Хроники Аскета: Вторжение / The Ascet Chronicles: Invasion: Глава 5

Chapter 5

Camrad_RIP 08.02.22 в 19:49

Whip showed me a new way of holding the Sign, and I practiced trying to hold the Air Wall, Dust Helmet, and Invisible Armor at the same time. The exercise consisted of total concentration on the objects, which is difficult in itself, and a smooth and continuous supply of power to maintain each sign. Creating and holding three signs at the same time was still difficult, but I was glad that two months ago I had made the same effort for one Dust Helmet. My skills were slowly improving. I felt the call coming from the Student. Telepathy was still a pipe dream; the scientists had not been able to find a way to transmit thought at a distance - although they had justified the theoretical possibility - though we had learned how to perceive a directional emotional message. In the cafeteria, where the call came from, there was not only our entire group but practically the entire department with Colonel Sergachev at the head. A screen was stretched on the wall and a familiar instructor was setting up a projector on the table.

Camrad_RIP 08.02.22 в 20:01

"Did something happen?"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:11

"I have no idea." Wicked shrugged his shoulders. "Student called me: I think the Colonel wants to make some kind of statement."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:12

Judging by the faces of those around us, no one knew the reason for the meeting, an aura of curiosity hovered over the hall. Sergachev joked around, promising to tell everyone everything at once, and did not answer any questions. After a couple of minutes, I stopped listening to the assumptions, rumors, and gossip being made, sat down on a chair, and waited.

Student came up to me:

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:12

"Sergachev is as silent as a guerrilla. Do you think they're really sending us away?"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:13

"We're about to find out." I re-created the Wall and the Helmet and was now slowly increasing the concentration of power in the sign matrices. Because of the extra physical training in the core course, I was lagging a little behind, too - fatigue was taking its toll. I had to use any moment to practice to stay on par with the rest of the group. "Have a seat: there's no truth in feet."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:14

Student's assumption seemed logical. The classes had been going on for five months, we had practically mastered the whole program, and now we were consolidating the material and polishing our skills. Of course, the scientists were constantly throwing in something new, but there were no fundamental differences from what we had already learned, so it was easy to learn.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:14

The noise in the hall quieted down, and Sergachev stood under the screen. He did not particularly like public speeches and was now slightly nervous, which made him barely swallow his words.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:15

"Comrade officers and sergeants! I have gathered you here to inform you that as of today all our activities, not only the Psi squad, but the entire Special Directorate of the FSB, will move to a completely new level. In a few minutes, you'll be listening to an address from the President of the Russian Federation, dedicated to contact with alien life-forms." There was a commotion in the hall. "Quiet! We have been waiting for this for a long time, secrecy has seriously hampered our work, but from today the information about the existence of aliens ceases to be a government secret!"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:16

The noise in the hall increased as Sergachev sat down. The news was long-awaited but no less pleasant. A large part of the Office's resources went to secrecy - now all the money and human resources will go directly to the research of aliens, new weapons, training for the sweep of the Nests, and much more.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:19

The audience fell silent when they started showing the President's speech. To be more precise, they first showed the speech of the UN Secretary-General, and then the President spoke. From my point of view, the speech was good - it was compiled by a competent psychologist. It is rather difficult to tell about the beginning of the war with nobody-know-who, but the unknown author managed to do it. There was not a word about the psionics - apparently, they decided that the outsiders are enough for the average man. Running ahead, I must say that on the next day the world was in a tizzy: the screens constantly flashed familiar faces from the Research Department, high-ranking officials from the FSB, and various kinds of experts. A similar picture was playing out all over the world. The program with Korobok, who brought a living creature in a cage to the studio and spent a long time spelling out its properties, was especially popular. He never admitted how he managed to get permission for such an adventure.
T.N>

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:24

When the excitement of the announcement subsided a bit, Sergachev told us another piece of news, no less important for us. It was decided to allow the Psi squad to clean up the next Nest - it was supposed to take place in five days. According to preliminary data, the Nest was small, two-tiered, and the command felt it best suited to test our abilities. The results of this operation would show whether or not the psionic warrior project was worth continuing.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:25

The next three days were a kind of exam for us: each instructor felt it was his duty to check how well we were proficient in his subject. There was no reason to be proud of my physical condition or my shooting, I was not up to the general level, but after some hesitation, Kotelnikov said, "Ready". With psionics and signs, things were much better: during the training period, the filling of my shell increased to ninety-four units, and I was now on par with the other soldiers in our group in the speed of creation and the strength of the sign. I don't want to remember what it cost me.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:36

