THE BEGINNING Book Two (THE EVENT)

by Marshall Huffman

  “But how will you know he is telling you the truth? I can tell you if he is lying or telling the truth,” the whimpering man said.

  “What is your name?” the General suddenly asked.

  “Viktor Kuchin.”

  “You are from the Ukraine?”

  “Da. My family was from there and I was born there but I left when I was sixteen. I have not been back since.”

  “Left or were tossed out because you are a queer?” Kronowski asked

  “Does it matter?”

  “I suppose not. What do you think General?”

  “I don’t see how he could be that much help. He is just another mouth to feed. Just shoot him.”

  “No,” he shouted, “I know were all the barricades are around the city. I will tell you anything you want to know. Please. Let me live.”

  “I don’t know. You can decide,” the General said and walked off.

  “You will tell me everything? If I find you holding back just one detail I will shoot you. Do you understand?”

  “Oh thank you. Yes, I will tell you anything you want. Please don’t let him have me shot,” he begged.

  “I will do what I can but you must never, ever lie to me.”

  “I promise. I will tell you anything you want to know.”

  “Then I will let you live for now. Come on, we must go.”

  “What about the Chancellor?”

  “We will take care of him. You go on back to the truck and wait for me there,” the Lieutenant said.

  Yegor was smiling. He knew all he had to do was glare at the man and he would tell Kronowski anything he wanted to know. They returned to the trucks and once again were heading toward the Yamantaw complex. The medic had stopped the bleeding on Vladimir’s hand and he was sitting between the driver and Yegor in the lead truck.

  “So, Vladimir, what were your big plans for Moscow?” the General asked as they bounced along the rough road.

  “Simple, to free Russia from oppressive military control.”

  “Then why were you building such a large army and killing Federation Officers?”

  “They could not be trusted. It was better to just do away with them. We need an army to protect Moscow from other invaders that will surely come,” he said.

  “So your intentions are purely humanitarian. Freedom for the masses?”

  “I don’t expect you to understand. That is why we shoot officers,” he said contemptuously.

  “So you appointed yourself ruler of Moscow.”

  “Chancellor. Not ruler.”

  “Let me ask you this. Who decides what is best for the people? Do you have a group of advisors that are made up of civilians and this New Freedom Army? Do you ask them what they want?”

  Sergey looked at him and frowned.

  “Why would I do that? They are just like children. They can’t determine what is best for Russia. They can barely take care of themselves.”

  “So you alone determine what is best for the people.”

  “They cannot see the bigger picture. They only want gratification.”

  “How did you gain such amazing insight as to what is best for the people? I mean, it sounds like an astonishing endowment,” Yegor said.

  “I have always been a visionary. The fat old fools in charge of this country had no imagination. They were only interested in posturing before the rest of the world. I don’t give a damn about what the world thinks. They were small minded fools,” he said.

  “I see. So enlighten me, what is the difference between a Chancellor and a Dictator? I’m having a hard time distinguishing the difference,” Yegor said.

  “A Chancellor has the people behind him, a Dictator doesn’t care one way or the other,” Vladimir said.

  “All of them or just the small minded ones?” Yegor replied.

  “You see that is exactly the problem. You are a dictator. How many do you ask about what is good for the people? The only difference is that I want to see the new Russia be a Democracy. All you want is a police state.” Vladimir replied.

  “A Democracy? But you appointed yourself. How is that a Democracy?”

  “I would allow elections once our immediate needs were taken care of. I don’t want to rule like you in the military do. I want the people to have a free hand in the future of Russia. All you want is to control the masses. Quite a difference I think.”

  “So you would just let someone replace you if the people wanted?”

  “I would.”

  “Somehow I doubt that. I think you enjoy the power.”

  “Think what you want. I cannot argue with a military mind. It is always already made up and thinks it knows best. Anyone questioning it is treated like you treated me. I did not bow to your demands so you resort to the only thing you ever understand, threats and torture. You are afraid of letting the people have a voice.”

  “And yet you killed anyone that opposed you or were officers in the army. Doesn’t sound very Democratic to me.”

  Yegor did not talk to him again until they reached headquarters.

  ~~

  Yegor stood in the doorway watching Matryona as she washed the dishes in the sink. He had been able to sneak in without her knowing it. She looked more beautiful than ever he thought. Finally he cleared his throat.

  Without turning around she said, “Is that you my darling Boris?”

  Yegor froze for a second.

  “Oh no, it must be my other lover,” she said and turned around smiling.

  “Very funny. How did you know it was me?”

  “Maybe I didn’t. Maybe I was just covering all my bases,” she said smugly.

  “Then I will have this Boris taken out and shot,” he said.

  “But which one? There are many here,” she taunted.

  “Then I will have them all shot.”

  She finally broke out laughing and rushed to his arms. They kissed passionately for several seconds.

  “I saw you watching me in the pot on the sink,” she confessed.

