Last Hope

Chapter 1 — New Empire

After the collapse of the USSR, some of the republics gained independence. But others - Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova - united into a new state: Eastern Brotherhood.

Supervision sunk into the past. It was replaced by a new dictatorship. The right party came to power, ascending the Slavs as the “highest nation.” Many then did not understand what this would lead to.

I understood too late. I realized - when we were already standing on the threshold of the third world.

My call sign is Hunter.

The title is the captain of the special shock unit “Thunder”.

I participated in dozens of operations, but one was especially remembered.

On that day, we were ordered to advance and finally destroy the rebels, which called themselves “new blood”. Their goal is freedom for all Slavic peoples and the overthrow of our power. They believed that equality is possible. We are that only power holds the world.

And I believed in this ... until that day.

The headquarters of the command. Eastern Brotherhood. Two days before the operation.

General Shevtsov stood at the projector, looking at the scheme of the object, as if he were going to battle.

“This plan is,” he began in a hoarse voice. “Hunter, your detachment should break through to the missile launching point.” Our task is to destroy their “hive”. We will explode the complex, and then we will accuse of the diversion of the country of the Baltic. This will give us a reason to take them under control.

He turned to the man nearby.

“Korbut, your detachment covers Hunter.” You will help them break through - take up the defense and hold to the last.

- questions? The general asked sternly.

Korbut, gloomy and calm, shook his head:

- No, comrade general.

I nodded:

- Everything is clear. The operation will be performed in the best possible way.

The general squinted slightly:

“I hope you.” This can change the course of history. May 25 is a day of fate. And now - for preparation.

We silently left the meeting room. The metal rumble of doors behind seemed harder than usual.

Korbut caught up with me in the corridor.

- Well, Hunter. What do you think? This operation will become a fatal mistake ... or by step by the best times?

I looked at him over his shoulder.

- Don’t know. I know only one thing - we have an order. And we are not entitled to violate orders. You yourself know what it turns around.

He grinned bitterly:

“I don’t know, my friend ...

The military base “Fortress of the East”. Operational sector.

The concrete complex went into the ground for tens of meters. Outside - only gray walls, cameras, spotlights and a steel dome of antennas. Inside is a whole underground city. The elevators growled like tired animals. The corridors of armored steel were saturated with later, gunpowder and silence in front of the storm.

In the hangar 3 there were combat vehicles - gloomy, like a war itself. The fans buzzed under the ceiling, illuminating hundreds of fighters lined up in the lines. They were silent, but their eyes burned - fanaticism, fear and iron will rammed into something frightening.

On the walls are the flags of the Eastern Brotherhood, red-gray, with the emblem of the new regime: a sword crossed with an oak branch.

On a metal platform, General Shevtsov rose, behind - I and Korbut. He turned to me, nodded.

- Well, Hunter. Your way out.

I took a step forward. All glances were on me.

- Well, eagles! - I began. - Today is a great operation. We know that the main threat to our beautiful country is not an external enemy, but rot inside. rebels, traitors.

- By order of Comrade Moskvin, we are obliged to destroy this infection. In the name of the nation.

- You are the best of the best. I believe in each of you. We will defeat this viper, and those who turned away from their homeland will pay for their stubbornness!

- Glory to the Brotherhood!

The rumble of votes swept the hangar. They shouted as if they were already going into battle. These were not just soldiers. These were the dogs of war. ready for everything.

It has begun

The house of Mikhail Petrovich stood on the outskirts of the village. The old shutters creaked from the wind, and a goat battered by time grazed in the yard. The windows were sealed with a film, as a sign that they try to keep at least some warmth inside.

I stepped over the threshold, and we met a heavy smell of firewood and old ash. Mikhail Petrovich stood in the middle of the room, gray -haired, hunched, but his gaze remained hard.

- Mikhail Petrovich, you know why we are here. Set the excess reserves of the province voluntarily - or we will have to take them by force.

He sighed, pressed a thin girl about five years old.

- I can’t, glorious ... This is for my granddaughter. understand?

I lowered my eyes. Everything was clear. But…

- I can’t do anything. We have an order. A signal received - we must react.

The soldiers began to act quickly. One opened the basement, the other was an old buffet. Several boxes with canned goods, flour and cereal instantly found themselves at the exit.

- Comrade Captain, I’m sure he still has it. I’m sure!

- Are these excesses? I earned everything with honest labor, ”Mikhail Petrovich answered restrainedly.

“Yeah, you will scare the market, comrade ...” the soldier muttered.

- enough. We are seized with excess, not the last, ”I cut off sharply.

“But I have a report, Comrade Captain ...

- Under my responsibility. enough.

The soldiers, not too pleased, but silently subordinate, left the house.

Mikhail Petrovich led me to the door.

- Thank you, Glory for leaving. I know you have no choice.

- Thank you. Sorry ... But about the choice you are right - no one has him.

I closed the door behind me and felt how it became a little heavier in my soul. war rarely gives a place of justice

We returned to the base.

At the gate we were already waiting for the fighters of new blood.

(Fighter of the NK): Well, they returned. How did everything go?

(Pavel): Yes, normally passed, a couple of soldiers even crushed.

(Fighter NK): Hunter, how are you? Do you like it?

