"I heard you you are looking for new recruits. Let me introduce myself.
My name is Alexandra Volkova. I was born at Stokes mining station. My father died when I was one year old. He died in mining accident. I know how hard it is to live in poverty with this name. My mother worked as waitress, bar dancer and in many other jobs to earn us some money. When I was ten years old we moved to Planet Leeds. It didn't help. We were living in slum working like slaves for fat capitalism pigs. When I was 19 I have earned enough money to buy Startracker. I wanted to get out of that hole where I lived.
I decided to do something with my life. I want to change my life and make from Sirius better place. I think it's time for revolution!"
Alexandra smiled nervously
Here are my papers
Photo:
Age: 20
Height: 175
Weight: 60
Hair colour: Red
Colour of eyes: Brown
"I know I don't have experiences in army. But I'm learning fast."
Gingerly opening the door of the SCRA recruiting office, Mark Donovan remembered seeing previous candidates' bodies leaving the premises in significantly worse condition than when they entered. Mark sincerely hoped that his time in the office would not be following that path.
Stepping up to the desk, he began speaking immediately, desperate not to be shot before being able to finish his spiel.
"Comrade Commissar, I wish to join your struggle against the capitalist oppressors of Sirius. As it was back before our ancestors left the Sol system, so it should be here in our new home.
But enough about that. You surely know your goals better than I. Perhaps you would like more information about me? I was born on Leeds where my parents worked for BMM. I don't need to tell you of the hideous injustices that they endured. Needless to say, I could not bring myself to allow such conditions to continue unchecked, and that, in short, is why I am here today. The whole capitalist framework of the House economies is corrupt and exploitative of the people. I volunteer to join your struggle for freedom!"
With his speech complete, Mark seems to relax slightly, although he still seems on edge. The violent history of the SCRA recruitment office still clearly at the forefront of his mind as he awaits a response.
"Well Vyacheslav, a fine story you've put before the Coalition. You seem to be a dead man walking. You seem to have no place left to go." Emil leaned back in his chair, placing his left boot onto the desk, and a derisive tone came into his voice. "It was so good of you to think of the Coalition as your last resort." Staring at the man a moment longer, Emil then slowly sat up in his chair, glancing quickly at the door, then back to Vyacheslav.
"People like you disgust me. You have no loyalty. You only came here because the Coalition was your last resort. The Red Dawn is not some garbage bin that takes the dregs of Sirius. If you truly had Revolution in your heart, we would have been your first contact, not your last."
Andreyev then gave a barely perceptible nod to the two Marines who'd silently entered the room at Emil's signal and were now flanking the would-be recruit. Vyacheslav never had a chance as the Marine quickly slid his knife between the ribs on his left side. The Marines quickly picked up the body before blood could be spilled on the floor and would take Nikitin's corpse to the nearest airlock. There was no evidence at all someone had just been murdered in the office.
Arrogance isn't welcome in the Coalition thought Emil as he leaned over and thumbed the intercom. "Send Stukov back in".
Vladimir Stukov
Vladimir Stukov re-entered the room with a slightly confused look on his face. Emil couldn't help but smile a little. "Mr. Nikitin had to abruptly depart Comrade Stukov. Let's see how you answered my query".
' Wrote:Well comrade commissar neither is better, Queen of Bretonia and its citizen are all full of pride , they do not use their knowledge and brain ...pride is their doom. The thing about Liberty is something different they rely on their so called funds and influence on other Sirius major houses. They hunger for profit , for credits... no honor in that sort of thing, also they do not realize that if they can fool others with their money they can too be fooled and that is their doom.
Emil listened as Stukov answered exactly as he told not to. But Emil was more curious about the man's actual answer. Vladimir raised some good points, showing to Emil that he did know what the Coalition was about. As Vladimir gave his intentions and knelt before the desk, Emil was more than impressed by the man.
"Get up comrade, no need to kneel for me", said Andreyev. "While I respect your answer, you were told not to answer 'neither'. Other Commissars would have you're life for it. I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself." Andreyev took a packet out of his top drawer and handed it to Stukov.
