Alvin took a deep breath, showing fear would only get him killed. Trying to be arrogant would only get him killed... and trying to bluff that was just plain stupid.
He had one chance, that was to speak as openly and honestly about what he knew of the Coalition, try to show the Commissar that he belonged there.
He licked his dry lips and looked at the other applicant beside him, speaking first. Ive learned a few things in making the choice to come here, sir. Dont look scared, stay focused stay sharp stay alive.
I have learned that Capitalism is one threat, He steadied himself, to ask what he wanted to ask, but what about the feudal monarchies of Bretonia and Kusari? You cant beat them without the workers, in those houses it is the workers who must win the support of the common folk of the Farmers or the Mollys for that matter. I mean, the people that live in those houses, they havent found true democracy, and look at what the corporations are doing strangling any chance of a revolutionary situation it is bad for business.
I guess the Corporations are just afraid of a working class stirring up and gaining some kind of what is the word understanding of the exploitation going on?
Get to the point Katz his inner voice urged.
I dont support socialism in just one house; I believe it is already everywhere, growing stronger with each passing day. The working class, like where I come from like me were already starting to act, be it the Liberty Rogues, the Mollys, the worker parties in Rheinland heck even the Kusari have a Farmers Alliance on there hands the revolution is starting, and it is the Coalition that inspired it from back before the exodus, it is the Coalition that leads it now, and it will be the coalitions job to govern it to cultivate it into a true workers mass action.
The Coalitions meetings are everywhere, the pamphlets are out there, and it is working your being listened to and each and everyone of the disillusioned those who have pledged themselves to the various causes I spoke of before, are looking for real answers and finding it here, with the Coalition. There are organized meetings, unions standing firm as they try to take back what is being bought out from under them by opportunistic corporations...
You see it isnt just about overthrowing the government, it is about dealing with the industry capitalists and that isnt achieved through revenge.
So I am not here seeking vengeance, I am not here seeking blood, and I am not some whining kid with a black past looking for someone to give me a hand out of the rubbish pit. I am a worker I fix machines, its what I do and I am proud of it I am a simple man who has opened his eyes and seen the corruption that looms over my head and I want to do something about it.
He straightened his shoulders, and offered a plain and honest look.
Thats it, that is all. I just want a chance to help open other peoples eyes to the realization that it is us who are going to win this in the end. I just want to earn my place through the hard work that got me here in the first place, sir.
They mystery man was the first to speak up. He seemed to finally have gathered the courage to talk to the Commissar. He introduced himself as Sergei Gohel and explained his family as wealthy benefactors to the Coalition. But it was the end of the speech that Emil listened to most.
' Wrote:Let me be part of the Revolution! let me be in the Red Dawn! let me prove to you that i am loyal, i am good soldier and i swear for my life, when i do not satisfy you kill me, because this is all i have, all i care and all i want!
Gohel finished at this point, and Emil sat up to his desk and eyed the man again. Now that he knew who Gohel was and the story he'd spun, Emil's mind was plagued by a question.
"Mr. Gohel. You say that the Coalition is all you have to live for. As we discussed earlier, life is a precious thing; to offer yours up so freely is both disturbing and disheartening. I had a gentleman in here today already who's last chance was with the Coalition...I put him out of his misery."
"But I find myself intrigued by you, so I offer you this chance. What do you, personally, have to live for? Why do I not put a bullet into your head now to save both myself and you the trouble of keeping you among the living? "
"And do not give me an answer about fighting for the Revolution. I want to know, Mr. Gohel, what you personally are living for, what you personally are willing to lay down your life for. The Revolution has no need for dead-men walking...they aren't worth the training. Dismissed."
Emil was slightly sickened by this man's contempt for his own life. If he's not willing to fight for his own life, he's not willing to fight for others.
Alvin Katz
Emil then turned his attention to the other man in the room. Emil glanced at his screen to read the name Alvin Katz. "Well, Mr. Katz. Perhaps you have a better reason for being here. Tell me you're story."
And Katz did. He spoke well of the plight of Sirius, from the point of all houses. He talked of the Coalition's small-town efforts, the grassroots campaigns of public education throughout the Houses. Emil was impressed by the man's zeal.
' Wrote:Thats it, that is all. I just want a chance to help open other peoples eyes to the realization that it is us who are going to win this in the end. I just want to earn my place through the hard work that got me here in the first place, sir.
As the young Alvin finished, Emil quietly contemplated what he'd just heard from the man. Then he reached for another recruitment packet and handed it to Alvin.
"I've nothing to ask of you son. You remind me of what the Coalition is about; educating the people and fighting for their freedom. Fill this out comrade Katz, and hand it in to the secretary outside when your finished. Dismissed comrade."
Vicenta Gonzalez
Emil watched Katz walk out of the room. He reminds me of myself when I first joined. I must be getting sentimental in my old age, to let him walk away so lightly. Bah! Katz exited the room and Andreyev saw that the young Corsair woman was walking back into the room.
