Chapter II:
While the last fireworks were being consumed over the skies of Berlin, an event that was marked as the "Reconquest of Karsland" in the pages of history books, the situation did not seem to change much, from the context in which those present were present. Ed remained in the Government Palace together with Erica, Commander Minna and Lieutenant Barkhorn, the latter two being in charge of monitoring the Kanker's movements over Europa. So far, in the "Communications Room" installed on one of the floors of that huge old building, an air of utmost importance could be breathed, especially because of the hard work being carried out by the operators and electronic engineers to find any sign of the enemy.
Soon, the door of the Chancellor's Office opened and an Officer entered, who handed them a new report that was piled, like the others, on one of the sides of the table. Minna read it and from there rubbed her head with her fingertips, while Trudie opened the remaining envelopes to see what other information was in there.
- I have to hand it to them: they're very sneaky and know how to hide their tracks.- The redhead maintained seriously.
- Still nothing important?.- She heard Ed's voice, who approached them.
It was Minna who shook her head at the question asked by the Science Fiction fan, so she had to shrug her shoulders at the problem they had in front of them. In her hands she held other reports and read them one at a time, trying to find more data but everything was confusing. A blanket of "fog" covered the Kanker's tracks, even if they had captured a large amount of documents and computers that they had abandoned in Romagna and Karsland, they did not provide what was necessary to hunt them down. At one point, he put the papers down on the table and took a deep breath. His head ached and he took out a small packet of pills to alleviate the discomfort. He downed them with a little water and from there he felt the pain go down.
- Oh, Ed, I'm sorry I didn't answer you before.- Said the girl, who was standing up.- No, we still haven't found a single clue to the Kankers' whereabouts and if this keeps up, then they will have escaped from us forever.
The boy drummed his fingers and looked at the Commander.
- Do you think they could rearm their hosts?.- He wanted to know, and that question was extremely frightening. Trudie stood up after finishing reading the documents and went outside.
- Sorry to interrupt, but I'm going outside to get some fresh air. I feel like my head is going to explode.- She said and after receiving a nod from Minna, she went outside, closing the door.
- You should go to rest, Commander, or go out for a while to clear your head.- Ed suggested, since both of them had deep circles under their eyes.
- As long as those damn things are out there and after razing countless cities, towns in Karsland and the World, I won't rest until I see them in prison.-She said firmly and returned to his seat.- I understand your concern, Ed, but this war has entered its "Central Phase".- She said, making that "diagnosis" known to the young man from Liberion.
- That...what does it mean?.- Asked the Science Fiction fan, so Minna took a serious stance on the matter.
- It means that, sooner or later, once we free Suomus and Orussia, we will leave for Liberion to liberate it...- Hearing that, the boy felt a deep warmth and excitement to return to his native land, to the home where he was born, but he noticed something in the Commander's face. I know, you are thinking that there is a "but" in this story and yes, it is true, there is: The mission over the other two countries mentioned above is to end the yoke of the Kanker, however there are high probabilities that it will take us a long time to recover the lost domains. Our enemies are very powerful and already seeing their "demonstration" against the countries they attacked before, leaves us in doubt that we should not underestimate them.- She warned coldly, being heard by Ed.
The boy felt a huge weight coming down on him, falling on his body and crushing it, just like an avalanche in the middle of the mountains. He recognized very well what was a situation that could mean death. Every war was characterized by surviving death and other misfortunes but, in this case, remembering Liberion, the homeland of those boys, produced an icy shiver that ran all over his back and the rest of his body, whipping deep inside him and from there he swallowed saliva because of his nerves. His fingers touched her thighs and from there a few drops of cold sweat trickled down her forehead.
- You are scared.- Minna acknowledged that point.- You don't need to hide it, I understand it perfectly and it's normal to feel that way.- Said the Commander, who looked up at Ed and he couldn't take his eyes off her, "You fought a very good battle out there with Erica. The "Karsland High Command" is thinking of decorating you after this war is over. I hope so.- She said with a hint of seriousness in his voice.
