In the Line of Fire

First read:

The Soviet Protocol - First Impressions - Episode 1
The Soviet Protocol - A Weekend at the Lake - Episode 2
The Soviet Protocol - Turning up the Heat - Episode 3
The Soviet Protocol - Male Bonding - Episode 4

17:54 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I was in a run down gym inside the Jollenhaus mansion, working over a heavy bag, focused on drilling my fist into the leather, entering the zone, unleashing my speed, skill, and incredible power, forged over the years of intense training and combat experience. Combo after combo, faster and faster, harder and harder, hooks, body shots, crosses, uppercuts, mixing in the occasional snap kick. Sweat pooled and dripped off my steel-cut muscle, flexing and rippling with elite power as I went deeper and deeper into the zone, pushing myself harder and harder.

17:54 Commando_Ivan_Usov: Trained as an elite Russian Commando, a Spetsnaz, I have learned plenty of ways to maim, break, and hurt men with my fists and feet as well as weapons. Not only that, but I enjoyed it. Got off on hurting men. The tougher they thought they were, the more I enjoyed it. Being exceptionally physically gifted, with an inborn passion for combat and fighting, I quickly rose to the top of my squad, and was selected to train as a Spetsnaz. My specialty training included not only hand to hand combat, but weapons and firearms handling, pistols, automatic, semi-automatics, as well as explosives.

17:55 Commando_Ivan_Usov: The Jollenhaus family, one of the most powerful Mob families in the Ukraine, were ruthless and brutal, but that suited me. No illusions. The men here knew what mattered. Surviving, thriving, adapting. I was enjoying this assignment. Even though I was currently in Kiev, my assignment was essential to destabilize Belarus. And the Jollenhaus family conducted extensive operations in Belarus, centered around Barysaw. They would be the vehicle we would use to further destabilize Belarus.

17:55 Commando_Ivan_Usov: Of course the Jollenhaus family did not know that I was actually a Sergeant in the Spetsnaz GRU. Currently, for this mission, I was posing as a mercenary with connections to Russian arms dealers. Plausible deniability at all times. The mission was a simple one. Hook the Jollenhaus family up with cheaper and more dangerous weaponry, supplied by the GRU. Make them that much more dangerous to the order and stability of Belarus. The more destabilized Belarus was, the more it turned to Russia. A simple mission. One I was well suited for. On the side, I had also offered my services to train up their thugs and guards, help to make them tougher, more dangerous, more deadly. Teach them advanced hand to hand and street fighting techniques. Teach them how to use their knives like they mean it.

17:55 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I stepped back from the heavy bag, sweat soaking my 250 pounds of hard-muscled, combat-forged Russian muscle, a finely honed war machine. I towel off, then throw on a simple white t-shirt. I changed into a pair of jeans and heavy boots, and threw on a worn overcoat. Plenty of pockets inside the overcoat to conceal my sidearm and my knife. It was time to head to the library and meet my new employer.

17:56 Commando_Ivan_Usov: That was the one complication in this mission. Originally, I had made my arrangements with Andrei Joseph Jollenhaus, the head of the Jollenhaus family mob. But when I arrived, I had been informed that Andrei had been killed by a rival family, and his son, Vanko, was now the Boss. Essentially, I would have to re-negotiate everything with Vanko. It didn’t particularly bother me. One thing you learned as a Spetsnaz, and especially in the GRU, was to think on your feet, to adapt, to survive, and to thrive no matter what it took.

17:57 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I made my way through the mansion, finding my way to the library without too much difficulty. It was mostly a matter of identifying Vanko's bodyguards hanging around outside the room in question. They were clearly expecting me, and with a short nod, the motioned me onward. They opened the door for me, and I stepped into the library to get a look at my ... new 'employer'.

18:06 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: "Please have a seat" Vanko sat down in the large brown leather armchair, perfectly fitting with the austere furnishings of the library where he was now conducting business meetings, a library forbidden to him until the age of 14. He stroked the leather of the chair, wrinkled but still soft. The scent of pine aftershave still hung in the air, the unmistakable essence that has always characterized his father. It was as if his presence was still there, in that room, even though it had been a week since his funeral. The smell of pine mixed with the acrid and sweet scent of the Cuban cigar.

18:06 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: He took one from a dark wooden box, expertly chiseled by a Chilean craftsman. Vanko still remembers the first time he sat in front of his father, right where that man was sitting in front of him. "Vanko, my son, family is the most important thing, family and honor are the only things that make us men," he said. Andrei was a strong man, respected by his friends, feared by his enemies.

18:06 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: "Today is the day for you to become a man, to make me proud, one day when I will not be here anymore I want you to sit in this chair and protect the family, but remember, there are rules that you cannot break, rules of honor, and whoever makes a mistake must pay "

18:06 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: It was the first time that Vanko went through the door of that library, the first time that he killed a man because he had betrayed his father's trust. He was 14. The promises to his father were soon forgotten, his young age, the thirst for power, money and revenge consumed him every day. Two days after his father's death, when his body was still warm, he ordered the murder of Demetri, an old Kiev boss that his father had made a deal with.

18:07 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: Soon he would take Kiev's criminal underworld under his control, he already had friendships that count in the building of power. Then his thirst for expansion would hit neighboring Belarus. President Verchenko would pay for the death of his father with his blood, after all he had to respect the agreement with Kiev, so they would continue to … look the other way.

18:07 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: With the old, pro-German president out of the way, the government overthrown, it would have been easy to get a friend to sit in power for Kiev. Vanko was powerful and strong, he could count on a criminal network that the Russian mafia would envy, but he knew well that to get into Minsk he needed more than a good organization.

16:39 Commando_Ivan_Usov: My eyes scan the library as I step in, taking in the austere furnishings. Where the rest of the mansion was opulent, speaking of the wealth of the Jollenhaus family, the library was almost Spartan. It was a place where business was conducted. I approved. It showed that the Jollenhaus family was focused on their business.

16:43 Commando_Ivan_Usov: And the man standing next to Vanko, at attention, was all business. I examined him carefully, noticing the way he stood, the hard-muscled quality of his incredible physique, the way his eyes followed me like a hawk. Everything about him screamed that he was no ordinary muscle. He was clearly ex special forces of some kind. I would learn which in time. He was a very dangerous man. My eyes linger on the worn leather chair that Vanko sat in. I smelled the rich scent of his cigar, the lavish cigar box one of the few markings of wealth in the room.