' Wrote:I'm ready to answer your question. Senor, the only thing that would prevent me from following orders is if I were ordered to do something immoral or dishonorable. If ordered to kill a child, senor, or unarmed civilians, I could not do it. Aside from that, I would have no trouble following an order, even if it came from an ex-Outcast.
Emil nodded from his chair as Vicenta finished her answer. "That is what I expected to hear from you Ms. Gonzalez. The Coalition is here to protect the people. We do not shoot civilians unless fired upon first. We do not abide by such behavior in others, even our allies. There have been times in the past we have almost come to fighting our closest allies in our struggles because of the piracy they engage in."
Emil reached down to his drawer and pulled one of the few remaining recruit packets left, and handed it to Vicenta. "Please fill this out and turn it into the secretary outside Ms. Gonzalez. Dismissed."
Emil hated this part of the job. The stack of paperwork was mounting. Several recruits had turned in their packets, and the had been reviewed by High Command and himself. He began writing the communiques that would tell these recruits their fates.
Mikhail Petrov
The first was Mikhail Petrov. Everything looks in order. Emil made some notes on Petrov's application. Discretion is the better part of valor Mr. Petrov. When faced with overwhelming odds, fall back and regroup, do not die in glorious battle.
Emil found his stamp, and then signed the letter. APPLICATION APPROVED.
Youri Aliabiev
Next on the stack was Youri Aliabiev. Hmm...needs to brush up on communications protocols. Another one going out in a blaze of glory. Needs more schooling on propaganda and history. Emil made a few notes on the application. Communication Protocols allow for taunting at the death of an enemy, but never wishing them a "good fight" over unsecured comms. Also, the Coalition likes its pilots alive; do not fight against overwhelming odds.
Emil found his stamp, and then signed the letter. APPLICATION APPROVED.
Alexandra Volkova
Next was Ms. Alexandra Volkova. Hmm. Naming conventions needs work, good ideas of strategy and tactics. All seems in order.
Emil found his stamp, and then signed the letter. APPLICATION APPROVED.
Mark Donovan
Grabbing the next application, Emil noticed the name. Mark Donovan. Something about that man...I just cannot shake the feeling. Intelligence will sort that out. Everything seems in order though, all very good answers.
Emil found his stamp, and then signed the letter. APPLICATION APPROVED.
Vladimir Stukov
The last item on his stack was Vladimir Stukov's application. Emil looked over this application as well. His grasp of the Fighter Corps just isn't what it should be. *sigh* I don't think this one is right for the Fighter Corps.
Emil grabbed for another stamp. APPLICATION DENIED
Emil then reached for a pen, and made a note on the application Please report to Major Bigeard of the Coalition Marines. They could use a man like you in their ranks.
Sergei added, after listening the Recruitment officer
No this is deffenetly not only thing to live for, i got family back there and The Coalition is not my only change for life or death, there are tons of other changes but i will never have a change to serve my needs there, i will be never satisfied or happy with my life while picking one of the other changes of my career, for example i will never be able to work voluntarily for companies working for house factions because i feel inside me that i aint doing right thing for myself and i would betray my family, my traditions and all i care or love and even if i am forced i just cant do it or if i will do it i will never forgive myself
I am willing to lay down my life for knowing that i am doing the right thing for myself and for the people i love even if it is a suicidal because all it matters then is feelings and amour propre for yourself.
This is all i have to say for now...
Katz went out into the hall, nodded to some of the other applicants that were out there, as he picked up a magazine from the small coffee table, balancing it on his knee as he began to fill out the paperwork, smiling at some of the questions, scratching his head at some of the others.
He finished after an hour, getting up he handed it to the secretary, leaving the office a moment, to return a few minutes later with two cups of coffee. One of which he politely left on the secretary's desk.
His father had taught him that one, you want a coffee and you are in a reception, you always get the secretary one as well.
He started as she reached into her desk, pulling out some kind of elaborate probe, smiling at him as she calmly sampled the coffee with it, taking a reading to ensure it wasn't drugged in any kind of way, satisfied that it wasn't, she took a sniff, her beautiful lips curling in disgust.
"Terrible coffee, comrade," she said quietly.
Katz sniffed his, "it is?" he asked in surprise. He'd chosen the best he could find on the dispenser machine in the hall.
She nodded, pouring it deliberately into the garbage can, much to the amusement of the others in the room.
Congratulations Katz you just got burned and you weren't even trying...
"I'm going to sit over here, now," he said thumbing to his seat. Sitting down and amusing himself with a copy of the potato farmer's almanac that was so narcolepticly boring it would have made a great anesthetic.
[Incoming Transmission...]
[Data Source: Ivan Tapolsky (Иван Тапольский)]
[Source Location: Cadiz]
[Target:Zvezdniy Gorodok (Звёздный городок), Omega-52]
[Opening message...]
Dobriy den', commisar! I'd like to join Coallition while I can... I lived at Crete for some time, there is a group of russians there.. Mostly they are loyal to Coallition and its goal. But Corsairs are looking bad to me, so I think to join Coallition faster, untill I've got death.
For Revolution!
