As I said, for this chapter, I prepared something different. Does anyone here wondered, what was happening with Ida's family in Helsinki after the occupation started? Well. This chapter will explain everything.
To it.
Chapter 25
,,Freedom Fighters"
September 15, 2021
06:03
Lempi's room
Lempi slowly opened her eyes and looked around her room. Her books were laying where she left them. Sun was shining through the window. Birds were tweeting. Everything seemed perfectly normal. Girl even started to wonder, if everything what happened yesterday, was just a simple dream and Helsinki was still in Arisnerian hands.
It wasn't. She understood this, when she looked out the window and saw Gleipnir hovering over the city. She also felt the smell, which almost made her puke. When she looked in the smell's direction, she saw the row of bodies on the street. Linesatrians didn't even bothered to clear all the dead from the previous night.
She simply sighed and left the room. She went downstairs and entered the kitchen, where her mother was already making breakfast.
–Hi, mom—Lempi said, sitting at the table.
–Hi, honey—Tuula replied, giving a comforting smile to her daughter. Forced one, but still comforting.
It didn't took long for Nea to also join her mother and sister. Youngest of the sisters sat next to Lempi, which stroked her head.
–How was your night?—she asked.
–I had bad dreams—Nea replied.
Lempi sighed again. What they saw previous night also worked on her, as by whole night, Lempi was dreaming, that she, Tuula and Nea are also in the row of Whitecens killed by Linesatrians. She shook herself from this thoughts.
–What for breakfast, mom?—Nea asked.
–Beacon with eggs—Tuula replied.
-Nice-Lempi said.
Tuula the focused on making breakfast. Her daughters were just sitting there, thinking about today.
–I'm gonna have additional classes in school today—Lempi said.—And after that, I'm going to work.
–Today you're getting your payment, right?—Tuula asked.
–Yeah. I could say 'finally'.
Soon, the breakfast was ready and the three had plates in front of them. However, when they started eating, they heard a knocking.
–Who could that be?—Tuula asked.
–Let me check—Lempi said and stood up.
She left the kitchen and approached the door. She unlocked them and pressed the handle, to see, who it was.
And when she did it, her heart started beating faster. Because in front of her, was standing an Linesatrian officer. Girl could see the lustful look in his eyes, when he scanned her from top to bottom. Only thing Lempi was wearing, where her T-shirt and shorts, so her standard sleeping clothes. She didn't even had her underwear put on yet. Additionally, everyone were saying that she was pretty attractive girl and often saw boys looking at her in 'this way'.
However, Linesatrian's eyes were full of simple erotic desire. She guessed, that if the officer could, he would simply take her here and now.
But instead, officer bowed. He took off his cap and introduced himself:
–Good morning, miss. My name is colonel Maxim Rozhnev. Since today, I'm supposed to be in charge of this area of the city.
–Good…morning—Lempi replied unsteadily.
–Can I come in? I wanted to meet people living in this part of Helsinki—Rozhnev asked.
Lempi was thinking for few seconds. She was looking at Linesatrian with fearful eyes. His comforting smile only made this whole situation worse.
–So? Can I come in?—Rozhnev repeated his question.
–Ehh…O-Of course…Sir…—Lempi replied.
She moved off the way and officer walked into the house. He made his way to the kitchen, where he sat down with Nea and Tuula.
–What do you need, sir?—Tuula asked.
Lempi was still carefully looking at the officer. And with disgust noticed, that his eyes were looking at Tuula in the same way, as on her. Hell, he even looked on Nea the same way, with this erotic desire. Girl just couldn't feel anything more, than disgust.
–First, I would like to know your names—Rozhnev said, taking his notebook.—I need to have everything written for the high command.
Tuula looked at her daughters.
–Tuula, Lempi and Nea Lilnatar—Tuula replied.
This caught the attention of the officer.
–Lilantar?—he asked.—Like that Arisenrian pilot, leader of the Red Devils?
–She's my daughter, too—Tuula said.
Rozhnev looked at her and nodded. He written something in his notebook. Lempi was sure, that he written about their kinship with Ida.
–Mrs. Lilnatar, where do you work? Does your daughter go to school?—Rozhnev asked.
–I work in an architecture company in the city—Tuula replied.—And yes, my daughters go to school.
–Good. Education is needed in these times—officer stated.
In that moment, Lempi, unsteadily, lifted up her hand.
–What is it?—Rozhnev asked.
–What…What about these bodies…on the street?—she asked.
By few seconds, she could see irritation in Rozhnev's eyes. She was sure, that it wasn't the first time someone asked about it.
–What happened yesterday, wasn't an authorized operation—he said.—Officer responsible for killing your neighbors was already punished and replaced with more reasonable one. The same as soldiers, which did his orders. I promise, that we will remove the bodies and provide the proper burial.
–You want to bury them by yourselves?—Tuula asked.
Rozhnev nodded.
–Of course—he said.—I know, that your media often talks about Whitecen massacres in my country. But they only take place in the most vindictive communities in remote parts of our country. We show them in TV, true. But to tell people, that such things are not welcome in the country of free people. To warn them, that they will end the same way, if they won't stop these anti-Whitecen activities.
Tuula and her daughters looked at each other. They really didn't wanted to believe in a single word Rozhnev was saying, but…somehow, they were feeling safer, after he said that.
Linesatrian then stood up and bowed.
–I gotta go now. I still have much to do with the administrative works—he said and left the house.
The three was just left with their own thoughts.
–Mum…—Nea said.
Tuula stroke her youngest child's head.
–Everything is gonna be okay, really—she said.—Now, eat you breakfast and get ready for school. Okay?
–Okay—Nea replied.
–Sure—Lempi said.
Next, they ate the breakfast went to prepare for their 'normal' day.
07:12
Helsinki High School, girls locker room
After breakfast and dressing up, Lempi and Nea went to their schools. Nea took the bus going to her elementary school, while Lempi took the one going to her high school. There, she quickly entered the locker room and took off her jacket and changed boots.
