Chapter 21: New Allies
Victor smiled; the icy cold of his blue eyes thawed slightly with the warmth and sincerity behind it. Not that it mattered: the size, imposing nature, calming voice, and easy speaking of the large bald man still made Sergei feel on edge.
"I am certain, my new friend, that you understand the urgency of the situation," Victor said, "but we need to get moving right away. The Citizenship has already begun to attack the red-light district. Miguel's forces total nearly one-third of the population under Haven," his smile faded, replaced by a grim demeanor, "you understand that we can't waste the asset. The longer we wait, the fewer there will be left."
Sergei wiped the cold sweat from his brow. "Yes, I see that. I… I am concerned about committing what little army I have to the fighting," he frowned, "if there are as many Citizen soldiers there as you say, I see adding what few men I have doing little. I do enjoy a good fight, but will this not be a massacre?"
Sergei had been struck with surprise when Eugene and Tanya had returned so promptly with such profound success. To his mind, Elijah would have been much more elusive. When they told him that not only was he found but was politely standing outside with his small entourage, waiting to be invited inside the warehouse building, Sergei thought their brains were addled.
Surprised though he was, Sergei was not put so far off balance that he was going to immediately agree. When the huge man came inside, his imposing presence and reputation made Sergei feel distrustful, no matter how sound his proposal. I wanted an alliance, but to launch an attack, right now?
Victor sighed inwardly, keenly recalling his distaste for diplomacy. On the outside, he maintained the picture of perfect calm and confidence. "Sergei, my friend. My people are soon going to be working very hard to expel the remaining Citizens, but they are outnumbered nearly ten to one."
Sergei nodded seriously, as though this proved his point. "However," Victor continued, "they are accustomed to long odds. The Citizens are on unfamiliar terrain, and they will have their backs to us. If we strike hard and fast, they will be completely off-guard." Victor laid a hand on Sergei's shoulder. "I've received word that my men have taken the fortifications at Purgatory, without any losses. The Citizen forces are cut off from the surface and unaware of it. As soon as we move everyone in, we will be able to surround and crush them with little difficulty."
The Russian opened his mouth, an objection boiling on the tip of his tongue, but Victor held up his hand. "It is also important, as a symbol of our new alliance, for your people to be present at the victory." The way he said victory sounded as though it was already a foregone conclusion. Sergei struggled in his own mind, resolve weakening. "Our alliance will make a strong case for Miguel's people to join, as well as the others." He ticked off a few names. "Quinton will certainly join, as will Desmond and Olivia. If we appear strong enough, Fredericks is sure to-"
Sergei shook his head. "Fredericks was killed by Miguel three months ago; all of his people are scattered."
Victor frowned. "A shame."
"Terribly so, but I understand your thoughts on full unification, and," Sergei let out a heavy sigh, understanding that he had crossed over. "I believe that you are right, my friend. I think it is time I put my trust in you. I will support your action." He turned and shouted over to someone behind a makeshift wall. "Gregov, Nalim, Piotr!" Two similar-looking men immediately rounded the corner and came jogging up. They wore dark jeans and brown jackets.
"Elijah, I would like you to meet my heads of security here." He gestured at each of them, both brown-haired and brown-eyed with sharp features. "Gregov, Nalim, and Piotr." For the third man, Piotr, Sergei pointed to an empty space. Victor frowned as he noted Gregov and Nalim exchange exasperated glances.
Victor thought the two could easily be brothers, if not for Nalim's slightly darker complexion. He shook each of their hands in turn; the pair muttered quick greetings and turned their attention to Sergei.
He spoke quickly. "Pull together everyone capable of fighting, arm them, and get them mobilized. I want them ready to start moving in twenty minutes."
The two exchanged startled glances, and both men eyed "Elijah" warily, on the verge of objecting. Sergei waved them away. "This man is my guest and is to be trusted without question."
"Piotr," Sergei spoke to the empty space again. "I want you to find my weapon and a city map. We need to plan our attack."
Victor narrowed his eyes, not understanding. He opened his mouth to ask what was going on. Gregov and Nalim, who had not yet departed, gestured frantically for his silence. Victor raised an eyebrow at them but decided to hold his question.
Sergei finished his conversation with the invisible man, turning back toward everyone else. "What are you two still doing here?" he demanded of his heads of security. "Get moving!" The two gave him a nod, muttered a brief discussion, and took off in opposite directions.
The Russian leader rubbed his chin. "I hope you know what you are doing, my friend." He wagged his finger. "This is a large step for my people, to enter direct conflict."
Victor laid a large hand upon his shoulder. "Your wisdom led you to seek this beneficial arrangement. With your help, we may succeed and take the fight to the surface.
Sergei let a slightly dreamy smile seep across his face as he considered the possibility. "That would be nice." He nodded. "That would be very nice. Let us get to work, then. Rejoin your people; we will be prepared to move soon," Sergei said before jogging off back through the main floor of the warehouse to the office rooms.
Victor took just a moment of self-satisfactory pride in his success before turning and leaving to rejoin his escort.
Uprising Page 37
