Nikolay kept driving, totally focused on the asphalt road slowly disappearing by the night sky, he checked the gas meter of the vehicle and sighed knowing he will have to ask Lyuda for some gas later, as the approaching night kept engulfing everything in its dim shadows and the sounds that could be heard grew stronger Nikolay thought about putting the radio for the trip as he was getting a bit sick of the constant roar of the motor and wind.
Nikolay: Mhh... Maybe something classic...
He kept changing the radio frequency until it landed on a radio station that was emitting some 90's rock. Nikolay left it be and smiled taping the steering wheel as he kept his eyes peeled on the front, illuminated by the spotlights of the car. As time passed by he could finally recognize the area, he was finally near Lyuda's state, and if he wanted 3 hours away from the hangar. As he lowered the speed and changed gears he finally saw the fence that covered the state, he carefully parked outside, opened the door, got out and as he looked around he honked the horn of the Jeep and waited for Lyuda to get out an open the gates for him. As he waited looking at the lit windows of the house he could see how there were more vehicles parked than normal, he sighed knowing he was the one that arrived late this time. As he did that Lyuda came out and ran towards the gate, she opened it and hold it for him to come in with the car and park it. As he parked it inside with the other vehicles he turned off the engine and slapped the door shutting it and then looked at Lyuda. She was wearing her pilot jacket over a green tank top and some blue jeans.
Nikolay: Sorry some things happened and almost forgot we agreed to a meeting today
Lyuda: Well, you finally here so no worries, come on we were waiting for you goddamn it, you know we can't open the Vodka without you!
Nikolay: *laughing* Yeah, yeah...
As they entered the house they took off their shoewear and put on some slippers and headed to the second floor. Nikolay followed Lyuda from behind and they entered one room calmly as Nikolay took off his mask.
Nikolay: Hehe Hey Klim, Anatoly!
He said warmly as he approached the two men to hug them. They both looked at him as they were sitting on the sofa, one of them got up and approached him, he was bold and had a happy look on his face, he was wearing some casual clothes as well as some slippers.
Klim: Your late as hell Raman!
He said laughing and separated from him taking a beer can and gulping on it finishing it in one go. He then went and hugged the slim and rather pale man who got up the sofa also to hug him. As well as the other he wore some casual clothes nothing fancy and you could see how he had a grin looking at Nikolay finally making his appearance.
Anatoly: Haha Finally! I'm sick of drinking just beer dude
Nikolay let off him and turned his sight towards a woman looking at him with a raised eyebrow. She had long brown hair and glassy green eyes as she wore a white shirt, some tracksuit pants and on top of that a black trench coat as the cherry on top.
Anna: You're not gonna welcome your favorite Anna?
Nikolay: Oh wow, look who decided to appear, come here!
He kissed her in both cheeks and sat down near her taking a beer from the table and opening it. They all sat down on the sofas and leaned towards the table in the middle of them. On top of it, some plates with snacks. From pickles to the classic бутерброд (butterbrot/: A slice of bread with anything on top, is not considered a sandwich as it doesn't have another slice of bread on top of it, you American spies) and also let's not ignore the box full of vodka bottles near the same table, all of them waiting to be opened.
Klim: So what did take you so long Raman?
He said that as he started opening one of the bottles and filling glasses. Nikolay looked at him while took a little sip of his beer.
Nikolay: You know life isn't easy Klim we all have problems, mine being late to my favorite events
Lyuda: Yeah, yeah you gonna make us all blush, he actually almost forgot about all this
Anna gasped with Anatoly before laughing it off.
Anna: Typical Nikolay
Nikolay: Says the one who didn't come to the last five meetings
Anna: As you said we all have problems *takes a butterbrot*
Nikolay: Huh well... Do you all mind?
He said pulling out the cigarette pack he got from the city.
Anatoly: As long as you share
Nikolay laughed as he handed one to Anatoly and another one to Lyuda, Lyuda lit them with her Zippo lighter she got back in the day gambling with some Italian mafia in one of her many journeys around the wasted world. Nikolay inhaled a bit and let out the smoke smiling.
Nikolay: So how is life doing guys?
Klim: Pretty great actually, I think I can actually get my own distillery in the city finally
He said that with a grin looking at Nikolay, he looked back at him and laughed.
Nikolay: Fucking great a shame I won't be able to go get some fresh potato juice from'ya
Klim: Nah I think I will just put someone working in it, I prefer rural life really
Nikolay: Guess I will enjoy your Vodka for another decade *laughing*
Anatoly: Well I actually gonna move, I got a new job at Sant Peters, hell who knows maybe I can get something going on Moscow even
Nikolay: That's great news... So Anna, the fuck it's up with your life girl?
Anna: *laughs* Well got me a new company so that's awesome, the money keeps flowing and yeah life is pretty great, maybe I will get married next year who knows
Nikolay: Wow, okay *laughing* And your sister her is still without a partner what a shame to the bloodline isn't she?
Anna: Definitely
Lyuda: I can hear you punks, also you shut up Nikolay you heart breaker
Nikolay laughs as he puffs the cigar and lets the smoke out of his mouth forming a halo.
Nikolay: Huh I'm skillful as always... And you really gonna bring that up now? Come on girl I'm the one stuck in the past not you
Lyuda: Yeah, yeah... Well you already know how am I doing, ah yeah I found the Barret
Nikolay: Really, where it was?
Lyuda: Luckily, it wasn't up my ass, so that were great news and it was actually stored in a box for some fucking reason
Nikolay: Well so hearing that, now... What's the main thing to discuss this time?
Klim: Well Christmas *he said staring at him sternly* And the other thing is that Anna actually got something to announce so yeah
Nikolay: Ugh... Okayyyy~ Sorry again, for the 28th fucking time about not going to our Christmas party for two years straight
Anatoly: Goddamn it Raman *gulps on some vodka* You know we fucking told you to make time for that and helllll~ Look at that you didn't even think about it dude
Anna: Yeah even I came to the party, it was such a downer you weren't there
Nikolay: Goddamn it, leave me alone guys, things weren't going well the past years K? But well things now should go nicely from now on... I hope
Anna: Well try to come this time geez... Well the thing I wanted to talk about guys
Nikolay extinguished his cigarette and took a glass of Vodka, the others looked at Anna and waited for her to start talking.