(Me): Yes, here you feel alive. man, with comrades nearby. And not an insensitive robot, as before.

(Fighter of the NK): Well, of course, you got it with Paul. He saw him - he has a local jester.

(Pavel): You sit silently! I cleaned the potatoes for lunch or why didn’t you go with us?

(Fighter of the NK): Well, goat.

Suddenly we saw a commander leaving the headquarters. He came up with a serious look.

(commander): Well, eagles, how did everything go?

(I): The conference was in full swing. A lot of chatter, propaganda, but it was possible to get something important.

Firstly, rumors were confirmed-the regime is preparing for war with our organization.

Secondly, we learned the exact location of several new military bases. The object in the northern industrial zone is especially interesting - according to generals, prototypes of unmanned intelligence officers and modernized weapons are stored there.

(commander): So. Great job. These data will be useful to us in the near future.

Hunter, you coped well. While relax with Paul. Tomorrow I will introduce you to one of our best - sniper. He will become your third hand in the following sorties.

In the meantime, rest. Today you deserve it

After a conversation with the commander in chief, we went to the fire to boil the tales.

The evening sank down, only the crack of firewood and the distant cries of the guard reminded that the world was still in danger.

Pavel sat with me, and three fighters: Timofey - a tall, lean guy who is crying simply by name,

Tolya is a good -natured man with a thick beard and soft speech, and my namesake is glory, silent, but attentive.

We missed the circle of local moonshine. The throat was burning, but it became warmer in my soul.

Everyone began to open up, as if they had been familiar for a long time.

(Timofey): So you say, Hunter, the title is earn on your blood? Here are sore geeks. Worse than animals.

(Tolya): You know, brother. There are many who say about you here.

If you launched those missiles, we would have a kayuk. They would not have been sitting by the fire now, they would not drink.

Thank you for not giving up at the last moment.

(Me): Thank you, guys. For a good word. Let’s. We miss this topic.

You are the best here. Better tell us about yourself. How did you get here?

(Timofey): Well, perhaps I will start.

You know, I was engaged in the muzon before all this. He played on instruments of different, even had his own group.

And I did not think that I would once find myself in a similar organization.

And then, when the regime soldiers began to withdraw everything from people, I could not stand it.

He tried to resist - so much so that they did not score a little to death.

If the fighters of new blood did not pick up, I would now rot somewhere in the pit. And so I ended up here.

We sat by the fire - I, Pavel, Timothy, Tolya and Glory. The flame was dancing in the eyes, and a mug with local moonshine walked in a circle.

After the story of Timofei, who told about his love for music and how he was almost killed by the soldiers of the regime, Tolya took his word. He was a good -natured, strong man, but in his voice there was now inner pain.

(Tolya):

- I have a wife. Clever, beautiful, kind ... do not convey how I love.

But after everything that this power creates - I could not sit back.

When we began to rebel with the guys, we recruited new blood.

She is waiting for me ... Sometimes I visit. But I try not to appear often - so that the misfortune not to get on to it.

I nodded with respect, squeezed his shoulder.

(Paul):

-Well, what am I? They wanted to shoot me as a traitor. But ours intervened and saved me.

So I pulled myself up - how is it with my hands folded?

Then we were saved with fame.

Glory, before that silent, suddenly got up.

(glory):

“Thank you for the company, men.” I went ...

He slowly retired into darkness.

(I):

- Guys ... And what is he silent?

(Tolya), a little sad:

- When they and Paul were pulled out, mother and father were killed in front of his eyes.

Since then, he has not uttered a word. Only the thing does. Silently.

(Pavel), drinking a sip:

“Well, are you, kid ... Tell me a little about yourself?”

I sighed, looking into the fire.

(I):

- Yes, there is nothing special to tell ...

Before the army, he dreamed of a lifeguard to become - to help people.

But they called up. At first he was an ordinary soldier - outfits, patrols, all this routine.

And then ... he appeared. Korbut.

Now this rat dates itself as a colonel.

It was he who forced me to kill. Pressed, broke, “career” promised - office, epaulets, orders.

But it wasn’t there ... In fact, I became the executioner of the regime.

Only ordinary people ... I have never touched. I could not.

And in the end ... When yours were captured, I could not touch them.

Because the person. And that creature - for a long time no longer ...

(Paul):

- Thank you for saying, Glory. Do not worry - now you are among yours. Really, men?

(all in chorus):

- Well, of course!

(Timofey), with a smile:

“And secretly, Hunter ... The commander treats you very well.”

So do not let us down.

(I):

- Well, of course.

(Pavel), stretching:

- Okay, men, it’s time to disperse.

Hunter has a task tomorrow, and we have newcomers training

The next day I entered the office of the commander in chief. There was a girl against the wall.

(commander):

“So Hunter.” Meet our best sniper, Anna.

Today you have a task to eliminate key figures of a totalitarian regime.

I turned my head. Anna.

A beautiful girl with black hair, not very long, but neatly laid. Despite the harsh conditions, she looked well -groomed, as if all this did not concern her at all. For a second I was speechless.

(I):

- Yes. I understood everything, the commander.

(commander):

- Great. I hope you succeed.

I nodded, but my thoughts got confused. I have not seen girls for a long time - especially such. And, damn it, do not think about it on the task.

