The Midsummer Incident. A new Generation Zero Story

[helldiver]

                             **Chapter 27**

Liv and Mikkel slowly strolled westwards to the outskirts of town, past small shops where Liv kept stopping to look at the displays. Mikkel waited patiently without complaining. Liv stopped at a small souvenir shop. She picked up a sun hat from one of the stands and before Mikkel knew it she had the hat on his head with a big grin.

»It looks really good on you, look in the mirror! said Liv. Mikkel gave her a stern look, but then looked at his reflection. The hat really suited him and he adjusted it a bit to look a little cooler. Liv had also put on a sun hat and looked at herself in the mirror. Mikkel had to admit inwardly that Liv looked really pretty with the hat. Eventually Liv decided to buy the hats and wouldn’t let Mikkel pay for his own.

»You already paid for the concert tickets. ’ Liv said firmly, nipping any objection from Mikkel in the bud.

As they walked on, Liv kept looking at each other in the shop windows, laughing. Liv casually took Mikkel’s hand. He gave her a puzzled look but he let it and kept Liv’s hand in his.

»Oh, I’m so happy Mikkel that you’re going to the concert with me. I haven’t had that for so long. You have no idea how much fun you make me with it. «

She laid her head on Mikkel’s shoulder.

"Really? I didn’t think so. But please, you’re welcome. ’ Mike replied.

He had to admit to himself that the moment made his stomach tingle a bit. That he was holding Liv’s delicate hand in his own, clasping his with gentle pressure and seeming to express genuine affection for him. Also the touch of Liv’s head on his shoulder. That moment brought back memories for Mikkel. Memories of Marie’s touches. To feel her closeness he felt himself how much he longed for it. There was Liv, his lively colleague with whom he spent a great deal of time each day, and who endured him and his often outrageous, grumpy behavior with a smile on her face. For the first time it occurred to Mikkel that Liv could take Marie’s place. Didn’t he feel more than just collegial friendship for her at that moment?

'Where are we now? Aren’t we there soon? ’ Liv’s question snapped him out of his thoughts.

»Hey, earth to Mikkel, are you listening? « Liv asked with a laugh because he didn’t answer her right away because he was too lost in his thoughts while they were strolling down the street.

Mikkel flinched and saw Liv’s smiling face.

»Uhh, yes, yes, I have to look at the map. The best thing would be if we go to the next crossroads, then I can localize our position more precisely. «

Liv kept Mikkel’s hand in hers and gave him a charming smile and a knowing look. She obviously sensed the affection that Mikkel was slowly developing for her.

At the next crossroads, he pinpointed their position. They still had a long way to go. The road climbed as they reached the outskirts of town. The vegetation along the road became more and more dense as they got further away from the outskirts and gradually turned into a forest. Seeing the outline of Drako Ivarsson’s house through the foliage, Mikkel pulled Liv off the road and dove into the forest undergrowth. The house was around a bend and couldn’t be seen from the street. Mikkel went a little deeper into the forest. Liv followed him. With a gesture he indicated to her to be as quiet as possible and to make little noise. They slowly stalked the house that was becoming more and more visible. Mikkel stopped at a group of trees. From there they had a reasonably clear view of the building without being seen from the street themselves. Cautiously they worked their way towards the edge of the forest. They hid behind a bush. In front of the courtyard entrance stood a grim looking man who seemed to be guarding the house. Next to the house was an extension in front of which a van was parked backwards. Mikkel asked about Liv’s opera viewer. He took the small binoculars from Liv and peered over to the house.

»Anything special Mikkel? « Liv whispered.

»Indeed, the profile pattern on the van looks familiar. I think it looks exactly like what we found in Arkelstorp. « whispered Mikkel softly.

Then he handed the binoculars back to Liv.

»Have you got paper and pencil, Liv? «

»Yes I have but what do you need it for? «

»I want to scratch the profile Liv. I believe it’s the same profile as at the crime scene. I’ve already found out it’s a Rodewick tire and that’s pretty rare around here. «

»How are you going to do that, They are guarding the house, maybe they also have cameras on the house. « Liv objected.

»No, they do not have. I just made sure. Now I walk a little further to the end of the curve, then I run over to the other side and approach the building from behind. Maybe I’ll manage to sneak up unnoticed. «

»OK. Mikkel, I’ll keep an eye on things here, please don’t take any chances, you hear. Not that we’ll have the whole gang on our necks afterwards. «

With that, she handed Mikkel the small notepad and a pencil. He put both in his jacket pocket and crept on. Meanwhile, Liv watched the house through the foliage of the bush. She could see Mikkel scurrying to the other side of the road and silently disappearing into the forest again. Liv continued to watch the house with great effort. The man guarding the driveway paced restlessly. She watched the house through her opera viewer and suddenly saw Mikkel sneaking up to the house from behind. It was fenced off on the forest side. She saw Mikkel tampering with the fence. Liv remembered Mikkel’s multifunction knife. Maybe he wanted to cut a hole in the fence. Climbing over it would have made too much noise. After anxious minutes, Mikkel managed to cut open the fence along a fence post and was about to slip through the opening. Then he crouched and ran to the wall of the annex, out of Liv’s line of sight. Her heart was in her throat and she noticed how she broke out in a sweat. Liv chewed her lower lip tensely. She tried to change her position to get a better view of Mikkel. Suddenly a branch cracked loudly and audibly under her feet. Liv stopped, startled, and squatted down. The guard looked her way. Liv didn’t even dare to breathe. The man lit a cigarette and blew out a thick cloud of blue smoke. Suddenly she could see Mikkel tampering with the front wheel. Then the front door of the house was pushed open and two men stepped out, one of whom walked purposefully to the van. The other shouted loudly

»Hey Malte, come on, let’s drive again! «

The guard jerked around and took another drag on the cigarette. Liv could just see Mikkel pulling away. If the driver got in on the driver’s side, Mikkel was screwed, because he couldn’t slip through the fence that quickly. Liv had to do something.

                                 **********

When Mikkel had cut open the fence, he slipped through the opening and scurried over to the wall of the house. He pressed himself against it and crept to the van as fast as he could. At the stern he crouched. He was about to place a piece of paper on the tread of the tire and rub it with a pencil when he heard a loud, mechanical voice. It probably came from the extension in front of which the van was parked backwards. Mikkel crept even further, because he heard the gate of the extension being opened. Feverishly he rubbed the profile through which was clearly visible on the paper. He heard the rear door of the hold being opened. Then he heard a high-pitched hum and heavy, metallic-sounding footsteps. The car sagged in its springs as something heavy stomped into the hold. 'Probably one of those robots! ’ shot through Mikkel’s mind. He sat everything on one card and put a new sheet on the front tire of the vehicle to rub the pattern through as well. Then he heard the front door being pushed open and footsteps in the yard. He had to leave as soon as possible. He also heard the cargo hold doors slam shut. Mikkel was pinned down, feverishly contemplating what to do. Then he heard the gate to the annex being closed again. Mikkel worked his way to the back of the car. He heard one of the men being called. If they drove off now they would spot him. Then he suddenly heard Liv’s voice.

                                ***********

[helldiver]

Liv took the city map from her purse and the sunglasses. Even as she walked to the edge of the forest, she put on her glasses. She walked noisily through the forest and stepped out onto the road. Holding the map upside down in front of her, she turned in a circle and then walked towards the men.

»Hello!..hello!.., « Liv called, trying to appear stupid and awkward.

Grinning stupidly, she walked towards the men who turned to her.

»Oh please be so kind. I lost my hiking group and apparently got lost. I have to go to Tarnboda Skåns. But I can’t find the way, maybe you can help me and show me on the map where I am now? «

The men all looked at her grimly.

»Oh please, help me, I have to get back to the ship. « said Liv with naive tone.

The man guarding the driveway dropped his cigarette butt and kicked it out with the heel of his shoe. With an imperious wave of his hand, he motioned for Liv to hand him the card. He took it from Liv’s hand, looked at it briefly and grinned.

»So young lady! « he said, still grinning, and held up the card.

»First of all, you have to turn the card over like this. « To the laughter of his comrades, he rotated the map into position in front of Liv’s eyes, then pointed his finger at a spot on the map.

»You’re here sweetheart and if you follow the road downhill you’ll automatically come to Tarnboda Skåns. « The man said, still grinning, and handed the card back to Liv.

»Ohh, thank you gentlemen, thank you very much, « Liv thanked the people profusely, then walked past the men as slowly as she could, waved at them stupidly giggling, and purposely walked down the middle of the street around the van exit delay. Out of the corner of her eye she could just see how Mikkel slipped through the hole in the fence and disappeared into the forest. She heard the van’s doors slam shut and moments later the diesel engine roared. The driver honked the horn to get her to step aside. Liv crossed to the side of the road and grinned and waved after the van, which enveloped her in a cloud of dust.

She walked on, where was Mikkel now? She fervently hoped that the transporter would not come back again. When the house was out of sight, Mikkel stepped out of the forest.

»Phew that was close! «, he said.

»You could say that. do you have the prints ? «

»Of course, look here! «

Mikkel pulled the paper out of his jacket pocket. The prints were clearly visible on it. Liv fingered a sealable plastic bag from her purse. Mikkel put the two pieces of paper inside, after which Liv put them back in her purse along with her notepad and pencil.

»They were Rodewick tires, by the way. I saw the hallmark and also noted the size. «

»That sounds good, then it was worth it. « Liv replied.

»What do we do now Mikkel? «

»We’ll go down to the village, take a taxi and go to the Björntunet Hotel. «

»Yes, we’ll do that. « Liv said eagerly and walked off.

A little later they had reached Tarnboda Skåns. They were able to get a taxi in the town center and drove to the hotel. They checked in, after being given the room keys and walking through the hotel lobby, Mikkel suddenly grabbed her and grabbed her by the collar of her jacket.

»Hey what are you doing? « Liv said a little crossly.

»I just wanted to know something, go to the room, I’ll be right back. « growled Mikkel.

»What did you want to know Mikkel? «

»You’ll see in a moment, go to your room. «

»So what’s that about? « Liv asked indignantly, putting her fists on her hips. But Mikkel just kept walking without turning around.

Liv snorted. Mikkel could be a real asshole sometimes. »What was that supposed to mean now and what was he planning to do. Did he want to get drunk before they went to the concert?« Liv wondered as she rode the elevator to the second floor of the hotel. A little later Liv unlocked the room. It was very tastefully decorated and had a small balcony. Liv opened the door and stepped out. She enjoyed the late afternoon sun for a moment and wondered whether she should perhaps take a shower. She had smelled her armpit and noticed the intense smell of sweat. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Liv opened it and Mikkel stood in front of her. He was carrying a few packages under his arm.

»Where have you been Mikkel? «

»I bought us some clothes. «

»What do you have? «

«Yes, here, something to wear, or do you want to go in the musty clothes. «

»No, I was just about to take a shower Mikkel. «, Liv said and took the two packages he was holding out of his hand.

»What is that ? «, she asked.

»Well, try it on and see if it fits. « Mikkel said promptly.

Liv tore open a package and unfolded a t-shirt. Then she opened her mouth in amazement.

»Oh wow that’s the latest Barb Rose t-shirt. I’ve always wanted to have one like this. « Liv said happily.

Then she ripped open the second package and pulled out a hooded jacket.

»Oh man and a Barb Rose jacket too, that’s amazing. «

Liv took off her denim jacket and tossed it over a chair, then unbuttoned her blouse and tossed it aside as well. She didn’t care if Mikkel saw her in her bra now.

She slipped on the t-shirt. It fit like a glove. As Liv put on her jacket, she looked at herself in the mirror.

»Well, do you like it? « Mikkel asked.

»Oh, wow, that’s a hit and fits like a glove. «, Liv said while looking at herself from all sides in front of the mirror. Then she walked up to Mikkel and made a serious face.

»Listen, Mikkel, that wasn’t nice of you in the hotel lobby. You grabbed my collar like a rabbit. Actually, I should be mad at you. « Liv said sternly.

Mikkel sighed and rolled his eyes.

»I just wanted to make sure you’re still the dwarf size Små. (swed… small) «

»Then you could have asked me, Mr Havlund. « Liv replied with a snippy undertone.

»Oh yes, Ms. Svensson, and then the discussions would have started straight away. You don’t need that…don’t spend so much money…you’ve already paid for the concert tickets…and babble, babble, babble… « Mikkel mocked Liv’s voice.

Liv snorted and shook her head.

»Oh yeah, and how do you know that? « Liv asked.

»Because I’ve been seeing you for at least…« Mikkel counted on his finger. »Sitting in the office with you all day for three years and knowing that you always have to have the last word. «

Liv felt a little caught, because what Mikkel said was actually true. Usually Liv was in charge in the office, but only as long as Mikkel put up with that and endured her scolding with stoic calm when he crawled into the office after a night of drinking on his gums or when he overslept again and Liv had to drive to his apartment to wake him up.

While Mikkel was still speaking, Liv put her arms around him, stood on tiptoe, grabbed his neck and pulled his head down and said softly in his ear:

»I’m not really mad at you Mikkel and thanks for the stuff, you really made me happy. «

With that she pressed a big kiss on his cheek.

»It’s okay, I liked doing it. « Mikkel replied, looking into her eyes.

Liv felt hot and cold at the same time. A shiver ran down her spine. Mikkel had looked into her eyes for a little too long. »Was that affection in his eyes? «

»Don’t talk long and finally go into the shower. I want to go underneath too. «

A thin smile crossed Mikkel’s face. Liv hugged him again and said softly. »I’ll be fine, thanks again Mikkel. «

Then she took off her jacket and folded it up. Mikkel watched her do it. After removing her t-shirt, Liv reached into her back to undo her bra. Then she suddenly stopped.

'Don’t look Mikkel! «

Mikkel, embarrassed, put his parcels on the chair next to him and turned his back on Liv. He felt his face flush.

He heard something rustling then a door opened.

»I’ll be done in ten minutes. « he heard her voice behind him.

Mikkel took off his leather jacket and threw it on the bed. He went out onto the balcony and fumbled out a cigarette. A little later, Mikkel puffed out clouds of blue smoke while he looked over the land, lost in thought.

Liv looked really cute in the jacket and t-shirt. And when she simply put the blouse down in front of him, his feelings surged when he could take an unfiltered look at her pretty, well-toned body. In contrast to him, Liv put a lot of value on her appearance. »Did she have feelings for him too?«, he wondered. For the first time he thought about what it might be like to be with her. He had gotten to know his colleague even more during the time they were now working together intensively than in previous years. They had a lot in common. Liv laughed at the same things as him. She didn’t put up with anything from him and she knew how to accept him as he was. Above all, he appreciated her cheerfulness and that Liv never held grudges when they got in each other’s way. He had to admit to himself that he liked Liv but did she like him as much or was it all just a little banter?.

He winced when he heard Liv’s voice behind him.

»Well you dreamer, did I wake you up? ’ she said with a mischievous smile.

Mikkel’s jaw dropped when he saw Liv in front of him, who was only wearing a bath towel that she had draped around her slim body.

»Come on, take a shower, I’ll finish smoking for you. «, she said, taking the smoking cigarette from his fingers.

Mikkel broke his rigidity and walked past Liv without taking his eyes off her. Liv looked so pretty standing in front of him with her hair wet and her green eyes shining at him. A lovely smile played around Liv’s mouth.

As Mikkel passed her, she slapped his butt.

«Hurry up ! «.

Mikkel turned to her briefly and gave her a puzzled look. This wasn’t the first time Liv had slapped his backside. He would never have dared to do that with her.

While Mikkel showered, Liv blow-dried and styled her hair. There was a radio in the room. Liv had found a rock station and turned it up. When her hair was dry and styled, she slipped on her new t-shirt. Liv combed her hair again and then looked critically in the mirror and studied her face. She had no makeup, just her lipstick. She pinched her cheeks until they were slightly red. She got the trick from her mother. »It won’t last long, but it’s still better than walking around without rouge. « she had said. She traced her lips with lipstick and looked at herself again. Would Mikkel like her that much? Would he ever jump at her? She had a little doubt. Sure, there were prettier women than her, but she never got the feeling that Mikkel was really looking. She had never come as close to him as she had in the last few days, and actually behind the grumpy macho facade was hiding a subtle, nice man who perhaps longed for a partner without being able to admit it.

