Warsaw.
A fresh batch of coal has arrived to keep the power plants of Polania's capital going, pulled into the city by Thomas the Train. The station workers eagerly help with the unloading process, knowing that they'll be able to sleep warmly for a few months. Until they can get their mining industry back to full efficiency, cars of coal delivered by the transcontinental line are crucial to the well-being and productivity of the Polanian people. As such, every train that arrives is to be treated with utmost importance. Care must be given to ensure good relations with the crews of the supply freights and by extension the countries behind them.
Such orders are what the station master tries to perform to his utmost capacity. He has thus far been very accommodating to the crew of Thomas, despite being unable to fulfilled some of their requests last time. Fortunately for him, the Belkans are very sensible people, they haven't made it hard for a low-ranking civilian official like him. Hence, when faced with a request for a portion of Thomas' crew to tour the city this time around, the station master hoped that it would be easy to dismiss. Unfortunately for him, he's put on the spot when a bonafide General of the powerful Rusviet Union demands his official entry into the city, alongside that of his retinue.
This is... Honestly, it's most troubling for the station master. Even though there's also a military garrison at the train station, the highest-ranking person is only a Captain. They can request for a member of the top brass to come down, but let's be real. Them barring a foreign General's entry is tantamount to a diplomatic incident, one that the current Polania regime can't afford. Especially more so when the coal they need are given to them by the Rusviets.
To try and stall for time, the station master has risked his insignificant life to query about the purpose of the General's request. The answer amounts to little or nothing, however, and the nature of his request has immediately raised suspicion from both the Rusviet General and his delegation. After that, the General goes to discuss something with the Belkans, his frown deepening the more the talk progresses. The Polanian station master does not like where this is going one bit, and he sure wishes for someone to take his place soon.
Unlucky for him, the General soon returnes to speak with him once more. This time, he is not taking no for an answer.
Perhaps it's time for a change of job? This cushy job is starting to be less appealing by the minute. All the more so when the Rusviets finally get to see what has happened to a portion of the city. It's probably best that the station master hightail it out of Polania altogether and travel to neutral Romania. Preferably as soon as possible even.
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It's weird, suspicious, and all the more troubling to Rokossovsky when he sees the station master's resigned expression. The gate to the city is only opened when he threatens the pureblooded Polanians with diplomatic retaliation from the Union. It would seem that there's trouble afoot, and now that the path forward is clear, Rokossovsky is determined to get to the bottom of this. Preferably before someone of the same standing as him can get involved. Yet, to move with only himself will risk the chance of being isolated by the Polanians. This is still their home turf, after all, and the risk of him and his delegation being accosted for a 'cordial chat' is too great. His time is limited in Warsaw, especially more so with the duty given to him by comrade Stalin. There's a good chance that the Polanians know this and will use it against him to stop him from figuring out this enigmatic matter.
As such, the Rusviet turns to the Belkan friends he has made along the way. Since they share the same suspicion as himself, perhaps they can join forces for the excursion beyond the station. Rokossovsky thought that it would take some convincing to get Lieutenant Kemper to agree to this collaboration. After all, there's little to no business that requires the Belkans to venture outside the train yard. Yet, much to his pleasant surprise, the good Lieutenant gives his affirmation with a face full of seriousness.
"General, it would be my honor to accompany you on a tour of the city. It will be a good learning opportunity for when I have to regale my journey back home." Ah, a smart lad he is. Young Adam will pose as a tourist and escort but will cooperate with Rokossovsky on his investigation in actuality. It would seem that the Lieutenant is either feeling investigative or there's an order from the Reich. Whatever the case, with the Belkans joining, Rokossovsky will have another layer of security. Making it so that the Polanians will be dealing with two potential diplomatic bombs. Thus giving them more time to at least get a general idea about what to report to their respective countries.
"General, if you would follow me, the train also carries some vehicles that we can use." Adam extended a hand over to the direction of Thomas.
Rokossovsky nods before moving alongside the Lieutenant, with Adam saying. "It's best we don't take them up on their offer for a designated driver."
"I wholeheartedly agree. We need to move fast before someone can intercept us. I can navigate just fine with a map of the city, and the receiver's address for the letter entrusted to me points to a Slavic community. We can both deliver the letter and inquire about the state of affairs there without any political interference." Rokossovsky said his piece.