–Hey—someone said.
Lempi turned to see a girl in her age, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. She was dressed in a gray sweater and blue jeans. She had a smile on her face.
–Oh, hey, Aada—Lempi said.—How are you?
–Somehow, when you look on what happened yesterday—Aada replied.—I don't like that thing hovering over the city.
–Agree on that—Lempi said.—Will Amy be in school today?
Right as she said that, smile disappeared from Aada's face. She hung her head ans looked on the floor.
–You don't know, do you?—she asked.
–Know about what?—Lempi asked.
–When this flying thing fired that laser into the ground, Amy's house was caught in the blast zone. Nothing was left of it—Aada explained.
Hearing this, Lempi immediately felt hit as hard, as yesterday. Amy was one of her long time friends. They knew each other since sandbox, you could say. And now, Lempi was being told, that Amy died in matter of seconds.
Aada came up to her and sat down. She wrapped her arm around Lempi's neck.
–It's gonna be okay. We lived through Fraducs, right? I'm sure we live through commies—she said.
–At least your father is still in the city—Lempi said.
–Well, he's retired—Aada replied.
Aada's father was a formed Arisnerian soldiers, which left the military with the end of Five Year War. Since then, he focused on spending time with his daughter. Even when he had a chance to join again and fight ICCU, he preferred to stay as a civilian.
–And Ida?—Aada asked.
–She had to leave with the rest of our forces—Lempi replied.—I just hope she will be okay.
–Hey, you always was walking around the school and saying, that your sister is the best pilot we have—he friend pointed out.—But let's end this war-thorn talk. We have school stuff to do. Let's go.
Lempi nodded and followed Aada to the class.
On the corridor, they were greeted by another of their friends, Hannes Mitä. He had short brown hair and green eyes. He wore navy blue T-Shirt, orange blouse and black sweatpants. He smiled, seeing his two friends.
–Good, that you finally showed up—he said.
–Did you stood there the whole time?—Aada asked.
Hannes nodded with smiled.
–Well, I was waiting for the two of you to come out—he said.—I just learned about Amy. I really liked her.
Lempi felt another sting in her chest. Knowledge, that she will never see Amy again, was really depressing.
–Let's just don't talk about it anymore, okay?—Aada asked.—We have lessons in few minutes, so better let's go.
–Yeah. I don't want to be late and get scolded by the teacher—Lempi said.
With her words, the three went to the class.
07:34
Classroom number 3
Classroom was already filled with students of Lempi's class. Lessons had to start in the next few minutes, but it could be felt, that people are stressed. Probably not because any exam. But because the Linesatrian troops in the city.
–Anyway—Hannes said.—What do you think about current situation?
–And what can we think?—Aada replied.—City I snow under control of enemy army. Again.
–I just hope it won't end like during Five Year War—another classmate said.
Everyone nodded in agreement with him. They all were born before the Five Year War and may of them still remembered the destruction Fraducians performed during Helsinki Uprising. Whole city was left in ruins then.
–Lempi—Hannes turned to her.—What about you?
Girl didn't responded, as she was still thinking about the execution they saw last night with Nea.
–Lem?—Aada asked.
This brought Lempi back to reality.
–Wha…?—she asked.
–What do you think about it all?—Hannes asked again.
–I…—Lempi wanted to reply.
–Maybe better no—another classmate said.—I head that last night, Lins massacred several Whitecens literally under her windows.
Hearing this, Lempi felt something twisting in her stomach. She remembered the sounds of fire and how people were literally torn into pieces. Linesatrians then decided to finish the ones, which somehow survived the massacre.
Without saying anything, she stood up and ran out of the classroom, covering her mouth and leaving surprised classmates. She made her way to the toilet, entered inside, entered one of cabins and immediately vomited into toilet. One student also entered the toilet, but hearing the sounds made by Lempi, she just backed off.
Meanwhile, Lempi started feeling tears in her eyes. She still remembered that new city ruler, that Rozhnev. She just vomited again.
–Lem?—Aada's voice sounded in the toilet.
–Here…—Lempi replied weakly.
Aada opened the door to the cabin and quickly helped Lempi stand up from the knees. The two then exited the toilet and went back to the class.
–Maybe you shouldn't come to school today?—Aada proposed.
–I just don't want to miss any lesson—Lempi replied, trying to force herself to joking tone. But it didn't quite worked.
–I wouldn't care about lessons, seeing what happened yesterday—Aada stated.—And knowing what you saw…
–That massacre under my windows?—Lempi asked.
Aada didn't replied. She just helped Lempi reach the class. Inside, they saw teacher already waiting to start the lesson. Worried expression formed on her face.
–Is everything okay?—teacher asked.
–It's just…a little time of weakness—Lempi replied.
She approached her desk and sat down. Teacher just nodded her head and started the lesson. But Lempi's thoughts still wandered to the previous night and screams of people on the street.
Later…
Sweet Bit cafe
After the lesson ended, Lempi, Aada and Hannes went to their favorite cafe on the other side on the street, where they were often going between lessons. They sat at their favorite table in the corner. However, it was feeling a bit empty, as Amy's chair wasn't occupied by anyone.
–Lem—Hannes said.—Sorry about starting that subject.
Lempi looked at him and smiled.
–It's not your fault—she said.—It's just because of this new city manager. Rozhnev.
Hearing that name, the two looked at their Whitecen friend.
–How do you know his name?—Hannes asked.
–He visited my house today during breakfast—Lempi replied.
–What!?—Aada exclaimed.
Both Hannes and Aada looked at her with surprise. Lempi, on her side, just mixed her tea with spoon. She just threw up her arms.
–He said, that he wanted to meet the people of the city he now had to rule—she explained.—But for me, it was more like a visit to know where each Whitecen family is placed. To know where to make ghetto.
–You really think they would do it?—Aada asked.