(Anna), grinning:

- Why, covered, rabbit? Or should I leave without you?

We went to a small town where representatives of the regime planned to hold a closed meeting. The locals had long been afraid to whisper too much - they kept the city in hedgehog mittens.

(Anna):

- Come on, take a position in the neighboring building.

I climbed onto the roof of a dilapidated five -story building, lay down next to a broken ventilation unit, brought the sight and handed Anna a conditional sign with his hand.

(Anna):

“Well done, it seems to have dealt with this, Hunter.”

Here they are. At the expense of three, we remove both. once. two. three.

I held my breath. Two silhouettes in the form with white bandages and holsters left the black armored car and headed to the entrance.

Slicking - Anna’s shot. The right target staggered and collapsed.

I exhaled and pressed the descent. The second, not even having time to understand what happened, fell back with a broken forehead.

(Anna):

- There is. We leave here.

Then you coped ... But do not think that you are an elite fighter here.

In your place, anyone would have dealt with.

I smiled to myself. with character. Perhaps it will be interesting.

(Anna):

- Hunter, reception! Behind us is a chase, we are going to the transport urgently!

We raced along a narrow street, hiding from the pursuers. Behind the concrete wall, a car was waiting for us. Anna was the first to get to the fence.

(Anna):

- Do you sit?

She quickly overcame the barrier with my help, and I was about to climb myself, but.

There was a noise behind. I did not even have time to turn around - when suddenly a powerful blow flew along the back of my head. I was knocked down. A soldier jumped on me.

He hit me in the chest, and I hardly beat off his fist, barely getting to my feet. We exchanged blows - I got into his stomach, he again crashed into my jaw. I tried to discard him, but he turned out to be stronger and threw me to the ground. His hands squeezed my throat, breathing caught ...

(Anna):

- Wait! Do not twitch!

There was a shot. The soldier went limp. The bullet came into the head - Anna saved me.

I got up and with an effort crossed the wall.

(Anna):

- Everything is fine? Great. Let’s go!

(with a grin) - Why are you so slow, huh? Could be faster. Although ... okay. It’s not bad, but you should still learn to shoot better.

(I):

- Reception, the task is completed. stop. What is this crap on the road?

Suddenly a car flew into us at full speed. I sharply wagged to the side, and we crashed into a side fence. The blow was not strong, but sharp.

Two with a weapon got out of another car.

(I) (in panic):

- Anya?. Anya! - She did not react, lost consciousness.

I turned on the rear gear and sharply handed it back - knocking one of the attackers. The second lifted the weapon, but I faster - I put it with a shot.

I pulled out Anna, transferred it to their car, got behind the wheel and squeezed the gas, heading for the base.

A few minutes later.

(Anna) (waking up, with difficulty):

- Where are we?.

(I):

- I had to remove two. They tried to stop us. Now we are going to the base.

(Anna) (quietly, looking out the window):

- Not so you and rabbit

Bow scene in Gorkino

- So, we retreat! - shouted Pavel, shooting himself. - Hunter, firm the fire to suppress!

I got up from behind the shelter and gave a short line from the “Boar” towards the enemy. The glasses were knocked out, the walls crumbled, the enemies for a moment pressed to the ground. This was enough.

Suddenly a man jumped out of the dark entrance, waving his hands:

- Hey! quicker! On the attic! There is an exit to the roof, go around them from above!

Without hesitation, we rushed after him. Inside the entrance, the old staircase creaked, but held. We climbed up, and through the hatch were on the roof. There, bending, they moved from one roof to another, as if children on a walk along the roofs of the old five -story buildings.

The wound of Toli was not difficult - he clenched his teeth and continued to move, although he was limping. At some point, I crouched to slip under the beam, and then the tiles crunched under my feet-I fell down.

- Your mother! - Pavel cursed. - How the bag collapsed. Are you alive there?!

- Yes, like.

I ended up in a small room. The dust rose with a pillar, and through it I saw a frightened girl with a knife in her hand and two small children pressing her legs.

- Sorry. I didn’t want to. I muttered, raising my hands, as if I could reassure someone with this.

- This is a fighter of new blood. - whispered the girl. - Help him!

Two women came up, raised me under the arms and put me in an old chair. The bulletproof vest prevented to breathe, the ribs were buzzing, but it seems I was intact.

“Sit here,” came the voice of Pashka from the street. - We will prepare the car, pick you up!

The girl with a soft smile looked at me:

“How did you please us?”

“Yes, they saw how the local soldiers beat,” I answered, “intervened.” They wanted to leave quickly, and your roof is so flimsy. So he flew away.

They gave me water. My hands trembled, but I still drank eagerly, swallowing dust and bitterness with moisture. Then, by the arm, they helped to go out to the lane, where our transport already rolled up.

“Be careful next time,” said one of the women goodbye. - And by the way, go around the ring better - there is no patrol.

“Thank you,” Pavel nodded, getting out of the car. “I would not have pulled him so simply.”

We jumped into the armored car. Behind the dusty streets of Gorkino, a worn door, behind which someone else hoped for salvation ... and at least a little of people like us.

Return to the base. Preparation for the operation

We went to the base on a broken road, and the armored car jumped on each bump, like a drunken beast that lost his balance.

