Chapter 22: Rescue and Hope

Before either Viktor or Vladislav could speak, Simon told them. “I am going to answer your next few questions right now before we leave this shuttle. Yes, we call it a shuttle craft and you are now on a very large ship floating above Moscow about twenty miles up. This is the ship that will transport you to our next destination. I cannot at this time tell you exactly where that will be for security reasons, but rest assured, your safety as well as everyone else’s safety on board this ship is guaranteed by myself and my crew. This ship is called Blazing Star and she is an Aurora Class Battle Cruiser. That may not mean much at the moment, but she is the most technologically advanced ship in the Sol System. You will learn in time of her capabilities. Now, not to be too forward, but there is something else we have to get out in the open. Vladislav, how is your sister Anna Pavlovna Charkov doing?”

At the mention of her name Viktor and Vladislav both bristled.

“What do you know of her!” asked Vladislav angrily.

“We know that there was an accident in one of your top secret facilities and she was seriously injured. We have also heard that your doctors feel she has only a few days more to live. We believe she is in a secret hospital somewhere north of Moscow. Is this accurate so far?” stated Simon.

Vladislav glanced at Viktor before replying, “Why do you concern yourself with this?”

Simon replied “As you are just beginning to see, we are on a very technologically advanced ship. Her abilities are way beyond anything else on Earth. One of these abilities is in the field of medical science. We can cure or heal almost any known disease or condition if we start in time. As an offer in good faith we would be prepared to attempt to heal or cure her if you were willing to trust us.”

“What would you get out of it?” asked Viktor.

“Nothing except the satisfaction of helping someone in need and maybe a start in building some long term trust between us. We can be very good friends or very dangerous enemies. We would prefer to be friends that help each other with no strings attached.” replied Simon.

“Viktor, I would like to try. There is no other hope!” said Vladislav looking at Viktor.

“Vladislav, you know that her research was top secret, it cannot fall into the wrong hands.” replied Viktor.

“If I may.” said Simon “We are not interested in the research. It is most probable that we have already moved beyond that anyways. We are only interested in saving her life. We would suggest that we go now before you disembark and pick her up. We have a doctor and nurse on board to stabilize her until we can get her back to our facility on this ship. Once there, we are confident in our ability to save her. Our doctor, Helen Barker, would be the final authority on treatment, however. Are we in agreement?”

“If we do this, how will we get there and back? You have commitments.” said Viktor.

“This shuttle is more than capable of getting there and back. As for the commitments, we will just have to move a bit faster to our next destination.” said Simon with a grin.

“OK” said Viktor “I am only doing this for my loyal comrade and friend Vladislav.”

“Grant, you and Vladislav get everyone else offloaded. We will go with our medical and both our security forces. Get your staff on Blazing Star to look after everyone till we return.” said Simon.

“On it!” said Grant.

“Blaze, get me a speaker into the party bay, I should let them know a bit of what is happening!” said Simon.

“Understood! Connected. Go Ahead Captain!” replied Blaze.

“How did she do that?” asked Viktor.

“She’s very efficient!” replied Simon as he began to speak to the party bay. “Attention everyone, we have one more pick up trip to make down to Moscow so do not be alarmed. Relax and enjoy the good food and company till we return.”

“Blaze, take us down to Moscow, cloaked and carefully. We need Viktor or Vladislav to show us exactly where to go!” said Simon.

“I will show you.” said Viktor, just let me see out the front where we are.”

They descended to Moscow where Viktor pointed out the highway to the North East they were to follow until it came to a small town. There he pointed to a large walled secure facility where they should land. Space was a bit tight in the front yard of the facility, but they landed fine to one side of the building, then had to decide how to proceed from there.

“I cannot believe you have delivered us here and all our forces have no idea we are here! “ said Viktor.

“Especially since you have had them on high alert ever since you walked into our SFG Recruitment Building!” said Simon with a bit of a smirk. “You can cancel that alert any time now!”

“How did you know about the alert, may I ask? said Vladislav.

Simon replied “You recall I informed you that all communications would be routed through our network once you were under our protection. I also said that we would permit your devices until we were onboard our craft, then we would ensure that you could communicate with your people as necessary. We also monitor, separately, extensive additional communications as we feel is necessary, depending on where we are and what is happening at the time. We are extremely well informed and updated regularly.”

“And how were you able to avoid all our radar and tracking systems?” asked Viktor.”

Ah, now that is a different matter, and one we will not discuss until later in our meetings. Rest assured, we will explain a lot more when the time is appropriate.” said Simon. “Now, how shall we proceed here?”

“Since our personnel here are not currently aware of our presence, we have several options.” stated Viktor. “We will try the simple diplomatic approach, since I am the President here. Would that be any problem?”

“That would work only until or if they check the main gate for entry. We are already inside the gate. Some may think it a bit odd, especially if they are aware of our scheduled trip with you today. If we were to leave and come in the main gate, then they would need to see our cars approaching, so we cannot do that.” said Simon.

“Ok, I guess that means we try the diplomatic approach until we have any problems, then deal with it at that time!” stated Viktor. “Agreed Vladislav?”

“Yes, we will do it that way!” said Vladislav.

“We should take myself, Blaze, Dr. Barker, and Grant with you and your team if that is acceptable, Viktor. Hopefully we should not raise too many eyebrows!” said Simon.

“Agreed!” said Viktor. “Lets go then.”

“Blaze, open the main shuttle door. You, Grant, Helen and I will go with them. Do not kill anyone if the plan comes apart, just render any opposition unconsious!” said Simon.

Grant and Blaze both nodded agreement. Helen grabbed her doctors bag. It was only carried for appearance sake, not that it was normally required. Viktor and Vladislav, along with his four aides, joined Simon and his group, and followed Viktor around to the front of the building and into the main lobby. Upon entering the lobby, the two security guards on duty, recognizing Viktor and Vladislav, snapped to attention and saluted.

Vladislav said, in Russian. “At ease! We are here to visit my sister. Have someone escort us there immediately!”

One Guard replied, in Russian, “Of course, follow me! We do not recognize some members of your group however, and they will have to wait out here!”

“Viktor spoke and said in Russian “No, they are a diplomatic group with us and will come with us to see Anna Charkov. They are here at our request to evaluate the girl for possible treatment. They will come with us, now lead us to the girl.”