Hive IC Story 2

[Rokossovky]

Right, since the old thread is buried, I am starting a new one to continue on from the old story.
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The old IC story thread can be found here.
http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...34#post2065234

Kody

[Rokossovky]

A beautiful streak of orange stretched across his view. It was getting cold, the sun was setting, and the land was turning dark. Still, the Marshal could clearly see the shadows moving in the distance, foreign and far off; but yet so close. He knew this day would come eventually; did he dread it or eagerly anticipate it? That was a question he still couldn’t answer even though it was upon him. Behind Rokossovky the rest of the battalion waited nervously, unsure of their fate, knowing their lives depended on the decision that man made. Would he send them forward, swords drawn, to clash with these invaders? Rokossovky had his political masters; the men would remain safe, today.

“Let’s let them know we are here. Put a shell 100 metres off their right flank then hail them over the commlink.” Far in the rear an artillery battery exploded, and a few seconds after that a muffled explosion echoed through the lush valley. Through his binoculars Marshal Rokossovky could see the Drone infantry scrambling for cover. He could also smell the fear …how easy it would be, they are completely exposed, far behind enemy lines and even farther away from reinforcements… but I must follow my orders…

“Have we established contact yet?”

“Yes sir, they're asking for our ident.”

“Tell them we are soldiers of the Revolutionary Army of the Human Hive, they are in our territory, and we WILL open fire unless they withdraw immediately.”

“Yes sir!” A few seconds past before the officer reported back. “Sir, they apologize for the intrusion and will be heading out at first light. They have also transmitted their faction’s primary commlink frequency.”

“Confirm and send some bull s**t about hoping our relationship is more friendly and beneficial in future.” …that should appease the politicians back home with their peaceful aspirations… “And Major, stay on their ass and make sure they don’t get anywhere near that colony pod to your west. If they make an aggressive move, make one back. Those are your orders, keep me informed of any changes.” Rokossovky took one more look at the Drones, and the fire that was burning behind them.

It was nearly eighteen hours before the lights of a city filled the window of the command rover, the first time in nearly four years. A lot had changed in that time. Jamski had “disappeared”, a fact which the Central Military Commission still says it knows “nothing” about, and Comrade HongHu, the Marshal’s most trusted confidant when he had lived in the city, had been appointed Deputy Chairman. Most surprisingly a newcomer who Rokossovky knew almost nothing about had slowly acquired the place of the Chairman’s right hand. Regardless, the communiqué’s he had received from the man while out in the field seemed intelligent enough, maybe this was a good thing. Like so many things however, he couldn’t decide. Nor did he have the time right now. The CMC needed to be reorganized, and more importantly, he wanted to finally have that dinner with HongHu.

[Rokossovky]

The door seemed the same, the sharp lines of heavy wood disturbed only by the brass handle and the security pad. Rokossovky walked up, submitted to the iris scan, and turned the handle. White cloth covered all the furnishings, and streams of moonlight cascaded through tall windows onto the carpet. It was like a haunted house you saw in all the movies on old earth. It appeared as though his apartment hadn’t been opened since he left; he hoped. A counter-intelligence team rushed in and began combing over the room …Jamski may have left a surprise our two before he had to go…

A few minutes past before the team emerged, content in their work. “A bug sir, nothing dangerous. Other than that the premise is clear.”

“Good job captain. Get a maintenance squad down here immediately; I want this place clean before 01:00.”

“Yes sir!” The officer saluted and then turned to head down the hall with the rest of his squad, leaving only Rokossovky and his guard in the corridor. The fine wood paneled walls and deep red carpet were amenities only the powerful could acquire.

The closet was filled with the same uniforms as before, varying in their splendour and verbosity. The Marshal’s hand wandered onto a simpler one; not dull by any measure, but yet not extravagant as some of them were. It’s clean, dark green lines were disturbed only by two gold cufflinks and the Marshal’s insignia on the chest. He threw it down on the bed and walked into the bathroom for a shower …the first hot shower in four years, I wonder if it’ll be as good as I remember… He emerged, much later than is usually allowed, clean and rejuvenated. Carefully the uniform was put on and the shoes shined to a lustrous black …time to find out what has happened…

As the swarms of people on the street teamed by the news was blaring something rather disturbing to the Marshal. All along the boulevard PRAVDA, with it’s gigantic displays sending the days message to the people, was telling the tale of ex-Deputy Chairman HongHu. Rokossovky tapped his driver casually on the shoulder. “Lets get a move on and hope she is still in her office.” The blackened window rolled up and he was left to ponder … I wonder what prompted this. She has all the power a ma-…woman could want, the luxuries, the respect. Now it seems as though she is throwing it away… This perplexed the Marshal, something he simply couldn’t understand.

[Rokossovky]

The world revolves. It turns, changes, and yet remains the same for some. Water flows, currents drift, and wind carves the landscapes beauty. Even the most resolute stone cannot help but be altered by the forces of time. What abnormality caused Rokossovky to remain stagnant through all of this? How did the world revolve past him, around him, but leave him standing, a dam in the river? This was the question he pondered.

“How did you manage to get a bigger office than me?”

HongHu laughed lightly at the question as she stood from her desk. “Well my dear Marshal if you hadn’t ran off for all that time I’d probably still have the smaller one.”

“Can I help if it matters more important than politics call me away for a time?”

“Marshal, even YOU should have noticed that in the Hive politics IS the most important. Mind worms go away; the party is a little more concrete. You should learn to dangle the carrot for it more often.”

“Ah, the party. I must say that I find this most amusing coming for you, the one who has slapped the carrot in the face of the party, the people, and the chairman.”

“Nonsense, I told them all that my term as Deputy Chairman would be finite. I did my duty.”

“Why do you not continue to serve?”

“A desire for peace, I suppose. A longing for a simpler existence.” This note hit a cord with the Marshal. Peace was a word which appeared very often in his dreams, but so little in his life. …the sky… he would think, alone in his restful fiction …the night sky, the pure expression of peace. So alive, yet so still and calm. There are not clashes, no politics, only existence. Black and white, light and dark. Twinkling in our view, far away; and even farther beyond our reach…

“I can understand that.” Rokossovky’s mood was sombre now, as he was forced to consider real life and his absence of peace. He was unsure, as always, as to what would indeed bring it to him. He did know that peace did not involve declining opportunities to advance; but he knew HongHu was a different person with a different view on life. That he truly could comprehend. “Well anyway, now that you’ve found YOUR peace, where shall we go for supper? I suspect you are rather hungry after a full day packing.”

“Somewhere quiet. I’d like to start my new life quietly.”

Rokossovky looked at his watch. …01:30…the maintenance crew should be done by now… “Are you up for a bit of adventure? A quiet one though, I promise”

“It depends on what you mean?”