"Fill out this paperwork and we'll see how you do. Dismissed." Emil sat back down with a sigh. The other Commissars aren't going to like me listening to kids who don't pay attention, but I've got to go with my gut. He leaned over and keyed the intercom. "Anyone else?"
Youri Aliabiev
"*static* There's one more new one, and some kid with a grenade in his pocket that looks like he's going to wet himself *static*". Emil smiled as he shook his head. Sounds like Comrade Weise is at it again "Send in the poor bastard".
Emil shuffled some papers around to find who the kid is as he walked into his office, a bulge coming out of the breast pocket of his jacket with a string attached to it. The slight smell of Coalition vodka was on the boy's breath as he looked at Emil. "Youri Aliabiev. I see you've been drinking with Commander Weise. That man has a thing for explosives and vodka, but not necessarily in that order. Let's see here..." Emil looked over Youri's paperwork as he made the recruit stand with the grenade still in his pocket.
"Seems here Comrade Weise left you standing there as he went off on another of his 'adventures'." Emil chuckled silently at how Weise tormented the recruits, but became serious soon enough. He looked right into the eyes of the young recruit. "Well? What to do with you. Says here you've been studying the Coalition story. Tell me then son, who was Aeon and why did McIntosh get rid of him? You can step outside as you think of your answer. Knock when you are ready." Emil watched as the young man glanced noticeably at the grenade in his pocket. "Oh, you keep that present from Comrade Weise right where it is for now son, but don't trip on that string. Dismissed".
Alexandra Volkova
As Andreyev watched Aliabiev leave the room, he stood and poured himself a small glass of vodka from the bar in the office. The hint of vodka in the air made him a little thirsty. As he made his way back to his desk, a tall, muscular young woman walked into his office and crisply saluted.
Emil sat down slowly as the young woman waited, getting more apprehensive by the second. He leaned back and took a sip from the glass as he studied how the woman handled the pressure. As he placed the glass back on the desk, Emil tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, telling the girl to begin.
' Wrote:I heard you you are looking for new recruits. Let me introduce myself.
My name is Alexandra Volkova. I was born at Stokes mining station. My father died when I was one year old. He died in mining accident. I know how hard it is to live in poverty with this name. My mother worked as waitress, bar dancer and in many other jobs to earn us some money. When I was ten years old we moved to Planet Leeds. It didn't help. We were living in slum working like slaves for fat capitalism pigs. When I was 19 I have earned enough money to buy Startracker. I wanted to get out of that hole where I lived.
I decided to do something with my life. I want to change my life and make from Sirius better place. I think it's time for revolution!"
The young woman finished her speech and waited for Emil to respond. He wasn't quite sure what to make of this brazen girl. While her story tells of a hard life, and her motives seem pure, something just doesn't sit right with me about this. "That's quite the story. But I find myself wondering if you've truly thought this through. The Coalition is a hard life; one not for the faint of heart. While you may think you've overcome some adversity, it is but child's play compared to the rigors of life spreading the Revolution.
"I'd like you to go back outside and think about the answer this question. If your answer is satisfactory, you may be able to continue on in the Coalition. Tell me what you will be giving up to join the Coalition. And do not give me fluff and drivel. I want a real answer from you Ms. Volkova. Dismissed."
Emil did not miss the slight confusion on Alexandra's face at his question, nor the jolt of surprise at his quick dismissal. As the door shut behind Ms. Volkova, Emil wiped his hands over his face and leaned back in his chair. Great Lenin, weeding through the garden searching for the rose. This is how I spend my days for the Coalition. Emil thumbed the intercom again. "Anyone else?"
"*static*Two more Comrade Commissar. Just walked in. Should I send them in?*static*"
At least the Coalition's attracting recruits thought Emil. "Yes, please send one in."
Mark Donovan
The door opened and a man walked into the room and directly to the front of Emil's desk. Before Emil could open his mouth, the man started blabbering.
' Wrote:Comrade Commissar, I wish to join your struggle against the capitalist oppressors of Sirius. As it was back before our ancestors left the Sol system, so it should be here in our new home.
But enough about that. You surely know your goals better than I. Perhaps you would like more information about me? I was born on Leeds where my parents worked for BMM. I don't need to tell you of the hideous injustices that they endured. Needless to say, I could not bring myself to allow such conditions to continue unchecked, and that, in short, is why I am here today. The whole capitalist framework of the House economies is corrupt and exploitative of the people. I volunteer to join your struggle for freedom!
What is it with Bretonia these days? thought Emil as he listened to yet another Leedian make their case. Emil stood again and walked to the bar to refill his glass. As he was there, he poured another and walked over to the clearly agitated Donovan. Glasses in hand, Emil stood not more than ten centimeters from Donovan, purposely taking the measure of the man. For almost a minute, Emil did nothing more than stare blank-faced at the would-be recruit as Donovan became more and more distressed.
Finally, Emil held a glass to Donovan. "You look like you could use a drink son. Mykolaiv's best." Donovan took the glass, and Emil went to sit back at his desk. "Now, here we are. You about to leave an unfortunate stain on my carpet by relieving yourself unexpectedly, and I waiting for you to crack under duress, I find myself questioning your calm under fire. The Coalition finds itself constantly under fire. We have enemies on all sides. Not one of us is safe except within the halls of Zvezdny. As I sit here now looking at you, I am not sure you can handle that kind of pressure."
As Emil paused to take a sip from his glass, the vodka burning it's way down his throat, he again took the measure of the man standing before him. "But, you are here, and that is a start. You will take your leave of me, return to the waiting room outside, and I expect you to have a worthwhile answer to this question: How does the GottKanzler of Rheinland curry the favor of his people, and what can the Rheinland Revolutionary Alliance do to stop this? Now, take your drink and head out to the waiting room to ponder your response. Dismissed!"
The now much relaxed man seemed to scurry out of the room with as much haste as he came in, exiting the office without a sound. I'll be interested to hear that man's answer thought Emil as he sipped again and moved some paperwork on his desk. There was one more in the waiting room, and as Emil was gathering forms, he heard the door open and shut in front of him. Not afraid of an ambush in his own office, (the Marines had the place as secure as could be) Emil continued to work at his desk.
Sergei Gohel
Emil glanced up to see a slump-shouldered, downtrodden man walk into his office. The man came to stand before his desk, hands clasping a cap in front of him. By the man's demeanor, he seemed to be expecting Emil Andreyev to already know who he is. Emil went back to his paperwork as the man continued to stand in front of his desk, shifting uncomfortably back and forth on his feet. Filling out about a half-dozen reports on current recruits, Emil purposely ignored the man standing before him. He continued until the last of the recruit forms had been filled out, and his glass was empty. Twenty minutes had passed with the man standing before his desk, and Emil could sense the man's anxiety growing.
Emil got up from behind his desk and moved once more to the bar. This time he did not pour himself vodka, two was his limit for a shift, but instead poured two glasses of water and walked back to his desk. Emil placed one glass in front of himself, and the other on the edge closest to the man still standing in front of his desk. Only now, did Emil acknowledge the man's existence in the room as he briefly glanced at him while sitting back and holding his own glass.
"Ah water. So simple a thing, but so necessary. It is the giver of life they say." Emil set his glass down and looked directly at the man before him. "Life is the Coalition. Life is the Red Dawn. Life is you telling me who the hell you are, and why you look to have no life left in you." Emil sat back and waited for this man's response.
Alexandra went back to waiting room. He sat at chair and began to think
After 20 minutes
[font=Impact]Alexandra entered room again
"When I came here I didn't expect easy life but I'm not faint of heart. I'm ready to give my life for Coalition if it is necessary."