[Message ends]
[Transmission ends]
Emil watched as his secretary walked in with two more applicant questionnaires. He accepted them and started thumbing through. First was Alvin Katz. Everything seems to be in order here. Seems to know his stuff. Emil grabbed for his stamp. APPLICATION APPROVED
Vicenta Gonzalez
Next on the docket was Vicenta Gonzalez. The Corsair. Good answers if short. Hmm...seems to have a thing for Coalition Vodka. Emil again picked up his stamp. APPLICATION APPROVED
He then picked up his pen from the holder and added Recruit displays a penchant for vodka, and a fiery temper. Keep away from Mykolaiv until the rank of Lieutenant is reached.
Sergei Gohel
The last of the paperwork completed, Emil looked up as Gohel re-entered the room. The man stood before the desk and started his speech again. Emil listened to Sergei's speech, becoming less impressed by the minute. He'd heard it all before, and didn't feel like hearing more. I've sent enough recruits through already, the Fighter Corps doesn't need this guy.
' Wrote:I am willing to lay down my life for knowing that i am doing the right thing for myself and for the people i love even if it is a suicidal because all it matters then is feelings and amour propre for yourself.
This is all i have to say for now...
"Well Mr. Gohel," began Emil as he laced his fingers behind his head, "I don't think we'll be needing your services. I'm uninspired by your story and your fervor, and to be honest, I don't get a good feeling from you."
Emil sat forward again, noticing a message beeping at him from his console. [i]I'll get to that in a minute he thought and turned his attention back to Sergei. "Now, this can go one of two ways. You can either walk out of here peacefully and never come back, or my two Marine guards there can escort you out of here and you will also never come back."
"Maybe the Bundschuh or the Hessians can use you in their fights, but the Coalition will not be needing you. Good day sir. And don't try to convince me otherwise, I'm leaving as soon as I take care of one more thing."
Ivan Tapolsky
With a casual flip of his hand, Emil dismissed Gohel and put him completely out of his mind. He turned his attention to the message he'd received.
'SCRA Comm Center' date='Sep 20 817' Wrote:Commissar Andreyev,
We received a transmission directed to your office from a Ivan Tapolsky. We've traced the transmission to Cadiz Base in Omega 5. Message has been scanned and no virus found. It is attached if you wish to peruse it, but the sender has been flagged as an enemy of the state.
<<SEE ATTACHMENT>>
Emil hit the delete button on the message. Damned Corsair trying to infiltrate our ranks. Vicenta will have a close watch on her, but I don't think she's a threat. This guy's too dumb to be a threat, but still not worth my time.
Emil then stood from his desk, grabbed his coat, and walked to the door. A fine day in the recruiting office, but a long one. Many new recruits joined the ranks of the Coalition Fighter Corps today. Emil turned off the lights and locked the door to the Commissar's office.
Sergei felt slightly disappointment as he realized that he has been declined with such a dead set.
after a slight moment he started speaking again
Alright, i respect your decision, and looks like my fate is not here...
To bad that i am bad spokesman, wish i could prove myself somehow but it seems impossible for now... oh and Escort aint needed i will find my way out of here.
And of course, thank you for your time officer.
Sergei walked out of room with no emotions in his face but big disappointment about himself couldent get out from his mind...
The door slid open to reveal the next in line. James Corbin walked into the room, led himself to his seat, and sat down. He found it hard to look into the mans eyes at first, but quickly dismissed this weakness. James looked the officer square in his eyes waiting for some form of greeting.
After several minutes of intense staring James realized he should take the first step and began his story.
I will skip the formalities and get to the task at hand seeing as you are a very busy man who most certainly is in possession of the request for interview form I have turned in.
I was born in Liberty on planet Texas. My family was poor. My friends families were poor. My planet was poor. It seemed the only life available that paid enough was one of crime, and that life led to imprisonment and a trip back to the industrial land fill of Texas. The only legitimate way of living was to work with the criminals in the many factories that produced goods we almost never saw.
My planet from the beginning was abandoned by the corrupted government. Promises of many enriching careers to feel our continually growing, yet empty, pockets. These promises were abandoned with our planet when we were not deemed fit to handle them. I remember as a child, being fed the propaganda of the Libertonian dream in my studies. When I wasnt at school, I was constantly hearing of corrupted officials accepting bribes, and learning of the ways Liberty had betrayed its people. When I was old enough to get my pilots license, I left that place in the stolen craft of a business man selling luxury goods at marked up prices.
The war with Rhineland had just begun, and I desperately wished to right the wrongs done to my people. However, what I found in Rhineland was no better than in Liberty. I wandered amongst Rhinelands underworld in search of purpose. I started hearing rumors of a group dedicated to righting the wrongs of the houses. A group worthy of my dedication. A group with the needs of the people at the forefront. I was surprised to hear that this group was the Coalition. My childhood memories were filled with the propaganda slathered against them in history lessons. How the red monsters drove us from our homes. Through my travels I have learned those lies to be true about the tellers. Since hearing of you and your cause I have been searching, and now I have found you.
If what you have heard is not enough, please let me share more. If you do not deem me worthy, I will not be stopped. I shall only be slowed down, for I will always be drawn to the freedoms of the people. I turn the floor to you sir.
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