–Well. They are Lins—Hannes stated.—You know how they behave when it comes to Whitecens.
Aada just nodded.
In that moment, the cafe's owner with smile placed three plates with strawberry cake in front of them.
–Strawberry cake for my favorite clients—she said.
–Thank you, Ms. Manheim—Aada said.
–Please, call me Ira. It will be much easier—the owner replied and walked away.
The three then started eating their cakes. However, without Amy and their jokes about everything, this actually wasn't the same. They simply ate the cake in silence, waiting for the bell to ring in the school.
When this happened, they gave the plates back, payed for their meal and left the cafe, walking back to school.
–And what about Nea?—Aada asked.
–I think she's stronger than me—Lempi stated.—She actually looked like this what happened last night didn't made any impression on her. But…
The two looked at her with narrowed eyes.
–But…?—Hannes asked.
–But although being fifteen, Nea is still a little girl. And now, she has to live through the second war in her life. Like all of us.
Aada and Hannes nodded.
–Hey. We made it through the Five Year War. We make it through the 3rd Great War too—Aada stated, wrapping her arm around Lempi's neck.
This put a smile on Whitecen's face. Next, the three walked to the class for another lesson. On the way, Aada and Hannes looked at each other knowingly. Lempi didn't noticed that.
14:02
After school, Lempi went to the grocery store she was working in after lessons. It was a small store, owned by an elder man named Aadam Kleinen. She entered the store and saw him standing behind the counter.
Aadam Kleinen was in the middle of his fifties and was retired police officer. He had white mustache and hair, but from age, not because he was Whitecen. He also was a bit chubby, but this was another thing that made him such sympathetic man. He was dressed in gray T-Shirt and brown pants.
Seeing Lempi entering the store, he smiled.
–Good morning, mister Kleinen—Lempi said.
–Good morning, Lempi—he replied.—How was it in school?
–Day like any other—Lempi replied.—Although everything what happened yesterday…
Kleinen just waved his hand.
–Don' talk about it. Situation actually changed, yes. But we still gonna have clients, which want to buy fresh vegetables. So, if you don't mind, my dear…
–Of course—Lempi replied.
She then went into the direction of shop's event, where she left her backpack and dressed her apron. Her job in the grocery store was to place the products on their places, as well as selling them to the clients and taking money from them. She worked here for two years now. First, it started as a casual job to support her mother financially, as Tuula's architect job wasn't as profitable than during city's rebuild. Later, however, it changed into Lempi's first true job. And she had to say it, she liked it. Calm and not very demanding. So just how Lempi liked it.
Girl went to the back of the store, where she found several boxes of fruits and vegetables. She dressed the store's apron and took the first box, filled with apples. Next, after reaching the stands, she started placing them on the shelves.
It was at this moment, that first customers came.
–Good morning.
When Lempi turned to see who it was, she felt her hands shaking. She saw Rozhnev accompanied by two Linesatrian soldiers. Although they didn't wore vests and helmets, just uniforms and caps, but they still had their weapons pulled out.
Rozhnev made his way to mister Kleinen and looked at the store's owner.
–Good morning. What do you need?—Kleinen asked.
–I heard, that this is the best grocery store in this part of the city. So I decided to check, what you have in offer—Rozhnev replied.
–Only fresh vegetables and fruits, Sir. I live behind the city, where I have a garden. I take care of every product I sell—Kleinen explained.
Rozhnev nodded and then turned around. He noticed Lempi and smiled warmly. Well. At least he tried.
–And who we have here?—Rozhnev said.
–It's my helper, miss Lempi Lilnatar. When it comes to taking care of the store, I can always rely on her—Kleinen explained.
–I know, we met already—Rozhnev replied, walking up to Lempi.—Tell me. Are these fruits and vegetables really as good as everyone says?
–Eh…Yes…Sir—Lempi replied.—I often take some home for dinner. And all customers often says only good things.
City governor nodded his head and turned to his soldiers. He reached under his coat and took a list from there.
–Take everything what is on this list—he said.
–Da, tovarisch polkovnik—soldiers replied in Siberian and walked into the store.
Surely, it was strange to see them walking between stands like nothing happened and taking vegetables and fruits from the shelves. If not the weapons and uniforms, it could be said, that they are simple people, which just buy something to eat.
Rozhnev, in the meantime, turned back to Kleinen.
–So, how long do you have this store?—he asked.
–It's gonna be six years—Kleinen replied.—Originally, I started it to help people in need, during the rebuilding of Helsinki after Five Year War. But soon, I decided to keep this job for the rest of my life.
–And what was you doing before the war?—colonel continued to ask.
–I worked in the city's administration. But this job started to be boring seven years before—Kleinen replied.
Rozhnev nodded and then, his soldiers came with the bags of vegetables and fruits. They put them on the counter and looked at the commander.
–How much do I pay—Rozhnev asked.
Kleinen quickly checked the price of every product they took and nodded his head. He looked at colonel and said:
–Seventy two Likars.
–Well then—colonel said, looking to his wallet and taking the money.
He gave it to the store's owner and smiled, as he took the bags and turned to exit the grocery store.
–I wish you good day, Mr. Kleinen.—Rozhnev then looked at Lempi.—And good day to you, miss Lilnatar.
Next, three Linesatrians walked away, leaving Kleinen and Lempi following them with their eyes. When soldiers disappeared behind the nearest turn, Kleinen shook his head. Lempi looked at her employer.
–Something's wrong?—she asked.
–He's too nice—Kleinen stated.—We can't trust that bastard.
Girl nodded. She decided to not tell Kleinen about Rozhnev's visit in her home this morning. She simply returned to her job. The rest of the day went uneventful and after doing her job, Lempi got her daily payment. Maybe it wasn't much, but she still wad proud, that she could earn the money by herself.
After her time at work ended, Lempi returned to her home, where she did the homework, ate dinner, put Nea to sleep and went to sleep herself.
