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Chapter 1 - Part 2
Keleti Railway Station, Budapest, October 17th, 1938
Keleti Railway Station, the platform.
It hadn’t been an easy job for the small group of four men to plan for the travel to St. Petersburg. First of all, having to uproot themselves permanently from their home at the Festetics palace had meant some serious planning on behalf of the Grand Duke Vladimir and Count Dmitri. Most of this, of course, was handled by Petr, well after the group had actually left the palace, trying to minimize the number of people who knew Vladimir’s date of departure. The fact that he had left, could hardly be left a secret, to anyone seriously interested, but keeping the exact date shrouded, might leave the group with a head start. Petr and certain members of the senior staff would follow the Grand Duke later, when he was safe in Russia, but for now, it was the old chief butler’s duty, to keep up appearances, while Vladimir and Dmitri left.
How to make the journey had been easy, as Captain Nicolai had already planned it in his mind, circumventing the direct route towards Russia, for a far more twisted one that would take them from Keszthely to Budapest by car and from there to Munich by train, for the first trek of the journey.
As Vladimir now stood with his three companions on the platform, he thought back upon the conversation they had had, while driving to Budapest.
“We cannot take the direct path, Your Highness.” The Captain had explained. “There are people in Russia, powerful people, who would not like to see another Romanov on the throne. Some of these people have connections with the government and perhaps even within the Okhrana itself and may know of the president’s decision, to ask you to accept the throne. It will not be hard, to find out where Your Highness has chosen to live and from Kezthely, there are a limited number of direct routes into Russia.
” Count Dmitri had interrupted at that point, Vladimir remembered. “So you are saying that there may be an attempt at his life, captain?” Nicolai had nodded, very seriously. “One attempt, or several, Your Grace. That is why my superiors left it up to me, to decide upon the route of our return, so that no one might accidentally, or worse, intentionally, let something slip to the wrong person. This is also why, I am sorry to say Your Highness, that we will be forgetting all manners and true names, while on this trip.” Vladimir had nodded. “That is understandable captain and probably wise. So what would you like to be called?” The last had been said with a smile, although it was evident that Vladimir was not entirely pleased by this endeavor. He had liked his home and the people he knew there very much and now he was headed towards a fate, he had not really wanted. Still, duty demanded it and if there was one thing Vladimir never rejected, it was his duty. He had simply not imagined or wished for that duty to suddenly encompass all of Russia and its countless people. But he knew it was the right thing to do and he would do it, no matter the cost to himself.
“I have taken the precaution of having new passports made for us all.” Nicolai continued, already disusing Vladimir’s proper titular address. “They were made by a man, whose personal loyalty to me is undoubted and whose existence, even within the Okhrana, is unknown.” Nicolai picked up a briefcase from between his feet and opened it. As far as Vladimir could see, it was filled with documents, some seeming very official and others mundane. Picking out a brown envelope on top of it all, Nicolai withdrew four passports and handed them out. “Please learn the names in these by heart gentlemen.” He said, earning a quick disapproving look from the Count at the word ‘gentlemen’, which the captain completely ignored. “There are other papers as well of course, and you will get them, one at a time, before we reach Budapest. Please read through them carefully and meticulously. Your intimate knowledge of your new selves may prove vital in many circumstances.
Over the next couple of hours, Vladimir did little but read through travel permits, papers about the fictional past of Meinhard Krüger, his new identity, as well as a small booklet about industrial machinery used in agriculture, as he was now a travelling representative of a small South German company, hoping to open up new markets for their merchandise. Count Dmitri became Helmut Krüger, Meinhard’s uncle, who had taken the chance to travel around Europe with his nephew. Helmut was a fairly wealthy man, who had retired from a career in the army at the rank of colonel and now lived off his money.
Anton, the youngest of the pair would become Kristof Lehrer, Meinhard’s assistant while Nicolai himself was Ernst Ackerman, resent widower of Helmut’s niece by his wife and thus unrelated to Meinhard, who needed some time away from his home, after his wife’s death only a few months prior. Meinhard’s journey around Eastern Europe had come as a godsend to the young police sergeant, who while already on extended leave, had obtained permission from his superiors for the vacation, paid by his uncle. All in all, as credible a story, as could be had with two amateurs along and the need for absolute secrecy in the planning and execution of their travel.
“Herr Krüger, the train leaves in ten minutes.” Vladimir’s thoughts were interrupted by the approach of Anton, or, as Vladimir quickly corrected himself, Kristof. “Very well.” He said and turned to follow his ‘secretary’ aboard the train. “Are our cabin ready?” They had practiced their new identities, as well as those of each other, all the way to Budapest and by now, Vladimir was fairly certain that he would not make any mistakes; at least he fervently hoped so. “Of course, mein Herr.” Anton replied, playing the young assistant to perfection. “I have seen to it personally.” The pair approached the train, where Dmitri and Nicolai waited. “Ah, there you are Meinhard.” Dmitri said, fitting the role of a wealthy uncle to near perfection. of course he does. Vladimir thought to himself. it’s hardly any different from how he usually behaves towards me, at least in private. “Yes uncle.” Vladimir replied, not needing to force the note of slightly submissive respect into his voice. Dmitri had been his closest friend for a long time and he knew, without the shadow of a doubt, that he could trust him with his very life, if necessary. During their time, the count, a man of some fifty years, had been both a teacher, confidante, guardian and friend to the young grand duke and he could not help but respect and often obey, the polite suggestions and advice, Dmitri gave him.
The oriental express, ready to leave.
The four men quickly entered the train, the famous Oriental Express and made it to their private cabin. Their things were already packed away by the steward, overseen by the ‘personal assistant of Herr Krüger’, Anton, who thus had an excellent opportunity to make sure, nothing out of sorts happened. Of course, they all spoke German to perfection, Anton and Nicolai due to their professions and Dmitri and Vladimir due to their positions in life. Another reason why pretending to be Germans made all the sense in the world, for the four men. When they had each made sure that nothing had been touched, while the cabin had been briefly empty, they sat down and relaxed. “So far so good gentlemen.” Nicolai said, seemingly relaxed and satisfied. “In a few days time, we will be in Munich, from where we will continue in another direction.” Nicolai had been rather vague on the parts of their journey following this one and had instructed each of them to say, if anyone asked, that so far the business of Meinhard, took them only to Munich, where he had some meetings. From there on, it depended solely on what opportunities seemed most promising.
“As we agreed, Kristof and Meinhard will be sharing this cabin, while Helmut and I will share the one next door, although by reason of the connecting door, no one will find it strange that we spend most of our time in this one.” Looking over at Anton, Nicolai held out his briefcase. “The most important of our papers are in here Kristof.” He said in a low voice. “Do not let it leave your sight even for a moment.” Kristof nodded, knowing perfectly well, what was expected of him. “My position as Herr Krüger’s assistant, will explain the necessity for me to keep his important papers at hand for him to study.” He replied, while Nicolai nodded. “I have placed several business papers on top of the others, to keep up appearances.” He said and turned to Vladimir. “Ask for one, from time to time and pretend to read it through, while making a few notes about the meetings in Munich, we discussed earlier.” Vladimir cocked an eyebrow in response to the very complex steps they would take, to ensure his safety. Although he appreciated them greatly and more than accepted each and every one of them, it seemed rather farfetched that anyone would actually notice, whether or not the briefcase was used. Nicolai spotted it immediately. “Those who may be out to interfere with our plans may very well use trained men of their own. Men who would spot such an inconsistency in a flash.” He said. “The more thoroughly you play your respective parts, the easier you will blend into the crowd and thus, hopefully escape notice. We did not go through the altering of your appearances for fun.” Vladimir winced inwardly, but kept a neutral face. “I know that very well Ernst.” He replied, his voice at the same time wielding both authority and respect. “You are the experts in this and we will follow your rules.”
Nicolai nodded and they all fell silent for the time being, each considering his part in this masquerade and whatever might happen in the next few days.
Keleti Railway Station, Budapest, October 17th, 1938
Keleti Railway Station, the platform.
It hadn’t been an easy job for the small group of four men to plan for the travel to St. Petersburg. First of all, having to uproot themselves permanently from their home at the Festetics palace had meant some serious planning on behalf of the Grand Duke Vladimir and Count Dmitri. Most of this, of course, was handled by Petr, well after the group had actually left the palace, trying to minimize the number of people who knew Vladimir’s date of departure. The fact that he had left, could hardly be left a secret, to anyone seriously interested, but keeping the exact date shrouded, might leave the group with a head start. Petr and certain members of the senior staff would follow the Grand Duke later, when he was safe in Russia, but for now, it was the old chief butler’s duty, to keep up appearances, while Vladimir and Dmitri left.
How to make the journey had been easy, as Captain Nicolai had already planned it in his mind, circumventing the direct route towards Russia, for a far more twisted one that would take them from Keszthely to Budapest by car and from there to Munich by train, for the first trek of the journey.
As Vladimir now stood with his three companions on the platform, he thought back upon the conversation they had had, while driving to Budapest.
“We cannot take the direct path, Your Highness.” The Captain had explained. “There are people in Russia, powerful people, who would not like to see another Romanov on the throne. Some of these people have connections with the government and perhaps even within the Okhrana itself and may know of the president’s decision, to ask you to accept the throne. It will not be hard, to find out where Your Highness has chosen to live and from Kezthely, there are a limited number of direct routes into Russia.