She stopped at second
"I can give you my experience with poor people for Coalition propaganda. I know what they want and for what and why they will follow you. After all I was one of them. Half of that people are whole life waiting for miracle which make their lives better. I think Coalition can be that thing at which they are waiting."
A young black haired man walked into the office, wearing a dirty jacket. Immediately after he walked in, he attempted to salute, but the outcome looked a bit silly.
"Sir! Comrade... erm... my name is Mikhail Petrov, and I want to join the Coalition!"
The recruitment officer stared at him quietly. Mikhail looked a bit nervous, choosing his words carefully.
"I... I was told that the Coalition helps poor people! And fights against the capitalistic governments of Sirius! Thats what I want to do! I... I have some experience with flying also."
Mikhail looked at the recruitment officer nervously again. The two guards standing behind him with guns armed werent helping it.
"I... suppose I should tell something about me... well... I am an orphan, 24 years old, I was raised on Freeport among Zoners, in a poor family. I managed to get a pilot license and do some escort work for Zoners... thats where I got a little experience with flying, did I tell you already I can fly?", Mikhail coughed silently and continued,"I have seen many places in Sirius, Rheinland fascists, capitalistic Liberty, imperialistic Bretonians and Kusarians. Wars between them serve no purpose... and... erm... it makes poor people suffer even more. I... I dont want those people have the same bad life as me you know."
Mikhail spat out his words out quickly, then inhaled and waited for the Comissar's response.
Youri leave the office and sit at the entry of it. Thinking about what the officer say him...
Aeon... It wasn't a member of the SCRA it seems. And he read the recent story of Coalition before going here... so it was may...
Youri was thinking about taking his neural net pod but, it was in his pocket...
It maybe was an old member of SCRA, or a recruit, or a important person... It can be a simple guy too...
Youri stay for about 30 minuts in the corridor before knocking at the door.
He wait that he officer say him to enter and to sit before do anything like answer the question :
"I'm not sure, but if i remember well, Aeon was a High chancellor and the first leader of the Coalition in sirius. Aeon tried to make an peace treaty with the Alliance. That's why Grand Admiral McIntosh have overturn him in a revolution, leaded by itself..."
Youri wasn't sure, and he hope that he wasn't saying ****...
Outside the office, Mark relaxed visibly. Maybe it was the alcohol taking effect, or, more likely, it was thanks to the rather solid looking door that stood between the intimidating Commissar and himself. Mark had not been expecting to see a death today...
Thinking over the question, and struggling to recall the details of the Rheinland political system to mind, Mark slowly built the beginnings of an answer in his head. Steeling himself to enter the room once more, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Then, he pushed open the door and strode in. He must appear confident, he thought. These people did not seem to appreciate weakness.
"Comrade Commissar. The Gottkanzler of Rheinland creates the illusion of democratic government to please his people. They feel involved in the governance of the state. The federal nature of the Rheinland system has clearly been designed to ensure that citizens living far from central government still feel that they have a voice speaking for them. The use of independent-seeming Governers for each system is one of the GottKanzler's tools for creating the impression of listening to each citizen's wishes. In reality, this system is worse than a joke, Comrade."
"The Governers are elected by central Government, not by the people. And worse, they have no real power. The Kanzler must directly approve each and every legislative reform that they think of. The system is designed to look like one thing, while being something completely different. Perhaps if the Revolution were able to spread this knowledge of how the bourgeouise elite are manipulating them, the people might be more inclined to join or support groups like the Bundschuh or the Unioners. This would obviously destabilise the Rheinland government- and Rheinland has a history of radical political thought, Comrade. The Unioners, The Bundschuh, even the LWB and the Hessians. All of them have some political agenda. The people of Rheinland are clearly crying out for change, and the GottKanzler is simply not listening"
At this, Donovan paused for breath. Not for too long, however. He did not want the Commissar to think that his soliloquy was over just yet.