Anna: So you all remember our community house? Well, we have to get rid of it...
Nikolay: What?! No!
Klim: You can't even get in it but I agree with you, what's happening whit it?
Anna: Some branch of the government needs the terrain we can't do anything... I got notified like I don't know the past week maybe? They will pay a sum but we can't do anything really
Lyuda: Goddamn it...
Anna: Yeah it's a real shame... I tried bu--
Nikolay: Just shut up... *sigh* We can't do anything right? Then it's that dealt with
Anatoly: What the fuck is wrong with you Nikolay?
Nikolay: It's the government Tolya...I know who they play with these things... Anna knows it... Lyuda know's it... We can't do anything about those dickheads wanting the terrain... *gritting his teeth* Goddamn it now I'm angry
He said taking a bit of a butterbrot and munching on it, Anatoly sighed and Klim took another gulp of vodka.
Lyuda: Well I will go and take pictures and get all the stuff out before they demolish it then... *sigh* So let's cheer up, Christmas is almost around the corner as well as new year so we all know what that means!
Anatoly: Party!
Anna: Hell yeah!
Lyuda: So who's place?
They all looked at her as she sighed at their staring.
Lyuda: As always huh... Well then as always Klim the drinks, Anatoly the good stuff and well Anna can you come?
Anna: Yeah I can sis, what about I bring the desserts?
Lyuda: That would be awesome, so Nikolay you bring the girls K~?
Nikolay: As if I ever would leave them to spend Christmas or New year alone, so I... *sigh* The gifts huh?
They all grinned at him.
Nikolay: Fine, fine I will see what can I do, so with all that of the way and knowing that we can't be late as always *he said laughing* Anything else to discuss or can I start speaking?
Anna raised an eyebrow as she looked at him surprised.
Anna: You actually got something to tell us? Back off, guys, this is not Nikolay is a Western spy!
Nikolay: Shut up will ya? But seriously
They looked at him waiting for the announcement.
Nikolay: So... Can anyone of you do me a favor and get in touch with a construction company? A reliable one also... As you know I can't get to the city so yeah, I'm pretty stuck as that is really important for me right now
Anna: Huh that's a... Rather a strange request from you, I thought you build all things yourself...
Nikolay: How the hell I'm gonna build an entire military complex by myself, Anna?
Anna: ... You what?
Nikolay: I recently joined Griffin and Kryuger *sigh* And they are just a pain in the ass to me really...
Klim: You what?!
Lyuda started choking on her butterbrot as she just heard the two words joined and G&K.
Anatoly: Wasn't that the biggest PMC right now? Which is also a really good friend with the government...?
Nikolay: Yeah that one, the great Griffin... Tch suck my ass, great Griffin more like great pain in the ass... Ugh yeah, I got myself in a big one this time guys so anyways before you bombard me with questions does anyone have the power to do that little request of mine or it will be just a dream?
Anna: I can... We can discuss that later but... What's wrong with you didn't you like swear you would kill yourself before joining another military-related thing?!
Nikolay: One of my girls insisted when the offer came around... I just can ignore them... And well things are done now, I can't do much about it anyway, but bah it's not like I'm in good terms with them or anything like that and me joining their ranks isn't official either so yeah they can go fuck themselves if they think I'm gonna serve under their direct orders
Klim: Eh... So the fuck?... Like what are you exactly now for them?
Nikolay: Someone who raided their mother base to talk with Kryuger itself and somehow exited the base by the front door now with an unofficial rank of commander of an unaffiliated hit group, basically I do some dirty jobs they give me money and stay in good terms I suppose
Lyuda: How the fuck do you get yourself in these things seriously... *facepalming herself*
Nikolay: I'm a magnet to problems I suppose... Well out of the depressing things... So Anna, marriage you said?
Anna: Oh yeah *she said with a smirk*
Nikolay: You know it ain't easy right?
Anna: But I love him~
She said that in a childish voice as Klim and Nikolay laughed out loud.
Nikolay: What a teenager we have here, huh... What good memories... Hehe... So... Hope you invite me to the ceremony if it happens, you won't forget right~?
Anna: *laughing* Goddamn, I know, I know, I won't forget... So how are the girls doing?
Nikolay: Fine as hell~
[Meanwhile, in the city Nikolay assigned them to clear out]
Sveta is standing in the middle of a street with a lot of dead vespids around her as for right now she is choking one to death as she tries to desperately get out of her grip hitting her in the head but nothing it doesn't even bother Sveta.
Sveta: You gonna need some fucking serious power to go through my skin girl... But oh well you won't have a second chance
She said as she crushed her throat and let her fall dead on the floor.
[Back where Nikolay]
Nikolay: Yeah they're totally fine
Anna: I hope so, but oh well they are like your daughters so I don't think I should worry about them
Nikolay: Talking about them, you gotta see Alyona and Alisa in a dress!
He said taking out his phone to show her.
Anna: Omg they're so cuteeee~ Send it to me
Nikolay: In a sec... And done
Anna: Omg, omg *she exclaimed looking at her new background* I really need one for myself...
Nikolay laughed as he left his phone.
Nikolay: I ain't doing commissions so sorry
Anna: Hoo...
Lyuda: Ghm ghm... Let me see, please
Anna showed her and Lyuda immediately took it off her hands and send it to herself.
Nikolay: If you wanted that photo so badly you could of just ask you know?
Lyuda: Shut up
They all laughed and kept on talking while drinking and eating, as time passed by the only sober persons where Nikolay and Klim.
Lyuda: You... Hahahaha! Just Nikolay, what's up with your face you look like a Robo-hedgehog... *she kept on laughing while leaning against him pissed drunk*
Anna: Like... Goddamn... There's a lot of people her or is it just me... *hic*
Klim: *sigh* I really feel like they're gonna make me crash while driving...
