Interrogator's History 2

Log Title: Interrogator's History 2 Characters: Location: Date: TP: Non-TP Summary: Interrogator's time in Russia Interrogator's History, Part 2: The Russian Years Fleeing Borovia after the fall of the Communist Regime, Alexander Johan Hamilton and his Grandmother, Anne Markov fly to her native Moscow in Russia in Lex's helicopter. Having to leave everyone, and almost everything, they loved behind, they are lost in thought. They are both a little guilty they had to leave everybody, but the rest of the family had not been willing to pack beforehand and were too attached to their myriad possessions to pack last minute. Lex and his Grandmother each only have one bag a piece, but inside his bullet proof trench coat, Lex has something more. The Master Borovian Account Book he took from his Father, Anne's Son-in-Law, seconds before take off. We join them as they are about to enter Russian Airspace... Alexander Johan Hamilton, Lex to what is left of his family, flew quietly, monitoring the radio. Anne, his Grandmother, was strapped into the seat behind him. She stared out the window, equally as quiet. The only sound was the steady 'THUMP THUMP THUMP' of the helicopter as it sped towards Russia. “Attention, Borovian Helicopter! This is Russian Air Control! You are entering our Airspace! Please identify yourself!” Lex glanced back towards his Grandmother before replying in perfect Russian, “This is Unidentified Borovian Helicopter. Borovia's Communist Government has collapsed. We are refugees seeking asylum. “Acknowledged! Unidentified Borovian Helicopter, proceed to the Moscow Heliport immediately! We have need of any information regarding the situation in Borovia! Do you require medical aid, and may we have the number of crew and passengers? “Acknowledged, Russian Air Control. Moscow Heliport immediately, am adjusting flight plan now. We are in no need of medical aid. Crew is one. Passenger is one.” Confusion was evident in the Air Controller's voice as he came back, “Crew of one? Passenger of one? Yes, one man CAN crew a helicopter of your size. But one passenger?” “The situation deteriorated rather quickly, Russia. I would discuss it further, but we are on an open channel and this helicopter is not equipped to handle Russian Military frequencies. Please continue to monitor us on radar, as this helicopter is not armed. Repeat – this helicopter is not armed.” “Very good, Unidentified Borovian Helicopter, proceed to the Moscow Heliport! There will be an escort awaiting you! Russian Air Control out! “Unidentified Borovian Helicopter out.” Lex took off his helmet and said, “That was Russian Air Control. We are to report to the Moscow Heliport and meet with an escort. They sounded desperate for information.” “No doubt they are.” Anne said quietly. “They are all probably dead by now. How are you doing, Lex?” Lex stretched his tired muscles as much as he could, thankful the cockpit was roomy, before replying, “I will be fine, the worst is in Borovia.” Anne nodded and pulled her coat tighter around her. She went back to staring out the window. Lex sighed and continued on, thinking that this was the longest flight he had ever flown. He looked down at the large military bag beside his seat. That and the helicopter was all he had left. And the Account Book, nestled in the inside pocket of his trench coat. Holding the stick with one hand, he pulled out the Book and flipped through it. He knew what it contained, and why it was so important to get it to Moscow. It contained every Swiss Bank Account the public, and everyone except the Borovian High Council, didn't know about. He passed it back to Anne. “You better keep this. They know you. Me, I'll be disarmed and put into a holding cell while they question you. Then they'll get me and see if our stories match. Standard government procedure for the K.G.B.” “You are all I have left, Lex...” She took the Book and put it it her large purse. “I'll be fine, Grandmother. Grandfather Markov taught me how to take care of myself before...the cancer got him.” The old woman nodded sadly before saying, “Be careful, Lex. Also, keep your helmet on and all your skin covered. Don't let anyone know who you are unless I say otherwise. Politics in Russia, especially Moscow, can be...deadly. That's putting it mildly.” “Yes, Grandmother.” Said Lex as he put the helmet back on and concentrated on flying the 'copter. “This is Russian Air Control, Unidentified Borovian Helicopter copy?” Lex squirmed in his seat, trying to get comfortable, before replying, “Unidentified Borovian Helicopter here.” “Land at helipad one! Talk to no one! Exit the helicopter only after throwing out ALL weapons with your hands behind your heads! Further instructions will be given at that time!” Lex was nervous. That voice had a lot of steel to it. Sharp steel. Grandfather Markov at his K.G.B finest. He glanced back at his Grandmother before finding the helipad and setting the helicopter down. He removed his weapon harness and double checked himself