Chapter 20 A little excursion 

Bettina arrived punctually at the meeting point in uniform, with her tablet and cell phone, she kept to Alex's working rhythm and took a lot of the work of organizing and planning off John's hands. 

What neither of them realized: Alex took advantage of the fact that Bettina had her eye on John and at some point he agreed to go out with her. From then on, he started going solo again. When they became a steady couple and were away more often, Alex really turned up the heat. That was about 15 months after Alex's reactivation. 

For many it was longer. Alex spoke to Lee often and at length on the phone, they even made video calls, and Lee told him about a ghostly radio signal that his people had received and that was coming from Canada.

 He also discussed plans with Lee. The reconquest of Russia was a done deal, but Lee still needed time to build up stability. 

At some point, when John and Bettina went off for a little pastime, Alex decided that he wanted to follow the signal. 

So he jumped on transport planes to Greenland. There he was intercepted by Uther, Alex had managed to find a smuggler and Uther was standing by the machine looking at him like he had a guilty conscience.

"Where to?" he asked.

"Ehhh just checking a signal..." he replied. 

Uther looked at him, then at the machine.

"Really? You could have just sent a jet in that direction Alex." 

Ale came closer. 

"I need some distraction. John's been bugging me day in and day out with Alex here Alex there, appointments appointments appointments ... "

"But you do realize that if they find out, your freedom will be over?" 

Alex hung his head.

"Well, then let me accompany you to your last real freedom. "

Alex raised an eyebrow.

"But if that's not freedom ..." 

Uther put a hand on his shoulder. 

"Let's just say it's not all fucked up over there, do you have any Canadian dollars? And how are you going to get back?"

" I have a plan." 

" You can tell me on the flight. "

The two flew to Canada with a smuggler. The smuggler was irritated and nervous, but Alex took it easy, just asked him not to smuggle any infected people or anything like that in that direction. But he also asked for his number. 

Alex was no monster, he also told the smuggler that Canada would soon be part of the northern block. The smuggler took it in his stride and said that people like him would still be needed. They came to a village called Clyde River. 

Here Alex learned that Canada had survived the pandemic quite well. She caught a flight to Québec. There she was met at the airport by Mounties. They took her to the local government office, where the employees were frantically on the phone when he said where he was from.

Two hours later, a general and a government representative were sitting opposite them.

 >> So General Kaiser? And the man next to you? << the other general began.

Alex took a drag on his cigarette.

>> Right, but also a council member <<.

>> Why are you here, I mean, don't get me wrong. Actually, we were expecting military machines and soldiers and so on. You know what I mean?"

Alex grinned. 

>> Look, there's my escort, Field Marshal von Krackenstein. << 

He pointed to Uther, who, like Alex, was sitting in a BDU enjoying a coffee.

>> I was actually following a radio signal, I didn't think I'd find this here like this. <<

The government man looked at the general. 

>> Is the transmitter still working? <<

>> Looks like it, it was a warning signal from the beginning of the outbreak. <<

Alex poured ash into the ashtray.

>> While I'm here, how are things with you? <<

>> You first, General. <<

Alex took his tablet out of his pocket, placed it on the table in front of him and switched it on, then he had to connect the satellite phone to get reception. 

>> Europe has been hit hard. At the moment, only Switzerland, Austria and a small part of Germany have made it. <<

>> You said you were from the northern block, what's that? <<

Alex clicks on an overview map of Europe, on which the northern block is marked.

>> It's another form of EU, shaped to accommodate survivors. No matter where they come from. Run by a council, the Queen is often there too, she alternates meetings with the Queen of Denmark. <<

The general looked from the map to Alex. 

>> That's nonsense, I mean. We've heard some nutters before. <<

Alex took a drag on his cigarette, switching the menu to the photo gallery, which showed pictures from the area. Many of the pictures had been recently uploaded by citizens."

