Ghosts of the Soviet Republic

[Miroslavl]

People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD)
Section 9: Public & Internal Security​

Section 9 Ghost Team
Commander: Major Marko Kourdakov


14 Years Ago

"Big brother?"

"Yes, Miriya?"

"Where are mommy and daddy?"

"...They had to go somewhere, Miriya."

"Oh. When will they be back?"

"....."


11 Years Ago

"Marko! Don't leave, please!"

"Miriya, I have to go."

"But why?!"

"It's the law. Everyone does their five years, you know that."

"But..."

"Don't worry, sis. The headmaster will take care of you here."

"But... I'll be alone..."

"Miriya, everything will be fine."

"Promise me?"

"I promise."


7 Years Ago

"Whad do you mean she's missing?!"


4 Years Ago

"So why'd you stay in anyway, LT? You don't really strike me as the kind of guy to go professional."

"None of your business, Sergeant."

"Aw, don't be like that boss."

"Just... nevermind. Sorry for snapping at you, Boris."

"Not a problem boss."

"...I... I have a sister."

"Yeah, that's in your file. You never talk about her, though."

".....She's missing."

"Ah. Well, don't worry about it, boss. I'm sure you'll find her."

"Yeah..."


2 Years Ago

"Captain Kourdakov?"

"Yes?"

"We've found her."

-----

"Miriya? Miriya, it's me!"

".....Brother?"

"Miriya-"

"You liar."

-----

"Who does something like that?! WHO?!"

"Grah... fuckin' commie bastard, I got my righ-"

"NO YOU FUCKING DON'T! YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT! YOU DON'T HAVE A GODDAMN RIGHT TO ANYTHING!"

"Aagh! Eeeaaaagh! Gaaaaaaaaaggh-!"

"I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!"

"That's enough, Captain."

"But...! But he...!"

"Yes, and that's why you've been allowed this much. Any more and there will be consequences for you."

"I-"

"There is, however, an alternative. If you're willing to consider a... change in careers."

".....I'm listening."

-----

"Feel better now?"

"...Not really, sir. A little."

"Hmm."

"...Miriya-"

"Will be taken care of, don't worry. We'll do what we can to help her."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me, Major. It's part of the job. Welcome to Section 9."

 

[Miroslavl]

Section 9 Ghost Team
Assistant Commander: SSgt Boris Koniev

28 Years Ago

"A little harder, Mrs. Koniev! One more push!"

"IVAN! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU FOR THIS!"

"Hah! Maybe later, my dear Alexandra! Now, one more push, just like the doctor ordered..."

"AAAAAAAAHHH!"

"There he is! I can see... the crown... oooh shit."

"WAAAAH-!"

"Hah! Good pair of lungs on the boy!"

"Uh... yeah... nurse, the... you know."

"Uhm... right away, doctor..."

"Hahha! Look at our boy, Alexa! Big and strong! Boris, we'll call him! And look, he's so covered in coal you'd think he was black himself!"

"Haaaaah! You'd best treasure him, Ivan! I'll kill you if you even think of touching me again!"

"Uh..."

"Hah! So you say now, Alexa. You'll change your mind before the week's out."

"Uh... Mr. Koniev...."

"Now then! We should wash this coal dust off the boy. Leave it on and he'll be stuck that way, like my pa always said."

"Mr. Koniev... I don't think- wait. Wait. WHY IS THAT WORKING?! How-?!"


21 Tears Ago

"That ain't the way it went and you KNOW it, pa!"

"Hah! You got me there, boy. But always remember: the coal's in you. Like it's in your mother, like it's in me, and like it was in my father and his father. It might be ugly, or at least certainly not pretty. But it's neccessary, at least today. Never forget that, boy: sometimes a neccessary thing isn't very pleasant, but it's neccessary nonetheless. Understand?"

"I think so, pa..."


15 Years Ago

"Hah! Look at you, boy! Certainly won't be working in the mines anytime soon, that's for sure! You'd hardly fit!"

"Sorry, pa..."