for weapons. When he was sure he didn't have so much as a stray paper clip on him, he nodded at Anne. She nodded back, never taking her eyes at the large party of black vehicles and well-armed, black-clad soldiers who quickly surrounded the civilian helicopter. Lex opened the door slowly as Anne shouldered her purse and put her hands behind her head. He threw out the weapon harness, after holding it up a second so they could identify that it was not a bomb, tossing it as close to the soldiers as he could. Under the cover of the other soldiers, the one soldier with no weapons drawn picked it up, and retreated back to safety. Anne brushed past him as he opened the door wider for her to walk out. She murmured something to him, but through the thickness of the helmet, he couldn't make it out. He thought it was 'Courage'. He waited until the soldiers had her in custody before he calmly walked out, hands behind his head, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible. The guns focused on his center mass. “Please, don't let somebody get an itchy trigger finger...” Lex didn't know who he was begging, but he hoped somebody or something heard him. He got half way between the soldiers and the helicopter, watching the guns like a mouse watches a cat, when the soldier with no weapons drawn motioned him to stop. Lex did so. In Russian, the soldier said, “Get down on the ground slowly, face down, and spread your legs. Don't move after that.” Lex complied, moving as slow as water running up hill. The soldier's leader said something to Anne, who smiled and nodded. Lex cursed the stupid helmet and the way it dampened sound. The steel of the helipad was colder than space, but he laid still as two of the soldiers patted him down. They nodded to their leader. “Stand up slowly, put your arms straight out to the sides, and let my men remove your trench coat.” Lex nodded and obeyed. He suppressed a twitch as the coat came off, knowing his clothing would be no protection from the, doubtlessly, armor piercing rounds. He did not resist as, with a motion from their leader, the soldiers cuffed his hands and shackled his feet. They made no attempt to remove his helmet. He saw their leader motion to Anne and both get into a car. The soldiers shoved him into the back of another nondescript, black car. One got in on either side of him. They tapped on the thick glass that separated the front seat from the back seat and the driver accelerated the car gently. Lex couldn't see anything out of the heavily tinted windows. “People disappear in cars like these.” A hideously evil voice whispered from the dark recesses of his mind. Lex couldn't block it out. It was there. Like something you only see out of the corner of your eye. He told himself to focus, that this was part of the game. It was a game he knew well. He didn't like being on the receiving end of it. He knew not how long the car drove for. Time was hard to judge, as he couldn't check his watch with his hands cuffed behind his back. The car slid to a stop. One of the soldiers opened their car door and dragged him out. Lex was herded into a nondescript Russian home. He noticed there was another car parked in front of the one he had pulled up in. He hoped his Grandmother was all right. He notice a third car pull up. The soldiers that exited that vehicle were carrying his army bag and his Grandmother's suitcase. Lex hoped they hadn't taken anything. The soldiers led him into a parlor. They forced him to sit and removed the restraints. The soldier's leader walked in, smiling at him. Lex knew that look. The soldier sat opposite him. “You would be more comfortable without the helmet on, I think?” Lex didn't want to give away his identity by speaking, so he just shook his head. The soldier lit up an expensive looking cigarette, and offered Lex one out of the pack. Again Lex shook his head. The soldier shrugged and leaned back, obviously enjoying his cigarette. Through a doorway, his Grandmother entered, laughing. She was on the arm of a handsome, elderly Russian General. He saw Lex and smiled. The soldier ashed his cigarette in an ashtray and saluted his superior officer casually. The other soldiers left the room, closing all the doors behind them. The General turned on a white noise machine. He turned it up loud. Anne knocked on Lex's helmet. “It is safe, you can remove it now.” Lex removed the helmet, glad to have the hot, sweaty thing off of him! His Grandmother smiled at him. “This,” She said as she squeezed the arm of the man that she was holding, “Is General Kirstov. The other man is his son Serji. If things had worked out the way they were suppose to, Serji would have been your new Father.” Lex looked confused. “One way, or another, your real Father would not have made it to Russia...” Smirked Grandmother Markov as she pulled a pistol out of her purse. Lex nodded and studied the two men. If he was reading them right, they were not going to harm him or his Grandmother. He relaxed and began stretching. “You can stand up, if