“My cooking.”

HongHu let out another small laugh. “I’m sure it is far from an adventure.”

[Kody]

The forever red sky of Chiron seemed a prophecy of future doom. Alien and foreboding the red stained everything. Even the pole star that hung outside the window. He missed the blue and green of earth. Of home.

It was cold and still fairly dark. This close to the arctic the days were short and sometimes only a smudge of light in the sky. Outside his window winter weather had stripped the leaves of the hybird trees that grew in the courtyard. Beyond the river system wound around Drone Central bringing with it floating fungus and energy from the river generators. On the otherside of the river was the rising superstructure of the Merchant Exchange.

Mongoose looked at his hands, cracked and weathered by the hours he had spent working in the factories. He was getting old and there was not much he could do about it. Grey now crept into what once was dark hair, and names and faces were slowly being reduced to a single blur in his memory.

He sighed and picked up the documents he had been ignoring. The Free Drones had met the Human Hive and being the most senior worker after the foreman the task of negotiations fell to him. The Hive proposed a Pact and made promises and spoke of greatness. However, underlying the offers was the threat of what might happen if the offer was refused.

Life was no longer simple anymore, as just a drone everything seemed crystal clear. Now free of the burdens of slavehood the world was fogged and uncertain. He longed for the simplicity of other days even though he knew things used to be harsher.

Rokossovky, the drones scouts called him a dragon as he was quick to temper and frightening in his intensity. It was he that controlled the armies of the Hive. For now the dragon slumbered, but who knew when the dragon would awaken and bring the swarms of the Hive against the Drones.

The nights of the arctic winters were long and in more ways than one.

[Jamski]

Jamski grinned. Noone had the faintest idea of where he had been or what he'd been doing... and the was the way he liked it.

If HongHu, or the Marshal, or even the Chairman could see me now... well... they'd be pretty surprised for sure

It was time to return to the Hive, the negotiations were concluded and the samples were all ready...

Now I hope that Wujiang has done as I hoped he would...

Jamski buttoned his black coat and straddled his speeder bike. He pointed it towards the distant perimiter defences of Fellowship City and opened the throttle to full.

And Comrade Forlani would be waiting too...

-Jam

[Vev]

Not unexpected, Comrade Vev have several absent periods away from the Hive performing espionage as usual. For the past few years, the reclusive spy have been working on another project.

For many years, Vev had been in this spying business and there will be a time where more willing, loyal agents are needed. The current class have been progressing well. The weak and the unwilling were weeded out early and now their abilities were put to the test. It would not be long before the first probe team are assembled ready for service. Comrade Vev wished he had prepared them enough for their first challenge. For they will have to endure long days and uncertain futures. One has to be ready for anything, especially if the Drone negiotiations failed to produce favourable results.

[Snowflake]

Marshal Rokossovky inserted a disc into his old fashioned CD player. Soft music filled the room with vague hints of the old earth. Comrade HongHu sat in the couch, her eyes gazed into the red wine in her glass. HongHu couldn’t remember the last time she was this relaxed. A faint smile appeared in the corners of Comrade HongHu’s lips as she thought about how the Marshal shut her out of his kitchen and refused her offer of helping with the dinner. It turned out to be quite nice, actually. Nothing extravagant, but the food tasted quite delicious. She looked at the Marshal. Still firm and energetic, but the years had added a trace of maturity to his face. She knew that he was a different man now.

Comrade HongHu enjoyed the moment of quietness. The music flowed through her heart, so comforting and soothing. Fragments of memories flashed through HongHu’s mind. She remembered that early morning in the command center, when Chairman Voltaire announced her to be the acting deputy Chairman. She remembered how her protest stayed at her half-opened mouth under Voltaire’s pressuring and trusting look. Since then she had over taken the heavy burden that came with the title, and she had worked hard for her beloved nation without break. HongHu remembered the grand birthday party just one day before the Marshal headed off to the open territory. And the day when she learnt about Deputy Chairman Jamski’s disappearance. Jamski …

“So who’s this new kid on the street?” Marshal’s question broke the silence.

“Oh, Comrade Kody? He is a very brilliant young man. Very zealous and enthusiastic. He is a nice guy too, although sometimes he seems to be always in a hurry.” Comrade HongHu continued, “The Chairman has grown to trust him a lot.” In fact Voltaire had been a little too much over dependent on Kody, in her opinion. She hopes he’ll be able to handle all the duties that the Chairman had levied on him. He’ll mature faster than us, thought HongHu. “Oh, and there are rumors that he is empathy.”

Comrade HongHu took off her wrist quick link, pressed a button and past it to the Marshal. A short paragraph was shown in the small screen.

Comrade HongHu...This is all hypothetical. I ask you to NOT reveal any of it to the Chairman, even if you do not agree with it. The Chairman, I have noticed, is beginning to...slow down. To the point where he may not be able to lead the Hive... Hypothetically speaking, someone may have approached me about...a regime change. This someone....wishes to (hypothetically) gather people to.....change the regime in his favor. I'm wondering if you’re....partial to this idea? Hypothetically speaking of course.

Rokossovky’s facial muscles tightened with alarm. “Who sent this to you? I cannot see the sender’s name in this screen.”

“I would rather not reveal it, dear Marshal.” Comrade HongHu took the quicklink back. “Whoever sent it wasn’t really careful. He didn’t know that the Chairman deliberately arranged my retreat to HongHu KongHu so that I would be protected from all the power struggles in the time of his government reorganization... The connection between me and the Chairman is perhaps stronger than what those guys thought.” Comrade HongHu took a deep breath. “The upcoming days could be quite hectic. Be careful Marshal. I would really hate if anything that shouldn’t happen happens. I’m not a CCC member any more. But if I see things happening, I would fight, from my far away base, as a citizen.” Rokossovky was astounded by the calmness and firmness in the little woman’s tone. “You will fight with me and the Chairman, won’t you?”

Rokossovky hesitated for a second, and quickly answered, “Yes, of course. I will not betray your trust, Comrade HongHu.”

[Vev]

The Drone meeting had caused quite a stir. The Chairman wants some hard reliable facts about them. The Unity database, or what was left of it, had very little information about this group. The only useful data collected was a role-call of all major government members. More information is needed. What attitude these Drones have, their relative strengths, anything to help analyse whether they are a threat or a friend.

Vev intercommed his secretary,
"I will be away for a while. I need two good recruits to trek long distances. Also ask if Comrade HongHu is interested in visiting the Drones."

"I wouldn't mind seeing new places," Comrade Vev mused to himself.