16:45 Commando_Ivan_Usov: Then, as I slid into the basic, nondescript chair on the other side of his desk, I spoke, my words carefully measured. "Vanko. It is a pleasure to meet you. Please, accept my condolences for your recent loss. Your father was a great man."

17:02 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: "The pleasure is all mine, mister ... Ivan, right?" Ivan's gaze leaves no doubt about his origin, about his past, a look that protects the secrets of his life. I turn to Kamal, my guardian angel. Since my father died I have not taken a step without him. My life has changed now, before I was a weapon for my family to use, now I have become a target.

17:03 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: "Thanks Kamal, you can go, Ivan and I have to discuss some things." Kamal looks at me, standing at the window. "Vanko, I'd rather stay, you know I don't trust these people, your father would never have approved." A little smile reveals my disappointment and my embarrassment. "Kamal, despite the rude and barbaric aspect of our guest, I am sure that Mr. Ivan is a perfect gentleman, and I am perfectly safe." Kamal replies, "Vanko I do not think it is a good idea, these people have no morality." I get up from my chair and I go towards Kamal. "Go out that door Kamal and wait for us outside."

17:03 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: I watch my bodyguard give you a hard, penetrating look as he walks away in spite of himself, I approach a small bar, I take a crystal bottle containing an Irish scotch, aged 30 years. "You have to excuse him, Ivan, his ways are a little gruff, but he’s not that bad." I fill my glass. "Scotch?”

17:06 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I sit back and watch the exchange. My eyes narrow as Kamal rightly identifies just how dangerous I am. But Vanko is perfectly safe with me, he is not my target. I hide a smile as Kamal says that he doesn't trust 'these people'. But Kamal is one of those people as well... he would know, wouldn't he? He is special forces, as am I.

17:09 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I approved of his protectiveness however. But I said nothing as Kamal finally obeys Vanko. Finally, I reply, "Yes, my name is Ivan. I knew your father." I sit back, and watch as Vanko produces a small bottle of Irish scotch from the worn bar off to one side. My eyebrow twitches in appreciation. Next to Vodka, Scotch is my favorite liquor. "Thank you Vanko,a Scotch would go down a treat. And don't be too hard on Kamal. He is only doing his job. He knows exactly how dangerous I am. Of course I am." I reached out to take the glass of Scotch as you handed it to me. "It's why your Father hired me, after all."

17:11 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I lift the glass of Scotch, hearing the ice tinkle. "My friend, to your health!", then take a sip of the fine liquor, letting it trace a trail of golden fire down my throat as I savour it's flavour and heat.

17:19 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: "Thanks Ivan, your interest in how I treat my personnelle touches me but I don't think my father hired you as an educator." I look at the light brown liquid of the scotch, that earthy, deep taste. I reflect that I will have to change the furnishings of the villa, make it less austere, more modern, more fashionable. "Mr. Ivan, the plans have changed a bit, I have pressure from Kiev to, let's say, mitigate the liberal ideas of our friend Verchenko, I don't think that's a problem for you right?"

17:22 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I sit back, enjoying my drink, sip by sip as I listen to Vanko. This was like a ... unexpected gift. Here he was, asking me if I would be all right with his proposal. All right? It was perfection itself. It aligned with my mission objectives completely. To hasten the downfall of Verchenko. To make Belarus turn back to Russia. I kept my expression neutral as I took my time to respond.

17:23 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I shrug finally, "Plans and policies change when power shifts into new hands. I adapt. How exactly are you planning to, as you put it, mitigate the liberal ideas of Verchenko, and how can I aid you?"

17:43 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: I lean back on my chair, I watch Ivan as my hand takes a cigar and lights it. "There is nothing better than a great cigar with a right scotch Ivan? You see, the art of appreciating the beautiful things in life is something that matures over time, it refines over the years."

17:43 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: A little smile on my mouth "I don't think my grandfather would have ever imagined all this when he came to Ukraine from Hungary after Russia freed the country from the Germans." Another sip of the precious Scotch. "At first he worked for Russian intelligence, then Ukraine became a separate state and now let's say we do favors for the government, we do favors and they ..... stay out of our business."

17:43 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: I get up. "My plan is very simple, I want that bastard and his family to taste what I felt when they killed my father." I look into your eyes. "The problem is that NATO military base." I open a drawer and take a file two fingers thick. "Here is everything, names, photos, everything, I want you to work with Kamal on this, we have men and means."

17:54 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I watch as Vanko lights his cigar, filling the room with the rich smell of Cuban tobacco. I have never really been into cigars myself, but I appreciate their smell. One thing is for sure. For being such a young man, Vanko displays an amazing maturity. He has the mind of a much older man. And the ambition to match. He was dangerous in his own right. I ... liked him.

17:56 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I smiled. I understood the arrangement between the Ukrainian government and the Jollenhaus family very well indeed. It was that arrangement, and the alignment between our two nation's current goals, that led me to select them in the first place. Not that there was any official cooperation between my government and the Ukrainian government. It was enough that we had shared goals in this one area.

17:58 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I whistle as I look at the file that Vanko lays out before me. "You think big, don't you Vanko? You want to take out a NATO security base? You don't do things half-assed, do you, my friend?" I admired his plan. But... hitting a NATO base... while very appealing, and very likely to have the effect we wanted, destabilizing the entire region, it would also be monumentally dangerous.

18:00 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I pursed my lips, considering the problem. It could be done. I smile. "And I have access to a great deal of arms and tech toys... all of Russian make... that can be provided to aid your noble goals... for a price, but a price that I promise will be cheaper than any other dealer you might find. It would be my pleasure to work with Kamal and bring your plans to fruition." I sip the Scotch again, savouring the richness of the liquor. Yes, I liked Vanko. Very much.

18:08 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: The golden pen engraved with my father's name in my hands was a gift from the Ukrainian president over 20 years ago. "My father has always had people around him who could finish the job, if this mission is a problem for you I'm sure I'll find the right person."

