the general unpopularity of the Internet, or if only aristos didn’t like the technology, but the guy clearly didn't look enthusiastic when I said that. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it applied only to Toyotomi Ken.

  “Hmm… Yeah. Sure. Is there anything else you have in mind? Preferably Japanese.”

  Maybe he just didn't want to bother with studying Russian.

  “Read this first. I think you can find someone who can translate the book for you. But remember, it's worth reading the original.”

  “All right,” Ken sighed. “I get it. I'll see what this ‘Theory’ is all about. Thanks anyway. I'm gonna go.”

  “Take care.”

  I turned to Ray after Toyotomi left the classroom.

  “What's so funny? You should feel sorry for your friend. I may just sneeze on your notebook accidentally.”

  Mizuki joined us for lunch. The tables in the school cafeteria were made for only six people, but that couldn't stop the girl. Putting a chair on the corner of the table, she perched herself next to me. Fortunately, the petite body composition of the younger Koyama allowed us to sit quite comfortably.

  “So, Mineh-san, why are you so mean all the time?” Asked Mizuki after another insult had been directed at me.

  “Me? Mean?” Mineh raised her eyebrows in surprise. “I'm a sweetheart!”

  “Meanie, just meanie,” Mizuki was pretty good at playing a child. “I am a cutie,” she made an adorable face, “and you and Shina are meanies.”

  There, this troll threw Shina under the bus, too.

  “What? Since when? A beauty like me,” said Shina, straightening up, “by default should also have the title of 'cutie’.“

  And that's how it all started. They were still arguing when I finished my lunch and started sipping my tea. Aniko was the only one who wasn't getting into the argument and remained silent. Majestic and untouched, as befits the princess of the Grand Clan, she ate her lunch in silence. Finally, when I was about to leave this noisy company, Mizuki decided to pull a trump card and involve the guys into
the discussion.

  “Let the boys decide who is cuter. They should know better.”

  Little stinker. If she thinks that I will get involved in her childish games, then she is mistaken. I'm not so crazy.

  I didn't pay any attention to her words and took another sip of tea.

  “Ahem. Girls...”

  Rydon, are you out of your mind?

  “I think that your question is improper.”

  “What?” Asked both Shina and Mineh at the same time.

  Mizuki narrowed her eyes, with her conniving smile still on her face.

  “Why is it improper?” Asked the elder Koyama.

  “Well, you're smart girls,” Teijo added. “And you must understand. I'm sure you do understand that it is mortally dangerous for us guys to answer such questions.”

  “At least here and now,” Rydon added.

  “You need a third-party opinion, an outside perspective—not from guys, but from another girl.”

  They glanced at Aniko. Way to go, putting the blame on someone else.

  The girls took the bait. Or perhaps, they just allowed the subject to be changed. Who knows these women. Even such young ones. In general, three pairs of eyes stared at the girl that was still silent. Actually, the guys were staring at her now too. Do you know what Aniko’s answer was? She gave us a slightly surprised look, then looked at the girls, tilted her head to one side and finally spoke.

  “Nya?”

  Ooooohhh! That's a good one.

  ***

  “Seven is on duty again,” I looked out of the car window.

  We drove up to the checkpoint of my base, and I was surprised to see Seven there again.

  What did he do, that Svyatov has assigned him checkpoint duty for the third day in a row? After all, I made him a sergeant, so, in fact, he is now the commander of a squad.

  He even had a new code name now, though, not very different. He was Rabbit-Seven now.

  “Good day, Sakurai-san,” the guy approached me.

  “Seven, what are you doing here for the third day in a row? Actually, tell me why were you punished?”

  “If only I knew, Sakurai-san,” he shook his head. “The commander mentioned some kind of an accord, that's why I'm here.”

  “Demobilization?” I asked in Russian.

  “Exactly. What does that even mean, boss? I don't understand Russian at all.”