by Howard Cohen
“Is this necessary? I’m a policeman on assignment and don’t have time for this.”
“We are the militia, and our orders say search each vehicle without exception. Now get out of the car and open trunk.”
Nickolai slowly opened the door and exited the car. With a soldier on either side of the car, he could not follow the plan.
“Open the trunk.”
Nickolai walked around the back of the car, reached into his pocket as if to get the keys, pulled out a small automatic. He turned left fired once, and turned back right before the second soldier realized what had happened and shot him in the face. He then opened the trunk.
“They insisted I open the trunk. I had no choice.”
Jax said to Sonkin “Help me collect all their weapons, ammunition, and any gear that might help us later especially one of their radios. “ Nickolai joined them.
They dragged the two soldiers off to the side of the road and put them in their vehicle. Jax drove their car as far off the road as the terrain would allow. When he returned, he found Nickolai waiting by the car and Sonkin in the rear seat. Together they carried the barrier that formed the roadblock into the trees.
“No telling when their shift changes. We need to get to Kunya. We’re almost out of gas.” Jax said as he sped down the highway.
“Things are going to get ugly soon. Question is can we make the border before they find the bodies. I took their radios so if someone calls them, we’ll hear it. Once they find them, they’ll send everything they have from every direction.”
They were lucky to find an all-night gas station. Nickolai went in and purchased bottled water, sandwiches, snacks, and a five-gallon gas can. Jax filled the tank and can then pulled the car around the side so they could all use the restroom. When they were in the car again, Jax said “ It’s two hours twenty minutes to the border. No way we can drive across. We’ll have to do it on foot, and they will be patrolling heavily. Even if we get across, they might pursue. It’s a remote area, and they want Sonkin badly enough to risk an international incident. “
Jax pulled out onto the highway and raced through the small city.
“What happens if they find them before we get to the border? “ Sonkin asked.
“It will depend on how close to the border we are,” Jax answered.
Fifteen minutes later, the militia radio came alive. A frantic voice asked “Arkady come in, where are you two? Arkady respond!” Then to someone else” There’s blood on the pavement. Call headquarters tell them we have a problem. Arkady come in...” Jax turned down the volume.
“I had hoped for more time. They’ll find the bodies in about ten minutes, then notify their headquarters. They will call Moscow, and they will send helicopters to look for us. We are two hours from the border assuming we don’t meet any additional roadblocks.
“How were we going to get across the border, it will be heavily guarded,” Nickolai asked lighting a cigarette.
“It’s time I told you the plan I have set in place. While Nickolai was in the store and you were in the toilet I made a call on my satellite phone and changed a few things,” Jax said as he pushed the Lada to its limit. “Plan A was we get to the border before they figured out where we were going. This is plan B. Two men are driving across the border. One of the men will get out at a side road the other will continue to Moscow.
“The man we are going to meet is a contractor like me and knows the area. We will pull off onto a side road, drive as far as we can, and, then ditch the car. He’ll guide us cross country to the border. Waiting for us on the other side of the border is a team of ex-military men. They’ll escort us to a place where a helicopter can pick us up. Originally, they were to meet us at the border crossing and escort us. I can tell you that the Russians will follow us with their irregular special ops troops that they used in Ukraine. I’m going to call the men now and see how far apart we are.”
61
Moscow
Sunday evening June 28, 2019
When the news of the killings in Kunya arrived, the Prime Minister ordered special ops irregulars to the border and authorized hot pursuit if they cross into Latvia.
Within thirty minutes they had three attack helicopters and two transport helicopters each carrying ten special ops troops heading toward the border along M9. At 300 km per hour, they would be at the border in 2 hours.
62
Highway M – 9 to Latvia
Sunday evening June 28, 2019
Jax talked for a few minutes, then disconnected. “They just dropped off our guide at the access road. It’s no more than thirty minutes from here.”
Nickolai was driving as they approached a roadblock. A truck was just passing through. As they approached, they could see three young militia standing behind a makeshift barrier. “Should I try the Moscow police routine.”
“Can’t lose anything by trying. If they don’t pass us, I’m going to kill them. “Jax said pulling back the bolt on his AK-47.
Nickolai drove to the barrier, dropped the window and held out his badge. “Moscow police on our way to the border. Lift the barrier. I’m in a hurry.”
Two of the soldiers started to lift the barrier. “Wait,” said the third. “I want to see the badges of the other two.”
Jax opened the door stepped out levelled the AK-47 and put two rounds into each soldier before they could react. “Back into the car, no point in trying to hide the bodies. Time is more important.” Nickolai drove as fast as the Lada would allow.
Jax called. “He’s in an access road one mile up the road. There will be a white rag on the signpost. Stop at the sign so I can remove it.”
After removing the rag, they drove a few hundred yards until a man appeared at the side of the road. When they stopped, he approached the car.” My name is Thomas. I have a backpack for each of you.” He went into the shadows and returned with four which he put in the trunk and got into the car.” Drive. Three miles from here there is a dirt road we’ll take for two miles, then we walk.”