” Count Dmitri had interrupted at that point, Vladimir remembered. “So you are saying that there may be an attempt at his life, captain?” Nicolai had nodded, very seriously. “One attempt, or several, Your Grace. That is why my superiors left it up to me, to decide upon the route of our return, so that no one might accidentally, or worse, intentionally, let something slip to the wrong person. This is also why, I am sorry to say Your Highness, that we will be forgetting all manners and true names, while on this trip.” Vladimir had nodded. “That is understandable captain and probably wise. So what would you like to be called?” The last had been said with a smile, although it was evident that Vladimir was not entirely pleased by this endeavor. He had liked his home and the people he knew there very much and now he was headed towards a fate, he had not really wanted. Still, duty demanded it and if there was one thing Vladimir never rejected, it was his duty. He had simply not imagined or wished for that duty to suddenly encompass all of Russia and its countless people. But he knew it was the right thing to do and he would do it, no matter the cost to himself.
“I have taken the precaution of having new passports made for us all.” Nicolai continued, already disusing Vladimir’s proper titular address. “They were made by a man, whose personal loyalty to me is undoubted and whose existence, even within the Okhrana, is unknown.” Nicolai picked up a briefcase from between his feet and opened it. As far as Vladimir could see, it was filled with documents, some seeming very official and others mundane. Picking out a brown envelope on top of it all, Nicolai withdrew four passports and handed them out. “Please learn the names in these by heart gentlemen.” He said, earning a quick disapproving look from the Count at the word ‘gentlemen’, which the captain completely ignored. “There are other papers as well of course, and you will get them, one at a time, before we reach Budapest. Please read through them carefully and meticulously. Your intimate knowledge of your new selves may prove vital in many circumstances.
Over the next couple of hours, Vladimir did little but read through travel permits, papers about the fictional past of Meinhard Krüger, his new identity, as well as a small booklet about industrial machinery used in agriculture, as he was now a travelling representative of a small South German company, hoping to open up new markets for their merchandise. Count Dmitri became Helmut Krüger, Meinhard’s uncle, who had taken the chance to travel around Europe with his nephew. Helmut was a fairly wealthy man, who had retired from a career in the army at the rank of colonel and now lived off his money.
Anton, the youngest of the pair would become Kristof Lehrer, Meinhard’s assistant while Nicolai himself was Ernst Ackerman, resent widower of Helmut’s niece by his wife and thus unrelated to Meinhard, who needed some time away from his home, after his wife’s death only a few months prior. Meinhard’s journey around Eastern Europe had come as a godsend to the young police sergeant, who while already on extended leave, had obtained permission from his superiors for the vacation, paid by his uncle. All in all, as credible a story, as could be had with two amateurs along and the need for absolute secrecy in the planning and execution of their travel.
“Herr Krüger, the train leaves in ten minutes.” Vladimir’s thoughts were interrupted by the approach of Anton, or, as Vladimir quickly corrected himself, Kristof. “Very well.” He said and turned to follow his ‘secretary’ aboard the train. “Are our cabin ready?” They had practiced their new identities, as well as those of each other, all the way to Budapest and by now, Vladimir was fairly certain that he would not make any mistakes; at least he fervently hoped so. “Of course, mein Herr.” Anton replied, playing the young assistant to perfection. “I have seen to it personally.” The pair approached the train, where Dmitri and Nicolai waited. “Ah, there you are Meinhard.” Dmitri said, fitting the role of a wealthy uncle to near perfection. of course he does. Vladimir thought to himself. it’s hardly any different from how he usually behaves towards me, at least in private. “Yes uncle.” Vladimir replied, not needing to force the note of slightly submissive respect into his voice. Dmitri had been his closest friend for a long time and he knew, without the shadow of a doubt, that he could trust him with his very life, if necessary. During their time, the count, a man of some fifty years, had been both a teacher, confidante, guardian and friend to the young grand duke and he could not help but respect and often obey, the polite suggestions and advice, Dmitri gave him.
The oriental express, ready to leave.
The four men quickly entered the train, the famous Oriental Express and made it to their private cabin. Their things were already packed away by the steward, overseen by the ‘personal assistant of Herr Krüger’, Anton, who thus had an excellent opportunity to make sure, nothing out of sorts happened. Of course, they all spoke German to perfection, Anton and Nicolai due to their professions and Dmitri and Vladimir due to their positions in life. Another reason why pretending to be Germans made all the sense in the world, for the four men. When they had each made sure that nothing had been touched, while the cabin had been briefly empty, they sat down and relaxed. “So far so good gentlemen.” Nicolai said, seemingly relaxed and satisfied. “In a few days time, we will be in Munich, from where we will continue in another direction.” Nicolai had been rather vague on the parts of their journey following this one and had instructed each of them to say, if anyone asked, that so far the business of Meinhard, took them only to Munich, where he had some meetings. From there on, it depended solely on what opportunities seemed most promising.
“As we agreed, Kristof and Meinhard will be sharing this cabin, while Helmut and I will share the one next door, although by reason of the connecting door, no one will find it strange that we spend most of our time in this one.” Looking over at Anton, Nicolai held out his briefcase. “The most important of our papers are in here Kristof.” He said in a low voice. “Do not let it leave your sight even for a moment.” Kristof nodded, knowing perfectly well, what was expected of him. “My position as Herr Krüger’s assistant, will explain the necessity for me to keep his important papers at hand for him to study.” He replied, while Nicolai nodded. “I have placed several business papers on top of the others, to keep up appearances.” He said and turned to Vladimir. “Ask for one, from time to time and pretend to read it through, while making a few notes about the meetings in Munich, we discussed earlier.” Vladimir cocked an eyebrow in response to the very complex steps they would take, to ensure his safety. Although he appreciated them greatly and more than accepted each and every one of them, it seemed rather farfetched that anyone would actually notice, whether or not the briefcase was used. Nicolai spotted it immediately. “Those who may be out to interfere with our plans may very well use trained men of their own. Men who would spot such an inconsistency in a flash.” He said. “The more thoroughly you play your respective parts, the easier you will blend into the crowd and thus, hopefully escape notice. We did not go through the altering of your appearances for fun.” Vladimir winced inwardly, but kept a neutral face. “I know that very well Ernst.” He replied, his voice at the same time wielding both authority and respect. “You are the experts in this and we will follow your rules.”
Nicolai nodded and they all fell silent for the time being, each considering his part in this masquerade and whatever might happen in the next few days.
Hardraade: Well now.. Hi isn't strictly 'back' yet.. Only on the way there.. Lots can happen yet.. 
Sting182: Thank you and welcome aboard.
As I've currently onlu played so far as October '38 in game, many things can happen, that I have little or no idea about.. So your 'good luck' is much appreciated..
Archduke_Karl: Well, as you can see from the update, quite a few people might strongly oppose your position on the matter of the Romanovs..
Only time wil tell what happens.. Although I cannot remember exactly when my name was changed to 'Time'
4th Dimension: Oh I don't know about that.. As far as I see him, Vladimir is quite human.. Maybe a bit too human for my taste from time to time But then again, I've always been a bit of a power-hungry megalomaniac.. *Quickly hides his evil alterego in the closet..*
Aethis: Almost missed you, as we posted simultaneously.. Welcome aboard and I sincerilly hope you will enjoy the ride..
Now where was I?
Once again, I hope you enjoyed the update, although I know it did not contain much action, so to speak. However, I felt the need to explain certain points about Vladimir's security, thus setting the stage for future things to happen... And of course, I want to make you familiar with the some of the main characters, before we get too far into the story..
(on a note: While you are getting familiar with them, I am too and hopefully, I will be able to flesh them out more and more, as the story progresses..)
Now please... Feedback everybody.. Don't be shy..
Sting182: Thank you and welcome aboard.
As I've currently onlu played so far as October '38 in game, many things can happen, that I have little or no idea about.. So your 'good luck' is much appreciated..
Archduke_Karl: Well, as you can see from the update, quite a few people might strongly oppose your position on the matter of the Romanovs..
Only time wil tell what happens.. Although I cannot remember exactly when my name was changed to 'Time'
4th Dimension: Oh I don't know about that.. As far as I see him, Vladimir is quite human.. Maybe a bit too human for my taste from time to time
But then again, I've always been a bit of a power-hungry megalomaniac.. *Quickly hides his evil alterego in the closet..*Aethis: Almost missed you, as we posted simultaneously.. Welcome aboard and I sincerilly hope you will enjoy the ride..
Now where was I?
Once again, I hope you enjoyed the update, although I know it did not contain much action, so to speak. However, I felt the need to explain certain points about Vladimir's security, thus setting the stage for future things to happen... And of course, I want to make you familiar with the some of the main characters, before we get too far into the story..
(on a note: While you are getting familiar with them, I am too and hopefully, I will be able to flesh them out more and more, as the story progresses..)
Now please... Feedback everybody.. Don't be shy..
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Vladimir certainly seems to be in good hands. With all of those powerful enemies back in Russia, I imagine that the trip could get very interesting if word of it gets to the wrong people.
Chapter 1 - Part 3
On the way to Lübeck, October 23rd, 1938
The first part of the journey had been rather uneventful, each member of the small group being watchful and alert, although nothing suspicious had happened. They had arrived in Munich on the 19th without any incident and had taken a room in a small hotel, where Nicolai had explained the next part of the journey.
“Tomorrow, we will board a train to Lübeck.” He had said, “It is important that we continue to keep on alert. While the first part of the journey was luckily uneventful, the second might not be so.” He looked at Vladimir and Dmitri. “In fact,” he continued, “The chances are far greater now, that something might happen. We got away in a hopefully unexpected direction and it always takes time to catch up on the unexpected. But now that we are here, we have to go in one of the few directions we can, to get towards Russia. The one I’ve chosen should be the least likely to suspect, but then again, we may be dealing with professionals.” Vladimir had interrupted. “But why don’t we go in another direction then and turn towards Russia at a later time?” At that, Nicolai had shaken his head. “For two reasons. One, we need to go towards Russia at some point and if anybody has found our location, they might not expect it to be so soon. Secondly and far more important is the current situation in Russia.” Nicolai eyed Vladimir. “It will do Russia no good, if you return to take the throne and the nation has already fallen to rebellion.” At that thought, Vladimir winced and nodded. “That must be avoided at all cost.” He said, “Yes, which leaves us under something of a tight schedule.” Nicolai continued. “And our potential adversaries know that.”