18:10 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I suddenly lean my head back, and laugh, peal after peal of rich, warm laughter echoing through the austere library. Oh yes... this Vanko had balls. I had chosen the right man, the right family. This was even better than Vanko's father. "A problem? Oh no, sir, it is no problem. It is an opportunity. All problems are secretly opportunities in disguise."

18:16 VANKO_Joseph_Jollenhaus: I look at you and smile. "Perfect then Mr Ivan, I’m expecting no disappointments and now if you excuse me I have some urgent matters that require my attention." I stand up. "I suggest you work the details with Kamal, being inside this room without my presence well...the guards have an order to shoot on sight," I smile. "Will you stay in the mansion Mr. Ivan? I’m sure we can provide you with decent accomodation in my humble house." I pass you and walk toward the door.

18:19 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I slowly stand up, eyeing Vanko as he stands up and walks toward the door. He really is an exceptionally fit man, and his tattoos add to his aura of power. I follow Vanko. "I'll meet directly with Kamal. And thank you for the offer of accomodation. It will make my job easier if I were to stay in the mansion." I follow Vanko out, and turn, looking for Kamal. This would be ... interesting.

16:46 Kamal_Ndir: "Yes boss, I understand ..... sure ... east wing, yes sir." I look at the screen of my phone before putting it in the back left pocket of my jeans. Because the one on the right is occupied by my Benchmade 275FE Adams. A combat knife among the best ever built. 42 grams, 10 cm tempered steel blade, razor sharpened, redesigned light steel handle for a better grip. Often my enemies don't notice anything until they see their blood. I love this knife, a silent killer.

16:46 Kamal_Ndir: I look at you suspiciously, I try to understand your weaknesses, what your mind is thinking, but above all why you are here and why Vanko trusts you so much.

16:46 Kamal_Ndir: “Apparently the boss wants you to stay at the mansion and he told me to get you a suite on the east side.” I walk a few inches closer and see that no one can hear me. "The boss is very unpredictable, he trusts you but I don't. I don't like it, and I don't like mercenaries like you sticking their noses into the family business. My job. It's protecting Vanko and the family and I can assure you that I'll watch your every single move." Then I step back.

16:47 Kamal_Ndir: Vanko exits the library, wearing his Italian-made sugar cane jacket, slowing his pace. "Kamal, Mr. Ivan, I'm well pleased that you two are making a good acquaintance, I'm sure with Mr. Ivan's experience. you and your team will do a great job." I watch Vanko walk away before he turns. "Kamal, call Loren, tell her to get the car ready, I have a meeting in town "
I replied, "Yes ..... boss". I watch Vanko disappear behind the dark marble columns that his father ordered directly from Italy.

16:47 Kamal_Ndir: I look Ivan in the eye "Let's get things straight. I don't take orders from you, now follow me."

16:47 Kamal_Ndir: They walked towards the marble columns but instead of turning where Vanko had gone, they turned right, entering a hall with large sofas arranged in an L-shape, the expensive Persian carpets covered part of the wooden floor, a table with precious gold candelabras was in in the other half of the room. There was no television, it was in a different room. The corridor was rich with large country paintings, depicting hunting scenes or French landscapes.

16:48 Kamal_Ndir: Kamal opened a small door that led to a service staircase that went down steeply. "Don't worry I won't lock you in the cellars yet." They went down the stairs and arrived in front of a large wooden door. Kamal opened the door, they found themselves inside a gym the size of half a football field. From that position you could see the ring at the far right side, with at least 5 punching bags hanging from the ceiling. The opposite side was covered with weights and barbells that ran all along a wall of mirrors. On the opposite wall from where they stood, other machines, more weights.

16:48 Kamal_Ndir: There was no smell, not the usual stench of sweat, it was warm, the air was humid but clean. Kamal turns to Ivan, "There are several gyms in the villa, this is the one where the Boss likes to train, but when the boss trains, no one can stay here unless he is invited." The changing rooms are at the end of the gym with the hot tub and the steam sauna. "KOSTA !!! .... take our new .... guest to the Orchid suit." I turn and look at Ivan, "I'm sure the orchid suite will fit your needs, I'd like to stay in your company but I'm already late, Sofia is waiting for me."

17:15 Commando_Ivan_Usov: Vanko motions for me to exit the room after him. I nod, as he opens the door for me. I step out, and immediately, my eyes fall on Vanko. I wait patiently, tasting the tension in the air. Kamal doesn't trust me. Good. That is good. He knows his job.

17:16 Commando_Ivan_Usov: As Kamal turns to place his phone in his back pocket, I catch the sight of the handle of a knife rising above his back pocket. I don't get a long enough glance to identify it's make or model, but I have no doubt that Kamal is an expert in it's use.

17:20 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I look at Kamal, digesting his words of warning, the tone of his voice. Then I nod with approval, before replying, "It's your job not to trust me, Kamal. You aren't required to trust me. You are, however, required to work with me." Then, before I can say anymore, Vanko steps out of the library.

17:24 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I follow Kamal as he leads me through the ornately constructed mansion, lined with marble columns, expensive and rare carpets, exquisitely carved tables. It was ... far too ostentatious for my taste. I preferred my furnishings to be simple and spartan.

17:26 Commando_Ivan_Usov: Then, we headed down a flight of stairs, and ended up in yet another gym. A different gym than the one I had used earlier, while waiting for my appointment with Vanko. This gym was larger, and clean as a whistle. Impressive. Complete with a ring, punching bags, and whole racks of weight benches and barbells.

17:28 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I turn as another man enters my line of sight. I listen, impassively as Kamal explains the function of this gym. I nod. Rank has it's privileges after all.

17:30 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I grin. "Sofia is it? You must not keep her waiting. When you are ready to meet, you know where to find me." I turn and nod at Kosta, ready to follow him.

17:42 Kosta: You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in. Albert Kosta, a fomer russian soldier, his career lasted less than a year before the army dischared him with dishonor, he fucked and beat one of his military friends. The embarrassment was too much, he is 24 years old, he is naive but a good kid. The news arrived to Vanko and he offered him a position. Pretty much he is...well he wanna be on the field, but for now he is training to become a real badass

17:45 Kosta: Kosta put a shirt on his sweaty body and began to speak, "This mansion was built around 1700 and Mr Jollenhaus bought in the 60s when they moved to Kiev but it wasn't like this, it was smaller, then ...Mrs Jollenhaus expanded the villa and she wanted to create flower gardens, so all the suites in the villas of the east wing get a name according to which part of the flower they are facing...and yours is the orchid I guess."

