Occupation

by Jeff L. Dawson

  “Nikoli, are you serious? Bringing these demons into our midst?” Nikoli had anticipated the response.

  “Kirilli, it will only be temporary.”

  Kirilli was stunned. Temporary? How can a conversion be temporary? We either drain the bodies completely or suck out three liters allowing just enough blood to regenerate with our genes and they join us.

  “Nikoli, temporary? How can that be?”

  “Kirilli, we Romanov possess a secret weapon. We last used it during the ridiculous Russian Revolution. When the revolt started, we were living in Kursk. The Reds were bent on converting everyone to the new doctrine of Communism as outlined by Lenin. They came to our house and demanded we join or die. We invited the two Reds into our home, and before they could react, had feasted three liters out of each and then forced half a liter of our mixed blood back into the victims. Our blood contains a very rare and nasty bacteria. When our mixed blood is injected into a human, it releases a bacteria which travels straight to the brain. The bacteria immediately starts to encompass all the brain cells like a cancer, but the victim is unaware of the process. In roughly ninety days it comes to full cycle. Then like a wildfire, destroys and melts the brain. The end result: the victim dies a horribly slow yet certain death.”

  Kirilli could not believe his ears. He had heard of such stories of men screaming in agony as their brains leaked out of the ears, nose and mouth, but he always treated them with indifference. These were the tales spun by old men and women with too much time on their hands, or traveling storytellers trying to add credence for the few coins they would garner for the tales they told of the walking dead.

  “Nikoli, I have heard the tales but never believed them. This is extraordinary. Please continue.”

  “Kirilli, we have kept the secret hidden through the ages. It came to light after Stephan had converted Yakov. We went out on a raid and took what we needed to feed. That night, Yakov and Stephan were ordered to introduce two victims to the clan. Yakov was the one who inducted both that night, his first conversions. The new members had a strange look in their eyes while they were with us. They never argued or engaged in any arguments. They were more like sheep performing every task assigned to them with no objections."

  "About three months later when we were on a raid, the converted bodies started violently convulsing as we approached the target area. None of us knew what was wrong. They started screaming and foaming at the mouth. Blood started pumping out of their eyes and ears and then, what appeared to be brain matter, slowly slid out of their mouths. Obviously the hunt for the day was called off. I needed to understand why this had happened."

  "Yakov?" asked Kirilli.

  "Yes, Yakov. When we returned home, Yakov informed us that he was the only survivor of his family that had contracted the plague. I'm sure the chemists could explain the molecular structure and how the combining of our blood released this nasty bacteria. All I cared was that we possessed a weapon to which there was no defense. I deducted that if we fed off the prey that Yakov and Stephan were feeding from, we could obtain the bacteria ourselves and save it for the right moment."

  "Weren't you concerned that the plan could backfire and those feeding from the same bodies would die the same gruesome death?" queried Kirilli.

  "The thought crossed my mind, but if the transfer was successful, no man or beast would be able to counter what we carried. It was worth the risk." He took a breath as he recalled how petrified he was the day he fed from the same body as Yakov. When the three months had passed with no dire effects, he was very relieved, but he wasn't sure if the bacteria had taken hold in his blood until the Communists came to town. He stopped for a moment savoring the victory from long ago.

  "As I said, we first used it on the Reds. I wasn’t sure how effective it would be, plus it takes a lot of force to re-route the blood flow while injecting the victim. It is very trying and tiresome, and if not properly performed, the host can wind up infecting himself with the live bacteria. The results were excellent. The Reds were under our control and would perform any duties assigned to them. We weren't sure how long it would take for the bacteria to have its full effect. It matures in approximately three months, give or take a few weeks. Two of the Reds awoke one morning with a throbbing headache. They were screaming in agony. We could not ascertain the problem until they opened their eyes. The eye balls came sliding out of their sockets like thick glue. Blood started pouring out of their nostrils and ears. The brain was hemorrhaging rapidly. Blood started shooting out of their facial orifices followed by a gray milky matter. It spewed out of their ears. The skull collapsed as the brain matter exited the cavity. It was a gruesome sight, but it kept us from worrying about how to eliminate unwanted guests who might have overstayed their welcome."