[Snowflake]

Jamski stood in front of Comrade HongHu's private quarters. It was very late into the night. But he had to see her before she left for HongHu KongHu tomorrow. Her door was slightly ajar, just like it always was. Jamski smiled to himself, and pushed the door open.
"What are all the fuss about you leaving, Comrade HongHu?"
"Jamski!" Out bursted a little happy cry, followed by a small figure dashed toward him. “You are back!” Comrade HongHu wrapped her arms around the deputy chairman's neck, and murmured: "Thank god you are back..."
Jamski was a little surprised to this warm welcome. He looked at HongHu and mocked, "So you missed me, didn't you?"
Looking into Jamski's eyes, HongHu answered quietly, "Yes I did."
Jamski's eyes searched HongHu's eyes, which were so deep and intensive toward his own. "So you did miss me."
"Yes I did."
Jamski was lost of any words to say for a minute.

"Oh come, sit down, dear Jamski", Comrade HongHu walked away and came back with two glasses. "These are the whiskey you sent for me, some time ago. I don't know if they are still good." Comrade HongHu said cheerfully with a wink, "it is not very easy to get anything from the good old earth nowadays."
Jamski took one glass and sat down. "So why did you decide to leave us?"
"Well I have tried my best to do your job dear deputy chairman." Answered HongHu, "But I'm not you. I can never be you. I feel that all the politics are too much for me. I have wanted to leave quite sometime ago, and only stayed as the Chairman asked and because he was right that the Hive needed devotion from people. I resigned because the hardest time seems to be behind us now, and I know that the Chairman has gotten other people who can help him. Do you know that Comrade Ali has joined us? Now you have arrived just in time. I could leave without any regrets. " Comrade HongHu stopped for a second, took a sip from the glass, and looked at Jamski with that deep and intensive gaze again, "Although you are also making it very hard for me to leave."

"You can always stay if you wish, I trust the Chairman will be glad to here that." Jamski asked tentatively.
"Oh, no, I have to go. My book has waited for too long, and I have almost forgot how to make a vase." HongHu laughed lightly again.
Such familiar laughter, Jamski didn't know how he could have forgotten about it.
"So I suppose you have finally finished your secret project?" Asked Comrade HongHu.
"I see that you are still on top of things, like always." Jamski smiled, secretly feeling proud of himself.
Comrade HongHu sighed softly, "I will not be like that any more...
"But you have stayed out of people's sight for more than four years. How were you able to do it? Didn't you miss anybody, anything here? Is your plan that important, that you could forgo all the other things, such as friends, and life?"
This little woman can always touch the deepest pain of his heart, and remind him that he still has a heart. Jamski couldn't help to remember those sleepless nights, when he had thought about his comrades, his duty as the deputy chairman, and wondered how things were...

[Rokossovky]

The desk surface was cold and dark. Old oak, polished to a shine made up its ancient construction. Fine inlays created beautiful patterns, outlining the shapes of plants and leaves. It was ironic to Rokossovky that one would want to depict that which had been destroyed in order to create the masterpiece. Why substitute art for reality? Maybe it was because nothing is ever as beautiful as it is in the mind, and art being an expression of the mind, rather than of reality such a photograph, conveyed this impossible beauty. He always had a dislike of people who cannot appreciate that which is around them. However, he liked the desk; he liked the atmosphere it created in the otherwise barren office. At this time of night the Marshal could only shrug and move on. His mind should be doing other things rather than pondering the strange philosophies of life. He chuckled to himself… maybe I could retire to HongHu KongKu, then I’d have plenty of time to wrestle with irony…

At present though, he had work to do. The political landscape of the Hive and changed over night. Jamski, the ever loved Deputy Chairman, had returned to all the fan fair that could be expected. With this came a very disturbing twist. The resource support the military had enjoyed for the last twenty-five years had almost dried up over night. Foolery was the word that came to Rokossovky’s mind. …because of the attention we paid to defence the Drones were reluctant to engage us… it put us in a commanding position during negotiations…they were afraid of what we could do… Now it appeared as though the leadership was willing to demote the Hive to middle power status. Once again the Marshal threw these thoughts from his mind. Opinion was swaying back to the middle. An assault of proposals, arguments, and papers was bringing popular support back in line with HIS vision of the future, a balanced future.

What was bothering the man? Rokossovky himself was having trouble deciding. He held the newest in the line of reports in his hands, a pre-publication release of the Defence White Paper. The cover was clean, to the point, and effective. This was exactly how he wanted it.

The other paperwork caught his attention at that point. He quickly signed HongHu’s direct commission to General…well I hope she didn’t think she’d be getting all that much time away from me… Next, the final report on the construction of the new central command disclosed that it was ready to begin operation next week, on time and within budget. Rokossovky put in a note to his secretary to promote the officer in charge.

Across the plaza the trainees were beginning their morning jogs. It was time for bed, sleep, and a new day. He was regretful that the dinner earlier had ended so suddenly, he would had liked to have talked with HongHu about things other than work and politics. He wondered what she was doing now. Then darkness came in the form of a magical world, artistic in nature.

[Rokossovky]

A serpent moved in the green grass at his feet. The sky, blue beyond recognition, contrasted the fertile, yet flat landscape. The Marshal was puzzled as to how a cut lawn covered all sight.

“Why is cruelty a human condition?” The mind asked, independent of control.

At that moment the sky turned pink, the sun red, and the hills barren. Dry chapped earth cradled the skeletons of life. A city, desolate, lay in the place of civilization before it. The screams could still be heard. A flash, a rumble; the searing of flesh, bone, and spirit. Cruelty enveloped all who saw it. Rokossovky himself could feel the burn, the burn of advancement, of achievement, of technology. His flesh began to peel as the world melted before his feet. The serpent slithered away, content in its work.

At that moment the familiar, repetitive drumming of the Marshal’s alarm clock woke him from a moment he could barely remember. The feelings he could recall stirred a sense of forthcoming despair. Once again, however, he shrugged and moved on… dreams are interesting, but one mustn’t get caught up in them or real life will smack you in the side of the head…

Today, however, real life touched him more like a supportive mother. A change for sure. The White Paper had been received well by the Central Continuing Committee earlier in the morning, and the news was bristling with its pages.

It took only a few moments for the seasoned military man to shower, shave, and get out the door. Five and a half minutes to be precise, Hive military standard. As usual a rover sat waiting outside the lobby of the building. However, the rover was not executive transport standard. Rather, it was bristling with armour and high speed repeating cannons. To complete the package an entire platoon, twenty-five men, stood at attention behind it. The Marshal recognized the patch on their arms. A Company, 1st Regiment. They were Spetsnaz. A flak vest and helmet was handed to him as he climbed in the side. The Marshal had unfinished business to attend to.