17:46 Kosta: Kosta open a small door, "Mr Vanko doesn't stay in any of those, he refused to have his part of the villa named for flowers." He laughs, "So...you are ...the mercenary I guess, even I knew about your arrival."

17:49 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I size up this newcomer, a very young man, enthusiastic. Extremely fit, well-muscled. But I can tell that he is still very inexperienced. I watch with appreciation as his young, muscular body ripples and flexes, gleaming slightly with the mixture of sweat and the bright lights as he pulls a shirt on.

17:52 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I follow him as he provides a small history lesson. I walk into the suite, nodding. "Perhaps Kamal believes I am as delicate and temperamental as the Orchid? Well, if so, then he will have to deal with his disappointment." No doubt it was a subtle insult. One thing was clear though, he and I would have to come to some kind of accommodation if we were going to work together.

17:55 Commando_Ivan_Usov: The room was richly appointed, the furnishings and carpet was ornate, luxurious. I could endure it for the mission if I had to. Though something simple and spare would have been far more comfortable for me. I nod at Kosta, "Yes, I'm sure you would. Vanko's father procured my services before his death. Vanko was wise enough to honor his father's arrangement." I look at Kosta, curious about his role here. "Tell me Kosta, how do you serve the Jollenhaus family? I suspect that you are more than a simple butler."

08:40 Kosta: I look at you with some embarrassment, I didn't think it was obvious that I was just a butler, in fact I'm even less than that but I don't like to admit it. "I am a fighter, a soldier." My gaze lowers. "One day". Then I recover from this moment of embarrassment.

08:40 Kosta: "Kamal promised me that one day he will train me, he will take me under his wing, he promised me. Kamal is the best. He says I'm not ready yet but ..... but I think I am but if he says so." I take your things, your bag and put it on the sofa. "One day I want to be on Vanko's team, like you ..... and like Kamal." I go to the window to try to change the subject, I open the curtains to let some air in. "Maybe one day I will become like you I am 19 and I am training very hard, but Kamal promised me that he will take me for a mission."

08:41 Kosta: I make sure everything is in order. "If you need anything, I was told to get it." A bitter smile can be seen on my face as I walk to the door. "Well ... welcome then” I open the door to go out.

15:59 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I listen to Kosta carefully, reading between the lines. I can tell by his accent that he is not Ukrainian... he is Russian, like me. Interesting that he ended up here in Kiev. There is so much uncertainty in his voice ... and also resolve. He is young, very young. "A fighter, did you say? Well, one of the duties Vanko's father had in mind for me when I was hired involved training some of his new recruits. I have no doubt that Kamal is the best. He has many duties however."

16:01 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I watch as he turns to the door. Young, eager, and ... very handsome. "I, however, am currently free. You were told to provide me with anything I need, were you? Well, Kosta, what I need most right now is a good workout. Perhaps you would spar with me?"

16:07 Kosta: Looking at you and I almost can't believe my ears. "Wait a minute, you, Ivan, are you asking me to spar with me?" I feel a sort of electric rush of adrenaline and a sensation that is hard to put down in words, he is testing me, maybe he can't find anyone else? "Spar with you ?...yeah...I mean..yeah, sure that would be ...yeah I can...I guess I can be free...should I check with Kamal if he is ok with it...?" I look at you as I stand at the door frame.

16:10 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I shrug, "Those were your orders, right? To provide me with anything I need? Well, you shouldn't need to ask Kamal's permission, should you? Come, soldier, lead me to where you and the other fighters train." I motion to the door. He is uncertain... he needs a firm hand. And my hand is very firm indeed.

16:17 Kosta: "I guess you are right and who cares about Kamal." I smile. "I do what I want." I hold the door. "This way." We don't talk and in my head there are several questions, why does he wanna train with me, I mean, he can train with any of the guys here. "This way, we will take a short cut." We pass through a small passage and down a service staircase, there is a long hallway, quite narrow and there are two metal doors, they look like reinforced doors. "The armory is behind this door." I turn and look at you. "I know man this place is like a fucking fort." I laugh and we take another stair up that leads us in front of another door, this time the door takes us outside.

16:20 Kosta: At the back of the mansion, you can see the flower gardens that I was talking about plus part of the front yard and park surrounding the huge house. The black high fence at the end indicated how protected the property is. "See that sort of barn? It used to be a stable, but now Vanko keeps his horses down by the lake, and this has become a training center, sort of ...come on i'll show you, not sure how many guys are gonna be there but it should be ok and quiet."

16:26 Kosta: We walk toward the big stable and I punch the security code to enter. "Well welcome to the future, Vanko doesn't count pennies when he likes things." You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in.

16:30 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I followed Kosta, noting that we were in the back corridors now. Not as ornate and lavish as the grand spaces of the main halls of the mansion. This entire compound was labyrinthine, speaking to the wealth and influence of the Jollenhaus family. I carefully memorize the path back to my room, out of habit more than anything. I am trained to pay attention.

16:32 Commando_Ivan_Usov: We make our way through the back garden, the flower beds off to one side, beneath my room. Then, we enter the stable.. I must admit, as we step inside, I am impressed. The Jollenhaus family provides top-notch training facilities for it's men. I also discreetly catch the security code that Kosta entered. Again, habit.

16:33 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I look around, nodding with approval. "Come, let's get started, Kosta. Would you like gloves? Or would you prefer to train with bare fists?" I am curious how he will respond.

16:38 Kosta: I've been here hundreds of times and for me it's normal but I understand that seeing it for the first time can be quite impressive. It's empty, this is not a public gym, its for Vanko's men only, no one is around, they will be here later in the evening. The Mansion has 3 gyms, one is the old crappy one, then Vanko’s gym where Ivan met me, and this one, the last addition, I guess he didn't know what to do with this stable. I look at you.

16:40 Kosta: "Well if you don't mind getting bruised I don't mind." I prefer to use gloves, I train a lot and got into several fights myself. I'm not scared, but I know his reputation and I see his ....size. I want to use gloves but since he asked me I don't wanna look like I’m scared and weak so I choose the hardest way.

