A Dying Flare Remains

[Strix]

​

For months, Portuguese law enforcement has been tracking down illegal political groups and radicalized individuals. After the disaster that was the Leopold Incident, Portuguese Communist Republicans have slowly been brought into justice. Numerous raids were conducted on suspected hideouts and many members of the Socialist Council, declared an illegal group by the Portuguese Government, have been detained through rigorous undercover busts. Now, only a handful of communist revolutionaries remain in Portugal. Some are planning to flee the country, so that they may not suffer the same fate. Vowing to return with higher numbers to reignite the revolution.

The room would fall silent, as the chief points towards the blank wall illuminated by the nearby projector. The Communist banner is seen, with the words "COMMUNIST THREAT" under it. Police Agent Gualberto Rubens and his partner Délia Cesária would listen in while taking notes. They have been recently assigned to the case and were about to embark on a serious mission in tracking down one of the remaining Communist Revolutionaries. Gualberto would take out his notepad and write down every word.

"Gentlemen, in the following weeks, we are about to initiate a raid on a hideout near the city. Due to the high stakes, we will be requesting the aid of Faro's Gendarmerie and the Military. The Airforce has offered us to use 2 of their helicopters, while the Army has graciously allowed us to use 5 of their APCs. Our job is to confirm the whereabouts of this supposed communist complex and authenticate the presence of one of the Revolutionary leaders."

The image would change, to a man in his late 20s. Wearing normal civilian clothing. The photo seems to be taken secretly, the man unaware of the agent in front of him. Police officers would remain silent as they watch in attention. The Police chief would sigh and continue.

"Leonardo Brás, 28 years of age, infamous Communist Cell Leader. He has been the number one target for us here in Faro, as he has evaded the law too many times. You may recall the various skirmishes in the countryside... He is responsible for that. Sources say that he was in charge of moving in weapons and ammunition for their little paramilitary group, but now that their system of governance has collapsed, he may be the de facto leader in Southern Portugal. An informant who served under the late Caio Hermínio, one of the higher-ranking officers within their organization, has spilled that there is a nearby hideout that most of them now reside in."

"We were able to pinpoint 5 possible locations, but we are unsure on the actual one. We will be assigning you and your partners a location for a stakeout. This would only be a period of 1 week, after which we will debrief on the situation. If there are possible leads, contact Headquarters immediately. Two Royal Municipal Guards of the Gendarmerie would be assigned to your location as well... God speed to all of you."

Gualberto and Delia would stare blankly on the projected screen, as time passes on. They would watch idly as the police chief lists down everyone's assignments, waiting for the moment tha-

"Rubens, Cesária, you two would be responsible for location number 3, a lone farmhouse roughly 10km outside the city limits.There's a derelict hotel nearby, and this could be your vantage point. You will be meeting up with Private Xavier and Severino."

---

​

"Well, what do you think? Do we have enough?"

Gualberto would remark, leaning himself on the nearby police car. Plastic bags of groceries would be seated at the back, seatbelts on as if it were a person. He would look at his partner, Delia for an answer.

"Enough for three days if I say so myself. We shouldn't worry too much about that though, we can always request stuff on the radio."

Delia would hold her cap tight as she brushes off some dust. She would then go towards the passenger's seat, opening it for Gualberto.

"Ladies first!"

Gualberto would chuckle as he enters the vehicle, in which Delia would follow suit. The pair would start the engine and start heading for the agreed meeting place with the local Royal Municipal Guards. They would slowly move out from their compound, and within an hour, they were off at the national highway. Gualberto would roll down the windows to get a whiff of the Portuguese countryside. The plan was to meet up in a nearby gas station, acquire their undercover vehicle and civilian wear, and start making their way to the abandoned hotel.

​

It wouldn't be long until they found the gas station. Gualberto would volunteer in looking for the two guards as he opens the door. A small white van was parked nearby, and Gualberto would approach it. Two young men, clearly in civilian clothes would meet up with him.

"Agent Rubens? Is it?"

"Yes sir, to whom do I have the pleasure to speak with?"

"Where's your partner?"

"Agent Delia's in the car waiting for our replacements to take our place, sir."

"You look solid enough, it's Private Xavier, I have here my buddy Severino. Good to see you both. This van's our vehicle, we'll be playing as a group of people looking to renovate the place. We have extra clothes on the back so you two could change."

"Thank you."

"Sure wish we were called agents, too... 'Private' sounds boring."

---

The four would enter the van as two more Police Officers would arrive. Groceries and additional items would be loaded into the back, while the two privates would wait in the cab. After a brief moment, the van would then make its way to the assigned stakeout location. They made sure they weren't followed as they approach the next town. Soon they settled into their assigned spots and began surveillance. As Gualberto and Severino would unload their supplies and equipment, Delia and Xavier would plan on setting up their equipment on the 10th floor. Cameras, binoculars, notes, and boards would be prepared, as well as a working radio to establish communication with Police HQ. They would begin eyeing the nearby farmhouse and wait for anything interesting happening.

It wouldn't be long until a few trucks would enter the complex around 5 pm, which would spark interest on the four people eyeing the supposed abandoned farmhouse.

 

[Strix]

​

"Comrade Leo, the trucks are here; they'll be taking us to the docks as you requested. Our sympathizers there have acquired fishing vessels and a medium-sized ferry for our escape... Any more orders Comrade-General?"

"None at the moment, help the others in preparing to scuttle our resources. Use as much petrol as you can, make it seem like a freak fire."

"Yes, Comrade-General."

The young man would salute to Leonardo, with Leonardo saluting back. While unaware of the current stakeout that was happening merely meters away, they were to depart as soon as possible. Mainland Portugal has become too dangerous for the movement, as the Government has pledged on defeating any radical groups within its borders. They have eyes within the city, and it seems that a large scale operation has begun. They don't know for certain if they have been caught, but they had to move fast.

Leonardo would sit back on the wooden desk as his accomplices begin loading up the trucks with goods and furniture they have accumulated over the years. He would reread his draft on his message, chuckling how it almost seemed too desperate. He would turn to his attention to a woman in her mid-20's, staring blankly at a crude monitor. After a few seconds, she would stare back to him, her fingers on the keyboard, ever so slightly shaking. She would nod to him, acknowledging his presence.

"Comrade Amelia, send the letter to the Ukrainian Government, I'm going to relay it to you now. Make it as concise as possible, we do not know when the Monarchists would know what we are doing."

She would immediately work on typing for Leonardo word for word, letter by letter. The entire thing itself wasn't long, but to them, it felt like an eternity. Sweat would drip down on Leonardo's cheeks as he recites the message, his hands trembling out of nervousness. While not showing it to keep his comrades at check, deep down he knew this was one desperate attempt at surviving.

​

Outside, things were different. It would be around 5 pm as the sun slowly sinks beyond the horizon. Old and young men alike would load up the trucks, with a few checking each and every item. The plan was to make it seem they were just delivering items to the docks to not arouse suspicion. They would comply with every police checkpoint that was set up around the general area roughly a month ago. While morale was high, there was always that looming feeling of uncertainty. They were, however, confident with Leonardo's leadership. The man has some charisma that couldn't be matched.

All the boxes filled to the brim with weapons were stored on the cellar, never to see the outside world ever again. A man would store along a couple of jerry cans filled with gasoline while pouring it unto the concrete floor. He would slowly back away as he exits the cellar, dowsing the entrance with a generous amount of gas. He would wipe off the sweat on his forehead as he catches the attention of his accomplices.

After the trucks were finished loading, two men would enter the building, moving their way through the corridors of the old house. Communist Paraphernalia was scattered along the walls, ranging from hats, pins, and flags. They would be greeted by an old man waiting outside Leonardo's room, stopping them from entering.

"Gentlemen, as agreed upon, anything that you carry that may resemble our cause please surrender it to me. Most of them have done it already, and don't worry too much about it. The dreams of revolution still are fierce within our hearts. We don't need personal things to show our dedication."

They would surrender their booklets, along with their pins. They would then knock on the door before entering. They would find themselves in a dimly lit room, with a white lamp on a brown table lighting everything up with a faint glow. Leonardo would stand in attention as he noticed the door opening.

"Comrade-General, we've secured the transports, everything is ready to go."

"Not everything..."

Leonardo would open up a drawer, revealing a folded flag. He would approach the two men, cradling the dusty piece of fabric. He would present it to the two men, extending his arms in front of him. In almost a choreographed manner, the two would receive it without question.

"While the revolution is raging within our hearts, comrade, this here represents our cause. This flag has been hoisted for generations, a proud symbol of our defiance against our oppressors. This same flag here was hoisted during our great rebellion of 1989, a testament of its time. Now we need to find her a new home. Guard this with your life, do not let their hands on our vision, our future."

"Of course, Comrade-General."

He would salute the two young men as they stand in attention, before promptly leaving the room. A command would be heard across the hallway, as the revolutionaries exit the building. It was going to be a long ride, a certain at that. Amelia would exit the building, laptop in hand, leaving Leonardo alone in the room.

"To be honest, I'm not so sure about this one... This could be our last. I don't know if the Ukrainians are even going to read our message. Heh, you've always wanted to go to Ukraine didn't you? It's been 10 years since I last saw you."

Leonardo would reveal an old photo of a couple within his jacket, with only the numbers "1987" written on the top right. Tears would slowly fall upon the table, as he clutches the photo.

"You've always told me stories of your parents' ventures into the Ukrainian SSR, and how you really wanted to go back there. I'll start believing in God if he gives us this chance..."


"I'm so sorry I couldn't save you in time, minha Carolina, I know it's my fault... Soon, perhaps, we'll meet again."

Leonardo would hide the photo back into his jacket before wearing his hat. He would open the door and makes his way to the Compound's courtyard. He would wave his hands high above his head before getting into the 3rd truck. The driver would look at him as he nods, signaling the convoy. Three men and a single truck would be left behind as a dust cloud starts forming, standing in awe at the sight before doing their task.

Gasoline would be poured across the front porch, and a match would be lit. Within seconds, the compound erupts in flames, burning each piece of communist history alongside it. The black smoke would be visible for miles, propping up the curiosity of onlookers nearby. The lone truck would then quickly try to catch up with the main group. The fight against time had begun.

---

20 minutes earlier

---

​

"Xavier, we've found something... These large amounts of trucks aren't typical for an 'abandoned farmhouse' aren't they? Something's up. Contact HQ immediately, I think we've got a lead. Call for backup as well, we'll need them."

Xavier would quickly rush to the nearby radio as he quickly wears the headset. Delia would continue surveying the situation as it unfolds, keeping an eye on each tiny detail. Rubens would continue analyzing the local map, studying the possible whereabouts of the group, and perhaps where they would escape. He would continue reading the reference material spread out on the table nearby.

"I've counted 8 trucks and 2 cars so far, all seems to be old. I've listed down their plates here, If you can run them off the registry that'd be great."

"Thanks, I'll be on to it... We haven't even settled here for a day, keep vigilant."

"Command, this is lookout Charlie, suspicious movements in our location, 8 trucks and 2 cars have entered the abandoned farm. It seems to me they're extracting, requesting reinforcements on our location. Over."

Severino would listen in to his partner, clutching a camera in his left hand.

"Yes- Of course, sir... Right away. Lookout Charlie out."

Xavier would put down the headset before facing the group.

"They wouldn't send in the armored vehicles unless we are confident about Bras being here, although they did grant us a squad car. It'll be here in roughly 15-20 minutes from now."

"Keep an eye on it, Delia, tell us if you found something."

The group would continue eyeing the supposed abandoned farmhouse. Soon, more and more people would be present on the grounds, loading items into the backs of the truck as others carry crates to the back of the building. Delia would take notes as fast as she could while Severino would take pictures, documenting the entire event. Xavier would be sitting on the table's chair, listening in to radio chatter of the other locations. It seems their location was the only one with severe activity.

"If these people are actually them, why do they need this many vehicles? Where are they going?"

"Rubens-"

"I was thinking they're going further south, or perhaps east to Spain..."

"Rubens, we've got visual on Leonardo Bras."

"Come again?"

Xavier would look up, diverging his attention to Delia and Rubens. Severino would continue taking pictures, this time focusing on a lone man exiting the building. He would present it to the group, as Rubens would grab a folder to compare it to. Without a doubt, it was the man they were looking for.

"Command, this is Lookout Charlie, we've got visual on Leonardo Bras, he's exiting the compound, requesting reinforcements immediately."

"He seems to be walking towards the convoy, he's entering the 3rd vehicle from the front, green truck, 1960's back is covered in canvas... Oh God."

"What?"

Rubens would grab a nearby binocular, but it wasn't necessary. A large fire would soon engulf the building, the smoke visible to the naked eye.

"They're torching the place."

"Command, this is Lookout Charlie, revolutionaries are burning the site, I repeat, revolutionaries are burning the site. They're exiting the compound. Request ETA on reinforcements."

As the words ring through the radio on the other side, hundreds of Police cars were quickly mobilized to catch up on the farmhouse. Helicopters from the Airforce were grounded at this time as they were busy with the Spanish Fire to the north. The 5 Bravia Chaimites, filled with Gendarmerie, would quickly start their engines as they proceed to the location. Now all of Portugal knows where the Revolutionaries are hiding, it's only a matter of time before they catch them.

---

"Sir, Lookout Charlie has confirmed they have the target... Should I send our technicians there?"

"The SIS has always performed alongside Law Enforcement. Sure, send them in, find out if they're looking for help from the outside."

 

[Strix]

"Come on! Let's go!"

"Officer Delia, Severino, stay here and wait for reinforcements, ETA is roughly 8 minutes for 2 more cars to arrive, firetrucks roughly 5 minutes. I've already alerted command of their whereabouts. Rubens and I would go ahead and commandeer the patrol car that's been sent here... Should've known to send more."

Officer Rubens would quickly grab his sidearm and pat Xavier on the back, darting out of the room. The echos of their boots bounce off the derelict walls as they quickly made down the stairs. While they weren't quick to intercept the convoy, they had to be nearby. Outside the hotel was the requested patrol car just arriving on the scene. Joined by two officers, the police car's doors would quickly open as the two men direct the young officer on the wheel towards their target. Dust would be kicked up as the automobile speeds away to intercept the last communist truck.

​

A reddish tint would fill up the air as the fires slowly spread along the wild vegetation. The small dirt road leading out of the compound would slowly be filled with smoke, lowering the visibility of everyone involved. It wouldn't be long before they would catch up with the lone truck however, as Rubens would take control over the PA systems. The squad car would turn on the signature white and blue lights, alerting their adversary in front of them.

"THIS IS THE POLICE, PULL OVER. PLEASE COMPLY. THIS IS THE POLICE, PULL OVER. PLEASE COMPLY."

Seconds pass as the two vehicles are still speeding away from the compound, Rubens yet again turning on the loud speaker. Xavier would ready his pistol in case things went overboard, the two police officers with them hoping for a peaceful encounter. Time was running out as they were nearing the main national road, as a dangerous situation could be even more damaging towards passerbys. As a last hail mary, Rubens would yet again speak into the PA system, nodding at Xavier to ready his weapon.

"YOU ARE TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY, THIS IS TH-"

Gunfire would be directed on the front windshield of the squad car. Prompting the officer on the wheel to slow down. The bullets would quickly break through the windshield, tearing through the fabric of their seats.

