THE STARTING HALL was almost empty, the players had left on a mission from which they might never return. Colonel Ilyin could only hope that they would be successful, as well as the remaining players. There were numerous attacks, the monsters were strong, and few people remained who could withstand them. It had gotten so bad that several creatures had gotten into the Kremlin. Plus, the news that one of the gods had died.
“How are you?” Vladimir approached the motionless woman.
“I can’t believe that ass... bas...” Eva faltered several times, unable to find the right term. “Vasily dumped me.”
“The captain wanted you to survive. He left you a letter.”
“Throw it out, I don’t care what it says. To hell with such care! He had no right to decide for me!”
“He had, Junior Lieutenant Soboleva.” Ilyin took a System deck out of his pocket, shuffled it and pulled out a card. “This is the command’s decision, and you are lower in rank. The captain wasn’t supposed to persuade you at all, but simply convey the order.”
“I read the contract and…”
“This department is a paramilitary structure, and the President declared martial law twenty minutes ago. There are different laws at work now. This is no time to be shedding tears! You have been chosen as one of the keepers of a Backup Key! You will be the Acting Head of the Russian branch of the Guild. The lives of hundreds of people depend on you. Pull yourself together!”
“Fine.” The tears dried up, and there was determination in her eyes. “You’re right. I’m ready to do my duty.”
The next book of the series!