Liv put on some perfume because she always had a small bottle in her handbag. She had just finished when Mikkel came into the room with a bath towel around his waist. Liv had never really looked at her colleague before.
At the last moment, Liv was able to prevent her from giving an appreciative whistle. Despite his antics, Mikkel’s body seemed fit. He had a slight six-pack belly and his muscles were also clearly prominent.

»What are you looking at? Never seen a half-naked man? «

Now it was Liv who jumped in embarrassment.

»Er, sorry Mikkel, it’s just an unusual sight. «

»I’m going to have another smoke, are you coming with me?" «

»Yes, of course, Mikkel. «

She followed him onto the balcony.

»Well, how do I look, do you like me like that, will you take me with you like that? « Liv said while posing in front of Mikkel.

Mikkel had just lit his cigarette and was puffing out a puff of blue smoke. Then he nodded and said.

»You look really good. I like. « said Mikel.

»Yes, really? I like you too Mikkel. « Liv said, gently stroking his arm. She felt how he got goosebumps.

Mikkel said nothing and just looked into the distance.

»Sorry if I looked too greedy, but I’ve been alone for so long. « Liv said apologetically.

Mikkel put an arm around her narrow shoulder and squeezed her lightly.

»It’s not so bad Liv. It is granted thee. «

Liv stroked his back and said:

»I’d like to be with someone again. Especially with someone who knows what it means to be a police officer. «

Mikkel looked down at Liv in amazement, who, just like him, was also looking into the distance and sucking on her cigarette, lost in thought. Was that a hint with the fence post? An invitation? Liv had been making such insinuations lately. They stood arm in arm on the balcony without a word and smoked. When Mikkel was done, he went back into the room and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. When he wanted to take a can of beer from the minibar, Liv said:

»Leave that for later, when you’re dressed we’ll go to the hotel bar for a drink. I give one out to Mikkel. «

»Well, don’t let me tell you twice. «, said Mikkel, took his two packages from the armchair and disappeared into the bathroom. A few minutes later, Mikkel reappeared fully dressed in the room. He was combed and smelled of shower gel.

»Hey, those clothes really suit you. « Liv said appreciatively. Mikkel had bought the same t-shirt and jacket for himself.

»Partner Look, I like that. « Liv said enthusiastically.

[helldiver]

                               **Chapter 28**

They locked their guns in the room safe, then they went downstairs to the bar. Disco music was playing there. The two drank a few beers and had the bartender order a taxi for them. A little later they sat in the car that drove them down the switchbacks to Tarnboda Skåns. They got out near the concert area, which was a little above the city. At the entrance they were searched by security people for prohibited items. The two pulled out their police ID cards, whereupon they were spared the investigation.

Inside, in the interior of the event, there were a few sales stands for beer, sausages, fried fish and merchandising. On stage, an opening act struggled to get the audience in the mood for the main attraction.

Suddenly Liv stopped and pulled Mikkel’s arm.

»Have a look over there where the sausage stand is.«, said Liv.

Mikkel followed her line of sight and recognized one of the men he had seen before in front of Veronika Nilsson’s house. He spotted another of the men.

»What do you think they’re doing here? « Mikkel asked.

»I have no idea if the Iron Church is a Barb Rose fan too?«, said Liv.

»Hardly likely! «, Mikkel replied.

The two looked around and discovered more of the men. From all appearances they seemed to be working with the security. So they had to know that members of the police were also in the area. Mikkel watched them for a while, but they behaved inconspicuously. Mikkel and Liv got a good seat near a beer stand with a good view of the stage. Next up was the band »Ash of Flesh.« Liv danced to the rhythm of the music and was obviously having fun while Mikkel continued to look around. He had spotted five of the Iron Church members standing well spaced around the listening area.

Suddenly something hard pierced Mikkel’s back and a hand rested on his shoulder. He felt someone approach him from behind and whisper in his ear in an unmistakable voice accustomed to command:

»Relax, no jerky movements and leave your hands where I can see them. «

»Okay, what do you want? « Mikkel asked.

»Turn around and walk slowly to the beer stand on our left. «

»Ok,« Mikkel answered curtly.

Liv stared spellbound at the stage and danced on the spot, she hadn’t noticed that he was leaving.

When they got to the beer booth, the voice said:

»Now put your hands on the counter and order three beers inconspicuously. «

»Big or small? « Mikkel asked. He was tense and trying to establish a dialogue with his captor. He looked around cautiously and could see Liv out of the corner of his eye, she still hadn’t noticed that he wasn’t near her.

»Where are you thinking, my friend, we don’t bother with trifles. «

»So big beer, ok. «, answered Mike.

A waiter approached him and he ordered three large beers.

»Can you tell me what that’s about? «, Mikkel asks his kidnapper.

»You’ll see in a minute, my friend, don’t do anything stupid. «

Mikkel didn’t answer.

A little later, a friendly, smiling young woman put three large mugs of beer on the counter. Mikkel dug money out of his pocket and paid.

A hand came into view, taking a mug of beer and apparently handing it to his companion. Then the hand reappeared in his field of vision, grabbed the nearest mug of beer and nudged it against the remaining one.

»Skål you sack! «, said the voice and laughter rang out from behind Mikkel.

Mikkel took the remaining beer mug and slowly turned around.

»Ohh, you Tjorben, you ass! «, exclaimed Mikkel when he recognized his former colleague from Malmö.

»Well, we loaded you up nicely, old man. «, said his colleague Gunnar who was standing next to Tjorben with a broad grin.

»You could say so. To scare someone like that and that in my old age. «

»Well then, have a sip before you collapse on me here. Skål «, Tjorben said.

»Skål! «, Mikkel answered and clinked glasses with the two before taking a deep sip from the mug.

»What are you doing here? «,Tjorben asked. »Are you still at the juice shop in Malmo? «

»I’m going to see the concert here with my colleague. I haven’t been to Malmo for a long time. I’m with the Stockholm homicide squad now. «

»Wooah Homicide in Stockholm, you fell quite up stairs. « said Gunnar, grimacing appreciatively.

»And you, what are you doing? «, Mikkel asked.

Tjorben leaned over to Mikkel and said quietly: » We’re both with the Swedish secret service. «

»God help us! «, exclaimed Mikkel.

»You two figures? We’re in the ass! «

»Still the old Mikkel what. «, said Gunnar, clinking glasses with Mikkel again.

»Since you’re here with your colleague, you’re not just here for the concert, are you? «, Tjorben asked in a more businesslike manner.

»Well, we’re investigating a murder or series of murders. There were a few tracks leading to Hjimfäll. «

»You guys aren’t on the case with the decapitated guys, are you? «

»Exactly this. « Mikkel answered curtly.

»We are also investigating in this case, but more extensively. We’re here for the Iron Church guys, they seem to be involved. «

»What you do not say. « Mikkel replied.

»What have you found out so far? « Gunnar asked.

»Maybe we can discuss this in a quieter place. Maybe tomorrow, we’re at the Björntunet Hotel. « ,Mikkel replied.

»That’s a great idea Mikkel. It couldn’t be more inconspicuous. So, now show me who your colleague is. «

Liv had probably noticed that Mikkel was no longer near her and looked around searchingly. She spotted Mikkel who waved her over. He ordered another mug of beer for Liv. She came to him at the beer stand, laughing.

»Did you just slip away? Shame on you. Give me a sip. «, Liv said, taking the beer mug from him.

»Co-worker, yes, yes. «, Tjorben said to Mikkel with a big grin.

»Oh yes. These are my former work colleagues from Malmö. We went to the police academy together and kept Malmo clean. This impudent fellow here is Tjorben and his colleague Gunnar. You two, this is Liv Svensson, my co-worker. «

Liv gave them her hand, in the meantime four more beer mugs were placed on the counter, which Gunnar handed out.

»Where do you guys work, still in Malmö? « Liv asked.

»No, no, we are. «, then Tjorben leaned down to Liv and said softly again. »We’re with the Swedish secret service. «

»Oh! « Liv said appreciatively. Then she asked curiously:

»Why are you here now? «

»First because of the concert and second because of the guys over there. «

With that, Tjorben discreetly pointed to one of the members of the Iron Church.

»Oh I see! « Liv replied.

»Tell me Mikkel, are there more pretty work colleagues in Stockholm. «, Gunnar said to Mikkel, smirking.

»Why? «, Mikkel asked.

»Well, then I’ll apply to you too. «

»Oh no please do not? «, Mikkel said with a groan. Everyone then laughed.

»How do you put up with that impertinent fellow? « Liv was asked by Tjorben.

»Oh good, he always does what I say, doesn’t you Mikkel. « Liv replied quick-witted.

»It’s been since three years. «

»Old Havlund the senior macho on duty, I can’t believe it. «, said Gunnar, laughing. They clinked glasses and drank together. Ash of Flesh had just finished their performance when they arranged to meet for the next day at the Björntunet Hotel golf course.

Then came the big moment, the musicians from Barb Rose entered the stage. The lighting was dimmed down. An inky blue starry sky stretched over the area, while the scenery was illuminated with colorful lights from the stage spotlights. Fog wafted across the stage and laser beams created a bizarre play of light. The band started with one of their most famous tracks.

Liv grabbed Mikkel’s arm and pulled him away from the beer stand. She danced and sang along to almost all of Barb Rose’s tunes. She danced wildly and exuberantly, did headbangs and tossed her long hair in the air. Mikkel joined in. Liv’s exuberance was contagious and spread to Mikkel as well. He hadn’t had as much fun as he was now in a long time. As a slow, soulfull piece came, Mikkel put an arm around Liv. She looked at him with a smile and snuggled into him, swinging with him to the rhythm of the song.

Then Barb Rose went on to a brilliant finale. The band’s guitarists and singer posed on stage. They played one of their wildest pieces with endlessly long guitar solos. The singer gave everything on stage and heated up the audience. When they ended the piece with a light spectacle on stage, the audience went wild. It screamed »encore, encore…! «

Liv and Mikkel were also screaming their hearts out. The musicians reappeared on stage after a short time and tuned into another well-known piece, which was greeted with loud applause, whistles and cheers. Liv put an arm around Mikkel’s waist and swayed with him to the rhythm of the song. Then it happened. Mikkel looked at her, their eyes met and then they kissed long and tenderly.

As they broke apart, Liv beamed happily at Mikkel. They then danced and cheered with the audience as Barb Rose finished her performance and waved goodbye to the audience.

Liv didn’t want to let go of Mikkel. They went back to the beer booth for another beer while the fairground emptied. Tjorben and Gunnar had obviously already left because they were nowhere to be seen. Music by Barb Rose blared out of the speakers and Liv danced on the spot to the beat of the music and sang along.

They kissed again and emptied their beer mugs, then they also left the fairground. They walked to the town center in a tight embrace and took a taxi. Mikkel sat in the back of the car with Liv and had his arm around her. Liv put her head on his shoulder and had a happy smile on her face. As they walked through the hotel lobby, they could still hear music from the hotel bar.

Liv turned to Mikkel and asked:

»Come on, let’s have a nightcap, I don’t want to go to bed yet, the evening was too nice. «

Mikkel agreed and so they sat down at the bar, drank beer, talked and danced together. It was already late and the bar had already emptied when the two of them, hugging each other, danced a blues on the dance floor, with Liv snuggling up to Mikkel and stroking his back with her hands. Then the light went on.

»Oh, what a pity«, Liv pouted, already slightly tipsy.

»We still have the room bar. «, Mikkel recalled, his tongue already heavy with alcohol.

Liv put a big smile on her face. After Mikkel settled the bill he put his arm around Liv again and they went to the room. While Mikkel got two cans of beer from the fridge in the room bar and opened one for Liv, she had turned on the radio. There was a special with the Scorpions. Liv kicked off her shoes and danced in the middle of the room. Mikkel also kicked off his shoes and handed the opened beer can to Liv. They both took a deep gulp, then Liv took the beer can from Mikkel’s hand, put it on a table and then put her arms around Mikkel’s neck. The radio was playing »Believe in Love« by the Scorpions.

Liv pressed against Mikkel, moving with slow, fluid movements. He had his hands on her hips and felt her warm body under his hands. He moved in the same beat with Liv. She looked at him with bright, promising eyes. The room sank around them both. They surrendered to the moment. Their faces slowly approached. Their lips touched, slowly, gently groping, floatingly before they touched and the two kissed long and tenderly while rocking their bodies to the beat of the music. They broke apart and looked deep into each other’s eyes.
On the radio, the Scorpions sang “Still Loving You.” Liv and Mikkel kept dancing and kissing again and again, more demanding. Mikkel also caressed Liv’s body. She threw her head back while Mikkel caressed her neck with his lips, touched her face with his lips and finally kissed her again, while Liv ruffled his hair with a soft sigh and pressed tightly against him. Her hand went under his t-shirt and caressed his muscular body. Liv trembled slightly. She was excited, her whole body was tingling and she didn’t want this moment to end. She enjoyed Mikkel’s hands caressing her body and spurring her on. After a never-ending kiss, the radio rang out “Love Hurts” by Nazareth. During the song she snuggled up to Mikkel and enjoyed his hug. Liv fought with herself, she finally wanted to know where she was with Mikkel, did he feel the same way for her as she did for him, would she make a mistake if she went to bed with him now and slept with him? Her whole body vibrated. Liv made a decision. She put a hand on Mikkel’s neck and pulled his head down to hers.

»I’ll go to the bathroom quickly and then we’ll go to bed, shall we? «

Mikkel looked at her. His ice gray eyes studied her. He stroked a strand of hair from her face, making Liv hot and cold. Then they kissed again.

»Do not run away! «, Liv said jokingly to Mikkel as she closed the bathroom door behind her.

                                     ***********

When she closed the bathroom door behind her, Liv exhaled. She was shaky. There was a whole anthill crawling in the pit of her stomach. She was more excited than before their first date. Should she really do it? What if it was just a one night stand. Then she would be bitterly disappointed and actually Liv was afraid of it. How would she and Mikkel deal with it then? Washing her face, she thought about it and fought back the guilty conscience that came up with all sorts of reasons not to sleep with Mikkel. After looking in her purse, she saw that she had taken her pill and nothing could actually happen. Liv sprayed herself with a little more perfume. Then she said to herself:

»Why not have a little fun. He’s bound to be as hot as you are, so go ahead. You have to grab your luck by the hair. «

Determined, Liv stripped down except for her t-shirt and panties. Then she opened the bathroom door and turned off the light in the bathroom. It was almost dark in the room, dim twilight fell through the large window into the room. She could dimly see Mikkel lying on the bed. She took off her t-shirt and slipped under the covers. She snuggled up to Mikkel. Maybe he was waiting for her longingly. She slipped her hand under Mikkel’s shirt and caressed his chest, sliding up a little to kiss him. She was surprised that Mikkel didn’t move.

»Mikkel? «, she asked into the darkness. The only answer was a soft snore.

Liv felt as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over her. That damn lout. While she was hot as an iron, he’d just laid down in bed and fallen asleep. Liv banged her fist on her pillow in disappointment. Suddenly there was nothing holding her in the bed anymore. She jumped up, went to the fridge and took out a can of beer, ripped it open and almost drank it in one gulp. Liv felt as if she would burst. She was disappointed and angry at the same time. Her throat tightened and she didn’t know if she should howl like a dog now.

»There this guy just falls asleep, it can’t all be true. «

Liv held back her tears with an effort. She had a lump in her throat, which she washed down with another can of beer. The alcohol showed its effect Liv’s eyes slowly closed. She sat on the edge of the bed and drank the rest of her beer can. She felt for her shirt in the dark and couldn’t find it.

“Fuck it,” she said to herself, sinking back into the pillows.