  Kirilli couldn't believe what he was hearing, but he recognized a secret weapon when it appeared.

  "Nikoli, I'm anxious to hear more. Please continue."

  "We need to start infiltrating the Germans in small groups. We shall start with lonely privates and work our way up as more information is obtained. Privates usually know more than they let on. Of course, we shall have to take some for our personal survival. Body disposal will be based on available storage areas. We can use the old cistern at our residence. We can also use an abandoned road just outside of Krakow. The woods are full of wolves and small animals. If the bodies are found, they will think the animals took their lives. Yes, we must show caution and not be brazen with our tactics. The disappearance of their comrades could easily raise suspicions and alarms. These Germans might not be the smartest, but I am also not taking them for granted. Complacency would be our undoing."

  Kirilli was in full agreement. They had endured many regimes over the years but nothing like the current invaders. They brought more than pillaging and confiscation of goods; they were systematically eliminating people they believed were inferior and a drag on precious resources. In the past, conquerors rounded up the locals and sold them as slaves or inducted them into their labor pools, but never were they rounded up and indiscriminately killed for no reason. Nikoli was right, to underestimate the men who marched under the Swastika would be a serious blunder.

  Nikoli had noticed that Brzesko would be the best opportunity for the first raid. Major Ernst had mentioned one day that the patrols, for the time being, would be confined to a perimeter of Brzesko-Miechow and Skawina-Nowy-Sacz. An enemy is always weakest at the farthest outposts. Nikoli pointed out that based on each clan’s home ground, the Romanovs would work on Brzesko and Miechow while the Boirarskys would concentrate on Skawina and Nowy-Sacz. It would reduce the distance they would have to travel to attack their foe. The short distances would also make it easier to return fresh bodies to those who stayed behind waiting to feed.

  "Nikoli, the plan is brilliant yet simple. I will gather my forces immediately and start issuing the appropriate orders. I will send you updates through Sergei or Roman as the battle escalates. I trust you will convey your progress with the couriers I send?"

  "Of course, Kirilli. We are now a united front!" He slammed his notebook against the table as a show of agreement.

  "I am still working on the small details. We need to stay as innocuous as possible. I have mulled over many possibilities with using our sons, or even you and I going out in small groups to start the round-up, but I fear it will be difficult for us as adult men to approach the guards and gain their confidence," Nikoli commented. He reopened the notebook and continued studying his papers.

  As the men thought about the method of attack, a knock came at the door. The sound interrupted and agitated the men. "Who is it?" they both demanded. The door slowly opened. Sasha, Svetlana and Dina entered the room. Shy Dina was standing behind Sasha as if for protection. Sasha reluctantly started providing an update on Dmitri and Nicole.

  "I apologize for the interruption. I wanted to provide an update on Nicole and Dmitri, plus, to see if calmer minds were prevailing. The children are recovering nicely. The wounds wil
l heal with time."

  Both men were about to unleash a tirade on the women for their transgression and irrelevant report. Nikoli broke the silence as his mind was able to process the final piece of the plan. “Yes!" he exclaimed in a triumphant voice. "Kirilli, they are perfect. Why didn't I think of this earlier? They are the missing piece."

  Kirilli wasn't following Nikoli's thinking at all. "What are you talking about man? What is perfect?"

  "My friend, look at them." He motioned for Svetlana and Dina to come closer.

  “Kirilli, who could resist the charms of my wife and a small child? How many times did we pass on taking a mother and daughter through the ages? Even we have a few deep human emotions left." The two women were standing side by side next to Nikoli displaying the look of forlorn females. Nikoli was right. Who could resist the charms of a beautiful woman and a small child peddling their wares for a few morsels of food, or a coin or two, to buy some supplies? A large smile was growing on Kirilli's face as he contemplated the idea.