"Comrade, the GottKanzler also uses the myth of an economic renaissance to curry favour with his people. After the damage caused by the 80 year war, and then the Nomad wars, the Rheinland economy had seemed to collapse, and the people felt disheartened. Now, Reinhardt tells them that the economy has recovered, that Rheinland will be great once again. It is all lies. The new military ships are funded by expensive borrowing, and the success of industrial giants like Daumann and Republican comes at the expense of smaller companies and the citzens. The GottKanzler supports those companies that seem 'important' with subsidies, and the people suffer. Rheinland is, in reality, on the brink of financial collapse. And we, sorry, I mean you, can use that."
"Comrade, how you act must depend on your goals. If you hope to destabilise and destroy the Rheinland regime so that a more sympathetic government might rise from the ashes, you would do your best to inhibit the growth and success of Rheinland corporations. By halting their progress, you will speed up the collapse of Reinhardt's crumbling financial edifice. But this, I think, is not your intention. You do not, I suppose, want the people to suffer. Instead, it is my belief that you want the people to realise how they are lied to, and how the capitalist system fails them. To do this, you must make the citizenry of Rheinland aware of their dilemma, and present yourself as sympathetic to their cause. That way, they will be drawn to our Revolution of their own volition. Perhaps, the whole of Rheinland will join the cause."
"Comrade, you asked me how I think that you could stop the GottKanzler from currying favour from his people, and I fear that I have overstepped the bounds of the question. In short, and to answer the question succinctly, I would suggest that you reveal the lies and two-facedness of the Rheinland political system to the people, while at the same time presenting yourself and your cause as the solution to Rheinland's problems. You must destroy the large corporations' ability to operate effectively, and thus make plain the folley of Reinhardt's subsidies. Then, I hope, the Revolution may succeed in Rheinland."
At this, Donovan stopped, his speach clearly over. He looked expectantly for a response, and while he waited he could feel the tension building. He had to stay focussed, and stop his knees from shaking. The strain almost showed on his face, and a bead of sweat began to form on his brow.
"Please, let that be enough. Don't let them kill me" were the thoughts echoing in his mind.
The man just stood there, not saying a word. After a couple minutes of waiting, Emil went back to his work. He watched the man out of the corner of his eye as he continued with his paperwork. Safe in the knowledge the two Marine guards in the room would not let anything happen to him, Andreyev relaxed and rocked back in the chair.
"If you're not going to say anything son, then when I do get back to business, be a good boy and wait in the corner."
Alexandra Volkova
One of the main reasons to question the young recruits is to see if they follow the directions given them. If they cannot figure out the question, they cannot be trusted with the decisions a Coalition Fighter Corps pilot must make all the time.
Leaning back in his chair, Andreyev closed his eyes for a moment. I remember simpler times, when the Fighter Corps just threw men at the enemy in waves. But that was too costly for the Coalition. Now, we have to scrutinize every potential recruit. Emil sighed as he remembered days past.
Next thing he knew, Emil heard the door open again as Alexandra Volkova walked back into the office. Must have nodded off thought Emil as he sat up and watched the potential recruit walk to the desk. He watched Volkova glance at the man who'd moved to the corner of the room. "Well young lady, what is your response? And don't mind him...seems the cat has his tongue."
' Wrote:"When I came here I didn't expect easy life but I'm not faint of heart. I'm ready to give my life for Coalition if it is necessary."
"I can give you my experience with poor people for Coalition propaganda. I know what they want and for what and why they will follow you. After all I was one of them. Half of that people are whole life waiting for miracle which make their lives better. I think Coalition can be that thing at which they are waiting."
Emil watched Volkova for a few moments after she'd finished, clearly expecting more. When it didn't come, he sat back in his chair with a sigh. "Young lady, I did not ask you what you could give the Coalition. I will tell you the answer to that question if I feel you qualify."
His voice turning cold and threatening, Emil put his hands on his desk and lifted himself out of his chair. "What I did ask you was what you would be giving up. Perhaps I've misplaced my confidence in you? Would a bullet in your small brain possibly help connect a few synapses to aid you in answering my question?" He sat back down in his chair, and as he did, Emil visibly relaxed as he continued. "Go back outside and re-think your answer. And thank whatever god you wish that you have me as your Commissar. DISMISSED!"
