The soldier the boy standing guard at the docks had glared at him with hard eyes, but they softened as the knife slid into his neck. They had raided the ship quickly, rushing through the passageways, bashing heads on low ceilings and nearly tumbling down the steep stairwells. The few crew aboard at the time were taken out before they could even comprehend the ship was being boarded. Everyone grabbed as much ammunition and weaponry as they could carry, and the five volunteers set about trying to understand the gunnery controls. The rapid pops of gun fire sounded from the docks just as Rayshun and his men were heading back out. A few corpses lay in the street by the docks, Rayshun thought, and hoped, they were police or soldiers. The two dozen men broke in two and separated, and in their wake the two corvettes at the docks erupted in two thunderous explosions. The destroyer then turned its guns on itself, the massive hulk of steel committing suicide with a great clap. The town was bathed in the orange glow of the burning harbour, screams following every explosion as the dying ships magazines went up in flames. Looking down on the town from the nearby hill, breathing hard and arms buckling under the weight of the stolen ammunition, the great red cloud rising over the town seemed to stare back at Rayshun. And it laughed.
He jolted upwards, fists flying forward at whoever was on him. Eyes blurry with sleep Rayshun thrust himself bodily into the assailant, and landed heavily on top of them. He raised his fist, and just as he was about to bring it crashing down into his foes face, the touch of cold metal under his chin cleared his mind. Ladas hard, square face looked up at him with those blank eyes, showing no concern at all.
You back yet, ox?
Er
Yeah
Lada withdrew her pistol, and Rayshun pushed himself off her and sat back down on his cot, his fist against the side of his head in a vain attempt to quiet the throbbing ache in his brain. Sorry Lada, I though
Dont worry about it. No shame in having quick reflexes. Lada gave a crooked grin. Rayshun did not answer it. She sighed, and then said Kamenka?
Rayshun nodded. The news said that there where civilian casualties
State news. You know we didnt kill civies. Well, not many.
He snarled. We shouldnt be killing any. Whats the point of fighting for the people if we kill them all.
At least we try not to, big guy. Cant say the same for the regime, or half the damn rebels for that matter. Were doing fine, chin up and stop being a baby. We have a war to fight. She gave him a not at all gentle slap to the head with her big meaty palm, then turned for the tents flap. Yulian wants you.
Oh. Thats all?
Youd like there to be more, wouldnt you, boss? She gave another lopsided grin and walked away.
Er
Smooth as ever Rayshun. Smooth as ever.
*
Yulian and Lada were waiting in the command tent (which also doubled as the mess, storage, and medical tent, depending on when you stopped by), sitting in neon coloured lawn chairs around the picnic table. A real fearsome bunch we make.
Yulian nodded at Rayshun as the big man crashed down into one of the empty chairs, a nice green one. Got something for you, boss. He slid a folded paper across the table. Rayshun cocked an eyebrow and unfolded the note. After a time, longer than was really necessary for an adult to read the whole letter, Rayshun set the note down and looked at Yulian.
I feel like you should really talk to me more about what it is you do, Yulian. Who even are these people? He pointed at the note.
They call themselves the Factory Boys. Another rebel group, based nearby Drozhino.
Factory Boys?
Yulian shrugged. Theyre mostly made up of factory workers, and are generally men.
Yada gave her lopsided grin. Should we switch to Farm Boys?
They fight for the workers, and have so far avoided intentionally attacking civilian targets. Yulian continued, ignoring Yada. Close both geographically, and ideologically. Ive been corresponding with their number two, Zhmyh, about some ideas.
Rayshuns brow was thoroughly furrowed. I have heard of them. Got in some messy business with the Tatars and the church up in Zelenogorsck, yeah? Not sure I like the idea of making deals with anarchist trouble makers, Yulian.
Anarchists? Yada barked a laugh. Come on boss, what are we, really? Rayshun glared at her.
Yulian carried on. We have extra weapons and ammunition thanks to our raids, but were low on funds, transportation, and, most importantly, friends. The Factory boys can help us with all of those. Rayshun was about to complain, but Yulian put up a finger and pointed at the map. Zhmyh and I have struck a deal, some assault rifles and ammo in exchange for money, fuel and a truck. Deal to go down in Bor. He wiggled his long, skinny digit at the small dot on the map.
You already made the deal? Without even asking me? Rayshuns face was clouding, and he could feel that euphoric sensation of adrenaline pumping through him, his limbs becoming light as feathers.
Yulian raised his hands in mock surrender. If I had asked, you would have shot me down. This way I can at least get you to meet with Bolt. From what Ive heard, you two might get along.
Bolt? Their leader calls himself Bolt?
Yeah, nicknames are sure silly, arent they Ox? Yada winked.
Goddammit, I dont like that
Boss, Rayshun, we only have fifty personnel. The regime has 30,000. There are over 150 soldiers patrolling around Pavlovo and Kamenka now, specifically looking for us. We cannot do this alone, and the other rebels are all blood thirsty royalists, religious fanatics or fascists. We need allies, Rayshun, and we need them now.
Ryashun chewed his lip, his raging blood calming down. He finally sighed and nodded. Youre right. As always, you bastard. Well go talk with these Factory Boys, and see what sort of folk they are.
Good, and theres also a little something else Zhmyh and I have been cooking up...'