[Snowflake]

Comrade Vev’s quicklink beeped. It was Comrade HongHu: “Comrade Vev, I have words that you are planning to visit the Free Drones?”
“Yes, Comrade HongHu. I would like to invite you to accompany me if you have time to spare.”
“Thank you so much Comrade Vev! I would love to! I have always loved of going to different places. Oh this is going to be a nice adventure…” Comrade HongHu’s exultant passion spilled out from the quicklink.
“No reason to jump like a little girl.” Grumbled Comrade Vev. “This is an official visit, I’m the special representative of the Chairman, and you’ll be representing the CMC. I have already talked to the Marshal.”
“Yes, Sir!” Comrade HongHu secretly stuck out her tongue and quickly managed to make her face straight again. “I am honored to accept your invitation Comrade Vev. As I have resigned from my CCC position, my schedule is rather unfilled. I am ready whenever you plan to leave.”
“Good. The Drones will send a transport to pick us up tomorrow morning. I will see you at the port.” Comrade Vev added casually before he turned off his quicklink. “I have also invited Comrade Forlani Claire to travel with us.”
Comrade HongHu couldn’t help to smile but her voice did not show it: “That is good, Sir.”
Somehow Comrade Vev felt that he needed to explain a little bit more. “Ambassador Mongoose of the Free Drones requested her appearance.”
“Understood, Sir.”

[Snowflake]

A little white sail wondered through ponds, lakes, and rivers. She loved them for their different temperaments and they loved her for her lightheartedness and liveliness. She was happy and content, but secretly she longed for the sea. She dreamed for the day but was also afraid of the day when they meet. One day she met the sea. She sailed into his arms without stopping for fear. She was buried in his waves. She lost her elegancy and dexterity. But she was still happy. For she finally met her love, and she knew one day she would ride the waves with ease.

It was like only yesterday when she wrote this. Comrade HongHu closed her little diary, leaned back and closed her eyes. She heard laughter of YangZi and her own spreading over the air, when he held her up high, and turned around, and around … And his singing: “Only with your accompany, I could go look for my dream …” My love, my sea … Her heart whispered into the deep night. It was such sweet bitterness to think about her love. It was so hard to love without expecting return … A large drop of tear fell on the cover of the diary. From when did tears wet her cheeks? Comrade HongHu stood up, and laughed at herself. Silly me. She dried up her tears, carefully locked her door, deliberately not noticing the emptiness of the room, and the coldness of her bed. Tomorrow we’ll be visiting the Drones. Will you come with me, my love? Tomorrow, will be an entirely new day.

[Vev]

The Drones live in the cold north, a harsh land that breeds tough people. Tireless workers till the hard land, figthing as always against the elements. Every winter the bone-chilling north wind descends making outdoor agriculture almost impossible. Giant greenhouses dot the land making use of every arable farmland. Covered in a layer of shining bright white snow, it resembles a wonderland often found in ancient earth fairytales.

"Good thing the ice packs doesn't travel this far South." Comrade Vev's breath mists as he talks. "The polar sea are rather treacherous to navigate this time of year. We shall be seeing our first Drone city, on the shores across this strait."

[Snowflake]

“Look!” Comrade Forlani exclaimed as she pointed her delicate fingers to the north. Far away, on the high ridge of the riverbank two men stood. Cold winds brushed their unadorned clothes, but the two men stood unmoved like stones. As the transport approached closer, the strong lines of the men’s faces became clearer. The short man that stood in the front turned to his companion and appeared to be saying something. As the latter nodded, he left. “Why did the short man leave just when we arrive? And he seems to be so rigid! I think I like the big guy better.” Claire whispered beside Comrade HongHu’s ears. “Might him be a little old for you, dear Claire?” HongHu teased. “Oh I’ve always liked man who’s a little older than me. Look at his broad shoulder and strong hands, so dependable …” Comrade Vev interrupted disapprovingly, “Be cautious with your mouths, Comrades. The short man you mentioned just now is Buster, the leader of the Free Drones.”

The transport parked. The big man walked toward them and shook hands with Comrade Vev: “I am Mongoose, a pleasure to have you, comrades.”
“Pleased to meet you, Ambassador Mongoose. I’m Vev. Chairman Voltaire asked me to bring his regards to Chairman Buster.”
“Thank you.” The man’s voice is calm but warm. “I hope the weather hasn’t been too harsh on you,” He turned to greet Comrade HongHu.
“Not at all, Ambassador,” Comrade HongHu replied, and was surprised to find out how small her own hand is compare to the Ambassador’s strong and firm hand.
When the Ambassador turned his eyes toward Comrade Forlani, she step toward him and hugged him. Mongoose was not surprised, being the ambassador for the Free Drones for all these time he had learnt not to be surprised for many things. He smiled at Comrade Forlani, “Comrade Forlani Claire, I have heard so much about you.”

[Rokossovky]

The radio chattered in his ear as he looked around him. The Spetsnaz always had their own look. It was one of cold calculation. One knew that at this moment the only thought running through their mind was exactly in which spot they were going to put the bullet that would kill the target. There would be no hesitation, no pause, no blink. It would be a reflex, like breathing to a civilian. The product of nearly six years of training, fifteen years of service, four separate tours, no family, and no friends; only the brothers that sat beside them. Brotherhood. That was the bond that held the Army together. The politicians could never understand. A man does not give his life for a country, for an ideal. Bravery is the product of camaraderie; of friendship. You fight not for the greater good, but for your buddy who is stuck in this hell hole with you. Eating the same mud, blood, and guts as you are. That is what binds the army.

Today, that bind would be most useful. The man they were after was a civilian, currently assigned to the Deputy Chairman’s Office. He was the last person to enter the residence of the Marshal. The one who put the bug there. Normally, that would not have phased Rokossovky. However, because of his absence, he thought it best to assert the fact he was not to be toyed with.

“T minus 1 GO.” They were approaching the building. All around him clips of deadly ammunition clicked into place. He followed suit, securely locking thirteen rounds of .45 ACP into his SIG P228 handgun. A relic, like many of Rokossovky’s possessions, but deadly effective nonetheless. The sound of metal on metal almost soothed him, as did the feeling of slipping back the safety.

The rover screeched to a halt. The men poured out like a tidal wave, flowing through doors of the tower. It only took seconds for them to climb the stairs to the forth story, the black metal door, number twenty eight. An explosive charge was thrown onto it, a flash, and once again the wave progressed. Water crashing against rocks. They started yelling as their training dictated: “CLEAR!” “CLEAR!” CLEAR!”; but then, in the living room “TARGET IDENT!”. Three rounds filled the hallways, and then “CLEAR!”

The Marshal walked through the apartment to the living room. There, on the floor, was the spy. Three red holes marked his body; one in the head, one on the left of the chest, one on the right. Perfect.

Rokossovky waved his hand, and like a flood, they receded.