"Nothing to apologize about, boy! Can't all do the same thing forever... or we'd all still be pirates! Hah!"


12 Years Ago

"Pa..."

"Boy, today you are now a man."

"Yes, pa."

"You work hard and follow your orders, understood? And remember what I've always said about coal."

"Yes, pa. ...Pa, I've been thinking....."

"About staying in? Going professional?"

"Yeah..."

"That's up to you, son. Don't go thinking you have to come back to the mines like me and your mother. You make your own way, son. That's how a man does things!"

"Yes sir!"

-----

"ATTEN-SHUN! Fall in, you maggots! Welcome to b- HOLY FUCK! WHAT'S THIS MOUNTAIN DOING HERE?!"


8 Years Ago

"HOLD THE LINE! Everyone stand your ground!"

"Sir! Sir! They're coming right at us!"

"We're holding our position! Follow your orders!"

"INCOMING!"

"Aaaaaaarrgh!"

"The captain! The captain's down!"

"Retreat! Everyone run for i-"

"YOU SHUT THE HELL UP! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK WE ARE?!"

"Holy fuck it's The Mountain That Moves!"

"HQ says we hold this sector, we HOLD THIS SECTOR! YOU READING ME, KIDS?!"

"Isn't he the same age as us?"

"Now then! Where's your machinegunner?!"

"Fuck if we know!"

"Then why aren't you using that gun up there?!"

"Are you nuts?! That gun's on a burning... tank..... and I don't think that was supposed to come off it's mounting like that......"

"HAH! C'MON, BOYS AND GIRLS! LET'S KICK SOME ASS!"

"Ah, what the hell. Let's go! For Meribia!"


5 Years Ago

"Alright, soldiers. My name is Lieutenant Kourdakov, and I'll be in command of this unit from... what's this mountain doing here?"


3 Years Ago

"I don't think I have to tell you how much of an opportunity this is, Sergeant."

"You said it, boss. Spetznaz... man. Never thought I'd qualify!"

"You take up two seats on an APC. To be honest I'm surprised they haven't offered you a job sooner."

"Hah! Well, I'm game for it, Captain."

-----

"Ladies, gentlemen..... mountain..... welcome to the special forces."

"That's the biggest sumbitch I've seen all year."

"No kidding."


Present Day

"Been a long time, boss." Most men would find it a little odd to find a mountain grinning down at them. Major Marko Kourdakov of the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD) Public & Internal Security Section 9 was used to it, though he had to admit it'd been a while.

"Staff Sergeant Koniev. Indeed, it's been a long three years. How's the Spetznaz treating you?"

"Good. I see you've gotten a new uniform, boss."

"Can't complain, doesn't stain much." Marko was not one to laugh at his own jokes, and in this case he didn't need to. "I've got a job offer for you." he said after his hearing had recovered.

"Well boss, I ain't so sure now. The special forces have a lot of neat toys to play with-"

"It's a ten percent pay raise and the uniforms are black."

"Sold."

 

[Miroslavl]

Section 9 Ghost Team
Member: Nash Maxwell

15 Years Ago

"Hi!"

"H...hi..."

"I'm Nash! What's your name?"

"Anya... Anya Gerasimov....."

"Oh! You're Meribian!"

"Y-yes... my daddy's in the army....."

"My parents have always said Meribians are bad people-"

"I-I'm sor-"

"-but you look perfectly normal to me! Let's be friends!"

"...Ok!"


13 Years Ago

"Nash! What are you doing here?"

"Father? I heard someone screaming. Is everything alright?"

"Hrm. Well, I suppose you'll have to learn about the cause sooner or later."

"Cause?"

"Yes, Nash! Independence for Vane, once and for all! Freedom from these Meribian dogs! Come here, Nash. You're still young, but it's time you spilled some blood."

"...?!"

"Corrigan!"

"Sir? Huh? What's Nash doing h-"

"Never mind that, Martin. Are any of those swine still left?"