They had gotten a nights rest and then gone back to the train station the next morning, boarding the express to Lübeck. As they were waiting for the train to arrive, Nicolai sat brooding about his plan and whether or not it would succeed. I’ve thought of everything. He mused and then quickly corrected himself. No, nobody every thinks of everything. Sitting in his own thoughts, he noticed Anton coming back from somewhere. Where did he go? he thought and cursed himself for not noticing his partner had left in the first place. Although Anton was his partner, it still meant he had not paid full attention and that was the way to fail. Have I missed anything important, while sitting here, woolgathering? He cast a questioning glance at Anton, who made a slight motion with his hand, indicating that he had been to the restrooms. Nicolai relaxed and nodded, he had been there himself a while past.
Finally, the train arrived and they got aboard. They quickly moved through the sections to the first class section and found their compartment. Although it was somewhat risky to travel first class, it was far riskier to travel in the main sections of the train. They all had to sleep from time to time during the next few days and sleeping in the open provided far too many chances for ‘accidents’ to happen, in Nicolai’s mind.
“What now then?” Dmitri asked, somewhat tired. The count, being the oldest of them all and not used to the rigors of travel, had not found it easy to sleep the previous night. “Just relax and try to get some sleep Helmut.” Nicolai responded, settling himself, while he spoke, to find a better position. “For the next couple of days, this will be our home.” The compartment was larger than the luxurious ones on the Orient Express and was made for four people instead of two. Anton stood up. “I’ll go see if I can find something to eat.” He said. Having had a bit of stomach trouble the previous day, the young agent had not been able to eat anything for breakfast. But now, he seemed better off and would naturally be hungry. Nicolai nodded, a bit absentmindedly. Something nagged at him that he couldn’t quite shake off. Something had happened today, which didn’t quite ring true to his mind, but he couldn’t pinpoint what it was. He shook it off for the moment. Thinking about such things very rarely lead to anything. He would remember it in time and then, he would act upon it, if necessary.
He dozed off for a while, only waking to attention, when Anton returned later on. “They have some very good food.” He said, sitting down with a pleased sigh. “Oh? What did you have?” It was Vladimir asking, more out of a need to talk about something, rather than any particular interest. “Some toasted bread with crab salad and fried mushrooms.” Anton replied, relaxed now that his hunger had been sated. “A bit of cheese and sausage for desert and a dark beer, to top it all off.” Vladimir grinned, he had taken a liking to the man, who was only some years his junior. “That’s not going to go particularly well with an upset stomach, you know.” He said, half teasingly. At that moment, Nicolai, although drowsy, noticed Anton flinch very slightly. What’s that? he thought, but the rigors of staying on a constant alert for the last few days and the comfort of his seat, had made him rather tired and he didn’t pay too much attention at the time being.
“Ah, you know me, Herr Krüger.” Anton said, smiling, “I am never one for half-hearted measures.” Vladimir laughed and felt much more relaxed. The constant tension had taken its toll on him too and he had needed a good laugh. They talked a bit more of unimportant things and then they slowly fell into a drowse, as the train pulled off from the station.
Later that day, Nicolai woke up and felt quite hungry. He nudged Anton awake as well. “Keep an eye about.” He said, more an order than anything else. “I’m going to get something to eat.” Anton nodded and sat up straighter in his seat. He picked up a newspaper from the table, which he had bought on the station, back in Münich. “Will do.”
Nicolai left the compartment and made his way to the dining car. When there, he quickly ordered a meal, one more substantial than that of Anton. Afterwards, he motioned to a waiter. “Could you please tell me the way to the restrooms sir?” he asked and quickly made his way there, when told so. One the way back, he suddenly stopped, nearly causing a young lady, who had walked behind him, to bump into him.
“Pardon me fraülein.” He quickly said and stood aside. There he remained, thinking. What had nagged at him earlier that day had finally come back to him and it worried him quite a bit. Thinking it through, a few more things, suddenly made sense. It must be. Nicolai thought, although he didn’t like it very much. There can be no other explanation.
He stood for a while, looking out over the landscape of Germany, as it passed by him, thinking on what he should do next. Then, his mind made up, he went back to the compartment.
How can anyone think of bad things, when looking at this?
On the way to Lübeck, October 23rd, 1938
The first part of the journey had been rather uneventful, each member of the small group being watchful and alert, although nothing suspicious had happened. They had arrived in Munich on the 19th without any incident and had taken a room in a small hotel, where Nicolai had explained the next part of the journey.
“Tomorrow, we will board a train to Lübeck.” He had said, “It is important that we continue to keep on alert. While the first part of the journey was luckily uneventful, the second might not be so.” He looked at Vladimir and Dmitri. “In fact,” he continued, “The chances are far greater now, that something might happen. We got away in a hopefully unexpected direction and it always takes time to catch up on the unexpected. But now that we are here, we have to go in one of the few directions we can, to get towards Russia. The one I’ve chosen should be the least likely to suspect, but then again, we may be dealing with professionals.” Vladimir had interrupted. “But why don’t we go in another direction then and turn towards Russia at a later time?” At that, Nicolai had shaken his head. “For two reasons. One, we need to go towards Russia at some point and if anybody has found our location, they might not expect it to be so soon. Secondly and far more important is the current situation in Russia.” Nicolai eyed Vladimir. “It will do Russia no good, if you return to take the throne and the nation has already fallen to rebellion.” At that thought, Vladimir winced and nodded. “That must be avoided at all cost.” He said, “Yes, which leaves us under something of a tight schedule.” Nicolai continued. “And our potential adversaries know that.”
They had gotten a nights rest and then gone back to the train station the next morning, boarding the express to Lübeck. As they were waiting for the train to arrive, Nicolai sat brooding about his plan and whether or not it would succeed. I’ve thought of everything. He mused and then quickly corrected himself. No, nobody every thinks of everything. Sitting in his own thoughts, he noticed Anton coming back from somewhere. Where did he go? he thought and cursed himself for not noticing his partner had left in the first place. Although Anton was his partner, it still meant he had not paid full attention and that was the way to fail. Have I missed anything important, while sitting here, woolgathering? He cast a questioning glance at Anton, who made a slight motion with his hand, indicating that he had been to the restrooms. Nicolai relaxed and nodded, he had been there himself a while past.
Finally, the train arrived and they got aboard. They quickly moved through the sections to the first class section and found their compartment. Although it was somewhat risky to travel first class, it was far riskier to travel in the main sections of the train. They all had to sleep from time to time during the next few days and sleeping in the open provided far too many chances for ‘accidents’ to happen, in Nicolai’s mind.
“What now then?” Dmitri asked, somewhat tired. The count, being the oldest of them all and not used to the rigors of travel, had not found it easy to sleep the previous night. “Just relax and try to get some sleep Helmut.” Nicolai responded, settling himself, while he spoke, to find a better position. “For the next couple of days, this will be our home.” The compartment was larger than the luxurious ones on the Orient Express and was made for four people instead of two. Anton stood up. “I’ll go see if I can find something to eat.” He said. Having had a bit of stomach trouble the previous day, the young agent had not been able to eat anything for breakfast. But now, he seemed better off and would naturally be hungry. Nicolai nodded, a bit absentmindedly. Something nagged at him that he couldn’t quite shake off. Something had happened today, which didn’t quite ring true to his mind, but he couldn’t pinpoint what it was. He shook it off for the moment. Thinking about such things very rarely lead to anything. He would remember it in time and then, he would act upon it, if necessary.
He dozed off for a while, only waking to attention, when Anton returned later on. “They have some very good food.” He said, sitting down with a pleased sigh. “Oh? What did you have?” It was Vladimir asking, more out of a need to talk about something, rather than any particular interest. “Some toasted bread with crab salad and fried mushrooms.” Anton replied, relaxed now that his hunger had been sated. “A bit of cheese and sausage for desert and a dark beer, to top it all off.” Vladimir grinned, he had taken a liking to the man, who was only some years his junior. “That’s not going to go particularly well with an upset stomach, you know.” He said, half teasingly. At that moment, Nicolai, although drowsy, noticed Anton flinch very slightly. What’s that? he thought, but the rigors of staying on a constant alert for the last few days and the comfort of his seat, had made him rather tired and he didn’t pay too much attention at the time being.
“Ah, you know me, Herr Krüger.” Anton said, smiling, “I am never one for half-hearted measures.” Vladimir laughed and felt much more relaxed. The constant tension had taken its toll on him too and he had needed a good laugh. They talked a bit more of unimportant things and then they slowly fell into a drowse, as the train pulled off from the station.
Later that day, Nicolai woke up and felt quite hungry. He nudged Anton awake as well. “Keep an eye about.” He said, more an order than anything else. “I’m going to get something to eat.” Anton nodded and sat up straighter in his seat. He picked up a newspaper from the table, which he had bought on the station, back in Münich. “Will do.”
Nicolai left the compartment and made his way to the dining car. When there, he quickly ordered a meal, one more substantial than that of Anton. Afterwards, he motioned to a waiter. “Could you please tell me the way to the restrooms sir?” he asked and quickly made his way there, when told so. One the way back, he suddenly stopped, nearly causing a young lady, who had walked behind him, to bump into him.
“Pardon me fraülein.” He quickly said and stood aside. There he remained, thinking. What had nagged at him earlier that day had finally come back to him and it worried him quite a bit. Thinking it through, a few more things, suddenly made sense. It must be. Nicolai thought, although he didn’t like it very much. There can be no other explanation.
