Now, the war next operation. I know that something like this should be in the middle of the story, but I though that chapter in this subject will be good for the next part of it. Especially when this two taking part in this operation.
To the chapter.
Chapter 6
,,Infiltration"
August 11, 2021
09:22
Socialist Republic of Quebec, Port of Halifax
The Halifax—class submarine emerged from the water and moored at one of docks. Today was the day of delivery of new POW to the city POW camp. The sub hath opened, and ship crew leaved it. Also prisoners and their guards did it. The purpose of it was to investigate if ship didn't carry any dangerous cargo like high-power explosives, poison gas or other things that have to serve for destroying important facilities. Since the war begin, it was the security needs.
One of guards, more precisely as the only one, was a seventy-year old girl with long pink hair. She was wearing a uniform with Quebec 3 Color Pattern Snow Camo and on her armlet was a one Vimy Star with the edge in scarlet color. She also has a white bulletproof vest and she held a Colt Quebec C8 assault riffle. She was aiming it at her prisoner back, like other guards did.
Her prisoner also was a girl. Her hair was related into two ponytails and she was wearing a gray pilot uniform with white shirt and black ribbon and Siberian insignias.
-Marseille, I don't know how I gen involved into this with you—Barkhorn whispered.
–Shut up, Siscon. Or they start to suspect something—Marseille replied.
The main officer started to checking prisoners and their guards. When she approached two girls, he stopped. He measured them with his eyes and asked:
–Who are you, soldier?
–Second Lieutenant Gloria Coldwin—Marseille replied.
–Looking at your uniform, I can say that you been fighting in Europe.
–Yes. I'm from 1st Mechanized Division and I'm back straight from Siberia. With her—Marseille pointed her C8 at Barkhorn.
–And who are you, sweetie?—the officer asked with contempt in voice.
–Captain Lena Adleyev of the Siberian Air and Space Forces—Barkhorn replied.
–Okay, it's clear!—the security officer announced when he exited the submarine.
–Good. You heard him! Load up back on the submarine and go!—the main officer ordered.
All sub crew members, guards and prisoners returned on board. The submarine bounced off the shore and dived.
09:43
On board of QNS ,,Halifax"
Marseille sat in the soldier compartment of submarine, when Barkhorn was in this one for prisoners. She was looking at all of soldiers that were here. Some of them already fell asleep or were chatting.
–I have a question—she said.—Why we sending prisoners to POW camp using submarine.
One of the soldiers laughed and said:
–I see that you really just ended the training. Because we're going to Halifax POW camp.
–I know, but…Why submarine.
–Eh, those news. Because this is a special POW camp.
–Special?—Marseille were more and more interested.
Soldier smiled again and said:
–It's underwater camp.
Next, the submarine captain voice sounded:
–To all prisoners guards! We're approaching the camp dock! Prepare prisoners!
–You heard him, Coldwin. Take this your Siberian pilot, and come.
Marseille and other guards went to the prisoners compartment. Soon, every guard was lead his prisoner.
10:03
Halifax POW camp, Dock 4
When everyone was outside the submarine, she dived and disappeared. All guards and prisoners were now waiting for the POW camp guards to take prisoners to their cells.
–Okay, Siscon. You remember the plan ?— Marseille asked with whisper.
–Yeah. I have to find this important Siberian general and get him out, when you'll be hanging around—Barkhorn recited also whispering.
–Exactly. Now, quiet because the guards coming.
The guards approached them, and took prisoners with them. Barkhorn managed to send envious look to Marseille.
11:03
Somewhere in the camp
Marseille was walking through the camp corridors, looking for a good place to contact with Dublin. It was not easy, because Quebec personnel was everywhere. Finally, she found empty brush holder and entered it. When she locked the doors, she set frequency and said:
–Dublin, come in. This is Marseille.
After a few noises, there was an answer:
–Marseille, this is Dublin. Good to hear that you are alive.
–Alright Keiko. I just wanted to say that we're inside the camp. Now, tell me where I have to look for this general.
–Yeah. But I'm surprised that they didn't jamming any outgoing signal.
–Maybe guards in this camp also often calling their wifes and kids.—Raisa's voice came from the communicator.