"We've already done in the 'peacekeeper' and his spawn. The lads are finishing up with the wife and older daughter now."

"And the younger daughter?"

"Harold wanted a go at her, but we gave him a sound beating for it. She's too young, even for..... sir, you're not thinking-"

"It's time my youngest got involved in the fight. Now, Nash, take this."

"A knife...? Father, what's going on?"

"It's the duty of every good man of Vane to fight for freedom. It's high time you did your part. Martin! Where is she?"

"Uh... right through here, sir."

"Ah, good. Come, Nash, it's ti-"

"A-Anya?! ANYA?!"

-----

"Huh- boy! This area's off-limits! Stand back immediately!"

"T... this is a Meribian Army post, right?"

"Yes, and we're on lock down! Stay away from here!"

"But... I'd like to report a murder!"

"?!"

-----

"TRAITOR! YOU TRAITOR!"

"Shut that pig up! Goddess... Lieutenant Gerasimov didn't deserve this, he was a good man!"

"His wife and kids, too... boy. Thank you. I don't know how you found out about this, but-"

"YOU LITTLE BASTARD, NASH! HOW DARE MY OWN SON BETRAY HIS COUNTRY LIKE THIS!"

"I said shut him- wait, 'son'? Boy, is this man your father?"

"NO! I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS TRAITOR AS MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD!"

"And... AND I REFUSE YOU TOO! You... you CUR! You WRETCH! Anya was my FRIEND! And you... you made me..."

"...Goddesses. Men! Take these... these animals outside and shoot them! ALL OF THEM!"

"Yes sir!"

"TRAITOR! WORTHLESS TRAITOR!"

".....Sir...?"

"I'm sorry, boy, but it has to be done. We'll-"

"Can I do it?"

"Hm?"

"I've already killed once today. She... she didn't deserve it. I want to kill someone that does."

"...Squad, hold on that last order for a moment. Kid, you know there's no turning back if you do this, right?"

"Yes sir."

"...Alright. Let's go out back."

"Thank you, sir..."


5 Years Ago

"Name?"

"Nash Maxwell."

"Vanish. Hmm. Look a bit younger than usual, how old are you?"

"Sixteen, sir."

"Huh. Right on schedule, that's odd. Guess they caught you quick, hmm?"

"I didn't try to dodge, sir."

"A Vaner that doesn't try to dodge conscription? Ridiculous."

"Actually Oleg, it's true. I know this kid, he's the one from a few years back..."

"Huh? ...You mean him?! Boy, sorry for doubting you! That was a brave thing you did back then."

"...Thank you, sir."

"Here's your papers. You'll report in for basic day after tomorrow. God or Goddesses be with you, boy."

"Thank you, sir. You too."


Present Day

"Nash Maxwell, civilian." the black-uniformed Major with ice blue eyes read, a grinning mountain leaning against the wall behind him. "Reported to your local conscription station the day you became eligible. Five years, no bad marks, no negative reports, excellent record overall, came out of conscription a Corporal. Performed superbly at the Grindery last year, according to your instructors." Ice blue met his own hazel. "That's very high praise."

"Thank you, sir." Nash replied.

"Hah, I remember going through that." the giant - who Nash figured had to be at least seven feet tall - interjected, his grin widening to the point that Nash wondered if it was stuck that way, "From both sides. Messy."

"All a part of training a better soldier." the Major said, returning his gaze to the file on the desk in front of him. "Hmm... it says here you reported your own family for kidnapping, murder and treason. And helped carry out their executions. At the age of eight."

Nash grit his teeth for a moment, then nodded. "...Yes sir."

The Major leaned forward, clasping his hands together into a fist and resting his chin on them."Why?"

"What they did was wrong, sir."

"Indeed it was." the point was conceded with a small nod, "But the world isn't a good place, Mr. Maxwell. If no one did anything wrong at all we'd be living in Heaven."

"Or Elysium."

The Major raised an eyebrow. "Not Twentish, I take it?"

"I try to keep an open mind, sir."