Adam nods. "I will leave the talking and navigating to you, General. Since I think they will open up to you more than me."
Adam and Rokossovsky soon reach the location of Captain Surbella and Sergeant Hultebring, with the latter two carrying out their duties. "Captain, Sergeant, a word please."
"What's up LT?" Hultebring came forward, asking the question for Captain Surbella. Rokossovsky also motioned for his security chief to come along.
Adam gives them a summary of what's going on, with them nodding seriously. The Lieutenant then says. "Lukas, I want you to hasten the unloading process, and prep Thomas for immediate departure as soon as you can. Captain, the General and I need you to prep the Humvees. We will be taking the two unarmed ones into the city, alongside our respective security details. Just in case, we need to up the security level of Thomas to Code Yellow and prep a QRF."
Captain Surbella nods. "I will swiftly arrange for those." He then gave them a salute before rushing away to handle the matter.
Lukas then asks Adam this, however. "We expecting trouble, Adam?"
The Lieutenant sighs. "Not if I can help it, but best to be safe. Until me and the General return, you and Surbella will have the command of Thomas. Also, get the word about this to High Command. Best we let them know that we will go and verify their suspicion sooner rather than later."
"You got it, Adam. Just give us a holler if something comes up."
The Sergeant then walks away. Adam then turns to General Rokossovsky. "General, we will soon be ready to move."
Rokossovsky nods before saying. "Security Chief Kotovsky will be staying behind with some of my men too. Like Captain Surbella, he will help keep our ride to Berlin safe."
"That will be much appreciated, General. Since a portion of the train security will be departing with us, additional guards are always welcome. I just hope that none of our precautions will be put to use."
Rokossovsky smiles wryly. "Let's wish that this is all our paranoia talking then."
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Their departure from the train station hasn't been met with any fanfare, not with how fast and sudden they roll out in the Humvees. The departure group uses two Humvees, a four-seater utility Humvee, and a troop carrier that can carry nine fully armed passengers. Both of them are armored against small-arms fire and have both durability and mobility in case shit hits the fan. Even with all the marvelous toys and gizmos, the vehicles are comfortable enough to ride in, earning appreciative gazes and whistles from the accompanying Ruviet soldiers. Other than Adam and Rokossovsky, twelve other soldiers go with them, six Belkans and six Rusviets. A balanced lineup, to say the least, with none feeling left out on the surprise trip. However when the Rusviets lay their eyes on the Belkans' gears, they can be seen salivating and wondering about the getup. Of course, the Belkans know better than to give out something they shouldn't, but otherwise, the talks going in the back have been very cordial despite the language barrier for some. Both Adam and Rokossovsky can be seen smiling at the handshake attempts between their respective security units. They need not fear any wariness between their men then.
Currently, Adam is the one driving the utility Humvee in the lead, with Rokossovsky acting as his navigator in the co-driver seat. Behind them are a pair of Belkan and Rusviet that are now trading chocolate bars of all things. Still, with the briefing given prior to their departure, none of the troops forget to pay attention to their 360 security. The Belkans do bemoan the lack of a turret for their Humvees, however. The additional firepower is always welcome, after all.
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Adam, leading the motorcade passing the curious Polanian pedestrians, asks Rokossovsky. "We make a right turn here, General?"
Rokossovsky glances at the faded address of a nearby flower store. "Yeah. After that, continue driving till you see a fountain roundabout. Make an immediate left turn there and we should be on the street noted on the letter."
"Roger that, sir." Turning the wheel, Adam navigates the Humvee past the corner, eyeing the obvious interest that a couple of Polanian military sentries give them.
"You saw that, General?" Adam asked Rokossovsky.
"Aye, why the Hell do they have a pillbox in the heart of the city? Warsaw saw a Demonic incursion inside its wall, we also learned that their martial law isn't in effect, even with the supposed riots going on all over the city." Rokossovsky frowned.
"The streets we went past are clean, much too clean with the people going about their days pretty much as normally as they can in this day and age. I reckon the riots are a lie, sir."
"That does beg the question of just why are there machine guns set up internally rather than externally, son." General Rokossovsky said evenly. "But have you noticed that ever since we turned into this street, there's not a single civilian walking about?"