>> This is real, people have hope again, even if it's going to take a while for everything to work 100 percent. << 

>> I see that there are only army units in the pictures and no civilian security forces. << 

>> Right, it's being done by the MP's and those who were before, but the zone is still under construction. The infected, bandits and rebels have caused a lot of damage. For example, we had to shut down several power stations to prevent them from exploding. But we can ensure basic supplies.<< 

>> We're running on reserves General << came from the government man. The general looked at him admonishingly. 

>> What? Come Pierce, we don't need to sugarcoat anything. We're lying to the population that we can do it. <<

>> What are they missing now? <<

>> Medicine, ammunition for the border wall with the USA and fuel. The current reserves may last another 7 months. <<

Alex thought for a moment.

>> I'll make them a proposal, two actually, they can choose.<< 

They looked at him. 

>> The first is, they become allies, we can trade, or don't get me wrong. They join the northern bloc. We take over guarding the border with the US and fortify it. << 

>> What's the catch General? <<

>> The currency would be gone and a point system would be implemented and laws would apply here too, but they would be connected to the grid with supplies and experts could be sent to the council. That's what it's for. << 

>> What about the civil servants? <<

>> The administration must go on, without capable civil servants everything collapses. << 

The official pulled out his cell phone.

>> I'll have to check, may take a moment. << 

>> Go ahead << He got up and went to make a call. 

The general looked at the pictures and saw one that piqued his interest. 

>> May I turn back the page? <<

>> Of course << 

The general scrolled back to a picture of a family standing in front of the museum in Copenhagen. 

>> They are alive... << 

Alex looked at the picture. 

>> This is? <<

The general looked up.

>> My sister and her family, they were on vacation when it happened. <<

>> Do you want to call them? <<

>> Is that possible? <<

Alex disconnected the satellite phone from the cradle and dialed a number.

"Good morning, this is the Kaiser."

" Sir, it's four o'clock in the morning here. I'm on the night shift right now. " came from the other side.

" Ah, I forgot the time, I'm sorry. I would need a connection to" He looked at the general. 

>> Sussana Monteborie <<

" Sussana Monteborie "

" One moment sir, I need to enter this into the system. Ah, here's one. Currently stationed in Copenhagen, pediatrician. Shall I put her through directly?"

" That would be perfect, thank you in advance."

"No problem sir, just a question sir. I know you're very busy, but some of the guys here are worried about the Brd. They're so keen to get their old territory back and all this talk of expatriation and stuff..."

"Oh they want that...I'll deal with it when I get back. Just tell the others they can relax. The nodeblock stays."

"Okay, I'm connecting now."

The signal was gone and it beeped for a while. 

"Yes, hello?" came a very sleepy voice. 

"Ah, good morning Mrs. Monteborie."

He heard a yawn. " What ... Who am I talking to?"

"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. Emperor."

" Omg not the Council Kaiser?" 

Alex laughed. 

" Yes, that's who I'm calling because I have a conversation for you."

" A conversation? Is my clinic being closed? "

" No. Calm down. Wait, I'll pass it on."

Alex handed Pierce the phone. He took it.

>> " Sussana? I'm Pierce, are you all right? << 

Alex watched his expression, Pierce was in his mid-40s and a crude poster model, tears welling up in his eyes. 

>> No... I'm still in Canada, Sussana, yes I'll tell mom and dad you're fine. Yes, he's sitting opposite me. No he came out of nowhere... no without soldiers. No just with a field marshal... <<

Alex leaned back. Pierce handed the phone back to him. Alex took it again.

"Mr. Kaiser ... When is it possible to come to Canada?" 

Alex took a drag on his cigarette.

"Depends on which offer you accept."

"You mean, if you go along with it, I could open my clinic in Canada?"

" Yes."

" I hope you take it, but even if you don't, I hope you blow up again."

"What do you think, no matter what you accept, I will arrange for either you or him to visit you." 

"My parents are unable to travel. When will you know exactly?"

"In a few hours or tomorrow."

"I'll wait for the news. Thank you." 

She hung up, Alex put the phone on the table. The government official came in, the phone to his ear. 

>> Would it be possible for the Queen to declare our accession? <<

>> Yes, why? <<

The man spoke on the phone. 