[Vev]

Ambassor Mongoose addressed to the Hive official,
"Honoured guests from the Hive Party, I warmly welcome you to Anvil of Man. I see you are eager to explore and I would pleased personally guide around this base. How could I not, especially when lovely comrade Claire Forlani is here in person on Drone soil. This is governor Gustav will be joining us as he is in charge of this base. In the evening, you will be hosted in our townhall as our very special guests of honour."

Comrade Vev replied,
"Thank you ambassador Mongoose. We have much alike and there is much we can mutually share. I am confident comrade Claire Forlani will present a stunning first impression as the ambassador and the friendly face of the Hive."

Comrade Vev talked casually to Comrade HongHu,
"Comrade Kody tireless communication with the Drones has assured me that attitude amongst the drones are friendly and positive. However we must alway be on guard for trouble especially from unexpected sources."

***

Outside The Drone's Network Node

Governor Gustav addressed to the Hive Party,
"Ladies and gentleman, I present you the Drone's first network node. This structure helps facilitates the collaboration between scientists within this base. With it the Drones can design practical technology quicker and more efficiently. We were fortunate scouts discovered a unity pod containing blueprints and most of the key components for constructing a network node. All that is left for us is to follow the plans and build a structure and house all the components."

Comrade HongHu remarked,
"Impressive, the Hive will want its own network node. We are currently busy focused on expanding on our continent."

[Snowflake]

The townhall reception was grand but without excesses or decadence. There were rows of tables for various guests and at the front sat the dignitaries amongst them the Drone leaders and the Hive ambassadors. It was a special feast, a celebration of the co-operation between two great nations and the construction of their marvel - The Weather Paradigm.

Ambassador Mongoose rose and the room fell to a hush.
"This project once started out as common bond between fellow humans to restore the remnants of humanity. To reach out into the stars and make our mark and start anew. Sadly that dream hit a snag when our leader Captain Garland was assassinated a once what united, separated into seven factions. But today, we welcome the Hive to join us and we shall stand together to unite the rest of humanity under a single banner of Unity."

"I present to you Ambassador Honghu and Vev."

(Speeches by the Hive on goals and co-operation - mind you a short one)

The feasting carried on late into the night and slowly the hall was emptied as the guest returned home.

The Hive ambassadors were graciously offered a guest quarter governor's residence nearby.

[Snowflake]

Comrade HongHu stood before a plain, study table set besides a wall. The room behind her was rather small and bare. Although these were still the early days when living amenities are rudimentary everywhere, Comrade HongHu realized that the Drones had been enduring more crudity than she would have imagined. She poured a glass of fungal wine and stepped toward the window. The wine tasted bitter, but she knew that it was one of the luxuries that even Buster and Mongoose had rarely possessed. Although it had only been two days since the reception, she had learnt many things about the Drones.

HongHu looked out the window. The Drones were everywhere, moving slowly but steadily. Nobody had stopped and talked to each other. Their rough faces seemed dull and unemotional. Their bodies are thick and their hands are strong. It was close to twilight, but none of the Drones seemed to be ready for a rest. Their plain clothes seemed so thin in the cold winter winds, but none seemed to have been bothered by it. Comrade HongHu looked to the distance, where heavy metal machines pushed their way into the edges of another vast xenofield. The formers seemed to move much faster then what she had seen in the Hive. She remembered what Claire had told her about Drone’s newly completed secret project, the weather paradigm. She knew that Voltaire and Jamski had wanted something similar and the idea never got implemented. The Hive leaderships had been too keen to all the power struggles and mind control schemes, thought HongHu ironically.

There was a slight turmoil outside. The Drones outside of her window started to move toward the direction of the governor's residence. Apparently something quite extraordinary had happened. Comrade HongHu had never seen Drones like this. She paused for a minute, and hurried to the door.

***

Armed guards surrounded the governor's residence and kept the Drones a safe distance away. The Hive and Drone officials were gathered in the dining room.

Nervous whispers and quiet sobs mixed together as the gathered members waited anxiously for news.

The security officer announced,
"Late tonight, Governer Gustav was murdered in cold blood. We required you to stay for a while for questioning. Mark my words we do not condone such cowardly actions and the killer will be caught and brought to justice!"

HongHu and Vev were called into a private room with Mongoose and said,
"The circumstances of this murder worries me."
Mongoose produced a seal bag inside it a blood-soaked note saying,

"To Drones and Hive,
We cannot stand by while you steal our sovereign rights away. Let this be a warning to you, for there will be further retributions!"

Mongoose continue,
"We have already ran finger-print, and basic forensics analysis but it came up clean. Our handwriting experts are already working away. "

"I fear someone is trying to sabotage our good relations."

[Snowflake]

It was late at night. Comrade Vev was exhausted from all the excitements of the day. He was about to return to his bed when he heard the door knocked brusquely. Standing outside of the door was Comrade HongHu. When she walked in Comrade Vev noticed that she didn’t look like the calm and lighthearted HongHu she always was. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were a little watered.

“Comrade Vev, I have arranged to go back to the Hive early tomorrow morning.” Comrade HongHu tried to speak in a steady tone.

“Is there something that mattered, Comrade HongHu?” Comrade Vev asked with concern.

Comrade HongHu slammed a stack of paper on the table and said: “You can read it for yourself, Comrade Vev. Of course you may already know about this, being the Commissionar of the Public Safety.” She stopped her bitter tone, and tried again to talk more calmly. “I may not be able to come back in a short while and assist you in the matters here. I will see if the Chairman could send somebody else to replace me. I hope I’ll be able to see you again soon.” With that, she disappeared into the dark night.

Comrade Vev picked up the document that HongHu left for him. It appeared to be a partial transcript of a conversation.

Comrade T: There is a tri-circle alliance within the Hive:
Jamski: which is?
Comrade T: The Chairman, Myself, and HongHu.
Jamski: And the awesome power of the resurrected Jamski?
Jamski: Who should he support?
Comrade T: He would of course support the Chairman, myself, and HongHu!
Jamski: He would of course retain deputy chairman too.
Comrade T: Yes, of course
Comrade T: Wait
Comrade T: No
Jamski: ???????
Comrade T: The Chairman is almost convinced
Jamski: by?
Jamski: About?
Comrade T: Of your trustworthiness.
Jamski: Interesting …

Chairman Voltaire entered the room.