September 29
13:58
Two weeks have passed since the Battle of Helsinki and everything seemed to stabilize. Although Linesatrian patrols on the streets, life in the city was going pretty normally. Yet, there still were controls and checkpoints between the city's districts. Lins also took over the prison, where they were putting everyone, who could endanger their position. However, there also were several attacks by an unknown group and since the start of occupation, thirty two Linesatrian soldiers died, forcing them to implement the police hours, as well as more frequent patrols.
As always, Lempi came to her job and immediately noticed, that something is wrong. Mr. Kleines was nowhere to be see and the door still had the 'Closed' sign on it's door. But as girl opened the door, she saw they were opened. So she just walked inside.
–Hello?—she called.
Nobody responded. Girl just started looking around, but still, she couldn't find Kleinen anywhere.
–Lempi—Kleinen said.
Lempi almost jumped form fear, hearing his voice. She turned around and saw her employer standing next to the door leading to the event. Of course! How couldn't she think about it?
–I just came and saw, that you're not here. So I started looking for you—Lempi replied.
Kleinen looked at her for few seconds, before sighing. He pointed at the door behind him.
–We really didn't wanted to pull you into this. I though, that you think that I'm ill or something. But if you are already here…—he said.
–We? And pull into what?—Lempi asked.
–Just come with me.
Not having any other option, girl followed Kleinen to the event. What did he meant by 'we'? And who were 'they' planning? Whatever it was, Lempi now had to know. She couldn't back off now, as she was here.
Once she entered the event, she saw Aada and Hannes, together with some more people, including some of Lempi's classmates. For few seconds, Lempi looked at them, don't knowing what to say.
–What…is going on here?—she asked.
Hannes looked at Kleinen.
–We already talked about it. We had to not pull her into this—he said.
–I know—Kleinen replied.—But she already came here and I couldn't just tell her to go out and not come back.
Hannes just sighed.
–Well. So it seems, like we now have to implement her into that—he stated.
At this moment, Lempi couldn't withstand this and just exclaimed:
–Can anyone tell me, what is going on here?
All people gathered in the event looked at each other and then back on Lempi. Girl shrug, seeing all of them looking at her.
–I-I…–Lempi couldn't say anything else.
–Easy. We will tell you—Hannes said.—Please, sit down.
Lempi approached one of free chairs and sat at the table. Kleinen followed her and sat down too. Hannes moved closer and sat down next to Lempi.
–Okay. You know about all these bomb attacks by the last two weeks?—Hannes asked.
–Yes. What about them?—Lempi asked.
–Well. We were responsible for them—Aada said.
Lempi looked at her with widened eyes, then looked at everyone else in the room. She saw numerous familiar faces, like neighbors and friends, but to hear, that they were responsible for bombings of Linesatrian soldiers and she didn't noticed this…Damn it, she should be more cautious. What would Ida do now?
–So you are…?—she said.
–We decided to start a resistance cell in the city—Kleinen replied.—If we let Linesatrians do whatever they want in Helsinki, before we know, they will simply get rid of all of us, only to settle here by themselves.
Several people approved this statement with nods or by saying something quietly. So this might have been the explanation for where Hannes and Aada were going after school. And she thought, that they simply didn't wanted to have problems for being friends with Whitecen.
–If you want to make their lives here so hard—Lempi said, with newly found confidence—then let me join you in this.
This statement took all people in the room by surprise. Truth be told, they didn't expected anything like this to happen.
–Wait, what?—Hannes asked.
–I want to join you in this fight, okay?—Lempi replied.—I also can stand their presence here. And if you let me, I can be very useful.
–Where is this confidence coming from?—Aada asked.
–Because I want to protect Nea—Lempi replied.
There was a moment of silence, as the room was filled with whispers and murmuring. Lempi looked around, trying to read something from the gathered faces, but was unable too. She just had to wait for what they say.
And after few seconds, everyone nodded their heads.
–Well—Hannes said.—It seems, like they are actually willing to let you join.
–In that case, welcome in the group—Aada said, giving Lempi her hand.
Without thinking a lot, Lempi shook the hand and marking her membership in the Helsinki resistance.
–Good. Now, as you are with us, we will tell you, what is our next move—Hannes said, moving to the map.
On the map, Lempi could notice the city's administration building being marked with red circle. Around it were other markings and stamps.
–We're gonna do something more interesting than bombing—Hannes said—We're gonna take down colonel Maxim Rozhnev.
Lempi looked at him and back at the map. Rozhnev. He was responsible for the city occupation. And if this attempt on his life will work out, Linesatrians might fall into complete chaos, letting INA take Helsinki back.
–Lem, you're in?—one of Lempi's classmates asked.
–Yes—she said.
–Good—Hannes said.—Plan is simple. First, we need to find a way to get as much info about Rozhnev as possible.
–But how?—someone asked.
In that moment, Kleinen stood up.
–I have a solution—he said.—Yesterday, I promised to give him fresh vegetables every morning.
Everyone in the room looked at each other and nodded. They had a way to get close to Rozhnev and find out something about him. Now, there was only one thing, that needed to be done.
–Question is, who will be carrying these vegetables to him—Hannes stated.
Immediately, Lempi put her hand in the air.
–I can do it—she said.
Hannes, Aada and Kleinen looked at her with their eyebrows raised.
–Are you sure about it?—Aada asked.
–Well, yeah—Lempi said.—I can do it. He actually seems to trust me.
–But you know the risk?—Hannes asked.
–Yes, I do. And faster we will take care of him, the better it will be for the city and all people living in it.
Members of Helsinki resistance looked at her and then at each other. If what she was saying was true, then Rozhnev shouldn't actually suspect her of anything. So if everything would go as planned, their plan of taking Rozhnev out would be ready faster than expected.
–Okay then. We start everything tomorrow—Hannes stated.—Lem, get ready for tomorrow morning.
–Of course—Lempi said.
–So with this, I can say, they this meeting is over—Hannes stated.