- I appreciate your words of support, My Commander.- Ed pointed out and from there he saw that the blonde was lying asleep in one of the rooms that joined the "Central Office", which was very messy, causing the Science Fiction fan to laugh.
- You don't have to. Go and rest, maybe later I'll go to sleep for a while.- She offered and without saying more, Ed left the room, leaving the redhead busy with her business.
Soon, the Office was empty, Minna returned to her work and noticed that a black folder had not been checked before, so she took it, after it had been called her attention and began to browse through it. One page at a time showed a series of photographs in which the Kankers were with her grandfather, Dr. Reginald, when they were young girls, and with that she came across another section, in which were the works he had done all his life, as if it were a "Personal Diary" in which he always had something to write down.
She raised an eyebrow in surprise and from there she saw that the photographs were of the various "Beehives" that had been destroyed.
- "These are the ones that were in the North Sea, near the Brittania and Gallia Coasts, as well as the one in North Africa, Antarctica along with the ones in Romagna and Karsland...I can't believe it, he...he designed them since the end of the war!.- Wondered Minna, astonished.
Just at that moment, the door of the office opened and she noticed that it was Trudie coming to that place. She then closed the door and walked to one of the chairs facing the Commander.
- Do you want me to bring more coffee?. You look very tired.- Asked the dark brown-haired Lieutenant, but her friend did not listen to her, she was attentive to the information she had before her eyes, so she joined in and when she read the first reports, she froze.- Minna...
- Yes, I know: I was working all this time, in the shadows, under our own noses without anyone, even the Peach Creek Police and the Local Authorities noticing... In simple words, I was leaving to your granddaughters what would be known as your "Legacy".- Said the redhead seriously and from there silence fell.
- Okay, now that we have discovered this last part that we still had to know, here comes my question: What do we do now?.- Asked Trudie and then she saw that the Commander stood up.
The girl stood looking outside, in the streets one could breathe a certain air of peace but, after every great battle, comes the doubts of how to continue. One would say that everything was already settled but not in that way, but that they had to be attentive. She turned around and glanced sideways at the Lieutenant, who felt that stinging look her friend had.
- When the Romans faced the Barbarians, even when they established the Empire, their borders were always under constant attack, so they erected outposts, walls, palisades and fortifications next to the camps to watch that the invaders did not get through. When the "Crisis of the III Century A.D." arrived, Rome was never able to recover and the "Germanic Peoples" took advantage of that opportunity to attack the imperial lands, so they had to reach a series of agreements which were to make a pact with them in exchange for money and thus they would serve in the Armies, as well as fight against the other ethnic groups that were advancing in other directions.- She made known that historical reference, with his hands behind his back and from there he turned his steps towards where the dark chestnut was standing.
- Hm, History itself is judging us.- Said the Lieutenant seriously and poured her a cup of coffee.
- I appreciate it, but I've had too much to drink. At any moment I will no longer have blood in my veins," she said, between jokes and the fact that she was full of that drink, laughing a little to mitigate the tension in the air, "I do not know if History will be judging us now or it will be for the actions we will take here in the future, but I am sure of one thing: Suomus and Orussia must be released as soon as possible.- Said Minna seriously, leaving behind the "comic moment".
- So far, regarding that last thing you said, the Kanker have been mobilizing a large number of forces to the East to capture the oil fields and industries that were moved by orders of the Imperial Government. Even so, the danger is still latent. The Capital of Suomus is divided into two zones over which the Armed Forces and the "Shadow Neuroi" are fighting for control, while the same thing is happening in Orussia. If they want to succeed against them, what they need is to "stir up the hornet's nest".- Said Trudie, in her opinion, which was heard by Minna.
- Wait, that idea you gave is not a bad one.- The Commander backed her up and her friend was surprised.- It's great, but I hope Eila and Sanya can accomplish the mission: We need to lure the Kankers away from their target as soon as possible or everything we have done will be tilted against us.- Was the redhead's request.