“Well, it shook you, guys ...” grumbled Pavel, sitting comfortably. - Okay, Tolika hooked - and you, damn it, how did you manage to leave through the roof?

“Don’t start to grumble,” I snorted. - As it happened, it happened. That I am to blame that they have a building of the times of the USSR, falling apart from the wind?

“Harosh is already scratching,” Tolya answered, grimacing in pain. - So we arrived.

At the base we were met without fanfar. To the first -aid post, Tolya - right away, we and Paul - to the commander. listened. Reported. They caught a couple of notations about “discipline”, “initiative without order” and “we are not alone in this damn world, so do not make jambs.” The commander was strict, but fair. I understood that we could not quit people.

“Two days later,” he said, bending over the map, “we will have a larger goal.” Several enemy bases on the outskirts of the industrial zone. Our task is to arrange such a sabotage there so that they forgot how to hold machines. Get ready.

“This is what I understand, it’s already a matter,” Paul revived. - And then these intelligence are like a walk along the backyards of hell with blindfolded eyes.

Preparation of fighters

We started preparing in a couple of hours. The large hangar, littered with boxes with weapons and spare parts, was temporarily turned into a training area. Hunter, Pavel and two other experienced ones - each received a group.

I stood in front of my five - guys with different past, but equally tired of the meaninglessness of the war.

- We will have a minute to install charges. Minus is an open area, observation tower, ”I explained, pointing to the layout of the base drawn by chalk on the concrete floor. - Plus - night. fog. noise from old generators. And our coherence.

“Work in pairs,” Pavel added from the other edge of the hangar. - One - puts it, the second - covers. Then you change. Without heroism. We are not making a movie.

Classes went until the evening. They worked out everything: running with cargo, shelter, silent coordination. One of the newcomers trembled when the idle dramatically thundered in training - he froze like a statue.

I came up, put my hand on my shoulder:

- Everyone is afraid here. The main thing is not to give fear for you.

At night, the equipment was already in the boxes: dark overalls, “muffled” machines, knives, C4, and radio. The commander approached us closer to midnight:

- It will be more complicated than a regular raid. We do not just take revenge. We weaken their support before negotiations. You can’t fail.

We looked at each other. No words were necessary. Two days later our night came

At night, under a heavy veil in the fog, our detachment advanced to the East military base. The operation was commanded by Colonel Stalesky - gray -haired, broad -shouldered, with a voice, as if stretched from steel and gunpowder.

- Well, ready, guys? He asked, looking at us with squint.

- That’s for sure! - the deaf, confident voices rang out in response.

- Anna, take a position on the tower. Pavel, Hunter - You are in the depths of the base. The main charge is for you. We cover. Tolya is your goal of the communication tower. We work quietly. At the signal - fire and hell.

“That’s right,” Anna threw shortly, buttoning the belt on the rifle and disappearing in the dark.

We parted like shadows. Crushed stone crunched underfoot, but no one made a sound. Pavel walked nearby, confidently, holding the machine gun low, covering my rear. We made our way behind the storage, passed the warehouse with fuel, and ended up at the concrete corps with antennas - there was a generator in its bowels.

- I put it. Ten seconds, ”I whispered, taking out the explosives of C4 and attaching to the power plate.

- I put the second at the barrel with fuel. If it is torn, they will not remain in the morning and the eyebrows will not remain, ”Paul grinned.

We went to the wreckage of the walls and pressed the transmitters.

Bach!

The base was lit by fire - as if hell itself broke to the surface. We ran to the departure point, but everything went not according to plan.

- Everything is ready, retreat! - Pavel shouted, but there was already a hard shooting around.

Bullets tore the air, the earth trembled. Somewhere nearby there was a muffled moan.

- Your mother! The colonel was shot! - Pavel bent behind the container. - We were surrounded! Anna was taken! They lead her!

I jumped out of the shelter. The heart pounded like a hammer.

“Oh, you are a bastard,” one of the soldiers growled. - He killed the general! Shoot!

And then behind the lightning in the middle of the rain, shots rang out.

- Tolya! - shouted Pavel. - Run!

- Anna! I shouted, without hesitation. - Hold on!

- Where, huh?! Your mother! - barked Pavel. - Come on, I’ll cover it!

I burst into the barracks. There, in the twilight, two stood. One held Anna, putting a trunk to her temple.

- Throw the weapon! Or she will die instantly! He growled.

I threw a machine gun. Slowly raised his hands. And then - a shot!

The bullet hit the chest. I collapsed on my back - my breath caught my breath, but I withstand the body armor. Anna was pushed at me like a bag.

I instinctively grabbed a pistol from a holster on my side and shot the first right in my head. The second did not even have time to turn around.

“Why ... khh ...” Anna moaned. - Hold on! Pavel, urgently here!

- And how are you?! - Anna jumped up, grabbing my shoulder. - Bottom armor ... thank God ...

But joy did not last long. Thick smoke clogged into the lungs. I began to cough, clutching the wall.

- faster! - Pavel burst into the room. - To the exit! He smoked! Damn, now everything will collapse!

We stumbled out, got out. The fire blazed behind, illuminating the black sky. In the distance, something cracked-fuel warehouses exploded. The earth shuddered. Somewhere, mines set by Tolya flashed.