Nikolay: Stay strong Klim... Stay strong... Well I think I will get going
Anatoly: *hic* What?! No dude stay a bit more, like we don't see you pretty much never and... *hic* Stuff
Nikolay: I really need to leave the girls are probably waiting for me now *He gets Lyuda off him* Also can I get some gas from you Lyuda?
Lyuda: ... *stares at him* ... A kiss
Nikolay: ...?
Lyuda: I want a smuch for some gas fair deal right?
Nikolay approaches a bowl full of candy and hands one of them to Lyuda.
Lyuda: ...? What the fuck is this?
Nikolay: A kiss, an American candy, well I'm gonna get some gas now have a good one Klim
Lyuda: You... You... You smart motherfucker... *she said taking the warp off the candy*
Klim waved him goodbye and as he got down the stairs he could still hear their laughter and warm drunk voices which drew a smile on his face filling his body with a feeling of warmth you only can get with a family. As he put on his boots and left the slippers in their place carefully, he opened the door and the fresh wind struck him suddenly making him shiver slightly.
Nikolay: Ah... The cold and peaceful winter is calling... Hmm *smiling*
He put on his mask and turned on the engine, the jeep started roaring as loud as lighting, he pressed the gas and parked it near the gasoline tank and started charging up on fuel. As he finished he carefully closed everything and got up to the gates, opened them and after he opened them he ran towards his car, sat down, slammed the door shut and pressed the gas. As he had the car now outside of the state he got out quickly again, closed the gate and finally entered the driver sit, putting on the security belt and turning the spotlights of the car at maximum power.
He thought about going back to the hangar but he shook his head and decided to go get the girls first, as he focused his view on the road enjoying the now silent night with her glowing stars shining upon him. Suddenly his phone ringed. He raised an eyebrow as he got it out his pocket picked up the call and put it on speaker leaving the phone near him.
Nikolay: Nikolay speaking, how can I help you?
Kryuger: Mr.Nikolay
Nikolay: ... Kryuger? How the hell did you get my phone number?
Kryuger: Military secrets Nikolay, well at least I can speak with you now, so I have some things to discuss with you if you have the time to obviously
Nikolay: I'm driving be fast and simple, please
Kryuger: So I spoke and arranged things with Helianthus, and we got your assigned sector finally confirmed, sector 0-5, near its hot spots, we had some few interesting places for you to settle in how does that sound to you?
Nikolay: ... Ehh... Could you send me some details? Well, actually could you say them yourself?
Kryuger: *sigh* Mhh near Ukraine your spots are deep in the safe zones but have the bad thing of being surrounded by almost all of the hotspots, you will have your base if that's it that you diced to settle in there... Near other several bases of other well-known commanders that might get good use of your services if you decide to accept their offers
Nikolay: Basically you're putting me on a support role because you know I won't do shit if I'm not near the action, how smart of you Kryuger, well send me some photos and specifications of the area and I will start constructing in the next days after checking the areas
Kryuger: Do you want me to send some builders and materials over there?
Nikolay: No need to, I don't want to relay so much on papa Griffin
Kryuger: Well I don't mind less money I gotta spend... And the other thing *Kryuger starts clamping over the phone* Fantastic job your girls did with that city, our scout team said good things in their reports about some of your girls, and we actually found the missing team after some time, we can say it went smooth enough to be considered a good job
Nikolay: No need to thank me, doing some work you know? But oh well a little reward would be great
Kryuger: As expected of someone like you, what's it gonna be?
Nikolay: Well technically I'm a commander so... Technically I also have my own rewards...
Kryuger: Please be more direct, I'm not quite catching the waves...
Nikolay: I mean, surely your commanders have some system of getting supplies and troops or fighting vehicles for their missions and that stuff, I would like to have a more... Closer inspection on that
Kryuger: That's official Griffin commanders system of points, you would need to be registered as an official commander Mr.Nikolay, and for what I know you don't want that
Nikolay: I see... But oh well surely if I can't get that I can get something similar or I'm just daydreaming?
Kryuger: ...*Sigh* Well we can see what we can make out of this but well... Maybe if you do something more for us... Maybe then we could discuss this further
Nikolay: You are such a smooth talker Kryuger
Said Nikolay tapping the steering wheel.
Kryuger: So we lately started having problems with SF trying to take over a factory of an abandoned city... Our recon teams and assault teams did their best but the only way to stop them from coming is to destroy the factory and that actually doesn't help us at all
Nikolay: So what do you want? Extract the equipment out of there? Neutralize the near SF command post? Destroy the routes to it maybe?
Kryuger: Actually far simpler, I want you to go and make a copy out of every document inside and then just burn that thing down to ashes or blow it up if you prefer
Nikolay: An extraction mission... Huh so why didn't you do that when you had the factory under your control?
Kryuger: Well we never expected a factory to have some sort of underground complex and as we realized SF started trying to take it over and they did actually
Nikolay: You could just send a normal assault team of 6 and that would be far more simpler than depending on me
Kryuger: The thing is not a single commander is totally willing to send his troops into a certain ambush, ringleader activity was also detected around the area that's why certainly a lot of people don't wanna risk the biscuit
Nikolay: Mhhh~ What a shame I'm really running out of time these days oh if I just had some sort of system to maneuver and manage troops through these long and hard days~
Kryuger: Yeah, yeah I heard you before this, I will see what can I do, but first I would like results from that little thing...
Nikolay: *sigh* Okay just send the coordinates you will have the copies in 23 hours from now
Kryuger: How confident mister Nikolay... Well I sent you the information so let's hope you don't disappoint me *hang-ups*
Nikolay let's out a breath as he starts mumbling things about how the fuck do things end like this always, but oh well certainly with a smile knowing that he is definitely making some progress around all this PMC.