She wrapped herself in the thin duvet and fell asleep.

[helldiver]

                          **Chapter 29**

Mikkel woke up in the morning. A marching band seemed to be holding a parade in his head as the headache pounded violently in his head. Liv lay in bed next to him. She looked at him with bleary eyes. Then she turned and stood up. Mikkel looked at her bare back. As Liv sat on the edge of the bed, leaning forward and groping for her shirt with one hand, she covered her chest with the other arm. Mikkel closed his eyes and opened them again. His colleague was naked in bed next to him!!? While Mikkel tried to wake up and realize that he wasn’t dreaming, Liv pulled the t-shirt on and Mikkel could see her breasts in profile for a brief moment. Liv got up from the edge of the bed, without looking back she marched quickly into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Mikkel sank back into the pillows and stared at the ceiling. He noticed that he was still wearing shorts and a t-shirt. He was trying to figure out what had happened last night. He had kissed Liv passionately and after that he knew nothing more. Was that reality or had he just dreamed it? Why was Liv almost naked in bed? When she went into the bathroom, he could see her knickers.

---

Liv stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom and looked at her reflection. She looked at her pale face. A headache was pounding in her head and her knees were shaking. She had a lump in her throat. The evening had gone so well and when Mikkel kissed her she thought her dreams were become true. She had thought he had fallen in love with her. 'But he just fell asleep. She’d been looking forward to being with Mikkel all afternoon and maybe getting something more from him than just a quick hug. The lump rising in her throat was slowly choking her. She felt weak and sat down on the closed toilet seat.

»What a stupid cow you are! Why are you hanging on to a guy like that?« her guilty conscience scolded her.

She took a towel and pressed it in front of her face. She cried a few tears into it. She was bitterly disappointed that Mikkel wasn’t paying more attention to her. She had believed after the last few days that there was something more than just collegiality. But she had been taught better.

»You just expected too much?« she said quietly to herself. »Gone stupid! «

Morosely she got up from the toilet seat and undressed. She let the warm water patter on her body in the shower. At least her headache eased a bit. Liv had dried off and thrown on a bathrobe. She was about to comb her hair when there was a knock on the bathroom door and Mikkel’s muffled voice rang out.

»Do you need a long time? I have to. «

Liv started a little and called out.

»You can go to the bathroom right away. I only need the hair dryer. «

Liv grabbed a hairbrush and the hair dryer, then opened the door. When she saw Mikkel she felt the disappointment again.

---

When Liv Mikkel opened the door, she came out of the bathroom with a slightly sour face.

»Your turn. «, she beeped tight-lipped and walked past him without wishing him ‘good morning’ or smiling at him, which is what she usually did.

»Good morning Mrs. Svensson! «, said Mikkel but he got no answer from her. She didn’t even turn around.

Shrugging, Mikkel went to the bathroom to relieve himself. Then he undressed and went into the shower. While the warm water was pattering on his body, Mikkel thought feverishly about what happened last night and why Liv was suddenly in such a bad mood. Did he say anything that offended her? But why had she been lying almost naked in the bed next to him? Had he done anything? Slowly it dawned on Mikkel. She was probably in such a bad mood because maybe he hadn’t done something that she hoped he would. He remembered the kiss from last night. Liv had returned him passionately, it just happened. Mikkel remembered the Scorpions’ »Believe in Love« playing on the radio and Liv snuggling up to him while they swayed in the dance and then it just happened. They had kissed. Was it maybe that? After that, the film broke, no further memories. He would have to apologize to Liv for his blunder, maybe that’s why she was pissed.

Mikkel brushed his teeth, took his bathrobe off the hook and put it on. He had a little queasy feeling, how should he apologize to Liv? When Mikkel left the bathroom, Liv wasn’t there. Her clothes were still lying over the armchair in the sitting area and her shoes were still where Liv had kicked them off last night.

So she had to be there. He called her name but got no answer. He felt a cold draft and saw Liv standing on the balcony. She was dressed only in a bathrobe and was holding a cigarette. Mikkel went out onto the balcony.

»Hello Liv! « he tried to address her.

Liv turned to him, looked at him with sad eyes and beeped: »Hello Mikkel«

»Hey Liv, what happened? You don’t look good this morning? «

»Oh, it’s nothing. «, she sighed and dragged on her cigarette again.

»But something has spoiled your mood, Liv. did i do something«, Mikkel asked cautiously.

»Never mind Mikkel. You haven’t done anything. «, Liv replied sadly.

She turned her back on him and looked out at the adjacent forest, while puffing out a puff of blue smoke.

Mikkel put an arm around her shoulders. Mikkel was a good head taller than Liv, especially now that they both only wore flip-flops on their feet.

»Liv, something is wrong with you, what louse has crouched over your liver? «

»Oh stop it Mikkel. Just let me.«, as she said this she pushed Mikkel’s arm aside.

Mikkel didn’t give up, he took Liv by the shoulders and gently turned her around. Liv looked at him sadly with her green eyes.

»You look disappointed Liv and it was such a nice evening last night. Did I say something wrong? «

Mikkel tenderly stroked a strand of hair from her narrow face. Liv looked him straight in the eye. Mikkel took the cigarette from her hand, drew on it and blew the smoke over her head. Then he pressed them out in the flower box. When Mikkel gently stroked her cheek, she put her face in his hand and closed her eyes. She seemed to enjoy the touch. Mikkel gently put an arm around her waist and gently hugged her. Liv sighed with her eyes closed.

»We’re just colleagues Mikkel. «, she breathed, laying her head on his chest.

»I have to apologize to you Liv, I think I had a little too much alcohol. My eyes just fell closed. «

Liv lifted her head a little and asked:

»What does that mean now? «

Mikkel stroked her face and hair.

»It means I love you Liv. I know you expected more and I’m sorry I just fell asleep «

Liv’s face brightened and her pouty lips twisted into a smile.

»Is that really true Mikkel? «

“Yes Liv, I love you. «

She pressed herself against him and buried her face in Mikkel’s chest to hide her tears of joy from him.

Mikkel stroked her hair and her shoulders. She put a hand on his shoulder. Their faces approached like two magnets that attracted each other. It was like last night when they danced together.

                             ************

Liv admitted that she was disappointed and she wanted to fend off Mikkel even though he was trying to make efforts for her. She felt the tingling in her stomach as he stepped closer to her and she smelled his shower gel. Was his interest in her only feigned or was he more interested in her? Her throat tightened with disappointment. When he grabbed her shoulders and carefully turned her over, she gave in to him. His touch electrified her. Her knees trembled as she looked into his face. He simply took the cigarette from her weak hand. Her stomach was tingling again and she was getting hot and cold. As Mikkel gently stroked the strand of hair out of her face, she was overcome by the affection she always felt when he touched her. Cold shivers ran down her spine and she felt herself trembling slightly, she was so agitated. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the touch as Mikkel caressed her cheek. She felt the warmth of his hand making her body vibrate. She put her hand on his shoulder and felt him hugging her. She smelled his breath smelling a little like mint and cigarette smoke. She felt the stubble of his face against hers.
»We’re just colleagues. «, she tried to resist him, but her resistance, if it was a resistance any how, collapsed when Mikkel suddenly confessed his love for her. Her knees turned buttery. She held on to him and wanted to cry out loud with joy. She pressed her face into his bathrobe to wipe away the two tears that fell from her eyes.
Then she let herself sink into his arms.

---

Mikkel felt her delicate face on his. This touch sent cold chills through him. A feeling of warmth flowed through him. The gentle touch of this delicate creature. He touched her lips to his, feeling her sweet breath that smelled a little like tobacco. He smelled her intoxicating perfume. Mikkel surrendered and caressed her face with his lips. Then he touched her thin lips, which returned his touch warmly and softly. Liv opened her mouth as he touched her lips to his. Then he kissed Liv. She returned his kiss passionately. As they briefly broke apart to take a breath, Liv looked at him with her green eyes and sighed:
»Ooh Mikkel. «
Then they kissed again. She stroke his neck and pressed against him. His touch made her heart race. Liv trembled. Then Mikkel pulled open the bow of her bathrobe and put a hand on her bare skin. Liv sucked in air through her teeth. A feeling like a thousand ants crawling over her body. She clung even tighter to Mikkel and slipped a hand under his bathrobe.
»Not here on the balcony. « Liv breathed into Mikkel’s ear.
Kissing again and again, they retreated into the room. They nearly ripped off their bathrobes as they kissed more and more demandingly, then the bed groaned and squeaked under the violence of their lovemaking. When it reached the climax, Mikkel Liv had to cover her mouth because she got loud. When it was over, they lay exhausted on the bed next to each other.
Mikkel gently caressed her body. Liv had laid a hand on his arm and was stroking it gently.
»Was that just a slip? « Liv asked, looking at Mikkel with her grass-green eyes.
»How do you mean that? « Mike replied.
»Well, like after a company party, you know, just such a fleeting adventure. «
»Should it be just a fleeting adventure? « Mike asked.
Liv jerked his head and looked Mikkel straight in the eyes.
»I don’t want to be a fleeting adventure Mikkel. But I don’t know you enough. «
»Do you want more?« Mike asked.
A fleeting smile crossed her face.
»Yes, Mikkel, I want more and not just today. But I don’t know what’s up wiff you, I knof… «
While Liv was talking, Mikkel closed her mouth with a kiss and a little later the bed was groaning again to the rhythm of their lovemaking.
Some time later, Liv was lying on Mikkel’s stomach, slightly sweaty. He had put his arms around her waist and was stroking her tighten bottom.

»Are you sure you want more, Mikkel? «

»Yes Liv, I’ve felt it myself in the last few days how empty life can be. I like you and would love to stay with you if that’s what you want. «

Liv’s mouth twisted into a wide smile.

»There you still asking Mikkel? But before I move in with you ,you have to tidy up your place first, at least I won’t sleep in your mess at you.«

»Will do boss. « Mikkel said with a grin.

»I see you’re a fast learner. «, Liv replied giggling.

»Tell me Mikkel, have I seduced you now? «

Mikkel twisted his mouth.

»Hmm, based on the facts and record, I’d say you’re innocent. You couldn’t escape that. «

»Why not ? «, Liv asked.

»Yes, quite simply, you couldn’t run away because you were lying under me. «

Liv gave Mikkel a light fist punch, giggling.

»Man Mikkel you are really dumbass. «

Mikkel laughed and Liv started to laugh too. She was happy that her dream had come true. She had felt deep down that Mikkel felt more for her than just collegial friendship.

»I wish I could stay in bed with you all day. «, said Liv beaming at Mikkel.

»I’d like that too, but Tjorben and Gunnar are coming this afternoon. You know the two from the secret service last night. «

»Oh, I forgot about that. Then we’ll have to get up soon. What time is it ? «

Mikkel looked at the clock on the bedside table.

»It’s already noon. «

»Oh so late, then we have to get up. «, said Liv yawning and stretching.

She straightened up. The bright midday sun that flooded the room played around her flawless body and presented it to Mikkel with all of his beauty.

»Who goes to the bathroom first? « Mikkel asked.

Liv reached out and took Mikkel’s hand.

»Let’s take a shower together. «

With a swing, Mikkel sat up.

»Please remind me I need to extend the booking of the room.« said Mikkel.

»Why? «, Liv asked.

»Well, because we should have checked out a long time ago. So we stay one more night. «

»Really now? «, Liv asked excitedly. »How great is that, I’ll call reception right away. «, Liv said looking for her purse. She dug out her cell phone and called the front desk.

When she finished the conversation she hugged and kissed Mikkel.

»All done! Let’s take a shower! « Liv said, giggling and grabbing his hand.

A little later, freshly showered, they sat in the hotel restaurant and ate lunch. Liv looked at Mikkel with bright eyes. Again and again she grabbed Mikkel’s hand.

[helldiver]

                          **Chapter 30**

After the meal, the two still had a little time, so they went for a walk in the hotel park, in the middle of which was a labyrinth of hedges. They circled it and went to the golf course that stretched out behind the hotel. Liv had hooked her arm with Mikkel and wore a happy smile on her face.

»You’re beaming like a honey cake horse. «, remarked Mikkel as he put an arm around Liv’s narrow shoulders.

»I still can’t believe we’re together. I’m so happy and hopefully this isn’t a nice dream I’m about to wake up from. «

»Would you like me to pinch your butt so you can see it’s not a dream? «, Mikkel said with a smile.

»So you look , don’t you dare «, Liv replied elbowing him gently in the ribs.

Mikkel chuckled. They sat down on a bench. Mikkel took out his cigarette pack and offered Liv a cigarette. Both smoked and enjoyed the sun. Liv sat lengthways on the bench and leaned against Mikkel.

»Had you have an eye on me? «, Mikkel asked.

Liv replied, a little embarrassed:

»Yes, yes, I saw how you treated Marie and also me. You can be really nice sometimes, you make me coffee, massage my neck, hold the door open for me to get into the car. While these are small things, and perhaps you would do the same for any other colleague, I have always felt comfortable having you around. you always listened to me Well, and one will be allowed to dream a little, right? «

Mikkel nodded silently. Liv took her feet off the bench and turned to Mikkel.

»What caused your change of heart. I’m still stunned that you told me you love me. I still can’t believe it, to be honest. But I’m happy about it. «

Mikkel thoughtfully drew on his cigarette and looked into the distance.

»I didn’t think I’d ever love anyone again either, but I’ve been thinking a lot lately. Especially now that we are so intense together. A lot became clear to me then. Especially that I somehow have to get out of this depression. Marie will never come back, but life goes on no matter how crappy it is. It’s always better to have someone at your side you can talk to, who to catches you, who to listen and to cheer you up when you’re down. Being alone forever and arguing with fate is useless. It doesn’t get better, on the contrary, and it doesn’t bring Marie back. I’ve always liked you Liv, but I had never thought about a relationship. «

»That’s probably true what you’re saying Mikkel. Sure, I’ve hit on you often enough, but I’ve noticed that you’re good for me. Even if you can be a real asshole sometimes. But I’ve always overlooked it, I’ve always known that it’s all just a facade and that you’re just sealing yourself off. When I was allowed to sleep at you after we saw the corpses on Kopparberget. I lay in your arms and my heart really went boom when you comforted me. From then on, lightning struck me and I thought, I want him. «

Mikkel laughed softly and shook his head a little.

»But Mikkel you have to promise me one thing? «

»What then? «

»I want you to stop drinking so much. I mean, you should drink your bottle of beer, two because of me, but please don’t do it like usual, to the point of unconsciousness. «

»You know Liv why I did that and I won’t have time for it in the future. «

Liv put her arms around Mikkel and pressed her face against his.

»I know Mikkel. I can’t take away your pain, but Marie will always be with you, in your heart. «

At the same time, Liv put a hand on Mikkel’s chest.

Mikkel nodded silently.

»Yes she will be. «, he finally said.

Liv planted a kiss on his cheek and hugged him tightly.

»How do you actually feel about children. Do you like children or rather not. «

»What do you mean with that, Liv? «

»Well I think if we can both get through this and we do not bash each others heads in the next few weeks then I could see myself getting married and having a child or maybe two. «

Mikkel’s features hardened.

»Maybe you don’t want children? «

»Marie was two months pregnant. She told me a few days before she died. She was so happy about that. Then this pig came and killed her. «

Mikkel lit another cigarette and inhaled deeply.

»If we both make it, Liv, then we’ll get married and we’ll have kids too. But first I want to catch this blood man.

I will nail him to the cross and gut him. After that you can have anything from me. «

»Are you serious ? «

»I’m really serious. «

»Okay, then I’ll help you catch this guy. Then we get married and have children. What do you think Mikkel. «

Liv took the packet of cigarettes from Mikkel’s hand, took a cigarette out of it and smoked it.

»That all sounds good Liv. A nice idea. «

»Ok Mikkel, that sounds like a deal. I’m totally with you there. But I will quit the job when I have a child. I’ll find something else, something quieter, somewhere in administration. «

Mikkel laughed briefly and put an arm around Liv’s shoulders again.