We were pulled by the fighters from the cover. The whole base was on fire. We left on an armored car, away from the red -hot hell, among screams, coughing and trembling from adrenaline

After the battle

The hospital was quiet. Only the rare steps of orderlies and a muffled squeak of equipment violated the silence. I lay looking at the ceiling, recalling how a bullet hit her chest, how Anna was thrown at me, and how the air was saturated with burning and screams.

The door opened, and Paul looked into the ward.

“Well, you made us worry, guys,” he grinned, scratching his head. - Now everything is fine. Direct. Later I will come, glorious.

I nodded. Pavel left.

After a few seconds, I heard light steps. Anna silently approached and sat on the edge of the bed. Her eyes were a little tired, but gratitude glowed in them.

“You then ... for my life took a chance,” she whispered. “Thank you, Glory.”

I looked at her, wanted to say something, but she interrupted:

- You know ... I sometimes want to just feel like a loved one ... in this cruel world ...

She carefully took my hand and pressed it to her face. Her eyes were closed. We were silent for a long time. They were just nearby, there was a lull between storms. Several hours flew by a moment.

A physician entered the ward.

“Well, Hunter, you are free.” Everything is normal. And Anna still needs to relax and undergo an examination.

“Go, Glory,” Anna said softly. - When they are poking me, I will find you right away.

I squeezed her fingers slightly and got up. At the exit, he cast a last look over his shoulder - she still looked after me, smiles a little.

At the base

In the fresh air, it smelled of oil, gunpowder and welding - the base was lived. The fighters laughed at the armored car, distilled the boxes, prepared for the next operation. I was quickly surrounded by their own.

- Well, you gave the heat there, brother! - Timofey slapped on the shoulder. - Just like a terminator!

- Come on five, hero! - Pavel held out his palm. - Op!

Tolya came up a little later, grinned:

“The commander is calling you there.” Go to him as you rest. Surely new things are getting down.

I nodded.

It smelled of future storms

After meeting with my friends, I went to the commander’s office. He did not knock - the door was ajar.

(commander):

- Hello, Slav. How did you recover?

(I):

- Already better. Thank you, sir.

The commander put down the tablet, looked directly into the eyes. His face was tired, but pride was felt in him.

(commander):

- You are doing great. Anna saved - I personally thank you personally. She is our best sniper.

But that’s not all. The colonel fell, and Sparta was left without command. The Council chose you.

You will lead the elite. Are you ready?

I froze for a second. The shoulders seemed to become heavier, but inside - calmly.

(I):

- Thank you. I said that I would not let you down.

The commander nodded, and together we went out into the hall where the fighters gathered.

(commander):

- Guys, a minute of attention.

Since the Sparta detachment was left without command, I put forward Hunter’s candidacy for the role of the commander. Who is for?

Silence hung for a second, but then.

(Paul):

- So what?! hooray!

(Tolya):

- Yes, he saved us all, this is his place!

Hands rose almost synchronously. Someone clapped, someone screamed.

(detachment):

- hooray! Hunter! hooray!

I could not hide a smile. This was the very moment for which it was worth going through the fire.

(commander, in a whisper):

- Now - rest. And then the real command will begin

(Paul):

- Well, comrade commander! You didn’t think that we would not note this?

Guys, pull yourself up!

(Timofey):

- For a new commander! hooray! hooray!

(Tolya):

- Well done, glorious. We are all proud of you. Do not let us down!

(I):

- Necessarily guys. I will not let you down!

Suddenly one of the fighters came up to me, stretched out at the rack.

(fighter Sparta):

- Comrade commander, guests to you.

I turned around - and saw Anna. She came quickly, hugged me tightly, pressing me.

(Anna):

- Congratulations, glorious. Well done.

I felt her hand gently touched my face. At that moment, all the noise around seemed to move away.

(Paul):

- Wow, I look, you got friends here!

Well, there is definitely a reason to pour more!

Anka, are you with us?

(Anna) (smiling):

- Well, since you suggested that.

We sat in a warm company. Someone was joking, someone clinked a metal flask.

I looked at the guys and realized - next to me is not just fighters. This is a family. My new family.

(Timofey):

- Nothing guys. We will get out of here soon.

And you, Hunter, are now with us with the rank. And there - pension, fishing. Everything is like people!

(I) (grinning):

- Well, you do not send me so early.

I’ll put it on my ears half

Suddenly, music sounded from the old speaker on the wall. The radio caught rare signals, and this time the ether was filled with voices from the past.

Viktor Tsoi’s “changes” sounded, then the “road” from the auction.

nostalgia. hope. Living, real, as if forgotten, but found again.

We all became silent. Everyone for a second froze in his thoughts.

(Tolya):

- And, by the way, guys ... Who dreams about what?

(Anna):

- Well, I’ll start.

I want a small house - by the river or by the sea. To wake up under the noise of the waves. To be warm. And calmly.

Yes, Glory?

(I):

- Only for.

My dream is just settling somewhere. your house. No shooting. Only silence and peace.

(Paul):

- And I would like myself a wheelbarrow! Cool, black to roar! Well, more money. And the girls are nearby, of course!

(Anna) (laughing):

- Well, you, Pavel, is fastidious. You want everything at once!

(Paul):

- Why little thing! And you, Tolya?

