Smolny Institute, the place where the revolution started, and now the place where it almost ended...
Chapter II - Operation Red Lion
The next few hours were a rush of events. Tukhachevsky and Kirov forced Nikolaev to follow them and they left in a hurry to avoid authorities or worse the NKVD. They drove for some kilometers and stopped in a shack in some woods near Veliky Novgorod.
Tukhachevsky :Now that you are safe comrade and the plot revealed we can finally act...it is time for Operation Red Lion. We must save the revolution from its greatest enemy, the one who threatens to destroy us from within.
Kirov: Operation Red Lion?
Tukhachevsky: Yes, Trotsky must return...
Segei's face became thrice as pale as he heard that name
Kirov: ARE YOU INSANE?! Stalin already tried to kill me twice now, if he ever hears of this...
Tukhachevsky: He won't, and what if he hears? Give him one more year and we are going to die either way. An anynomous NKVD agent contacted me about the plan to try to assassinate you again. I...we have hesitated for too long, our loyalty to the party refrained us for too long. We must understand that Stalin is not one of us, he uses the party for his own benefit and will eventually lead to our doom.
Nikolaev: HE WILL FIND ME! AND YOU! BOTH...*Mikail silenced the man by giving a strong punch that dropped him to the floor*
Tukhachevsky: Quiet! I do not want to hear a single word for you at this moment. We shall treat you wound and keep you alive only because you are of use as a witness.
Kirov: *looked to his would be murderer with disgust before saying* And how in hell will we bring Trostky back ? And most important, what then? It is not like he has an army...
Tukhachevsky: I have an army, the best in the world.
Kirov: You have already planned this haven't you? Were are the men? I doubt you the support of the other marshals they...
Tukhachevsky: They are still enthraled yes. But one marshal must suffice, I have gathered the troops that I trust most and only those. They are "drilling" near Moscow. But once I return we will storm the city. Stalin expects no such thing even with his paranoid delusions.
Kirov: Very well, I believe this is the only way...my heart is divided but my mind is clear. To think I once followed Comrade Stalin...and now this. But worry not, my mind is clear. Now...what about the accusations against Trotsky?
Tukhachevsky: As false as your murder would have been. Stalin intended to blame him I believe. We shall see...
They bandaged Nikolaev and hurried towards the capital where Mikail's men awaited "training". He approached them, they were extremely nervous, grim and fearful. He kept walking with Kirov by his side while his men seized the murderer.
Finally he turned around and spoke in a loud and strong voice:
"Soldiers! My comrades in arms and spirit! I call you here for a dark task. What I ask of you today is a monstrous test of your trust in me. I know many of you still have doubts, but look here. Comrade Kirov has barely survived his second assassination attempt. Attempts made by the foul traitor of our Revolution. You remember Comrade Trotsky don't you? Where is him? Where is the hero that lead us in the war? EXILED!."
"There!" *he points to Moscow*
"There we will find our proof of Comrade Stalin's treachery! This I swear to you men! And if you still have doubts then at least belive this one promise of mine! If we find no evidence of his betrayal, if I was mistaken or lied to you. Then I order you to shoot me! Now onwards comrades for the revolution!"
The men cheered loudly, but some remained silent. Still all of them moved. They weren't many but they would suffice. Most of the guards didn't react fast enough when the attack happened and found themselves surroundered and forced to surrender. The Kremlin was the ultimate goal however. Tukhachevsky's orders has been VERY clear, they were to seize the place and avoid killing anyone inside. Stalin was surrounded in his room and arrested. It had worked...
It was then that amidst the comotion Kirov saw a man he recognised. He blinked several times but he was still there and coming towards him.
Trotsky:"Comrade Kirov, its a pleasure to see you again...and to be back. Though I can't thank you or any of the others except Tukhachevsky for this. But I don't blame you, you all acted out of loyalty to the party, only that it was in the wrong way.
Kirov: But how? How did you arrive so fast?
Trotsky: Comrade Tukhachevsky had "smuggled" me in two weeks ago.
Kirov thought for a moment and said: But then the NKVD agent warned him quite some time ago...no matter, I believe you will wish to speak with me now in a more private place, no?
Trotsky: Indeed comrade, we have much to say before the Party Congress that will be called...and by party Congress I mean the true party, not Stalin's bureaucratic lackeys. They will be all called back, and we shall vote and decide the new government as well as conduct Stalin's trial. I think we have had enough of Bonapartism, it is time to return to soviet democracy.
(OOC the game will start on the next update)