»Then we’ll quit the job together. Then I want to be there for you and for our child. «

Liv beamed all over her face, she felt a happiness like she had never felt before. She hugged Mikkel.

»That would be such a nice dream, I wish it would work out. But what are you going to do when you are no longer on duty. I can’t imagine you sitting at a desk all day in any ministry,"

»No, I won’t do that either. I want to build boats. Beautiful elegant wooden sailing boats. I’ll find some shipyard. I’ve always loved working with wood and I’ve always loved being by the sea. «

»Mikkel, that would be so nice, we both could have a real little family, that’s what I always wanted. «

Liv kissed Mikkel and enjoyed his hug. A large black Björk SUV pulled into the hotel parking lot.

»I think our visitor is coming. «, said Mikkel, breaking away from Liv’s embrace.

The two got up from the bench and walked slowly towards the parking lot. Three men got out of the SUV. Two of them they knew, they were Tjorben and Gunnar, the third man wore a military uniform with silver rank insignia that identified him as a captain.

Tjorben approached Liv and Mikkel with outstretched hand.

»Hello you two, I hope you enjoyed the concert last night. «

"Yes, thank you. «, Liv said with a smile and shook Tjorben’s hand.

»May I introduce you, this is Captain Sven Forsberg, he is the personal aide to General Viklund, who in turn is the supreme commander of the Södra Skanska regiment. Captain Forsberg is leading the internal investigation into the military and is investigating the same thing as you. So we’re all in the same boat. «, said Tjorben with a winning smile.

Mikkel’s features hardened.

»Not quite. «, said Mikkel »It was the military who wanted to keep us out of the investigation and bring us to silenced. «

»That is not completely correct. «, replied the captain.

»As you just heard, I’m in charge of the internal investigation and I know that there are efforts to keep you out of the case. But that’s not from our side, no, on the contrary, General Viklund is very interested in the results of your investigation, because you found out a lot more than we did. That’s why I can already tell you that we will support you if you cooperate with us. «

»What should this cooperation look like? «, Mikkel asked suspiciously and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

»We’d like you to share the results of your investigation with us. In return, we’ll tell you what we found out. We know something is wrong at FOA 53. Even if this is a military matter. Things seem to be going on there that we don’t know about, and that shouldn’t be the case. We are just as interested in the thorough investigation of the murder cases as you are.

We have been working with these two gentlemen here for a long time and I am glad that they invited me to this meeting. Only together can we bring light into the darkness. «

»Who says I can trust you? «

Gunnar spoke up:

»Mikkel, we went to the police academy together, did our operations together in Malmo in the worst neighborhoods. Have we ever lied or cheated on you? Could we always trust each other? «

»We could always trust together. But we have become cautious. We’ve already been tried to put on the chain. «

»We know that Mikkel, That’s why we’re here. We will support you. Sven Forsberg will have your back I can only promise you as a friend and ask you to trust us. «

»How do you feel about that, Liv? «

Liv also had her arms crossed in front of her chest and looked around thoughtfully.

»Do we have any other choice? If they wanted to get us out of the way, they would have done it long ago, wouldn’t they? Therefore why not. You probably know Tjorben and Gunnar best. «

»Thanks I know you are suspicious in your situation, but we can promise you that we are on your side. «, said Tjorben.

»If we walk a bit, we won’t have anyone listening. «, said Captain Forsberg.

They walked toward the golf course, which was empty. Sven Forsberg asked about their investigation results and listened patiently as Liv and Mikkel reported to him. Tjorben and Gunnar confirmed the involvement of the Iron Church and contacts up to the highest levels of government. Forsberg told them that Colonel Holberg and Löjtnant Arvidson had long been suspected of having contacts with the Iron Church and specifically with Draco Ivarsson. They suspected a conspiracy and perhaps even an attempted coup to overthrow the government. When Mikkel and Liv decided to show them their pictures, Captain Forsberg was amazed. Shaking his head in disbelief, he looked at the pictures they had taken. However, Mikkel and Liv refused to release the pictures as they were supposed to act as evidence. Captain Forsberg showed understanding and offered them an appointment with General Viklund to show him these pictures as well. Liv and Mikkel agreed when a black van came out of the forest path and drove past the hotel grounds deeper into the forest.

Liv quickly pulled out her opera glasses and gave it to Mikkel. He lifted it directly to his eyes and then he let out a loud »Yes!«.

»It’s the same car as in front of Drako’s house. I recognized the license plate. «, said Mikkel, handing the binoculars back to Liv.

»Where does he want to go? «, Liv asked.

»He’ll probably drive to the Ljuset commune. This forest path leads exactly there. «, said Tjorben.

»Then afterwards, I want to know what’s going on there! «, said Mikkel and started running. Everyone else ran after him. Gunnar passed Mikkel and said:

»I know another path that leads directly there. The birds must not notice us ! «

Gunnar took the lead and they all rushed down the narrow dirt track deeper into the forest. Every time having an eye on the transporter. The path was bumpy and sloping. When they saw the first commune rooftops through the foliage, they fanned out onto the pine-needled forest floor. They had to be careful not to trip over any roots or hit a tree. They could see the van entering through the gate into the interior of the commune. They slowed their pace and crept along quietly for a better view. Mikkel heard Liv panting behind him and motioned for her to walk at arm’s length to his right. When they had a good view, Captain Forsberg raised his fist. The sign for »stop«. They made eye contact with each other and took cover behind the trees. Then they observed what was happening.

Apparently all the members of the commune had gathered around the van. Three armed people got out of the driver’s compartment. The rear doors of the cargo compartment were opened from the inside. Two more men armed with submachine guns jumped out, pulled a ramp out of the hold and leaned it against the loading edge. Then heavy footsteps could be heard. Liv and Mikkel exchanged a quick look. They all caught their breath. From the hold came one of the tall, humanoid, two-legged robots and walked down the ramp with springy steps. Its sensors glowed yellow. The sensor head, which was attached to a cantilever in the middle of the fuselage, swiveled back and forth. A large, dark red cape was attached to the robot’s shoulders and swung behind the robot. It gave him an even more menacing look.

An outcry went through the crowd. They dropped to their knees and chanted something that sounded like »Hail to Enlightenment. «

The robot raised both arms. The sword hissed out and a dark, mechanical voice rang out.

»Brothers and sisters. Enlightenment has begun. We gather in the hall. «

The members of the commune rose and marched into a larger building set back from the other huts.

The robot followed the people with weighty steps. Tjorben, Gunnar, Sven Forsberg, Mikkel and Liv crept a little further to hear what the robotic voice was saying, sounding muffled from the building. At first some kind of singing could be heard, then the robot spoke again. Suddenly shots rang out. Loud booming shots from a heavy weapon and the brighter rattling of submachine guns. Hysterical screams rang out, bullets ripped through the wall of the meeting building and slammed into the forest floor just ahead. They all ducked for cover, then a few people came running out of the hall. One of the men ran after them, shot and killed them from behind. As if on command, everyone drew their weapons. Then more people came out of the hall. They were escorted by the armed men and looked around anxiously. The robot came last. While the first people were boarding the transporter, the robot suddenly turned around and started shooting into the forest. The heavy projectiles hit the trees behind which they were hiding. Mikkel was the first to return fire. Liv cried out next to him. Splinters of wood splash around. Liv’s tree had been hit and slowly, as if in slow motion, the upper part broke off. Liv ran to Mikkel’s cover, firing. Mikkel also fired at the robot, which retreated. Captain Forsberg had a large-caliber weapon in hand and fired at the robot, which turned to protect itself. Gunnar fought one of the men. Who constantly fired volleys from his submachine gun into the forest.

»Mikkel watch out!! «, Liv suddenly yelled.

Mikkel looked to the side and saw a man who had crept up to them from behind and was about to aim his submachine gun at him. Mikkel didn’t hesitate and immediately fired at him. Badly hit, he collapsed. Then they rushed to help the others who were also under heavy fire. Tjorben met another man who had shot at him with a submachine gun. The man spun around and clutched his shoulder. Liv could see the blood seeping out from under his hand. Mikkel had emptied his magazine and was changing it while Liv gave him fire cover. The men and the robot retreated and boarded the transporter. He spun on the site and raced toward the gate. Gunnar, Tjorben and Captain Forberg ran onto the premises and fired after the transporter. Tjorben suddenly cried out loudly and sank to his knees. He had been hit. Liv ran over to examine him. While the others fired after the transporter. Then he disappeared into the forest.

Tjorben groaned and clutched his side, blood oozing from a wound.

»Fortunately it’s only a grazing shot.«, said Liv. »But must be threatened. «

Forsberg and Gunnar, meanwhile, had been walking around the grounds and examining the people lying around.

»All dead. « said Forsberg. »We need to check the meeting hall.«

As Forsberg spoke, Liv had her cell phone out and was on the phone to make an emergency call.

Tjorben stood up, groaning and cursing softly.

»Are you okay or should Liv stay outside with you. «, Mikkel said worriedly.

»No, it’s okay. It’s just a scratch, I’ll come with you. «, Tjorben said firmly.

He picked up his gun from the ground, pulled out the magazine, checked it, and put it back in the gun.

Then they proceeded to enter the meeting hall. Mikkel took the lead, followed by Captain Forsberg, Gunnar Thorben and Liv. Mikkel pushed open the door and went in at gunpoint. Inside they saw a scene of devastation. It still smelled of cordite, mixed with the smell of blood. Beams of light fell into the room through the bullet holes. There were overturned benches and people lying around everywhere. They slowly worked their way forward and examined those on the ground, all dead. At the far end of the room was what looked like an altar. From there came a low moan. Gunnar went first. On the steps to the altar lay a blond woman in a pool of blood. She stirred as Gunnar approached her and knelt beside her. She kept her hand pressed to her stomach. A steady stream of blood seeped from beneath her hand. Gunnar lifted the woman up a little and laid her head on his knees.

»Selma, it’s Gunnar.

»Hang in there! Help is on the way. «

The woman’s eyes widened and she stared at Gunnar.

»Gunnar «, she said in a pained low voice.

»You’ve got to stop them, you hear, you’ve got to stop them! «

She took a rattling breath and clutched Gunnar’s coat to pull herself up.

»The Ragnarök Protocol….you must prevent it. They….want….argh……the……Ragnarök….protocol, aaahhrg…you…must…stop them……aah…ah. «

She tried with all the strength she still had to breathe, then she breathed out rattling. Her eyes broke and she collapsed in Gunnar’s arms. Gunnar felt her carotid artery. Then he put her down carefully and closed her eyes.

»Is she dead? «, Tjorben asked.

»Yes «, Gunnar answered curtly, staring down at Selma’s corpse with a stony gaze.

»I’m sorry for you Gunnar. «, said Tjorben, putting an arm around his colleague’s shoulders.

»We’ve lost another colleague. « said Tjorben.

"Who? «, Gunnar asked, turning away from Selma’s corpse.

»It’s Goran. He’s in the back corner. « said Tjorben.

»Damn it, he was Selma’s partner. «, Gunnar replied.

»What is the Ragnarök Protocol? «, Mikkel asked everyone.

Gunnar wanted to say something, but Captain Forsberg cut him off harshly.

»We can’t tell you that. This is top secret classified information. «, Captain Forsberg said tersely.

Outside, sirens blared. A police car came rushing into the yard and slammed on the brakes. Officers jumped out of the vehicle at gunpoint. An ambulance also came to the site. Sven Forsberg, Tjorben, Gunnar, Mikkel and Liv held up their ID cards. At the command of the head police officer, everyone put their guns away.

Captain Forsberg gave brief information about the situation. Meanwhile, other emergency services came to the site. Two people jumped out of an ambulance. One of them was known to Liv and Mikkel. It was Akiko Hyundura, the medical student.

She greeted Liv and Mikkel. Liv explained the situation to Akiko that everyone in the hall was dead and only Tjorben was injured. She immediately took care of him together with the doctor. Despite Tjorben’s protests, he was put in an ambulance and taken to the hospital in Himarvet.

Mikkel spoke to the doctor: »What happens to the bodies? «

»They will be taken to our pathology department in Himarvet. «, replied the doctor, who identified himself as Dr. Sandberg introduced.

»Since the time and cause of death have been determined, it should probably be done quickly. It’s just about identifying people. «, said Mikel.

»In other words, you expect a quick result. «, replied the doctor.

»I would be very grateful to you. Here is my card. Please send the results to the police headquarters in Östervik, we are there at the moment. «, said Mikkel and handed the doctor his business card. He read briefly and raised his eyebrows appreciatively and pocketed them. Liv gave him her card and wrote her mobile number on the back with a pen.

Then Mikkel spoke to the senior police officer:

»How it looks with the forensic? «

»We would have to call your colleagues from Östervik. «, the police officer replied.

»In other words, you don’t have any. « Mikkel replied.

»Yes, unfortunately it is. We are not prepared for such events here. The last death here on the island was a suicide. Old Olsson, he went broke with his boat rental business and hanged himself in his boathouse. With the few people who live here on the island, almost everyone knows everyone. Well and the usual in summer and in winter when the tourists come. Fighting, car accidents, theft. The usual standard program.«, said the police officer, shrugging his shoulders helplessly.

»No problem, we’ll call forensics from Stockholm. It would be good if you cordon off the area with your people and don’t let anyone in here who has no business being here. «

»Can I have the cell phone? «, Mikkel asked Liv.

She handed it to him. Mikkel dialed the number for police headquarters in Stockholm and asked for evidence to be put through. After that he phoned Åsa and gave a short and concise report, he didn’t tell her about the meeting with the secret service people and the captain and also that they were eyewitnesses to the massacre. Åsa asked them both to come to Stockholm on Monday.

Three quarters of an hour later, a helicopter with a rattling rotor flew over the scene. He flew a few loops because he was apparently looking for a place to land, then he flew on towards the hotel grounds and disappeared behind the trees. Twenty minutes later, several people came panting down the forest path. They carried backpacks and boxes. First and foremost, Gustav Holgersson, the head of the forensic department, approached Mikkel.

»I should have thought so right away. Where the Havlund is, chaos reigns. Corpses paved his way«, teased Gustav.

»It’s time you lazy sacks got moving. I hope you didn’t puke into the chopper. «, Mikkel replied

»Careful Havlund, that’ll cost you something at the next company party. You’re actually lucky that I was able to get everyone together over the weekend. Colleagues weren’t lying around drunk in some corner like you were. «, Holgersson replied wittily.

»Unlike you, we also work weekends. «, Mikkel replied.

»What are you doing here on the island anyway? «, Gustav asked interested.

»Investigative work, what do you think? «, Mikkel replied.

»Yes, yes, investigative work is what they call it now.«, said Gustav, looking at Liv, who had been following the conversation with amusement.

Liv grimaced and stuck her tongue out at Holgersson.

»Will you give me the tread pattern Liv! «, said Mikel. Liv pulled it out of her purse and handed it to Mikkel. He passed it on to Gustav.

»Here my friend. I took this from the van that drove up here yesterday. I recognized him by the license plate. I assume that this car was also in Arkelstorp when Gösta Pettersson was murdered. Can you compare it to the print you took in Arkelstorp? «

Gustav looked at Mikkel briefly with raised eyebrows, then he looked at the rubbed through imprint. Turned the sheet back and forth. Then he put it in the small briefcase he was carrying and asked over his shoulder for the license plate number of the vehicle. Mikkel rattled off the number while Gustav wrote it down on a notepad.

»Okay, I can tell you more tomorrow. «, said Gustav and closed his briefcase.

»Can you call us on this number? «, Mikkel asked and handed Gustav a business card on the back of which he had scribbled the cell phone number. Gustav took the card in his hand, scanned it briefly and put it in his breast pocket.

»Thank you Gustav «. said Mikel.

"It’s Ok. «, replied Gustav.

»Then let’s go. «, he said, whistling loudly and waving at his men. He divided them into teams, then they fanned out. Gunnar and Captain Forsberg said goodbye after Mikkel and Liv handed them their cards.