Jax introduced everyone. Thomas was in his late twenties, long black hair tied in a ponytail, deep-set brown eyes, and a natural smile. His accent was Latvian. Nickolai had to slow down to avoid the numerous deep pot holes in the poorly graded road.
“The border is heavily guarded on the Russian side. Maxim, my partner, called me just before you arrived saying that there was a major event at the Kunya roadblock. Lots of military vehicles, soldiers and police. He said he could hear helicopters when he was passing through the barrier.”
As they turned into the dirt road, they could hear the sounds of distant helicopters. Thomas told Nickolai to pull over into a gap in the trees.
The car would be difficult to see from the air. They gathered additional branches to cover parts that might reflect sunlight.
“From here, we are twenty miles from the border. When you told me your plan, I made this trip twice over the past week always stopping at the border and returning to the highway where Maxim picked me up. I know the terrain and have made preparations. “Thomas said as they shouldered their backpacks and weapons.
63
Military Headquarters Russian - Latvian border
Sunday Evening June 28, 2019
The helicopters dropped Bykov at the border. He met with Col. Baranov, the military commander. Baranov was in his forties, stocky, but all muscle, shaved head, heavy brows, steel-grey eyes under heavy lids. They shook hands.
“They have left the highway. We have stopped all traffic from the border to the last roadblock. No matter. Our helicopters have the infra detection systems. Unfortunately, they are old and do not always work.
If we pick up their heat signatures, we’ll land the special ops troops and capture or kill them.”
Bykov watched as the helicopters began their sweep.
64
Forest near the Latvian
border
Sunday night June 28, 2019
Sonkin remained silent for most of the trip. He was overwhelmed by guilt. Father Fedor probably sacrificed his life for him, his cousin Misha as well. “I’m a deserter, a traitor, a coward. Men have paid with their lives to get me out. If their lives are to have meaning I have to get through,” he thought as they began walking.
Thomas led and, Jax, walked with Nickolai and Sonkin. Thick pine forests dominated the terrain interspersed with areas cleared by forestation. Sonkin had no problems with the low rolling hills but did have difficulty with the steepest.
Thomas said that there was no one living in this area except for a few trappers and miners. When they stopped for a rest Sonkin approached Jax.
“I must talk with you,” Sonkin said, drawing him aside. “This.” he said, handing a small manila envelope,” has thumb drives with all the information on the Russian air force and missile program. The most important one is the red one. That has the information that can be used to defeat the Russians. Just in case something happens to me.”
“Thank you. I assume you have copies just in case,” Jax said
Sonkin pointed,” In my head.”
65
Military Headquarters Russian - Latvian border
Sunday night June 28, 2019
Bykov listened to the chatter from the helicopters. They were flying a grid pattern searching for heat signatures.” Troops are all along the Latvian border. It won’t be long before we find them. “ Baranov said lighting a cigarette, inhaling deeply then blowing a smoke ring,
As time passed and the sound of the helicopters receded Bykov nervously paced back and forth. Baranov checked his map.
“I would have expected to have located them by now. The helicopters will recheck the closest areas. It is hard to believe they moved that fast.”
“Maybe they had one of those terrain vehicles that allow you go cross country,” Bykov asked.
“We would have picked up the heat signature if they were travelling on any kind of transport. Be patient we’ll find them.”
66
Forest near Latvian border
Sunday night June 28, 2019
They were making their way through an old-growth pine forest. The going was slow as they weaved their way between the trees. In the distance, they heard the sound of rotor blades. Thomas called a halt.
“Everyone, open your backpacks and take out the black plastic pouch. Open it and take out the mylar blanket. Quickly! Then get down and cover yourself completely. Completely. It blocks the infrared, and they won’t see our heat signature. I have been told the infrared detection systems in these helicopters are old and only work half the time. Still we have to be safe.”
Everyone sat with their backs to trees and covered themselves with the mylar blankets. The helicopters approached flying a grid pattern up and back. Slowly they moved further away until the sound of their rotors was almost inaudible.
“Okay blankets off. Fold them carefully. They may be needed again.”
Jax led them at a fast pace towards the border.
“What will we do when we encounter the troops at the border?” Nickolai asked.
“That will depend, “Jax said, increasing his stride.
Jax always had a plan, a backup plan and last resort plan. His last resort plan went into effect if they could not get through the border guards or if the Special Forces troops closed in on them. He would bury the thumb drives then send the GPS coordinates for the site. He would eliminate Sonkin to prevent his capture. Sonkin must know that this was one of the alternatives and was his motivation for giving Jax the thumb drives.
Nicolai watched Jax moving through the trees ahead. He knew what kind of man Jax was. I’m useful to him if it comes to a firefight. As long as Sonkin is alive, my chances of getting out of Russia are good. Jax will never let them capture Sonkin. If that eventuality is imminent, he will kill Sonkin. Thomas is an unknown.
At the sound of the returning helicopters, they went to ground with their mylar blankets.