16:45 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I nod. Naturally he seeks my approval, so he goes against his better judgement, and chooses to forgo gloves. "That is the best Kosta. When Kamal takes you on your first mission, you will not be wearing gloves. And depending on the mission, your fists may be every bit as valuable to you as your knife or your sidearm." I have always had a certain ... attraction towards a young man called to battle. All too soon the harsh realities of battle will strip away his illusions... and it is at that point that he will become a man.

16:48 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I smoothly grab the hem of my t-shirt, and lift it off, up and over my head, revealing my steel-cut muscle, thick, hard, and sharp-lined, radiating the power and strength of a veteran Spetsnaz. Smoothly, I dive between the ropes of one of the boxing rings nearby, shoulder rolling across the canvas, smoothly springing up to my feet. I look at Kosta, nodding with encouragement, "Come Kosta, let's begin." I fall into my guard, smooth, professional, fists held low, muscles relaxed, ready to unleash violence at my command.

16:27 Kosta: Trying not to look too impressed by your shape and your muscles, way bigger than me but like it says, muscles don't make anyone a winner, however I do still believe that behind that big frame there is a trained body and an experienced fighter, should that stop Kosta? Not at all, not now, he is determined to make this happen and doesn't matter if they get pissed, I can't back down, not now and not ever, beside, this may help him to get onto the team. Kosta is taking his shirt off, his ripped body still pumped by the workout that he was doing before you showed up. "Ok i guess you gonna get bruised right the first day." Pushing his ego and his confidence as he is trying to step in the ring.
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16:32 Kosta: The room is hot, no one is around, I wish some of my buds would have seen him but maybe not, not yet, he closed his fists, and rolling his head, bouncing on his toes, looking more confident than what he is, intimidated by this guy Ivan, but in battles he can't chose his opponent, he has to be ready always and he is ready now, hard, pumped his veins showing along his forearms and biceps. He is gonna deal with the consequences of this unauthorized training later. "You ready to go down?” He puts his fists up. "Nothing personal "
16:32 Kosta: You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in. You are not logged in.

16:50 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I get a very good and close look at Kosta's physique. He takes very good care of his body, and that's a good trait to have as a soldier. Now, I'll get the chance to see if he can use those young muscles of his. I can't help but smile as he talks shit to me. I'm as cool as an ice cube though, not easy to rile me up with shit talk. But it amuses me, and definitely adds to the growing attraction I have for this tough young man.

16:53 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I start to slice left and right around him, my biceps bulging with power, my hard physique rippling smoothly as I glide across the canvas with the grace of an elite fighter, every movement precise. I reply, "Of course it's not personal. If it were, you'd be dead already." I grin to let him know it was a joke. "I promise not to do any permanent damage, my friend." Then, I dart forward, suddenly driving a series of left jabs for his head, my arm exploding like a thunderbolt, following that up with a right cross targeting his young jaw, and finishing my opening salvo with a left hook aimed at his body, low into his core.

17:01 Kosta: He is big and he moves like an expert, it looks like his feet are barely touching the canvas he moves so smoothly, like a dance, a deadly one, not a movement is forced, but it flows. Naturally I admire the display, fighting is an art and this guy knows this art, I've been training in boxing and some fighting but my skills are not that refined, I keep my guard up, not getting distracted by your movement, Many of the strikes are targeting my guard, he is not even trying, he is testing me. "I won't kill you just yet." I replied. I move with you, stay at a distance but I don’t wanna step back, nhgffff, my side takes the blow and I step back, raise my hands and move on the side, my left testing your guard with a straight jab but my right trying to pass under your elbow and aim at your left ribs , trying to keep my balance, too early to go all out.

17:08 Commando_Ivan_Usov: He takes my opening salvo with a fair degree of skill. I approve. My blow to his body lands solidly, and he felt that. I smile slightly, reforming my guard as I take your jab on my forearm smoothly. You try to sneak that right in under my left elbow, not a bad move at all. I take the right as a sacrificial blow, throwing my left in a rapid jab towards the right side of your undefended jaw as your right sinks into my ribs. I let out a small grunt. Good power behind that. I test you further, firing off a right uppercut straight up the middle of your body, then throw a straight left, targeting the middle of your abs, wanting to test your core strength. Some very impressive muscled abs you have, they are just begging to feel my bare knuckles. Already, my knuckles are starting to ache. Hitting a man with your bare fists is painful. But the pain feels good. I relish it.

17:15 Kosta: My punch connects into your core and it felt like hitting a solid wall, fuck, I’m trying to regroup and raise my fists but too late, my jaw slams, getting hit, my head snaps to the side. Fuck, I’m quite solid and I dont step back, leaving you the opening to target my core. I take the blow hard, nggffff. Trying not to bend over, gonna have to eat the pain, my body starts to get sweaty and I clinch one arm, responding with a left into your lower abs, before releasing your arm, I can feel my aching abs. "All those muscles and such a weak punch?" I start to breathe hard and rub my side, hiding the burning pain and raise my fists. You are not logged in.

17:21 Commando_Ivan_Usov: You take the blow to your jaw with true grit, refusing to back off, but that's fine, it allows my next shot to smash your abs even harder. I'm starting to sweat now, my muscles glistening with a light sheen of moisture. This is just the workout I needed. I grin, as you try to hide how much that hurt, even getting cocky with me. "I'm just warming up Kosta, don't worry, you'll feel my full power soon enough." I move in firing a savage right cross from the shoulder, sweat flying off my muscled body, targeting your head with a much harder blow than I've unleashed so far, starting to ramp up the pressure. I'm betting you aren't going to want to hang around and take that, so I follow it up with a straight left, attempting to anticipate you sliding back to avoid it, hoping that will leave your abs open for my straight left right into those hard-muscled bricks.

17:27 Kosta: I keep my fists raised. "Good cause I thought you wanted to fight and not dance....nhffff shiiit..." I don't even finish my sentence before you smash my head and I move back. I pull my right back and get ready to swing it at your chin. Nhffff, you target my abs and I bend some, but straighten my body immediately, still able to hide the pain. I shake my head, take a long step into you, my body starting to drip sweat, breathing hard. I hold on your shoulder and sink a right hook into your lower abs, trying to push you away to see if I can connect a right across your jaw even though I’m a bit off balance. My muscles are pumped and getting serious to wanna hit you hard now.