you'd like, and walk around. You probably need it after what you've been through.” Said Kirstov with an easy smile. Lex returned the smile and ran his fingers through the stubble on his head. He stood up and began to stretch in earnest. The younger man, Serji, offered him a thermos. Gratefully, he drank the warm coffee. Serji also pulled out Lex's weapon harness and handed it to him. Lex took the harness, but didn't put it on. The two Kirstovs nodded in approval. Lex sat, suddenly tired from the journey. Seeing his Grandmother at ease, he relaxed and leaned back. Everyone enjoyed the quiet for a moment. The General sighed and began, “Your Grandfather, General Markov, and I were allies. We grew up together, joined together, served together, and were promoted together. Such thing either make men the best of friends or the worst of enemies. He saved my life once, and I never had the chance to repay him. Now you, and the still lovely Anne Markov, come in your darkest hour.” He nodded and continued, “Dark indeed. But this Account Book holds part of the key to the light. This Book lists where all the embezzled money went to. I was able to use this information to set your Grandmother, and yourself, up with nice, fat Swiss accounts of your own. This, combined with what General Markov left you two, is a very rich sum indeed. I made sure myself and Serji were REAL well paid for this good deed. Thus, I pay back General Markov.” “However, I now find myself in a predicament. Serji is never going to make General unless he has help, somebody he can trust completely, through no fault of his own. It's how this system works. He needs somebody capable of watching his back and gathering Intelligence. Somebody who knows people better than they know themselves. Alexander, that person is you.” “Now here is what I can do for you. You are too well known as the infamous Borovian Head Warden. Others have watched your career with interest, some who would see everything your Grandfather worked so hard to build, destroyed out of petty greed or jealousy. I can arrange for you to have an 'accident'. A fatal 'accident'. Only the 'you' in question would be a look alike, chosen from the Russian prisons. Same blood type, height, and weight. Same hair and eye color. Same skin tone. Not that there would be much left of 'you' left after the 'accident'. I can arrange for what little forensic evidence would be left to 'disappear'. Forever.” “But how can I protect and help Serji if I can't go out in public? What if somebody recognizes me?” “Because 'you' are not going to leave this house alive. Somebody I have been training in secret will. He will be a helicopter pilot, an Intelligence agent, and know the human mind to perfection. His name is Interrogator.” “I...I don't know how to feel about drastic plastic surgery...” “You're not getting drastic plastic surgery. You're getting a new uniform, and a new helmet. Your Grandmother has been kind enough to provide us with your correct sizes.” The General rose and opened a large wooden steamer chest and pulled out some clothing and a helmet. “Here, try it on. She designed it herself.” Lex looked at his Grandmother, who nodded. He unwrapped the clothes and changed. Serji uncovered a full length mirror that had been in a corner of the room and dragged it out. Lex set down the helmet and examined himself critically. The uniform consisted of thick, navy blue pants with red stripes on the sides of the legs that tucked into a pair of knee-high black boots. The outer shirt was gray, with a large navy blue rectangle that covered the lower abdomen as well. The navy blue rectangle was zippered on and bullet proof. Underneath that was a black body suit designed to keep the wearer cool and dry. Lex pulled the black body suit's hood over his head and put on the helmet. It was black, with a red faceplate. Even up close, Lex couldn't discern his features in the mirror. There was a leg holster for one pistol on his right leg, and a chest holster for a right hand drawn pistol. The chest holster was built onto a black weapon harness shaped like an 'X'. On it, besides the holster for the pistol, were two grenades, a pair of brass knuckles, and a small punching claw. Black gloves for his hands completed the outfit. He examined the helmet closer again. It gave him a slightly robotic look. Slightly roundish, but with enough sharpness to it to keep it from being soft. It looked, efficient. “The helmet has several feature that you will find useful. There are external microphones that connect to speakers near your ears. There is also a voice changer/amplifier and a LED display to create a 'light show' to help lull those you need to into a trance. The voice changer/amplifier and the LED display can be linked together. You control all the helmet's innovations by small wheels within tongue's reach on the inner right cheek of the helmet. Give it a try.” Lex did, and found it fascinating, especially the voice changer. He realized that there were just some situations where being able