People started standing up and leaving the room. Soon, only people still inside were Lempi, Kleines, Hannes and Aada.
–By the way—Lempi said—how long are you in this resistance?
–Actually, from the very beginning—Hannes said, scratching back of his head.—And I'm actually in charge here.
–I noticed—Lempi said.
–We are just helping here—Aada said, pointing at Kleinen.
–I gave the meeting place, actually—Kleinen said.
Lempi nodded and stood up.
–But I guess, that my work is still going to be done?—she asked.
–I pay you for something, yes?—Kleinen asked jokingly.
Next, the four went in their directions, with Aada and Hannes going back to their homes, while Lempi and Kleinen stayed in the shop, waiting for first customers.
The next day…
September 30
07:03
Helsinki Administration Building
Lempi stood in front of the building and looked at the door. She was about to enter the place, where Rozhnev was spending majority of his days. Her mission: gather as much intel for the resistance as possible and go to school before anyone notice something strange. Should be easy, right?
She approached the main door, where two Linesatrian guards were standing. When they saw her, they blocked the door.
–Hey, where do you think your going?—one of them asked in Arisnerian.
Lempi didn't showed, that she's actually scared of the armed guards and showed the bag of vegetables she had.
–I work at Mr. Kleinen's grocery store. These are vegetables I had to bring to commander Rozhnev—Lempi replied.
Guards looked at each other and one of them reached his communicator and said something in Siberian. He listened for few seconds, before nodding and moving away. Second guard opened the door.
–You can enter—he said.
–Thank you—Lempi replied.
And without waiting, she quickly entered the building. Guards closed the door behind her. She was now in the literal heart of Linesatrian occupation.
Girl approached the reception, where a woman in female version of Linesatrian uniform was sitting. Woman looked at her with neutral expression.
–What is the case?—she asked.
–I have vegetables for commander Rozhnev. He requested them himself—Lempi replied.—So can I know, where his office is?
–Ah, of course—woman said.—You need to go up the stair and turn left. His office is behind the last door.
–Thank you—Lempi said.
–No problem—woman replied and returned to her work.
Lempi then went in the direction of stairs and walked up. As she reached the top of the stairs, she looked left and saw the door at the end of the corridor. She walked up to them and knocked, waiting for response.
–Please, come in—Rozhnev's voice came from the other side.
Without hesitation, Lempi pressed the handle and entered the office.
Inside, she saw a desk with number of papers on it and a lamp. Walls of the room were painted in white, while on the shelves, there were photos and more papers. Room was also pretty clean, actually.
Rozhnev sat behind the desk and smiled, seeing Lempi.
–Oh, who do I see?—he asked.—I didn't expected Kleinen to send you here with his vegetables.
–I'm his only worker after all—Lempi replied.—Where do I have to put them?
But before Rozhnev could respond, the door opened again and a soldier walked in. If he noticed Lempi, he simply decided to ignore her.
–Sir, I think we need you—the soldier said.
–Sure. Please, wait here—Rozhnev said to Lempi.
He then stood up and left the office with the soldier, leaving Lempi alone.
Immediately, she started working. She put the vegetables on the ground and walked up to the desk. She started looking through the papers on the desk, but didn't found anything interesting. Besides, there were too many papers to look through all of them. This is why she decided to look into the drawers.
And immediately hit the jackpot. She saw several documents written in both Siberian and Arisnerian. She wondered, why would they write them in both these languages. But still. In her hands, she held the route of patrol in which Rozhnev had to take part personally.
Knowing what to do, Lempi grabbed her phone and quickly made a photo of the document. She then put it back into the drawer and closed it. She returned to her position and picked up the vegetables.
She did it in the last second, as literally when she picked up the vegetables, the door opened and Rozhnev walked back in.
–Sorry it took so long—he said.
–No. I twas perfect—Lempi said, covering her smile.
Rozhnev walked up to his desk and sat behind it. Lempi by few seconds thought, that he would notice, that some papers are placed differently, but fortunately, he didn't seemed to notice this.
–Put the vegetables on the desk—Rozhnev said.
Lempi approached the desk and did what she was told to do. She put the bag of vegetables on it and looked at Rozhnev.
–Thank you—Rozhnev said.
–No problem—Lempi replied.—Have a nice day.
Girl then started making her way out of the office. But right as she wanted to come out of there, Rozhnev took at swing and clapped her ass. Lempi looked at him with surprise and disgust.
–I heard, that you Whitecen women, like such things—Rozhnev stated with smile.
This was enough for Lmepi. She really wanted to turn around and give this son of a bitch the same, but in face. But she couldn't, as she could end tragically because of that. This is why she simply made her way out of the office and the building.
She reached the bus stop and waited for the bus to take her to school.
09:33
Helsinki High School
Lempi, Aada and Hannes were sitting in their high school's mess hall and watching the document Lempi took photo of. It actually was pretty surprising for them at the very least. As with every word, they had confused faces.
–So? Will this help our cause?—Lempi asked, trying to sound as confident as her sister.
–Lem, sure it will—Aada replied.
–According to this document, Rozhnev is going to go on the patrol with his men in the next five days. He will be far away from his office and majority of his guards, what will leave him in the open—Hannes said.—This is perfect opportunity to assassinate him!
–Don't be so loud—Aada warned.—Not everyone here is in the resistance.
–Sorry—Hannes replied.
The two looked at Lempi.
–Lem, you gave us valuable piece of intel—Hannes stated.—We will show it on the next meeting. We'll see, what they say.
–Good—Lempi said.—Because I want this bastard to be dead as fast as possible.
Hearing this, her two friends looked at her with a bit worried expression, now wondering, if getting Lempi involved into this was even a good idea.
–It sounded so sadistic—Aada stated.
–You know what he did when I was leaving his office?—Lempi asked and the two shook their heads.—He clapped my ass! And you know what he said? 'I heard, that you Whitecen women, like such things'.
