Barzava River is a small,liniar river.It wasn't perfect,but it was excelent for them to enter the city unnoticed.The city was built over the river.You could even stand up in it and not be noticed due to the high surrounding walls.The warehouse was placed near the river.It was still dark outside when they decided to take shelter in the warehouse.Lee wanted to put down his rifle when he heard a voice say:

          -Put your weapons down gentlemen,lady,you are not welcome here.

          Lee recognized the voice.It was George.His friend.

          Lee said:

          -George,it's me Frank

          -Frank,Frank Lee?,I thought that you would come alone.

          -I told you about the girl,but he,he is...

          -...he is a communist,George ponted at Anton with the barrel of his rifle as he interrupted Lee.

          -He is a friend,Lee added.

          George was a pretty tall guy,but he sure loved his pork chop.He wore a boonie hat and a pair of camo trousers.He had the face of one of the good guys,but Stef knew that he wouldn't be able to help her with her training.

          George added:

          -So you are the Girl Wonder,the latest in Lee's projects.You are from Resita,but I've never seen you before.I want to hear your story,Lee didn't choose you at random,you are special,care to take a drink with me?

          -Sure old man,but beware,I can take a few shots.

          -Me too kid,me too.

          Some time later,George takes a nap.Stef then thought:"Well,that was easy"

          Lee stood behind her the whole time,she knew that he was there,but she didn't a word,she wanted him to break the silence,which eventually he did.

          -George is a good man,but he can be a bit rude at times,don't let it get to you though,because he likes you.

          -I can see,we emptied his bottle.Lee?

          -Huh?

          -What about Anton?

          -What about him?

          -Is he aware of my new self?

          -I didn't tell him,I guess it's for the best,but you can tell him.It would be better if you did.Take a nap,it won't feel as it used to,but at least you might have a dream.Tomorrow will be a long day. 

          Stef couldn't sleep,she felt rested.She looked at George as he woke up.He whispered:

          -Damn girl.You clearly have a strong will.

          -Thanks,she giggled.

          George started his TV.He wanted to watch a movie when the program went dark.It came back a few seconds later.He knew that this can only happen if something important went down.He was right.A news broadcast took over his TV.The news host said:"A terrible tragedy happened last night as Anton Pop was found incinerated at his job as a security guard.The authorities are not telling us the cause."

          Anton woke up when he heard his name and said:

          -I'll be damned,it worked.

          Stef asked him:

          -How do you feel?Did Julian pass his exams at the academy?

          -Yeah,he passed.I encouraged him to become a lawyer,but he wanted to be "The Army Man",just like your father,and look where that got him.

          -Where did it get him?Stef asked.

          -Haven't you heard the news?He killed himself.I guess he figured out how much of a monster he was.

          -It should have been an emotional thing.I've seen other kids lose their parents,but I really don't feel anything.What about Ma?

          -I don't know,no one heard from her since...

          -...since when?

          -Since you left.

          Anton then hugged her and said:

          -Don't worry,we'll find her.You are with me now.How do you feel?

          Stef wanted to tell him about what happened,but she thought that it might break his heart.She didn't want him to suffer at the thought that she was dead.

          -Well,pretty good for a dead girl.Welcome to the club.

          Lee woke up.He heard his radio transmitting.It was Ridgeway.He said:"You blew it,don't you ever do something like this ever again unless I order you to."Lee didn't buy it.He said:"Imperialist pig,bossing me around".

          Anton came to Lee and said:

          -So,you must be Doctor Death,I heard about you.I wouldn't have recongized you if it weren't for your eyepatch.What is your business with Stef,Doc?

          -We are here on a non official assignment.We are here to recon the area.The american didn't like it that we took the liberty to kill some agents.But I couldn't care less about his agenda.I want you to make sure that Stefanie feels good.She had some down time as of lately.She told me about you.You were like a father to her and for that I trust you to take care of her,on an emotional level.I took care of her physical abilities,but you need to take care of her soul.She is young.People her age usually go on dates and laugh at old men.I don't haven't met,as of yet,a 20 year old trained assassin.

          -I will take good care of her,but you have to promise me that you won't get her killed.

          "Too late for that"Lee thought to himself.