17:34 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I chuckle as my assault cuts off your smart ass remark midway. You fall right into my trap, and my straight left once more smashes into those sculpted abs. For some reason, those abs of yours really fascinate me. I want to break them. This time, you bend over slightly. But you are a tough bastard, and step right into me, your body drenched in sweat. Taking blows to the core saps the strength of the most determined fighter, and I see the effects on you. You hang off my shoulder and fire a right hook into my abs. I grunt, but my thickly armored core, built up over a long career of intense physical training, takes the blow without serious damage. But there was some power behind that shot. I approve. Instead of backing off though, I push forward, interrupting your attempt to sink a right into my jaw as I lift my left arm up, deflecting that right, and twisting from the hips, slice my elbow towards your jaw, thai style, wanting to see how you deal with it.

17:34 Commando_Ivan_Usov: Then, to keep up the focus on the destruction of your abs, I drill my right in a tight, focused uppercut, looking to rip it deep into your core.

17:43 Kosta: I step into you and for the first time our chests are touching, feeling the hard thickness of your muscle and skin, my own muscles covered in sweat. Nhhhhggg my head snaps to the side and some sweat and spit flies. I spit some blood up on my lips, getting pissed , wanting to hit you hard, moving into you, showing my inexperience, not trying to keep my distance from a fighter like you, but my anger to fight is too much and ouffffff. I slightly bend over towards you, breathing hard, take a deep breath, my head spins for a sec and my abs are covered in sweat. I shove you back and rush into you trying to push you into the corner, ram my right fist into your lower mid section, getting wilder. You are not logged in.

17:51 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I feel the close contact with you as you stagger from my elbow slicing across your jaw, sending some blood dribbling out. Damn... one of my private pleasures is viewing the beauty of an injured warrior, especially when those injuries are my own doing. You run into my uppercut, increasing the damage it does. Fuck... that feels so good, my fist smashing into your hard muscled core. You don't back down though, and keep charging. My hard muscled body is slick with sweat, but yours is drenched. It looks good on you. You bull rush me, forcing me back into the corner, sinking a right into my lower abs. I grunt again, despite my thick armored core, I felt that one. But my flex holds, and smoothly, I twist and sliide, hooking my arms under yours, rapidly flipping our positions, so I'm pinning you in the corner.

17:51 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I shove you back with a blast of force, trying to knock your arms over the top ropes, and then I unload on your exposed core, firing a right uppercut to the pit of your muscled abs, looking to fucking break that core, then sinking a savage left hook deep into your right hand short ribs.

18:00 Kosta: You are not logged in. Feeling my bare knux slam into your core and the sound of your grunts get me fucking pumped "Gonna take you oouff down." I’m about to lock onto your shoulder for a hard knee into your lower abs, but you turn into me and flip me against the corner. I tense my abs hard, chest to chest almost, I can smell your sweat, its getting brutal but i dont give up ouffff ouffff ouffff sweat and spit flys out, my knees shake a bit, gotta fucking hold on. "Is...that all you....got ? ...u...hit like a grandpa." I’m breathing hard, almost bent over, you are targeting my abs, and I see an opening for your jaw. I’m totally aware that I can't knock you out nor can I slide out of the corner but at least i'll piss you off and slide a right across your jaw, my body covered in sweat and my abs in pain pinned against the corner.

18:06 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I love your grit and fortitude. I approve. Despite the damage I'm unloading into your hard-muscled core, you stay defiant, throwing insults. I grin in between heavy blows to that core. I pay for it though, as you slide a short, brutal right across my jaw, not a lot of power from that position, but enough. My head is snapped to the side, and I taste blood in my mouth. I turn back to face you, licking the blood off my lip. I grin. "Well done boy. I'll make a soldier out of you yet." Then, I smash my fist right into your solar plexus, controlling the power carefully, knowing how deadly a blow there can be. That was to stun you... and then, I unload with a left uppercut targeting the underside of your handsome jaw, followed by burying my knee deep into the pit of your core.

18:12 Kosta: Breathing hard and my muscles are pumped and hard, looking at you and your head snap I smirk at you. I spit some blood and spit on the canvas near the corner and I raise my fists, another mistake, leaving my core open and OUFFFFFF fuckkkk I totally bend into you my hand on your chest and shoulder coughing, taking a huge blow. My knees and, nhhgggg head snap on the side and blood and spit flies out. I turn half to hold now on the ropes, the knee into my ribs make my muscle body bounce and I cough, dropping on my knees...fuckkkk ....breathing hard on my knees at the corner and my hands and slowly reaching the middle rope trying to pull myself up, coughing more.

18:13 Kosta: You are not logged in. You are not logged in.

18:19 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I turn aside, and spit as you drop to your knees, rocked by my savagery. My fists are raw, bleeding a bit, evidence of how hard I was hitting you. My chest is heaving like a bellows. I look down at you, more blood dripping out of your mouth as you cough. Damn... your suffering was really turning me on. I was a sadist. Pure and simple. It's why I was so good at my job. I loved it. The suffering of a strong man was the best kind of suffering. I leaned down as you struggled to pull yourself up, reached out my hand and grabbed your elbow. Smoothly, my muscles flexing, even as my chest heaved, I hauled you up to your feet, supporting your weight, letting your head flop over my shoulder. I stood there for a moment, feeling the blood run down my mouth, down your mouth, dripping down the joined muscle of our torso. There was a very special intimacy in this moment, and I savored it.

18:21 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I kept my ... preference for men under strict wraps, as was necessary in the Russian Spetsnaz, but even so, there were times and places when I had explored that preference. But only with my fellow soldiers, and only with men who not only shared my preference, but demonstrated the heart of a true warrior. I whispered in your ear, softly, as I let you rest against me, "You fight well, Kosta. You show much promise. Can you continue? Or do you yield?"

18:32 Kosta: Breathing hard and coughing some more, I can feel your hand trying to pull me up and I almost push your hand away, I’m strong and I know I can beat most of the guys that I train with, except of course Kamal and a few others, but I don't wanna give you the impression that I’m weak. My body is dripping with sweat as I place my hand on your sweaty chest and try to shove you back. I raise my fists in the corner and struggle to keep my balance. "I...I’m ok.....we ..barely started ...come on." I raise my fists and try to keep my balance. I swing a wide jab toward your chin, not precise, while trying to slide out the corner, my abs and torso covered in sweat and fighting to hide the pain.

18:37 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I nod, expecting that answer, savouring it. I feel myself switching into another gear as I back off from you and raise my guard. You are barely able to stand, fighting to keep your balance, and yet you desire to fight on still. I approve. "Yes, I have barely started, Kosta." I contemptuously swat your jab aside with my guard, and drive forward, digging a brutal uppercut deep into your abs with my right fist, then twisting from my hips, I gather my power and dig down deep for a follow up blow with my left, smashing it into those beautiful abs like a wrecking ball. I feel that deep thrill of power and conquest, the savouring of your tough muscle damaged and suffering, as I raise my right fist and plow it like a sledgehammer into your jaw.

18:44 Kosta: My arms are heavy and I’m struggling to keep my arms on guard and I move into you, swing a right and left to your face but they are slow, way too slow and you punish me with a hard punch into my already beaten abs OUFFFF My spit flies, my knees shake and I bend over. I manage to stay up but not for long.. NHFFFF I grunt loud as your fist sink into my ripped abs arrgggg ...I stagger back and my head snaps, blood flys. I hit the canvas face down fucckkkkkk....my head spins and I’m trying to curl up my legs...slowly...getting on my knees, blood dripping from my lips, nose, and mouth onto my sweaty chest, crawling toward the ropes and trying to pull myself up. The first attempt fails, as I drop down on my knees and strugle, fighting to pull myself up, looking at you, my chest heavy "I...I’m ...still....standing.....f..fucker " raise my fists but leaning into the rope to stay standing.
18:47 Kosta: You are not logged in.

18:50 Commando_Ivan_Usov: My combo utterly wrecks your core, and the blood from my right cross plowing across your jaw sprays out across the canvas as you land face down. I stand there, chest heaving, a smile playing about my lips as you struggle to get up, leaking blood from your mouth. You fall down, but you fight to keep trying. I feel a surge of admiration and attraction for your innate toughness that causes my nerves to tingle. My first impression of you was correct, as they usually were. You pull yourself up, using the ropes to keep you standing. I nod, "Fuck yes Kosta, you are still standing. For the moment." I move in, and unload a savage combo to your body, not holding back, letting myself up the power behind my blows, tapping into my deeper levels of will. Now that I know you can take it, I won't hold back any longer. I drive a brutal right hook into your left obliques, snap to the other side, and follow that with a matching left, looking to dent your sides with my heavy fists.

18:52 Commando_Ivan_Usov: Then, I step into you, and drill my knee with destructive precision into the center of your abs, step back, and fire a massive uppercut to the point of your chin. My knuckles are raw and bleeding, our blood mixing as I work you ruthlessly. Giving you what you ask for. My respect and admiration for your toughness building. Here is one I long to take under my wing.

19:00 Kosta: Determined not to give up without the last breath of my fight and I'm standing there against the ropes. I know that you are gonna come at me hard and that is what happens. I grunt loud...sweat flys, spit and blood flys, my body twists and convulses at every shot. I'm standing just because you keep me standing from your punches, NHFF NHFFF..My muscle tenses but there is nothing left to flex, my guard is down now, my arms hanging along my sweaty body and ARRGHHHH I drop face down after the massive punch under my chin, my head snaps back, I see black and my body drops, collapsed. I’m not out yet, yes I am...my hand reaching the rope, using all I got to drag myself toward the ropes. I raise my body an inch and felt like 10 feet but then I collapse again face down, and all of a sudden it’s all black.

16:30 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I stand back and watch as the young soldier's tough, hardened body convulses savagely from my brutal assault, sweat, blood and spit spraying my bare chest and the canvas. I stand there for a moment, my chest heaving, letting the surge of aggression fueled adreniline slowly subside, a drug more potent than anything I could get off the street. I begin to control my breathing, as I stand over your twitching body. I can tell that I knocked the soldier out clean. As is often the case after an intense session such as this, I feel the aggression being replaced by a sense of ... respect and protectiveness towards my fallen opponent. He is young, inexperienced, but he has grit and courage to spare. I slowly drop to one knee beside you, and gently roll you over to your back. I check your pulse, then lightly slap your face to bring you around.

16:49 Kosta: That was not the first beating that Kosta had. In fact he has been training hard with Kamal's people and often he ends up with bruises and cuts, something that at first he hates, but now he is getting used to it and he almost likes it, he thinks that it makes him look more like a man.

16:53 Kosta: He’s always been in the closet and this has always been a big problem for Kosta. Not so much for himself, he accepted being different, being gay, but what he never accepted was being sensitive. His dream was to be a warrior, a fighter. Born in Russia of military parents, he always wanted to be like his father. Then the situation changed, he began to hate his country, a sense of rebellion towards his family and his little country life. He escaped to Ukraine, alone, penniless, he found a meaning in a life that he would never have dreamed of. Now he wants to become like Kamal, the only hero after his father he has ever known, until now.

16:58 Kosta: Waking up after a knockout is always the worst. The head is spinning and throbbing as if you have a jackhammer against your head, you feel your eye sockets almost come out of place, the muscles are all in pain, constant not sharp. And those seconds you take to understand what happened and then ..... and then the embarrassment, the shame of having been beaten, defeated, combined with this damned sense of revenge. And then ..... and then that thing, yes that thing that seems to react to struggles every time, hard, despite trying to control it, trying to hide it. 19 years old, testosterone in space, adrenaline flowing through his veins, the result is at least embarrassing.

17:05 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I watch Kosta's expression carefully as he begins to come awake. A myriad series of expressions rushing across his young face. Embarrassment, shame, a sense of disorientation and pain. And surprisingly, as I checked him over, a reaction downstairs. That was interesting... unexpected. But not unheard of. I decided not to draw his attention to his reaction, and offer encouragement instead. I levered my hand under the back of his head and easily helped him sit up. When I finally spoke, I said, "You did well soldier. Your courage does you much honor."