»You will hear from me.«, Captain Forsberg said before he left.

There was nothing left for Liv and Mikkel to do. They also said goodbye and went back to the hotel. The sun was slowly setting in the sky. It was late afternoon.

»What do we do now Mikkel? «, Liv asked when they got back to the hotel grounds.

»I think we’ll freshen up and go eat something.«, Mikkel replied.

»And then what do we do then?«, Liv asked grinning mischievously.

»We could go to the hotel bar having a drink there and then to the room. «, replied Mikel.

»What are we doing in the room? «, Liv asked, grinning from ear to ear.

»Let’s sleep then, what are you thinking? «, Mikkel replied dryly.

»You can’t be serious, Mikkel! Oh, you’re such an unromantic disgust. «, Liv replied, pushing Mikkel away.

Mikkel laughed, then he went back to Liv, who also had a smile on her face. She knew it was one of Mikkel’s jokes he was playing with her.

He put his arms around Liv and whispered in her ear:

»Or should we settle down in the room with a bottle of champagne after the bar and deepen our relationship further? «

Liv grinned from ear to ear and said:

»That sounds a lot better Mikkel. We’ll do it in exactly that order. We can sleep later. «, Liv replied and kissed Mikkel’s mouth.

[broken_insect289]

Wow , this is a lot of work maybe one day there will be a film , who knows

[helldiver]

Thank’s a lot

[helldiver]

                           **Chapter 31**

The next morning, Liv and Mikkel sat at the breakfast table, a little tired. Liv yawned again and again and smiling happily at Mikkel, who was spreading butter and jam on one of the freshly baked croissants. The evening had grown long and they had deepened their relationship to the best of their ability. Despite the fact that the night was short, both made a happy face. When Mikkel had the croissant ready, Liv stole it from Mikkel’s plate and bit into it. Mikkel acknowledged it with a smile and a slight shake of the head. He set about making a new croissant for himself. After breakfast they checked out at the reception and ordered a taxi to go to Tarnboda Skåns. While they waited, they went outside to smoke a cigarette. Liv called Lennard and asked if he would pick her up. They arranged to meet in an hour. Lennard said he would wait for her at the marina. As they sat in the back of the cab, Mikkel took Liv’s hand in his. Liv gave him an amorous look. Mikkel helped her get into Lennart’s boat and lifted her from the jetty into the boat. They both took a seat on the back deck. They enjoyed the sun and the fresh breeze that blew across the sea. Lennart looked around at the two with a knowing smile on his lips. A little later they sat in Mikkel’s Porsche and made their way to Stockholm.

They made a short stopover in Hagaboda, extended the room by another week and took the used laundry with them. On the way, Mikkel moaned:

»I don’t think we’ll be getting back to Hagaboda any time soon. Because we will certainly have to write pages of reports. «

»That may be. « Liv replied. »I would have preferred to have written them in Östervik, because at least they had the computer there. I saw they have Word Perfect on them. It’s three times faster with the word processor than with the stupid typewriter. «

»How true how true. «, Mikkel answered with a sigh.

»You can handwrite me your reports and I’ll type them for you.«, Liv offered smiling.

»Thank you Liv, that’s really kind of you. «, Mikkel replied.

»Tell me Mikkel, what are we actually writing? I don’t know if we should necessarily make it public that we were eyewitnesses to the massacre. We were involved in a firefight, which can be seen from the many shell casings lying around in the forest, but that doesn’t mean that we saw everything. Especially if we mention the robot, who knows who we’ll step on toes again. «

Mikkel weighed his head and nodded. Then he replied:

»You’re right Liv, we shouldn’t write too much. We don’t know what the secret service will write in its reports and to what extent they will be compared with ours. It would be best if we wood coordinate with them. We didn’t stand on the feet of the military this time, but we now know that the military is involved in the whole conspiracy. «

»Have you got a number from Tjorben or Gunnar? «, Liv asked.

Mikkel fumbled in the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a folded piece of paper, which he unfolded with one hand.

»Try this number. «

Liv dialed the number on the cell phone. She got someone on the line. It was probably the secretary of the two. Liv got the information that Gunnar and Tjorben were out of the house but would be back in the early afternoon. Liv gave the cell phone number and asked for a call back.

»What happened to the robot? It was able to talk. «, said Liv.

»Yes, I noticed that too. He also moved very differently, somehow like a human being. «, Mikkel replied.

»I haven’t seen anyone with a remote control. That’s weird Mikkel. «

»Yes, I noticed that too. « Mikkel replied thoughtfully.

»Wait a moment! «, exclaimed Mikkel, bringing the Porsche to a halt.

»What role did van Ulmer actually play again? «, Mikkel asked.

»Van Ulmer is a scientist at FOA he’s such a brain doctor won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his research on neurotransmitters. «

»Hmm, that means he’s kind of fumbling at people’s brains. «, Mikkel replied thoughtfully.

»He had recently been researching some human interface and had managed to control a mechanical arm from Stockholm in Gothenburg. That means van Ulmer was based in Stockholm and the arm was in Gothenburg. «

»In other words, he can telepathically control a robot. «, Mikkel said more to himself.

Liv saw that Mikkel’s head was spinning again. Then suddenly Mikkel snapped his fingers.

»What is Liv when he has managed to transfer a human’s consciousness into the robot. «

»Let’s assume he not only managed to control the robot by telepathy, but also to transfer the entire human being into the tin box. Do you understand, the robot could then act completely autonomously and in the event that it is damaged, it could simply swap the body or the robot body. «

»That wouldn’t be so far off Mikkel. This would also explain that the robot behaved differently than those we have seen so far. You may remember how he scrambled for cover and retreated when we fired at him together. «

»Let’s spin this further. Drako Ivarsson and Holberg, join forces. Holberg procured the technology to transfer the Iron Church people into the robotic bodies. This would give them a horde of super soldiers that are virtually invulnerable. If they march into Stockholm with such an army and start a coup, then good night. «, said Mikel.

»Then what we saw there in the commune as a robot was definitely Draco Ivarsson. The whole thing that took place was a purge. Certainly the secret service people were unmasked and those who didn’t follow were executed. «

»I think that will be it. We really need to get an arrest warrant and dig up the whole nest on Hjimfäll. «, said Mikel.

»But we can’t do that until we’ve spoken to General Viklund. We can’t expect any help from Herrmansson, on the contrary he’ll be after us all the more and want to get us out of the way.«, said Liv.

»Then we’ll have to talk to Viklund first and see if we can get any help from that quarter. Until then, we need to keep the ball flat and raise as little dust as possible. «, Mikkel replied and started the Porsche again to drive on.

»I hope this Forsberg gets in touch. « Liv said and started chewing on her lower lip nervously. Mikkel could see her tension.

They were silent until they drove to Nacka on the Highway. Suddenly the mobile phone chirped in Liv’s purse. Liv pulled it out and answered the call.
Åsa, her boss was on the other end.

»Hi Liv, where are you? «, Asa asked.

»On the highway to Nacka. We still have about half an hour. «, Liv replied.

»That’s good. «, Åsa said, lowering her voice.

»You can’t come to police headquarters, you hear. We meet where we have met before. «

Liv frowned and made a questioning face.

»What’s the matter Åsa, has something happened? «

»I can’t tell you that now, at least not here. I have to be careful too. I am coming to you. At the last meeting place. «, Åsa said and hung up.

»What was? «, Mikkel asked without taking his eyes off the road.

»It was Åsa and she was so weird. We’re not supposed to come to the presidium.« Liv replied.

»Häh ? What is that supposed to be? «, Mikkel replied.

»She didn’t want to tell me. She said she wanted to meet us at the last meeting place. «

»Then she must mean Café Chic on Mariatorget.«, said Mikel.

»There is something in the bush Mikkel. There’s something going against us, for sure. I felt that Åsa was afraid of something. «

»Maybe that’s why she wants to meet us outside of headquarters. «, Mikkel replied.
»Anyway, she said we shouldn’t come to the headquarters. Maybe then we’ll be arrested immediately. «, said Liv.

»Did she say that? «, Mikkel asked.

»No, not that, but I have a feeling. «, Liv replied.

»We’ll know more in a moment. «, said Mikkel, putting a hand on Liv’s that felt cool.

Mikkel gave Liv an encouraging look. Liv squeezed Mikkel’s hand.

Cursing under his breath, Mikkel made his way through the heavy traffic downtown and finally found a parking space near the café.

They got out of the car and looked around they saw nothing suspicious. They went to the café, entered it and sat at a table in the back rows, facing the entrance. A tall young waitress came to take her order. They both ordered coffee. They waited patiently. Half an hour had passed after they had taught their coffee and Åsa was still nowhere to be seen. Mikkel drummed his fingers impatiently on the table. Liv waved to the waitress and ordered two more cups of coffee.

»Where do you think she is? «, Mikkel asked impatiently.

»I don’t know, she should have been here by now. «, Liv replied.

When the waitress served the coffee, Åsa appeared in the entrance. She seemed rushed, as if she had run. Before she entered the café, she looked around once more in all directions. Then she entered. She noticed Liv and Mikkel and went purposefully to their table. She sat down, breathing heavily. She took a handkerchief from her purse and dabbed the beads of sweat from her forehead.

»What’s up ? Did you run? «, Mikkel asked.

[helldiver]

»Sorry I’m so late. « Then she whispered:

»I was being followed and had to shake off the guys first. «

The waitress came to the table, Åsa ordered a small pot of coffee.

»So what’s going on? «, asked Liv anxiously, who was sitting next to Åsa.

»The devil is loose. «, Åsa answered softly.

They waited for the waitress to bring their order. Then Mikkel asked further:

»So what’s going on here? «

»Two men were there this morning. They were from the secret service, then they asked for your personnel files. «

»Did they say anything? «, Liv asked.

»They don’t have. They let give them the files and then they left. «

»What did they look like? «, Mikkel asked.

»A tall man with jet black hair and beard and a slightly shorter redhead. «, Asa replied.

»Did they introduce themself or identify themself? », Mikkel asked.

»Yes, the tall one with the black hair was called Gunnar Blomqvist, the other was called Tjorben Olofsson. «, said Asa.

»I know those two. I used to work with them in Malmö. «, said Mikkel.

Liv glanced at Mikkel. She hoped Mikkel wouldn’t reveal more. But she knew he was a good tactician and sparing with information.

»Did something else happen? «, Liv asked.

»Yes, then came Zeus, I mean Arvid Andersson, with some gentlemen from internal investigation. They also wanted your personnel files. When they heard that the secret service already had them, they were pretty angry, but then left. «

»What does Zeus, I mean the chief of police, have to do with it?«, Mikkel asked.

»I don’t know that. he was surprised himself. They must have approached him directly. Andersson was fell out of the clouds when he heard that the Internal investigation was after you. You guys haven’t been poking your nose into military affairs again, have you? «

»No, no, not at all. We were just looking around Hjimfäll and observed Drako Ivarsson’s house. On Sunday, when we were walking in the park from the hotel, we heard the shots and then ran down to this Ljuset commune. Then we were shot at and we fought back. «, said Mikel. While Liv watched Mikkel’s statement tensely.

»Then I don’t understand why Herrmansson was so upset. Shortly after the chief of police left, he came into my office and asked for you guys. I think Herrmansson started the internal investigation. In any case, he also threatened me with consequences if I didn’t pull you off the case immediately.«, said Åsa.

»There’s something going on, guaranteed, and it has to do with the Iron Church. It might even have something to do with the firefight yesterday. We shot one and injured one. «, said Mikkel with a stony expression.

»Who were those guys that followed you when you came here? «, Liv asked.

»I do not know it either. they were wearing black suits and sunglasses. They were in a black Björk SUV. But they had normal license plates. They didn’t look like they were from the secret service but more like some crooks. «, said Åsa.

»Whether they’re the guys from the Iron Church. We also saw such figures in Hagaboda Mikkel. One of them followed me once.«, said Liv.

»It almost looks like it. «, said Mikkel musingly, raising his coffee cup to his mouth. He was about to take a sip when it shattered in his hand. Hot coffee and shards of china splash around and into Mikkel’s face. He immediately let fell off the chair. Something hissed over Mikkel and a vase of flowers bursts that was on the next table. Her shards of china splatter around in the air. On the other side he saw how Åsa had pulled Liv to the ground and covered her. As fast as Mikkel could he crawled forward towards the entrance.

»Get away from the entrance! «, Mikkel yelled as the waitress came down from the counter with a full tray.

She turned to Mikkel, suddenly made a startled face. The tray slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor. Then a large red dot formed in the upper half of the chest below the woman’s shoulder. As if in slow motion, she collapsed. Mikkel ripped his Glock from the holster in his jacket, cocked it, got to his feet and stormed to the entrance. He saw a black car across the street and a small puff of white smoke above it. The next bullet whizzed into the room and just missed Mikkel. He had a clear shot for a moment and shot without hesitation. The side window of the SUV shattered with a loud bang. The shooter, who had his rifle propped up on the roof of the car, collapsed. The SUV’s engine roared loudly and drove off at breakneck speed. Mikkel ran into the street, violently pushed a passerby aside, then almost got hit by a car as he stormed into the street. He saw it at the last moment and rolled over the hood of the vehicle, getting to his feet and firing after the SUV. The Glock roared hoarsely and danced in his hand as he fired. He tried to hit the tires but couldn’t. The car’s rear window shattered and his remaining shots slammed into the rear of the Björk SUV. Then it disappeared around the corner. Mikkel cursed loudly and stamped his foot. Around him, Mikkel heard the loud screams of passers-by. Some had thrown themselves to the ground and rose. Mikkel pulled out his police ID and shouted loudly.

»I’m from the police, keep calm. It’s over. You are safe! «

A few people stared at him with pale faces still filled with shock and hesitantly walked on. A police motorcycle pulled up next to Mikkel, tires squealing and sirens blaring. He showed the police officer his police ID and instructed him to guard the gun that was lying on the side of the road and not to change anything at the scene until the forensic department arrived. Then Mikkel went back into the café. Åsa was squatting on the floor next to the waitress and talking on her mobile phone. Liv knelt over the waitress and, with bloodstained hands, pressed a folded tablecloth to her wound, which was constantly bleeding. The young woman writhed on the ground and coughed up bright red blood. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of her mouth and dripped onto her white blouse.

»Are you hurt? «, Mikkel asked worried.

»No, we didn’t get anything. «, Liv replied.

»Thank God, neither do I. «, said Mikkel and squatted down too. It wasn’t two minutes before they heard a lot of police sirens. A female police officer stormed into the cafe at gunpoint. Liv, Åsa and Mikkel held up their police ID cards.

»Secure the area and cordon it off extensively. Nobody is allowed to enter it anymore. Forensics will be right here. «, Mikkel instructed the policewoman.

She sheathed her gun and went back outside. Outside, the police swarmed out and cordoned off the area. Some paramedics and a doctor came to the café and took care of the waitress who was shot. They took care of them, prepared them for transport and carried them away. Liv asked the doctor:

»Will she make it? «

»Yes, yes. While the injury is serious, it doesn’t look fatal. Because you did the right thing right away, she didn’t lose that much blood. Good work. «

»Thanks !«, said Liv.

Then came Gustav Holgersson:

»Hello Mikkel, no corpses this time? That’s impossible. «

»There doesn’t always have to be dead people, does there? «, said Mikkel.

»Well, work again. We found the murder weapon on the other side of the street. It is an Älgstudsare cal. .308. Come by tomorrow with your service weapon. I need a firing pattern.«

»Well I will. «, Mike replied.

»You can also bring buns for breakfast. «

»Gluttonous bunch. «, Mikkel replied with a grin.

»Oh, by the way, Mikkel, Bingo, you’ve had the right nose again. The tire profile fits like ass on bucket. Those were exactly the same tires. The vehicle was at the scene where Göstra Peterssonn was murdered. «

»Well then, let me do my work. Remember Mikkel, buns for breakfast tomorrow. «

»Okay you scoundrel. «, said Mikkel and slapped Gustav on the shoulder. The two had known each other for a long time. The little teasing between them was the order of the day.

