City-21 “Kyiv”, UNSA Protectorate, Avril Dominion
G4 Armed Forces Base, Terminal 24/18
Kamil Teodoryanu, August 12, 2049, 10:00 PM
Kamil Teodoryanu, a freshly minted recruit of the AWP special unit, leaped into the LPF-2 class multipurpose assault copter with the rest of the recruits. Once the last person was on board, the machine, resembling a large, bloated beetle, slammed its doors shut and surged upwards.
“Sharp ascent,” Kamil thought, sitting in the last seat, and securing his rifle in the designated slot nearby.
All he wanted right now was to scratch his eyes. But how could he do that with a fully enclosed helmet on his head, and his eyes itching from the inside? Even if he were allowed to remove the headset, no amount of rubbing his eyelids would help. It was just futile!
“Oh gee, Protectorate technology is really something else. Complete replacement of lens implants in just half an hour. And without a two-week rehabilitation period. Like changing a light bulb! Impressive... But fuck it, ugh, why do they itch so much?”
Actually, he had well been warned about such side effects. The instruction on how to handle it was succinct: “Just endure. It’ll pass over time.”
So, Kamil had to occupy himself with thoughts of the upcoming operation to somehow distract himself. After all, what lay ahead – in reality, was an entrance exam to confirm his rank as a “Soldat,” the initial military rank equivalent to "Private," and the starting point for any career in the Red Group of UNSA Public Efficiency Classes.
Whatever your aspirations are – becoming a police officer, making a career in administration, or rising to the rank of Knight Templar – you first had to prove yourself in action. And not just on this one mission, but in general. Your every move would be closely scrutinized for the foreseeable future.
The guy reviewed the task list again. It was neatly prioritized by importance, with command clarifications and recommendations for execution. The risk of encountering shaiszu was assessed as “acceptably low,” and no engagements with monsters were anticipated. Nonetheless, all recruits had been thoroughly drilled on virtual simulators, familiarized with the operation of the combat tactical AI, and the specifications of their issued weapons.
Additionally, all squads were reinforced with drones and military robots, albeit mostly of old – terrestrial – manufacture. Fortunately, by the time the special operation began, all military equipment in the Polis and its surroundings was under the Protectorate’s control.
Production of new tech had already started, but it would take several days to fully ramp up and replace all the outdated weaponry. Hence, even ancient pre-war Earth drones from long-term storage and disposal depots had to be deployed.
“That’s a real hodgepodge, just as it is,” Kamil mused, examining the list of robots assigned to the squad: one Protectorate assault drone, two “Owls,” and an old “Skopa” jointly developed by German-Polish states, likely built even before the war.
As for the ground equipment, two mid-sized "Supporters" from Watson Warfare were secured at the tail of the assault copter, along with an Armadillo Corps mini-tank and a formidable, high-tech military vehicle unfamiliar to Kamil.
“Hmm... This thing looks like an atlas beetle, six legs too, but ending in tracked treads instead of feet. It is a quite predatory view, actually. I wonder what that is?”
Incidentally, as soon as Kamil fixed his gaze on the combat robot, the tactical AI provided a summary:
#Model LGF-28UZ4
#Light Armored Aerial Support Platform
#Armament and Tactical Equipment:
#Heavy Twin Machine Gun ARZ12K
#Light Caliber Rapid-Fire Cannon Glitzern-MX
#Four Guided Missiles Absprung-K
#2 Flexible Blades Mondregen, with Plasma Generator
#Kinetic Shield Generator, Class 2F
#Petal Shields
#External Mounts for Transporting up to Two Soldiers over Short Distances
#Display detailed platform information?
“No,” Kamil declined this offer, and the AI dismissed the note. “I’d better keep my sanity intact, not trying to comprehend how this beast can be able to fly. And moreover, how they managed to cram so much weaponry into it!”
“Most of the equipment is primarily for psychological effect,” Kamil recalled the words of their squad commander, Sergeant Holman. “In the occasion of a serious shaiszu breach, the ‘Bastion’ heavies will go into action, and all the small fry in the city have been eliminated long ago. But for persuading the locals, these ‘puffs’ are quite suitable.”
Indeed, the primary mission assigned to all groups was to ensure the loyalty of the natives who were caught in the first wave of relocations due to the clearance of the designated area.
On paper, it could look simple. But in practice, it was a “segment” spanned ten kilometers from the Wall – quite a sizable area. And the challenge here wasn’t just the sheer volume of territory! The analysts from the internal security service estimated that about five percent of the population was expected to cause trouble, as not all former Polis residents had embraced the overall situation and the “new authority” with all its precautions.
Moreover, many hoped to simply “wait out” the difficult period at home, formally agreeing to the new citizenship while not actually intending to comply. It was hard to say what they were thinking... Did they believe all the problems would just “dissolve” on their own? That both the Shaiszu and the Protectorate would vanish, and everything would go back to the way it was? Anyway, such people could be expected to exhibit any behavior – from complete, even slavish submission to hysterics and attempts to attack officials and patrols.
In essence, based on those very analysts’ forecast, about one-tenth of all cases would require the use of force. Of course, they could simply have drones shoot all the dissenters, but the leadership had decided that only former Polis residents would be involved in the operation. Sure, they’d all been recruited just half a day ago, but in this case it didn’t matter. Each one who had already confirmed their Public Efficiency Class and seen the Protectorate “from the inside” – so, would understand far more than the average citizen. Thus, they could be more effective in persuasion.
If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
There was even a whole system of incentives for resolving conflicts peacefully, but if persuasion failed, the order was unequivocal – use lethal force. This was especially true for those whom the tactical AI classified as potential members of the lowest, “colorless” class.
“The Protectorate is positioning itself as a strong authority, ready to use necessary force, and clearly distinguishing between useful and useless people! I hope we won’t have to shoot anyone. It just feels wrong… The thing is, they simply don’t understand the situation yet!”
Kamil was pulled from his anxious thoughts by the “one-minute readiness” signal. The AI also sent a message:
#Attention! We are currently flying over the Wall project. I recommend activating the view from the surveillance cameras and displaying brief tactical information. Shall I proceed?
“Yes, of course, activate it.”
A view of the KRE, Kyiv Ring Expressway, built between 2031 and 2035 from a height of five hundred meters, unfolded before his eyes. The AI immediately zoomed in, enhancing the image and highlighting the most significant objects with infographics. Construction of the wall had not yet begun; only the installation of equipment and site preparation had started, so the view switched to augmented reality.
A panorama of a twenty-meter wall with powerful gun towers placed at regular intervals came into focus. The towers were not only armed with artillery, including anti-aircraft guns, but also equipped with catapults for launching combat drones.
As Kamil examined the virtual constructs of the future primary object of the city defense, the Protectorate’s military dropship began its descent. The operation to assist the first wave of citizen relocation had entered its active phase.
----------------------------------------
City-21 “Kyiv”, UNSA Protectorate, Avril Dominion
Kamil Teodoryanu, 12 August 2049, 10:41 PM
“Citizens of the Protectorate! We have commenced the construction of the city’s defensive structures. Time is of the essence – serious shaiszu attacks are just days away! The enemy is already reshaping the planet’s ecosystem, populating it with their species and gathering biomass to produce new combat units. While we have managed to secure major cities, THEY have taken over the entire Earth! Of the people who survived in the major cities, only a few remain – half of the planet’s population has already perished. It will take the efforts of everyone to stand against such a formidable foe!”
“We all must live by wartime laws. No one has the right to stand aside when the world teeters on the brink of destruction. Everyone must contribute to the common cause to the fullest extent!”
“The initial period is the most challenging and critical. The city is currently unprotected, open to attacks, virtually defenseless. The Wall project is your foundation and guarantee of safety! It is a comprehensive early detection and defense system against shaiszu, including potential underground breaches and aerial assaults. In the event of an attack, the defense systems are capable of holding off the enemy until the heavy units from the Bastion arrive.”
“Based on our experience and knowledge, the optimal diameter is calculated to be 82 kilometers. Unfortunately, this encompasses only part of the Polis territory. To ensure optimal living conditions for all residents, the Protectorate will overhaul much of the urban infrastructure. This is a necessary measure to accommodate more than nine million people comfortably.”
“Of course, we will strive to utilize existing infrastructure solutions to the fullest and make every effort to preserve the most significant cultural and historical landmarks. Relocation will occur in several stages, as the city’s existing buildings are restructured by our construction machinery fleet.”
“Please note that the size and comfort of your housing will directly depend on your Public Efficiency Class. When advancing to a higher group, one of the benefits will be the opportunity to apply for improved housing.”
“Exiting the Wall’s perimeter is unsafe and strictly prohibited! If you have a justified need, contact the nearest consultation point or use the Protectorate.Security app.”
“Attention!”
“The first stage of relocation has already begun. Check the list of designated areas. If you are in an area marked for relocation, gather all necessary items in advance before the evacuation transport arrives. If you have not yet undergone testing and have not been assigned a Public Efficiency Class, you will be relocated under general conditions. Applications for housing improvements can only be submitted after curfew ends, exclusively after testing.”
“To expedite the relocation process, do not take unnecessary food, extra clothing, household appliances, or domestic robots – you will be provided with everything needed on-site. If you have any questions, refer to the dedicated section in the App.”
“Delaying or obstructing the loading and departure of transports is strictly forbidden. Under wartime conditions, such actions are considered sabotage, and patrol teams have the right to open fire without warning.”
“The Protectorate urges you to show responsibility, awareness, and understanding! Relocation is a necessary but vital measure. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of every citizen!”
“Remember, those who sit idly by, trying to hinder and obstruct, are enemies of our common home, just like the shaiszu!”
“The Wall is your guarantee of Safety!”
Such messages had been broadcast en masse since the beginning of the curfew. For those not connected to the city’s extranet of the Protectorate, the messages were displayed on all advertisement screens and building walls.
Additionally, in residential areas adjacent to the KRE, drones not only displayed the videos but also announced the text loudly and clearly.
It was nearly impossible to be in an area designated for relocation and not receive the message. However, when military patrols and evacuation transports – commandeered city buses – started moving in, the first conflicts began to arise.
They were widely varied. Some people demanded to be left alone, families quarreled and broke apart, with only one parent siding with the Protectorate... There were also troubled teenagers and principled renouncers who just wouldn’t agree to anything. Some demanded a couple of days to pack, while others were threatening with weapons.
Kamil had his own rather unpleasant “baptism by fire.” It wasn’t particularly difficult or dangerous; in fact, it was quite the opposite... His squad had already cleared the last entryway of an apartment building when orders came that someone was still inside one of the apartments. According to the scanner, the person was likely asleep.
The rest of the group moved to the next building, while Kamil went up to handle the situation. Finding the right flat, he pressed the buzzer twice, but no one answered. Stepping back, he let the accompanying drone shoot the lock off with a short burst.
Holding his rifle at the ready, he opened the door and slipped inside, cautiously scanning the surroundings.
“You bloody bastard! I’ll fucking kill you!”
From the kitchen burst a man in camo pants and a striped tank top. He looked about forty-five, solidly built, with a short haircut. His right bicep bore a tattoo of the military corporation “ArMC,” Armadillo Military Corp, along with a scattering of campaign badges – likely a retired veteran.
The man might have posed a threat if he hadn’t been so drunk. The guy easily dodged the punch aimed at his jaw and knocked the man out with an elbow strike.
Kamil nudged the fallen man with his boot a couple of times, but he didn’t stir. The sealed filters of his helmet efficiently cleaned the air, but the system still warned him of the strong smell of alcohol. He rolled the man onto his back with his foot, and the tactical AI displayed a summary.
#Object ID: CR-5690.2200.00012.57489
#Public Efficiency Class: 00. Colorless
#Social Rating: Minimal
#Directive: Eliminate.
Of course, Kamil had already learned by heart that the Public Efficiency Class ranges from zero “Colorless,” comprising the least significant people, to the seventh “White” class. It includes Templar-Analysts, Templar-Knights, and Templar-Priests – the elite of the Protectorate.
The guy raised his rifle, sending a brief command to switch to single-shot mode. A pull of the trigger, a sharp bang, and a red stain spread across the unknown man’s chest.
#Target neutralized.
He felt awful – shooting an unarmed, non-resisting person was disgusting and shameful.
But duty won out. He also understood clearly that for the Protectorate, this situation was one of the promised tests. The accompanying drone had plenty of means to eliminate the target on its own, but the command had been given specifically to Kamil. Fortunately, this was the only truly unpleasant episode in the entire operation.
The rest went smoothly, apart from physical exhaustion. Rumors spread like wildfire. While at first patrols had to use force and even open fire, by the end of the fourth hour, the remaining residents had voluntarily left their homes, already packed and ready when the evacuation transport arrived.
It turned out that the entire right bank of the river Dnieper was designated for future relocation. Although the buildings’ restructuring was yet to begin, the priority was constructing the Wall. The Protectorate had set up numerous tent camps and requisitioned all the city’s hotels for relocation.
By 02:36 a.m., the last bus had left – the operation was complete. Some soldiers returned to the Kyiv Ring Expressway, others went to maintain order in the camps, while the rest, including Kamil’s squad, moved closer to the real borders of the vast metropolis.