–Cock—Hannes said.
–Yeah—Lempi said.—So. When the next meeting will happen?
–Today. We need to quickly talk the plan—Hannes stated.
In that moment, the school bell rang, signaling the end of the break and start of another lesson.
–Well, let's go now—Hannes said.—We might be freedom fighters, but I don't want to get caught just by not coming to lesson.
Two girls nodded and followed him.
14:32
Mr. Kleinen's store
All members of resistance cell were gathered in the event of the store and listened to the news given to them by Hannes, Lempi and Aada.
–So, from what you're saying—one of group members said—Rozhnev is going to drive in his private car on the patrol with his men?
–That's what written here—Hannes said, pointing at phone in Lempi's hands.
–But how can we be sure that it is true?—another member of the group asked.
–We can't—Hannes stated.—This is why we need to try and see if this was true. According to this, the patrol will move out in the next five days.
–We know his way?—one of their classmates asked.
Hannes nodded and pointed at the map. He painted several streets.
–He's gonna move by the standard patrol route of his men. We might wait for him here—he said, pointing at one of the streets—and when his convoy will be passing by, we might just shoot them all to hell.
–Sounds simple—Aada said.
–But doing it won't be that simple—Kleinen said.
Hannes nodded and looked at the map one more time.
–Rozhnev have a group of perfectly trained Linesatrian soldiers as his body guards—he said.—Even if we get close to his car, they will manage to quickly take care of us.
Lempi frowned and started thinking.
–Will his guards be traveling in his car?—she asked.
–No—Aada said.—It was written, that they will be going in armored car behind Rozhnev.
–So, if we would have some anti-armor weapons, we might easily take care of them—Lempi summed.
After she said that, members of resistance looked at each other. Seeing this, Lempi frowned again.
–We have anti-armor weapons, right?—she asked.
–Yes—Kleinen replied.—You heard about that attack on Linesatrian weapon transport?
Lempi nodded. One week ago, there was Linesatrian transport of weapons going through the city. But as it was driving through the streets, there were Molotov cocktails flying from the windows and soon, enemy soldiers and vehicles were set ablaze. Next, group of unknown individuals took all the weapons and vanished.
But now, it seemed, like she finally met these 'unknown individuals'.
–You did it, right?—Lempi asked.
–Yeah. It was one of our first bigger actions against the occupant—Hannes said.—Thanks to this, we got enough weapons to fight for some time.
–Well then—Lempi said.—You have any plan?
–Allow me to explain—Hannes said.—According to this document, first vehicles in the column will be two bikes. Easy work. We just treat them with Molotov cocktails and poof, they're gone. Behind them and at the end are armored cars. Here, we use the anti-armor weapons. In the middle will be truck with soldiers and Rozhnev's car. This will be the easiest part of the job.
–Pretty simple plan you go there—another resistance member said.
–The simpler, the better—Hannes stated.
Right then, one of group members lifted up her hand.
–And where are these weapons, if I can know this?—she asked.
Lempi recognized her as Dalia Felniksen, girl from Waquald, which parents moved to Helsinki. And honestly, Lampi hated her, as she was probably the most annoying and prancing person she ever knew.
–Here—Hannes said.—Hidden under the floor.
Dalia nodded.
–By the way, when do we meet?—Lempi asked.
–We'll be at the place half an hour before Rozhnev's column will arrive. You're okay with that?—Hannes asked.
Everyone nodded in response.
–Good. In that case, I will declare this meeting over—Hannes said and all members of resistance started leaving.
It was time to prepare for the most important attack the resistance did by the last two weeks. But this only seemed so simple.
The next day…
Mr. Kleinen's shop
It was pretty calm day in the shop, like before the war. Lempi once more had to give the vegetables to Rozhnev, but this time, fortunately, it went without clapping the ass. This is why she left his office in much better mood than before.
–New carrots?—Lempi asked, seeing her boss unpacking carrots from the box.
–Yes. They just grew in my backyard, so it was time to put them in the store—Kleinen replied.—Could you…?
–Of course—girl replied, taking the carrots.
She then went away to the carrot stand and started putting them all on the place. It went pretty good, until a certain person came.
–Good day to you again—the voice said.
Lempi immediately turned and looked at Rozhnev standing behind her with two of his guards in tow.
–Good…day, sir—Lempi replied.—What brings you here?
–Why don't we enter inside and I will explain everything?—Rozhnev replied.
Without saying anything more, he and his guards entered the building, with Lempi following them. When she entered, she gave the worried looked to Kleinen, which returned it. Fortunately, city manager didn't noticed it, or simply ignored it.
–What brings you here today, sir—Kleinen asked.
Rozhnev smiled and nodded.
–Good that you're asking—he said and turned to his guards.—Go on the back.
Two soldiers nodded and quickly made their way to the event. Seeing this, Kleinen and Lempi widened their eyes.
–What is the meaning of this?—Kleienen asked.
–Recently I got informed, that it's here, where local resistance is meeting—Rozhnev said, much to Lempi and Kleinen's shock.—And also, I heard, that this is where all our stolen weapons are being hidden.
Two store workers looked at each other and gulped. How could Rozhnev know about it? Or, more importantly, who gave him this info.
Guards then returned from the event, with some assault riffles and one RPG in hands. Rozhnev smiled and looked at Kleinen.
–Well, well, well. Are these some new vegetables?—Rozhnev asked.—Take them.
Heart in Lempi's chest started beating like crazy, when she heard this. One of soldiers started making his way towards her and she started quickly moving back, with fear visible on her face. Soldier took pair of handcuffs from his pocket and wanted to use them on Lempi.
–Wait!—Kleinen suddenly said.
–What?—Rozhnev asked, looking at him.
Kleinen looked at Lempi and nodded his head.
–She's not guilty of anything—Kleinen said.—She didn't knew about these weapons being hidden here. Only I knew about them.
