Humility

by Magdalene Hornbeam

  - Yes, did you check the accounts of the camp? I suspect that Mueller had fled with the money.

  - No, I have not checked the accounts, I have been informed that no one else, but Commandant Muller had access to them. But the urgent task at this point is to deal with the terrorist because he has threatened to lift the whole village up into the air.

  -Did you evacuate the people?

  - We didn’t, I hope to cope with the situation without noise, hustle and bustle.

  - How long have you been in Bolivia?

  - Since today.

  - Okay, we'll gain time. We, here with my team, will compile a statement from Hyulal Saadi from old records. After an hour we will have such and we will send it to you to present it to the rebellious participant.

  - Where you have videos? Isn’t everything lifted into the air in the office of Mr. Nigel Eisenstein?

  - Not all. Just the room over the bank, which are in a separate wing of the building. Hold the ball just one hour.

  Anna hanged up and saw the gazing eyes of Nigel.

  - Nigel, you need to sleep. Your eyes are like a vampire.

  Hyulal stood in the middle of the hotel room nervously and stamped his foot. His tension increased when he saw that the manager of the agency, the unrecognizable by now Nigel Eisenstein was about to lie on the wide double bed.

  - Hyulal, go to bring Baz. We will record an address to your brother Illal.

  - He knows my voice, and I'm here ... We should not delay!

  - No, you're dead, remember? This man with whom I spoke was an Asian guy and he is no petty officer sent to check. This guy is interested personally. The next conversation he will turn on webcasts.

  - It will take more than an hour to bring Baz - Hyulal looked at the lying Nigel, but found with a big surprise that he was asleep.

  - Go, Hyulal, you know that power is now with me.

  Chapter 26

  They had arranged in a semicircle around the table which was in the form of a kidney, according to the "general", or as a palette as the "mediator" said. The Chief Executive was sitting in the black chair, or the "mediator", as he wanted to be called, in the white leather chair against him was the "hedger", in the chair with the blue leather – the «banker»; in the green armchair – the «General», and the red chair was empty. The general had summoned them urgently and extraordinary, because he had been reported about the death of Nigel Eisenstein after the bombing in London bank. Currently they were still searching the "tycoon", who had suddenly left the office of the Corporation and departed, leaving no coordinates and information about his whereabouts.

  - I insist - said with his characteristic peremptory tone the "mediator" - not to discuss the current complications before the joining of the "tycoon".

  - In the last month, there have been numerous complications on the project "Anthill" – said pompously the "banker". – First they hacked the specialized Internet platform, then they had to extend the duration, they ran quickly through the experiment «Waste» and on top of it this unexpected act of terrorism in the heart of the capital of the UK!

  - The fact that I learned about the bombing attack through my own channels and not through the information exchange project is too embarrassing! – The stretched out stand of the „General» radiated indignation.

  - After being informed of this extraordinary circumstance, I bothered to look once again at the contract with the firm of Mr. Nigel Eisenstein. In case of death or accident, his deputy is authorized representative or if there is no so person - the chief of the Special Branch, so we should observe the points and continue working – the "hedgers" sounded flat and calm.

  - I rang in London to some of my partners, it turns out that they have not identified the victims, collect biological material. The head of the Special Department also appear to be among those killed in the bomb blast. Given that Eisenstein had no living relatives, things are getting complicated.

  At this time, one of many secretaries rang and declared that the "tycoon" was abroad, but was ready to join online. The connection was established, soon they saw his colleague on the video wall across the table.

  - Did they tell you about the accident with Mr. Nigel Eisenstein? – Asked the "mediator" who always hosted the rallies.

  - Yes, I was in camp "Anthill" in Bolivia at the moment. There is an incident, one of the participants at the farm for breeding took doctors hostage, and meanwhile Commandant Fritz Muller and his deputy Hans Tsyoler had left the camp, maybe they have left Bolivia, having drained all bank accounts using the panic surrounding the death of Mr. Eisenstein.

  - How‘s that about the bills? - The "Mediator" almost jumped out of his chair, but then balanced himself and sat down again.

  - The have withdrawn only about ten million dollars that were available in the accounts of "Anthill", for initial compensation and closure of the camp. The Authorized deputy of Mr. Nigel Eisenstein appeared only today, three days after the incident in London.

  - How many hours did you fly to Bolivia? Why didn’t you call me to let you use a military plane? – The "General" sounded edifying. – Shall I send my people to deal with that dilettante holding hostage?

  - Some of you have already sent, because there is a military unit here.

  - I sent them, before we decide to make the project longer, precisely to avoid accidents when releasing the participants, but apparently they have not done any work – the «mediator» was smiling greasily. - I intended to inform you of the regular rally.

  The «Banker» asked:

  - What substitute of Eisenstein has come out? Does he have legal rights on the company "Marketing and Social Strategies"?

  - Yes, the lady’s name is Anna Zanesheva and has a notarized power of attorney, issued a year ago. I heard from her, she is currently in London, she is dealing with the bombing attack and the insurance offices and people. I'll deal with the emergency here. At the moment I solve the case, I will come again near the South China Sea, but this time I will be staying at the Golden Hotel.