Mikkel looked around for Liv. Åsa sat on a chair, her face white as chalk. A paramedic was taking her blood pressure and listening to her pulse. Liv also sat on a chair and stroked Åsa’s hand. She was also pale in the face.

»Åsa got dizzy. Definitely the circuit. «

Only now did Mikkel notice that he was also shaking slightly.

»That has been for us Liv. They wanted to blow our lights out. They must have been following Åsa to find us. Those were the gangsters from the Iron Church. «

»Are you really sure about that ? « Åsa asked.

»As sure as amen in church. «, said Mikel.

»What do we do now? «, Liv asked.

»I’m going to get this Herrmansson. He’s a member of the Iron Church and that’s enough for me. I’ll buy this guy. «.

»But how are you going to do that, you don’t even have an arrest warrant. «, Liv objected.

»I don’t care. I’m gonna drag this guy out of his office by his hair. He had been the prosecutor for the last day. «, Mikkel exclaimed.

»What’s going on here !! «, came a loud voice suddenly.

The massive figure of the Chief of Police suddenly stood in the doorway of the café. His flowing, curly hair and his equally flowing beard gave him the appearance of a Greek deity, which is why all the police officers secretly behind forhold hands called Arvid Andersson »Zeus«, like the Greek father of the gods.

»Mr. Havlund what happened here? «, he asked, standing in front of Mikkel. Although Mikkel was not exactly small, »Zeus« towered over him by a head.

»Mr. Andersson there was an assassination on Mrs. Svensson and myself. Mrs. Henning had arranged to meet us here and was being followed by men. According to our investigations, they are members of the Iron Church. «

»Did you find out more? «

»Oh yes, Mr. Andersson, we have information that certain people in the military are also involved and have given this cult access to military material. «

The chief of police looked at Mikkel with piercing eyes over the rims of his wire-rimmed glasses. Everyone else would be shivering sink in the ground, just not Mikkel. He returned his gaze boldly and openly. Thoughtfully, Andersson took his glasses off his nose, folded them up, and put them in the breast pocket of his suit.

»Now I’m beginning to understand a few things. Prosecutor Herrmansson wanted to put you out of business, so he sent the Internal at your neck. Shortly before that, however, I received a call from a Captain Forsberg who on the one hand had warned me, on the other hand he announced that he would have your personnel files confiscated by the secret service. You, Ms. Svensson, Ms. Henning and I have an appointment tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the headquarters of the Södra Skanska Regiment. General Viklund, the supreme commander, would like to see us. «

»Okay, then we’re one step further. «, said Mikkel.

»You will appear there at 10:00. I’ll get to that later. I have an appointment with the Minister of the Interior beforehand. General Viklund knows. You must have slipped into something really big there. Do me a favor, don’t mess it up. «, Andersson said to Mikkel.

»We’ll do our best. «, Mikkel replied.

»There’s something else! No sound to the press, they know nothing. From now on, I’ll take on the public relations. No dying word to anyone. You cannot go into your apartments. This is way too dangerous. The perpetrators are still walking around freely and who knows, they might be ambushed on some corner. They all go to a hotel. Please not the most expensive. You know we have to save. «, said the chief constable before exiting the café and confronting reporters.

Liv looked up a hotel and booked two rooms.

»Why only two? We are three? «, Asa asked.

»I’ll sleep in Mikkel’s room. «, Liv said with a smile.

»Think of the costs, we have to save. «, Liv mimicked the police president.

They left the crime scene and escorted Åsa to her car, which was parked two blocks down. They arranged to meet her in the lobby of the hotel that Liv had booked. Then they went back to Mikkel’s Porsche. They kept looking around to make sure they weren’t being followed. The police presence in the city was quite high. Actually, the perpetrators should be on the run. They got into Mikkel’s Porsche and also drove to the hotel. They met Åsa in the hotel lobby and checked in. Åsa did the check in and booked Liv and herself on the double room. Liv rolled her eyes and made angry faces behind Åsa’s back. Mikkel acknowledged it with an amused grin. Her boss was of the opinion that it would not be appropriate for a female colleague to share a room with a male colleague. Mikkel turned away and stifled a laugh as Liv, face grim, climbed the stairs to the first floor. Mikkel had just made himself comfortable in his room. when there was a soft knock on the door. Mikkel jumped up from the bed and opened the door. Liv stood in the hallway and quickly slipped into Mikkel’s room. As soon as Mikkel closed the door, Liv pounced on him and started kissing him.

»Hey, hey, what’s the matter. «, Mikkel asked in surprise.

»Man, I was looking forward to an evening with you and Åsa put a spanner in the works. I decide who I share the room with. After all, I’m not a little girl who needs a decency woof wow. «, Liv said pouting.

»Liv, we’ll have plenty of time together. So be nice and go to Aunt Åsa. «, said Mikkel, amused.

»But I do not want to. I want to be with you. «, Liv pouted, stamping her foot.

»It is not appropriate to share a room with a male colleague. «, Liv exaggeratedly mimicked her boss.

Mikkel burst out laughing.

»My God Liv, don’t get so upset. It’s only for one night. «, said Mikkel, chuckling with laughter.

Liv pulled a pout, whereupon Mikkel took her in his arms.

»Oh Liv, you’re really cute when you’re pouting like that. But you heard what aunt Åsa said. Eat your porridge and go make heia. «

»You’re mean Mikkel. «

Liv smashed his fist lightly into his chest. She knew herself that she had to lie in bed next to her boss tonight instead of in Mikkel’s arms.

»Come on, Liv, freshen up a bit, then we’ll go eat something, have a drink in the bar if you like, and then go to bed. I am really tired. «

Liv grimaced in surrender, kissed Mikkel again and then left.

»I’ll meet you in the lobby in half an hour, okay?«, Mikkel called after Liv.

Liv turned around again and gave him a charming smile and a thumbs up. After the meal they had a drink in the bar. Åsa had already retired to the room. She had warned Liv to watch out for Mikkel that he didn’t drink too much. Around midnight, Mikkel took Liv to the door of her room and kissed her goodbye. Liv watched him longingly as he walked down the hall to his room.

[helldiver]

                              **Chapter 32**

Early the next morning they were all sitting together at the coffee table. Mikkel asked Liv to order buns for the forensic department at Café Fåtöljen. The café was very popular with the police officers at the police station on Torkel Knutssonsgatan. After breakfast they drove by there to pick up the goods. They had all squeezed into Åsa’s little Björk, especially Mikkel, who had to fold himself up in the backseat of the wagon with the tray of buns on his knees. A little later they stopped in front of the entrance to the forensic department. There was a big hello as Mikkel entered the department. Gustav greeted him with a mischievous smile.

»Look here colleagues! Mikkel Havlund is inviting us to breakfast. «, exclaimed Gustav loudly.

A female colleague took Mikkel’s gun. While the shot test was being taken, Gustav took Mikkel aside and showed him what he had found out about the tire track. He showed on a screen the print that Mikkel had rubbed through and the one that was taken in Arkelstorp. Gustav pushed both electronically over each other. They matched one hundred percent. The murder weapon that was used in the attack on them yesterday, was an Älgstudsare that was said to belong to a Knut Larsson on Hjimfäll. It was reported stolen. Gustav was able to secure a trace of blood on the sidewalk where the gun was found. Accordingly, Mikkel must have hit the perpetrator when he shot at him.

»Judging by the amount of blood, you must have gotten him pretty bad. « said Gustav

Then they had to go because the appointment at the Södra Skanska Regiment headquarters was coming up. They were on their way. It felt like an eternity until they had struggled through the heavy traffic to Östermalm. Eventually they were able to park in the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters visitor car park. They were led by a young female soldier to the headquarters of the Södra Skanska Regiment, which was housed in an annex. When the door to the antechamber of General Viklund’s office was opened, Mikkel recoiled. There was Löjtnant Arvidson, who greeted them with a sleazy smile and pretended not to know anything.

»I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen. But unfortunately you came in vain, if the general had an appointment with you I would know about it, because all his appointments go through me. I’m sorry but you’ll have to excuse me. «

Before Mikkel could say anything, Åsa got angry:

»Listen, the chief of police himself sent us to this appointment. He’ll be right here himself. We want to be allowed to see General Viklund at once. «

»I’m sorry, dear Ms. Henning. But they’re not on the agenda, and the general is about to have an important meeting. Then you will have to come back again.«, said Arvidson with his sleazy smile.

Liv grabbed Mikkel’s arm, knowing her colleague was about to explode.

»I’m sorry, I have to tell you to leave now. The General doesn’t have time for you today. «, Arvidson repeated his request. Åsa was about to say something when the large door on the opposite side swung open.

»He has time, Arvidson! «, boomed a voice that sounded almost like John Wayne.

A tall, broad, bull-necked man who had the figure of a wrestler entered the room with expansive steps.

»Arvidson, do you have buttons on your ears? I told you in no uncertain terms that some people from the police, the interior and defense ministers, and some people from the secret service will be coming today. Didn’t you listen? «

Arvidson’s face was flushing red and he seemed to be crawling in on himself as the general’s massive frame loomed in front of him. The piercing blue of his eyes could pierce one to the core of the soul. Even Mikkel felt uneasy.

»I’m beginning to wonder how you got promoted to officer rank. You almost sent my visitor away. «

»But the date wasn’t in your diary. «, Arvidson tried to defend himself.

»He can’t be, since he was only scheduled yesterday afternoon. In contrast to you, people still work here after you have finished your work. «, Viklund thundered at him.

»But…but you said…«, Arvidson tried to say something else when the general snapped at him again.

»Arvidson, if you’re not sure, ask. Is that clear? One more misstep like that and you’ll scrub the toilets, got it. «

Arvidson snapped to attention and said, »Yes, sir. «

Then he turned to Mikkel, Åsa and Liv and said kindly in a soft tone:

«You are the designated police officers. Please excuse the inconvenience. May I ask, the ladies and gentlemen. «

General Viklund pointed in the direction of the door.

The three started walking, Mikkel gave Arvidson another amused look and said quietly to him:

»Scrubbing the toilet, hehe. «, then Mikkel chuckled. Arvidson gave Mikkel a look that would have killed him instantly if he had been able to. They were just passing the door to General Viklund’s office when he heard the general behind him.

»Arvidson, get your ass moving. Let Captain Forsberg know and get some coffee and biscuits and when I say coffee, I mean coffee and not some lukewarm canteen piss, is that clear? «

Liv and Mikkel exchanged a look and grinned gloating. The general closed the door behind them and asked them to be seated at a large conference table. There was a quick knock and Captain Forsberg entered. He snapped a salute. But the general waved him off:

»Forsberg cut the nonsense and sit down on your four letters. «

Captain Forsberg sat down and greeted everyone in a friendly manner.

»You already know each other? That’s good, then let me introduce myself. My name is General Lasse Viklund. I am the supreme commanding general of the Södra Skanska regiment and commander of a special task force whose company commander is Captain Forsberg. I would now like to ask you to introduce yourself. «, the general said, looking each one of them in the eye.

Mikkel introduced his colleagues and himself. There was a knock again. The Chief of Police and the Minister of the Interior appeared. They sat down at the table. Then the Minister of Defense came with Gunnar and Tjorben. The two smirked when they saw Mikkel. Tjorben patted Mikkel on the shoulder as he passed, greeted Liv and Åsa, then sat down next to his colleague Gunnar.

Arvidson entered the room with two female soldiers. Several pots of coffee and bowls of biscuits were served in silence. Then the female soldiers went around and poured everyone a cup of coffee. After serving everyone, they placed several more trays of small water and soda bottles on the table. When they were done, they stood at attention. The general dismissed them. He called out to Arvidson:

»Make sure we’re not disturbed! «

Arvidson snapped to attention again and saluted in acknowledgment of the order, then left the room, closing the door behind him.

General Viklund took the floor and introduced Åsa, Mikkel and Liv to those present. Then the three were asked which of them wanted to speak. Mikkel took the floor and put all the facts on the table without reservation. From time to time Liv spoke up and added something. Liv took her pictures out of her purse and pushed them across the table to the general. He studied the pictures carefully, shook his head several times and said to Captain Forsberg:

»Did you know about this? «

Captain Forsberg shook his head and said:

»We knew that robots were being tinkered with there. I’ve seen the wolves myself, but these human-like things and these giant things here, no… Holberg didn’t tell us anything about them. «

»Throw those things against the wall! «, General Viklund ordered.

Forsberg got up and took a projector from an alcove in the room. A little later, everyone involved could see the pictures on the wall. Liv commented on each one, including the circumstances under which they were recorded. As the images of the giant robots were shown on the practice site, a murmur went through the room. Mikkel mentioned that they were then detained and interrogated by the military.

»There you have dug deep into the jam jar. « said Tjorben appreciatively.

»We were already on the trail of the matter, but we haven’t gotten that far yet. All respect to you two. «

When Mikkel explained that Löjtnant Arvidson, Colonel Holberg and Prosecutor Herrmansson were members of the Iron Church, the Home Secretary jumped up and banged on the table.

»That’s outrageous, Mr. Havlund, how can you make such an accusation. I would put both hands in the fire for Herrmansson. «, he snapped at Mikkel.

»Well, I would watch out, so that you don’t burn your hands, Minister of the Interior. «, thundered General Viklund.

»Let your pants down, you Secret Service boys. «

Gunnar took the floor and presented his findings. They confirmed everything Liv and Mikkel found out. Gunnar and Tjorben had even more detailed information about the Iron Church and warned of a purge and a government overthrow that would follow. Gunnar presented a list of the names of high-ranking people who held many important offices and even a seat in the Parliament.

There was silence in the room for a moment. You could have heard a pin drop. The Secretary of Defense took the floor and said:

»Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like we’re up to our necks in shit. But we can be glad that we have such people on our side who risk their necks to disclose these activities. We have to thank the police and the secret service. But what do we do now? «

General Viklund took the floor and said:

»As far as the military is concerned, I would like to propose to Captain Forsberg and give him the task of putting together a special squad and arresting the members of the Iron Church. I recommend a concerted action together with the secret service and the police. Colonel Holberg is to be removed from his post and arrested with immediate effect. Forsberg could do that. Arvidson is one of them, but we have him under control here. We just have to be careful that he doesn’t get any more important information. When we don’t need him anymore, we arrest him. «

Captain Forsberg spoke up:

»We suspect Arvidson is setting up a fifth column here in Stockholm. We still have to let him go at the moment, because only he can lead us there. «

»That would be her part Forsberg. What do we do with the scientists? «, General Viklund asked.

»I think business as usual so that nothing stands out. Van Ulmer has been at the barracks for a few weeks and hasn’t shown up since. He is said to be in the infirmary. «

»What about the others? « asked General Viklund.

Forsberg went back to the projector and showed pictures of people.

»This is Ingrid Granqvist. She is researching the human interface together with van Ulmer. We must take care of her. But she should continue to work unhindered. I recommend putting her under personal protection, that could be done by the police or the secret service. «

Then he showed another picture.

»This is Veronica Nilsson. She is very important. She programmed the FNIX operating system and was instrumental in the development of the human interface. She would also be able to replace van Ulmer. According to our information, van Ulmer is suffering from a terminal AIDS infection. We have to reckon with the fact that he will die sooner or later. So Veronika Nilsson is a very important person and worth protecting. If she gets kidnapped or killed it’ll be a mess, it’ll set us back years and if these giant things can’t be controlled it’s a big pile of junk.«

Liv spoke up and mentioned that she had observed that some people had been seen near Veronika Nilsson’s apartment. She put some pictures she had taken on the projector and projected them on the wall.

»Damn, they’re Iron Church people. They’re up to something. Why didn’t we know that sooner? «, said Tjorben.

»We thought they were Secret Service people. As long as they didn’t do anything, we couldn’t do anything about the guys. «, Mikkel interjected.

»That’s just the bummer. They behave so calmly, as if they couldn’t murk a water, otherwise we would have busted the brothers long ago. « Gunnar said.