He stood for a while, looking out over the landscape of Germany, as it passed by him, thinking on what he should do next. Then, his mind made up, he went back to the compartment.
How can anyone think of bad things, when looking at this?
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Zauberfloete: Not exactly, although I did consider the idea at first. However, even now, with only the second update involving travel by train, I am getting a bit tired of it myself and honestly, one can only post so many pictures about the insides of trains, without boring people to tears..
So, I've chosen a slighly different approach, as you will find in the coming updates.
Hardraade: That might, very well be the case, sir..
As you will see, I've posted a rather short update this time.. I wanted to give you a few more hints and things to think about, while I'm writing the next update, which will most likely take a couple of days to be done.. Especially since that one, as opposed to the last two, will indeed have some proper action..
On a side note.. Can anyone guess, who is actually playing our dear Grand Duke? it shouldn't be that hard to figure out..
However, even now, with only the second update involving travel by train, I am getting a bit tired of it myself and honestly, one can only post so many pictures about the insides of trains, without boring people to tears.. So, I've chosen a slighly different approach, as you will find in the coming updates.
Hardraade: That might, very well be the case, sir..
As you will see, I've posted a rather short update this time.. I wanted to give you a few more hints and things to think about, while I'm writing the next update, which will most likely take a couple of days to be done.. Especially since that one, as opposed to the last two, will indeed have some proper action..
On a side note.. Can anyone guess, who is actually playing our dear Grand Duke? it shouldn't be that hard to figure out..
I suspect treachery! Hopefully Nicolai can see the future Czar safely to St. Petersburg. Perhaps minus a partner who "accidentally" fell off the train?
I need a bit of advice from all of you, who read this story.. Honest advice..
I am concerned whether or not the story is interesting enough to read. I know I've hardly begun it yet and that I need experience in the field of writing. Likewise, this is my first AAR and that, in itself, might loose me some readers. Finally, I know this is a story-type AAR and not a gameplay one..
However.. I know that some of you are very skilled writAARs in your own right and I beg of you, to give me some constructive critisism on my updates.
I see that few people seem interested in the story, although I am of course, grateful for those who are. So, I see five possibilities:
1) Either this type of AAR interests few people..
2) Since this is my first AAR, people do not wish to get entangled with it, out of fear that I will abandon it..
3) Since I've already stated that I will do anything in order to further the story, including sacrificing the integrity of the game (e.g. edit and cheat, if that will add to the excitement of the story, although I will not do so, to simply have an easy ride, (as in, no cheating myself out of wars, into diplomatic deals and so on and under no circumstances use resource cheats or anything alike), people are less than enthusiastic about reading the story..
4) I am a poor writer and people do not like how I write..
5) Or lastly, because it's boring people to tears.
I am not certain, which of these apply, if any.. But it seems that I must be doing something wrong and I really need your help in improving myself and this AAR, so that we can all have a better time with it.. Therefore, I ask you all to post your opinions, whether positive or negative and how you believe I might improve the quality of the AAR.. Do not be afraid to offend me, I would not ask for this, if I were not ready to 'read' the truth..
Thank you..
I am concerned whether or not the story is interesting enough to read. I know I've hardly begun it yet and that I need experience in the field of writing. Likewise, this is my first AAR and that, in itself, might loose me some readers. Finally, I know this is a story-type AAR and not a gameplay one..
However.. I know that some of you are very skilled writAARs in your own right and I beg of you, to give me some constructive critisism on my updates.
I see that few people seem interested in the story, although I am of course, grateful for those who are.
So, I see five possibilities:1) Either this type of AAR interests few people..
2) Since this is my first AAR, people do not wish to get entangled with it, out of fear that I will abandon it..
3) Since I've already stated that I will do anything in order to further the story, including sacrificing the integrity of the game (e.g. edit and cheat, if that will add to the excitement of the story, although I will not do so, to simply have an easy ride, (as in, no cheating myself out of wars, into diplomatic deals and so on and under no circumstances use resource cheats or anything alike), people are less than enthusiastic about reading the story..
4) I am a poor writer and people do not like how I write..
5) Or lastly, because it's boring people to tears.
I am not certain, which of these apply, if any.. But it seems that I must be doing something wrong and I really need your help in improving myself and this AAR, so that we can all have a better time with it.. Therefore, I ask you all to post your opinions, whether positive or negative and how you believe I might improve the quality of the AAR.. Do not be afraid to offend me, I would not ask for this, if I were not ready to 'read' the truth..
Thank you..
This is just me commenting on my thoughts, I think that story-type AAR's are always the best because they're driven by plot and take more time and effort to make then simple map and picture AAR's. Saying this, these types also I think have the fewest followers unless it is written like its done by a proffessional, simply because I believe more people are interested in looking at 500 maps and pictures rather than spend the time reading a story, not many people like to read nowadays.
Saying this, I do love this AAR so far, I'm of the old type, I enjoy these more than just the AAR of endless maps and pictures.
Now saying this the first choice will usually always apply to story AAR's but I like this and your doing just fine.
Saying this, I do love this AAR so far, I'm of the old type, I enjoy these more than just the AAR of endless maps and pictures.
Now saying this the first choice will usually always apply to story AAR's but I like this and your doing just fine.
Narrative AARs tend to get far less comments than gameplay style ones. Count of Tyrol is correct in that a lot of the readers on the forum prefer to read gameplay AARs simply because it's easier. You can read an update that basically consists of two lines of text and several map pictures in a few seconds and then leave a quick comment like "Nice update." and be done with it. Narrative AARs take more time. Not only to read, but to process. Unfortunately, that means that fewer people are likely to take the time to read them, especially if it's a long one that would take some time to catch up on. I, for one, prefer narrative AARs as a character-driven story is far more interesting to me than a collection of screenshots. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with those types of AARs, it's just a matter of my personal preference.
As to your AAR: As a fan of alternate history (an entire shelf of my bookcase is devoted to Harry Turtledove), I find the world that you have set the story in to be fascinating, and reading the updates that explained that alternate history of this world was very enjoyable. As good as those updates were, I have come to enjoy this AAR even more as you have begun to introduce the cast of characters. You have done a very good job of painting a picture of these characters and drawing me into the story along with them- Nicolai is my particular favorite.
You should by no means feel that this AAR is being hampered by your ability as a writer. As I have said above, you have drawn me into this story very effectively and generated a very real interest in your characters. I take that as evidence of a well written tale and I hope that you agree with that assessment.
When I first started Return to Glory I felt many of the same insecurities that you described, but I was encouraged by my readers to continue and I'm glad that I did. I urge you not to feel discouraged and to continue this excellent story.
As to your AAR: As a fan of alternate history (an entire shelf of my bookcase is devoted to Harry Turtledove), I find the world that you have set the story in to be fascinating, and reading the updates that explained that alternate history of this world was very enjoyable. As good as those updates were, I have come to enjoy this AAR even more as you have begun to introduce the cast of characters. You have done a very good job of painting a picture of these characters and drawing me into the story along with them- Nicolai is my particular favorite.
You should by no means feel that this AAR is being hampered by your ability as a writer. As I have said above, you have drawn me into this story very effectively and generated a very real interest in your characters. I take that as evidence of a well written tale and I hope that you agree with that assessment.
When I first started Return to Glory I felt many of the same insecurities that you described, but I was encouraged by my readers to continue and I'm glad that I did. I urge you not to feel discouraged and to continue this excellent story.
Thank you, to both of you..
I feel heartened by your support and your comments on both my story and why it might be, that few readers take an interest.. At least, it seems that it is not my writing and that, in itself, is a pleasant thought..
That said, your comments have made me make a decission.. No matter how few readers I get, I will continue with the story, to its very end..
I am personally a narrative reader as well, as you might've guessed.. There's nothing wrong with gameplay AARs and I've even found a few, from time to time, which caught my attention.. But I am a sucker for a good story and those are usually found in narrative AARs, to my experience...
Now.. I think I better get back to my writing, as I have an update, which needs to get done..
Thank you, again..
- Rob
PS. Yes Hardraade.. If I can manage to get you drawn into the depths of this tale, then I consider it a testament to the story.. And a very great compliment..
I feel heartened by your support and your comments on both my story and why it might be, that few readers take an interest.. At least, it seems that it is not my writing and that, in itself, is a pleasant thought..
That said, your comments have made me make a decission.. No matter how few readers I get, I will continue with the story, to its very end..
I am personally a narrative reader as well, as you might've guessed.. There's nothing wrong with gameplay AARs and I've even found a few, from time to time, which caught my attention.. But I am a sucker for a good story and those are usually found in narrative AARs, to my experience...
Now.. I think I better get back to my writing, as I have an update, which needs to get done..
Thank you, again..
- Rob
PS. Yes Hardraade.. If I can manage to get you drawn into the depths of this tale, then I consider it a testament to the story.. And a very great compliment..
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I'm truly glad to hear that this AAR will continue to the end, and am eager to read that next update.
Let me guess, Anton is a double agent. It is already stated that he is somewhat over skilled tor an operative on first assignment. Plus there is that bad stomach and heavy food comment. What did he do? Drop notes trough toilet down into the railway to let know his associates about their route?
Or I'm talking stupids.
Now about AAR, I like it as it is, but then I'm biased since I like ANY Rusian/Soviet AAR, especialy ones featuring Imperial Russia kicking probably a LOT of un-Slavic ass and taking names not ending in ov ch tsh and so on.
Or I'm talking stupids.
Now about AAR, I like it as it is, but then I'm biased since I like ANY Rusian/Soviet AAR, especialy ones featuring Imperial Russia kicking probably a LOT of un-Slavic ass and taking names not ending in ov ch tsh and so on.
It really pisses me off sometimes too when I a write a big long update and then hardly anyone responds. Its frankly insulting. But I'm enjoying your AAR. I love both Russian and German AARs that involve the restoration of the Monarchy, and yours is a very good example of the former. Keep up the good work and don't be discouraged!