As he kept on driving he finally arrived at the location where Ivan should of drop out the girls. As he parked near the trees shadowing the plain he got out the jeep and looked around trying to see something from this total darkness. Then he noticed a light coming from deep in the tree populated area. He turned off the engine and took the keys with him before slamming the door shut. As he started walking towards the light source he texted Raisa that he is back as for them not to panic over the engine sound and the now only footsteps coming towards them. He arrived at the light source it was little campfire surrounded by rocks and it's being maintained by Alisa who looked up at him after hearing the footsteps closer and smiled at him realizing it was Nikolay and not some monster of the deep dark woods.
Nikolay: Where are the others?
Alisa: Sleeping... I'm on guard duty as I can't sleep again...
Nikolay: Poor thing... Here
Alisa raised an eyebrow as she looked interested at him searching something in his pocket, and as magic to her he got out some candy. Alisa stared at them and then at Nikolay before running towards him and hugging him tightly.
Alisa: You're the best
Nikolay: Hey, hey! *laughing* I promised a reward if you girls did a good job didn't I?
Alisa: But you don't know if we...
Nikolay: Do I really need to ask if you did a good job? Like c'mon you all always do a great job no matter what *pats her head*
Alisa: ... I really feel like you spoil us a bit too much... But I ain't complaining about this treatment...
Nikolay: And you better not! Come her
He picked her up and spun her around like a little child, she blushed as she tried to get off his grip.
Alisa: I'm not a little girl Nikolay!
Nikolay: But you always will be my lil gurl~
He said with a funny voice as he put her down and messed with her hair.
Alisa: Stop it or I bite!
Nikolay stopped and laughed a bit before giving her the candy finally. She sighed as she sat down near the campfire and inspected the gift.
Nikolay: By the way Anna says you look beautiful in a dress
Alisa: Auntie Anna was there?!... Hoo, I wanted to see her...
Nikolay: Worry not we will see her this new year eve, how does that sound?
Alisa: I can't wait
Nikolay smiled and sat down beside her, taking the stick she was using to move the firewood and charcoal around for the fire not to run out.
Nikolay: So... Nightmares again?
Alisa: It's so unfair you always know...
Nikolay: Well you're the most scared being I have ever met
Alisa: You meanie...
She said that as she put candy in her mouth and laid down on his lap looking at his face.
Alisa: They're just too much for me to handle... They're too scary...
Nikolay: I understand you, we all have bad dreams once in a while...
Alisa: You also have nightmares? But you always are smiling how is that?
Nikolay: The secret to not fear them is to always smile that's why I always smile Alisa
Alisa: So you also fear them...?
Nikolay: Yes... I really do fear them but I stay strong and smile that's always one way to go around them
Alisa: Huh... Can I do that also?
Nikolay: I don't know, did you try?
Alisa: No... I really didn't even think about it...
Nikolay: Just be yourself Alisa, that's the most important thing
Alisa: Okay~... So who else was there?
Nikolay: Well there was aunt Lyuda... Aunt Anna, uncle Klim also was there and Anatoly also blessed us with his presence
Alisa: Hoo... I want this year to end faster! I wanna see them...
Nikolay: Don't be impatient the good things of life always come for the patient ones...
Alisa: *pouting* But I don't wanna wait, why always wait
Nikolay: *chuckling* You will understand one day... For now how about I tell you a story to sleep?
Alisa: But... Okay...
Nikolay: How about the hedgehog in the fog?
Alisa: Oh I like that one!
Nikolay waits for her to settle in his lap to listen to the story as she gets herself comfortable he takes off his mask and prepares his voice.
Nikolay: Ghm ghm... There was once a little hedgehog that always visited his friend the bear cub in the evenings...
As he kept narrating the story Alisa's eyelids slowly shut and her hearing become so weak she could swear that Nikolay sounded like the cracking bonfire. As Nikolay finished telling the story he picked her up and entered one of the tents and left her carefully tucked in Alyona's blanket. After that, he extinguished the fire and searched the two remaining tents for Nadya, as he found her seemingly sleeping he approached her after closing the tent and laid down beside her hugging her tightly.
Nadya: You smell like chocolate...
Nikolay: Hmhm~ Wanna take a bite?
Nadya: Not in the mood... And also not the right place
Nikolay: Hoo~ Why you still awake?
Nadya: I... I was looking over Alisa from here...
Nikolay: Ohh~ Mommy Nadya really does worry about them~
Nadya: Shut up will ya?... *sigh* How did it go?
Nikolay: Pretty good, but we lost our little secret cave... I will really miss it...
Nadya: No way...
She turned around to face him and stared at him straight in the eyes.
Nadya: How? I thought you loved that place...
Nikolay: ... *sigh* Government... Can't do much than waste my breath, at least you all did a great job in the city
Nadya: How do you know?
Nikolay: Apparently Kryuger has my number so yeah... He told me how you wiped out the city with their recon team in record time, did the satchel charges come in handy?
Nadya: You wouldn't even know...
Nikolay: Glad they were of use... So I will close my eyes for a sec K?... *yawn* I feel like I could use some serious sleep...
Nadya: *Sigh* Go ahead you mad scientist
Nikolay: Didn't hear that in a while~
Nadya: Go to sleep Raman...
And so the night passed calmly. All got up the next morning and started doing the routine, well not all of them as Nikolay was still sleeping in Nadya's tent peacefully. The girls now totally equipped and ready to go, sat down near the extinguished campfire and eat their canned food while talking.
Sveta: So Alisa where did you get that candy from?
Alisa: Military secrets~
Sveta: *sigh* You also smell weirdly familiar to chocolate and tobacco... What the hell did you do last night? *takes a bite of her cracker*
Alisa: I slept on Nikolay for a while so I suppose he's the one to blame *takes a bite of her cracker sandwich*
Raisa: Huh... So that's why the late message I got... *eats a spoonful of stew*
Alyona: Hmm *leaves her can aside* So did he bring something else?
Alisa: I don't know we talked for a bit and then I fell asleep as he told me a story
Alyona: *sigh* Oh well, should we wake him?
Nadya: He seemed really tired let's leave him be for a while longer...
Sveta: Boring~ I want to mess with him for a bit~
Alyona: You've been oddly rebellious these days...