"Ai Jesus... Fucking Communists!"

"Command, this is CPC-3, shots fired, I repeat, shots fired."

Xavier would quickly draw his weapon as he opens up the side window, shooting back at the assailants. One of the shots luckily hits the truck's driver, causing it to swerve uncontrollably. The incoming fire would slowly dwindle away as the truck slowly grinds to a halt. The squad car would quickly pin the truck, as the 4 officers exit their vehicle, raising their pistols towards the shooters. The first group apprehended before they could get away.

​

"YOU'LL NEVER STOP THE REVOLUTION, IT IS INEVITABLE."

"DROP THE WEAPONS!"

After putting the revolutionaries in handcuffs, one officer would proceed to search the truck and the suspects for contraband, confiscating their weapons. Crude pistols, seemingly on the verge of breaking apart, were found on the coats of the communist rebels. They would be directed to the hood of the squad car, making sure they couldn't escape. Seconds later, two firetrucks and two more police cars would make their way to the burning compound.

"Command, four suspects apprehended, one wounded in critical condition. CPC-3, over."

Rubens' radio would cackle as Delia opens comms to update their situation. He would wipe of the sweat off his brows as he leans along the backend of the vehicle. One officer would tend to the wounded communist driver, applying first-aid as procedure. One would continue searching the truck for any leads on their plan.

"Rubens, the firetrucks have just arrived, we have established contact with the incoming officers. Telling them everything I know. Out."

Rubens would walk towards Xavier, who was in the middle of pinning down one terrorist.

"Were those firetrucks? Looks like things are better than they are."

"What do you mean?"

"The Comrade-General sends his regards, capitalist pig."

An explosion would be heard not too far away from their position, sending bits of debris flying high above the ground. The smoke and fire still raging and engulfing the old building. On the national road, the sounds of heavy engines would cover the area. The Gendarmerie has arrived.

---

​

An explosion would be heard not too far from the position of the convoy, seemingly caused by cooking ammunition from the crates of guns inside the cellar. The convoy was well underway, blending in with the surrounding civilian vehicles. Due to some reason however, a checkpoint was set up just down the road, perhaps this was the final stop for the smoldering flames of the communist revolution?

"Comrade-General, communication has been established with the Ukrainian Communists. Sadly their government has not responded, it would be safe to assume they've abandonded our cause."

"Send them to our communications department comrade, we got pressing matters to attend to. Remember comrades, go on and up the red flag, do not falter, and our ground we shall stand. Continue towards Ukraine, our safe haven."

The traffic caused by the checkpoint would eventually reach the convoy. As they were split up, certain fragments of the convoy would go through the checks first. Two trucks and one sedan out of the 10 vehicles would make it through, and Leonardo's truck was up next.

"Name, destination, and purpose. Your driving license as well please."

Leonardo would lean forward, covering his face in an attempt to conceal his true identity. The driver on the other hand would roll down the truck's window, presenting his documents to the highway officer, as the officer cross checks the ID on a paperclip board.

"Octavio Barros, Tavria sir, we're transporting goods for trade."

Time would pass as the situation tenses up, the lone patrol officer calling for another one to confirm his suspicions. The driver's hands slowly slipping on the steering wheel as sweat builds up. Before the officer could say anything, they would be temporarily halted as two APCs barrel down from behind, Gendarmerie at the ready on the machine guns.

"OUT OF THE WAY, GENDARMERIE."

The APC's horns would blast the clogged up road. Both APCs were slowly moving forward as cars are forced to go through. The officer with his partner, clearly not having it today, would look back at the truck driver. They were lucky, for now.

"Guess you're clear. Go."

The officer would hand back the license, as the truck slowly inches forward towards their destination. The hidden men on the truck bed cheering as they were clear off the checkpoint. Only a few obstacles left, and a ticket to safety would be guaranteed.