"Hah." that odd laugh again, and the grinning giant - Nash was sure now that grin must be stuck there - scratched the stubble along the back of his head for a moment, "There's a saying about minds and fortresses, but I can't think of it at the moment. Not important I guess."

The Major's gaze flicked to the giant, though his head did not move. "Boris."

"Sorry, boss." The grin was sheepish, now, but still there.

"Hmph." The eyes were on him again. "Mr. Maxwell... your situation is very irregular. It's not every day a Vanish gentleman like yourself calls up the Commissariat and asks for a job. Let alone walk in with a written recommendation from a retired yet very distinguished former officer and asks specifically for assignment to Public Security."

Nash straightened as much as he could. "It's what I've always wanted to do, sir."

"Since when? Thirteen years ago?"

"Yes sir."

"Mr. Maxwell, I really can't stress enough that the world out there isn't pretty." There was a curious expression on the Major's face, jaw clenched, eyes staring past as if looking at something no one else could see. Nash recognized it immediately: the look of someone who had a lot of bad memories. Memories that stayed with you and kept you up at night.

He'd seen that expression a lot in the mirror over the past thirteen years.

"Neither's what we do. Like my pa's always said, sometimes something necessary is something ugly. But it's still necessary."

The Major gave a small sigh, but seemed grateful for the interruption to his train of thought. "Like the mountain over there just said..."

"Hah."

"...We're Public Security. Other countries call us the secret police, and they're not entirely wrong. People hate us. People fear us."

"We certainly don't pick up many ladies." The grin widened some more. 'My God, his face is stuck that way.'

"Boris." The Major silently stared at him for a long moment. "...The world isn't fair, Mr. Maxwell. You won't get any kudos from the masses for working here. You won't be regarded as a hero. Just the opposite. And there's no turning back if you do this, you know that right?"

"I know this world isn't just, sir. I still want to do the right thing."

"...Very well." He nodded, seeming pleased as he closed the file in front of him, then retrieving a silver-and-crimson badge of the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs from his desk and sliding it forward. "Welcome to Section 9, Mr. Maxwell."

Nash smiled gratefully, accepting the badge and the handshake that followed. "Thank you, sir. Happy to do my part."

 

[Miroslavl]

Section 9 Ghost Team
Member: Sergei Yegorov


12 Years Ago

"Gnnh... you fuckers better have a good reason for waking me up thi- uh! Sirs! How... how may I help you?"

"Mr. Yegorov?"

"Y-yes?"

"People's Commissariat. Please come with us, we have some questions about your... recent activities that we'd like to discuss with you."

"...I..... but-"

"Please don't make this difficult, sir."

"I... I understand. I'll ge-"

"Dad?"

"Sergei!"

"Dad... I heard voices..... what's going on?"

"Nothing, Sergei. Please go back to bed."

"But dad-"

"Josef! My God, what's-"

"Elena, please! Take Sergei back to bed. I'll... I'll see you both in the morning, ok?"

"Oh, Josef... I... goodbye, Josef."

"Goodbye, Elena, Sergei. I love you both very much."

"Dad...?"

"We'll give you a moment, Mr. Yegorov. Please don't take too long."

"I... thank you.... thank you. I'll... I'll be out in just a few minutes."

"That will be fine."

-----

"Mom? ...Mom?"

"Oh! Yes, what is it, Sergei?"

"Where's dad? We haven't seen him since he left, and it's been weeks!"

"Oh, Sergei..."


10 Years Ago

"ON THE GROUND! GET DOWN ON THE GROUND NOW!"

"YOU BASTARDS! YOU THUGS! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!"

"DROP YOUR WEAPON, OR WE WILL OPEN FIRE! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!"

"YOU TOOK MY JOSEF FROM ME! I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!"

"MOM!"

"S-Sergei?!"

"Mom, please! Please put down the gun..."

"Sergei... oh, Sergei....."

"That's it, ma'am... put down the gun..... there we go. Pyotr, secure the weapon."

"Yes sir."

"Oh, Sergei..."