Sveta: That's because I'm happy~ And Nikolay is the cause of it all so he's the one to be messed with~
Alyona: ... Aja...
As they finished eating Nikolay got out the tent and stretched out before putting his mask on and then looking at the girls ready to go.
Nikolay: Good morning girls
Raisa: It's 14:23 to be exact Nikolay
Nikolay: Oh well... Good day?
Raisa: *sigh* How did it go?
Nikolay: Fantastic, still a bit tired but nothing I can't handle *he took his phone and inspected the files Kryuger sent* Mhhh...
He sat down near them and after checking some things he looked at Raisa.
Nikolay: So are we good on supplies?
Raisa: Good on water, good on food, good on ammo, we just lacking in the medical side as always
Nikolay: Hmmm well we got work to do, Kryuger wants us to clear a factory and inspect its underground facilities, he said it's a sure ambush of SF so we gotta be careful
Raisa: Do we have a bit more intel?
Nikolay sends her via message some of the files.
Nikolay: It was a T-Doll factory that exported goods both to SF and the military, now with the city totally abandoned is just a big building made out of concrete with 3 entrances to it, recently G&K discovered it had some sort of underground complex but it was late for them to investigate further as the city got immediately controlled by SF, we are tasked with clearing and destroying the entire thing after taking copies of any relevant documents or papers, what concerns me the most is that Kryuger said they detected Ringleader activity nearby the city, so we should prioritize stealth and mobility
Raisa: Huh... *keeps on reading* Basically we need to get in as fast as we can, make the copies, burn that down and escape after?
Nikolay: Pretty much yes, also Sveta you're prohibited to use your shotgun until we get in CQC territory deep in the complex, do you copy?
Sveta: Yeah, yeah, punch the hell out of them until we get deep underground for my shots to be muffled
Nikolay: Well, Raisa show Alyona the map for her to memorize as for me I will go get the jeep ready, meanwhile the rest prepare your equipment and try to get as light as possible
They all said yes in unison and started doing their thing, as for Nikolay he went up to the car, revised everything and checked the trunk to be empty. As he readied everything he went and told the girls to start moving, they all quickly dismantled the tents and destroyed the campfire remains to not leave any trace and stored everything they didn't need in the trunk. Nadya got herself in the trunk as the space in the vehicle itself was limited by the gigantic trunk of the UAZ. Nikolay sat in the driver's seat, as for Sveta she sat in the co-pilot seat. The three remaining distributed themselves in the back seats, Alisa near the window, Raisa in the middle seat and Alyona near the other window. As they all were ready Nikolay turned on the engine and as it started roaring he maneuvered the vehicle out of the plain and as soon as its wheels were on the asphalt he pressed the gas and changed gears.
Sveta: So... Alyona is it far from here?
Alyona: 3 or 4 hours driving until we reach the city outskirts
Sveta: Goddamn it... *sigh* Then guess I'm gonna sleep for a while...
She said that as she got comfier in the seat. Raisa already was trying to sleep and as for Alyona, she kept on looking out the window. In the meantime, Alisa reached for a little plank in one of her mag pouches and started carving its surface. Nikolay peeked at her from the rear mirror wondering what she was carving on the plank. As the hours passed they finally arrived and could see the outskirts of the abandoned city, Nikolay parked the car as near and hidden as he could, trying to close the gap between the to points but always with the intent of leaving the car secured and hidden from anyone who wasn't them. As he parked, he woke up everyone who was sleeping and they all got out of the car, taking their weapons out and putting the silencers on, as they were all ready Alyona and Raisa took the lead, followed by Nikolay and Sveta and on their backs Nadya and Alisa with their Ak's on auto ready to engage out in the open. As their gap of the plain and the city buildings got smaller and smaller, Alyona raised her hand making them stop on track.
Alyona: I read SF activity... North-west of our position, maybe a small group doing patrol
Nikolay: Evade them and let's try to arrive at the Factory without engaging in combat
Alyona: Affirmative
And so Alyona changed routes and as they entered the city and finally were covered by the shadows of the destroyed and abandoned buildings Alyona got near a sewer cap and with a metal plank she picked up from some chunks they had near, opened it with the help of Raisa.
Nikolay: It smells like if Chernobyl and the back trashcan of Tacobell had a baby...
Alisa: More like if a spoiled can of tuna erupted several times in a mass grave...
Alyona: Stop complaining we ain't far from the factory by the sewer system so let's be quick
Nikolay: This reminds me of my time in the Spetsnaz...
They all got in and Alyona turned on a flashlight as well as Nadya and Raisa. Alyona moved slowly and carefully pointing her flashlight and Ak always to the front as for Nadya and Raisa they kept on switching their views once in a while, illuminating almost everything. As time passed by they arrived at the exit they were searching, Raisa climbed the ladder first and opened the sewer cap slowly peeking for enemies, confirming it was clear she got out completely followed by the others being the last one Nadya.
Alisa: *Trying to breathe* God... My appetite and respiratory system got destroyed 25 times in just some minutes...
Nikolay: I got used to it after a while... Buah... Well, are we all out? Yeah? Then let's keep moving...
And so they kept lurking the shadows of every alleyway until they got inside a house with a clear vision to their objective. They all got near the windows and meanwhile, Nikolay and Alyona scanned the perimeter, Raisa and Nadya kept a look on the staircase to their floor, meanwhile, Alisa checked her equipment and made funny faces still affected by the chemical attack of that sewer.
Alyona: I don't see anyone guarding the outside but I still catch SF signatures inside
Nikolay: The surroundings also are clear as pearl... Yeah, it's an ambush totally... Maybe we can bite them out?
Alyona: I don't know we only have three entrances to the building... We can't breach in as it's risky...
Nikolay: Yeah I don't have any vest on me... *sigh* Should we make our way in from the bottom?