Keep up the good work and don't be discouraged! 
Yes whatever you do please continue this AAR, its very interesting and promising so far. I like narratives over gampelay because the author is putting more time and effort into it rather than slap together a bunch of pics from imageshack or photobucket paste and say "the (blank) advance into (blank) by (blank)" This is a very good AAR so far. Looking for more in the future.
SeanB said:
Shits happens sometimes... It's question of getting used, methinks. I'm an expert on this, trust me.
Excellent AAR, by the way.
Chapter 1 - Part 4
Lübeck, Germany, October 21st 1938
The docks at Lübeck. Who could have known that they were soon to be the scene of a battle?
The taxi dropped the four men off, near the piers about noon. They had had an uneventful train ride and now, all they needed do, was to make it down to the pier, where the ship was waiting. Nicolai was nervous, but he kept his face straight and used his fears to heighten his state of alert. He knew it would happen here, it couldn’t really happen anywhere else. He had thought a lot about it during the last day, considering his options and those of his adversaries. Committing any form of attack against the Grand Duke in Russia itself was immensely risky, as it would point the finger straight into the higher political circles and whoever took power afterwards, would inevitably be blamed for the crime. No, it had to be done outside of Russia, to create the idea, that foreign agents were involved. And the pier in Lübeck was the last piece of foreign land, Vladimir would be standing on for a long time, if Nicolai had his way.
At first, he had considered the train ride from Münich to Lübech to be the perfect opportunity for agents to try and assassinate the Grand Duke, but then he had reconsidered. The spaces were too cramped for anyone’s liking and any killers would have to get up close and personal, which would be a huge risk with trained agents on the defensive. Or at least one such. Nicolai thought to himself. No, it has to be Lübeck. He had come to conclusion early on the train, almost before he had begun to get the suspicion, he now considered fact. The pier was really the only place, where there was sufficient space, to commit the attack and then disappear. And honestly, once the four had taken the train to Lübeck, it wasn’t too hard to figure out, what would be their next form of transportation. Lübeck was an important port city on the Baltic coast. Which means that if they fail here, they’ve lost the game. Nicolai thought, assured that when they reached the next stop, he could guarantee the safety of Vladimir, with little difficulty.
As they left the taxi, Nicolai’s senses came on full alert and he mentally checked that all his weapons were ready. He had told neither the count, nor the grand duke about his suspicions, as they, if they were even more nervous and alert than usual, might betray the one ace, he had up his sleeve: His knowledge.
It was the walk from the taxi drop off spot, to the pier itself, which was truly dangerous, as they had to walk in the open and would be easily recognizable to their enemies.
After all, if they do not know how we look by now, they aren’t worth their pay. Out of the corner of his eye, Nicolai eyed Anton and noticed that his partner was a bit tense. He moved a bit closer to Vladimir and kept his eyes open. What’s that? Maybe it was a feint reflection by the sun, or maybe it was pure instinct that made Nicolai glance upwards at that moment, but it was all he needed, to see the shooter. “Fall down.” He shouted, as he pushed Vladimir aside. The shot fell and Nicolai felt a burning sensation in his left shoulder. Damn it. He thought, as he felt the blood begin to trickle. But at least he missed Vladimir. He quickly raised his gun with the right hand and took a shot at the sniper, while at the same time, pushing Vladimir away. “Get under cover, quickly!” he yelled and cast a glance at Anton, who stood with his gun raised, looking for enemies. “Go down the side and see if you can get behind him.” Nicolai hissed and Anton took off at a run, crouching behind any cover on his way. Nicolai continued to look out for the sniper, while staying alert for the possibility of more enemies. “Go to that door and see if it’s opened.” He said, motioning towards a door, nearby, leading into another building than the one, which held the sniper. “We need to get you out of the open.” Vladimir, staying as low as possible, scrambled to do as he was told, while Dmitri kept behind a stack of boxes. Old as he was, he didn’t want to start running, until he definitely had to. Wise choice. Nicolai commended him silently. The door was locked, but Vladimir took out a gun of his own and quickly shot the lock a few times, which effectively unlocked it. “It’s open.” He called to Nicolai in a low voice. “Get in there quick, you too.” He said the last part in the direction of the count and then focused on covering the two men. When at last, he was sure, they had to be inside, he sprinted the distance himself and got behind the door, just as another shot rang out from the roof, nearly hitting him in the back.
The sniper, looking to get another shot.
“We’re safe for now.” He told Vladimir and Dmitri, as he closed the heavy door behind him and took a look around. They were inside a large warehouse, stacked with boxes and containers, leaving only a few narrow hallways to get around. However, by the door, there was a small open area and only one pathway through the containers, left that, so it was a highly defensible position. Nicolai turned towards the other two men, when his quick inspection was done. “You need to stay low and keep your eyes out.” He said to them in a low voice. “What about you?” The count, although obviously nervous, kept his voice steady and thus earned another few points in Nicolai’s estimation of him. “I need to get to that sniper.” He said and explained. “We need some information on how many people are out there, before we can continue. And that sniper is the only one, who can tell us that, for now.” He had other reasons of course, but he chose not to reveal them yet. At the moment, the only thing he could do was to make sure Vladimir and Dmitri were safe and then go on the offensive. “Shoot at anything that moves in here.” He cautioned. “I find it highly unlikely that anyone, who’s around here, is not an enemy.” The count nodded and to Nicolai’s surprise, took out a gun of his own. I should’ve known. He mentally kicked himself and threw a quick smile at the count. The sly fox.
“I’ll whistle a part of the national anthem, when I get back, he whispered then. “That way, you’ll know it’s me.” With that, he quickly took a peek outside and was rewarded with yet another near miss from the sniper. “Hmm.” He said and quickly eyed his surroundings again. “At least nobody will get in through this door for a while. Keep down and keep alert.” Nicolai quickly sped off, down the lone hallways between the cargo in the warehouse, knowing that there had to be at least one other exit.
After a few minutes, he found the exit and took a quick peek outside. No one’s around, maybe it is my lucky day. he thought in wry amusement. None the less, he ran at full speed across the open area outside and into another warehouse building, this one leading to the one, which held the sniper.
He quickly made his way through the narrow hallways, when suddenly a shot rang out and a box right in front of him sported a new hole. Nicolai instinctively sprang behind another box and from there, took a view of his surroundings. Where are you, you bastard? For a while, everything was silent, but then Nicolai caught the flicker of movement to his right. There you are. If anyone had looked at Nicolai’s face right that moment, they would have seen an almost devilish grin slowly creep over his face. Although usually the agent kept an absolutely straight face, unless a situation called for something else, he could not help but feel the excitement of the moment and something primitive seemed to take over part of his very being, as he slowly surrendered to his instincts. Normally, being anything but in absolute control was a bad trait in a trained agent, but there were situations, where thinking about something slowed you down and when your life depended on how fast you reacted to something. Part of the Okhrana training centered on these moments and the agents were drilled extensively on how to surrender to their instinctual reactions in times, when it was necessary. Such a time was now and Nicolai went through a series of mental exercises, with one part of his mind, slowly sinking into his instincts, while another part of himself was constantly focused on his surroundings and a third was used to plan his next moves. There! Before he even thought that one word, Nicolai had already made the shot and felled the enemy agent. Got you.
Nicolai continuously scanned his surroundings, while he slowly made his way to where the man had gone down. In any moment, it could be him that lay there, with a bullet through him and that knowledge made his senses and his instincts even sharper. Using his fear in this way made it a tool, an asset, instead of a weakness. Another lesson of the Okhrana, who considered agents without fear to be useless, as that made them less alert and more prone to foolish risks.
When he came to the man, he could see that he was near death, but not yet quite there. Nicolai smiled again and went the rest of the way. “Greetings.” He whispered, almost pleasantly. “Not exactly a good day for you is it.” The last part wasn’t really a question, but the enemy agent, a rather young man, still shook his head. “Thought you’d strike a blow for your fellow comrades, did you?” That was a question and Nicolai paid special attention to how the other one reacted. The slight frown and dislike in his face, made Nicolai sure. Not Bolshevik or Socialist. He thought. He had suspected as much, but still, he hadn’t been sure. “Anything you wish to tell me about your friends?” He asked, the young man shook his head and Nicolai nodded. “I didn’t think so.” He reached down, placed his weapon on the floor and took hold of the head of the enemy agent. “Goodnight.”
Afterwards, Nicolai picked up his weapon again and continued on his way. He was sure that the young man was alone in here, as the enemy team couldn’t be too large. Three or four at most. He mused, as he carefully made his way towards the stairs. His next target was upwards, of that he was sure. The enemy, although probably guessing that he was on the move by now, could not afford not to guard the front door and thus, the sniper almost had to be in position.
Nicolai met no resistance on his way to the roof, something which didn’t concern him in particular. He would get all his questions answered soon enough, of that he was sure. He cautiously opened the door to the roof and by now he was fully alert once more. Somewhere out there was a man with a rifle and judging by what he had seen so far, the sniper was pretty good at what he did. As he was about to step out on the roof, Nicolai stopped for a moment. Was that a sound somewhere behind him? He listened, but there were no more sounds. He shrugged it off, although he didn’t neglect it as unimportant. Whatever, or whoever, if anything, was back there, he had to deal with the sniper first. He slowly made his way out on the roof, staying low and keeping behind anything that might offer the least bit cover. Where is he, the bastard? Nicolai asked himself, as he made his way across the roof. Show yourself dammit.