"Mom..."

"Ma'am, please put your hands behind your head. Now. Ivan, Vassily, take her into custody."

"No! I won't let you take mom!"

"Kid-"

"People like you took dad away! I won't let you take mom too!"

"Ki- ah, frag it all. Fine, kid, you can come with us, but only if you don't make trouble."

"O-ok..."

-----

"Citizen Elena Yegorov, you have been charged with unlawful use of a firearm, two counts of assault on an officer of the law, five counts of disrespecting an officer of the law and reckless endangerment. Video footage of your activities exists and is corroborated by multiple eyewitness reports and the reports of five separate law enforcement officials, including four members of the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs Section 9. A search of your residence has turned up your suicide note and multiple entries in your diary reference your plans. I highly reccommend you do not try to plead innocence in this case."

"I... I do not."

"My client does plead guilty, your honor."

"Good, then you've saved us a lot of trouble. Due to the extennuating circumstances of this incident and the fact that no one was actually injured by your actions, that you have decided not to waste the Soviet Republic's time allows me to be considerably lenient with you. However, the fact remains that you discharged a firearm in a public venue and threatened multiple law enforcement officials. I hereby sentence you to three years imprisonment in a labor prison in Reza."

"Thats... very generous, your honor. And the client's son...?"

"Citizen Sergei Yegorov has expressed a desire to remain with his mother but can not, of course, share her sentence, he will be placed in government care in Reza and be allowed visitation until the time of your release, at which time a hearing will be held to decide if he will be returned to Ms. Yegorov's custody. Is this acceptable?"

"It is, your honor."

"Good. Court adjourned."

-----

"Um... Corporal, sir?"

"Yes, Prisoner EY-183?"

"Why... why is Sergei here with me...?"

"He'll be taken to the orphanage later today. For now, we'd like you to meet your assigned cellmate and believe it'd be best if he were here."

"But... but I don't think Sergei should-"

"Oh, trust me. You'll want him here for this. Ah! Here's the man of the hour now."

"M-ma-?!"

"E-... Elena? Sergei?!"

"Oh... oh, God... Josef!"

"Dad!"

"Elena! Sergei!"

"C'mon, Private. Let's let them have a few moments to themselves."

"Yes sir."

-----

"What the hell is he in for, anyway?"

"Five years for unregistered affair and breach of marital contract. Mistress in Zefielia."

"Oh. Think we should go back and be ready to break up a fight?"

"Only if the kid's still in there when it starts."

"Good plan."

"You... you BASTARD!"

"Aaaand it starts. Let's go get the kid..."


9 Years Ago

"Little piece of shit!"

"Argh! My nose! You broke my-"

"Think that hurt? Try this then!"

"Ugh! AAagh!"

"Fuckin' brat! Comin' up on our territory! I'll beat your fuckin' face in-"

"STOP RIGHT THERE, GANGER SCUM!"

"Fuck, it's the cops! Run for it!"

"Halt! This is your final warning! ...You asked for it! Light 'em up!"

"Eeeah!"

"Naagh-"

"F-fuck! I give up! I sur-hhk"

"Well, that's three less gangers to deal with, lads."

"Ggh... agh....."

"Wins, the kid!"

"Damn! He's hurt pretty bad... Someone get him over to the hospital!"

"Urrgh..."

"Don't worry, kid. You'll be fine..."

-----

"Sergei! My God, what happened?!"

"Son... have they-"

"No, mom, dad, I'm fine. Just got into a fight at school..."


7 Years Ago

"You're both free to go, and that hearing? Canceled. Get out of here, and I don't want to see either of you in here again, got it?"

"Yes sir! Thank you, sir!"

"Come, Sergei... let's go home."

-----

"Five years... can't say I'll miss it, really."

"I know what you mean, dear. It'll be good to go home-"

"DIE, MERIBIAN SCUM! VANE SHALL BE FREE!"

-----

"Hey! I've got a survivor over here!"

"Only one...? Dammit. Someone get a medic over here!"