Alyona: I don't have a map of the sewers that could be near the underground complex we also don't know how deep down it is... We would be digging blindly
Nikolay: Well then we breach
Alyona: *sigh* As you say
Alyona puts aside her binoculars and they all regroup exiting the building they were currently in by the back, they all follow Alyona and Nikolay to the back of the factory and all of them position themselves near the auxiliary door. Nikolay was the one almost glued to the door, the second one being Nadya, Nikolay said "Silently" with hand language and then proceeded to count down with his fingers. As he reached a closed fist he opened the door slowly and silently not opening it all the way in, just making the gap big enough for them to pass through. He entered the building and immediately took cover behind some sort of machinery, they all followed and also took cover behind boxes and other equipment. Nikolay looked around. They were in a pretty small room to be of a factory, it got boxes and machinery all around and there weren't any enemies. Nikolay carefully with his pistol raised and near his body as for now he was in CQC territory, he inspected the room followed by Raisa, meanwhile, Sveta and Alisa did the same thing in different areas of the room.
Alisa: Clear
Sveta: Clear
Nikolay: Clear... How strange why there aren't any enemies here?
Nikolay looked around and saw a door, as he approached it he noticed it had some sort of device attached to it while also being sealed with a lock.
Nikolay: Raisa back off...
Raisa: Understood...
Nikolay approached the device and inspected it, it was an EMP system with an integrated frequency inhibitor, this thing looked powerful enough to fry a T-Dolls cognitive system.
Nikolay: So they booby-trapped it before leaving it to SF... But how the hell does G&K have this thing... And much more... Fucking know how to install this, something's fishy about this... Be careful girls there are EMP devices around, quite the powerful ones also... Don't use anything like your phones or radios
Sveta: Copied, should we deactivate them with a shot if we see them?
Nikolay: Don't even think about it, these things will go down with final wave enough to knock you out... Look where you step I don't want any of you becoming a zombie
And so they let Nikolay be the point man of the squad as a safety measure against those EMP systems, in just a couple of minutes they checked up all the room and found the stairs leading downstairs, Nikolay was handed a flashlight and so turned it on illuminating the small corridor leading down, he took a quick breath and started going down the stairs slowly pointing the flashlight low enough to see the staircase and also the end of it. Thankfully there weren't any traps nor alarms so they quickly got down to the complex, they descended that staircase for 3 to 4 minutes so it was pretty clear they were deeper underground than the sewer system. Nikolay searched for some sort of indicative of where they were in the complex but nothing was down here except the metal door waiting to be opened, leading to the main complex as for right now they were just in on of maybe, its many entrances. Nikolay slowly opened the rusted door and peeked with his flashlight before entering. A huge corridor with various doors and cables around the walls, the power grid of this place seemed to be working still surprisingly, as some of the lights flickered momentarily lighting the corridor once in a while.
Alisa: Goddamn it why all have to be so creepy?...
Alisa whispered that in a trembling voice and holding dearly to her Ak-9.
Sveta got her shotgun out, as for all this time she had it slung to her back, she carefully adjusted the silencer and pulled the bolt back, she looked at the 20 gauge loaded and ready with his brothers in the mag, ready to tear anything apart, Sveta let go the bolt as it slid back in place and now she pointed her Saiga up, barrel raised pointing into the darkness of the corridor.
Sveta: Don't be a pussy Alisa and start clearing rooms
Sveta passed Nikolay and opened one of the doors quickly and peeked inside with the barrel of her Saiga.
Sveta: Clear
Nadya sighed and tapped Alyona's shoulder, they both looked at each other and as Alyona nodded they both picked their guns tightly and passed Nikolay also starting to breach into a room. Nikolay looked at Alisa and sighed before giving a look to Raisa to take care of her. She nodded and made Alisa move behind her as they both also started clearing rooms.
Nikolay now alone moved silently and carefully trough the corridor without his flashlight, as soon as he arrived at a split he lowered his pistol slightly and looked both ways. They were both identical, both white and metallic, both with flickering lights and both with the same creepy aura to them as the other.
Nikolay: I will wait for them here better...
Nikolay took some steps back and waited for the girls to finish clearing rooms, as he heard the final clear they all approached him and looked at the split.
Alisa: ... *silence* Bruh
Nikolay: We won't split I don't want to risk the chance of not having the means to contact any of you so now we need to decide which direction
Sveta: Always left
Sveta started heading left before Alyona grabbed her by the shoulder.
Alyona: You crazy? Always right
Nikolay facepalmed himself as he could notice they gonna argue about this in just a moment. But before something could of go down Raisa started walking down the right corridor followed by the scared Alisa who looked around as if any shadow gonna jumpscare the shit out of her. Alyona smiled and followed them.
Sveta: Tch...
Nikolay: Wanna go alone?
Sveta: Can I?
Nikolay: Nop
Sveta: Then why you ask?
Nikolay: I don't know curiosity maybe
He followed them closely, Sveta looked at him and then at the left corridor, Nadya put her hand on her shoulder and slowly shook her head in denial. Sveta sighed and both of them followed the group from behind, the corridor continued for a long time until they reached another corridor, now it was left or right again but this time they had some sort of guide, blue or purple lines. Both of them lead towards the right but the left it didn't have any.
Nikolay: Left...
Nikolay now took the position of point man and started walking down the corridor, they all looked at him and at the right for a split second before following him from up close.
Alyona: Why the left?
Nikolay: My gut told me to follow left for some reason
As they kept on walking the lights of this corridor died out. Alisa gulped as she got closer to Raisa. Nikolay and Nadya turned on their flashlights and kept on going until they hit with a dead-end, specifically a heavily reinforced door, and on its step old blood trails.
Alisa: ...
Alisa now hugged Raisa tightly. Raisa sighed and then also looked at the blood trails. Nikolay looked at them, almost starting to stare deeply into them.
Raisa: Something wrong?
Nikolay: ...This is... All this is just too sketchy... Kryuger sent us her for some reason and I really feel like all this was false information... Doesn't it seem weird to you that we didn't see a single SF T-Doll although we clearly got them on the radar?... And now this... This plus the EMP devices it doesn't seem right, I can't believe a T-Doll recon squad is able to install those crude devices and to not booby trap everything if they know SF forces gonna try to take all this over... If there is something I learned from my battles is that you don't let go of strategic points this easy...