(Tolya):

- And I want to go home. To the wife.

It makes no difference - where and how. If only with her.

The short silence hung. Everyone seemed to feel something in these words.

(Paul):

- Well, guys ... Then - for a dream?

- For a dream! - At once it sounded in response.

We clicked with metal circles.

Somewhere outside the door, Tsoi still sounded.

And here, in this room, among these people, I believed for the first time in a long time - we really may have a future

After our sincere gathering, a couple of days passed.

We received a new task: I, Pavel, Tolya and Anna, had to free the captives from the secret concentration camp.

(I) - Well, did you understand the task? Moving.

(Tolya) - so for sure.

(Pavel) - everything is captured. The main thing is that no one would burn us ahead of time.

When we arrived at the place, a wave of horror covered us. Behind the rusty walls, to the sounds of metal clang, dozens of exhausted people worked like cars. Their eyes were empty, their faces are covered with dust and abrasions. Some barely kept on their feet. From the camp it blew death and hopelessness.

(Anna) - I will take a point on the tower, I will cover you on top.

(I’m fine. Guys, follow me.

We silently climbed over the rotten fence. The prickly wire hooked a jacket, but I escaped. It smelled of burning, gasoline and then.

(Anna, by walkie -talkie) - Glory, a guard nearby, to the left of you.

I nodded, took out a knife and gently slipped into the shadow. One movement - and the guard surrendered, collapsing into the bushes.

(I) - reception. Tolya, Pavel, take the control building. I will take care of the eastern sector with Anna. The camp is small - we’ll figure it out.

Mud underfoot, old huts with gratings, guard towers with gloomy figures in black uniform. Rusty spotlights stood around the perimeter, some of them no longer worked. The smell of blood and metal hung in the air.

Suddenly - shots.

(I) - Damn! That’s it, it will not work out quietly. We work!

I rushed forward, clung to the nearest guard, drove the knife into the throat, turned it around, took refuge behind my body.

Two more ran out of the corner. I grabbed the machine gun, put both in short bursts.

On the tower, Anna was already firing. She calmly shot the guards - one bullet, one corpse. One tried to crawl to her from behind, but she turned around, a shot - and he collapsed, flying down.

(Anna, by walkie -talkie) - Glory! There are three more behind the hut!

(I) - accepted! Hold on your position.

Together with Pavel and Tolya, we opened the main gate of the camp. People in rags scaredly poured towards the walls.

(Me) - Do not be afraid! We are our own. We came for you!

(Old man-player)-You. Are you Boyci’s new blood?

(Pavel) - Yeah. Let’s go faster. Free people are waiting for you.

While we brought them out, the walkie -talkie was breaking and cut off.

(I) - Anna?. crap! The radio died.

(I) - Pavel, come back to her. Cover, wait for us there. Tolei and I will spend people.

We led a group in wooded areas. People barely walked, some fell, but we lifted them, helped.

(Woman) - Thank you. We no longer believed that someone would come.

(I) - Everything is behind. Get to the village - they will help.

(boy) - And who are you?

(Tolya) - just people, kid. Just people who have not forgotten what a conscience is.

We handed over the survivors to the locals. People from the village met them with bread, warm things and tears.

(I) - Well, Tolya, we are returning. Twenty minutes later, we have already seen two silhouettes on the hill.

(Tolya) - Haha is immediately visible.

As soon as we got to the point, Anna rushed to my arms.

(Anna) - Alive, Bunny! I was so worried ...

We returned back. The weather turned out to be surprisingly peaceful - starry sky, silver moon, quiet fields around. The jeep swayed on the bumps, the engine rumbled measuredly. It seemed that nature itself wanted to give us a break at least for a moment.

(I) - go crazy ... concentration camps, seizure of food, terror ... How many horrors this war struck. Or were they always, and the war gave only an occasion to appear?

(Anna) - man is by nature a gesture ... But this.

(Pavel) - So, people. I do not want to upset you, but they stop us. Tolya, be ready to rush off.

In the distance on the road, silhouettes and a blinking lantern loosened. The jeep slowly slowed down, drove up closer. Three armed soldiers blocked the road, one stepped forward, raising his hand.

(soldier) - Who are? Documents. You are two - for a search.

Pavel and I got out of the car. The cold light of the headlight illuminated us. I noticed how Pavel tensed, his fingers clenched into fists.

He cast a short glance at me - anxious.

Suddenly one of the soldiers froze, peering into Paul’s face. His eyes widened.

(Soldier) - This is them! From the concentration camp!

Paul rushed forward with lightning speed, wrapping his arms around his throat, trying to neutralize his throat to a scream. Everything happened in seconds.

But the rest had already raised their weapons, the trunks headed right at us.

(I) - Tolya, press!

The roar of the motor - the jeep fell out of the place, Tolya and Anna rushed forward, hiding around the bend. One of the soldiers brought the machine gun, aiming at a leaving car. I did not let him shoot.

He rushed forward, hit him into the corps, tumbled to the ground, but he reacted - with his butt in his face. flashed in the eyes and everything swam

We woke up in a cheese basement. A dim light bulb flickered above his head, and in front of us there were three soldiers - one in black uniform, the rest, it seems, ordinary ordinary. Hands were pulled behind, his back ached with an butt.