–Raisa, you are also there?—Marseille was surprised.
–Yes. I'm helping Keiko with this—Raisa replied.
–Okay, can I talk?—Keiko asked.—Huh, right. About general. He is now being escorted to his cell.
–And where's Barkhorn cell?
–It should be the cell next to general cell—Raisa said.
–Okay. Thanks. And now, where's this whole power plant?
–It's four floors over you. But be careful. You can meet some patrols on the way.—Raisa instructed Marseille.
–Easy. For them, I'm Gloria Coldwin, and they don't know who I really em. I can enter there.
–Whatever. Just don't let them kill you—Keiko said.
–Sure. I'll contact you when we find him and when we will be breaking through enemies.
She ended the call and exited the holder. She did it only to meet two guards. They were looking at each other for a while, until one of guards asked:
–What were you doing in the brush holder?
Witch started to looking for good excuse. Finally she said:
–I was looking for toilet. But…I get lost.
–Toilet, huh? We will take you there—second guard said.
Guards took Marseille, and they went looking for toilet.
–Well. Let's hope that this Siscon contact with this general—she though.
11:21
Prison Block
Barkhorn was sitting in her cell. She was waiting for general who is supposed to be in the cell next to her. The cell was like a normal prison cell. Almost empty, gray room with rods except of front wall and doors. One flat bed, one chair and sink. And of course there were cold.
–And I though that Afrikakorps troopers have a hard on the desert. This cell is really a piece of junk—she though.
Then, she heard as guard says:
–Move, you Siberian scum! Your cell is waiting!
Soon, two guards walked from around the corner, leading a middle aged man with the same Siberian uniform as Barkhorn.
–It's must be him—Barkhorn though.
Guards took the handcuffs of the general, and pushed him to the cell. Barkhorn waited until the guards leave, then she went to the rods and said enough quiet, that only general could hear her:
–General Vladimir Dotrayov?
–Yes. And who asking?—general replied.
–Captain Gertrude Barkhorn.—Barkhorn introduced herself.—I have to take you out of there.
–I think it goes badly.
–Easy. My friend here will open those locks.—She pointed on the electronic locks on the cells doors.
–If this your friend is so smart. Those are the newest generation electronic locks! They have a retina scanner, and they can only be opened by a guard. Or by the blackout.
–As I said, easy. We have a plan.
–I hope so.
And they ended talking. Barkhorn lay down on the bed.
–Marseille. Just don't fail.
12:01
Dublin AFB
Keiko was sitting in her room in base and was reading a book borrowed from the base library. Raisa, on the other hand, gone to prepare something to eat. Last time, Marseille contacted them a hour ago, and now they were waiting for her call.
–,,Harry finally managed to find the right entrance between the two strip bars on Soi 1 on Patpong. He climbed the stairs and found himself in a semi-dark room where a gigantic windmill was lazily rolling on the ceiling".—she read.—Wow, this criminal is better than ,,Sherlock Holmes" books. But there's more cursing and other such things.
Just then, Raisa entered the room with two sandwiches.
–Finally! I was getting really hungry—Keiko said putting down the book and taking sandwich.
–Is Tina contacted with you when I was in the kitchen?—Raisa asked.
–No. It was the radio silence since the last contact.
–I just hope that she was worked out.
–Easy, girl. She's not as stupid, to get worked out.
–Yeah. You're right.
Raisa looked at Keiko book.
–Waht are you reading by the last few days? I forgot to ask—she said.
–Oh, this.—Keiko took the book.—It's crime story wrote by Waqualdish writer Jo Nesbo.
–And what is the title?
–,,Cockroaches".
Raisa winced.
–Now, I'm even afraid of asking about it's plot—Raisa said still wincing.
–It's about Waqualdish detective Harry Hole, who is looking for the killer of Waquald ambassador in Kingdom of Bangkok.—Keiko summarized the book plot.
–Oh. Okay, I though it will be about something worse.
–Yeah. I noticed. But now, eat this sandwiches, and wait for Marseille call.
And they started eating, waiting for the info from Marseille.
12:24
Back in the camp
Marseille was now again walking through the corridors, and was looking for the camp power plant. She just got onto the floor where the power plant is supposed to be. She passed some guards and other camp workers.
–Okay. Now, just find this power plant, turn it off and fuck out of there with general. Piece of cake—she though.
Suddenly, one of the camp workers pushed her against the wall.
–What are you…!—she tried to say, but he covered her mouth with hand.
–Quiet! And come with me!—he said. His brown eyes was full of determination. He was maybe the same age as her.
Marseille only nodded. She didn't knew what this guy want to, but if this is something not good, he will regret that.
They entered into another brush holder, and the worker blocked the doors.
–Okay listen…—he turned to face with C8 aimed at his face.
–You listen! If you going to rape me, you should take my weapon!—she said switching the fire mode into one burst.
The worker only raised his hands in defensive gesture.
–I didn't wanted to—he said.
–So why you bring me here?!
–I want help you. And your help.
Marseille lightly lowered the gun.
–Help me? With what?—she asked.
–Listen. I know you are from INA and you're here for someone. And that you're a one of Valkyria's.
This time, Marseille totally lowered her gun.
–How did you know?
–I heard from one of pilots. He told about a pink haired Valkyria, that took out half of his squadron by herself—the worker explained.
This, actually was true. One week earlier, Quebec Air Force send a bomber group with escort to bombard Cork. Storm Witches together with one of Irish squadrons were sent to stop them. During the fight, all of bombers were shoot down, and only escort left. Marseille, against orders, attacked the escort squadron by herself. And to everyone surprise, she destroyed 3 of 5 planes from squadron.
–Okay, maybe you know, who I really are. But why you want to help me?
–Because I want to leave this place. And go to Dublin.
–Why you want to get to Dublin?
He hesitated. But not for long:
–Because I want to meet my mother and sister. They were in Dublin when the war broke out. And since then, I don't have any contact with them.
Marseille though about it. Helping enemy was not in her nature, but this guy has a purpose. Finally, she made a decision:
–Alright. I'll help you.
–R-Really…—he said with disbelief.
–Really. But—she aimed at him again—if you try something weird, I'll just kill you.
–Sure. I hanging you by word—he replied.—Now, better let's go from here.
He unlocked the doors, and make sure that no one will see them. They exited on the corridor.
–Besides, what's your name?—Marseille asked.
–Oh, um…I'm Jean Rally. I'm the son of general Theodore Rally, who is now fighting in Texas—Jean replied.
–You are son of general?!—Marseille yelled.
–Yeah. But…I'm not a good soldier. On every exam to military school, I failed. That's why they sent me here as a electrician.
–Electrician?—Marseille though that this was a good sign.—It's good, because I need electrician.
–For what?
She bent to his ear and whispered:
–I want to free a Siberian general. But first, I need to turn off the power.
–Is that so? Okay. I turn off the power.
They went some more meters, until Jean said:
–Now is my turn. What's your name?
–I'm Hanna-Justine Marseille. But if we met any other soldiers or workers, call me Gloria Coldwin.
–Okay, Gloria—Jean replied and smiled.
They walked some more meters, before they stood in front of the doors on which were the inscription saying ,,POWER PLANT. NO ADMISSION FOR UNAUTHORIZED". Jean made sure that no one will see them. He opened doors with keys he had attached to his belt, and when they were inside, he locked them again.
–Okay, this is it. The power plant—Jean said as he showed her the room full of generators and their control stations.
–So, how to turn it off?—Marseille asked.
–I'll show ya.—He then came up to one of control stations and activated it.
He entered the password, and clicked the red button with word ,,CLOSE". Then, they heard as the generator is going more and more quiet until it finally fell silent.
–It was easier than I though it be—Marseille said.
–Okay, now help with the rest.
–How? You are an electrician here. I don't even knew this whole password!
–The password is: Punish and Slave.
Marseille sighed.
–It really suits this place.
–The chief likes Barricade from "Transformers." And that was his motto.
The Witch only nodded. She went to another generator, entered password and clicked the button. Another generator was off.
–And question—Marseille said.—They didn't start to suspect something when those generator will be off?
–No. Generators are not monitored, so they'll be know about them, when whole power will be off—Jean replied as he turned off another generator.
It took them 10 minutes to turn off all 20 generators. Soon, they were in complete dark.
–I hope you have…—Jean was cut off by the riffle mounted flashlight.
–Yes I do. Now let's go. I have to find someone—she said pointing the flashlight on the doors.
Jean unlocked them, and they found themselves on corridor where soldiers were running across with flashlight attached to their riffles. When one of soldiers noticed Marseille, he stopped and said:
–What are you waiting for, Coldwin? All prisoners are escaping! Come and help us!
And he ran. Marseille looked at Jean.
–You better go. We maybe meet again—he said.
Then, she gave him one of INA communicators.
–If you want to contact me later, take this. It's make it easier—she explained.
–Okay. See you later.
And he ran. And Marseille ran with soldiers.
Few minutes earlier…
Prison Block
Barkhorn was laying on bed and thinking. Her mind was roused by the clatter of the rods of the cell.
–Wake up—the guards said.
–What do you want?—she asked, as she came to the rods.
–Just a little talk.
–Little talk? About what?
–About this, how we will destroy INA!—and he laughed.
Barkhorn only rolled her eyes.
–Honestly, you are the fourth guard who want to talk about destroying INA—she replied.
–He, he. Sorry. But lately, it become a really famous topic among ICCU members.
–Yeah, I noticed.
–So. You wanna talk?
Just then, all lights in Prison Block turned off. Guard quickly turned, and turned on his flashlight. He saw as some prisoners opening their cells and runs out. Others followed them. He activated his communicator.
–To command! All prisoners are escaping! I'm repeat: All prisoners…!—he was cut off by Barkhorns arm, which tightened on his neck.
The guard started to desperately catch breath, but he couldn't. He kicked his legs as he finally fell on the floor and his neck was now cough between Barkhorn arm and the cell doors rods. After a few more kicks, he stopped to move. She let him go and check his pulse. Nothing. He was dead.
She opened the cell doors and went to him. She grabbed his gun and flashlight. Next, she approached the Dotrayov cell and opened it.
–So that's was your plan? Turn off every system here?—he asked as he come out from cell.
–Honestly, we planned to only turn off the power in your and my cell. But I see that my friend suffered a little—she replied, as she gave the flashlight to him.—You'll be light up, and will be shooting. You okay with that?
–Yes—he nodded.
And they go through the prison block. Dotrayov was till light up the way, when Barkhorn was shooting at every guard on the way. Soon, they were on corridor.
12:54
Camp corridor
Marseille and six other camp guards were running towards the Prison Block. They already killed or made unconscious some prisoners.
–I hope that Siscon and general are not been killed—she though.
Then, from the second end of corridor the shot was heard and the guard running at the same beginning of group fell on the ground. Others, including Marseille quickly found cover in form of recces in walls and some metal boxes laying there. Marseille looked over the box she was hiding behind, and in the light of flashlight that appeared behind the person on the second side, she saw Barkhorn aiming and firing at the group. Then she, and probably Siberian general, hid behind their cover, which was a corridor turn. The other five guards recognized it as good moment and started to firing, and corridor was lighted up by the shots and sparks from bullets rebounding from walls.
–I thinks it's my turn now—she though and loaded her riffle.
She aimed at guards commander.
–You don't escape so…!—Commander was silenced by a headshot from Marseille.
Soon, every guard was laying on the ground in the pool of blood. Marseille quickly ran to Barkhorn and Dotrayov.
–Don't shoot, it's me!—she said as Barkhorn was about to pull the trigger at her.
–Good that you said—Barkhorn said as she lowered the gun and stood.—But be happy that I heard that. If no, I would shoot you.
–Yeah, yeah, Siscon. It's this general, right?—She pointed at men with flashlight.
–Yes. I'm Vladimir Dotrayov, general of the Siberian Air and Space Forces—Dotrayov said.
–Alright, give me a second. I need to contact Dublin—Marseille said and set frequency.
After short crackling:
–Marseille this is Dublin. You have general?—Keiko asked.
–Yes, we have. Now, I want to know what about our evacuation?
–Texas Navy Seawolf-class submarine is on the way to dock. You have half an hour.
–Good. We'll be there at time.
Then she turned to the two.
–Okay, let's go. We've just 30 minutes.
–Then let's go—general said.
Before they walked away, they heard as one of guards, who surprisingly survived, activated his communicator:
–To command! Second Lieutenant Coldwin is a traitor!—as he said that, his head was pierced by bullet.
–Huh, I though that they all are dead—Marseille said.
–Don't waste time! Move!—Barkhorn yelled.
And they ran to the dock.
13:09
Near the Personnel Quarters
Jean was heading to his room, where was everything he needed.
–Alright, just take some things and contact with Marseille. I just hope she's still alive—he though.
When he turned to the corridor in which was his room, he was greeted by base commander and group of guards with flashlight on their riffles. He stopped running, and trying to stay calm, he came to commander.
–Sir—Jean saluted.—What do you need?
–I just wanted to ask you some questions—commander said bending over Jean.
–Questions? What kind of questions?—he replied. He also felt sweat drops on his face.
–I don't know. Maybe—he wondered for a moment.—Maybe about why you helped in turning off the generators?!
This question hit Jean right into his face. But he didn't showed any fear.
–Why are you think that was me?—he asked.
–We saw the recordings from cameras.
Jean face changed into real fear. Commander noticed this.
–What? You didn't knew about those secret cameras mounted in the generators control panels? And that the monitoring and security room has it's own power source? Funny.—Commander took his gun.—Now, you will pay the highest price for betrayal!
He wanted to aim the gun at Jean head, but boy quickly kicked commander in stomach with his knee. Commander fell on the ground, and Jean started running away. When he disappeared behind the turn, commander looked at guards who were with him.
–What are you waiting for?!—he yelled.—Chase him!
And guards ran after Jean. Meanwhile he activated the INA communicator from Marseille.
–Come on, come on! Just answer!—he though in desperation.
13:12
On the way to Dock 4
The three was running to the dock. At now, they met only faint resistance in form of four Quebec squads. Then Marseille heard a incoming call. She picked it up:
–Who is there?
–It's me, Jean!—his voice rang on the second said.
–Jean?—Marseille stopped running.—What's happening?
–Marseille, don't stop!—Barkhorn ordered.
–Shut up, Siscon!—Marseille replied. Then she turned to Jean again:—Can you repeat?
–They learned that I helped you! It turned out that the security room and camera system has a separate power supply! They went through the recordings and found out that you and I turned off the generators!—There was a shot in the background.—And now, guards are chasing me!
–Hang in there, I'm coming!—And she turned off the communicator.
She wanted to go help Jean, but Barkhorn stopped her.
–What are you doing?—Barkhorn asked.—Our evacuation will be there soon! We don't have time for this!
–I must help him! And you don't stop me from it!
Marseille wrenched from Barkhorn's embrace and ran to help Jean.
–So what are we doing?—Dotrayov asked, when Marseille disappeared behind the corner.
Barkhorn though for a moment. Then she said:
–I just hate her!
And she ran after Marseille. Dotrayov followed her.
13:18
With Jean…
Jean was still running from guards. From time to time, some bullet hissed near his ear, but non of those bullets could hit him.
–They are worse in shooting than me—he though, as another bullet missed him.
As per his request, one of the bullets finally reached him and he fell on the ground. He grabbed his arm, where bullet hit, and he felt a hole and blood on shoulder. When he turned on his backs, he he let out a hiss of pain. Just then, one of the guards stood over him, aimed his C8 at his head. Jean closed his eyes, that the light of the flashlight would not blind him. Guard said:
–And you though that you can escape from us? You were very, very wrong.
Guard put the barrel of his riffle right to his forehead. Jean knew that he will not escape now. He was ready to meet his destiny.
He heard a shot.
But with surprise, he stated that he's still alive. When he opened his eyes, he saw a lot of riffle shot flying in direction of guards who were chasing him just a second ago. And the body of the guard who was aiming at his head. Soon, all guard were down and Marseille cam up to him.
–Are you alright?—she asked.
–Yeah. But my arm…—He started massaging it.
–Easy. I know someone who can take care of it. But first, we have to get to Dublin.
She helped him to stood on his legs, and then he noticed two more persons: another girl and an middle aged men.
–I'm guessing that this is your support?—Jean asked.
–A little. This men is a general who we had to take from here. And this girl is my support—Marseille explained.