          -I can keep an eye on her.

          Anton started laughing.Lee,realising what he just said,cracked a smile and said:

          -Relax,she is safe with me.They don't call me Doc for nothing.

          The sun was already up,George,with his soviet rifle on his back,came with a box.

          He opened it and said:

          -That's all I have,for now.Carbine rifles and suppresed sub-machine-guns.

          -That would be just enough,Lee said as Stef proceeded to load her new rifle.

          Lee looked at Stef.She thought that she did something wrong again.She asked:

          -What's wrong?

          Lee said:

          -Excuse me,it's not you.Ridgeway called.He wants us to stay down.

          -What did you tell him?

          -To put a stick up his ass.

          Stef laughed and said:

          -What is he going to do,stop us?He wouldn't leave America for shit.

          -You're right,Lee said,but now is not the time to mock Ridgeway,we'll find time for that later.We have to find a way to break out the resistance leader.He is a bulky guy,with long hair and a beard,can't miss him.He is scheduled for execution tomorrow morning.We have to break him and his associates out tonight.Any idea?

          -Can I say something?Anton asked.

          -Yes you may,but you aren't coming with us.

          -That's what I wanted to imply,I can't let Stef alone,just with you.

          -Why?She did fine her first time,Lee added.

          -She was lucky,if I didn't recognize her,I would have killed her.

          -Uncle Anton,Stef said,I would have killed you,now,let's not talk about it,it makes me feel uncomfordable.

          -If you need anything,don't hesitate to tell me.I am here for you.

          -Very emotional,Lee said,but we have a job to do.Now.I can see a blind spot for us to enter.Guards don't roam around here and there are no cameras.But it is at the far end of the facility.

          -We'll take it,Stef said.

          -Are you sure that that's where we breach?

          -I don't see any other way.Besides,you came with the plan.

          -There is always another way.Sewage systems,skydiving...

          -What do you propose?

          -I was thinking about the sewers.The river makes for a great escape,as it leads back here.But we can't let them track us.Skydiving,but then we would have to find an exit.Or,this backdoor.You know what?What if we skydive and then exfiltrate trough the blind spot.

          -I don't know Lee,I could take it,could you?

          Lee smiled and said:

          -I'm not as old as you think I am.

          The cover of the night let them climb the hill that oversaw the prison unnoticed.There was only one problem,they'd have to adjust for the wind that started howling that night.          

          Lee made his adjustments for the wind,but Stef said:"You only live twice."and jumped.Lee stood on the hill as he watched her graciously descent near the cages in which the prisoners were held.After he made his calculations,he jumped as well.When he reached the ground,Stef came to him and jokingly said:"Coward".

          -Very funny,Lee said,but next time I'd advise you to be more careful.Prisoner 627 should be at least to detention blocks ahead.Try not to alert any guard.

          -What's the worst that can happen?She then replied with a smug expression on her face,as she played with her knife.

          -Well,here's a word of advice.Just because you are with me,it doesn't mean that you can't be held responsible,in the event of someone finding out who you are,for those people's deaths.You are still killing them,that is a capital crime.Rigdeway might be a dick,but we can't just kill everyone who crosses our path.That comes later,I promise.You will have to kill,but you won't want to.

          -I understand.But if I have to,I won't hesitate.

          -That's what I trained you for,now let's find 627 and his acolytes and leave this damned place.

          A guard stood at the entrace of Block C.Stef wanted to lure him in the shadows and get rid of him,but Lee had a better plan.

          -What if we lure him away,instead of here?Lee asked.

          -That might do it,Stef answered,but he might come back and blow our cover.

          -I'll make sure that he won't,but I want you to go and fetch 627 and the company.          

          -I'll get it done.To the best of my abilities.

          -I expect nothing less.

          Lee started to clap.The prisoners from his surroundings started clapping as well.The guard from Block C and the one from Block B came to stop them.Stef took this opportunity to break 627 and the company out.She broke the door with a pair of boltcutters and instructed them to follow her.When the guard from Block C came back to inspect the prisoners.He saw that the most dangerous criminals left.He rang the alarm.That's when Stef and Lee realized that they don't have much time.It didn't matter.All they had to do was to leave.As they made it back to the warehouse,they heard police cars and helicopters roaming the area.They knew that the warehouse might be busted any second now.They asked George if he had a panic room or something well hidden.George led them to a small cellar that was also his gun stash.He said:

          -If they couldn't find me guns,they won't find you.