  “I see you have not gotten any better while I was gone,” he said, hugging her again.

  “Yes, it’s true. I guess you will have to punish me again.”

  “No doubt,” he said and took her to the bathroom. They showered together and fell into bed and made intense love. Afterwards they lay in bed while Matryona ran her fingers through the hairs on his chest.

  “How did it go?” she asked.

  “About as well as expected. None of my men were hurt and we got what we went after,” he said.

  “What is this man like?”

  “Delusional. I can’t think of a better word. He thinks he and he alone knows what is good for Russia and its people.”

  “My God. That is what every Czar and Dictator thinks. Does he really believe that he can speak for the people?”

  “Apparently. What we don’t know is what the people think or what they will do now that he is gone.”

  “Will they come here?”

  “I doubt it, but we will be ready if they do. In situations like this the vacuum is always filled by someone else. Often they are even more delusional. What we need from him is their defensive strength and weaknesses. How we can get into Moscow and have to kill as few as possible. We need to know the structure of this so called New Freedom Army.”

  “And he will tell you this?”

  “I am sure he will. He will listen to reason now that he is isolated from his power base. I think it’s safe to say he will be more than willing to give us the information,” Yegor said.

  “And then what? You will go back to Moscow and take over the city? I don’t see how that is going to help restructure the country,” she said.

  “Moscow is a symbol. A rallying point if you like. No one knows about this place. We need a central location to bring all the people together. This place is important as well, but for different reasons. This is where we will make the technical advances we need to rebuild. Moscow is nothing more than a figure head. Like Rome was to the rest o
f the world during their glory. People need a place they can point to and say, ‘this is who we are.’ Moscow is that beacon.”

  “Do you honestly believe that or are you just making that up as you go along?” she asked.

  “Perhaps a little of both. I do believe Moscow is viewed as the symbol of Russia. What do you think?” he asked.

  “Me? I haven’t thought about it I guess. I suppose it’s true. Moscow does equate with Russia not only to Russians but to the rest of the world.”

  “Yes, that is exactly what I mean,” Yegor said.

  “Can I ask you something else?”

  “Of course. Why not?”

  “I was never allowed to ask these kinds of questions with my husband. Is that the way it is supposed to be?”

  “I don’t know. All I know is you can with me,” he said.

  “If you go back and take over the city, who will be the leader? You?”

  “That is a good question. What I would like to do is to have a free election after everything settled down. I don’t care who the leader is as long as there is a balance of power and no one person can determine what is good for the people.”

  He didn’t know if he really meant it or was just repeating what Vladimir had said earlier. Could Russia exist with free elections? He didn’t really believe Vladimir would turn over power to the people.

  “An election? Here in Russia? One where the opposition isn’t suddenly eliminated? A true election?”

  “That would be my desire,” he said.

  “And would you run for the office?”

  “I don’t know if I would be the right person. I am a military man and far too blunt to be a politician. I’m not sure I would be very good at that,” he said.

  “You are an amazing man. Here you have the power to take over anything you want and yet you don’t want to do it by force. Are you sure you were born in Russia?” she said and pinched his nipple.

  “I see, It’s going to be like that,” he said and shoved her off of him and straddled her body.

  “Let me show you what nipples are really for,” he said.

  ~~

  Yegor, Captain Andreev, and Lieutenant Kronowski sat at the conference table looking at a large map of Moscow.

  “And you feel certain he is telling everything?”

  “I have verified it with his little lover boy, Kurchin. He told me the exact same thing.”

  “It looks to me like we could almost walk right into the city if we come in through here and here,” Andreev said, pointing to the map.

  “I agree. If we created a diversion just south of those places we should be able to take them unprepared and with the minimum of causalities,” Kronowski said.

  “I want to keep the deaths to an absolute minimum. I hope that can be done but not at the expense of our men,” the General added.

  “When do you want us to go?” the Lieutenant asked.

  “As soon as possible. I don’t want them to get someone else established in power. We want to get them before they have a chance to regroup and reinforce their positions.”

  “Then I should get the forces ready. General, may I speak freely?” Kronowski asked.

  “Of course. You know I fully expect you to speak up when you have something important to say. Both of you,” he said.

  “Then I would like to request that you stay here while I take the troops to Moscow.”

  “Lieutenant...” Andreev interjected.

  “Wait, Andreev. It is okay. I understand what he is saying and I know why. If I do agree to stay, I will want Captain Andreev to go along as well.”

  “That will be fine as long as I make the military decisions. I know he outranks me but on the battle field, only one person can be in charge and if my ass is on the line, I want it to be me,” he said.

  Andreev looked at the General with a puzzled expression.