Returning to the border forests between Suomus and Orussia, the "Squadron" led by Eila and Sanya made its way through the snow-covered paths and vegetation of the area. Shelling continued in the distance, while a village could be seen in the distance. The albino and the silver-haired woman signaled them to stop and from there they took up positions, right on the hills that bordered the place and where they both observed the perimeter to see if it was safe.
- Is it safe?.- Asked Mio but the silver hair shook her head.
- Look: A fierce battle is currently raging against the "Shadow Neuroi".- Eila gave the binoculars to Major Sakamoto and the latter let out a grunt into the air, as they did not expect the enemy to be roaming around. Then, both the black-haired girl from the Fuso Empire and the two friends took out their firearms and katana. The same move was executed by Double D and Nazz, accompanied by Rolf and Johnny, who turned on their "Magic". The intellectual boy fused his with the weapon he had with him, while they gathered to discuss the next move against the enemy.
- The situation in that town is extremely complicated and we will have to attack with all our strength if we want to free Suomus and Orussia from the Kanker's clutches.- Said Eila to those present.
- Sorry, but...- Johnny was about to say, who raised his hand.
- There is no time, my friend, as Miss Juutilainen said, we are short of time. Rolf is ready.- The Foreigner interrupted him and then got ready.
- So am I.- Double D joined him and the others followed.
- All right, it's now or never: let's attack.- Ordered the silver-haired girl and they began to descend the hills towards the battlefield.
In that village, the "Shadow Neuroi" were razing everything in their path. They set fire to the houses of the civilians, expelled them and took their children as prisoners, while they prepared to execute the parents who tried to protect them. Businesses were looted by them and any attempt at resistance ended in vain, as the enemy outnumbered them. In the midst of all this barbarism, when they were ready to shoot the parents of the young men and from there take them as slaves of the Kanker for their mines and factories, amidst cries, tears and screams of despair, a "Firing Squad" loaded their guns and were about to shoot.
As the "Fusiliation Platoon" was about to carry out that order, a fierce fusillade fell upon them. Half of them collapsed, destroyed, exploding from the impacts against their chests, while others flipped over, giving the civilians a chance to flee from there. The attackers searched for those responsible for the attack and from there rained shrapnel on their heads. That group was completely decimated, revealing, from the smoke coming out of the buildings, the figures of Eila and Sanya together with Mio.
New reinforcements arrived from the West but they were ambushed by Double D, Kevin, Nazz, Rolf and Johnny, who left a trail of mechanical wreckage everywhere and their vehicles destroyed along with some ships that went as support. It had been a "small" group that attacked the town, however, once calm returned, the civilians could see their rescuers.
- Is everyone all right, are there any wounded?.- Asked Eila, who ran to where her people were and saw that there were people of different ages living in that place. One of the women came up to her and took her by the hands, hugging her and her friend tightly.
- A thousand thanks for coming.- Exclaimed that person, who was on the verge of tears.
- You don't have to thank us, Miss. That's what we are here for.- Said Nazz and looked at the devastation caused by the enemy.
- I know what they will say.- Spoke a man in his 70s, with snow-white hair and mustache, who approached with his family.- And yes, unfortunately, those mechanical monsters have been attacking us day and night. We spent two weeks defending ourselves with the help of the Military Detachments and the Police but, unfortunately, today we ran out of ammunition. We put up our best fight until we ran out of ammunition.- The old man told those present.
- And not only that, they have also attacked other towns and peasant villages to take the young people as slaves. Those who are not useful, such as disabled or sick people, they kill them as if they were dogs.- Said one of the grandsons of the old man.
- What?.- Rolf was horrified to hear that, while Eila and Sanya put their hands to their mouths, but the young man's truthfulness was reflected in the shake of his head.
- Unfortunately, it's true. Those bastards have set up their "Checkpoints" all along the borders with Suomus and Orussia. They come and go as if it were their home and the Capital has it spread out, as a sector, quite large, is still defended by the military. In the fields, villages and towns we thought we would be safe but it was not so. The invaders began to plunder everything within their reach, taking the animals for their Leaders, as well as the crops. The fields that were defended were set on fire and salt was thrown on them.- Continued the old man's grandson.