>> If it is possible, we will join. <<

He reached for the phone and dialed Beth's number.

"What?" came grumpily from the other side.

"A very good morning to you too. "

A grumble sounded. 

"Alex, do you know what time it is? " 

" Yes, mine " he looked at the clock on the wall " 11 o'clock at night ".

" 11... it's 4! " 

" Yes, your place "

" Where are you? " she sounded suspicious. 

" Québec, nice here "

" What are you doing ... No, I don't want to know. Why are you calling?"

" I need you Beth, Canada wants to join, but only if the Queen announces it."

" You've got to be kidding me. "

" No, I really am. Didn't we talk at the last meeting about not having enough skilled personnel?"

" Yes, but the logistics Alex."

" I'm working on it, can you persuade them?"

" I'll try, wait a moment. "

He heard a groan. 

" Hubi get up, there's work to do."

" What? Why?"

" Alex, how broken is Canada?"

" Not at all, a little on the edge of resources, but otherwise 100%."

" Hubi, we have to go to the palace in Copenhagen."

" Why? "

" We're getting Canada "

" Canada. What?" 

Alex had to grin. 

"Alex, I'll get back to you when I have an answer from her, okay? Anything else?"

"Yes. When I get back, we have to deal with the ex-government. They're mucking about."

" Oh, let them stay stolen from me. " 

She hung up. And Alex dialed the next number.

>> Okay, order initiated for Queen.

He hung up again.

"I hope there's a very important reason why you're calling me at four, Alex," came from Will.

Will had been Alex's right-hand man since he had landed. Alex asked him and the other officers before each mission for advice or corrections for the missions.

"Now I'm sitting tight Will."

"What do you mean you're stuck Alex? You're surrounded by soldiers and John is also near you."

" Well John was distracted with Bettina. "

A sigh came.

" So you've been soloing again? Where exactly?"

" In Québec and so alone I have Uther with me. "

" .. .."

" Will? I need you here, Will."

" Why do you need me in Canada? "

" Detour into the underground of the USA "

" We have to go to Alaska Alex, there's a tenth manual entrance to the underground. "

" And? We go in there and open the way to Europe."

" So I understand you Alex, you're alone, well almost alone in Canada? Yes? "

" Yep. Came here via Greenland with a smuggler. Can't fly."

" Would be even worse if you could ... " Okay, I'll come, but I'll bring soldiers. Anything else?"

Alex looked at the two in the room.

>> Is there anything you need urgently? <<

>> Medication <<

"Okay, I'll load up the meds, ask them if we can use the access to their basement, it'll save us time. Hang on Alex." Will hung up. Alex looked at the phone in amazement and placed it on the table. 

>> Good, Medimantete are on their way here, can I use your underground network? <<

>> For what? All connections to the States are blocked.

>> Almost all of them, give me one and we'll have a better connection to Europe. <<

He reconnected the tablet to the phone.

>> We can do that, I mean, we have nothing to lose anyway. When is your husband coming? <<

>> In ten hours? <<

His tablet buzzed, he took it and activated it. A message from Beth. He let it through.

>> The Queen is coming with the next machine, she wants to do it live. <<

The officer stared at him. 

>> She's coming here? << He hurriedly dialed redial.

>> She's coming here! No, seriously, we need to prepare... Yes, I'm coming over.

He hurried out of the room, the general was with him and Alex sat alone with Uther. 

They got up, packed everything up and left the room as well to see the city as best they could. Alex was tired and Uther dragged him to a posh hotel. He looked at the façade and the name Le Capitole Hôtel looked at Uther.

" Do you want to sleep on the bench?" 

" No. But ... "

Uther grinned, pulled Alex with him and went inside, Alex was impressed by the entrance hall, they went to the counter where a lean hotel employee eyed them both skeptically.

"You wish?" came politely with an annoyed undertone.

 They arrived at the airport at around 10 a.m. He had freshened up in the bathroom. He was surprised at how quickly the people had prepared everything. He stood away from the hustle and bustle and smoked. He looked at his watch. Pierce came up to him.