17:11 Kosta: I extend my hand and hold on your powerful biceps a fraction of a second longer than I should and I stand up, slowly, staggering back and almost falling on the ropes behind me, I don't talk right away, I let the pain do the job, as I feel my beaten pride. "Thanks I....I guess ....you can fight more men if you ...want .." I turn around to hide what I knew was the reason for my embarrassment and all the sudden I had to think about how to explain this to Kamal, unauthorized training was not very well accepted here.

17:18 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I rise up, my legs smoothly powering us both to our feet, as your hand grabs my biceps in a tight grip. The contact feels good. You let go and stagger back against the ropes, blood dripping down your chin. I hear the uncertainty in your voice, and instinctively, I'm guessing it has to do with your reaction. You try to turn around, to hide, but my hand grabs your shoulder, and I pull you into a tight embrace. Your crotch is jammed up against my leg, but I don't mention it or react to it explicitly, I just hold you tightly, speaking into your ear, your blood dripping down my shoulder and chest, "You have nothing to be ashamed of Kosta. You fought hard, and well, with courage. You should be proud. We will fight and train further. You have tremendous potential."

17:26 Kosta: Instinct, the primordial sense of each of us, and instinct immediately made me stiffen, ready for defense, preparing my body to attack even if in the conditions in which I find myself means it would have been a useless effort. But then you hug me, that hug, those sweaty pectorals on my beaten body, that human, almost fraternal warmth. A warmth rises inside me, a sense of protection, perhaps a sense of protection that I no longer remember, that I have always avoided, because I, Kosta, do not need to be protected. In fact, I train to protect. Instead it was there and it suited us well. I let myself go with a "Thank you, you're not bad too, you hit like a train." I feel embarrassment between my legs, I don't move, I don't try to do anything, I don't want her to notice, but it's there and I hate it.

17:35 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I feel you stiffen. There is a time for brutality and ruthless aggression ... every soldier needs to be comfortable with these primal states of being. But equally important... is not to lose touch with being human. I hold him tightly to remind him of this. And ... I feel a sense of protection towards this eager young fighter. I don't question it, I just go with it. I let go of him after he relaxes and stops fighting this embrace. He mouths off to me, and my smile twists crookedly as I reply, "I was going easy on you. Next time Kosta, I won't be so gentle." We let the embrace slacken, but stay connected. I'm very conscious of your erection, and my own dick begins to swell. But, I clamp down on it. Now is not the time for this. In the future? Who can say? Certainly I feel a connection with this fierce, handsome, strong young soldier.

17:36 Commando_Ivan_Usov: But it is important to let Kosta know that he is safe with me, so as I back off, I quip, "Boy, your reaction, it's perfectly natural." I nod my head down at your crotch, speaking in a perfectly matter-of-fact, offhand tone. "You are safe with me."

17:41 Kosta: "I am....sorry i mean...it just happens and....I.." i'm trying to shake it off and looking at you, you do like Kamal, or different yes you are different, he always make fun of me calling me names sometime, telling me that it's ok to have a boner but no homo can ever be a fighter, he doesn't know but I assume that he might think so. I tried many times to explain that it is my natural testosterone, he also gets hard but I can't say anything, not to Kamal. "Thank you, I hope this didn't embarrass you too much." I try to give him my best fake smile as I slowly find my way out of the ring "I should ...go...I guess I..Mr Vanko may be back anytime now." I grab a small towel and start to wipe my blood off my sweaty chest.

17:49 Commando_Ivan_Usov: As I step back, and listen to Kosta stammer and stutter with embarrassment, I think back to when I was first making my peace with who I was... it isn't easy. It requires a special kind of toughness to navigate this kind of challenge, especially in Russia, and especially in the military. I found my way. And I was sure Kosta would as well. He was tough. That sense of protectiveness, together with my growing respect for him, the desire to let him know that he wasn't alone compelled my next move. I grin at him suddenly, reach out and grab the towel out of his hand. I grab his wrist, and deliberately take his hand and shove it against my crotch. I deliberately let myself grow hard while looking into your eyes, my mouth twisted in that grin of mine. "No, Kosta, I'm not embarrassed at all." I reach out with the towel, and wipe some blood off your face with it. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Trust me."

17:59 Kosta: As my hand touches your most intimate parts, a sense of relief but also of excitement pervades me, Ivan, a man I would never expect, why did he do it? To make you feel safe? Or is there more? Sex? No not for me, then it is not possible, i'm a 19 year old kid, he is a man and who knows what stories he will have. The desire of the prey? I try to smile but I can't take my hands off his crotch, I can feel him getting bigger, bigger, powerful like him, mine now completely out of control is stretching my shorts. I make an effort to take my hand away, take my eyes off him, "You are a very dangerous man Ivan and I don't mean from a physical point of view." That hug, I could get lost in it. "See you later."

17:02 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I watch his face carefully, reading his body language. He's young, and hasn't yet learned self-control. It comes with time and experience. I can read the surprise and the desire on this tough young soldier's face, and through his body. His hand lingers on my crotch. Finally, he moves his hand, and I grin my twisted grin and nod. "I am a man who knows himself, Kosta. Such men are always dangerous." I leave the ring, gather my shirt, and without a backwards glance, exit the gym, retracing my steps back through the ornate gardens and the back halls, through the stairs to find my room. I felt deeply relaxed. That workout was just what I needed. And the connection with Kosta... was intriguing and stimulating. There was no denying my attraction for the determined, tough, handsome, inexperienced young man. I took a shower, letting the hot water run down the hard, smooth lines of my battle-hardened muscle, washing away the sweat and blood as I contemplated.

17:06 Commando_Ivan_Usov: I dried off, and dressed, once more in simple jeans and a t-shirt, with heavy duty black combat boots. Perfect for sheathing a combat knife. I liked to be prepared for any eventuality, no matter where I was. Vigilance was second nature to me now. I remembered being shown the bar when I had first arrived yesterday, and I believed it was time for a drink and some people watching. Knowledge was power. I threaded my way through the corridors until I came to the bar. I nodded to the heavily muscled guard and stepped in.

Published: 2022-02-16, viewed 47 times.