  The "Tycoon" “turned himself off” from the conversation and the huge room for rallies and meetings fell heavy silence.

  The «General» broke it:

  - I'll move slightly and will send one subsidiary in Bolivia. I do not like what is happening.

  - I support this initiative - spoke pompously the "banker".

  - I am also «for»! –the "Hedger" sounded soulless as ever.

  The "Mediator" was unusually silent. He left the room last.

  ***

  He thought he was hallucinating when Hot Shot opened the closet door to the main office building and said:

  - I know that maid and cleaner are your favorite professions, but at some point you have to give them up.

  - What are you doing here?

  - Looking for a bride. Four miserable years!

  - Too long you was a burden on the neck.

  - There is nothing true in what you are saying and you know it very well.

  - Four years is a long time, probably you have already got married ...

  - My home is on the Asian part, but I would move it, if you like - he came over and hugged her, and she stood like frozen and could not believe her senses. – If you like Bolivia so much and want to live not high in the Himalayas and in the Andes, so it will be this way. Let's first fix this bullshit here! - He looked into her eyes and said: - You can take off this ugly apron. This time, I have taken plenty of dresses, clothes that my fiancée is expected to wear. By the way, for those fools outside, we are compatriots. For them, all Asians are compatriots.

  She followed him. She got out of the cleaners’ room, rubbing his eyes with her small fists. As if it were fact. Hot Shot walked in the front, in the hallway, and she followed him. At her head there was the ridiculous idea that he is the same and the change of time zone doesn’t affect him, as four years ago. That was the reason that the Hot Shot avoided to take her in intercontinental trips because it is very difficult for her to adapt.


  ***

  Then events moved very quickly. It was confirmed that Fritz Müller and Hans Tsyoler had fled in an unknown direction. Only Mrs. Hass was present. Moonlight was presented as a translator and assistant in the inspection, while the chief representative of the Corporation, sponsor of "Marketing and Social Strategies" in London, which conducts the experimental project codenamed "Anthill" took on with the hostage case. Now after the death of Nigel Eisenstein, his authorized deputy Anna Zanesheva agreed with him the decision to implement financial and operational verification of the village in Bolivia.

  Moonshine still was glad he had found her, but she could not understand how he managed to come as representative of international corporations. Anyway, she felt very happy. She slept in a luxurious room adjacent to that of the Hot Shot, in the building for executives, which was located on a farm "Communications" , she changed her dresses, she translated in English and caused a furor that would have been much greater if Illal (in the farmhouse “Reproduction" had not taken hostage all, doctors and security guards. His condition to negotiate with his brother was not realized, because information came from somewhere that Hyulal was in the office of Nigel Eisenstein when the bomb exploded in London. He was almost certainly that he had died with the big boss of the project, who here for a period of four years called "The Iron One". The rumor that the whole area was loaded with bombs that Illal can blow spread quickly and all participants wanted to leave as soon as possible. The situation had become almost uncontrollable, and what was more - they could not find Commandant Müller and his deputy Tsyoler, although they were already searching them through Interpol.

  ***

  The negotiators sat before a fully equipped dining room of the farm "Reproduction" and Commandant Hass was persistently calling Illal Saadi. That were only minutes until the expiration of the ultimatum of three days to talk with his brother Hyulal and they were in a hurry to tell him that they had a recording of a phone call in which the other twin stated that he had not yet been able to buy a plane ticket, but if any opportunity comes, he would fly back. But the handsome black man formerly respected as a specimen for breeding in their experimental project did not answer. Minutes passed in incessant attempts to connect to the hospital, whose building was located a hundred meters away. Right at the scheduled time, the glass central door of the large, three-storey clinic opened and horror spread out. Even Mrs. Hass, who in her own office personally had killed one of psychoanalysts, whom they said to be the "traitor" a few days ago, sweated. On top of the stairs there was one of the doctors and had by the hair the severed head of his colleague - gynecologist, who had made the ill-fated intervention over the pregnant terrorist’s girlfriend. After the astonishment, they switched on the speakers in the yard to encourage doctors to move to their positions. But the man just threw the head that began to roll down the stairs and stopped on the sidewalk by the garden. Then he went back to the hospital.

  One of the new guards, sent personally by the "mediator", dressed in full armor in a camouflage uniform as a soldier, ready for a ground war, said:

  - The doctor was wearing an explosive vest, obviously if he started to us, he would be blown up.

  - On the territory of "Anthill" there are no explosive vests – said Haas clenching her teeth.

  - There are already, we brought such - hauntingly interjected the chief of the military.

  - Why did you bring such terrorist tools?

  - We had an order from the highest place.

  - Are there people between you such who are trained suicide bombers? - Mrs. Hass asked again.

  - A woman is coming out of the hospital! - Shouted the person monitoring.

  All eyes stared at the covered with blood landing of the stairs. There was a woman.

  - This is one of the "queen mothers"! Mother No. 5 - found in teeth Commandant.