>> I'm sorry we had to ... <<

>> Give me the penthouse for the night << Uther gave him dryly.

>> The penthouse is reserved, we can't give everyone ... <<

Uther pulled out his wallet, placed a black credit card on the reception counter.

>> I want the penthouse, now." 

The clerk stared at the card, took it carefully, seemed to type something into the computer, swiped the card and seemed to get nervous. He handed it back to Uther.

>> You're about to be taken to the penthouse, sorry <<.

>> Done << 

They were led to the elevator, Alex was uncomfortable.

"Eehh, why did he react like that?"

Uther grinned.

"The credit card still works here, money makes the world go round." 

They arrived at the penthouse, which was gigantic, Uther let him choose the bed he wanted and he was free to try anything he wanted. So he explored the penthouse, took a shower, had a massage in the armchair and then immediately fell asleep in bed.

In the morning he woke up, looked around in confusion, then a brief moment of panic, but the clock showed him that it was only 8 o'clock. His clothes were washed and ironed on a chair. Alex got dressed and went into the living room, where breakfast was being served. Uther was sitting at the table drinking coffee and smoking.

"They really served up something... "

Uther looked at the breakfast.

"Enjoy it."

He didn't need to be told twice, ate his breakfast with relish and then set off through the city to take photos. They arrived at the airport before 10 o'clock. 

Pierce approached them a little embarrassed.

>> I'm sorry, we got these yesterday. ....<<

Several fighter jets thundered past, followed by 2 cargo planes and an airliner. 

>> Huh? Oh, I was looking at the city <<

The jets made a turn and flew back, the cargo planes landed, the tailgate opened and soldiers jumped out. 4 of them ran straight at Alex and stood around him ready to fire. The others secured the area around the machines. Only then did the plane land.

>> Why all this? <<

>> They are carrying out orders. Pierce <<

The press filmed everything. Cargo crates of medicine were unloaded, soldiers got out of the passenger plane first, then they secured the runway, then the Queen got out and the crowd cheered. Beth, Hubi and Will disembarked behind her. The Queen was greeted by the head of state. Will went to Alex, Beth and Hubi stayed with the Queen. 

>> She's a witch, I was just about to catch the plane when she intercepted me and asked if I knew where you were. When I said yes, it was added. Alex there are three submarines on their way to the Falklands to secure them and two to Australia.<<

>> Happened that fast. <<

>> It's called Operation Hunt for the Stray Cat.<<

>> Pierce, where's the underground access? <<

>> In building D.

>> Good, then we'll go there as soon as the show is over. <<

His phone buzzed and he picked it up.

"Yes?"

John could be heard snorting on the other line.

"Oh John, how are you?"

"What do you mean, how are you? Why am I only finding out now, with part of the council, several task forces gone, that you're wherever?"

" Québec John, we're in Québec. "

" What the hell are you doing in Québec Alex?! "

Alex held the phone to his ear. 

" Wuh, wasn't your night with Bettina good? "

" Oh yes, it was wonderful, including the sex and waking up, having breakfast and driving to your office, where I was picked up halfway by Oleg. You see, I was told by Oleg. That Will's gone. "

" Well, Oleg is a top radio operator, John. Hey, I wanted to do you a favor John and give you some time with Bettina." 

" You know who's getting on my nerves now? "

" Uh no? ..."

" The three jellyfish from the north block, one is laughing, the other is grumbling and the third is doing sports to distract herself. "

" Tell them I'll be back in a few days. "

" In a few days?"

There's a commotion in the background. 

" John, give us the phone, we want to talk to him..."

" John, fly to London and make sure the underground entrance is ready. "

" Got it."

Alex hung up and breathed a sigh of relief. 

" Phew, got away again."

" You know, you're going to have to face them."

Alex thought about it. " I'll think of something."

Will looked at Pierce. 

>> He's avoiding the women. <<

Pierce laughed. 

The whole tam tam lasted an hour, the Queen was invited for a tour, Beth and Hubi too and they went along. Alex then went with Will, Pierce and the soldiers to Building D. There were Canadian soldiers there.