Adam scans the sidewalks with a raised eyebrow. "Now that you said it, General, I don't see a living soul. It's not even midday yet and not a single person goes out to clean the trash or something?" Adam eyes the dirtied street, littered with unidentifiable debris and waste papers.
"I don't know, Adam, but I am not liking this one bit." Rokossovsky said as Adam started turning the car left according to his instruction from before.
The ride then continues on for barely a minute when the faces of the two leaders contort into incredulous scowls. "What in the actual fuck?!" Surprisingly, it was not Adam who exclaimed, it was Rokossovsky.
Adam evenly comments with a grim look on his feature. "General, I think we finally figured out what the Polanians have been trying to hide."
The path ahead of them is littered with bullet holes and dried blood splats. Houses on the side are in a state of disrepair, with signs of forced entry and looting. Whatever has happened here was manmade and deliberate, something that does not bode well in the minds of the Belkan and Rusviet. Adam then inquires.
"General, just to make sure, this is supposed to be the entryway into the Slavic neighborhood, am I right?"
Rokossovsky nods slowly with a hawk's gaze. "This is the place, Adam."
"... Damn it." Adam cursed slowly before picking up the on-board radio. "This is Lieutenant Adam to all units on this net. With General Rokossovsky acting as a witness, we have come across a possible sight of crime against sapient beings in Warsaw, Slavic district. We see looted civilian compounds, blood trails, and bullet holes. No sign of any contact be they hostile, unknown, or civilian. All units, Code Red is probable. Bravo 1 is to forward this back to High Command. Forward elements are to turn on their helmet cams."
"Alpha 1-1, Bravo 1. Wilco."
"Alpha 1-1, Charlie 1. Defense perimeter set."
"Alpha 1-1, this is Alpha 1-2. The guys behind are locked and loaded. ROE?"
"Defensive fire only. We have no idea what we're running into so maintain your trigger discipline and keep your eyes peeled."
"Solid copy, 1-1."
The communication between Adam and elements of his crew has been brief and concise, with Rokossovsky raising an eyebrow at their professionalism. Such terse but precise communication is rarely seen outside of experienced or veteran units of the Red Army. To see a sub-company unit operating in such a capacity is surprising. It goes to show that the Reich takes their standard military training very seriously. It would seem the Red Army will have a lot to learn from their Western counterpart when they get to Berlin.
As the Rusviet General is dwelling on the disparity between the two nations' armed forces, Adam is not idle with his hands. While one hand is driving, Adam uses his other one to remove an MP9 from the Humvee's gun storage, which is next to the driver seat. The SMG is placed in there mostly for convenience's sake and to avoid spooking off the Polanian civies. Since they've gone past friendlier territory though, Adam would've like something larger than a USP as a precaution. A part of him regrets not bringing the plate carrier for a greater degree of protection around the body. He never thought that they would come across something as grim as this, it's why he only wears a chest rig. The rig is more focused on maneuverability, having only a frontal armor plate for protection, unlike the plate carrier. That said, at least his subordinates are wearing the carriers and packing more firepower than himself. Adam just needs to focus on not getting hit and keep the Rusviet General safe if it does come to the worst outcome.
Suddenly, Adam slams on the brake, but not before steering the Humvee nearer to the sidewalk. This way, the rear Humvee won't crash into Adam's car as they too come to a screeching halt. Both Adam and Rokossovsky share a split-second look before they step out of the vehicle simultaneously. Adam is armed with his MP9 while Rokossovsky is armed with the Rusviet-made PPD-34. The latter's loadout is pretty much mirrored by half of the Rusviets that accompanied the General on this excursion.
Seeing that their leaders have stepped off, the escorts also disembark with their weapons at the ready. The Belkans with G1 rifles and a couple of MP9s while the Rusviets with Mosin Nagant rifles and PPD-34s. Once they're deployed, the escorts come to see their respective leaders engaging in a heated conversation with some Polanian soldiers ahead of the Humvees.
"Drop the gun! Drop the gun!" Adam shouted at them in Erusean, the common language for the Western world, unfortunately. His focus and the muzzle of his MP9 are directed toward a Polanian officer pointing his pistol at a mere child.
