Bab 33: Ch-32: Reaching Poland
A/N: Sorry for the wait, I had exams and then cold. So it took some time to publish the chapter.
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The rain pounded relentlessly, drenching everything in sight and turning the ground into a muddy quagmire. James and Jacqueline struggled through the dense underbrush, their dark trench-coats and boots doing little to shield them from the elements. Face masks shielded their identities, but did nothing to ward off the cold, biting wind.
"How much longer until we reach the warehouse?" James's voice was low, barely audible over the cacophony of the storm.
The woman leading them through the thick foliage spoke without turning her head but one could still see her facemask barely visible beneath the brim of her hat. "Time to warehouse, eet ees uncertain. Patrol routes, dey are unpredictable. Could be ten minutes, could be hours," she replied, her accent being heavily Polish.
James grunted in response, focusing on his footing to avoid slipping in the mud. Beside him, Jacqueline moved with equal caution, although it was unwarranted as her vampiric senses allowed her to easily maneuver through the mud without even slipping an inch.
Meanwhile, Ethan was watching their every move from the shadows. He watched the woman's movements carefully, noting how effortlessly she navigated and led them through the treacherous terrain.
As they continued their arduous trek, the group came to an abrupt halt. Ahead, the glow of headlights pierced through the rain-soaked night, and they quickly ducked behind a cluster of bushes, peering out to see a Nazi convoy rumbling down the muddy road.
The scene that unfolded before them was harrowing. German soldiers barked orders,
"Los, los! Schnell bewegen!" (Move, move! Quickly now!)
Prisoners, their clothes tattered and soaked, were being dragged from one truck to another. Some were beaten with the butts of rifles, while others stumbled and fell, only to be kicked and hauled back to their feet.
"Halt den Mund und geh weiter!" (Shut up and keep moving!)
The soldiers said as he dragged a thin, sickly man to the truck.
One prisoner, an elderly man with a white beard, collapsed in the mud, too weak to move. A soldier kicked him viciously in the ribs, eliciting a pained groan. "Schau dir diesen nutzlosen Hund an!" (Look at this useless dog!) The soldier laughed, a cold, heartless laugh that made James tremble with rage.
James clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening as he whispered, "I can't stand this. We have to do something."
Jacqueline placed a hand on his arm softly, her heart agreed with his brother but her mind said otherwise.
Ethan's eyes were cold as he watched the scene unfold. "We need to pick our battles. There will be a time and place to strike." he said, his voice only reaching Jacqueline and James.
Another soldier grabbed a young woman by the hair, dragging her towards the truck. "Komm schon, du Miststück!" (Come on, you bitch!)
Jacqueline's hand tightened around James's arm, her eyes wide with horror.
"Dis ees vat ve're up against. Every day, dey show us vat evil dey're capable of. Ve vill not forget, ve vill not forgive. Ve vill make dem pay, but ve must do it right." the women leading James's group spoke with suppressed anger.
The convoy eventually moved on, the cries of the prisoners fading into the night. The group remained hidden until they were certain the danger had passed.
James clenched his jaw, his fists balling at his sides before he exhaled slowly, the tension in his body gradually easing. "I swear, one day we'll bring them to justice."
Meanwhile, Ethan didn't feel much, not because he couldn't understand german. But because, in his consciousness humans were the worst and they deserved what came to them. As for the blood and gore, he was tempered by sights nastier than this due to the internet in his past life.
The convoy eventually moved on, the sounds of engines and harsh voices fading into the distance. The woman leading them motioned for them to continue, and they cautiously resumed their journey.
---
[Flashback]
The room was brightly lit by a chandelier hanging above, casting dim shadows on the richly furnished walls. Ethan, James, and Jacqueline sat around a dark mahogany table, maps and documents spread out before them.
Ethan leaned forward, his masked eyes scanning the maps intently. "We need to hit the Nazis where it hurts the most. I propose we start with Poland. I've got connections with the Polish resistance. We help them defeat the Nazis, destroy the concentration camps, and recruit the prisoners. That'll bolster their strength significantly."
James frowned, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Just the three of us, mate? That's quite the tall order. How do you reckon we manage all that on our own?"
Ethan stood up straight and continued. "We won't be alone. There are more powered people out there, meta-humans as I call them. We might find some willing to join our cause. And James, you'll need to call in some favors from your government. They might be willing to provide some support. Meanwhile, I'll reach out to contacts I have in America."
James sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Right. I'll see what I can do. This ain't gonna be easy, though. We're up against an entire regime."
Jacqueline, her vampire senses and newfound speed making her restless, chimed in. "We have to try. Those people in the camps... they're suffering. We can't just sit by and do nothing."
Ethan nodded, pulling out the smaller map marked with the locations of concentration camps given to him by Alfred. He placed it over the larger map of Europe. "First, we hit the camps. Liberate them, gather intel, and build our forces. Once we've got a foothold, we move on to France. The resistance there could use the help, and we can replicate our strategy."
James studied the maps carefully for a minute before he sat up straight. "Alright. We'll need perfect coordination. Can't afford to get caught out in the open. Jacqueline, your speed'll be crucial for recon and quick strikes. Ethan, you handle the infiltration and sabotage. I'll coordinate with the resistance and keep our supply lines secure."
Ethan smiled a little under the mask. "That's the spirit. With the right planning and a bit of luck, we'll turn the tide."
Jacqueline placed a hand on her brother's arm. "James, we can do this."
James nodded, determination hardening his features. "Right then. Let's get to work."
Ethan spread out a few more documents, detailing specific targets and potential allies. "We'll need to gather as much intel as possible. Every bit of information could mean the difference between success and failure."
James nodded, his eyes scanning the documents, but his gaze kept drifting back to Ethan. Something about Ethan's enthusiasm didn't quite add up. And he had been rethinking about him. "You're awful keen on gettin' this done, ain't ya, Ethan?" he said finally, his tone a shade more cautious. "I've been thinkin' about our first meetin'. And somethin' ain't right with your stories. And now, with Jacky involved, I need to know the truth."
Ethan met James' gaze, his masked eyes unreadable. He knew that James had harbored some suspicions against him from the start, and he was prepared when it showed. He knew revealing too much would jeopardize his plans, but a hint of sincerity might just keep James on board.
"I've seen the devastation firsthand," he said, his voice measured. "The suffering, the innocent lives lost... it's time to act. Of course, I have my own reasons for fighting this war. There are things I need to find and finding what I need…aligns with our goals."
Jacqueline looked between them, sensing the tension. "We all have our reasons. But right now, we're in this together. Let's make sure we do the right thing."
Ethan nodded, his voice a shade softer. "Agreed. Let's save as many lives as we can and bring the fight to the enemy. Together."
James's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. "Alright, then. But know this, Ethan—if you're hidin' somethin' that puts my sister or any of us at risk, I'll make sure you regret it."
Ethan held James' gaze, his silence seemed to drop the surrounding temperature by a few degrees, before he spoke, smiling quietly behind the mask. "Understood."
Jacqueline sighed, breaking the tension. "Let's focus on the task at hand. We have a lot of work to do."
Ethan also broke the gaze and then went to the table and spread the maps further. Then, he pointed to various locations. "Our first target is here, the concentration camp near Warsaw. We liberate the prisoners, destroy the facilities, and gather as much intel as we can. The Polish resistance will support us, but we need to act fast and decisively."
James also sighed silently and focused on the current task of studying the map, nodding. "We'll need to hit 'em hard and fast. No room for mistakes."
Ethan pointed to another mark on the map. "Next, we move to France. The resistance there is strong but fragmented. We unite them, strengthen their forces, and take the fight to the Nazis."
Jacqueline looked up from the map at the masked face in front of her, her tone cautious as she said, "We'll need to be careful. The Nazis are ruthless but not dumb, they'll be expecting resistance."
Ethan nodded. "Which is why we need to be smarter, faster, and more ruthless than them. We use their own tactics against them."
James glanced at Ethan, a hint of grudging respect in his eyes. "Sounds like you've thought this through. Let's hope your plans hold up in the field."
Ethan's voice deepened a bit as he spoke slowly. "They will. But we need to be ready for anything. No plan survives contact with the enemy unchanged."
Jacqueline placed a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "We trust you, Ethan. Just make sure you don't let us down."
Ethan looked at her and his eye flames flickered weirdly. "I won't."
Jacqueline smiled and then took off her hand before going back to the table.
For a second, he thought about her gesture. Of course, he wasn't dumb enough to feel it as love or even reciprocate such bullshit feelings. But, that feeling of not wanting to betray such trust was…weird.