Youri Aliabiev
Volkova scurried out of the room and almost ran into another recruit re-entering Andreyev's office. Emil watched Aliabiev jump out of the way, then make his way to stand before the desk.
"Lets see if you can do better Mr. Aliabiev", said Emil as he pulled Youri's paper back in front of him. "Youri, tell me who Aeon was and why he's...well...no longer a witness to the Red Dawn." Emil waited for Youri's answer.
' Wrote:"I'm not sure, but if i remember well, Aeon was a High chancellor and the first leader of the Coalition in sirius. Aeon tried to make an peace treaty with the Alliance. That's why Grand Admiral McIntosh have overturn him in a revolution, leaded by itself..."
A slight smile came across Emil's face, and he nodded as Youri finished his answer. Emil reached into his desk drawer and pulled out another packet. Second one today he thought as he held out the packet toward Youri. "Please fill this out completely and submit it to the proper channels. You will hear from us soon regarding your packet. Do not take this lightly, it is just as important as all other recruiting. You're dismissed Youri."
Mark Donovan
Emil watched Youri leave his office, and as the door opened, Mark Donovan walked back into the room. Curious at this Bretonian's answer to a question on Rheinland politics, Andreyev sat back while he listened to Donovan's response.
And he wasn't disappointed. This Bretonian seems to know a lot about Rheinland politics thought Emil as he studied the man's seemingly calm facade. I wonder how he knows so much. Is he a spy? As Donovan finished his thoughts on the Rheinland situation, Emil could see just now nervous the man was, and how much he tried to hide it. No, if this man were a spy, he'd be better trained. Just a nervous kid.
"Well Comrade Donovan, that was quite the eloquent speech. Wouldn't expect much less from a Bretonian I suppose." Emil reached into his desk again and pulled out yet another packet for the potential recruit to fill out. I'm going to need to get some more of these. Handing the packet to Donovan, Emil said "Fill this out and forward it to the proper channels. And when you're done, you'll have to tell me where you learned so much about Rheinland politics. Dismissed son."
Watching him walk out of the room, Emil couldn't shake the feeling something was off about Donovan. I just can't put my finger on it, but there's something not quite right. He leaned over and keyed a second switch on the intercom. "Please have an extensive background search done on a Mark Donovan. I'll send the paperwork over as soon as I'm done."
Mikhail Petrov
Sitting back at his desk, Emil glanced yet again at the man still in the corner. Very quiet that one. he thought as he watched the door open again. No rest for the weary in service to the Revolution. What's next. The man walking in looked like he'd just stepped out of a dustpile, with a dingy jacket, a hole in his pants, and scuffed shoes. Andreyev's eyebrows rose as the man attempted a hesitant salute, then proceeded to introduce himself.
' Wrote:Sir! Comrade... erm... my name is Mikhail Petrov, and I want to join the Coalition!
Emil just stared at the young man at this statement as he thought Of course you are. Why else would you be here.
Quote:I... I was told that the Coalition helps poor people! And fights against the capitalistic governments of Sirius! Thats what I want to do! I... I have some experience with flying also.
"I... suppose I should tell something about me... well... I am an orphan, 24 years old, I was raised on Freeport among Zoners, in a poor family. I managed to get a pilot license and do some escort work for Zoners... thats where I got a little experience with flying, did I tell you already I can fly?", [/color] Mikhail coughed silently and continued[color=#FFFFFF],"I have seen many places in Sirius, Rheinland fascists, capitalistic Liberty, imperialistic Bretonians and Kusarians. Wars between them serve no purpose... and... erm... it makes poor people suffer even more. I... I dont want those people have the same bad life as me you know."
As the man finished, Emil could see the the fellow was about to collapse in fright. "Sit down for a moment Petrov, if you will," said Andreyev as he gestured toward the Marines, "before you faint and I have to have these men carry you out."