  “Andreev, it is fine. The Lieutenant is right. If I were in his shoes I would want the same thing. While it is not the Russian military way, it does make a lot of sense. We talked of this before and I have thought about it long and hard and I came to the same conclusion. Battle commanders need the latitude to do what they think is right and having me there as a needless distraction for him is counterproductive. Andreev you are my second in command on all other matters but in battle, I must relinquish that control to Kronowski.

  “Yes General.”

  “Look at me Andreev. I am telling you that you still speak for me. I know you have military experience as well. So do I, more than you can imagine, but this is what the Lieutenant does better than you or I. I trust him to make the right decisions when it comes to battle. Do not let this distract you from what has to be done and I want no hard feelings. I will simply not have my people posturing for power. Are you both clear on that?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Yes General.”

  “Good. Kronowski, you can get your men ready. Andreev, I need you to bring me up to speed about progress here.”

  After Kronowski left the General said, “I can see in your eyes that you are still upset. Maybe concerned is a better word. Andreev, I am giving my word that your position has not diminished one bit. I don’t play favorites and I don’t play games. I only want results and that is accomplished most efficiently by having the right person doing what they do best. Kronowski is a warrior. If anyone can get in to Moscow and secure it, he is that person. I am a good tactician but I honestly think he is better in some areas,” Yegor said.

  “I understand General. Yes, I do feel a little glimmer of jealousy but it will not interfere with my duties.”

  “That’s all I can ask. You do not need to be jealous and you should hold no grudge against Kronowski. He was put into this position by me. If you want to have a grudge against anyone it should be me,” Yegor said.

  “General. I could never do that. You have promoted me and made me second in command. How could I hold anything against you?”

  “See? It is just as you said. You are second in command and you would not be in that position if I didn’t have complete confidence in you.”

  “I understand. You are right as always. Kronowski should be in charge of the operation. I have nowhere near the experience he has,” Andreev finally admitted.

  With that out of the way, Andreev began to fill him in on what they had been doing since he left. Yegor was pleased that they were almost ready to establish communications again. It would be critical once they moved most of the people to Moscow to be able to stay in touch with the complex and get regular updates. Driving simply took far too long to be practical.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHINA

  Ky watched from a small rise as the men practiced various maneuvers. They had come a long way from the first days when they started training. They were almost fifteen hundred strong now and twelve hundred of them were able to fight and become part of the insurgence that would try to regain control of Beijing.

  Ky was torn between the decision to fight or to try to negotiate. He was the only one who felt that under the right conditions, diplomacy may be possible. They had many discussions and every time he was outvoted.

  He had asked them why war was always the preferred choice but no one offered a clear answer. It was a mystery to him why one group felt the need to rule over another. Harmony was obviously not something that could exist for very long. Sooner or later someone, someplace, decides that he or she should make the decisions for everyone else. Wars and revolutions were usually a result of those people’s actions.

  He watched with both pride and in trepidation. More blood would be spilled and it seemed so senseless. With so few survivors the thought of killing more people revolted him. Sima and We were the most aggressive of the leaders. They were for an all-out war against the army. They wanted to wipe them all out but were restrained by the other leaders. Ky wondered if that would really hold true once the killing started. He doubted that they would stop with just the top leaders. Once killing starts it is diffi
cult to stop.

  ~~

  “Kinjo our men are ready. Why are we still waiting here in the hills? We need to attack while the weather is in our favor. Every day that we wait is another we have to live in fear of discovery. You know our lookouts have seen patrols out in an ever increasing circle from Beijing. It is only a matter of time before we make contact,” Sima said.

  “Sima, you are so anxious to get this underway but what happens if we are overpowered? What happens if they out maneuver us? They have superior numbers and firepower. All we have is the element of surprise.”

  “That will be enough. We have been over this many times before. We have to move swiftly so that they cannot use their heavy weapons against us. Once we are in the city they will be forced to fight on our terms. We must strike now,” he insisted.

  Ky looked out at the hills once more. It was beautiful to watch as the sun began to set turning the sky a pale crimson.

  “I suppose you are dead set on this avenue?”

  “Of course, has anything changed? Do you honestly think they will give up control voluntarily? Even if they agreed, do you trust them to keep their word? Ky, I respect you but you are wrong on this issue. This is the only way we can remove the military from control of our country.”

  “I am not worried about that as much as what it will be replaced with,” Ky said and walked off.

  At sunrise the next morning the men and women that would take on the Chinese Army formed up to start the long march toward Beijing. Lookouts were sent on ahead in hopes of avoiding any engagements until they were ready to strike. Moving twelve hundred swiftly and surreptitiously would not be an easy task. Ky reluctantly picked up his rifle and joined them as they formed up.

  “Why are you here?” We asked when he saw Ky standing with the others.

  “Did you think I would stay behind? If this is to be our destiny then I should go as well.”

  “Ky, you do not have to do this. Tay is going with us. No one will think the less of you for not going.”

  “It is my duty to go. I cannot ask others to take this risk unless I am willing to share in it. No We, I will go with you and the others.”