Comrade T: Greetings Comrade. Jamski has been informed of everything that has taken place.
Jamski: Evening!
Voltaire: Hello!
Jamski: Good to see you again.
Jamski: So you got Rokossovky and Kody locked up already?
Jamski: Oh, and HongHu
Comrade T: .....Whatever do you mean?.....
Jamski: Oh, I assumed YOU would know...
Comrade T: Comrade! We know of Rokossovky counter-revolutionary actions....But what of Kody and HongHu?
Jamski: I have sources
Jamski: EVERYWHERE
Jamski: Everyone knows where the real power lies.
Comrade T: Hmph. Well, we were fully aware of the counter-revolutionary activities of Rokossovky....HongHu is *NOT INVOLVED*. Kody.... We are uncertain of him. He is too idealistic …
Comrade T: HongHu wishes to maintain neutrality in all matters
Comrade T: She’s always loyal to the chairman, but she wishes to take a break from the power struggles.
Comrade T: So we mustn’t involve her
Jamski: Ok.
Comrade T: Rokossovky is our biggest concern.
Jamski: BUT HONGHU IS SERIOUSLY UP TO SOMETHING TOO.
Comrade T: Why do you say this?
Comrade T: What has HongHu discussed with you?
Jamski: Its not really discussed, so much as a series of hysterical warnings not to trust Voltaire.
Comrade T: That is disturbing …
Jamski: Yes.
Comrade T: Can you give us some exact texts?
Jamski: NO.
Jamski: They are called private messages for a reason.
Comrade T: Comrade!
Comrade T: If HongHu is a betrayer, we must know.
Voltaire: I would not be surprised...
Jamski: I don't know what she wants.
Jamski: She's warned me against you.
Voltaire: Funny, she has not warned me against you...
Jamski: She's up to something then.
Voltaire: What did she say about me?
Jamski: She say's not to trust the Chairman, but a bit more "colorfully" than that.
Voltaire: I'd love to hear and compare notes...
Voltaire: She may be the one behind all the rumors …
Jamski: She asked me not to say anything to you....
Comrade T: Comrade.
Comrade T: Please tell us.
Jamski: Comrades, they are called private messages for a very good reason.
Voltaire: Well is our little HongHu playing us all? I must say she deserves some credits. She has managed to escape detection until now.
Jamski: she is a mistress of the subtle touch.
Voltaire: IMO let her play the game, get as much information out of her as possible, if we silence her now we miss the opportunity to use her own trickery against her. Plus we need to get more information out of this.
Voltaire: But what could she have been attempting to attain?
Jamski: Perhaps she's mad at you?
Voltaire: Not likely, since I've done nothing that could potentially justify that.
Jamski: General mistrust?
Voltaire: But there must be something in it for her, unless she has done it simply for her own amusement.
Jamski: Chairwoman HongHu?
Jamski: Who knows …
Voltaire: Possibly...
Voltaire: But why then would she resign her post as Deputy Chairwoman?
Voltaire: She also resigned her post on the CCC.
Comrade T: Which essentially leaves her powerless.
Voltaire: Well she said that she wanted to see myself and you in power...
Jamski: Because she wants another job?
Voltaire: She could have had any job she wanted, hell I was even considering naming her my successor, and made this intention clear to her, but she declined the offer.
Jamski: really?
Comrade T: That is strange.
Jamski: Then she wants something else?
Jamski: Women ALWAYS want SOMETHING.
Comrade T: It can't be power in the Hive, because she declined the biggest power spot.
Comrade T: It can't be a certain position either.
Jamski: What? Deputy Chair?
Comrade T: If she wanted to destroy us, she would have done so already.
Comrade T: I cannot see her intentions.
Jamski: does she know about the …
Voltaire: No.
Jamski: good.
Jamski: Never tell a woman a secret.
Jamski: Regardless.
Voltaire: Here's what she said to me...
Jamski: Let’s hear it.
Voltaire: "Also, this is strictly highly confidential. Comrade T has visited HongHu KongHu in his private jet and brought with him highly sensitive information. I have made it clear to him that it is dangerous to embrace fire and that Comrade HongHu will not be involved in any fire embracing. He agreed that he would use his own judgment."
Comrade T: Hmm....I did tell her about my secret project THINKING I could trust her.....
Jamski: Oh god.
Voltaire: She's trying to play all sides...
Comrade T: I've sent a quicklink to her, saying I've given up on all those things.
Jamski: Oh.
Comrade T: She literally pleaded with me to give up.
Jamski: I think she's being a Pilate.
Voltaire: Here the other one.
Voltaire: "Dear Chairman, I have been thinking after we chatted last night. And I have felt some kind of growing worries for you dear Chairman. If I could be so bold please bare with me. Looks to me you are more and more like Chairman Mao in his late years, surrounded more and more by people who are less trustworthy and farther and farther away from those people you should trust."
Comrade T: Says the betrayer!
Jamski: I think heads may roll…

[Snowflake]

A little rover traveling fast along the newly built Hive roads ripped the gentle, moist curtain of early morning drizzles. Thirty minutes later, Deputy Chairman Jamski was caught off guard when his door was swept open. Standing by the door, water dripping from the tip of her hair, was a fuming Comrade HongHu.

Jamski stood up, “Dear Comrade HongHu! Why are you here? I thought you were at Drones …”

“Deputy Chairman, why did you have to lie about me to the Chairman?” Jamski fell back heavily at Comrade HongHu’s interruption.

“What are you talking ab…”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. You deliberately set me up didn’t you?” Comrade HongHu’s words were fast and heated. “I simply cannot believe this! For all the trust I gave you. I know you have been painting ceilings for the last 4 years and we all know what that can do to a man's mind. But don’t try to tell me you were confused about what I said to you in my private messages. And I thought I was helping you to get on top of things as you just came back. What are all these fuss about me warning you not to trust the Chairman?!!! Why would I want you not to trust the Chairman???!!!”

Comrade HongHu took a deep breath. Her tone became more heartrending. “I cannot believe that Jamski, among all others, you, are the one who suspected and accused me! I wanted to cry for I was so happy when you came back. I am so disappointed that you would mistrust me to this degree. I'm a little disappointed in the Chairman for he knows better and shouldn't have doubted me for one minute, but he did. But I don't blame him because your words are so powerful and he trusted in you and that is exactly what I wanted him to do. I have resigned my CCC membership. What else do you want from me to prove myself? People had asked me why I throw all the power away, I would answer that I don't want the power. Voltaire knows that. I don't understand why you guys fight for it and guard it more than anything else. Why aren't there other things that are more important to you? Such as friendship. I mean being a true friend that helps each other, supports each other, works together with each other, not doubts each other, distrusts each other, plays each other, back stabs each other.”

Deputy Chairman Jamski sat in his chair speechlessly while Comrade HongHu continued ranting. “I didn’t even finished reading my report. I just read it so I could figure out what the chaos you were creating. But that could be it. You were simply trying to create a chaos of your own, because everybody else seemed to be planning something, and you wouldn't miss your turn. Sigh. Just leave me out of your story please, dear deputy chairman. I can't bear to be mistrusted by the two men I trusted the most.”

“I am so very very disappointed in you, comrade. Especially you, dear Jamski, for I have …” Comrade HongHu swallowed the rest of the sentence. She turned to her back abruptly before tears gushed out to her eyes and ran into the rains.