- Just as the Republic of Rome did with the lands of Carthage after the "Third Punic War".- Double D made known that sad historical reference. Then he looked at the boy.- What is known about the other towns and villages? Have they been able to resist, where are they planning to go?.- He asked, since this was crucial.
- Many peasants, soldiers, doctors and policemen have been going to the West, since there is talk that the coastal cities have not fallen, but we cannot confirm it: All the radio antennas, as well as the television and Internet have been destroyed by the enemy armies.- The young man answered to the intellectual boy's question.
- And they didn't have a single signal? I'm talking about before the fall.- Double D asked another question and that left the boy thoughtful but someone else joined in.
- With your permission, I am the Commissioner of this town and yes, a few days ago we received an encrypted message from the "Radioelectric Command" of the Headquarters, but we could not finish deciphering it because all communications were down due to enemy bombings.- Approached a man with blond hair and beard, besides wearing the uniform corresponding to the Police Force.
- Double D can help them figure it out.- Eila spoke and that took her partner by surprise. He saw her, she sounded confident and had his trust.
- Yes, it's true, he knows about this kind of stuff.- Added Sanya and that was like a "gift" he couldn't accept.
- Well, yes, I can, but that would be taking credit away from the rest of the "Squadron".- He said, while trying to keep her balance.
- Thanks to you and your research, we were able to fight against the Kanker, we destroyed a good part of their forces and the "Hives", we have liberated Brittania, Africa, Antarctica, Romagna and now Karsland. I am sure we can accomplish the same here and in Orussia without problems but, at this moment, we need your help with that message. Had it not been for that work you did with the contents of Rolf's barrels, we'd already be in thrall to those bitches. Now it's time to shine.- The red-haired man backed him up and, for the first time, placed his hand on the intellectual's shoulders, giving him his support .
- Count me in too, Double D. These people need all our help and you're capable of deciphering these kinds of messages.- Added Nazz, giving him his support.
- Yes, Edd boy, Rolf also thinks the same and to think that before they were a headache for the neighborhood, now things have changed and a lot.- Joined the Foreigner and it was then that the young man from Liberion felt Sanya's hands on his back.
- We will work together on this. I will use my communications equipment so that we can decipher it.- Added the albino, who had confidence in her partner.
She took a few moments to think and that's when she knew it was true. The words of his friends and the two girls were true. He had been a very important part in the whole development of the war against the "Kanker Empire". Had it not been for the great work he had done with the creation of the "Elixir" so that they could obtain the "Magic" and fight the enemy hosts, everything would have remained the same. It was then that he came to his senses, regained his self-confidence and put his cards on the table.
- All right, let's start with the main thing: where is the Police Headquarters.- The boy asked and two agents accompanied him to it, adding Sanya, who went to his side to work on the message.- Friends, listen, we will be back shortly. We will meet at the town's central square and from there we will tell you everything we have achieved.- Asked the boy and after setting up the meeting point, they got down to work.
Rolf and Johnny stayed there and took the opportunity to inspect the surroundings of that small town. It was a small one, not of large extensions and where you could feel that air of times gone by. Most of the buildings were from the mid to late nineteenth and early twentieth century, although, unfortunately, most of them had been burned down. The foreigner wrinkled his brow, forming a sad expression at the sight of the fields with their crops completely burned, so he let out an air of heaviness that mingled with the icy atmosphere of the region. Then he felt Johnny's hand on his shoulders.
- This is going to take them a while to recover. Most of them are people dedicated to rural activities and small industries.- Rescued the bald boy, leading the foreigner to nod his head.
- I know and that's something I can see in Eila and Sanya's eyes: concern for the future of their people.- Rolf inquired, acquiring a serious posture.