to effortlessly raise his voice, or even yell, would be a big help. He removed the helmet, wiped the spit off the wheels, and held it casually. “As technology improves, or as you see fit, Serji or I will be glad to update the helmet. You would have to pay for it, but we could supply the technology. What do you think?” Lex thought a moment and replied, “I don't want to be Idle Rich. The human mind and its conditions are fascinating. I want to be able to study it first hand and explore it full on. I don't want to be chained to a desk like my Father, or looking at drugs and alcohol as a means to escape like my Mother. I want to be able to make my own way in the world and succeed on my own. I'll do it!” Lex removed the uniform and put it all back neatly in the trunk. General Kirstov smiled, stood, and beckoned Serji to follow him. Serji smiled at Lex again as they left. The General called back, “Use the house until I get back. I prepared two rooms for you upstairs. Serji and I have an 'accident' to arrange.” Anne smiled gratefully at Lex, murmuring, “Your Grandfather would be so proud of you! I am so proud of you! Lex hugged his Grandmother. He sighed and staggered a little. With another smile, Anne led her Grandson to his room. He collapsed on the bed and fell asleep. There were no nightmares. Lex woke the next morning and rubbed his face with his hands. He had been asleep almost eight hours. Having been diagnosed with a weird form of insomnia that usually only required him to need four hours of sleep at the most, he was shook up. It took him a few moments to remember where he was and how he had come to be there. He saw somebody had put his bag at the foot of the bed. He dug out the one change of clothes he had allowed himself to pack, showered, got ready, and dressed for the day. He put on his weapon harness and headed downstairs. His Grandmother was already awake and poured him a cup of coffee. Ever since he had discovered it at the age of seventeen, he couldn't get enough of the stuff. She smiled as he hunted in the refrigerator and made himself a sandwich. After he ate and had a few more cups of coffee, he picked up the newspaper and began to read. Finding the government run newspaper calling the mess in Borovia 'A slight incident of Civil Disobedience that would soon be brought to order' , he threw down the paper is disgust. Anne laughed. General Kirstov and Son walked into the kitchen. They exchanged pleasantries and then planned Interrogator's introduction to society. It was fairly simple. Using what he already knew, he would sit the various boards and get officially recognized for his talents and knowledges. He would still be able to use the title 'Doctor'. He then asked them how 'he' had his 'accident'. The General smirked when Serji explained that 'his' car stalled on some freight train tracks right as the train was passing. 'He' was drunk at the time, so 'he' didn't feel a thing. They laughed at what an unfortunate demise that would be and the Kirstovs went back to work. The next few years were busy ones. To cover his past as much as possible, General Kirstov had a 'trusted advisor' of his 'train' Lex how to lose his accent and disguise his handwriting. Lex was also taught American English by Serji so he could better blend in with the world. General Kirstov had seven copies of the original uniform made, and an additional helmet. The hardest part was training himself not to respond to Alexander, Alex, or Lex. His Grandmother did her part by only calling him Interrogator. He read and exercised constantly so he could master all the skills Interrogator would need to know. Serji and Interrogator became very close. Finally, like some twisted God, General Kirstov looked upon 'his creation' and called it good. In all that time, the only word they heard about Borovia was that in the aftermath of the Revolution, the Hamilton House had been burnt down. It didn't seem like any other family members had survived. Interrogator sat the boards and came out with honors. Rivals of the two Kirstovs tried to figure out who Interrogator was, and failed. He was assigned to Serji's cell as a pilot, intelligence officer, and psychological warfare expert. Things went well for the two men, and Serji advanced through the ranks as Interrogator gained more knowledge about his biggest obsession. The human mind. Interrogator sat besides the fire, sipping coffee from his ever present thermos and listening to the Siberian wind howl. “Can't it ever stop blizzarding here long enough for anyone to do anything?” He thought gloomily to himself. He looked around the small base's mess hall and recreational area. Twitch and Freeze were talking two tables away. He adjusted his warm, gray jacket on the back of the chair and tried to listen to their conversation. Twitch was the base electronics expert and mechanic. A rather small man, he usually kept to himself and worked on the many constantly breaking machines and dealt with the near continuous electrical problems. Freeze was the base's