          -I hope that you are right.

          As they closed the cellar door they heard banging on the main door.They knew it.The police was there.They all stood still as George,who told them that he was watching television and didn't see anyone enter his property.They didn't buy it.They then started searching the warehouse.As an officer wanted to open the cellar door,his radio started beeping.The dispatcher told them to go to another warehouse.Someone tipped them with a lie so that they could make it out in one piece.          

          After the last officer left the house,627 opened his mouth and said:

          -Thank you,I would have been a corpse if it weren't for you.I won't ask you how you did it,but I want to ask you your names.I want to at least know who saved me and my men.

          -Stefanie,friends call me Stef,nice to meet you,Stef said as she tried to shake his hand to seal their friendship.This grumpy friend of mine is Lee and the safe house owner is George. 

          -They called me Boss,but you can call me Robert.They call me Boss because they owe me something.By my logic,I will call you Boss because I owe you something.My life.Now,what do you want us to do?

          -Do you still have influence in Timisoara?Lee asked.

          -I have a few contacts,why?

          -That's our next stop.

          -But how are we going to leave the city?Stef asked.

          -The same way that we came in.Lee answered.

          There have been a few western influenced uprisings in The Socialist Republic of Romania.But none were as powerful as the ones from Timisoara,also called Little Vienna or the City of Flowers.Nicolae Ceausescu forwarded all city outskirts guards to points of interest as the Timisoara Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and the Green Forest Monument.These 2 specific places are known to house secret meetings with priests,city council members and business owners that want to get rid of communism in the West.That would mean that Robert would not be able to meet with his suppliers.At least there was a silver lining.They could enter the city unnoticed.

          Lee suggested that they should enter the city through the rail road because the security was pretty much non existent.No one complained.Robert said that he knows a guy that lives near the rail road.That was everything that they had to hear.

          Lee asked Robert:

          -So,how are we going to get in touch with your friends?

          -I am going to the cathredal,alone,unarmed,with plain clothes.Maybe I will find the priest there and he will tell me when the next meeting will occur.

          -Are you sure that you won't get noticed?Stef asked.

          -They might know me.Or at least they know the bearded,long haired me.Pass me the razor.Let's hope that they don't recongize me without my hair.

          -Were you always like this?Stef asked.

          -Not quite.I started growing my hair 10 years ago,as a sign of protest against the system.They won't recognize me,but if they stop me,I'm done.I have no ID and I am also a fugitive.

          -Let's hope that your little plan works.Lee said.I am not breaking your ass again.

          -I am pretty sure that they would just shoot me on sight this time,so,no harm done.

          -We are counting on you.Stef enthusiasticly said.

          Robert couldn't take any chances.He followed side roads and alleys to mask himself.As he approached the cathredal,he managed to hide himself in the crowd of pilgrims that came to say their prayers.He saw the priest,but he knew that he couldn't speak to him.Not just yet.He needed to wait for everyone else to leave.

          Almost all pilgrims left.It was just Robert and another man.He didn't have the look of a repentant.As this shady individual approached Robert,the priest came and told him that he is one of them.

          -Quite a hired gun you've got Father,Robert said.

          -Ah,don't mind him,you should see the other guys.You've got some balls coming here.Every black coat in the west is looking for you.At least you got rid of that stupid ponytail and beard.

          -Father,I know that everyone is looking for me.But I have some friends now,american.You need to get in touch with the syndicate.I have a good feeling about this.

          -Wait a minute,what americans?They always destroy everything that they touch.

          -Without them,I and my resitean associates would be in a coffin right now.At least I owe them that much.

          -I will make the arrangements,but you have to promise me one thing.

          -What is it Father?

          -You will leave Timisoara at once and coordinate a plan of action.We can't take the west without Resita and Arad.I've got some contacts in Arad who are willing to die for freedom.I hope that you've still got your influence in Resita.

          -I have to speak to my men,I don't know if we have enough fire power to take Resita.