Jamski sat in his chair motionlessly. He remembered the conversation a couple nights ago. He needed a victim to secure the Chairman’s trust and to gain his approval of his mind control plan. He had not preplanned it to happen that way. He did not know why he had picked Comrade HongHu at the moment. But he was quite satisfied with his maneuver. He did not supply any hard fact, just a hint here and there and that was all it took. Comrade HongHu was a good candidate for what he needed, for she did not posses any crucial positions, and no major political disruptions would be brought about. But still… Jamski looked out of the window. It was pouring now.

[Jamski]

Jamski sat at his desk with a heavy heart. The execution order sat in front of him. It was still unsigned, as it had been for nearly 3 hours now...

I just have to pick up the pen and write my name, and we have one less "Comrade" to worry about... but this isn't the life of any common Drone or Citizen, this is the life of a Talent... a Talent that has connections...

Jamski hardly noticed the hours passing... deep in thought, head bowed as if in prayer... time passed...

Suddenly he reached for the pen, his joints cracking from the quick movements after so many hours of inactivity. He hesitated for just the shortest of moments, pen poised above the paper, and signed.

Goodbye comrade... I'm sorry, but... but, there was no other choice. The needs of the Hive outweigh all other considerations. We must impose strict thought control... already many of our comrades are talking of joining the so-called "Free Drones"

With a shout of fury the Deputy Chairman sprang from his chair. He screwed the execution order into a ball and threw it on the black leather couch.

Googliegoddammit! What was this weakness, this sentimentality? Why couldn't I just have signed it? If I'd done it as soon as it stopped raining and she left, the Crimson Guard would already be... Bleeding Miriam's eyes, what is it with that Googliegoddammed woman....

It appeared that for now, heads would not be rolling.

Jamski stepped out onto his private balcony, and looked out over the newly planted forests that grew nearly to the edge of the perimiter defences. Now that Planet's atmosphere was just about earth-standard, and the rain was coming more frequently... perhaps a woman could live quite some time in the shelter of those trees...

Jamski returned to his desk and opened a new memotablet :

To : Comrade HH
From : Comrade J

Flee to the forests, your life is in danger. Meet me at that secret place. Tell noone. I'm sorry, but I have no choice. I pray to Googliegod that you'll forgive me for what I'm about to do.

J.



Jamski flattened out the execution order and put both it and the memo tab into the delivery chute.

I just hope the Crimson Guard aren't working at full effeciency tonight.

Jamski called for his rover to be readied.

-Jam

[Snowflake]

It was very late at night. Deputy Chairman Jamski stood outside of the base entry. A memo tab was inside his hand, unopened. She had not got it ...

A crimson guard approached, hesitated for a second before he saluted to the back of Jamski: "Deputy Chairman, we have not found her. She has not been seen by anybody for the last 20 hours. We have contacted HongHu KongHu. She has not returned to her residence. In fact her room appeares to be never occupied by anybody. We have also radioed Comrade Vev. He has not received any word from her eithor." The soldier stopped hesitantly, fearing what the deputy chairman would do to him. He could almost felt the painful thrill of nerve stapler running down his spine.

But the deputy chairman did not turn angry as he expected. He waved one of his hands tiredly, indicating to the soldier that he could go, and continued looking into the deep darkness of the forest.

She was nowhere to be found.

[Jamski]

Jamski watched the Crimson Guard troopers climb back into their rover transports. He said nothing untill the last tail lights had disappeared into the darkness of the forest.

Comrade HongHu? The guards are gone now.

Not a sound, nothing.

Good, then she was gone, and the evidence that I've just tryed to warn her to flee...

Jamski carefully held the incriminating memotab in the flame of his cigar lighter untill it was blackened and smoking, then passed a small magnet over it several times and ground it under his boot heel.

Female intuition, eh? Perhaps I could have kept it, she'll never believe that I sent it otherwise... but too late now. Sometimes women just know things without anyone having to tell them...

* * * * * * * *

Jamski turned off the rover's engine. In the sudden quiet, the driving rain seemed much louder than in the Hive. It seemed that someone had been altering the rainfall patterns again, probably this "special project" of the Drones, built to save their lazy workers having to bother too much...

There! Caught in the headlight beams, a small hatchway.

Jamski pulled his long jacket around his shoulders and hurried into the rain, dragging a bag with him. The hatchway was half covered by the roots of a tall pine tree, but once... years ago... this had been a plain of fungus, and here, on this spot, had been a "Mindworm refuge" - a small underground bunker, with air and a radio, in case of mindworm attacks. Jamski tried the hatchway... sealed shut, either from rust or locked from the inside.

Jamski dropped the bag down next to the hatch and rapped on the cover with his pistol butt. He walked back to his rover, started the engine and drove away. The sound of the quiet fusion motor was soon lost in the pouring rain.

Stopping the engine again, Jamsk hurried back on foot through the trees towards the hatch... the bag was gone!

So someone is home after all... and now they won't be hungry for a week or two.

He walked back though the downpour to the rover, and hoped she laughed when she saw the pink childrens' toothbrush and the tinned xenodoughnuts with chocolate faces on them.

What did you buy for women?

There was a long drive back to the Hive, and now even his undershirt was wet... but it was worth it.

-Jam

[Vev]

(Done the back fill at the space saver)

The report Comrade Honghu gave him, worries Comrade Vev. He didn't need another problem on top of this murder investigation. Ever since the murder, Comrade had been working jointly with the Drones to uncover any scrap of evidence or clues leading to the killers identity or motivation.

Comrade HongHu was walking into the lions den, whether she knew it or not. He had to do something. He started writing a message,

"Comrade Wujiang, ..."

A few moments later Comrade took out a mobile transmitter and patched the message through a secure line to his secretary.

[Snowflake]

A light crack was heard in the early morning forest. The cover of the underground bunker was opened, slowly and discreetly. Comrade HongHu sat in the corner, with her arms around her knees. She looked at the man who just came in without a smile.

“Dear HongHu, I’m so glad you have come here. I …” Jamski’s enthusiastic talk trailed off when he noticed that Comrade HongHu was not paying attention to his words. “I’m sorry. I had no choice.” He murmured, trying to explain himself, but knew he did not have a good excuse.

Pitying on the man for he was obviously tormented by guilt, Comrade HongHu sighed: “I know that your first priority is your duty to the Hive. You believe your mindworm thought control plan is crucial to the Hive’s success and you are willing to sacrifice anything for it. Nothing’s important compare to it. Somebody’s life cannot come close to it.”

“No, your life IS important for me. I only did that because I believe you could escape.”

HongHu smiled faintly, “Jamski, tell me, if the Crimson Guards are here, and if you have to choose between me and your thought control plan, what would you do?” Her gaze at Jamski became more intensive.