winter survival specialist. She was a short, stocky woman who reminded him of the Siberian Huskies she loved so much. Twitch looked around the mostly empty room and leaned in close to Freeze, “I heard that we might get mail once this blizzard stops.” “That would be good. Then maybe Serji will be able to take his cell back to Moscow. They do hate it out here.” “They're just not use to it like we are, Freeze. I also heard that we would be getting visitors with the mail. Important visitors.” Freeze tilted her head, “Important visitors? Like maybe Serji finally got the promotion he's been waiting for? The one that requires him to stay out here for three months and run the place by himself?” “I heard the message myself, when I was visiting Antenna in the radio room. It just said to expect important visitors with the mail, and not to tell anyone.” Freeze snickered, “And what are you doing? Telling me!” “You won't tell anybody, will you?” “No. Your secret is safe with me. Serji will be happy if his promotion to General comes through.” Jamaica, Freeze's Husky, picked up her ears and looked towards the door. It opened and Serji entered, followed by Antenna. Upon seeing Interrogator, Serji waved and strode over. He smiled at the two humans and the Husky before sitting heavily beside him. They all saluted Serji, who casually returned their salutes before removing his gloves to light up a cigarette. He cocked his head and looked at Interrogator. “I just got back from perimeter patrol. Guess what we found?” Interrogator knew this game. It was one of many they played to stay sane out here. Interrogator rubbed the chin of his mask and responded sagely, “Hugh Heffner and some Playboy Bunnies that missed their Alaska drop zone?” Everybody roared! Interrogator shook his head. “If that isn't it, it must be snow, snow, and more snow.” Serji smiled and took a drag off his cigarette, “Exactly. Lots of snow.” He scooted closer to the fire and warmed himself. Freeze and Twitch greeted Antenna as he sat down and began to drink his coffee. Interrogator continued to stare into the fire. “Serji, I think we may be getting out of here. Finally.” Interrogator whispered, barely audible above the crackling fire. He didn't turn his head as Interrogator repeated what he had just heard. “About time. They said three months of running this dump. We've been here closer to four. I was beginning to think they had forgotten about us. I'm down to my last carton of cigarettes!” Grunted Serji as he pealed off his long, heavy coat and draped it over a chair he put closer to the fire. “It would be good for morale.” “Yes, the monthly mail run is all they have to look forward to out here. Finally. My promotion...” Interrogator tilted his head ever so slightly and nodded once, quickly. “I'm going to rent a hotel room, check it for bugs and cameras, and take a nice, long, hot bath.” Sighed Interrogator. “That's what I'm going to do when we get back to Moscow.” Serji grabbed the ashtray off a nearby table and used it. He gave a wry smile and patted Interrogator on the back. “You've never even been camping before, have you?” Interrogator shook his head once and said “I don't see what the fun in it would be.” Serji humphed. The two men listened as their three comrades talked in the background. “Serji, Sir!” Serji answered his radio, “Yes, report.” “If I'm reading the weather right, we should get a break between blizzards long enough for the mail to get through.” “When?” “Mid afternoon.” “Excellent! Make a base wide announcement!” The aged intercom system crackled to life and the announcement was made. Everybody cheered. “So, what are you going to do WHEN I get promoted?” Another of their games, Interrogator smiled inside his helmet. “I haven't really given it much thought.” They all looked at Interrogator, puzzled that he gave no whimsical response. Serji gave him an odd look. Interrogator shrugged. “I have to give an honest, serious answer now and then. Keeps everyone on their toes.” Serji replied, “No, you just do it to fuck with our heads!” “That too.” Interrogator said smugly. Serji rolled his eyes and finished his cigarette. He sighed and shook his head. Interrogator rose, saluted Serji, grabbed his thermos, put on his coat, and left the room. Interrogator headed to the helipad to check on his helicopter, wondering if he should fly out to meet with the mail plane. He decided against it. After three months of daily patrols in the Siberian winter, he figured he didn't need any more practice. He made sure it was ready to fly, if need be, and headed to his quarters. Nodding to his fellow soldiers as he passed them in the halls, he got to his room. He laid down and rested, reading. He was still reading when the announcement came for all personnel to meet by the airstrip. He placed a bookmark at his place and walked to there, hoping that he would get to see his Grandmother again soon. He took his place at Serjis right hand, and Serji nodded at him in greeting. Soon, they heard the roar of the airplane's engines