          -I know a guy,german,Ed Godwin,mercenary.He isn't cheap,but he has friends.If your american friends really want to help you,you should ask them to bring him and his men to Resita.

          -How will I get in touch with him?

          -I am sure that the americans know him.

          -When will we proceed then,just in case we lose contact with one another?

          -16th of december.This will give you enough time to contact Godwin and will give me enough time to get in touch with the Syndicate and the aradian brotherhood.

          The man from earlier,the priest's hired gun came,in a rush and said:

          -They are here.

          -Come with me Robert,I have a secret door in the back.It should be enough for you to escape through Bega river.

          -Thank you Father,we will see eachother soon.

          -We will,may God bless you child.May God bless you.

          On his way to the safe house,a police officer asked Robert for his ID.Robert tried to tell him that he forgot his ID at home,but the officer kept telling him that he either presents him an ID or he will go with him to the police headquarters.The last place that Robert wanted to be.As the officer approached Robert to handcuff him,he felt something go at the speed of light a few centimeters away from his ear.It was a bullet.The officer fell on the ground.A voice whispered:

          -How many times do I have to safe your ass,Robert?

          Robert recognized the voice.He knew it,Stef came here to save him,but how would she know where he was.He said:

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          -Ste...,Boss,you came,but how did you...

          -I've been following you stupid,Lee asked me to.He had his suspicions about you.

          -Thanks for caring.I spoke with the priest,he told me ...

          -Don't say anything,who knows who might be listening,let's get back to the house,you'll tell Lee everything there.

          They made it just in time,as the police radio chatter indicated that a murderer might be on the loose.They clearly referenced the death of that poor officer.Stef remarked:

          -You know,he might have had a family.He might have had some kids and a wife who expected him home by now.

          -Boss,I was just like you.I thought about every one I killed.But I had to forget.I couldn't keep killing and caring about everyone.Keep in mind this fact."Some of us might die,some by our blades or some by their blades,when this will be finally over,everyone will be considered a martyr".

          -I'll keep that in mind,thanks.

          -It is my pleasure boss,everything to make you feel better.

          As they entered the house,Lee came to them and ragingly said:

          -What have you done?If word of this goes to Ridgeway,he will kill us.

          -Relax Doc,he wanted to arrest me,Stef just looked at me killing him.Robert said.

          -Is that so?Lee asked.

          -Relax old man,I thought that you americans are less serious.

          -Get to the point,what did the priest say?

          -He told me that he will get in touch with his friends and with some guys in Arad,we will take the West.But we can't take Resita,he suggested that we contact some german dude named Ed Godwin,he said that you would know how to contact him.

          -He is a mad man.We served together,but I trust him.I know how to reach him,now,let's get home,we have a revolution to start.

          As they unpacked their things,Lee received a call.It was from Ridgeway.He already knew what was going to happen but he played along

          -Doc,it appears that your little lab rat has a taste for blood.

          -What are you talking about,Ridgeway?

          -You don't fool me.I know what you two guys did.Killing agents,I get it,but killing cops?They are a sign of peace.It's your call,terminate her,I'll terminate you both.

          Ridgeway then hung up.Lee felt her presence.Stef,with a pistol at Lee's head,angrily said:

          -What are you going to do Lee?Are you going to kill me?After you took my life and made me this?Ha?

          -No.

          -You are saying that just because I hold my gun to your head.Say it.Just say it.

          -Stef,yo...

          -Don't call me Stef.

          -You are not thinking straight.

          She pointed her pistol to Lee's shoulder and shot.

          -Watch your mouth,the next one goes straight through your brain.

          -I am not afraid of you Stef,you are like a daughter to me.

          -Lies,deception,you are just an american pig.

          -I am not american,and I am not a pig.I care about you.

          -Yeah,how so?What are you?

          -I am a contractor.It is implied that I have no country,but I was born in Britain.

          -That would explain your fucking accent.Speak.Make me trust you.

          -I don't work for Ridgeway,not anymore.I work with you.We can save your country and,when you were gone,I picked up some police chatter.They found your mother.

          The warehouse was mostly empty.Only Lee,Stef and Anton were there at the moment when a loud bang came from the door.