–But…—Lempi tried to say, but was stopped by Kleinen:
–Sorry, that I had to hide it from you.
Rozhnev shook his head and pointed at them. Both of his guards approached the elder man and hundcuffed him. Lempi could only watch and feel her helplessness, as two soldier led Kleinen out of the building.
–Wait—Kleinen suddenly said.
–What now?—Rozhnev asked again.
–Lempi—Kleinen turned to her.—Keep an eye on my garden, okay?
Girl couldn't do anything else, but nod. Some soldiers went to the even and took the weapons hidden there. They then led Kleinen out of the store and led him into the car outside. Rozhnev got inside and soon, care was driving away.
Meanwhile, Lempi could just fall down to her knees, as she felt something hitting her. She started feeling tears coming down her face as she understood, that her boss and friend not only sacrificed himself to save her, but also surely he will never come back as Linesatrians never kept prisoners alive.
But she knew she couldn't just break now. She had to tell everything to the rest of resistance cell and they quickly need to make a new plan how to do it.
She quickly stood up and took off her work apron. Next, she walked out of the store and closed it with the key. As she walked down the street, she took her phone and chosen Hannes' number.
"Hannes here."boy said from the other side.
"Hannes, we have a problem."Lempi stated."Rozhnev just took Mr. Kleinen and all the weapons."
There was a short pause on the other side.
"What?"Hannes finally asked.
"Someone gave him info about where we hide our weapons."Lempi explained."He wanted to take me too, but…"
Again, she was feeling tears in her eyes.
"But what?"Hannes asked.
"But Mr. Kleinen told him, that I don't have anything in common with this. So Rozhnev just taken him and weapons and left."Lempi replied, slobbering.
Hannes heard this and tried to calm her down:
"Lem, it's not your fault. You're not guilty of anything."
"I know, but…"Lempi just could reply.
"Calm down. I promise, that we will take Rozhnev out and avenge Mr. Kleinen. You want Rozhnev to pay, right?"Hannes said.
"Yes."Lempi stated."I want him to pay."
"Good. I first must contact the rest of the resistance and tell them about it. You have any weapon in your home?"Hannes asked.
This sudden question made Lempi stop in her tracks.
"What?"she wanted to make sure.
"Do you have any weapon in home?"Hannes repeated the question.
"Yeah…Mom holds dad's old pistol."Lempi replied."But why do you ask?"
"We just lost our main weapon stash. So I stated, that we need to get as much weapons as we possibly can. And again, we need to turn to Molotvs."Hannes stated."Now, Lem. Go home, get some rest and contact me, when you will be ready."
"Okay."Lempi replied.
Hannes then ended the call. Lempi just walked up the street, towards her home.
15:56
Lempi's room
Lempi was laying in her bed, thinking about everything what happened. She sighed. Why everything had to fall apart so quickly? Resistance just lost a very important hideout and majority of it's weaponry. Just who the hell could tell this to Rozhnev?
Her mind slowly started thinking, but then, Lempi's reminded something. Yesterday, during meeting. There was only one person, which asked about weapons. Dalia. Lempi put two to two and she already knew, what was going on.
"That whore…"Lempi said.
She quickly stood up and approached her laptop. She opened it and activated Skype. After a short while, faces of Aada and Hannes appeared on the screen.
–Lem? What is it?—Aada asked.
–I think I know, who revealed everything to Rozhnev—Lempi said.
–Really? Who?—Hannes asked.
Lempi sighed, preparing for what was about to come out of her mouth. She looked at Hannes and Aada.
–Dalia—she said.
There was a moment of silence on their sides. Finally, Aada asked:
–Are you sure?
–Just think about it—Lempi said.—She joined the resistance just few days ago. And on the last meeting, she asked about the weapons location. Don't you think that Rozhnev finding out about weapons just a day later is a bit too convenient?
–Now, when you put it like that…—Hannnes said.—It starts to make sense now.
–So I guess, that you will now try and take care of her?—Lempi asked.
But Hannes shook his head.
–There is a problem—he said.—Yesterday, one of our cooperators saw her exiting her home at the night. She didn't returned until now.
–So she just vanished?—Aada asked.
Hannes nodded.
–Damn it—Lempi said.—What do we do now?
–I already contacted with the rest of resistance about this situation—Hannes said.—I told them about the loss of weapons and wanted to know, what they now think about attack on Rozhnev's convoy.
–And?—Lempi asked.
There was short moment of silence on Hannes' side.
–They still want to do it—he finally said.
–What?—Aada asked.
–They all said, that we can't back off now, as we're so close. This is why they try and find any weapon they can in their houses. Also, they will make a lot of Molotovs to make sure we will have some anti-vehicle and anti-infantry capabilities—Hannes explained.—And I approved this concept.
–So you want us to attack a full convoy with usage of only Molotovs and some home-held weapons?—Aada asked.
–Yes—Hannes replied.
–We're so dead—Aada stated.
Both Lempi and Hannes rolled their eyes.
–Aada, don't get so critical about this plan—Lempi said.—Every way to kill that bastard Rozhnev is a good way.
Aada looked at Lempi and shook her head.
–Lem, what happened to you?—Aada asked.—Where is this calm, always composed and friendly you?
–It's still there—Lampi said.—But as long as Rozhnev is alive and is danger to us, I can't show it back.
Aada just sighed.
–So? I guess I can't back off now?—she asked.
–Nope—Hannes replied.
–I think you just love to torment me—Aada stated.
Lempi and Hannes threw up their arms.
–Okay, see you tomorrow in school. And get ready for our hunt for Rozhnev—Hannes said and disconnected.
–Bye, Lem—Aada said.
–See ya—Lempi said and saw Aada's face disappear from the screen.
After that, Lempi returned to her bed . She closed her eyes and soon, fell asleep.
Four days later
Attack day
It didn't took long for members of the resistance to be ready. All needed materials, so number of Molotov cocktails, was ready withing two days before action had to start. Hannes also used this time to walk around the houses of resistance members and told them the plan. Now, it was the day of the action and everyone was waiting for the signal to start.