By far the most memorable was the xenobiology exam. I am still at a loss as to how Chizhov bribed Korobok and what he promised in exchange for permission to use real aliens during the exam. The research building housed a veritable "zoo" with creatures captured during the cleanups - most of them did not survive long and died, though some could live for two or three months. The scientists tried to study them... Alas, the results were dubious. Until now, it was not even known what the aliens eat: the intestines of the creatures did not contain a stomach or its equivalent. In the lectures we were told that the aliens do not have a uniform structure, the creatures of the same Nest could have a different number of DNA strands, did not always have a brain and in generally shocked biologists.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:37

Chizhov would bring us to the menagerie one by one and make us tell him what properties a given creature might have, how best to defend against it, where its vulnerable spots were. In some cases, he might order us into the cage to demonstrate his knowledge in practice. However, this happened only twice, and I was forbidden to harm the "hypnotist" and " spitter" - he spits acid, - only protection. The task was simple and practically safe: the creatures hardly reacted to the presence of people.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:39

The deadline for the operation was approaching. The thought of the squad going inside the Nest lumped in my throat. Of course, I knew that sooner or later I would have to dive into the darkness of the entrance again, to feel the stale atmosphere of the alien world on my skin, and I was prepared for that, but the shock of six months ago was taking its toll.

I don't know how noticeable my condition was, but Student approached me with a question:

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:41

"Are you afraid?"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:41

"Don't let that worry you. If I can get in, there's no problem. I'm just not sure I can get in."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:42

"None of us are sure. In my platoon, four men refused to go to the second assault, and they were proven." Student shrugged. "I'll tell you what - the guys think you can do it. Then it's up to you."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:43

After this short conversation, it became a bit easier. Nothing seemed to have changed, but there was a certain confidence in my abilities, my spirits went up, and I no longer wanted to sit hunched over, imagining the horrors of the coming assault.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:44

The uniforms and weapons were issued that evening, and the next day we flew out to the Nest.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:44

We did not have to fly far: the aliens were spotted on the border of the Tver and Smolensk regions, near a small river with the funny name of Vop'. The place here is densely populated, by Russian standards, the appearance of aliens was detected quickly. Three tiers awaited us at most - the headquarters staff wanted to conduct an assault as soon as possible.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:45

The upcoming operation was very important. First of all, it was a baptism of fire for our squad: we were going to be attached to the assault groups going inside the Nest. All my classmates had already participated in assaults more than once, but they had done so in a different capacity. Second, they were supposed to be "testing out" troops who had not previously encountered outsiders, so the operation promised to be the largest in the history of the Invasion. And finally, the upcoming assault would be the first after the official announcement of contact with the aliens, meaning that it would inevitably become known of its beginning, some measures would have to be taken against panic among the inhabitants of nearby villages.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:46

Of course, all the problems our superiors were facing didn't affect me much. I had spent the time left before I left for the Vop' in wild training, and now I just wanted to rest.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:48

The three hundred kilometers to the camp flew by helicopter. This was my first time in a temporary military camp and I was now looking around with interest. To my eye, the layout clearly distinguished three parts, each, unlike the others. The closest to the entrance to the Nest was the "seasoned" part: a hundred men were stationed there - fighters who had previously participated in assaults, and it was with them that our group would work. Further stand out the "staff" part, which included various kinds of superiors and scientists. Here stood the most machinery and equipment of obscure purpose, near which a crowd of people in camouflage uniforms, but with a civilian expression. Finally, an entire camp - five hundred people - had come for a "tour" of the Nest. Cadres of the military, who are to take part in the forthcoming assaults. In my opinion, the decision is the right one: it is better to show the difference between the abode of aliens and the usual world at once - next time it will be easier for people to overcome the xenoshock.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 07:50

We were placed on the border between the scientists and the "seasoned". There was a strict ban on the demonstration of psionic capabilities, and I had no acquaintances in the camp, so I was left to sit quietly in the tent and fiddle with my weapon. All my companions had scattered in search of acquaintances. I hoped that they would return with interesting gossip - Sergachev had said nothing about our role in the assault - and I was tired of feeding on rumors.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 08:14

Chizhov came into the tent: in Sergachev's absence, he supervised our group. Up to this day, his main task was to convey the thoughts of the scientists to the brains of the performers - in other words, he ensured the interaction between the group and the Research Department. His work was difficult and required enormous patience and tact because almost every scientist considered his field the most promising and demanded to teach us his theories. Korobok was not the worst of this breed.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:03

"Victor Andreyevich, there's someone to see you."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:03

I was a little surprised: who could it be? Unless it was Uryakhin...