          -Stay here,I will blow your fucking head off if I see you twitching.She said.

          As she approached the door,it exploded,throwing her back.She saw a grenade coming through the opening.She thought that this is the end for her when she realised that that was not a normal grenade.It was glowing.4 soldiers,with no flag on their hand.Ridgeway also came through the exact same door and said:

          -Looks like Lee's twisted mind loves you.Doesn't matter.This is an electro-magnetic pulse grenade.It won't kill you,but it will disable you,at least momentarly.Good thing is that I don't intend on staying here much longer.

          Anton came out to ask what had happened,but one of the soldiers shot him.Stef looked in disbelief.She was filled with rage,but couldn't do anything.She managed to get on her knees.

          Rigdeway got his revolver out and said:

          -You would have been a hell of an agent,but that's not gonna happen.

          As the chamber rotated,a bullet pierced Ridgeway's head,making him miss his shot.Stef could barely move,but she managed to hide under a desk with Ridgeway's revolver.She saw Anton's dead body just standing there,motionless,she couldn't think straight,all she wanted to do was to get her revenge.She didn't knew how to take out her oppressors.She then heard 4 more shots.4 bodies then fell.She came to her senses and asked:

          -Lee?

          -I hope that this will clear some of your doubts,now,come,I won't hurt you,I can't hurt you.

          Stef felt her power coming back.She got out of her cover and rushed Lee.She hugged him and said:

          -How could I have been so foolish?Thank you Lee,I won't forget this.

          -I just did what I could.Now,I want to do your best.I want you to take this bullet out of me.

          -I am sorry Lee,I am sorry for everything,for shooting ,I am sorry for not trusting you and I am sorry for getting you in this trouble.

          -Don't worry kiddo,I am also to blame for this.

          As she patched him,he proceeded to say:

          - I am sorry about Anton.I know that you trusted him.

          With a tear in her eye she said:

          -Thank you.

          -You will burn him and carry him in a medalion.That's how we some legendary soldiers did it in Seychelles.After their comrades fell ill and died,they incinerated them and carried their ashes with them.That's what you will do.He will always be with you.

          -That sounds interesting,never heard of this technique.

          -It was a sign of respect for the fallen.

          Some time passes and Stef asked Lee:

          -You mentioned my Ma back there,what can you tell me about her?

          -George and Robert will be back soon and they will tell you.All I know is that she is here,in Resita,and we are going to find her,for you.

          -Thank you Lee,I will not forget it.

          George and Robert saw the blasted door.They rushed back to George's car and took out their rifles.They saw the dead soldiers as well as Anton,but they didn't see Lee and Stef.George told Robert to watch his back as he checks the other rooms.George saw two shadows.When he entered the room,gun raised,he felt relieved to see them patching eachother.He then said:

          -Quite a mess you've got back there.

          -No shit.Stef added.

          -What happened?Robert asked.

          -I've lost my faith in the americans,but I came to trust the british.

          Stef smiled at Lee,he then smiled back at her.

          -Whatever that means,we've still got some bodies to dispose off,said Robert.

          -Dump them in the river,except for Anton.I want you to burn Anton,Stef said.

          -As you wish Boss,Robert said.

          -What's the matter with him?Everyone calls him Boss,but he calls you Boss.

          -Well,he owes me big time.

          -Ah,I see,honor among thieves.

          -Something like that,but we don't steal from the people,we steal from the monsters.

          -That's quite a motivational speech,George added.

          -Thanks,Stef said. 

          After the ceremony,Robert asked Lee:

          -So,about this Godwin guy,have you made up your mind?

          -I have,I will get in touch with him,but I want you to find Melanie Harkov.Stef's mother.

          -She is Harkov's daughter?Robert angerly asked.

          -Yeah,I'm Harkov's daughter,but I am here to help you.You can be whoevers daughter or son,what matters is who you choose to follow,or,in our case,lead.I could have been a member of the Romanian Communist Party,with my father's influence,but I chose to get down of my high castle and help you,the people,destroy the system.

          -I shouldn't trust you,but you gave me no choice,you saved me twice and for that I will forever be in your debt,Boss.

          -Ok then,where is Melanie?Lee asked.