over the noise of the slightly calmer than before wind. It sounded much too big to be the mail plane. It wasn't. It was General Kirstov's own plane! Interrogator stood stoically, but his heart sang. General Kirstov was the second one off the plane. The first one off was the High General. Serji smiled broadly when he saw him. Everyone saluted and their salutes were returned. A few other Generals, and their various aides and staff followed. The High General gave a short speech, and promoted Serji after accepting his Father's retirement. The newly retired General and the newly promoted General winked at Interrogator as they embraced. Interrogator was already dreaming of Moscow. That night, at dinner, the officers sat at their own table talking. The High General finished his meal and poked Serji. “With the weather clearing up for the next day or so, I was hoping to go hunting. Do you know of any tigers near by?” “Yes, they have been getting too bold recently. Freeze says that they have never been this close to base.” “Excellent! Us officers will go at dawn! Interrogator felt sick suddenly. While out on patrol, he had caught sight of the majestic black and white Siberian Tigers and followed them as close as he was able. The thought of anyone shooting them made him hate his own species! The High General proceeded to tell about every past hunt he had been on. Interrogator tuned him out until it was polite to leave, and then he did so. Back in his own quarters, he ate a quiet meal by himself. He quickly put on his helmet when he heard a knock on the door. Interrogator rose and unlocked the door to let his visitor in. It was the newly retired General Kirstov. They exchanged salutes, and Interrogator invited him in. Interrogator sat on his bed as Kirstov pulled the desk chair around to face him. “Have you given any thought as to what you are going to do now that Serji is promoted, and I am retired?” Interrogator nodded his head respectfully and said, “I figured I would stay here and climb the ranks myself. Serji and I make a good team. I also do not want to uproot Grandmother again. She likes it here in Russia.” Kirstov smiled and nodded, “You could do worse for a career choice. Everyone seems to like you, once they get past your eccentricities. You have a good reputation.” Interrogator nodded once and said suddenly “I don't want to have to hunt the tigers tomorrow!” Kirstov shook his head, “If you do not go, the High General and the other Generals will be upset. It would be political suicide not to, unless you want to stay out here?” Interrogator shook his head. Kirstov nodded and rose. He showed himself out. That night, Interrogator barely slept. Morning came and he ate a quick breakfast in his quarters before he joined the others by the helicopter. The sky was clear for the first time in weeks, and everyone seemed in a good mood as he went through his preflight rituals. He took the rifle when it was offered him and they loaded themselves into the 'copter, Freeze getting on last to act as scout. Freeze gave him coordinates and he carefully flew there. Everyone checked and rechecked their rifles and ammunition. Finally, Interrogator set down in a promising clearing. They hastily constructed blinds and settled in to wait. It was awful! The first family of tigers that wandered into the clearing didn't have a chance. Interrogator purposely missed, and barely kept himself from flinching as other celebrated their kills. It went on like that all morning, until Interrogator was the only one who hadn't killed a tiger. “No luck today? A shame! Don't worry, Freeze knows of one last sigh to try before we go back for lunch!” The High General patted Interrogator's back and they boarded the helicopter. They got to the final clearing and set up their blinds. They smiled at Interrogator as he settled in, rifle at the ready. It wasn't long before one came into view. If from a distance they were magnificent, up close one was breathtaking. Interrogator stared through the scope at the creature. He could hear the High Generals excited breathing next to him. He went to pull the trigger, and the great cat seemed to stare at him. Right at him! He read the look the tiger gave him. “If you shoot me, you are a worthless asshole and you know it” Interrogator gripped the rifle tighter and went to pull the trigger again, but couldn't. He took a deep breath and fired... ...The shot hit the tree to the tiger's left. Startled, the cat leaped gracefully back the way it had come. Interrogator heard the High General grunt, as if he had been shot himself. “You missed on purpose!” Hissed the High General as Interrogator lowered the rifle. “What the Hell have I done?” Interrogator thought as he turned to face the High General. He didn't turn fast enough. The High General had drawn his pistol. He brought it down on the side of his head with a loud thud! Interrogator thought of the tiger. “At least one of us is free.” He lost consciousness after the High General hit him with the butt of his pistol again.