'Is that due to her Charisma? Just a smile and even a nearly emotionless creature like me starts to trust her? But shouldn't that be impossible with my immunity against mind manipulation?'
The discussion went on until night when they finally retreated to their rooms in the Falsworth Manor where the heavy drapes had been pulled tight to keep out the chilling air.
Sitting on the comfy bed, Ethan looked at his newly acquired skill once more. This skill came quite handy today, especially after his reckless move of trying to recruit Jacqueline as soon as she turned.
{Leadership Aura}: Increases Charisma by 10%. Improves leadership and persuasion skills by 10%. Enhances ally loyalty and dedication by 5%.
Ethan sighed thinking about what would've happened if he hadn't put those points in Charisma earlier.
Then, dismissing the panel, he picked up the old rotary phone on the nearby table and dialed a number he had memorized long ago.
After a few rings, a familiar voice answered, rich with a calm, reassuring cadence.
"Good evening, Master Ethan. How may I be of service?"
"Alfred, it's been quite an eventful few days. I've landed myself in the midst of something quite extraordinary." Ethan's voice was steady, betraying none of the chaos he had experienced.
"Indeed, sir? Do tell," Alfred replied, his tone politely inquisitive.
Ethan took a deep breath and started his story. "When I jumped aboard the ship…"
"...There's more, Alfred. The ship was crawling with Hydra spies. Their plan was to sabotage the ship, making it look like a terrorist act. It was all to hide the fact that the ship carried irradiated mutant corpses for research purposes."
"That does sound quite dire, sir."
"It gets worse. Vampires… Baron Blood—James's brother… James's sister… speedster powers as a result."
After a few minutes of discussion with Alfred and telling him to run a background check on all the things he could remember, their discussion finally reached the present.
"What is your current course of action, Master Ethan?"
Ethan leaned back in his bed, rubbing his bony temple. "I plan to enter Poland. The resistance there is strong, and I need their help. Do you think your connections with the Polish resistance might be of use?"
Alfred was silent for a moment, contemplating. "I shall reach out to my contacts, sir. If there is a way, they will find it."
"Thank you, Alfred. On another note, how are things on your end? Any progress with the investments?"
"Yes, sir. I am in the process of collecting funds to invest in the food-related brands and some of the others you suggested. The economic climate is quite favorable."
"Good. Remember, don't buy more than fifteen percent of any company's shares. We need influence and reputation while still keeping to the shadows."
"Understood, sir. I shall diversify our holdings as you have instructed. Anything else?"
"Yes. Once you've spoken with the resistance, contact me immediately. Also, I need you to introduce me directly to your contact so we can communicate in the future without intermediaries."
"Of course, sir. I will keep you informed. Good night, Master Ethan."
"Good night, Alfred."
The line went dead, leaving Ethan to his thoughts.
—
Triiinnng! Triiinnng!
The next morning, Ethan's telephone rang.
He picked it up, recognising the voice on the other end.
"Alfred, any news?"
"Yes, sir. I've spoken with my contact in the Polish resistance. They have a way to sneak you in once you reach Poland. I've also been given a special radio frequency to communicate with them."
"That's excellent. How do I contact them?"
"You will need to use Morse code, sir. Be ready with pen and paper. I shall give you the frequency now."
Ethan quickly jotted down the frequency and instructions. "Thank you, Alfred. This is exactly what we needed."
"Happy to assist, sir. Please be careful."
"I will. Goodbye, Alfred."
Ethan immediately set up his radio equipment, tuning in to the given frequency. With pen and paper at the ready, he began sending a coded message to the Polish Underground. Within moments, a reply came through, and he noted down the details.
The next few hours were spent coordinating with the Polish resistance. Through a series of coded messages and secret arrangements, they planned the smuggling operation.
With the plan complete, Ethan gathered James and Jacqueline. "We've got our way into Poland. The Polish Underground is ready to help us."
James clenched his fist, a steely determination in his eyes. "Good. Let's show those Nazi bastards what real resistance looks like."
Jacqueline nodded, her expression resolute. "We're ready. Let's do this."
After completing their packing, they traveled to the predetermined location near Poland. After changing vehicles and then walking on foot, they finally arrived at a secluded clearing.