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:04

"Hey!" Daniel came into the tent. "I thought you were going on an Intelligence Department!"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:14

"Hi." To my shame, I had no recollection of Daniel. We parted in Moscow - I went to the train station in St. Petersburg, he went to testing, and we never saw each other again. I was not up to it. "How did you end up here?"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:17

"I had a fill rate of thirty-two. Well, when they found out that I was going to medical school, they immediately tried to persuade me to go to the Research Department. I agreed and ended up in a group that deals with the effects of the energy shell on damage to the human body - simply put, healing. I'm getting something out of it. And they sent me here to gain experience and take a look at the Nest. I've never been inside."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:40

Interesting news. Rumors that it is possible to treat people with psionics have been around for a long time, but in practice, no one has been able to achieve success yet.

Daniel nodded:

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:41

"Yes, things are tight. But the Germans recently discovered a very useful thing. We call them "healers," because when they're applied to an injured part of the body, they regenerate a couple of times faster. Wounds heal in front of your eyes! Now they want to copy the process, and if they manage to do so, they'll be able to magically heal a person; they don't use signs. After all, the Filipino healers were able to do something like that. Why are we any worse"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:48

Daniel started talking about his work with enthusiasm - I could feel that he liked it. To all appearances, the life of the scientists was buzzing, the guy was telling us interesting things that could be of great use in our work. For example, the same "healers". Or a power booster that could restore the fullness of a weakened shell. In creating the sign, we used the potential of our shell: each sign took from five to twenty equivalent units of potential. In the end, a psion could be unprotected while actively working, because the shell was restored slowly, two to three units per hour. It is possible to speed up the process by sleeping, meditating, or simply eating, but it is doubtful that one can rest in peace inside the Nest. However, Daniel stipulated that stimulants harm human energy and it is better not to use them.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 18:50

Toward the end of Daniel's story, Executor and Beerbrewer, who had not found acquaintances and therefore returned to the tent, listened to him attentively.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:01

"Listen, kid, can you show me what they look like, these "healers"? We might need these things tomorrow."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:02

"Tomorrow?" I looked at Beerbrewer. "Weren't we supposed to do it later?"

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:02

"The staff decided it would be better tomorrow. Either the journalists are coming here, or the third level is forming below, maybe something else. In the evening Chizhov will split into teams, and in the morning we'll go down."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:04

Executor called the others, and together we went to the location of the scientists. The crystals didn't look like anything useful - just stones with a slightly fluctuating aura. All these "healers," power stimulants, and other things differed from each other in frequency and color. Nevertheless, when Daniel cut his arm as an example, and then put the "healer" to the wound, a clearly visible stream of energy came from the stone, and before our eyes, it healed the deep scratch so that not even a scar was left. Unfortunately, the scientists had one sample of each crystal and could not give it to us. I had to promise that we would try to get more of them in the Nest. In addition, Daniel asked us to cut out the unusual creatures' organs if possible - he needed them for some reason.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:06

Toward evening Chizhov brought us together:

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:07

"You already know that the command has decided to send you inside the Nest with the assault teams. I want to emphasize that it is not you who will assist the Special Forces, but they will assist you. Each group will consist of at least two psions, that's two pairs and three. The composition is as follows: the first group - Semenov (Student), Borzov (Hawk), Korobov (Ascet). The second group - Salakhutdinov (Executor), Hegg (Whip). The third group - Konjushenyj (Wicked) and Ivanchenko (Beerbrewer). According to the results of your work on the first tier, it will be decided whether to use additional forces or the second will also be cleaned alone. Keep in mind - high losses in your groups are unacceptable, if someone is wounded - return to the top immediately. In case of exhaustion of the shell, do the same. Don't take risks in vain: the Nest is considered a testing ground for you."

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:09

After a short briefing, we went to get acquainted with the accompanying Special Forces soldiers. As it turned out, the Student appointed as our leader knew them - these men had previously served in his platoon, so there were no problems with subordination. We spent the whole evening answering questions, showing our abilities, explaining what the sign was and what we could do with it. Student decided: since I had learned to carry two signs at once, I would hold the Dust Helmet and the Air Wall at all times.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:11

The first weave allowed to reduce or remove the psionic influence, and the person under its protection was enclosed in a kind of cocoon, protecting against telepathy, hypnosis, to a lesser extent against pyrokinesis or other simple types of magic - combatants called magic any manifestation of psionics or signs, after them the slang went to all others, even the scientists. A second sign, the Air Wall, reflected fast-flying objects and could stop a bullet or a poisonous spit. There was a more convenient sign, Invisible Armor, which delayed any movement towards the psion at all, building a strong energy field around him, capable of neutralizing both physical and magical effects. It was much more difficult to make, though, and it took more effort to create - I couldn't cover an entire squad with it.

Camrad_RIP 09.02.22 в 19:13