“They didn’t find us, and they are checking the most likely areas based on how far we should have come. If they are good, they will notice cold spots where we are blocking the normal ground heat. My bet is they’re not.” Thomas said.
“Hope you’re right,” Jax answered.
The helicopters began flying their grid. The night was cold, in the distance, a dog or wolf howled. Each helicopter covered the area twice before finally leaving.
“We better get going and move fast. If they have techs analyze the scans, they’ll find the cold spots. On my last trip, I left six mylar blankets in an area five miles from here. Hopefully, they’ll go to that cold spot first.”
Jax took off at a fast pace. After two miles, it became apparent that Sonkin could not keep up. Jax was afraid he would get separated in the dark and called a halt. Sonkin came up to him.
“You cannot let me fall into their hands. Everything I’ve done will be for nothing. If that becomes a certainty you must take whatever measures necessary to prevent it. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” Jax said. Sonkin walked away. Fifteen minutes later, they started again. Nickolai walked with Sonkin.
67
Military headquarters Russian – Latvian border
Sunday night June 28, 2019
Baranov was angry,” How could we not have spotted them? Unless they are underwater or glass, none of which are out there. Unless...” He didn’t finish the sentence but went into the tent where the techs were monitoring the radios, radar and infrared scanning.
“Who is monitoring the infrared?” A Sergeant raised his hand. “Rerun the infrared scans in slow motion.”
Bykov came in and stood alongside Baranov. “What are you looking for?”
“We cannot locate them where they should be. It means that we are looking in the wrong place or they are hiding from us. There are only a few ways to avoid infrared detection; Water, glass, mylar among other less common methods. If they are blocking the infrared, they are also blocking the normal heat that the earth gives off. So, we will see cold spots. It’s difficult to see that in the helicopter but on these high res screens it’s easier.”
Bykov smoked a cigarette outside the tent while Baranov chewed on a half-smoked cigar.
“Excuse me, sir, we have cold spots,” the Sergeant said from the doorway of the tent.
“ What do we have?” Baranov asked.
“There are three separate areas. They are all going in the same direction. Two, look here, Sir,” the sergeant said, pointing to another screen, “I have plotted then on the map. Number one is closest to us and coincides with the helicopters first pass, two with the second pass. and three is five miles from point number two and was one of the later passes. They are probably using mylar blankets.”
“Excellent work.” Baranov then turned to the man on the radio. ”Send one helicopter to the location closest to the border and the other to spot number two. We will have them soon.”
68
Forest near Latvian border
Sunday night June 28, 2019
When they heard the helicopter in the distance, they moved faster. It did not sound like it was coming closer.
Jax said, “By the sound of the rotors they are not approaching or receding. I believe they are dropping a team of special forces. We had better get going. Let’s hope they don’t have dogs.”
They moved off at a trot. Sonkin tired quickly. Thomas and Nickolai put one arm around each of their shoulders carrying him along. They reached the crest of the hill. They were looking down at a small cabin abutting a rocky outcrop. Lights were on, and an old dump truck was parked outside. Drying racks with animal pelts were along the left side of the cabin.
“It’s an illegal miner. The pelts are a cover. They mine rare earth metals. Not much
profit in it. Local government turns a blind eye to these guys,” Thomas explained.
“Russia Special Forces are very good. It will be light in an hour they will find our trail without a problem. They move fast. They’re going to get us.” Jax said.
“If we take the truck, we can put some distance between us and them,” Nickolai added hopefully.
“Daylight they’ll have choppers up. If we’re spotted it’s all over. Let’s visit the cabin. That stream over there gives me an idea. “ Jax pointed to the right side of the house where a stream about ten feet wide of slow running water reflected the fading moonlight.
No dogs barked as they approached the cabin, they could hear the hum of the generator that provided the electricity for the cabin.
Thomas crept up and looked in the window. A man of undetermined age was sitting at a table drinking from a cup. His back was towards the door. Thomas could see a rifle leaning up against the wall by the door.
He whispered, “One man, rifle near the door. I suggest we don’t bother to knock. I’ll do the honors.” Thomas said as he moved to the door. “Ready?” As soon as he got a thumbs up from everyone, he kicked the door as hard as he could just to the side of the handle. The lock ripped away from its housing swinging the door open. The man at the table was very quick. Seeing that he could not reach his rifle he pulled a long hunting knife from its sheath springing at Thomas all in the same motion. He crashed into Thomas knocking him back into Jax. Thomas was saved from a killing thrust when the knife hit the stock of his AK deflecting it. They spilled out the door onto the ground. Nickolai hit the man on the back of his head with his rifle butt knocking him unconscious. Jax was quickly on his feet. Thomas lay there breathing hard.
“That was close,” Thomas grunted as he slowly got to his feet. The knife was still embedded in the stock. He pulled it out. Jax and Nickolai dragged the man inside. Sonkin closed the door. It was then that they noticed the small boy standing in the doorway of the next room. He was eight or nine years old. Blond hair, blue eyes. Pale complexion dressed in an overly large flannel shirt and tattered denim pants.