Jean quickly acquainted with Barkhorn and Dotrayov, and they headed to the dock again.
–Marseille, why we taking this electrician with us? I know that he helped you in turning generators off, but…
–I promised him something. I'm always keeping the word.
Barkhorn fell silent. She didn't said anything until they reached the dock.
13:34
Dock 4
When they get to the dock, they quickly hid behind the entrance. In the dock, there was a fire exchange between remaining guards and the crew of submarine.
–Cool, how will we get through them?—Barkhorn asked.
–I don't know—Marseille replied.
Just then, a bullet flew in front of her face.
–That was close—Dotrayov said.
Jean poked Marseille in arm. When she turned, he gave her a small piece of paper with the name of street and home address wrote on it.
–What is it?—she asked.
–It's address of my family home in Dublin. When you'll be there, tell my mother and sister that I would be miss them. And that I love them—he replied.—Now, give me riffle.
–What do you mean by this?!—Marseille asked grabbing him for his arms, but she let him go when he hissed from pain.—I promised that you'll see your family in Dublin! You're going with us!
–Someone must turn attention of those guards when you'll be escaping. Give me this riffle—he said more firmly.
Marseille hesitated for a while. The submarine crew and guards were still shooting. If she give the riffle to Jean, they could break through behind the guards backs, when Jean would be turning their attention. But he will surely die. Or, they could try to run through the fire exchange. Then they all would probably die. Finally, she made a decision.
–Good.—And she gave a C8 to him.
–Just escape from here safely—Jean said checking the riffle ammo.
–You have my word.
And he run to attack the guards.
–So brave lad. As for an Québécois—Dotrayov said.
–Yeah. But now, let's go—Barkhorn ordered.
They quickly run to the submarine. Marseille managed to last time see Jean, as he hid
behind some boxes, and guards still rushing at him. Soon, she was inside the Seawolf-class submarine.
13:42
Atlantic Ocean
Submarine just leaved the Quebec water and now was heading to Ireland. In Dublin, general Dotrayov will be transported to Arisneri and from there, to Siberia.
Barkhorn sat next to Marseille.
–Well. We're going back to Dublin—Barkhorn said, as she unzipped her Siberian flight suit zipper.
–Yeah—Marseille replied, looking at the home address from Jean.
–You really wanted to help him?
–He just wanted to know what about his family. I know how is it. Don't see your family for a long time and don't know what with them.
–You don't know what about your family back in our world?
Marseille nodded.
–Last time I saw them—Marseille started to explain—was in 1939, in Hamburg. They were evacuated to Baltland when Karlsland fell.
–I didn't knew…
–Of course you don't. Such Siscons like you are don't interested in others life.
Barkhorn only nodded.
–Even when you showing this caring side of you, you're still don't like me.
–I don't have any caring side you damn Siscon!—Marseille said as she stood up and go to another part of sub.
Barkhorn left alone with few crew members working with something.
–And there she is. Old Marseille is back. Everything is back to normal now—she though.
13:38
Back at the Dock 4
Jean was still fighting with guards. He, for his surprise, already killed seven of them.
–At least they escaped—he though.
Just then, a grenade landed next to him. He quickly jumped on the other side, and grenade exploded. When he tried to stand up, one of guards came up to him, and hit him his riffle flask in his wounded arm. The guard kicked riffle dropped by Jean from him. Then, he grabbed the electrician by his arm and placed him in a kneeling position. Soon, the base commander entered the dock.
–What about other prisoners?—he asked.
–Caught or killed, sir—the guard replied.
–Good.
Next, the commander came up to Jean.
–Well, well, well. Traitor kneeling in front of me—commander said with smile.—You have your lost words?—he asked aiming his gun at jean head.
–No. Do what you have to do—Jean said and closed his eyes.
He felt the cold barrel of gun touching his forehead. And the dark under his eyelids became light for a second.
XXX
I know that probably after this chapter title, you expected more spy infiltration action, but well. I really tried my best in this. It's the first time when I was writing a chapter about infiltration. And before I end, few things.
And if anyone don't like Marseille behavior in the middle of chapter, sorry.
See ya in the next chapter!
And, Halifax-class submarine. It's the special type of submarine designed to transport prisoners.