Speaking in Polanian, Rokossovsky sternly calls out to them. "This is General Rokossovsky of the Rusviet Union, stop this foolishness at once!" He too is directing the business end of his SMG at the shocked Polanians.
Seeing their action, the escorts fan out while pointing their weapons at the group of Polanians, with a few of them pulling rear security. All of them have a grim or angered expression on their faces. To point a pistol at a kid in an executioner manner. What sort of twisted fuck do you need to be to be able to do that with a smug face?
"Belkan Armed Forces, put down your weapons!"
"Do not move! Do not fucking move!"
"Drop the gun! Drop the fucking gun!"
"This is a Belkan-Rusviet coalition unit! Stand down and drop your weapons!"
"Move the fuck away from the kid! Step away!"
Orders are shouted at the Polanians one by one in both the Erusean and Polanian languages. The sheer aura radiating from the combined force of the two nations immediately overwhelms the Polanians who have no clue about what the fuck is going on. Some of the Polanian soldiers can't stop themselves from taking a step back or two with paled faces, slackening the grip on their weapons.
The Polanian officer of the rank Captain is angered at the lack of backbone shown by his underlings. "What the Hell do you think you're doing!? Stand tall and face them, you fools!This land is the sovereign land of the Polanian people! We will not bow to nor fear the presence of some foreigners that dare to intrude on our soil!"
His words seem to bring back some defiance in the eyes of the Polanian troops. Hearing that spiel alone has caused Adam and Rokossovsky to adorn a frown. Something ain't right, and it's not just the hostage situation they are having right now. Before they can decipher the meaning of the Polanian Captain's action, however, the person of interest is already speaking.
"This is the territory of us Polanians, and we're conducting official business on behalf of the Revolutionary Command Council of the Polanian Republic! To intrude on us carrying out official duty equals infringing on the sovereignty of the Polanian Republic on our home soil!"
Rokossovsky is undeterred. "What kind of nation condones pointing a gun at the head of a child? From what we have seen so far, you're conducting a slaughter of civilians!"
The Captain rebuts. "This girl is a part of the terrorist group that seeks to topple the nation of the Polanians, for the Polanians, and by the Polanians! For her to aid this destructive element in any shape or form is a crime befitting of execution!"
Adam shouts in his anger with veins popping on his temple. "She's still a kid, a non-combatant! No law permits the execution of a child! No nation, no ethnicity will tolerate such an insane act! You're asking for a worldwide condemnation of this new regime of yours in its very nascent state!"
Rokossovsky follows by adding.
"The term 'terrorist' is a recently coined word to describe the Sardegnians' attack on the Stockholm Conference. Terrorism, in its broadest sense, is the use of violence against non-combatants to achieve political or ideological aims. The term is used in this regard primarily to refer to intentional violence during peacetime or in the context of war against non-combatants, civilians, and neutral military personnel. There are various definitions of terrorism, yet no universal agreement about it. Different definitions of terrorism emphasize its randomness, its aim to instill fear, and its broader impact beyond its immediate victims.
Regardless, from what I can see so far, Polania is at peace, and the Polanian people shed no blood and tears to any unjust attack. If there's a terrorist around here somewhere, then that person should be you for trying to murder goddamn children!"
"I won't say it again, drop the goddamn gun!" Adam ordered once more, following the sounds of multiple weapons aiming at the Polanian officer.
The Polanian Captain is now livid in rage, having his argument verbally torn to shreds by Adam and Rokossovsky. Scoffing, the Captain says. "So what? I have the power of the Polanian people on my side. They will know who is right or wrong. But you all? For daring to trounce on this land as if you own everything, you will be facing your due judgment very soon. Just you wait."
The Polanian Captain smirks at the unpleasant expression of the Belkans and Rusviets. He truly does not care about who they are or what sorts of ranks they hold. What's important to him is that this is the rightful land of the Polanians, and they won't be able to do shit in the very capital of the Polanian Republic. To him, they're the ones in the wrong for daring to try and stop him from executing this... leach.
So, feeling vindicated and thinking that these intruders have properly been shown their place, the Polanian Captain levels his pistol at the head of the crying little girl. You know, just to further drive his point home.
BANG
...
...
BANG BANG BANG BANG