  "Yes Nikoli, I see the wisdom. It is perfect." The women stared at each other. The men were planning to put them in the front lines and start implementing what must happen for their survival.

  Chapter 12

  Conversions

  February 1941

  The plan was in place. It was time to put it to the test. Who would they send for the first hunt? The questions weighed heavily on each man. A failed mission could unravel everything. Failure was not an option. Svetlana suggested she and Dina should go for the first mission. Nikoli waved her off with amusement. Even though he had suggested those two go out on the first mission during the meeting, he had second thoughts about the wisdom of his suggestion. "And what does my wife know of such things?"

  She kept quiet.

  "You do raise an interesting idea though. Kirilli, what do you think of Natashia, Roman, Eva and Dina for the first strike? Think about it, Roman has learned much from you and after the encounter the boys had in Bochnia, it appears he has a bit of fighting instinct in him. The girls will act as the perfect bait. Then for insurance, Stephan and Yakov will go with them, keeping a safe distance, yet close enough to step in if something goes wrong."

  Kirilli was intrigued with the idea but suggested one change, "Instead of Stephan, I believe Dmitri should go with him. It will be a test of the new bond we are forging."

  Nikoli saw the wisdom of the idea.

  "Agreed, they leave tomorrow."

  * * *

  Sasha was sitting on Nicole's small bed applying a wet cloth to her head. The morning sickness which usually didn't show up for another two or three weeks was in full force with Nicole. "It will be all right Nicole; the baby is adjusting itself inside of you. When it plants firmly, the sickness will pass." As her words descended on Nicole, she burst out with a warning, "NO!" then fell deep asleep. The connection between the two is also occurring too soon. I will tell Svetlana about this development. Only she and I know what awaits them.

  * * *

  "What area shall we send them to? Bochnia is deserted and I have seen nothing around Miechow. What about Skawina? I noticed major activity at the crossroads a few weeks ago. Also, if something goes wrong, the group will be able to disperse in the forest and make their way back relatively undetected." Nikoli sat back and awaited an answer.

  Kirilli studied the large worn map spread out on the table and focused on the crossroads. The town lay just south of E40, a perfect place for the Germans to possibly build a fuel or ammunition depot. The Germans would more than likely have the heaviest patrols at the main intersection and not a side road.

  "Yes, I agree" he said emphatically. He looked for agreement from all in the room. Everyone concurred it was an excellent choice for the first attack. All but Dmitri.

  "Dmitri, are you with us?" asked Kirilli.

  "Maybe he is having second thoughts about being a true fighter, eh, Kirilli?" Once again Nikoli's sarcasm was unwelcome.

  "Nikoli, if I didn't think my son was equal to the task I would not have made the suggestion. Your comments, however, are becoming trite and tiresome. When do you plan on join..."

  "Yes Father, the plan is well laid out. We will not fail. How many shall we convert and how many should we bring back for the feeding?" The tension between the men temporarily subsided.

  "Son, from what we have learned, most of the patrols contain six men. I believe only two should be converted and the rest brought back here."

  "Yes Father, we shall not fail." What neither Kirilli nor anyone else could detect is why Dmitri had been temporarily distracted. When he found out he was going on the first mission, his thoughts turned towards Nicole and the baby.

  * * *

  The morning began with a cool northern breeze and overcast sky. The weather conditions would ensure that night came quickly. There would be no moon on this night, and the men of the patrol would have a difficult time focusing their eyes as twilight fell upon the region. It would take two hours to reach Skawina. The group was dressed in the most worn-out clothes each member owned. The imagery was perfect. Roman would easily pass for an uprooted refugee. And the girls with the dark coal shades under their eyes, easily resembled those who had not eaten for quite some time. "Roman, are you ready?"

  "Yes, Father."

  "Good. Dmitri, Yakov, keep a watchful eye on them. If trouble presents itself, do not hesitate to intervene."

  "Understood, Father."

  Not to be outdone, Nikoli interjected his own instructions.