Nadya: ... *crouches* It ain't fresh... It maybe has 20 or 10 years...
Nadya inspected the blood from up close analyzing it carefully. Nikolay looked around and yeah that's the only door here.
Nikolay: Okay girls we leaving all this alone... I ain't risking the biscuit while you all are here, let's get back and blow this place to pieces...
As he said that the lights went on, lighting the corridor in its entirety. They all raised their guns and pointed everywhere mainly behind seeing nothing but the empty old corridor. Alisa now went up to Nikolay and hugged him tightly shivering a bit, Nikolay turned off his flashlight, put it away and warped his free hand around Alisa, pointing his pistol straight to the corridor.
Nikolay: Okay girls... Keep your eyes peeled we have the playful company whit us... or in the worst case a very angry ghost
Raisa loaded her standard mag and put away the drum magazine expecting combat anytime now, Nadya took off her grenade launcher and put on her trusty bayonet at the end of the rifle. Sveta smiled at the adrenaline her body had now and was the first to start walking back their steps. She was followed by Raisa and Alyona meanwhile Nadya protected Nikolay and Alisa who still was shocked by all this.
Alyona: I don't detect any T-Doll activity around...
Raisa: Human scavengers?
Sveta: Maybe a demon...
Nikolay: Keep calm girls we don't want all of you getting shocked as much as Alisa here... But I don't like the sound of any of that...
They finally reached the corridor leading towards the split, they all looked at the right first, seeing that corridor was blocked by some debris far away, the thing is they didn't know if it was an old blocked or it just happened.
Alyona: Goddamn it, I'm getting anxious also...
Sveta: Ghosts can't hurt you, worry about demons and humans
Raisa: ... Thank god we followed Nikolay's intuition... *She said pointing at the far away debris*
Nikolay: Keep on moving girls the faster we get out of here the better...
They got back quickly to the split and looked around, red lights were turned on the other corridor. Sveta stared at it, looking into the depths of the now red corridor.
Sveta: I feel like something is there...
Alyona: Don't mess with me Sveta, my heart is pumping like crazy right now...
Sveta: Mine also Alyona *she said smiling devilishly* can I now Nikolay?
Nikolay: Are you out of your mind?
Sveta: What if that "thing" follows us while we escape?
Nikolay: Tch can't you just see how your sister is right now Sveta?
Sveta looked at Alisa, she was shivering trying to hold on Nikolay, her face looked horrified just by all this tension and sudden events. Sveta gritted her teeth as she kept on looking down that hallway... Flickering red... With a deep black at the end of it...
Sveta: ... Keep moving I will take the rear now...
Nikolay: Thank you Sveta...
They all started moving and Sveta just stand there pointing her 20 gauge down the corridor... She felt adrenaline and a sense of fear and danger rushing towards her head but she kept looking, trying to see something out of there, a figure, a shadow, an object. Just something to see and put a face to the presence she felt down that corridor. Staring at something. Or at her.
Sveta: Fucking demons and their spooky stuff...
She started walking rapidly backwards, still aiming at that direction, and then she caught up with the group, they all arrived at the stairs safely and now Raisa was sealing the door, after that they speedily went up the stairs and closed the other door.
Nikolay: Raisa hold Alisa for a sec, please...
She approached and hugged her and then Nikolay got her off him, she tried to grab him again but finally, just hold dearly onto Raisa's arms.
Nikolay approached Nadya and took some of the explosives she had in her bag. He then proceeded to quickly deploy them strategically. Mainly pillars as for the explosion to destroy this entrance when it all collapses.
Nikolay: Okay I set a timer on them let's move, now
Nikolay picked up Alisa from Raisa and carefully opened the door exiting the factory from the back, he followed their steps backward arriving at the building they used for reconnaissance. When they all were there they quickly organized themselves and regrouped correctly. Nadya was the point man, Sveta protected Nikolay and Alisa, as for Raisa she now was the rear guard supported by Alyona. When they reached the sewer cap Nikolay put Alisa on his back and descended quickly following Nadya and Alyona who guided them through the tunnels. In no time they reached the city outskirts again and as they exited you could hear how the factory exploded and now the black dark smoke formed rasing from the now-demolished site.
Alyona: Let's get out of here quicker I don't want any uninvited guests following us now...
Sveta: *sigh* How's Alisa?
Nikolay: I think she snapped out but as you can see she just whispers "I'm sorry" trying not to cry... *sigh* Let's move I need to inform to Kryuger also
Sveta nodded and they headed out the city, now in the plain, they looked around, still no contact with any enemies, they reached the jeep and this time Nikolay sat in the back seats with Alisa comforting her, Sveta now was the driver, Alyona the co-pilot, Raisa sat near the other window in the back and Nadya accommodated herself again in the trunk. Sveta quickly started driving and got them out of there. As the hours passed by on the road, Alisa fell asleep apparently calmed, Nikolay sighed out of relief and caressed her hair for a bit more before stopping and taking out his phone to reread the info Kryuger sent.
Nikolay: Well something like this was expected... Wonder what Kryuger wanted out of there... Some blueprints maybe?... It looked really similar to how they distributed T-Doll testing sites...
Alyona: Is something bothering you Nikolay?
Nikolay raised his head and saw how Alyona looked at him from the rear mirror worryingly. Nikolay sighed and looked at her.
Nikolay: Don't worry I just was thinking a bit too much, nothing to worry about...
Sveta: ... Hey, Nikolay I wanted to ask...
Nikolay: ...Mh?
Sveta: What's exactly a ringleader?
Nikolay: Well... Think about it like a super T-Doll unique from the rest that SF manufactured in mass
Sveta: So basically... A T-Doll with more distinctive characteristics?
Nikolay: Something like that, yeah... Why did you ask tho?
Sveta: Just was curious...
She kept on driving silently after. As evening fell, they arrived at a new campsite they marked on the map, and while the others started settling and mounting the tents Nikolay called Kryuger from the car, as he didn't want to move and leave Alisa alone. As he heard a bip he approached the phone to his face.