And then, just as if it had been in reply to Nicolai’s question, there he was, the sniper, still crouching with his rifle, keeping a lookout on the door. Nicolai was shocked. He knew the man had to be keeping an eye on the door, but why wasn’t he in the least bit concerned with his back? The answer came to Nicolai in a flash: The sound behind him, the third man. He nearly jumped from his position, as he threw himself across the roof, away from his position, just as a gun sounded behind him. He felt the shot, more than heard it, but at the same time, he felt that it was a miss, albeit a very near one. The bastard counted on me focusing on the shot. The thought flew through his mind, as he made a roll on the roof and spotting the man behind him, took him down with a single shot to the head. Two. he thought, as he continued his roll, to get out of the sight of the sniper, who by now had to have reacted and probably would so very quickly. If he had the nerve to sit still, not even glancing backwards, while he had to know, someone was there or most likely would be soon, he had to be professional. Nicolai had to admit to himself, that he wasn’t even sure he could have done that himself. Nicolai finished his long roll behind another semi-wall on the roof, well out of sight of the enemy sniper and quickly ran over his options in his mind. He had two really: Either he could wait it out with the sniper, something which Nicolai didn’t want to do, as he honestly believed he didn’t have the time, or he could do something rash and hopefully unexpected. He chose the last and took off, jumping low over the wall, making a roll that took him round to face the sniper, who, as Nicolai had hoped, hadn’t expected it. Still, the shot nearly hit Nicolai dead on, but only graced his leg. In return, Nicolai fired, hitting the crouching sniper first in the stomach and then in the head. Three. He thought with satisfaction and only then realized that he was bleeding from the leg. He ran over to the sniper and threw a quick glance over the wall. There was nobody there. He hurriedly tore the snipers shirt to pieces and bound up both his shoulder, which was still bleeding and his leg. Now, all he had to do was make it back to the Grand Duke, without anybody noticing.
The warehouse, seen from the back.
Anton moved very slowly, making absolutely sure that no sound escaped him, as he made his way through the warehouse, towards his target. He had spent far too much time and effort on his training to fail now, but he was still nervous, this was, after all, his first major assignment and he knew how much was expected of him. There they are. He knew it, almost instinctively, before he even saw them. They had to be there, it was the most defensive position in the entire warehouse and Anton knew without the shadow of a doubt that his targets would be there, waiting under the illusion of security, certain that he and Nicolai would be capable of dealing with their enemies. Poor Nicolai. Anton thought, as he silently climbed on top of the containers. I almost got to like you. They had planned it well, studying the profiles of both the Grand Duke and the Count and most importantly, the captain Nicolai Amenikov. Anton knew more about Nicolai than anybody else alive by now, perhaps even better than Nicolai did himself, so he was confident that all would work out as planned. The trap had been laid with that in mind. Nicolai would first look for a safe place for his targets and then go on the offensive, searching for his enemies. While he might find it strange that Anton was not somewhere around, it wasn’t really important. The men Anton worked with were some of the very best and either they would defeat Nicolai on their own or they would delay him for long enough to get Anton the time he needed to make the hit. Anton hoped fervently that he wouldn’t have to deal with Nicolai himself, not because he feared the older and far more experienced captain, but because he really didn’t want to have to kill him. He was a good man, who fought for what he believed in, a trait Anton respected very much and which he himself, had done too, at least until a few months back. Oh Lera. he thought to himself. Why did you have to do it? he forced the memory of the first, dreadful phone-call from his mind and focused on the task at hand. He was lying, absolutely silent on top of the containers, moving forward only a few inches at a time. A yard left, three feet, two feet. He could hear the breathing of the two men below him, waiting for himself or Nicolai to report back that all was safe. Afraid what they should do, if neither of them came back. I am here already. Anton thought to himself, Although you will never know that. He was almost there now and he moved his hand to get his gun out. It was now or never.
“Hello Anton.”
The voice was relaxed, almost pleasant in its tone and Anton knew it immediately. He turned around, as fast as he could, reaching for his weapon, but then hesitated, knowing that it was already over. “Hello Nicolai.” He said. He knew he had failed, but yet he felt relieved. It was all over now. “Get up Anton.” Nicolai said. He was standing on bare feet, scarcely ten feet behind Anton, his gun steady in his outstretched hand. “But slowly, if you please.” Anton got up. Beneath them, Vladimir and Dmitri stood, staring up at the pair. “What’s happening?” Vladimir asked, although by the look on his face, he already knew. “Just a bit of collegial disagreement, Your Highness.” Nicolai replied, his voice still relaxed. “Anton and I are going to have a little talk. Nothing for you to be concerned with.” Anton felt a chill run down his spine at the word ‘talk’. Although they did not use it often, all agents of the Okhrana had been taught the art of interrogation and Anton knew, from Nicolai’s files that the captain was very skilled at getting people to talk. One of his nicknames, ‘Ironface’ he had gotten due to his immense control over his emotions and he had once ‘interrogated’ a man half to death, without ever showing a glimpse of remorse or compassion. To Nicolai, Anton knew, any length meant any length, in defense of the nation.
He looked up at Nicolai, considering whether or not he should try his luck, but the look in the older man’s eyes, convinced him otherwise. It was a look of absolute determination to get what he wanted and Anton knew what it was: Everything. He sighed and very slowly took out his gun and pushed it away. There was no reason to hide it anymore. “How did you know?” he asked simply, resigned in his defeat. “It was back in Münich.” Vladimir said. “When you came back from the restroom, remember?” Anton nodded, he remembered well. He needed an excuse to get away and send a telegram to his partners, who waited in Berlin with a very fast car. All they needed was a destination and they would go there faster than the four travelers possibly could. Anton had known they would go through Germany, but nothing else and Berlin seemed a fair choice, since it was rather close to the border in the east and to the port cities in the north. “It was a simple mistake and I didn’t even see it, for what it was at first.” Nicolai continued. “The restrooms were in the other direction Anton.” Anton winced. He had never even thought about it. How absolutely idiotic. he thought. The stomach troubles were the perfect excuse to get away, but he hadn’t thought about the restrooms, only making sure there were no in the immediate vicinity of the group, when they were waiting at the platform. He had been so certain he wasn’t being suspected that he had failed to take that simple precaution, to return from the right direction and now he was paying for that mistake.
“I see.” Was all he said, as he slowly got up and climbed down the side of the container. Nicolai jumped down beside him, not for an instant losing his aim. “Let’s go somewhere and talk, shall we?” Anton nodded and they walked away.
Vladimir looked at Dmitri, when the two agents had gone. “Oh my god.” He said simply and Dmitri nodded with a sad look on his face. “I hadn’t expected that.” Vladimir continued. “Neither had I.” Dmitri stated simply, “in fact, I quite liked the young man. I thought he was doing a great job.” It was Vladimir’s time to nod. He too had liked the young Anton Bondar. Remember this Vladimir. He thought, remember never to trust anyone completely. “One never knows, does he?” he said sadly and Dmitri slowly shook his head, eyeing the young Grand Duke. It’s a hard lesson to learn, my friend. He thought, seeing how Vladimir seemed to have a bitter taste in his mouth and guessing what he was thinking. But a necessary one. They stood in silence after that, each in his own thoughts and then, after about half an hour, they heard a single shot ring out. A few moments later, Nicolai came walking down to them, slowly whistling a part of the republican anthem, so they knew it was him. “It’s done.” He said simply, his face calm, yet his eyes shining with unrestrained anger. “Those who ‘hired’ him, if you can call them that, had his sister Valariya. It was the only family Anton had and they knew it. They used her to get at him and it worked.” Nicolai fell silent for a moment. “Considering what he told me, I’m not surprised. They are very good at what they do.” Vladimir looked at him, horror in his eyes. “If they used him, why did you kill him?” he asked. Nicolai looked at him, surprised. “It doesn’t change anything Your Highness.” He said. “For one thing, Anton was a traitor to Russia and whatever he or I could say, death was all that awaited him at home. Not even you could have saved him from that.” Vladimir was about to say something, but Dmitri shook his head and Vladimir fell silent. “I couldn’t, could I?” he asked simply. “No Your Highness. Either he would have been executed by the Okhrana or his employers would have killed him to keep him from talking. On that note, I have to ask you both a favor.” Vladimir and Dmitri nodded. “If anyone asks, Anton died from a stray bullet, fired by one of the attackers.” Dmitri cocked an eyebrow and Nicolai explained. “Those whom he worked for will believe he died without saying anything and that might give me a chance to hunt them down.” Anger now shone from his eyes. “And believe me, Your Highness.” He continued, his voice a near whisper, “I will hunt them down. Not one of them will escape me.”
Vladimir believed him. At that very moment, he was very, very happy that the captain was on his side. He saw in his eyes something that made him almost cringe away from him. Something primitive and bestial and yet something so icy cold that it went beyond Vladimir’s ability to comprehend. And then it was gone, hidden behind the mask that Nicolai so habitually wore. “I will grant you your favor, if you grant me mine.” He said then. Nicolai looked at him quizzically. “You will wait until after I am crowned, before you go after them, captain.” As he spoke, Vladimir’s voice changed from one of sadness and fear, to one of command. A voice those who heard it in the years to come, would know to obey immediately and without hesitation. “When I am crowned captain, not a moment before, you understand?” Nicolai nodded. He had come to respect the Grand Duke for his sharp wits and easy nature. But he knew that Vladimir was also a skilled politician and now, for one of the first time, he heard the sound of absolute authority in his voice. What a formidable Tsar, he will become. he thought and nearly smiled. Nicolai believed firmly that the future of Russia demanded a strong leader, one the people would love and trust and he had always believed in the monarchy to be the best form of government, if headed by a strong, fair, modern-minded ruler. He had seen both fairness and a modern mindset in Vladimir and now he saw the strength which lay beneath. He nodded. “Yes sir." He said simply. “But when I am crowned, you will go after them Nicolai.” Vladimir added, this time in a much softer voice. “Whatever you need, you shall have it. All the power of Russia is at your disposal in this. I want them Nicolai." Vladimir locked eyes with Nicolai, "Every last one of them. Do you understand?"