  "Yakov, I want you to watch over your sisters, but especially keep an eye on Dmitri and Roman. We wouldn't want any favoritism shown on the field of battle."

  Yakov grinned, exposing his rotten yellowish-green teeth and nodded in agreement.

  "Nikoli, I do not appreciate the undertones and implications. When will you realize who the enemy is?" The fire in both men's eyes was starting to show.

  "Enough!" the women cried. "We are possibly sending our children on a one way mission and all you men can do is attack each other? Enough!" Sasha could not stand either man's arrogance anymore.

  Svetlana, seeing the door for discussion was opened, chimed in. "Nikoli, those are our children being sent out. How will you and the great Kirilli feel if we lose one of our own? I agree with Sasha, enough is enough." She looked deep into Dmitri's eyes. His eyes were filled with worry and concern. His eyes convinced her the bond between Nicole and Dmitri was intensifying rather quickly. She had never seen it occur this soon.

  "Children, take care. Dmitri, Yakov, keep a very watchful eye. We need all of you to return and with luck, you shall return with a lavish feast."

  Nikoli and Kirilli relented to the tongue lashing the women had sent their way. They both sat down and took stock of what the women had spoken. Svetlana's words hit Dmitri hard. He was overcome with an unusual sense of attachment to her. The words he spoke shocked everyone including himself. "Mother, we shall return as one."

  * * *

  They arrived at the main intersection of E77/E44 and 40 at 5:30pm. The last rays of the sun that had been able to find a break in the heavy thick forest sky, were rapidly diminishing, casting an eerie pale light on the land. The air hung heavy with the evening fog, which was starting to rise and whip through the woods.

  Dmitri and Yakov had kept a distance of forty meters behind the main group. They wanted to make sure there were no patrols lingering around in the forests. An undetected foe could foil the night’s plans. Nikoli had been right; the E77/44 was full of convoys moving east and west. To have scheduled an attack at this intersection would have been disastrous.

  Roman addressed the group. “Let us move closer to Skawina."

  * * *

  The nights in Southern Poland were long, dreary and cold. The perfect climate for the tall, strong oak and fir trees to flourish. They grew to heights of over sixty meters. The storms generated in the Baltic Sea would barrel down the northern and central plains of Poland and slam into the thick forests in the south. Wind
s exceeding 50 kph moved the mighty trees in an unsettling style. It appeared the woods were a living, breathing creature. The locals were immune to the forest's effects, but for those who were new to the territory, the sight and sounds could unnerve even the staunchest constitutions.

  It was another night of useless patrolling in the south of Poland for the disgraced patrol, and the cold winter air didn't add any comfort to their current post. Corporal Mackenson's mind would fall back to his days as a boy in the Hitler Youth. Cold weather was always viewed with great anticipation. The camp commandants would have the boys perform their calisthenics in the deep white snow. Those who performed admirably were given an extra ration of meat. Mackenson was the fittest of his class and always won the competition. But now, winter only meant more laborious hours roaming the desolate forest of Southern Poland.

  "How much longer for the relief to show up? We are being wasted as guards at this forsaken outpost. I told you not to question our orders, but no, you couldn't keep your mouth shut, and look where we wind up. Happy?"

  Corporal Mackenson had tried to diffuse the situation between Sergeant Hess and their Lieutenant Peiper. But no, Hess kept trying to convince the lieutenant that he knew better how to conduct a battle. Peiper had picked the perfect place for Hess to clear his mind and think better of his words. Now Mackenson was letting his displeasure be known.

  "Shut up, Corporal. We will be in the thick of it before you know it. Peiper is an idiot and almost got us all killed taking Warsaw. I am a soldier of the Third Reich, not a senseless dog carrying out foolhardy orders just so some officer can be nominated for the Iron Cross First Class. Let him sacrifice other’s blood for that piece of tin." Hess knew the mission Peiper wanted them to perform. Taking the building would have been disastrous and most of the squad would have perished rushing the machine-gun nest. An errant, or perhaps a lucky, artillery shell silenced the position moments before they were to rush the building.