Liv asked Captain Forsberg to project Veronika Nilsson’s image onto the wall again. She asked Åsa to give her her glasses. Then Liv went to the projection screen, turned to those sitting at the table and cleared her throat. Then she put on the glasses, reached into her hair and formed a ponytail like Veronika Nilsson. She cleared her throat again and said:

»How about we take Veronika out of the running for a while and make her disappear. If I dress up a little and wear some of her clothes, I’ll look like her, won’t I? «

The chief of police took the floor and said:

»That’s brilliant Liv, but how are you going to get Mrs. Nilsson out of her apartment without being recognized. Quasi under the eyes of the Iron Church people? «

»Quite simply she puts on some of my clothes. We have roughly the same figure. When she leaves the house with Mikkel she looks like me. I can put on sunglasses beforehand, then they won’t see any difference in the color of my eyes. «, said Liv.

»So far so good Liv. Then I’ll stand guard outside with some of the police and if the guys do anything, we’ll catch them. « said Mikel.

»That would be good, then both of you would be out of the line of fire for the time being. In any case, we will do everything we can to track down the assassins. Until then it would be good Mikkel if you dived a bit under or at least dressed up. «, said the chief of police.

»You can go to the barber and cut your hair Mikkel.«, Liv said with a grin.

»Mikkel glared at her but said nothing. «

»You are aware, Ms. Svensson, that you are putting yourself in danger, so it would be good if we kept in touch with you. «, said the chief of police.

General Viklund spoke up and said:

»We will equip everyone involved with secure radios. Their range covers the entire island of Östertörn. Cell phones are not secure enough. «

Gunnar raised his hand and said:

»We found such strange devices on several poles yesterday. These crawling creatures had connected to the electronics of the radio masts. I’m sure they used it to tap cell phones yesterday and tracked them, so the assassins knew Ms. Henning would lead them to Mikkel and Liv. «

Gunnar handed an image to Captain Forsberg, who then projected it onto the wall.

»That’s a Tick! «, exclaimed Forsberg.

»What’s a Tick? «, asked the Secretary of Defense.

Viklund replied:

»It’s a building infiltration device. They can enter through air shafts and incapacitate the crew of a bunker or in a trench with explosive charges or targeted attacks with their syringe. For example, they can enter a trench and explode there. «

»And they can be used for electronic warfare. «, Forsberg added.

»Okay said Viklund. We call the whole operation »Decoy.« If you would agree to that, Ms. Svensson and the other gentlemen, I would ask that you work together and if there is any attack on Ms. Svensson, arrest the guys. «

»What are we going to do with Herrmansson? «, asked the Minister of the Interior.

»We should remove him from office and arrest him. «, said the chief of police.

»Good, then I’ll set this up with the Attorney General. Mr. Andersson, if your people sight Mr. Herrmansson, they should arrest him. «

General Viklund looked around and asked:

»Anyone have any questions before we get started? «

»Yes I! «, said Mikkel, raising his hand.

»Please ask your question, Mr. Havlund! «, General Viklund told Mikkel.

»What is the Ragnarok Protocol? Selma the deceased colleague from the secret service mentioned it before she passed away. She said we had to stop them. «

The faces of the general and the secretary of defense froze. There was a tense silence in the room.

The secretary of defense took the floor and stammered:

»This is……this is top secret….this. «

General Viklund cleared his throat and interrupted the defense minister.

»Mr. Defense Secretary. Everything that has been discussed here is subject to the strictest secrecy. That should be clear to everyone. So what reason would there be for not answering this perfectly legitimate question? «

»Do you really think, General, that we should do this. I think the smaller the group of people, the better. «

»That is correct, Minister, but I think we are all in the same boat now and everyone involved should have the same level of knowledge. «

»I think you are right, General, who explains it to them? «, said the Secretary of Defense.

»I’ll take care of that. «, replied Viklund.

He cleared his throat again and met Mikkel’s eyes with his piercing gaze.

»What I am about to tell you is subject to the strictest secrecy. Anyone who says even a single word about it in public will be in prison for treason for a very long time. Is that clear to everyone present? «

Everyone nodded in agreement.

»Ok, you want to know what the Ragnarök Protocol is? As you know, the artificial intelligence FNIX was programmed by Veronika Nilsson at the FOA 53. Together with the human interface, it should enable the combat robots to be controlled by a human pilot. While the robots are sent into battle, the pilots sit in a protected bunker. If the radio connection between pilot and robot is lost, FNIX takes over control until a radio connection is established again. If the connection is not restored, the robot will complete the task and automatically return to its home base.

So far so good. But we also had to ensure that if the entire chain of command were to be disrupted, or if there was a direct, imminent threat to FNIX, or if the armed forces were wiped out, our national defenses would not collapse. If the machines are still functional, the Ragnarök Protocol can be triggered. This requires three people. Right now that’s Frederik Holberg, The Secretary of Defense and I. We have to radio our code to the computer, or enter it directly on the terminal, then FNIX takes control of the robots and acts autonomously. In the event that we are no longer able to trigger this protocol, as soon as an imminent threat to the FNIX is detected, the protocol will be triggered by FNIX itself. It will then take over any functioning robot and send it into battle. FNIX will then act completely autonomously. It will take control of the new robot fabrication facilities, their repair and fuel production, and protect the infrastructure on its own. It can only be stopped when the enemy is finally destroyed, then the FNIX will shut itself down. «

»In other words, if the FNIX recognizes the members of the Iron Church as friends and the brothers manage to trigger the protocol, the machines will turn against us. «, said Mikel.

A tense silence fell again.

General Viklund took a deep breath and then said:

»That can happen to us and we must prevent it at all costs. Does that answer your question sufficiently.«

Mikkel thanked him.

»Okay then I would say let’s do Operation »Decoy! «, said General Viklund.

The Secretary of Defense rose and thanked those present. At the same time, he said that Liv and Mikkel would be given far-reaching powers and permission to arrest military personnel in connection with the conspiracy.

Åsa was instructed to continue working in Stockholm. She was also placed under personal protection. Everyone involved received a bug-proof radio. Then the session ended.

[helldiver]

                          **Chapter 33**

Liv and Mikkel let Åsa take them back to the hotel. After they’d gone to their apartments and picked up fresh clothes, Mikkel’s Porsche roared down the Highway to Östertörn.

On the way, Liv ran her hand over Mikkel’s. He, in turn, stroked hers.

»Are you nervous? «, Mikkel asked.

»A bit, I’m a little scared. «, Liv replied.

»I’ll take care of you Liv. «

»I hope so. Will you go to the barber and cut your hair shorter? «, Liv asked, looking at Mikkel with a smile.

»Actually, I wanted to keep my long hair. «, Mikkel replied.

»You heard what they said. The assassins are still on the loose and we don’t know if they’ll try again. It would be better Mikkel you would change a bit. Hair can grow back. «

»Maybe you’re right Liv. «, Mikkel replied.

»Look, if you cut your hair shorter, grow a beard and maybe wear a cap, it should be hard to recognize you. When the guys are caught, you can let them grow longer again. «

»Ok Liv, you don’t give a rest otherwise, I’d suggest we go to Östervik anyway. I’ll get my hair cut there and then we’ll pay Ole Bengtson a visit. Perhaps Dr. Håkansson finished his report. «

Liv gave Mikkel a charming smile and squeezed his hand a little. Then they drove on in silence.

When they arrived in Östervik, they immediately went to a men barber. The store was very tastefully decorated. Next to a comfortable sofa for those waiting there was a gleaming chrome chopper in the shop, which drew an appreciative whistle from Mikkel. The proprietor of the store was wearing scuffed jeans and a dark T-shirt. His head was shaved bald on the sides. His hair was tied in a pigtail at the top of his head. His face was covered by a flowing beard woven in with multicolored gemstone beads. Some strands of the beard were held together with silver clips. His arms were decorated with traditional Swedish tattoos. His feet were in black parachute jumper boots. He gave Mikkel his hand and, with a friendly smile, invited him to sit in the barber’s chair. Before Mikkel could say anything, Liv briefed the hairdresser. Mikkel scowled in the mirror and fought for every inch of his hair, but Liv was adamant. The hairdresser showed Mikkel a catalog of different hairstyles and gave him advice. He suggested a short hairstyle, which Mikkel liked. This hairstyle looked a little like that of the barber. The barber put a glass in Mikkel’s hand and poured him a slug of whiskey from a bottle he took from the cupboard surrounding the barber’s mirror.

Mikkel was amazed. With a smile, he leaned back in the barber chair, took a sip and said:

»Then we can get started. «

Liv stroked Mikkel’s hair and kissed his cheek.

»Be good Mikkel, I’ll be right back. I just need to get something quick. «

The hairdresser started his work by washing Mikkel’s hair first.

Liv left the store and walked along the rows of shops. She found what she was looking for in a woolen clothing store. She bought a wool cap for Mikkel. She had great fun buying something for him. She got goosebumps at the thought of him. After strolling around a bit and looking at the displays of the stores, she returned to the barber shop. Mikkel’s beard just got styled. The barber did this carefully with a sharp razor on Mikkel’s soaped face. After he finished that, he combed and blow-dried Mikkel’s hair. In the end, Mikkel looked at the work in the mirror.

Mikkel looked completely different. The styled three-day beard, the shaved sides of his head and the hair tied in a ponytail held together and in place with silver clips on top gave Mikkel a fierce look. Liv felt her knees go weak again.

»Man Mikkel you look really cool. «

»So you mean? «, Mikkel replied while looking at himself from all sides in the mirror.

»But hello Mikkel. My God, now I have to watch out for you even more. « Liv said with a smile on her face.

»Why that? «, Mikkel asked.

»Well, as cool as you look, you drive girls’ crazy. «, said Liv.

»You look a lot better than with that weird fringe around your head. «

The hairdresser smiled encouragingly at Mikkel again. He gave him some more instructions on how to style his beard when Mikkel paid.

Outside, Mikkel took another look at his reflection in the shop window. Liv gave him the cap she bought him. It fit Mikkel like a glove.

»And you really like that? «, Mikkel asked in disbelief as Liv took his arm and they looked at their reflection together. Then they walked over to Östervik Sjukhuset

They asked for Dr. Hakansson. He asked them to come. He welcomed them in the pathology. He gave Mikkel an astonished look and noticed that he looked somehow different. Then he asked:

»Can I finally make room now, you wanted to let me know? «

»Oh yes, I almost forgot. You still need a signature. Can I make a quick phone call? «, Mikkel asked.

»You can use the phone on my desk. «, replied Dr. Hakansson.

Mikkel dialed Åsa’s number and asked for the bodies to be released. After that he released the bodies of Gösta Petersson, Lenne Pålsson, the two hunters and the campers.

»Thank you very much ! «, said Dr. Håkansson after Mikkel signed all the documents.

»Please accompany me to pathology. «

Liv and Mikkel followed him. In the operating room of the pathology department, he took the cloth from the corpse that Lennart had fished out of the sea.

»Here you see the body of a young man. We were able to determine that he came from Kopparviken on Hjimfäll. The man must have been paraplegic for a long time. There were no traces of violence anywhere on the body. There were also no signs of poisoning. The blood and organ samples we took were all negative. Which then raised the question for me as to why this young man had been »buried at sea« in this way. To me it still looks like they wanted to make the young man disappear. The well-known tattoo on his arm identifies him as a member of the Iron Church. When I then examined him further to find out what he had died of, I came across this. «

Dr Håkansson opened a folder and showed pictures of the man’s head, which was currently wrapped in gauze bandages. See these little dots here. They look like small mosquito bites, but they are not. They are evenly distributed on the head. Upon closer examination, it looked like a lightning bolt injury. You often see this in people who have been electrocuted, but then they are significantly larger. When the corpse was opened and the head opened, I saw the following. «

Then the doctor turned the pages and showed new pictures.

»See what devastation has been created here? Real little pieces of brain tissue have been knocked out. However, this looks to me as if the sparks had hit the top of the skull from the inside, i.e. from the brain. I think that led to the man’s death. «

Liv and Mikkel looked at the pictures in amazement.

»They must have been experimenting with the human interface and messed it up. « said Mikel.

»I think so too. «, agreed Liv.

»May I ask what you mean by that?«, asked dr. Hakansson.

»The military have made experiments with telepathy, and transfering a humans consciousness into a machine. We have information that the Iron Church does this as well and may have stolen this technology and are now experimenting with it. «, said Mikel.

»Then these people must be stopped immediately. «, said Dr. Hakansson.

»We are in the process of. «, said Mikkel grimly.

The doctor gave them the report. Then they left the hospital. The two made their way to police headquarters, where they were warmly greeted by Chief Constable Ole Bengtson.

There was already mail from Hjimfäll on both of their desks.

»Arrived by courier this morning. «, said Ole Bengtson.

»Anything new? «, Bengtson asked curiously.

»Yes, yes, it’s about the members of the Iron Church and some military personnel. We need your help. «, said Mikkel.

Liv closed the office door and asked Ole Bengtson to sit down. They let him in on their findings and Operation Decoy. Bengtson promised to use his best constables and to support them to the best of his ability. After that, Liv and Mikkel left the police headquarters and continued to Hagaboda. Back in the room, Liv asked:

»What are we going to do with the evening we’ve started? «

»Well, we can go get something to eat and maybe get a few more beers and then go to bed. «, Mikkel replied.

»But we could also stay in the room and you go get us a few beers and something to eat. I don’t feel like walking around anymore.«, said Liv.

Mikkel set off. Liv had wished for a thick hamburger. The thought of it also made Mikkel’s mouth water. He sneaked up to Veronika Nilsson’s house and saw the members of the Iron Church sitting in a car parked on the side of the road across from Veronika’s apartment. However, Mikkel saw a police car driving slowly down the street. Then Mikkel went on. He bought a six-pack of beer at the Kundsam store, then proceeded to the hamburger restaurant and placed his order. A little later they both ate together in the room. Liv had swapped her clothes for a comfortable jogging suit. They didn’t come to empty the six-pack anymore. Because after the meal, Mikkel had to realize that Liv was completely undressed under the jogging suit and that she was still quite hungry. During the lovemaking that followed, they had to make sure that the bed didn’t creak too much.

Late in the night, Liv’s mobile phone that was lying on the table chirped. Mikkel woke up and freed himself from Liv’s embrace. They were completely naked as they had fallen asleep tightly embraced… Liv moaned unwillingly when Mikkel pushed her aside in the narrow bed to get up.

He accepted the call drowsily.

»Mikkel Havlund; Murder Commission Stockholm. «

»Hello Mikkel, this is your friend Ragnar. «

»Hi Ragnar, what is it that you throw me out of bed in the middle of the night? «

»Something very interesting Mikkel. You should come to Granhygget and see it. «

»Can’t we do that tomorrow Ragnar? «

»No, I do not think so. I just want you and your lovely colleague Liv to come. No more police please. I think what you see will help you in your case. «

All of a sudden, Mikkel became wide awake.

"What, what, what? Is there another dead body? «

»Come and see for yourself. The animal feed factory in Granhygget. hurry up i’m waiting for you «, said Ragnar Sigurdsson and hung up.

Mikkel switched off the mobile phone and put it on the table. He was just rubbing his hand over his face to rub the sleep out of his eyes when Liv stood up, yawning, and raised her arms in the air. The reddish light of the approaching morning bathed her female body in a soft, reddish light.

»Do not look so greedy. «, Liv said, throwing a pillow at him.

Mikkel caught it in mid-air and threw it back onto the bed. Liv got up and hopped barefoot into her room to get dressed. Mikkel looked her taut bottom as she hopped into her room.

[helldiver]

                             **Chapter 34**

Still yawning, Mikkel collects his clothes that were scattered around the room. A little later they were both sitting in Mikkel’s Porsche, which was eating up hungry the country road with a hoarse roar. They drove to the premises of the animal feed factory. Some of Ragnar’s men stood outside a hall, submachine guns at the ready. Mikkel stopped in front of it and got out of the Porsche. Ragnar Sigurdsson emerged from a door. He was wearing an expensive cashmere coat and hat. He puffed a puff of blue smoke out of the thin cigarillo stuck in the corner of his mouth.