"It shall be as you command." Nicolai said and after a brief pause, in which he seemed to consider something, he added, looking back into the eyes of Vladimir: "My Tsar."
Lübeck, Germany, October 21st 1938
The docks at Lübeck. Who could have known that they were soon to be the scene of a battle?
The taxi dropped the four men off, near the piers about noon. They had had an uneventful train ride and now, all they needed do, was to make it down to the pier, where the ship was waiting. Nicolai was nervous, but he kept his face straight and used his fears to heighten his state of alert. He knew it would happen here, it couldn’t really happen anywhere else. He had thought a lot about it during the last day, considering his options and those of his adversaries. Committing any form of attack against the Grand Duke in Russia itself was immensely risky, as it would point the finger straight into the higher political circles and whoever took power afterwards, would inevitably be blamed for the crime. No, it had to be done outside of Russia, to create the idea, that foreign agents were involved. And the pier in Lübeck was the last piece of foreign land, Vladimir would be standing on for a long time, if Nicolai had his way.
At first, he had considered the train ride from Münich to Lübech to be the perfect opportunity for agents to try and assassinate the Grand Duke, but then he had reconsidered. The spaces were too cramped for anyone’s liking and any killers would have to get up close and personal, which would be a huge risk with trained agents on the defensive. Or at least one such. Nicolai thought to himself. No, it has to be Lübeck. He had come to conclusion early on the train, almost before he had begun to get the suspicion, he now considered fact. The pier was really the only place, where there was sufficient space, to commit the attack and then disappear. And honestly, once the four had taken the train to Lübeck, it wasn’t too hard to figure out, what would be their next form of transportation. Lübeck was an important port city on the Baltic coast. Which means that if they fail here, they’ve lost the game. Nicolai thought, assured that when they reached the next stop, he could guarantee the safety of Vladimir, with little difficulty.
As they left the taxi, Nicolai’s senses came on full alert and he mentally checked that all his weapons were ready. He had told neither the count, nor the grand duke about his suspicions, as they, if they were even more nervous and alert than usual, might betray the one ace, he had up his sleeve: His knowledge.
It was the walk from the taxi drop off spot, to the pier itself, which was truly dangerous, as they had to walk in the open and would be easily recognizable to their enemies.
After all, if they do not know how we look by now, they aren’t worth their pay. Out of the corner of his eye, Nicolai eyed Anton and noticed that his partner was a bit tense. He moved a bit closer to Vladimir and kept his eyes open. What’s that? Maybe it was a feint reflection by the sun, or maybe it was pure instinct that made Nicolai glance upwards at that moment, but it was all he needed, to see the shooter. “Fall down.” He shouted, as he pushed Vladimir aside. The shot fell and Nicolai felt a burning sensation in his left shoulder. Damn it. He thought, as he felt the blood begin to trickle. But at least he missed Vladimir. He quickly raised his gun with the right hand and took a shot at the sniper, while at the same time, pushing Vladimir away. “Get under cover, quickly!” he yelled and cast a glance at Anton, who stood with his gun raised, looking for enemies. “Go down the side and see if you can get behind him.” Nicolai hissed and Anton took off at a run, crouching behind any cover on his way. Nicolai continued to look out for the sniper, while staying alert for the possibility of more enemies. “Go to that door and see if it’s opened.” He said, motioning towards a door, nearby, leading into another building than the one, which held the sniper. “We need to get you out of the open.” Vladimir, staying as low as possible, scrambled to do as he was told, while Dmitri kept behind a stack of boxes. Old as he was, he didn’t want to start running, until he definitely had to. Wise choice. Nicolai commended him silently. The door was locked, but Vladimir took out a gun of his own and quickly shot the lock a few times, which effectively unlocked it. “It’s open.” He called to Nicolai in a low voice. “Get in there quick, you too.” He said the last part in the direction of the count and then focused on covering the two men. When at last, he was sure, they had to be inside, he sprinted the distance himself and got behind the door, just as another shot rang out from the roof, nearly hitting him in the back.
The sniper, looking to get another shot.
“We’re safe for now.” He told Vladimir and Dmitri, as he closed the heavy door behind him and took a look around. They were inside a large warehouse, stacked with boxes and containers, leaving only a few narrow hallways to get around. However, by the door, there was a small open area and only one pathway through the containers, left that, so it was a highly defensible position. Nicolai turned towards the other two men, when his quick inspection was done. “You need to stay low and keep your eyes out.” He said to them in a low voice. “What about you?” The count, although obviously nervous, kept his voice steady and thus earned another few points in Nicolai’s estimation of him. “I need to get to that sniper.” He said and explained. “We need some information on how many people are out there, before we can continue. And that sniper is the only one, who can tell us that, for now.” He had other reasons of course, but he chose not to reveal them yet. At the moment, the only thing he could do was to make sure Vladimir and Dmitri were safe and then go on the offensive. “Shoot at anything that moves in here.” He cautioned. “I find it highly unlikely that anyone, who’s around here, is not an enemy.” The count nodded and to Nicolai’s surprise, took out a gun of his own. I should’ve known. He mentally kicked himself and threw a quick smile at the count. The sly fox.
“I’ll whistle a part of the national anthem, when I get back, he whispered then. “That way, you’ll know it’s me.” With that, he quickly took a peek outside and was rewarded with yet another near miss from the sniper. “Hmm.” He said and quickly eyed his surroundings again. “At least nobody will get in through this door for a while. Keep down and keep alert.” Nicolai quickly sped off, down the lone hallways between the cargo in the warehouse, knowing that there had to be at least one other exit.
After a few minutes, he found the exit and took a quick peek outside. No one’s around, maybe it is my lucky day. he thought in wry amusement. None the less, he ran at full speed across the open area outside and into another warehouse building, this one leading to the one, which held the sniper.
He quickly made his way through the narrow hallways, when suddenly a shot rang out and a box right in front of him sported a new hole. Nicolai instinctively sprang behind another box and from there, took a view of his surroundings. Where are you, you bastard? For a while, everything was silent, but then Nicolai caught the flicker of movement to his right. There you are. If anyone had looked at Nicolai’s face right that moment, they would have seen an almost devilish grin slowly creep over his face. Although usually the agent kept an absolutely straight face, unless a situation called for something else, he could not help but feel the excitement of the moment and something primitive seemed to take over part of his very being, as he slowly surrendered to his instincts. Normally, being anything but in absolute control was a bad trait in a trained agent, but there were situations, where thinking about something slowed you down and when your life depended on how fast you reacted to something. Part of the Okhrana training centered on these moments and the agents were drilled extensively on how to surrender to their instinctual reactions in times, when it was necessary. Such a time was now and Nicolai went through a series of mental exercises, with one part of his mind, slowly sinking into his instincts, while another part of himself was constantly focused on his surroundings and a third was used to plan his next moves. There! Before he even thought that one word, Nicolai had already made the shot and felled the enemy agent. Got you.
Nicolai continuously scanned his surroundings, while he slowly made his way to where the man had gone down. In any moment, it could be him that lay there, with a bullet through him and that knowledge made his senses and his instincts even sharper. Using his fear in this way made it a tool, an asset, instead of a weakness. Another lesson of the Okhrana, who considered agents without fear to be useless, as that made them less alert and more prone to foolish risks.
When he came to the man, he could see that he was near death, but not yet quite there. Nicolai smiled again and went the rest of the way. “Greetings.” He whispered, almost pleasantly. “Not exactly a good day for you is it.” The last part wasn’t really a question, but the enemy agent, a rather young man, still shook his head. “Thought you’d strike a blow for your fellow comrades, did you?” That was a question and Nicolai paid special attention to how the other one reacted. The slight frown and dislike in his face, made Nicolai sure. Not Bolshevik or Socialist. He thought. He had suspected as much, but still, he hadn’t been sure. “Anything you wish to tell me about your friends?” He asked, the young man shook his head and Nicolai nodded. “I didn’t think so.” He reached down, placed his weapon on the floor and took hold of the head of the enemy agent. “Goodnight.”
Afterwards, Nicolai picked up his weapon again and continued on his way. He was sure that the young man was alone in here, as the enemy team couldn’t be too large. Three or four at most. He mused, as he carefully made his way towards the stairs. His next target was upwards, of that he was sure. The enemy, although probably guessing that he was on the move by now, could not afford not to guard the front door and thus, the sniper almost had to be in position.
Nicolai met no resistance on his way to the roof, something which didn’t concern him in particular. He would get all his questions answered soon enough, of that he was sure. He cautiously opened the door to the roof and by now he was fully alert once more. Somewhere out there was a man with a rifle and judging by what he had seen so far, the sniper was pretty good at what he did. As he was about to step out on the roof, Nicolai stopped for a moment. Was that a sound somewhere behind him? He listened, but there were no more sounds. He shrugged it off, although he didn’t neglect it as unimportant. Whatever, or whoever, if anything, was back there, he had to deal with the sniper first. He slowly made his way out on the roof, staying low and keeping behind anything that might offer the least bit cover. Where is he, the bastard? Nicolai asked himself, as he made his way across the roof. Show yourself dammit.