  The woman began to descend the stairs, around the severed head and then ran to the dining room. They opened it.

  - Are you a released hostage or not? – They all questioned in chorus.

  - No, I'll tell you the request from Illal Saadi and will return to bring him your answer.

  She was covered with all sorts of questions. Eventually it became clear that the former "sucker", and now terrorist who was holding hostages would cut someone’s head every ten hours until he gets connected with his brother. He no longer wished to be called on the phone, to be looked for a video or otherwise except through messengers. If they do not release the sniper from the neighboring roof, the next one beheaded would be Hans Tsyoler. Because nothing else specific did they understand from the Ambassador - mother number 5, they offered her to stay with them safely, and not to return to the hospital. But the woman refused. Then they gave a flash drive with a phone call made by the other brother Hyulal. After the woman left the makeshift headquarters and went back to the hospital commandant, Hass apologized and an electric car came to pick her up. Urgently she had to go to the admin building, there the examiner was waiting for the report. In fact, now all had been informed of the Asian sent by the Corporation itself to make the inspection.

  But Commandant Has was not in a hurry because of the examiner. She was shocked and she wanted to make sure that the black terrorist was bluffing for Hans or as everyone called him "the slob." According to the plan Fritz Müller and Hans Tsyoler had gone and she had a ticket for three days after. He could call them on this number only when absolutely necessary. Now that was the case. He entered nervously into his office and locked inside. He unlocked the safe and took out the special handset. He dialed the number.

  The mobile operator reported that there is no connection with this number.

  Chapter 27

  There were two men sitting by the bar of the highest restaurant in the world in Hong Kong. One was an adult, over 80 years old and the other black, upright posture and in an impeccable suit, he looked much younger.

  - This sudden visit of "Anthill” by the «Tycoon» raises some doubts in me – the older gentleman - blond, with watery blue eyes and sparse gray hair sounded arrogant, but he could not conceal his anxiety.

  - The "Tycoon" started as a poor farmer and got rich for only twenty years! As a native Asian, born in poverty is always calculating and is stingy. Apparently he thought he could find some benefit from the millions invested in the project and decided to go to the place. And this mad Negro, who is already cutting heads would divert enough attention, so I see no place for concern.

  The elderly man who wanted to be called "mediator", made a wry grimace. If he had the chance to call Illal Saadi - "nigger", the "general", who was also a representative of the black race would be affected.

  - The beheaded doctor was my personal friend, I convinced him to participate in the project "Anthill" and I cannot but mention the great failure of the specialized military unit, which was sent there for control and security.

  - Remark not accepted – the general sharply expressed his opinion.- These are very good specialists, military to the core, but we sent them there with an entirely different task, considering that, one way or another, the project "Anthill" is only for the public , but a cover up for our real one. Wolfgang, I did consider that your son was in control and everything was calm in the camp.

  - Fritz's not my son, you know it very well! He is my stepson you people say: "feed a dog and it will start barking at you!" And your people cannot disarm a mercenary -for four days already, it is simply unacceptable!

  - So far, a hundred times they would have killed him, but the stakes are very high if something goes wrong. I personally gave orders to them not to risk. Disarming any suicide bomber is a high-risk operation. And "tycoon" is now there, they must act according to the rules. According to me, the biggest problem is the fraudster who had to be presented as an heiress of Eisenstein.

  - Why is that a problem, is not it already triggered- the action to kick her out of it?

  - Because my people have not yet discovered her location in London. And until they find her, she
was pretty well interfere.

  - Is it clear who was used for the cleaners to be eliminated in that secret apartment of Eisenstein?

  - Soon it will not be clear that because impostor had only an attorney certificate to take his company in the event of death, and his property was not described. That is – there was no one to go and find the corpse.

  - Nigel Eisenstein was a very unusual bastard. He had the audacity to authorize a sociologist, a colleague at the Sorbonne! But his eccentricity had no stopping. Immediately she had quit her thesis in Paris and left for London, in this sense, I agree that she is a fraud. You've got to know more details about her?

  No, I have not even visited Bulgaria, and I have been to almost all countries.

  - It is important to get rid of her quickly, because if she ordered to complete the project "Anthill“, it was almost sure that the "tycoon" will support it, and then the "banker" and "hedger" will also support such a decision. This will make a big mess of our plans - "mediator" stared his water -blue eyes at the black man sitting opposite him in an armchair, which was as expensive as a whole house. - I watched the recordings and I am puzzled - why the commander of the division had not done retained our man when he left the stairs to convey the message to the terrorists. They would have saved him at least.

  - Because he was wearing a special explode-vest below the top jacket. The Former mercenary Saadi has managed to steal all the spare jumpers from the special stock in "Communications".

  - These vests were designed for the "creatures" how did they get into the hands of an amateur? Has he understood something about the bunker?

  - The Gynecologist, whose head was cut off, proved to be weak and feared not to give away "the creatures" has shown the criminal the secret passage and where our military ammunitions were held.

  - I still do not get why they have not used this golden opportunity to save our head doctor!