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Stepping out of the back of the jeep and into the harsh sun, you hail Feliks, who snaps to attention. Waving him at ease, you call out: “Any news?”
“Nothing to report, sir! No one has approached the courthouse since you’ve left sir!”
“Any more uncovered in the building? Files? Relevant information?” You are halfway up the courthouse steps by now.
“No, sir. The court guy has just been sitting there at his desk and all of the papers we’ve found have been in Republian. Slavenko is in the back digging through some files now, I think, sir.”
Hmmm, well you do like the initiative, but being that far apart is not a good idea, it’s hard to imagine that Slavenko and Rashidaliev can hear each other where they are currently positioned. Ideally, you would have a platoon or two controlling the building; something to consider once you regroup with the 7th Company. You stop your progress just short of surmounting the stairs, “Rashidaliev, go inside and tell Slavenko to also stand watch in the inside of the front hall. Pulling up Republian documents isn’t doing any good if we can’t read them and I want you to be within shouting distance until we have secure comms.” Rashidaliev affirms your order and turns to grab Slavenko from the building.
You turn to leave yourself, then a thought stops you, you turn and shout back: “Rashidaliev! I would like to speak to the judge. If he arrives, keep him here until I can return to question him!”
“Yes sir!” You see Rashidaliev disappear back inside the courthouse, then continue back down the stairs and towards the tall brick building with the dark bronze plaque. The driver makes awkward eye contact as you pass by him, clearly uncertain about whether or not he is meant to stay in the vehicle – you say nothing, which he seems to interpret as a signal to remain with the vehicle.
The double-door to the building opens directly onto the cobbled street. The material is a hard wood, but has clearly suffered for exposure to the elements. It is closed, but not locked or barred. Matsukov mutely stops you from entering, a request to which you begrudgingly submit, allowing him to enter the building first and perform a quick sweep of the entrance area. You here the banging of doors being thrown open within. You wait. Matsukov hollers, “All clear, sir!” and you are granted your first look at the headquarters of the occupiers.