(Soldier) - Well, I see ... the next clowl of new blood. committed a sabotage?

He grinned, slowly walking in front of us, as if enjoying his position. An hour of interrogations stretched like an eternity. They demanded names, coordinates, recognition. But we did not say anything. Not a word.

(Soldier) - So, in their consumption? Or play?

(Private) - Drink the drum and leave ... Let the cells - we will play in the Russian roulette. Which of them will die the first.

While they enthusiastically discussed the details of their “game”, I looked at Paul. He nodded barely noticeably. The next second, I rushed forward, hitting one of the soldiers in the stomach. He bent in pain.

Pavel worked with lightning speed - grabbed the gun at the second and shot at him point blank. He fell without even making a sound.

(Pavel) - Not bad, Glory. But there is a problem - we are on their base.

He looked around.

- But there is good news: no one saw us. We will try to go out, as if nothing had happened.

I nodded, following him silently. The corridors were empty, the guard was relaxed - no one expected the escape from the inside.

(Pavel)-Look, they have cleaning here ... It seems that the speech is some big cone.

We looked around the corner. On the impromptu scene stood a general surrounded by security, in front of him - dozens of soldiers in the ranks.

(General) - We will destroy all the enemies of the nation, to the last!

(I) - I see ... another propaganda show.

(Pavel) - Get ready. I will shoot in the air - and run. One ... two ... three!

There was a loud shot. The crowd bent down, panic began. We jumped forward, maneuvering between frightened soldiers.

(I) - Wall! Small!

Pavel ran up, planted me, I climbed over the fence and immediately grabbed his hand, pulling it up. Two guards rushed behind us.

(Soldier) - Who are you ...

He did not have time to finish - Pavel hit him in the face. The second I knocked down, hitting my shoulder in the chest.

(Me) - Run!

We slipped through another corridor, climbed over the last fence and, finally, were behind the perimeter of the base. Somewhere in the distance, the siren howled.

(Pavel) - Reception, Spartans. We are alive. Reception! Who hears is our whereabouts is unknown. We will try to report soon.

He removed the radio and wiped his forehead.

(I) - So what’s next?

(Pavel) - We go to the nearest village. so that we are selected from there

We came to a small village hidden among wooded hills. There were dilapidated houses around, but here, it seemed, everything was calm.

(I) - Here we are in relative safety.

(Soldiers) - Hey, you!

(Pavel) - Your mother, Glory, Your tongue without bones ...

Two soldiers were quickly approaching. I bent down without hesitation, grabbed a stone from the ground and hit one in the face. The second Paul aptly hit the temple - he collapsed unconscious.

(Woman) - Rather here!

We scurried into a small house. Inside us, a family met - a woman, a man, a young girl and a child sitting in the corner.

(Woman) - You are rebels, right?

(Pavel) - Everything is right, dear. Tell me the name of the village, and better - the place where we can be found.

The woman quickly called the coordinates. Pavel got in touch with the Spartans, transferred the data. Now it remained only to wait.

(Pavel) - You still tell ... the soldiers do not offend you here?

(Girl) - When what will come. There are normal ones, but there are such that the latter will tear out from the pharynx. Thank you for shaking those freaks, they were too confused - to see, scared, ran to their own.

(I) - Nothing, always glad.

(Man) - Are you running away from their base? The whole village is buzzing about you here.

I smiled and handed over an empty sleeve sitting nearby.

(I) - Well, apparently, the Spartan is growing.

(Girl) - Thank you very much ... There, hike, yours arrived!

Outside the windows there was a rumble of a motor and a familiar voice.

(Pavel) - Thank you for being sheltered.

(Tolya) - Well, jump!

(Pavel)-Only the first time is really happy to see your face

On the way back, we told how we got out of the base, went around the guard and reached the village. When our car drove up to the base, the soldiers were already waiting for us. We went out - tired, dusty, but alive.

And suddenly I saw Anna flee from the crowd. Without words, she rushed to me and hugged me tightly.

(Anna) - Glory ... alive ... thank God, everything worked out ...

I smiled a little, unable to say something in response-I just stood, hugging it back.

(commander) - Well, you give. I already thought, I would have to look for a new Sparta commander again.

(Pavel) - What am I? Do not appreciate me?

(commander) - Well, where is it without you, Pavel.

(Pavel) - But I was driving and thinking, comrade commander, who is stronger - you or Superman?

(commander) - Go with your jokes. Rest, guys. You deserve it.

(Pavel) - Well, Glory, as I understand it, my face is already tired of. I’ll go play cards a little.

(I) - go already ...

Anna and I went to our room. We sat by the window. The light fell softly, it was quiet outside.

(Anna) - I was so worried when these creatures detained you ... I could not find a place for myself.

(I) - Nothing. We are from any trouble. Although, honestly, without Paul ... I would already be dead.

Anna silently pressed against me, hugged it tightly, almost desperately.

(Anna) - Well, now, Bunny, I won’t let you go anywhere. Lie down, rest. So much time on my feet ... And I’m nearby. If anything - I’m here ...

We lay at night with Anna, quietly, almost without breathing. Somewhere in the distance, the metal creaked, the pipes buzzed, but here, in the room, it was calm. I just wanted to talk.

(Anna)

Glory, but you didn’t notice how much we miss all this? Look, what stars ... very romantic, right?