          -She became a nurse at the asylum.

          -But that's on the other side of Resita.Stef replied.

          -We have our ways,Lee said,grabbing her by her shoulder,Stef.

          -Indeed we do.

          The Home for the Elderly Resita was a pretty big place.It housed at least 300 people,including the nurses.The place was like a safe spot for people that didn't belong,like journalists or state offenders like Stef's mother.The priest had some safe measures,in case of a state funded raid.He had tunnels and most importantly he had the money to sustain those underpriviliged citizens.You can say that he was prepared for war.Only God knows if that was the case,but he sure could sustain it.Even the police that surrounded the place was "corrupt",in the sense that they were friends of the priest.Stef knew that she has to go in alone,she couldn't take Lee,Robert or George.Lee was too foreing,they might have questioned him about his intentions.George,well,I could bet the fact that he doesn't even own a shirt,so it would be pretty awkward for her to take George to a nursing home and Robert was a wanted man.As corrupt as the police was,they would have most likely taken Robert away.He was an extremist that could destroy everything that the priest has built.

Stef took her equipment off,everything,she didn't even get her knife or something.She knew that if she is to gain the priests trust,she had to come in unarmed.Her only weapon was her charisma.Something that she didn't really have.Yes,she was beautiful and all,had a nice body,but you could see the rage in her just by looking her straight in her eyes.She didn't have the time to manage her emotions.She went in regardless.

The security post had one guard.She approached him and asked him about her mother,Melanie,but the guard said that he doesn't know anyone named Melanie.Stef saw it in his eyes.He was lying,but she couldn't do anything.She wasn't there to hurt anyone.She then asked to see the priest.The guard told her that the priest,Father Lin,would not be here for at least one more hour.Stef then replied,in an angered tone,that she has enough time.He then told her that she would have to sit through the whole church service.The church was right behind the asylum.It was perfect for a quick snatch and grab,if the situation required it.

The priest was about to come.The church was filling with elderly people and nurses.Stef stood on a small bench that was right outside the church.The priest came and looked down to her.She looked back at him.He couldn't be a day older than 50,she thought.He didn't sport a large beard as most priests that she encountered.He had a black goatee and had a very soft vibe about him.He smiled at her and told her:

-Come child,you may ask me anything,but only after the service is done.Meet me in the back of the church,everything that you seek,we will find an answer for it,together.

-Thank you Father,Stef said.

Stef didn't partake at a church service for a very long time,as her father wasn't really a man of faith.She then remembered that Anton took her to church once and then got into trouble when her father found out.With a tear in her eye she said to herself that his sacrifice won't be in vain.

As the service ended and the nurses brought the elderly back to their chambers,the priest waived at Stef and made the "come here" hand gesture.He turned the backyard lights off and asked:

-Who are you?How may I be of your service?

-I heard that you house people that the government wants to disappear,is that right?

-You don't strike me as an agent,but I've been wrong before.I asked you something.What's your name?

-I am Stefanie Harkov,the daugher of the late Andrei Harkov and of Melanie.I heard that she might be here.

-Funny,who sent you?He then waived at some guards to come.

-I am Stefanie,the americans helped me.Tell them to stop.

He waived at his guards to hold their positions.

-Melanie came to me after you "died".She told me some things about you.If I am to trust you,you would have to answer my questions.If you don't,well,I can't let you live.

-Those are some real threats coming from a priest.

-Heh,I've got my ways.Now,listen to me.Who was Stefanie's boyfriend?

-Julian,next.

-Who was Stefanie's best friend?

-Anton,he wasn't as much a friend as he was a father for me.

-Now that's interesting.One more.What was Melanie like?

-Caring,good.She hated my father,the only thing that kept them together was me.

-Let's hope that I didn't just kill myself and everyone in this compound.How did you survive?

-Long story Father,maybe I will tell you sometime,but now I want to speak with my mother,is she here?

-The police came by a few days ago.I had every one of my ,let's call them clients,taken to a mountain resort.I'll mark it for you on the map.Make sure that no one follows you.

-Thank you for helping me.

-That's what a good man should do,help others.

As Stef approached the fence,the priest said:

-One more thing.You said that the americans saved you,are they here?When will it begin?