The comment did not have the desired effect, as at the mention of the Marines, Petrov seemed even more anxious than before. Well, there is a reputation about the Commissar's office. "Zoners eh? Well, the Coalition had a long history with the Zoners. But the key word there is 'had' Mr. Petrov. I'd like you to keep in mind that you can never go back to those that raised you if you look to go through with this." Emil leaned forward at his desk, taking the measure of this man. "I'm sure we understand each other."
"Now. You said that you've travelled throughout Sirius escorting the Zoners. You've then no doubt been to Crete, or at least the Freeports surrounding Corsair space. The Corsairs, on the surface, are one of these people you spoke of. These...oh how did you put it...'poor suffering people' to paraphrase your words, seeming to need the Coalition's help as much as anyone. Can you tell me the Coalition's stance toward he Corsairs and, more importantly, why the Coalition feels that way? You may wait outside the door and come in when you are ready to answer. Dismissed."
If these pilots can't handle the stress of coming in to register, thought Emil, how do they expect to handle the rigors of combat. Fighter Corps is not an easy position. Emil once again looked at the man in the corner of the office, and then kept on about his business. The Revolution runs on paperwork sometimes.
Alexandra left room but after 10 minutes she was back into office.
I'm sorry for my misunderstanding. I was very nervous, Commisar.
What I would give up sir? I don't have many things to give up. I'm young and young people doesn't have many things to give up. Especially when they are poor.
I would give up I won't see my mother again to stay in secret. I would give up to never land at Leeds and never see my home only if we *ehh* you succeed with Revolution. I would give up my previous life.
I'm here to start new life in Coalition. If you want new life you must give up all things from old one.
Why was here there? Standing patiently waiting, watching the corpses leaving the office in a steady procession.
Total insanity, his mother would have answered in her little kitchen attached to her hovel on Denver.
A purpose, his professor at University would have heralded. Of course that was if he'd actually spent more time in his studies than about on the campus. But that was another life-time ago.
It wasn't vengence, his father's death and thier subsequent abandonment by the Liberty corporation that had been thier shelter against recession, depression and poverty. He'd have joined the Rogues if that were the case. But the Rogues were pirates, blood staining thier hands half-mad on drugs. He didn't want that.
What did it leave? Varsity student yanked from education dreams to look after his ailing mother. Desperate to find something to give him a purpose.
Working in the factories had taught him a lot, assembling components, maintaining machines that churned out consumer goods that fed the fat lifestyles of the liberty elite. That the rich standing upon the backs of the Liberty poor kept an iron grip on the power they had bought.
As if Liberty itself were a commodity upon the great exchange... it had to change!
He hadn't intended to pick up that pamphlet, but the cover, a striking image of the Statue of Liberty crumbling, had caught his eye. He'd studied it, leafing through the pages late at night. Reading the words of Trotsky "Insurrection is an art, and like all arts has its own laws. "
What did it mean?
To him, at least, it meant learning more.
His old professor had laughed at the mere mention of "The Coalition"
"Wolves in the forest, boy," the old man had rumbled over his book. "A wives-tale to scare fat-little rich children into playing nice by threatening their trust funds..."
Of course that hadn't stopped the Liberty Police from beating down his door and dragging him in on suspicion of sedition.
A night of questioning, of demanding to know why he had seditious material in his home... The usual fare of democracies scared into the shadows out of terror. He'd been beaten, though all involved swore blindly that that had not been the case.
Bloodied and battered, Katz had learned a valuable lesson that night. It had to change.
He knew who could change it, and if he gave them his all, his best, his heart and his blood... maybe... just maybe it could change.
Katz walked up to the desk, trying his best to look firm.
"I would like to meet the recruiter, please," he said watching as yet another body went out of that room. "I am unarmed," he demonstrated. "All I ask is a chance to demonstrate my worth."
![[Image: alexandravolkova.jpg]](http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3330/alexandravolkova.jpg)
![[Image: 5438_s.png]](http://signavatar.com/5438_s.png)