5 Years Ago

"Oi, whatcha ya looking for, kiddo?"

"I hear you've got work?"

"Hells yeah, the boys're always recruiting. You don't look like a local, though - where ya from?"

"It's a long story..."

"Well, tell it to us later. C'mon in, the boss is upstairs..."


2 Years Ago

"Citizen Sergei Yegorov, you've been found guilty of multiple counts of assault, breaking and entering, theft, affiliation with illegal organizations, public nudity, disturbing the peace and countless other criminal activities. Furthermore, you've wasted this court's time and pled innocent despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary! Due to your circumstances I've decided to afford you some level of leniency, but nevertheless I hereby sentence you to two years imprisonment in a holding facility in Iluk, after which you are to be released into the custody of the Meribian Soviet Armed Forces for your mandatory service, which is hereby lengthened from five to eight years. That is all. Court adjourned."


1 Month Ago

"Sergei, buddy, are you nuts?! You know what they do to runners!"

"Hell of a lot faster than eight years in some expendable penal unit! If I can get back to the desert I'll be fine, I've got contacts in Reza..."

"That's miles away! And over a mountain to boot! You'll never make it!"

"So? If there's a chance, I'm taking it."

"You're crazy!"

"No, I'm out of here. Seeya!"


3 Weeks Ago

"Well, shit."

"You can say that again, Mr. Yegorov."

"But seriously, an entire army division? Don't you guys think that was a little much?"

"No kill like overkill, as they always say. And it wasn't like they had anything better to do."

"Just my luck I guess. So... now what? I see you already brought the firing squad."

"A firing squad is indeed one option available to you."

"'Option'? I don't suppose you've got one where I don't die today?"

"Actually, yes, we do. You were quite resourceful in your escape attempt, Mr. Yegorov. Over two dozen miles in rough, mountainous terrain, with no food or supplies... and all in just five days, evading pursuit all the while. That's very impressive. The Commissariat needs people with such talents."

"Wait, wait... you're offering me a job? As in become an NKVD agent? Fat chance!"

"Well then, about that firing squad-"

"On second thought, why don't you tell me more about this exciting new employment opportunity available to me, sir..."


Present Day

"That... that was....." Sergei Yegorov shuddered and tried to force the memories from his mind. "That was one of the most frightening things I've ever done, and I've done a lot of shit in Reza back in the day."

"Hah! That's the Grindery for ya." a mountain that called itself Boris Koniev slapped him on the back, nearly sending him to the floor. "Everyone's gotta go through it. Usually you're a bit older when you do, though..."

"That's definitely a record of some sort." the Vanetian, Nash Maxwell, added, shaking his head ruefully. "The first ever sixteen year old Grindery graduate."

"Seventeen. I turned seventeen last week." Sergei ran a hand over his shaven head. "I remember it clearly. I can still hear the bombardment....."

"Hah! Don't worry comrade. It'll fade with time and drink."

"Boris even pays."

"Only half the time, Vanish!"

Sergei sighed and tugged at the collar of his black uniform. 'Man, never thought I'd be wearing Commissariat black one day.' he thought. 'Strange where life takes you sometimes.'

The door opened, a man with ice blue eyes and dark hair that perfectly matched his uniform stepping in. "Gear up, we've got a job."

"Outstanding!" the mountain jumped to it's feet with surprising quickness, and grabbing up a heavy machinegun propped up against the wall - with one hand. Sergei's jaw dropped a little as Staff Sergeant Boris Koniev hefted the weapon up on one shoulder and grinned broadly. "I've been tired of sitting around!"

"What's the mission, sir?" Nash Maxwell asked, shouldering a GSG-70 submachinegun and grabbing his cap and greatcoat.

"I'll brief you all on the way over." the eyes turned to regard Sergei, who straightened. "Mr. Yegorov. Good to have you with us."

Sergei Yegorov straightened. "Thank you, sir!"

Major Marko Kourdakov nodded, turning and striding back towards the door.

"Let's go, Ghost Team."