- Look, I don't like to be pessimistic or anything like that, but I'm very afraid of what might happen, not only here, but in the whole world. Do you remember when we watched "History of the Ancient World" at school, Rolf?.- Said him, and his friend nodded.
- Yes, all wars bring misfortune. Nobody wins, we all lose, because then comes the reconstruction and that will take time.- Answered to his friend's question.
- Imagine what it was like for Rome after the "Punic Wars": a large number of deaths in the fighting, the crisis that had been unleashed to see what to do with the land to be distributed to the peasants, since the "Ager Publicus" was already in the hands of other people, especially rich landowners, what could they do? When the brothers Tiberius Sempronius and Gaius Gracchus proposed these agricultural laws, the powerful in the Senate jumped at their throats and they ended up dead. The "Civil Wars" that Rome had to face afterwards, which worsened the situation even more, led Julius Caesar to be the one to put a certain level of order until Augustus, who would later be known as the first Emperor of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, where he would find the "Pax Romana" until the "Crisis of the III Century A.D." broke out.- The boy gave a review of what happened in the past times, while the icy wind moved his hair.
- Do you think there could be problems after the war? Sometimes I think that there will be people who will be in favor of the Kankers. It is easy to break the minds of those who are vulnerable and whose hearts are so fragile that they become beings of darkness. I fear for that.- Rolf made known that chilling theory, so the "Sign of the Cross" was made.- May God protect us if something like that happens.
- No, I don't think so.- He heard Johnny's voice.- Think: would the Kankers want to have followers in their ranks? No, they only think for themselves. They are exalted in their image and personality, as if an "Aura of Divinity" envelops and protects them, but it is not so. Not even people with reasoning would be inclined in favor of them, they are genocidal and let's be honest, do you know how many people have died since this damn war started?.- Johnny asked, while he took a small fragment, which turned out to be part of a chip that the "Shadow Neuroi" had, threw it into the air and fired a "Magic Bullet" that ended up reducing it into a tiny rain of dust: "The only thing they have caused is death and destruction. Waves of refugees who do not know where to stay for fear of enemy bombardment and the "cleansing" they are doing. The most desperate would have done it but, I think, in these times we are going through, even they themselves would use Logic and say not to do it. Besides, the Kankers would take them as slaves or kill them, simply because they don't care about the lives of others. They are only out for themselves.- Concluded the bald boy, while patting the dark blue-haired stranger on the shoulders.
- Wow, you sure have a good view of things, my bald-headed friend. You left Rolf speechless.- He complimented him, but just as they were about to speak again, they noticed Sanya walking towards them. Miss Litvyak, what's going on?.- He asked in a half-whispered tone of voice, but Johnny shrugged his shoulders.
- Let's see what she needs.- He suggested and they set a course towards the place where the girl was.
- Miss Litvyak, what happened? We haven't detected a single enemy signal around here. Do you want us to help you with anything.- Rolf asked politely, but the albino shook her head.
- So far we report no activity at the front. Everything is calm, still, static, but we can't let our guard down.- Answered the girl, and that was a sign, "Still...
The albino paused, leaving both friends in silence.
- I am going to ask for the evacuation of this town and the others that are here and in Orussia, so that we can take them to the Coastal Cities of Western Suomus and to the North and East of my country.- She emphasized with a deep tone of seriousness.
- Evacuate?.- Johnny asked, "But, Miss...- There he saw that the albino was looking at him with those eyes and he knew well why.- I mean, Sanya, it can be dangerous, the roads will be guarded by the "Shadow Neuroi".
- The people of this town and the Mayor have made the decision to leave as soon as possible. Also, remember, they have no more food or ammunition to defend themselves.- She reminded them, and that was a point in the girl's favor.
- All right, I see that you have already made your decision: what time will we leave here?.- Asked Johnny, seeing that there was nothing more to comment.
- As soon as Double D finishes deciphering the message, we will start our march towards the West.- Answered the albino.
- What if those roads are guarded?.- Rolf wanted to know.
- Well, there are two options: The first will be to advance through the North, although it would take us more time and the second would be to go towards Orussia, my homeland.- He made those two alternatives known.- We need an "Awakening" as soon as possible, friends.- Held the girl and from there they followed suit, just when they noticed that the first civilians were leaving with their bags and began to gather in the "Central Plaza".
The town's Hospital also began to be evacuated, its patients being taken to ambulances and private cars, those who were not operated on were taken in those vehicles, while the "Medicine Stores" were being emptied. Meanwhile, at the Police Headquarters, Double D was with Eila in the "Comando Radioeléctrico" with the mission of deciphering the message that had caused so much mystery among the population. The strident sound of the radio equipment and that of Sanya were a "cacophony" without equal, devoid of balance, just like a seesaw where one went up but when it was the turn of the one below, the first one did not want to leave his post.
The intellectual boy took pencil and paper, being guided by the silver-haired girl, who had headphones over her ears and asked for as much silence as possible. Everything was submerged in the most absolute calm, just like in a Church when the Mass begins but, as fast as the rain that quenches the thirst of the crops and of the people, Eila began to write a series of letters that evolved into words, within the "Military Code" and after that Double D observed her. A part of the writing had been concluded and from there he saw that the girl was taking off those headphones that left her ears soaked by the concentration of body heat.
- Ufff!.- Sighed the silver-haired girl.- I needed to get these off.- She looked at the sheet of paper and passed them to the boy.- You will have to pay close attention for this, they speak very fast and it sounds like the mountains because of the sound of the cold wind that blows there.
- I'll keep that in mind.- Replied the boy and from there, after taking the headphones, he looked closely at Eila.- We are almost always kind of "estranged" because of the war but now that we have this moment alone, I can't deny it: She is very beautiful. Her hair and eyes are very captivating. I never thought I knew a girl with great beauty, intelligence and strength.- He thought and all the weight of his being was causing his cheeks to turn crimson, a situation that was observed by the girl from Northern Europe.
- Double D?.- Heard Eila's voice, who brought him out of his thoughts but it was too late to hide the blush on his cheeks.- Ohhh, I see: we have never been so close since the moment Sanya and I heard that you were in love with us.- She discovered that truth and from there he touched the tip of her nose with one of his fingers.
There were no words that could help him describe what he was feeling at that moment. He tried to move his head but in vain, Eila held him gently, snuggling his head against her chest and from there he closed his eyes for a while. He could feel Eila's heartbeat, it was like "music", something that pleased him in the evening and kept the bad experiences away. He wanted to close his eyes for a while but he knew he could not leave behind what could mean salvation for these people, so he looked at the girl.
- There are times when I think this might be a dream, that I will wake up in my bed and it will be a day like any other day in Peach Creek. Then I realize that I'm here, in the middle of a war and the Future of Humanity hangs in the balance. When I am with you and Sanya, I feel that the world calms down, the world around me acquires peace and tranquility...I don't know, maybe it's nonsense.- The boy said, but Eila shook her head.
- What does your heart say? The same question goes for your mind. Listen to them.- She pointed to the silver-haired girl and took her hands.
- They... They say that this is real and that I should be happy next to you and Sanya.- Answered Double D, a bit confused and that's when all his doubts disappeared with a tender kiss from the girl, bringing the whole world to a standstill, if only for a few seconds.
He looked into her eyes, her smile was beautiful and to think that she had been cold and distant with him, at first, but, later, things began to change. From there, with his energies renewed, Double D went back to work and after a few minutes of writing and thinking, he managed to figure it out.
- It would be better to announce it to the civilians and our friends in the "Central Plaza".- Eila proposed, since the Headquarters was being evacuated and seeing that Double D nodded his head, the two of them left the place and headed for the streets, holding hands.
[A chapter that ranged from action to romance, a "moment of peace" in the middle of so much war, don't you think? Well, first of all, I warn you that the total number of chapters will be ten and very long; so get ready.
I send greetings and thanks to Matfix and Franco M. Romano. Take care, friends, and I wish you a good start of Thursday].