Jamski hesitated. And then he opened his mouth and started to say something when Comrade HongHu stopped him. “Don’t give yourself a hard time trying to lie to me, dear Deputy Chairman.” She stood up from where she was sitting. Jamski and Comrade HongHu were now almost standing face to face in the narrow space inside the little bunker. “I will turn myself in with the Crimson Guard. It is too dangerous for you to have to come here every 5 days. If they found you out you and your thought control plan will both be gone.”

Comrade HongHu turned toward the hatchway and started climbing out. Jamski grabbed one of her arms furiously and pulled her back. “What are you trying to do, woman! Crimson Guard could be anywhere!”

“Let go of me!” Comrade HongHu tried feverishly to pull her arm from the tight grasp of Jamski’s hand. But Jamski grasped her other arm and pushed her tightly against the wall. “Jamski, you bastard! …” Her voice was suddenly lost when slowly his face was lowered to hers and her gaze was lost inside his.

****

Exuberance filled Jamski’s heart. He sprang to sit up and opened his eyes. Surrounded him was absolute darkness. He had been dreaming. An agony of disappointment swamped him. It was so real. He could swear that he still remembered the smell of her hair. Jamski raised his wrist quicklink. It was 4 metric hours. It was at this exact hour five days ago, when Crimson Guards reported to him that Comrade HongHu had disappeared. He was so sure that she was ok then. But … Jamski couldn’t help to remember what happened earlier this morning…

****

A light crack was heard in the early morning forest. The cover of the underground bunker was opened, slowly and discreetly. Jamski’s heart was suddenly tightened when he climbed in the bunker. It was deserted. Nobody seemed to have lived here for at least years.

Jamski quickly climbed back out. This is impossible! Jamski silently screamed. Where could she be? He walked around the pine tree, eyes assiduously searched any signs of life. There, under an arching glossy leaf of a giant autumn fern, something flashed under the early morning suns. Jamski hurried to the fern and looked under the copper-red leaf. It was a broken pink brush. Jamski’s heart sank. As the deputy chairman retrieved more and more stuff of which should have been in hands of that annoying Comrade HongHu, he could not lie to himself any more. She had not been here afterall.
…

Jamski wished that he would not be bothered so much by the fact that Comrade HongHu was not at the place he arranged for her. She was a woman who could take care of herself. At least she had not been caught by the Crimson Guards. So the plan went well afterall. But what was this unceasing sense of regret and disappointment. Jamski knew that deep inside he wanted her to understand him, to forgive him, to … Damn! He didn’t dare to say that word, even to himself, even among the absolute darkness. What a coward I am. Burning with anger to himself, Jamski buried his head heavily into his knees.

[Snowflake]

It was such hectic five days. Comrade HongHu lied in a rough and unsteady bed in her little cell. She was relieved that she finally reached her temporary destination, where they deemed to be safe for her. She deliberately ignored the faint heartache that had persistent for the last five days. HongHu relaxed her tired body and closed her eyes. So much had happened to her these last few days. She didn’t have time to sort them out until now. …

The report … She went to see Jamski … A sharp pain in her heart was felt like a needle sting. She recalled what happened when she ran out of the deputy chairman office.

***
Two men were standing beside her rover in the pouring rain. Tall, slender, both in black robes. Comrade HongHu was a little puzzled by their presence but she had no mood to bother checking them out. She opened the door of the rover when she heard a respectful but firm voice behind her: “Comrade HongHu, please do not enter your rover.”

Comrade HongHu turned around. One of the two young men stepped up and put a black robe on her. Comrade HongHu felt warmer inside the water resistant robe. “Comrade Vev asks you to come with us. This is very urgent.”

Comrade HongHu managed to calm herself down from her heated emotion and quickly examined the circumstance. Comrade Vev? I just said goodbye to him last night. Why would he want to see me this soon? Could it be possible that somebody else sent these two men? What do they want? Comrade HongHu looked at the young men again, more closely this time. She was convinced that they came from Comrade Vev indeed. The newly trained probe team … Nobody had ever seen them before. She could read marks of Comrade Vev’s training all over them. The calmness and determination, the efficiency and competence. She was sure that they were ready to be sent for any dangerous tasks and to endure any uncertain conditions. But why are they here?

“Does Comrade Vev need my help in the murder case?” Comrade HongHu asked. “I have to deliver a very important document to Marshal Rokossovky. Please inform Comrade Vev that I will go meet him right after I talk with the Marshal.”

“Our order is to take you with us right now. You cannot go anywhere. We will deliver the document for you. You can trust us.”

Comrade HongHu was a little annoyed. “NO. This document is too important. I have to hand it to the Marshal myself. It will not take a long time. Comrade Vev will understand this.”

“I’m sorry Comrade HongHu. We can’t allow you to do so. You MUST go with us. It is a matter of life and death.”

The other young man put one of his hands into his pocket, deliberately enough to let Comrade HongHu see that there was a handgun in it. Comrade HongHu realized that she was being kidnapped. She quickly pondered the possibility of fighting the two men and trying to escape but decided she did not have a chance against these top agents.

Comrade HongHu did not say one more word. She picked up the document from her rover, handed it to the man closer to her and followed the other man into his rover while the first young man jumped in her rover and drove away.

***

It was the start of a long tiresome trip. The only thing that made her feel good was that she had built up a warm friendship with her two kidnappers, John and Andy. They had managed to avoid any contact with anybody. Comrade HongHu didn’t understand the reason behind all this secrecy. Until just now, when John handed him a piece of paper.

Comrade HongHu sat up, and picked up the piece of paper beside her pillow. It was an execution order, signed by Deputy Chairman Jamski. Comrade HongHu looked at the familiar handwriting on the paper, her heart started to bleed slowly, again.

[Jamski]

Message : To Comrade Vev
From : Deputy Chairman

I need you to assign a probe team to help the Crimson Guard search for Comrade HongHu, if you would be so kind. This is a matter of the highest urgency. If the probe team find her, they are to return her directly to me, and not hand her over to those fools in the Crimson Guard. Do not fail me, and you will be well rewarded.

-Jam

[Vev]

Harold, the new replacement accountant for keeping track of funds, is working late into the night and noticed something rather peculiar. It is rather well known that Hive efficiency, while good enough not to suffer from economic paralysis, does tend to incur lost revenue from not pouncing on economic oppotunities due to rigid government polices and slightly excessive expenditure such as the order for nervestaplers that is two thousand more than is needed. A few odd credits goes to waste now and there. But Harold discovered something rather disturbing and noted it down on his computer to report to his supervisor for tommorrow. Unfortunately for Harold, his investigation did not go unnoticed.

Alas poor Harold, I knew him well. For he shall be dearly missed.