A lone figure emerged from the shadows, her face covered in a mask. She was a woman, as could be guessed from the structure of her body which could be seen from over the thick layer of clothes.
"I am Katarzyna," she said, her voice low but steady, "I haff been expecting you. You must be Ethan and his companions, da?"
"That's right," Ethan replied, stepping forward, his face hidden behind a mask.
"Goood. Follow me, proszę." Katarzyna didn't question the man about his mask, as she herself was wearing one.
She turned and led them through a narrow path, barely discernible among the trees. They moved swiftly but cautiously, the rain-soaked ground making their progress slow and arduous.
After what felt like hours, they arrived at a hidden safehouse, a small, nondescript building camouflaged by the surrounding foliage. Katarzyna opened the door and ushered them inside. "Here, you'll find new identities and disguises. Ve must be careful, yes? Ze attention, eet ees not good for us."
James nodded, glancing at Jacqueline. "Understood."
Katarzyna handed them a set of documents, each one looking meticulously forged. "Zeese papers vill get you through most checkpoints, da? Remember ze passwords and ze routes. Ve haff a network of safehouses and hidden paths that vill keep you out of sight, yes?"
James looked at the documents, his brows furrowing. "And how exactly are we supposed to navigate all this?"
"I vill guide you," Katarzyna replied. "But you must remain viglant, da? Ze Germans, zay are everywhere, and zay are ruth-less."
Jacqueline stepped forward, nodding towards Katarzyna. "We'll follow your lead. Let's get moving."
Meanwhile, Ethan listened intently from the side, his mind already working through potential obstacles that they might come across.
---
Their journey through Poland was fraught with danger. They traveled mostly by night, using the cover of darkness to avoid detection. Ethan, true to his nature, moved by slipping in and out of the shadows, an ever-present but sometimes unseen guardian.
Along the way, they were passed from one Underground member to another, but Katarzyna was always with them. They traveled through forests, across rivers, and through bombed-out villages. The devastation was everywhere, a reminder of the brutal effects of the German occupation.
Days passed in a blur of cautious travel and tense encounters. Each new Underground member they met was a testament to the resilience and bravery of the Polish people.
One night, as they huddled around a small fire in a hidden forest clearing, Katarzyna began to speak. "You must understand, ze Polish resistance, eet ees not just vun group, da? Eet ees many people, from different valks of life, united by a common cause, yes? Ve are farmers, ve are vorkers, ve are students, all fighting for ze same zing: freedom."
She gestured to a young man across from her, who nodded and began his story. "I was part of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in April," he said, his voice steady and thick with a polish accent but his eyes haunted by memories. "We knew we couldn't win, not really. But we fought anyway. We made the Germans pay for every inch they took. When the Ghetto was destroyed, it wasn't just buildings that were razed. It was our homes, our families. But our spirit? That, they couldn't destroy."
Another member, an older woman with grey streaks in her hair, added her tale. "My husband and I were part of Operation Heads. We targeted Nazi officials responsible for atrocities against our people. It wasn't easy. Every mission was a risk. One night, they caught him. I barely escaped. But his sacrifice wasn't in vain. We made sure those who tormented us paid dearly." (A/N: I have kept these in normal tone and just added "said in polish accent" because I thought you guys would be sick of reading that all the time.)
Jacqueline's eyes softened. "Seriously, you're all so courageous. It's really inspiring to see you fight against this kind of danger."
Katarzyna nodded solemnly. "Ve do vat ve can, vit vat ve haff. Each act of defiance, no matter how small, chips avay at zeir power, da? And vit allies like you, ve haff a better chance. Ve can make a difference, ve can fight back, and ve can vin."
Ethan leaned forward, the flickering fire casting shadows on his mask. "And we will make sure every one of those sacrifice counts. We're here to help, to fight alongside you. We share the same goal – to end this tyranny."
[Flashback End]
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached a small village near Krakow. The village was quiet, its streets empty and buildings worn by the ravages of war. Katarzyna led them to a discreet house on the outskirts.
"Zis is it," she said, her voice tinged with relief. "Ve're safe here, for now."
James looked around, taking in their surroundings. "What's next?"
Katarzyna met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a steely resolve. "Now, ve plan our next move, da? Zere are people here who can help us, but ve need to be careful, very careful. Ze Germans, zay are always vatching, always listening."
…
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone