Worth Fighting For - Entry V: Two Russians Walk into a Bar

Worth Fighting For
Entry V: Two Russians Walk into a Bar
Location: The Brooklyn Hotel
Date: Sunday, September 7th, 2003

We were spent after blowing up the Brooklyn Bridge so we found an abandoned building to rest in for a couple of days. Phil had made some contacts with the civilian population that had remained largely undetected by the SAF. These civilians were able to bring us food and medical supplies, which we were all grateful for. I finally felt like we were making an actual impact in this war, like the table might be tipping in our favor. The people were rallying behind us, maybe not all of them yet, but many of them no longer feared the Soviets as much as hated them.

During our few days of respite, many people came to us asking to join our cause. We were cautious at first, it would be a great tactic for the Soviets to send spies to try and locate our bases. But everyone that expressed an interest to fight for freedom was genuine in their wish to help us. Some of the civilians were even able to ‘procure’ a cache of SMGs for us to use. We appreciated the added firepower but Phil was the one truly ecstatic about the new weapons. Tony was very street smart and was able to help the civilians cipher power from the few working substations in the area. Steven and Billy helped to fortify the abandoned buildings that were used as shelter. Miguel and I patrolled the area to make sure that the remaining Reds at the Brooklyn Hotel weren’t going anywhere. While all this was going on, Phil and Chris were planning our final assault.

When we had recuperated enough, it was finally time to attack our final objective. No more splitting into two teams, Chris was going to lead all seven of us into battle. We made our way to an empty building across from the hotel. We hurriedly took cover as we heard Russian being spoken outside the window. Chris peeked his head out and saw that two prisoners were about to be executed by an SAF officer with two soldiers. We were all surprised to hear that the officer was speaking Russian to the prisoners and they in turn, replied back in the same language. They weren’t Americans for sure but who were they? Russian traitors sympathetic to our cause?

Before I could make up my mind who they were, Chris had leapt out of the window and mowed down the three Reds with his new SMG. The Russian prisoners were shocked by Chris’ actions as much as we were. We quickly joined Chris just in time to hear the Russian prisoners tell us their tale. Their names were Daniil Goldobin and Nikolay Tarasov and just as I suspected, were resistance sympathizers. They stated that they were appalled by the slaughter of civilians and were sentenced to death for refusing to kill a bus full of children. Chris then freed them, not before getting a look of surprise from Phil. Chris asked the Russians if they would help us breach the hotel and they both stated that they would gladly fight alongside us.

Once freed, they dressed in the uniforms from the dead soldiers and holstered the pistols that Chris gave them. Phil insisted that they not be allowed to have more powerful weapons until we knew we could trust them. Daniil told us that the hotel’s doors remained locked and they would be difficult to force open. Instead, he recommended that he and Nikolay go into the hotel undercover and open the bay doors to the kitchen for us. Phil was about to protest, after all, they could easily betray us by alerting the Reds of our presence. But Chris only stated that he trusted these men, and they in turn reiterated that they would both be dead men without Chris’ intervention. We all trusted Chris and his leadership so we trusted Chris on this decision too. It was risky but a much better plan than just running in guns blazing.

So we stayed near the bay doors that led to the kitchen while Daniil and Nikolay entered the hotel from the main entrance. We waited for what felt like an eternity before they finally opened the doors for us. As we snuck through the kitchen, we came across a few dead SAF soldiers; all choked to death. Daniil and Nikolay explained to us that they had killed two soldiers at the hotel bar before eliminating the rest of the soldiers in the kitchen area. All that remained were the soldiers on the upper floors.

We exited the kitchen, worked our way through the bar, until we finally came to the main lobby. Suddenly an alarm began to sound, all of us looked at each other and to our Russian allies when Chris pointed to a trip alarm that we had triggered near the hotel’s front desk. Without saying a word Chris just charged up the grand staircase while firing at every Red soldier he saw. They poured out of the hotel rooms like ants pouring out of a nest. There must have been over fifty of them on the first floor alone. We all sprinted behind, trying to keep up with Chris who was running from room to room like a mad dog.

Bodies lay everywhere as we followed close behind. Phil grabbed Steven, Billy, Tony, and Miguel as he ran towards the east wing. I followed Chris towards the west wing with Daniil and Nikolay. It was a fleeting thought, but I wondered if Phil didn’t want to take Daniil and Nikolay because he still feared they may betray him. I didn’t have time to question my comrades now because it would take all of us to eliminate every Red in the hotel. Our rampage from room to room was like a strange gauntlet. I was to the point where I just reacted, I wasn't thinking anymore about what was happening. See a Red? Shoot the Red and then move on.

It wasn’t until we reached the upper floors that I realized the sound of gunfire was growing intermittent in frequency. By the time we reached the roof, Chris, Phil, and the rest of the gang were already there. I collapsed in exhaustion as I saw that the others were just as gassed as I was. Daniil just shook his head, saying this is why the Soviet Armed Forces would never win because Americans were just too damn crazy. We all laughed, even Phil, at the statement from our new ally. Chris motioned to the flag pole and asked if Daniil would like to do the honors. He pulled down the Red flag and quickly hoisted up our Stars and Stripes, signifying to all that Brooklyn was now firmly in the hands of the Manhattan Resistance.

Location: Brooklyn Rebel Base
Date: Monday, September 8th, 2003

After a day of intense fighting, the nine of us made it back to the Brooklyn Rebel Base. Isabella was relieved to see that not only had we survived but we had succeeded to. She was saddened to hear that Manny was killed in action but stated that she would make sure his sacrifice was never forgotten. She was also astounded by our new allies but quickly welcomed them as the newest members of the Manhattan Resistance. After Isabella debriefed us, we all went our separate ways to clean up, eat, and take a long deserved rest.

A few hours later I was awoken by the sound of a TV. I had woken up just in time to catch the latest broadcast of the SAFN. A statement from General Tartarin denounced the “terrorist” attack that blew up the Brooklyn Bridge. Tartarin stated that without the bridge, an energy crisis and food shortage would occur. He also informed the public that the Freedom Phantom wanted to fight against the common people and that Chris wanted to become a dictator and take over the country. Next, we received an audio report from Colonel Bulba of the KGB who also denounced the attacks but openly accused General Tartarin of failing to eliminate the Freedom Phantom. Colonel Bulba swore to the people that he would not fail to do so. I looked at Chris when he heard this but his resolve to defeat the Soviet Armed Forces was as strong as ever. And this time, it finally felt like we could win, that we were strong enough to defeat our enemy.

The Thief in the Snow - Entry XII: Reunion

The Thief in the Snow
Entry XII: Reunion
Location: Solitude, Haafingar
Date: Sundas, 24th of Last Seed, 4E 201

A large crowd had gathered to see Roggvir’s execution. From what I could discern from the shouts, many thought he was a traitor but a few supported his actions. This surprised me, Solitude was after all firmly aligned with the Empire and the governing heads of the Imperial Legion were housed at Castle Dour. General Tullius himself was here in Solitude, Commander of the Fourth Legion and Military Governor of Skyrim, he was the Empire in the Province. To openly state support for the Stormcloaks here was a bold move indeed.

I turned my attention back to the execution. An Imperial Captain was presiding over the event and a very large Redguard was the Headsman. After the Captain had finished reading Roggvir’s charge of treason, he allowed the imprisoned Nord to say his final peace. Roggvir proudly stated that he did nothing wrong. That Ulfric had challenged Torygg to single combat, won fairly, and it was his right that he be allowed to leave unharmed. With this the crowd erupted in shouts and cries.

“Traitor!” cried many citizens.

As the Headsman picked up his axe, Roggvir called out that his soul would find peace in Sovngarde. It took one swift swing of the axe and the deed was done. As the crowd dispersed I heard someone exclaim that while he was a traitor, his execution was too much. A little girl was sobbing as she was taken away by who I assumed was her father. He was trying to comfort her by stating that her uncle was in a better place now. Most were upset by the execution and I decided that it would be best to leave them all be. I headed to the Winking Skeever, the local tavern, and rented a room for the night.

Morning came quickly and I went downstairs to speak with the innkeeper about locating Hadvar. I had no desire to go to Castle Dour for fear that I would never leave. Downstairs I was greeted by Lisette, the tavern’s bard. She smiled at me warmly and made light conversation about the sights of Solitude, all while avoiding the topic of Roggvir’s execution. She complimented my voice and told me to seek out Viarmo at the Bards College right here in Solitude. He could teach me how to play an instrument and sing all the old songs. I laughed and thanked her for her advice with a few Septims before speaking with Corpulus Vinius, the innkeeper. Vinius informed me that Hadvar was out patrolling last night and should be returning shortly. Before I left the Winking Skeever, Vinius also related some other information to me. The College of Winterhold was looking for new students who wished to study magic. ‘Hmm… that is an idea.’ I thought to myself. He continued to warn me about a stranger who had been seen wandering the streets of Solitude. He also told me about someone named ‘Jaree-Ra’ who was looking for an able body to hire for a job. I would have been tempted to take the job but I knew the name was Argonian and I could never trust an Argonian. I thanked Vinius for the information and asked him to tell Hadvar to wait for me there if I had not returned before his arrival.

I strolled along the streets of Solitude towards the Blue Palace. I had heard it was a marvel to behold and wanted to see the home of the High King myself. While the position of High King was now empty due to the death of Torygg, his widow, Elisif the Fair was now Jarl of Solitude and interim High Queen of Skyrim. I had heard from the guards that she was quite inexperienced in ruling and that they feared she would be greatly under the control of General Tullius. Most of her courtly duties were accomplished by her steward, Falk Firebeard, as well as her two thanes. I reached the steps of the Blue Palace and was taken aback by the sheer size of the building. It easily eclipsed Dragonsreach with its grandiosity. Every inch of the building was ornately decorated and its walls seemed to go on and on. I could not even estimate how many rooms must be inside the palace. The Blue Palace was truly an awe inspiring sight.

As I walked back towards the Winking Skeever, I saw the stranger Vinius had warned me about. He was wandering the streets, muttering to himself and waving his arms about. He appeared quite lost and confused. I also witnessed two Guards removing the body of a Vampire Master. There were more bodies nearby, a guard and two Thralls. The Guards cursed the increase in Vampire activity and mentioned something about the ‘Dawnguard’ but they were too preoccupied to be bothered by me.

I walked around Solitude, talking to any of the locals who would speak to me. One of the local merchants, Evette San, asked me if I could try to use my position as Thane of Whiterun to convince the East Empire Company to release a shipment of Spiced Wine. Apparently, the Company was holding them on a false tariff charge that San could not afford. I agreed and sought out Vittoria Vici who managed the East Empire Company in Solitude. She was an Imperial noble and the cousin of Emperor Titus Mede II. When I approached her, she made it very clear that her position with East Empire Company had nothing to do with her relations but because of her hard work. I nodded and asked her about San’s Spiced Wine shipment. Vici demanded a thousand Septim tariff be paid but with my ‘honeyed words’ I was able to convince her to give me the shipment without paying. I walked back to San’s stall in the marketplace and gave the shipment to her. She was elated and thanked me with a few bottles of Spiced Wine for myself.

Next, I talked to Noster Eagle-Eye a wounded Legion veteran from the Great War who was now destitute. He related stories of his glory days and he even told me that he was at Anvil when the Aldmeri attacked. I knew the city well from my time in Cyrodiil and was quite familiar with the great battle that took place there. He also mentioned his beloved helmet which he lost in one of the nearby caves. I told him that when I had the time, I would find his helmet and return it to him. I gave him a few gold coins and he thanked me for my kindness, promising to share his knowledge of the wilderness with me when I returned his helmet.

I saw that little girl again, the one I thought was Roggvir’s niece. I tried to talk to her but she only remarked that she did not feel like speaking. I started to walk away and told her it was a shame she did not want to hear about the Dragon. She immediately perked up, asking if I had really seen one. I told her the tale of the Western Watchtower, much to her amazement. When I was done, she commented that I was not too bad for a stranger. She introduced herself as Svari and then made a comment about her mother Greta. I had been right, Svari was with her father, Addvar, at her Uncle Roggvir’s execution. Roggvir was the brother of her mother, Greta, who was too heartbroken to attend. Svari begged me to speak with her mother, she said that Greta had all but abandoned the Divines and refused to go to the temple. I was unsure what to say to the little girl so I agreed and went to visit her mother. I found Greta and told her that Svari was worried about her. She said that she would try to return to the Temple of the Divines but asked that I returned her brother’s Amulet of Talos. I nodded and left her before rolling my eyes. ‘Another errand for the cat’ I sighed to myself.

Roggvir’s body was entombed in the Solitude Catacombs, which I had to break into to so I could steal the Amulet back for Greta. I had been in my fair share of tombs and knew exactly what to look for, a fresh coffin. As I went from coffin to coffin, I noticed an odd moaning sound. I crouched down immediately and took out my bow. As I peered around a corner, I found a re-animated skeleton patrolling the catacombs. A single shot shattered the skeleton back into the lifeless pile of bones it should have been. I hurriedly searched for Roggvir’s Amulet, for fear of more skeletons re-animating. As soon as I found it, I bounded up the stairs and back into the daylight. Greta was overjoyed when I gave her the Amulet of Talos and Svari thanked me as well. Both welcomed me to their home any time I wanted to visit.

As I turned towards the Winking Skeever, I was approached by an Orsimer. It was the first Orc I had seen since entering Skyrim. To be polite, you could call them ‘ugly.’ Their greenish gray skin made them look fierce and the protruding tusk like teeth only added to the image. They also had harsh facial features, often with bone ridges visible under the skin. Known as fierce warriors, they were somewhat looked down on by Mer and Men alike. Though usually not recognized as such, Orcs were actually a variant of Elves, hence the name ‘Orsimer’ which meant ‘Pariah Ones.’ He told me his name was Durak and he had sought me out. Apparently the Dawnguard had been reformed by a Redguard named Isran. When I asked what the Dawnguard was, he told me it was an ancient order of Vampire Hunters. I laughed but he took offense. Durak informed me that a legion of Vampires were running rampant across Skyrim and he was tasked with recruiting me. I laughed again. ‘First Dragons and now Vampires?’ I questioned to myself. I told the Orc I would consider his proposal but that I had too much to do at that moment. I left him partially stunned, I think he expected me to go with him right away. Instead, I walked towards my meeting with Hadvar.

As I entered the Winking Skeever, Hadvar stood up from a table and gave me a big hug.

“Friend! What brings you to Solitude?” Hadvar asked as we both sat down at his table.

He motioned to Vinius to pour us two drinks as I answered, “This one will not believe what has happened to Dar’Raza this past…” I paused for a moment, thinking silently then continued, “Dar’Raza cannot believe it has only been a week since Helgen!”

Hadvar laughed and slapped me on the back, “I know what you mean! Things have been busy here with preparations for war, the execution of that traitor, and I am on constant patrol to make sure that Stormcloak Camp is not preparing for an attack.”

“Good,” I remarked with a nod, “Dar’Raza saw the camp when traveling from Morthal and was worried Legion might not know about it.”

“Do not worry, my friend. The Legion has its eyes and ears everywhere.” He said with a smile and gesturing with his fingers. “Speaking of which, I have heard a rumor that you are Dragonborn, a genuine Nord legend! Is it true?”

My shoulders slumped forward as I propped my head up with my paw, “Dar’Raza does not know what to think. Dar’Raza just killed a Dragon and then-”

“You killed a Dragon?!” Hadvar interrupted in a shocked tone.

I nodded and laughed, “Dar’Raza was not alone in slaying the beast. Irileth, Jarl Balgruuf’s Housecarl, and her men also fought the Dragon.” Hadvar gave me a sly look but I continued relating my tale, “So Dar’Raza is standing next to dead Dragon when suddenly bright light and a loud ‘swooshing’ sound begins to happen.” I made a circular motion with my paws. “Then ‘poof!’ Dar’Raza gets hit with energy and Guards start saying Dar’Raza is Dragonborn.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“You do not believe what they say?” Hadvar quizzed, “Can you Shout?”

I hesitated as I swirled the mead in my tankard. I shrugged again, “Maybe a little.”

“Ha!” Hadvar exclaimed as he slapped me on the back again. “So you are Dragonborn! What happened next, tell me every detail.”

“Eh, not much to tell.” I raised my arms. “Dar’Raza returned to Whiterun, heard someone calling from big mountain, received gratitude of Jarl, was appointed Thane of Whiterun, and was told that Greybeards had called Dar’Raza to High Hrothgar.”

“Wait.” he paused as he tried to process what I had just said. “You are a Thane of Whiterun?”

I shrugged again and nodded.

“So that is how you entered Solitude.” Hadvar remarked with a chuckle, “I thought you might have broken in.”

I gave him a playful scowl.

“And the Greybeards summoned you to High Hrothgar?” he continued, “That is quite an honor. I do not think this that has happened since Tiber Septim was summoned.”

I nodded again.

“Well, what did they say?” He questioned as he leaned on the table.

I gave him a shy smile, “Dar’Raza has not gone.”

Hadvar raised his arms in exasperation, “Why in Sovngarde not?!”

“Dar’Raza does not know what to do.” I answered embarrassed. “Dar’Raza is Khajiit not Nord, this one’s legends do not apply to Dar’Raza. And no Nord would want cat as their ancient hero. Dar’Raza is just big walking rug, not Dragonborn.”

Hadvar stayed quiet for a few moments before replying, “You are much more than just a Khajiit, my friend, you are a brave and capable warrior. You said so yourself, you defeated a Dragon. You have the gift of Shouting, if not for Skyrim, you owe it to yourself to seek out your true potential.”

I stared at my mead in shame. Hadvar was right, I was just being cowardly, avoiding the path before me. Ri’saad had told me that this could be a great opportunity to change the way the Nords viewed Khajiit. I had an obligation to not only help others like Alvor in Riverwood or those farmers from Karthwasten but to also help myself. This was a gift given to me and I might as well learn how to use it properly.

With a newly found resolve, I slammed my tankard on the table, “This one is right! Dar’Raza will go seek out the Greybeards on High Hrothgar!”

“That is the spirit, my friend!” Hadvar exclaimed with joy.

As we left the Winking Skeever, Hadvar gave me a finely crafted Imperial Bow, to serve me on my journey home. We said our farewells, I told him to stay safe, and he said the same. With a resolve I had not possessed before, I left Solitude and traveled home to meet my destiny at High Hrothgar.