Nikolay: Do you hear me Kryuger?
Kryuger: Oh Mr.Nikolay, yes I do hear you loud and clear
Nikolay: We already did what you asked for
Kryuger: Wow that was quick... 3 hours earlier than you promised that's surprising
Nikolay: Well yeah so about the documents there wasn't anything down there
Kryuger: What?
Nikolay: As you hear, it looked abandoned and already raided... I really feel like you just sent me false info...
He said with a distinctive angry tone in his voice, Kryuger felt silent.
Kryuger: You really didn't find anything?
Kryuger sounded confused, Nikolay raised an eyebrow as he now also got himself confused by Kryuger reaction, he couldn't tell if he was acting and all this was a trap from the beginning or the both of them got scammed.
Nikolay: What the... No there wasn't anything, my girls checked every room of the first area of the facility they didn't bring anything nor pictured a single document as there seemed to be any of that down there... The main power grid of that place also looked... How to say, ugh well it still worked for some reason but we couldn't find any way nor path leading towards the generators or powerplant... It all felt... How to say it? That you already raided it and sent us to our death... But seeing that you're as confused as I'm gonna trust you and inform you that if you were searching for something down there then your late, someone had to take it before you could even discover that place
Kryuger kept silent until he spoke up.
Kryuger: ... Huh... Did you blow it up after that?
Nikolay: I collapsed the factory and that entrance to the underground facility but my gut tells me there are more entrances to that place hidden around the city ruins, we used the sewer system to bypass SF forces but the thing is that we didn't even see a single T-Doll around be it SF or not... Which just made us skeptical about you... Well, all in all, the info you gave us except the map was all wrong, no ringleader, no SF forces around, no documents, no high risk...
Kryuger: ...*sigh* Well you did a good job nonetheless but it's a real shame you didn't find anything there... Well as I said a job done well is a job done well so let's discuss that thing you wanted
Nikolay sighed as he looked at Alisa still sleeping and then looked back at the phone.
Nikolay: As you wish, I still got time
Kryuger: So as we said earlier you need to be an official commander to get access to that and well, you aren't and don't want to be so we can't work around that system even if you insist but we arrived at a solution that might interest you
Nikolay: I'm listening...
Kryuger: So we arrived at the conclusion that the best thing to fulfill what you want to is to give you direct contact to IOP and 16LAB, basically we revealed your existence to our partner companies, so if you need equipment you can contact us or if you need troops you can make some deals with IOP or well if you feeling really adventurous I think you can ask 16LAB for some kind of new energy weapon it's all to you basically
Nikolay felt silent after hearing IOP and 16LAB.
Nikolay: ... How do you have connections to those companies?
Kryuger: Mhh? Well I'm a close friend with both of their bosses, and we have some deals going on like exchange of field data for troops, it really beneficial to the both of us you know?
Nikolay: ...This... This is a better solution then I expected... So... You already send them my info or...?
Kryuger: I wanted to hear your approval first but seeing that you said this is the best solution we offered you I'm sending them your files and identification now
Nikolay: Wait I have identification?
Kryuger: Obviously, we archived everything we know about you and your team, we need to keep track of our ranks and partners such as you or IOP
Nikolay: I'm not gonna discuss this further... Well, seeing that we arrived at an agreement I will hang up now
Kryuger: Very well, we will inform you if we receive any changes about the deal or a new contract for you, farewell
Kryuger hanged up and Nikolay lowered his phone looking at the roof of the car.
Nikolay: This is the best deal I got in years... Huh... Goddamn, now I have contact with my saviors... This is so fucking unexpected and great huh... Maybe joining Griffin's side wasn't so bad after all...
Alisa: Mhmm... Nikolay?...
Nikolay: Finally you're awake... How do you feel now?
His voice changed drastically from the serious and menacing tone to a weak and comforting one.
Alisa: ... I'm sorry, I caused a lot of trouble for all of you...
Nikolay: Don't be sorry, the important thing is that now you're a-okay and back to your senses
Alisa: ... I... I'm very sorry...
Nikolay: *sigh* Calm down, we all are safe now
He patted her head and she fell silent again.
Nikolay: How about you go and help your sisters set a campfire?
Alisa sat down properly, nodded and left the car, leaving Nikolay alone in it as he now looked out the windows, contemplating the night sky slowly raising upon them.
Nikolay: ...Who has to be sorry is me not you... *sigh* Maybe one day I can fix that... It's pretty late huh... Maybe I can have a little nap her--
And as he said that to himself his phone ringed, he quickly picked up the call and changed voices.
Nikolay: Nikolay here, how can I help?
Anna: Hey Raman
Nikolay: *sigh* Its just you...
Anna: What? How is that "Oh just Anna" you rude man!
Nikolay: Ugh... Don't yell goddamn it, I'm tired as hell...
He moved aside the phone as he heard her voice raise to the sound of gunfire.
Anna: ... *sigh* Okay, well do you remember that favor you asked me to do for you?
Nikolay: Yeah... Wait you already have them?!
Anna: ...And now you yell, and yes I do have the company, I'm a friend of the manager of it, I already contacted them and paid for the supplies with that bank account
Nikolay: Goddamn it... I forgot about it... Ugh I don't even have the plans nor seen the building sites
Anna: Don't worry they can wait as it's a small team separated of the company that do private buildings, you have time, but it would be nice that you gave them the plans and the location this week for them to know what to buy and what equipment would they nee--
Nikolay: They will have all overmorrow... Tell them that... *sigh* Well anything else?
Anna: Well... Lyuda also got all the stuff out of our community house so if you want to pick some of your things up then you should go and ask her
Nikolay: Thank you for the info I will start organizing everything tomorrow... Have a good afternoon...
Anna: Do not overwork yourself you hear me? *sigh* Stay safe Nikolay
And as she hanged up Nikolay turned off his phone and left it aside.
Nikolay: So the journey starts now... Huh... *yawn*
Nikolay: Well now... A quick nap to refresh my brain...
And as he said that he fell asleep with his mind blank.