And then, just as if it had been in reply to Nicolai’s question, there he was, the sniper, still crouching with his rifle, keeping a lookout on the door. Nicolai was shocked. He knew the man had to be keeping an eye on the door, but why wasn’t he in the least bit concerned with his back? The answer came to Nicolai in a flash: The sound behind him, the third man. He nearly jumped from his position, as he threw himself across the roof, away from his position, just as a gun sounded behind him. He felt the shot, more than heard it, but at the same time, he felt that it was a miss, albeit a very near one. The bastard counted on me focusing on the shot. The thought flew through his mind, as he made a roll on the roof and spotting the man behind him, took him down with a single shot to the head. Two. he thought, as he continued his roll, to get out of the sight of the sniper, who by now had to have reacted and probably would so very quickly. If he had the nerve to sit still, not even glancing backwards, while he had to know, someone was there or most likely would be soon, he had to be professional. Nicolai had to admit to himself, that he wasn’t even sure he could have done that himself. Nicolai finished his long roll behind another semi-wall on the roof, well out of sight of the enemy sniper and quickly ran over his options in his mind. He had two really: Either he could wait it out with the sniper, something which Nicolai didn’t want to do, as he honestly believed he didn’t have the time, or he could do something rash and hopefully unexpected. He chose the last and took off, jumping low over the wall, making a roll that took him round to face the sniper, who, as Nicolai had hoped, hadn’t expected it. Still, the shot nearly hit Nicolai dead on, but only graced his leg. In return, Nicolai fired, hitting the crouching sniper first in the stomach and then in the head. Three. He thought with satisfaction and only then realized that he was bleeding from the leg. He ran over to the sniper and threw a quick glance over the wall. There was nobody there. He hurriedly tore the snipers shirt to pieces and bound up both his shoulder, which was still bleeding and his leg. Now, all he had to do was make it back to the Grand Duke, without anybody noticing.
The warehouse, seen from the back.
Anton moved very slowly, making absolutely sure that no sound escaped him, as he made his way through the warehouse, towards his target. He had spent far too much time and effort on his training to fail now, but he was still nervous, this was, after all, his first major assignment and he knew how much was expected of him. There they are. He knew it, almost instinctively, before he even saw them. They had to be there, it was the most defensive position in the entire warehouse and Anton knew without the shadow of a doubt that his targets would be there, waiting under the illusion of security, certain that he and Nicolai would be capable of dealing with their enemies. Poor Nicolai. Anton thought, as he silently climbed on top of the containers. I almost got to like you. They had planned it well, studying the profiles of both the Grand Duke and the Count and most importantly, the captain Nicolai Amenikov. Anton knew more about Nicolai than anybody else alive by now, perhaps even better than Nicolai did himself, so he was confident that all would work out as planned. The trap had been laid with that in mind. Nicolai would first look for a safe place for his targets and then go on the offensive, searching for his enemies. While he might find it strange that Anton was not somewhere around, it wasn’t really important. The men Anton worked with were some of the very best and either they would defeat Nicolai on their own or they would delay him for long enough to get Anton the time he needed to make the hit. Anton hoped fervently that he wouldn’t have to deal with Nicolai himself, not because he feared the older and far more experienced captain, but because he really didn’t want to have to kill him. He was a good man, who fought for what he believed in, a trait Anton respected very much and which he himself, had done too, at least until a few months back. Oh Lera. he thought to himself. Why did you have to do it? he forced the memory of the first, dreadful phone-call from his mind and focused on the task at hand. He was lying, absolutely silent on top of the containers, moving forward only a few inches at a time. A yard left, three feet, two feet. He could hear the breathing of the two men below him, waiting for himself or Nicolai to report back that all was safe. Afraid what they should do, if neither of them came back. I am here already. Anton thought to himself, Although you will never know that. He was almost there now and he moved his hand to get his gun out. It was now or never.
“Hello Anton.”
The voice was relaxed, almost pleasant in its tone and Anton knew it immediately. He turned around, as fast as he could, reaching for his weapon, but then hesitated, knowing that it was already over. “Hello Nicolai.” He said. He knew he had failed, but yet he felt relieved. It was all over now. “Get up Anton.” Nicolai said. He was standing on bare feet, scarcely ten feet behind Anton, his gun steady in his outstretched hand. “But slowly, if you please.” Anton got up. Beneath them, Vladimir and Dmitri stood, staring up at the pair. “What’s happening?” Vladimir asked, although by the look on his face, he already knew. “Just a bit of collegial disagreement, Your Highness.” Nicolai replied, his voice still relaxed. “Anton and I are going to have a little talk. Nothing for you to be concerned with.” Anton felt a chill run down his spine at the word ‘talk’. Although they did not use it often, all agents of the Okhrana had been taught the art of interrogation and Anton knew, from Nicolai’s files that the captain was very skilled at getting people to talk. One of his nicknames, ‘Ironface’ he had gotten due to his immense control over his emotions and he had once ‘interrogated’ a man half to death, without ever showing a glimpse of remorse or compassion. To Nicolai, Anton knew, any length meant any length, in defense of the nation.
He looked up at Nicolai, considering whether or not he should try his luck, but the look in the older man’s eyes, convinced him otherwise. It was a look of absolute determination to get what he wanted and Anton knew what it was: Everything. He sighed and very slowly took out his gun and pushed it away. There was no reason to hide it anymore. “How did you know?” he asked simply, resigned in his defeat. “It was back in Münich.” Vladimir said. “When you came back from the restroom, remember?” Anton nodded, he remembered well. He needed an excuse to get away and send a telegram to his partners, who waited in Berlin with a very fast car. All they needed was a destination and they would go there faster than the four travelers possibly could. Anton had known they would go through Germany, but nothing else and Berlin seemed a fair choice, since it was rather close to the border in the east and to the port cities in the north. “It was a simple mistake and I didn’t even see it, for what it was at first.” Nicolai continued. “The restrooms were in the other direction Anton.” Anton winced. He had never even thought about it. How absolutely idiotic. he thought. The stomach troubles were the perfect excuse to get away, but he hadn’t thought about the restrooms, only making sure there were no in the immediate vicinity of the group, when they were waiting at the platform. He had been so certain he wasn’t being suspected that he had failed to take that simple precaution, to return from the right direction and now he was paying for that mistake.
“I see.” Was all he said, as he slowly got up and climbed down the side of the container. Nicolai jumped down beside him, not for an instant losing his aim. “Let’s go somewhere and talk, shall we?” Anton nodded and they walked away.
Vladimir looked at Dmitri, when the two agents had gone. “Oh my god.” He said simply and Dmitri nodded with a sad look on his face. “I hadn’t expected that.” Vladimir continued. “Neither had I.” Dmitri stated simply, “in fact, I quite liked the young man. I thought he was doing a great job.” It was Vladimir’s time to nod. He too had liked the young Anton Bondar. Remember this Vladimir. He thought, remember never to trust anyone completely. “One never knows, does he?” he said sadly and Dmitri slowly shook his head, eyeing the young Grand Duke. It’s a hard lesson to learn, my friend. He thought, seeing how Vladimir seemed to have a bitter taste in his mouth and guessing what he was thinking. But a necessary one. They stood in silence after that, each in his own thoughts and then, after about half an hour, they heard a single shot ring out. A few moments later, Nicolai came walking down to them, slowly whistling a part of the republican anthem, so they knew it was him. “It’s done.” He said simply, his face calm, yet his eyes shining with unrestrained anger. “Those who ‘hired’ him, if you can call them that, had his sister Valariya. It was the only family Anton had and they knew it. They used her to get at him and it worked.” Nicolai fell silent for a moment. “Considering what he told me, I’m not surprised. They are very good at what they do.” Vladimir looked at him, horror in his eyes. “If they used him, why did you kill him?” he asked. Nicolai looked at him, surprised. “It doesn’t change anything Your Highness.” He said. “For one thing, Anton was a traitor to Russia and whatever he or I could say, death was all that awaited him at home. Not even you could have saved him from that.” Vladimir was about to say something, but Dmitri shook his head and Vladimir fell silent. “I couldn’t, could I?” he asked simply. “No Your Highness. Either he would have been executed by the Okhrana or his employers would have killed him to keep him from talking. On that note, I have to ask you both a favor.” Vladimir and Dmitri nodded. “If anyone asks, Anton died from a stray bullet, fired by one of the attackers.” Dmitri cocked an eyebrow and Nicolai explained. “Those whom he worked for will believe he died without saying anything and that might give me a chance to hunt them down.” Anger now shone from his eyes. “And believe me, Your Highness.” He continued, his voice a near whisper, “I will hunt them down. Not one of them will escape me.”
Vladimir believed him. At that very moment, he was very, very happy that the captain was on his side. He saw in his eyes something that made him almost cringe away from him. Something primitive and bestial and yet something so icy cold that it went beyond Vladimir’s ability to comprehend. And then it was gone, hidden behind the mask that Nicolai so habitually wore. “I will grant you your favor, if you grant me mine.” He said then. Nicolai looked at him quizzically. “You will wait until after I am crowned, before you go after them, captain.” As he spoke, Vladimir’s voice changed from one of sadness and fear, to one of command. A voice those who heard it in the years to come, would know to obey immediately and without hesitation. “When I am crowned captain, not a moment before, you understand?” Nicolai nodded. He had come to respect the Grand Duke for his sharp wits and easy nature. But he knew that Vladimir was also a skilled politician and now, for one of the first time, he heard the sound of absolute authority in his voice. What a formidable Tsar, he will become. he thought and nearly smiled. Nicolai believed firmly that the future of Russia demanded a strong leader, one the people would love and trust and he had always believed in the monarchy to be the best form of government, if headed by a strong, fair, modern-minded ruler. He had seen both fairness and a modern mindset in Vladimir and now he saw the strength which lay beneath. He nodded. “Yes sir." He said simply. “But when I am crowned, you will go after them Nicolai.” Vladimir added, this time in a much softer voice. “Whatever you need, you shall have it. All the power of Russia is at your disposal in this. I want them Nicolai." Vladimir locked eyes with Nicolai, "Every last one of them. Do you understand?"
"It shall be as you command." Nicolai said and after a brief pause, in which he seemed to consider something, he added, looking back into the eyes of Vladimir: "My Tsar."