Anna hugged my hand and pressed closer. I looked at the ceiling, where a pale moonlight was breaking through the dusty glass.

(I)

Very ... You know, I could not dream of a girl like you. All my life-duty, battle ... Only here, in new blood, I really felt alive.

I gently stroked Anya on the back. I had never previously experienced such emotions - warm, trembling, real.

(Anna)

Thank you ... I am so pleased to hear it from you.

You know, before your appearance, I did not let anyone in. I thought I did not need it. Just survived ... And then you are like a thunderstorm, abruptly, but on time.

You saved me ... and I could not resist. At first I treated you with caution, but. You melted something inside.

(I)

Anyut ... And how did you even get into new blood?

Anna rose a little, threw a strand of hair from her forehead, looked into my eyes.

(Anna)

I did not see my father, they said-died somewhere. The commander sheltered us and my mother. He was like a second father for me.

Mom was sick for a long time ... she could not stand it. And he stayed - raised me, raised me.

I have been here since childhood. New blood for me like a house ... And the grave and the fortress at the same time.

I have not told anyone about this before.

I hugged her stronger.

(I)

Thank you for sharing with me ...

Now everything will be different. Although, I admit, I am sometimes scared. I don’t know what to do, what to do.

(Anna)

Do not be afraid, my dear ... Do not be afraid of anything. You are well done to me.

We lay for a long time silently, listening to the beating of hearts and the distant sounds of the dungeon. Then the conversation again came about differently-as Anna once loved her mother’s voice, how they baked bread in shelter, how she first shot from a rifle. We laughed quietly and sadly.

A little later we fell asleep, hugging. And although everything around was the same-something changed in us

Waking up, I saw that Anna was no longer sleeping - I was sitting by the window, looking thoughtfully at the brighter sky. I just wanted to stay nearby, but suddenly a familiar knock came, and behind him - a voice.

(Paul)

Anyut, let me remove your hero for a short while!

(Anna)

Only not for long. Go, glorious, ”she said with a slight smile.

I released her hand and began to dress up in shape.

(Paul)

Well, look at which eagle ... Now it’s clear why Anna could not resist!

(I)

Oh, Harosh is already teasing.

We walked along the corridor to the dining room. The fighters, passing by, saluted. Unusual. Even a little awkward.

(fighter 1)

Well, tell us how you got out of there? And then suddenly - the light went out.

The whole dining room for a moment plunged into the darkness.

(fighter 2)

Pavel, go check what is there.

(Paul)

No, I won’t go. There, firstly, it is dark, and secondly-scary.

The light flashed again.

(I)

Well, how to say. At first we were captured. I spelled out one of these clowns by day, the second Pavel was overwhelmed. Then - on their propaganda show, shooting in the air, and gave a dera under the cover of smoke.

(commander)

So, talkers. Now you need to go to the checkpoint and take the weapon. The task is simple, without extracts.

(Paul)

So for sure!

I looked to Ana to say goodbye.

(Anna)

Native, only without adventure, okay?

(I)

I promise. - I hugged her, for a moment pressing to me. - I’ll be back soon.

Going into the corridor, already on the way to the car, I heard a strangely familiar voice on a speakerphone:

(Pavel, in a loudspeaker)

once. Sparta fighters, we were waiting for your appearance. We are those whom you call the spirits of brotherhood. You have crossed the forbidden line, and now.

pause.

(Pavel, continues, giggling)

And now they. Ihihi.

(Sergey)

Pavel, Harosh is fooling around!

We went to the destination. The road was quiet, but the tension hung in the air. When we got to the coordinates, they ran to the loading point - everything looked suspiciously calm.

(new blood fighter)

Who are you? Call you!

(Paul)

We are fascist, come to capture your base!

(fighter)

Pavel, you, as always. It is good that there is no Ivan Petrovich - he would definitely not appreciate your “humor”.

Suddenly shots rang out. Bullets bled into the metal, one of the boxes exploded, the air was filled with smoke.

(fighter)

bitch! Someone was waiting for us!

We instantly hid behind concrete slabs. Flays of automatic fire cut out the darkness, the whistle of the bullets was almost continuous. Somewhere nearby, a grenade exploded-dust and fragments showered us from above.

(Paul)

Comrade Commander! I can’t fight in such a working environment - here it stinks so that the scent has repelled!

(I)

It stinks of your jokes.

Despite hell around, the fighters laughed. The laughter sounded hard, stretched, but gave the discharge. We went ahead - methodically cleaned the sector behind the sector. The enemy retreated, but with a battle. One of them, apparently, was the group commander - we noticed how he tried to escape through the back door.

(I)

Grab him!

But they did not have time. He sharply took out a gun and, without hesitation, put a bullet into his head. He knew that he was waiting for interrogations.

(Paul)

Your mother. Before they had time. OK. We are waiting for instructions.

(I)

Guys, calculate Chris - she lost positions. And then you know what to do.

We collected the remains of the cargo and advanced back to the base. Nothing else happened on the way.

At the headquarters, tired, we finally returned to the usual situation. Paul, as always, did not lose his grip.

(Paul)

Well, maybe in the cards? Or did the authorities go again - is it afraid to get dirty?

(I)

A damn it. Let’s