-There is no american here,but I am not working alone.Timisoara and Arad will fall soon.Mid to late december.Get your men ready,we are going to war.Thank you for helping me,but I have to go now.

-No,I thank you.I will see you soon.

Stef didn't know if it would be wise to get back home and prepare herself or if it would be ok to just go in there,unarmed.She choose the first option.She got her gear and some heavy snow boots that Lee had layling around.He,Lee,asked:

-So this is it then,you found your mother.Do you need my help or do you promise to not kill anyone?

-I can handle myself.I will shoot to injure,maybe we can get some intel.

-Good.

Resita was a pretty liniar city back in the 80's.You could go from one end of the city to the other just by following the path.Stef didn't take any chances and took the forest road.It was very easy for her to get to the mountain base from George's warehouse,but she couldn't go through the woods,as the terrain was pretty steep up there.It was dark outside,but everyone with a car that had lights could have seen the equipment on her,including her weapons.

There were no inconveniecens on the road.She knew that she was free to pursue her mother's trail.It was already dawn.She couldn't make her way down untill sunset.She made it to the point that the priest marked on her map.There was a wooden mansion.It had smoke coming out of it.She then heard a gun click.Someone was behind her.It wasn't very far,but not close enough for hand to hand combat.The voice behind the gun said:

-Put your weapons down and let me see your hands.No one in their right mind would wear just a turtleneck and a vest in this conditions.

Stef couldn't really feel the diference between chilly and cold.She wore just Lee's boots,a pair of leggings,a turtleneck,a bulletproof vest,some gloves and a fur cap,just for style.Not that it would help her in any way.She knew that she was fucked.

-Ok sir,take it easy,I am not here to hurt you.

-Then why are you armed to the teeth then?

-For my own protection and potentially yours.The priest told me to find you.

-Ah,you should have said that earlier,a friend of the priest.

He then approached her and touched her on her shoulder.

-You are clearly insane.You are freezing cold,come with me.

Stef took her weapons and entered the mansion with the man.

As he prepared her a tea,the man said:

-My name is Paul,I was a journalist to The Spark.

-My father adored it.

-What's your name child?

-I am Stefanie.

-Well that's funny,a woman in here had a daughter named Stefanie,I should get her to meet you.Just don't say anything about her daughter,she is dead,the communist killed her.

-I'll keep my mouth shut.She then made a hand gestures suggesting that she zipped her mouth.

Paul told her that this woman loves tee and that he will make a separate cup for her.He gave Stef her cup and told her that he will get the woman down there to meet her.

When the woman came down,she has first seen the weapons and thought to herself that the priest called some security for the house and then she saw her.It was the same girl that she has last seen months prior.It was her daughter.She dropped her cup and started crying.Paul came down and asked her what had happened.She then said:

-It cannot be,my baby girl,I thought that she was dead.

Paul then pushed her to hug Stef.

She touched her and asked:

-How?How did you make?Oh baby girl,you are so cold.

-It's cold outside.

She didn't want to tell her mother about her enhancements.

-You've still got it in you,the sense of humor.

-Learned from the best.

-How did you make it?

-The americans.I am not here just for the taste of romanian tee.I came here with some friends to take down Nicolae Ceausescu and his acolytes.

-How could they send you here?

-I volunteered.

-Why?

-Because I care.

-Whatever you do,just find Anton,he is a good man.

-I know,he died so that I would live.

She then started crying even louder and said:

-Poor Anton,poor you,how can I help?

-I've made some connections.I have a friend that will supply you with guns and ammunition.I have another friend that will provide you with men.How many are you up here?20?I will get you 20 more men.They will protect you.

-Who are those men?

-Friends of Robert.

-Robert Aster?He is a madman.

-Maybe,but he owes me.I just need you to stay here.

-Don't leave me again baby girl.

-I promise that after this I will not leave you again.

As she was about to leave,Melanie screamed:

-You won't leave me because you will be in a body bag.

When she reached the warehouse she told Robert and George to provide her with men and guns.They obliged to her commands.Lee asked:

-So,where is your mother,are you going to war to find her?

-No,I found her,I'll just make sure that war doesn't come to her.