While protest were happening in major cities across the globe, Victor was currently drinking alongside his former subordinate, Andrei, in a bar far from the social unrest happening across the country.
Due to recent events the bar was particularly empty that day with the exceptions of a few regulars.
Seated on a far corner of the bar, Victor and Andrei, quietly talked about mundane matters.
"Vic, don't you feel responsible for what's going on around the world? I mean its because of us that the N.A.R. were able create the mess that we're in now" Andrei gently whispered as he looked to Victor.
Taking a drag of a cigarette then exhaling the smoke upwards, Victor placed his cigarette on the ash tray, before looking Andrei straight in the eyes.
"What's done is done, there's no undoing of the past, so we must continue moving on. We've killed for profit, so what difference does it make of someone died due to the serum? You killed, so you would be able to afford your daughters treatment. Do you regret it?" refuted Victor as he brought the cigarette to his mouth once again.
Faced with Victor's straightforwardness, Andrei was unable to respond and could only lower his head. Yes, he had killed, but it was all for the sake of his daughter. She was plagued with a variety of diseases and genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and osteopenia, to name a few. Andrei and his wife were considered lower-middle class, and due to their financial situation, they couldn't provide all the necessary care their daughter required. It wasn't until a friend of Andrei mentioned a way to earn a decent amount of cash that he decided to become a mercenary. Driven by fatherly love, Andrei joined a mercenary company, where he met Victor, and worked there for five years. During his employment, he sent his payments to his wife to care for their daughter's treatment fees.
Seeing his silence, Victor decided to switch the mood of the conversation.
"Well I guess it's a good thing that your daughter slowly recovered her health, while you were employed. At least she didn't take the serum offered by the N.A.R. while they were in the limelight." said Victor.
Being brought out of his stupor, Andrei nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Lucia is much better now. She was pale and underweight, confined to her bed, but her skin now has a healthy red hue, and she is slowly gaining weight."
Victor and Andrei continued their conversation, and would reminisce of their time spent aboard and their former comrades. As they were immersed into their discussion the sun began to set, while the street lights started to flicker to life.
Looking out a window and finding it dark out, Victor and Andrei headed out the bar and walked alongside the street towards Andrei's apartment. Earlier, Andrei had invited Victor for dinner as his wife would be preparing Beef stroganoff and Solyanka, a great meal to have in the later days of October. As it neared the winter season, the days were becoming shorter, the winds harsher and the temperature unforgivable. This could be seen by the tight clothing other pedestrians wore on the street.
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Victor and Andrei would continue to walk for another ten minutes before stopping before a four - story residential complex.
They would continue making their way to the entrance, where Andrei flashed his residents card to the security guard, which he quickly acknowledged allowing them in.
They were greeted by a bright yet modest lobby, where several people were engaged in conversation. To the right were the elevators, which the duo quickly entered. Andrei placed his resident card against a scanner, which verified his residency of the building, and then he pressed the button for the third floor.
"Dam, Andrei I didn't know you lived like royalty. Let me guess you also have someone to wipe your ass after you're done in the restroom?" grinned Victor.
Not to be outdone, Andrei retorted "Yeah, I have your mother as my personal ass wiper."
Victor silently stared at Andrei, and Andrei stared back. The only noise audible was the occasional buzzer from the elevator, which indicated each floor they passed.
Just as things started to escalate, both Victor and Andrei broke out into a fit of laughter.
Soon after, the elevator came to a halt, with the stainless steel door opening itself. Andrei quickly exited the elevator, followed by Victor as they made their way to the apartment number three hundred forty - five.
Placing his residents card against the scanner below the door handle, with a buzz the door unlocked and Andrei opened the door.
"Take these" Andrei motioned Victor to a pair of brown tapochkis which were meant for guest. Thanking him, Victor removed his shoes and placed them on the nearby shoe rack, and wore the tapochkis.
Shortly after they came in, Andrei's wife quickly greeted her husband and Victor.
"So, you must be Victor? Though my husband seldomly talks about his line of work he has mentioned you several times." greeted Andrei's wife.
"All good things I hope" laughed Victor in response.
"Of course, ah, forgive my manners. I forgot to introduce myself - my name's Cecilia. I've been wed to Andrei for nearly fifteen years" smiled Cecilia. Andrei's wife, Cecilia, was on the taller side, standing nearly two meters tall, with her husband being almost twenty centimeters taller than her. Cecilia could be considered a gorgeous woman, with her height complemented by a sandy beige complexion, brunette hair, and brown eyes. As for how Andrei captivated such a beauty, the mystery remains unclear.
"Dinner is nearly ready, I just need to add some final touchings and it should be ready" said Cecilia before she went down the hallway and entered the kitchen.
Andrei then led Victor to the living room and turned on the T.V. before sitting down on the L - shaped couch positioned at the far left corner of the room.
"You mind if I smoke here?" questioned Victor to which Andrei allowed. Taking out a brand of Java cigarettes, Victor smoked one, and relished in the quick nicotine. Continuing to take small puffs, Victor soon inquired about the whereabouts Lucia.
"Is Lucia in the kitchen helping Cecilia cook?" questioned Victor, taking another long drag from his cigarette.
"No, she's still too fragile to help with simple tasks, however she's currently studying. Both Cecilia and I hope Lucia will gain enough strength to attend public school next year," Andrei answered, as he continued watching the news.
As the two men continued to wait for dinner, a repetitive, shrill, piercing sound suddenly echoed throughout the city of Kursk, capturing the attention of pedestrians on the streets and residents in the comfort of their homes. A monotone voice, clearly programmed to be broadcasted through televisions, radios, and sirens, resonated throughout the city.
"Attention, citizens of the Russian Federation. By the powers vested in me by the Russian Constitution under Article 87 and Article 102, I, Vladimir Putin, hereby declare martial law in all cities across the country for an indefinite period of time. The continued rise of social unrest, marked by clashes between rioters and law enforcement, has led to instability, fear, and anarchy. Without order and structure, the very pillars of our great nation will crumble. We have endured many hardships as a people, and this is no different. Do not panic; comply with the orders given by your local leaders and your safety will be guaranteed. That is all".
As soon as President Putin finished speaking, the channel returned to its original program. Victor and Andrei exchanged glances, understanding that whatever had led to the declaration of martial law, the N.A.R.'s serum was undoubtedly behind it.