Hannes, Aada and Lempi were waiting in the alley next to the main street. They had balaclavas on their heads, ready to cover their aces at any second.
–I'm scared—Aada said.
–We all are—Lempi said, checking her pistol.
It was given to her by Hannes, which had to 'borrow' some weapons from his father's private collection. Fortunately, his father also had a lot of ammunition to these weapons hidden in the garage, so this wasn't a problem.
–But I never tried to assassinate anyone before—Aada stated.
–You still can go back home—Hannes said.
Aada bit her lip.
–I know, but…—she said.—I guess I have to simply make it through with you.
–Thanks for the solidarity—Lempi said.
–No problem—Aada said.
Right then, they heard sounds of engines on the street. Hannes looked out of the alley ans saw convoy of two trucks and one GAZ Tigr between them.
–Okay, here it comes—Hannes said.—Cover your faces.
Two girls took their balaclavas and covered their faces with them. Next, they reached their weapons and waited for Hanne's order.
Boy, in the meantime, grabbed his radio and said only one word:
–Begin.
All resistance members didn't had to be told twice. They walked out of the alleys and looked at the small convoy in front of them. Soldiers in the trucks, seeing this, were a bit confused, when all these people appeared in front and behind them. They tightened grip on their weapons.
Suddenly, without any warning, these people took some bottles with rags and fired them up. Linesatrians knew exactly what they were dealing with, when first Molotovs flew in the direction of the trucks. In front of the convoy, Molotovs hit the mask of the truck, while in the back, resistance fighters were aiming mainly inside of it. It worked and now, burning enemy soldiers were jumping out of the vehicles, immediately being cut down by fire from their weapons.
–Hey, it goes pretty easy—Hannes said.
He then fired at Linesatrian truck driver which left his vehicle. Man fell on the ground and didn't moved anymore.
Lempi also decided to get to work, as soldiers from the frontal truck started getting out and securing the area. She fired two bullets and killed one of them. Soon, more resistance fighters focused their fire on enemy soldiers.
Linesatrians were now in complete disarray. Sudden attack didn't allowed them to organize and now, they were being slaughtered. Then needed to quickly do something.
But right as they were thinking, a Molotov landed between the group and exploded, setting them all on fire. Soldiers started running in all directions, while civilians which didn't took part in the fight were running away as fast as possible.
Resistance fighters started closing towards Rozhnev's car as fast as possible, while taking care of the remains of Lins resistance.
–Holy fuck, how are they doing this?!—one of Linesatrians asked, firing back at the masked people.
–Who cares!—his companion replied in panic.—Just kill the bastards!
Right then, they were both hit by the Molotov's cocktail. Before they said anything, they started burning and fell dead on the ground.
Meanwhile, Lempi aimed her gun at one of Rozhnev's guards and fired. His head exploded and he fell on the ground. This finally let resistance fighters to get close enough to commander's car. They secured the perimeter and surrounded the car.
–Lempi—Hannes said.—Do the honors.
–Sure—Lempi replied.
She then grabbed the door's handle and pulled it, opening the GAZ's door. Inside, they saw Rozhnev, which looked at them with surprise and tried to reach his gun. But before he could, Hannes fired at him, hitting him in the head.
His lifeless body then fell down, revealing something, nobody expected.
It was Dalia, seating behind Rozhnev, with her T-Shirt off and covering her chest with her hands.
–Wha, wha, wha, wha…?!—Dalia exclaimed.
Hannes and Lempi looked at each other.
–You whore—Hannes said.
Dalia just sat there and looked at them. Suddenly, Lempi pointed her gun at her.
–This is for Mr. Kleinen—she said.
And before somebody objected, she pulled the trigger, making new hole in Dalia's head. Her body joined Rozhnev.
Meanwhile, rest of resistance fighters started looking around the battlefield, taking weapons from dead Linesatrians and other things.
Aada, Hannes and Lmepi looked at all of this, standing next to the GAZ.
–Wow—Aada said.—It went surprisingly…
–…well—Lempi said.
–Indeed—Hannes said.—So it seems like we didn't needed these weapons we lost.
Lempi nodded and looked back at Dalia's body.
–And to think that this whore was sleeping with Rozhnev—she said.
–I can agree on that with you—Aada said.—She was whore even before Lins came. But to sleep with enemy commander? This is just nuts.
Others just nodded. Resistance fighters then gathered around Hannes and two girls.
–Everything is clear, sir—one of them said.
–Great. Now, spread around. We need to disappear quickly—Hannes ordered.
And after he said that, resistance fighters started running into smaller alleys or streets, quickly leaving the battlefield. Not long after, another truck with Linesatrian soldiers came. But when they did, everyone was gone.
14:44
Lempi's home
Later that day, Lempi, Hannes and Aada were in Lempi's house, drinking and eating, celebrating their victory. Fortunately, Tuula wasn't home, so the group could talk about what they wanted, without consequences.
–For victory!—Hannnes said, as he made a toast with cola.
–For victory!—Lempi and Aada replied.
Three bottles hit into each other and everyone started drinking.
–So, how do you feel, Lem. I know it was important to you—Hannes asked.
Lempi put her finger to a chin and started thinking. She finally through up her arms.
–Honestly, I just feel relieved, that he won't try to hurt my mother and sister—Lempi replied.
–What can I say then?—Hannes asked.—Cheers!
–Cheers!—two girls exclaimed.
They then drunk their drinks and ate their snacks. After this celebration, Aada and Hannes left the house and went back home. Lempi, in the meantime, walked to her room, where she laid on the bed and sighed with relief.
–Ida…—she thought.—Please, come back faster.
XXX
Finally! After so long time, I ended this chapter. Anyway, with this out of the way, we're going back to adventures of Witches and Rohkea Team. So, I have nothing else to say here.
See ya!