»Good morning Liv. You brighten up my day.« Ragnar purred as he took Liv’s hand in his and kissed it.

Mikkel was also greeted with a handshake by Ragnar.

»Come with me then!«, said Ragnar walking into the interior of the hall.

Liv and Mikkel followed him. Some of Ragnar’s people were standing in front of a cold storage room, the door of which was open. A man of Asian descent was standing there with his hands tied behind his back.

»What is Ragnar about? «, Mikkel asked.

»Have a look in the cold storage room. «, Mikkel got as reply.

Mikkel opened the door to the room from which a thin mist of cold oozed. When he switched on the light, Mikkel’s jaw dropped. The decapitated bodies of two young men and a woman lay in the room. Another man was lying next to him. The two large bloodstains on his stomach were probably the injuries that had led to his death. Another middle-aged man also had a large abdominal wound. Which looked exactly like Göstra Petersson’s. There were five bodies in total, four of which had the tattoo of the iron church.

»Well what do you say Mikkel?«, Ragnar asked.

»I’m speechless, how did the bodies get here? I don’t think they died here.«

»You’re right Mikkel. They were handed in here and should be disposed of here. «

»What? Should they be processed into animal food? «, Liv asked incredulously.

»Yes, my beauty. They should be made into pet food, the best way to make someone disappear. «

Liv grimaced in disgust.

»Who does that? «, she asked.

»These, Liv will the man outside be able to answer you. Mikkel, to get straight to the point. I have nothing to do with it. I just found out by accident that one of my employees is doing shady deals. I own this factory, and someone tried to plant the bodies on me. «

»That’s quite possible Ragnar, same as with Lenne Pålsson. Then we’ll question the young man. «, said Mikkel and went back out of the cool storage room.

Ragnar pulled an envelope from his cloak, opened it and pulled out some pictures. He held it under the nose of the tied man and asked him lurking:

»Which of these men in the picture is it that brought you the bodies and how much did you get for it. «

The man looked at Ragnar with a pinched face. Ragnar slapped him in the face.

»Speak you impostor! «

Ragnar’s features darkened.

The man still said nothing. Ragnar reached under his coat and pulled out a Katana from underneath. Two men grabbed the man and forced him to his knees. The man looked up at Ragnar anxiously. Mikkel could see that his whole body was shaking.

Ragnar drew the sword from his Saya (Japanese Sword scabbard). One of Ragnar’s people took the Saya from his hand, then Ragnar took the sword in both hands and raised it over his head.

»You know what the Yakuza do to cheaters like you. so talk Which of these men brought the bodies? «

»Lord, lord, please don’t. I’ll make everything up to you. Please don’t ! «

The man closed his eyes and awaited the fatal blow in mortal fear.

»Who was it? «, Ragnar hissed.

»It was that, that, thin man with a beard. He offered me lots of money if I throw corpses into animal food shredders. I didn’t kill people. «

»I don’t care, but you wanted to cheat on me. If the bodies had been found here, I would have been suspected. You are a mean scammer and traitor. So at least be a man now. «

Submissively, the man bowed his head and leaned forward further to expose his neck more. He was shaking like a leaf.

»Ragnar No!! «, shouted Mikkel, blocking Ragnar’s arms by holding his arm in front of them.

»You didn’t want to get involved in yakuza affairs, did you, Mikkel? «

»That’s right, Ragnar. But leave him to me. I need him as a witness . Then I will bring him to his just punishment. Don’t make yourself guilty Ragnar. «

Ragnar’s eyes narrowed to narrow slits. He slowly took down the Katana and lowered it.

»Good Mikkel, you are a man of honor, for once I will turn the culprit over to you. I’ve been betrayed often enough, far too often. «

»I promise you the man will be punished. And I will tell the police that you have nothing to do with the case. You have us as witnesses, aren’t we, Liv. «

Liv replied, “Yes, yes Ragnar. We can confirm that you had nothing to do with it. «

Ragnar’s jaws ground. Then he lifted his head, held out a hand. The man holding the Saya bowed and held it out to Ragnar, carrying it in both hands. Ragnar took it and put the sword back into the Saya and hid it under his coat.

»He is yours.«, he said curtly.

Then he pushed the envelope into Mikkel’s hand. Mikkel reached inside and looked at the photos inside.

»That’s the man lying in the back of the cool storage room and Löjtnant Arvidsson. Where is this, Ragnar? «, Mikkel asked.

»I got the pictures from my casino in Östervik. I regularly check the surveillance cameras. Woe to the croupier who cheats me. «

Then he handed Mikkel the picture he was holding. It showed Löjtnant Arvidson with the man kneeling in front of them. As Mikkel looked through the other images, he saw the five bodies being unloaded by the Asian and Arvidson watching him.

»Do you know this man? «, Mikkel asked the tied one.

He didn’t answer at first, but when Mikkel said that if he didn’t answer he would leave him to Ragnar, he talked. He confessed that Arvidson offered him a deal and gave him a lot of money, about 500,000 kroner. The man was the manager of the feed factory and had accepted the money. The corpses would have been shredded along with the animal carcasses and processed into animal food.

After his confession, Liv also handcuffed the man. Ragnar rushed off while Liv informed the police and forensics.

A little later the first police cars arrived. Mikkel handed the Asian over to the police, who took him to jail in Östervik.

Then Dr. Håkansson and the forensic department arrived. Because there was nothing left for Liv and Mikkel to do, they drove to Östervik. They parked the Porsche at police headquarters and strolled down to the port. Mikkel invited Liv to breakfast. After breakfast they went back to the police headquarters. Liv searched the databases and missing persons reports on the computer to determine the identity of the bodies. Meanwhile Mikkel started to write his reports. He wrote them by hand, Liv would then type them into the computer because she was a lot faster at it than he was. By noon, Liv had established the identities of the bodies. The young man that Lennart fished out of Östervik Sund was called Henrik Bermansson and came from Kopparviken on Hjimfäll. The three young people came from a village in southern Sweden and had moved to Hjimfäll two years ago. They were registered in the Himarvet district. The man who was shot in the stomach was from Kiruna. He was a former military man who had been dishonorably discharged for a number of offenses, including a fight with a senior officer. He was known to the police because he had previously been in prison for three years for a violent crime. After that, his trail was lost. However, he appeared to be involved in some unsolved murders. Police had found several projectiles fired from the gun he had tried to use to kill Mikkel and probably Liv in the bodies of murdered victims.

»He was the one who tidy up when someone didn’t track. «, remarked Mikkel as he went through the results of Liv’s search.

Meanwhile, Liv was chewing on a piece of herring. Mikkel got her a lunch from a nearby restaurant. Now and then she would feed Mikkel a forkful of fish and fried potatoes. She has been doing this since she knew Mikkel, as he rarely ate lunch. Although he kept resisting, he ate what Liv served him.

As Mikkel reviewed the findings on the last man, he whistled in astonishment.

»Look, that’s FOA 53 again.«, Mikkel said.

»Hmm!«, Liv replied, mouth full. After she swallowed the bite she said:

»And the computer department again. Slowly they should have a staffing problem. «

»We’ve got Arvidson by his eggs, he can’t get out of this number. «, said Mikkel grimly.

Liv swallowed and agreed with Mikkel:

»He’s going to jail for the rest of his life. «

They worked until late afternoon. Liv typed all the reports. Since they both worked together, she was able to copy from Mikkel. When she was done, she printed out all the reports and put them in a sealed envelope. Then she gave it to a motorcycle policeman who took her to Stockholm.

»Why didn’t you email them? «, Mike asked.

»Because it’s not secure enough and we can’t know who’s reading it. «

Then they set out for Hagaboda. Liv asked Mikkel if they could have Chinese food. Mikkel agreed. Tired and rather full, they fell asleep in their room. Whereby Liv was smiling happily in Mikkel’s arms.

[helldiver]

                         **Chapter 35**

After breakfast they drove back to Östervik. They wanted to start Operation »Decoy«. But before that, Mikkel wanted to talk to Dr. Hakansson.

The doctor was still dissecting the bodies. However, he interrupted his work and made a report in advance. The Doctor had extracted two 9mm bullets from the Kiruna man’s stomach. One of them had injured the abdominal artery. The man must have bled to death. He had already sent the bullets to Stockholm for Gustav’s hands in forensics. The other three bodies had been killed as well as the hunters and the campers. The man, whose name was Petter Jacobsen, had been murdered with a sword thrust just like Gösta Petersson. It was the blade of one of the robots.

When they arrived at the police headquarters, they first treated themselves to a coffee, then Mikkel called the forensic department in Stockholm. He got Gustav on the line straight away. He asked him if he found out anything about the two bullets.

»Of course Mikkel. You have him on your conscience. The two bullets came out of your gun. The blood sample also showed that it matched the trail of blood on the sidewalk. You blew the asshole away. «

Mike said goodbye. Frustrated, he hung up the phone. He hated it when people died at his hands. Even if they were criminals. Liv knew how Mikkel felt and comforted him.

                                ***********

As every morning, Veronika Nilsson drove to FOA 53. This time she drove at a rapid pace because her young son Finn had been dawdling about the morning toilet and breakfast. She had had to urge him to hurry several times. When she pulled up at the gate to the FOA and showed her ID, the barracks compound was brightly lit. Many men were walking about the grounds, armed and very busy. Armed soldiers also stood guard, wearing different association insignia than those from the FOA. An MP badge was pinned to their green uniforms. Some wore a vest with Military Polis written on the back. A few Björk SUVs painted blue and yellow were parked in front of the administration building. After parking her car and dropping off her son Finn at the daycare, she made her way to her office in the FOA bunker. There were armed military police everywhere. She had to identify herself at every door. When she got to her office, she immediately phoned Ingrid Granqvist. She was also very surprised.

»I don’t know, but I suspect there’s something going on with Colonel Holberg. It is rumored that the military police are looking for him. «, said Ingrid Granqvist.

»What do we do now? Colonel Holberg has been missing for two weeks. Petter Jacobsen is just as untraceable. I’ve called him so many times, but only the answering machine picks up. Even his ex-wife doesn’t know where he is. Surely nothing has happened to him? «, Liv asked anxiously.

»I hope not. Did you find out something new how we can get Svante back? «, Ingrid asked.

»No, it’s like it’s bewitched. Svante’s consciousness must be in the memory banks. I don’t get any contact and I’ve gone through the program so many times. I just can’t find the error. «, said Veronica.

At about ten o’clock an announcement came over the public address system of the FOA. They all had to gather in the test room of the lab. This room was the size of a gymnasium. Here the technicians had carried out tests with the robots.

A large group of armed military soldiers were in the hall. When they were all assembled, a tall, bull-necked man stepped up to an improvised lectern. His golden insignia of rank identified him as a general.

He turned to them and apologized for the inconvenience. He informed them that Colonel Holberg had been relieved of his post for high treason and that he was wanted. He also pointed out that he was allegedly involved in the murders of colleagues in the computer department. When he informed them of Petter Jacobsen’s death, an uneasy murmur went through the crowd.

»I have now inspected your lab and am impressed with your performance. You have made an important contribution to the defense of Sweden. But criminal elements want to seize this achievement you have achieved here in order to destroy our democratic, free basic order and to overthrow our democratically elected government in order to replace it with their dictatorship. We will vigorously defend ourselves against this. We will track and arrest these elements. To protect you personally, the MPs will remain here at the barracks to reinforce and protect the crews here so you can continue your work.

Some of them are important performers who need special protection. We will discuss this in personal discussions with the persons concerned. So don’t worry. Lt. Col. Knut Magnusson will assume command as deputy chief. Thank you for your attention. «

Veronika went back to her place of work with Ingrid Granqvist. She was saddened that Petter Jacobsen was dead. Together with Ingrid she checked on van Ulmer again. Then she went back to her office. She tried to find the error in the recall sequence, but she kept digressing. Then her phone rang. A captain named Forsberg answered and invited her into the small briefing room in the administration building.

                                **********

The FNIX sensed that something was changing. More and more entities gathered in the dark cluster. Like an ulcer, it kept growing and increasing its neuron weight. Even the Maker couldn’t help the FNIX. It asked the Maker to contact The Creator.

                                ***********

In the afternoon, the radios in Mikkel and Liv’s pockets started beeping. They pressed the talk button and answered. Captain Forsberg’s voice came a bit tinny but still clear over the radio. He asked them both to come to the FOA with Police Sergeant Bengtson. They should be careful not to be followed. Then the radio call ended.

A short time later they sat in Ole Bengtson’s police car and drove to FOA 53. On the premises, the police car was hardly noticeable between the many blue and yellow painted military police vehicles.

                              **********

In the Hall of Enlightenment, two of the large Hunter robots paced restlessly. One of the chests in which a young man’s body rested was connected to the Brainhood via a console with the computer and one of the Hunter robots, which stood on a wheeled pallet. A man was sitting at the computer, his eyes strained. Error messages constantly flickered across the screen.

»What’s up ? Why is it still not working? «, one of the robots asked in a dark, mechanical voice.

»I do not know yet. The software seems to be buggy. I can’t get him back. «

The other robot replied:

»We’re going to have to remain in these robotic bodies for a while, Drako. Maybe it’s better that way. «

»Why? «, asked the other.

»We’ve been blown open. I have received information via FNIX that MPs have entered FOA 53. We must do something urgently before it becomes entirely impossible for us to trigger the Ragnarök Protocol to take control of the robots. «

»What do you suggest Holberg? «

»We should kidnap the scientists at FOA and arrest them here. Then it is important that we penetrate the FOA. For this we should take all enlightened ones. We will attack the FOA and activate our computer specialists. They sit at the important places in the bunker of the FOA. While we create confusion above, they can hack into the FNIX program and trigger the protocol. «

»When should we do that, Holberg? «

»First we have to kidnap the scientists, especially Ingrid Granqvist and Veronika Nilsson. We also have to secure the body of Svante van Ulmer. Because Arvidson, this jerk, was blown open we have to do it as soon as possible. The scientists will certainly be placed under police protection. Then it becomes even more difficult to kidnap them. «

                               **********

In the FOA briefing room, Veronika Nilsson sat across from the two police officers, Liv Svensson and Mikkel Havlund. Captain Forsberg, General Viklund and a police chief Ole Bengtson were also present. The general outlined the situation again in a few words and explained to her that she and her son had to be given a leave of absence for a while. It was important that this was done as inconspicuously as possible. Veronika was afraid for her little son Finn. General Viklund offered to take him to her parents in Kålleby in a civilian vehicle. She herself was to be replaced by police officer Liv Svensson. Mikkel Havlund would then also take her to her parents in Kålleby, where she would be monitored by plainclothes police officers all day. Veronika agreed to this plan. A military policewoman in civilian clothes went to the daycare center with Veronika and took care of her son Finn there. Before that, she had called her parents over a secure phone line. Then she went home. Mikkel and Liv had arranged to meet her.

[helldiver]

                              **Chapter 37**

First, Liv and Mikkel drove back to the police headquarters in Östervik. From there they drove to their accommodation in Mikkel’s Porsche. Liv disguised herself by changing her hairstyle and putting on sunglasses. Mikkel also changed into casual clothes and put on the wool hat that Liv had bought him. Then they went to Veronika’s apartment. In the apartment, Liv swapped clothes with Veronika. After making herself up again, Liv looked strikingly like Veronika. Veronika also looked very much like Liv in Liv’s clothes. They checked their radio link and Liv’s gun again. She had two spare magazines and pepper gas with her. Handcuffs were also part of her equipment. Mikkel warned her to be careful and to contact him by radio if she had the slightest suspicion. Mikkel kissed Liv goodbye and hugged her. Then he left the house with Veronika disguised as Liv. He took detours to Kålleby and kept making sure that he wasn’t being followed.

When Mikkel returned, he checked in briefly with Liv. He would keep watch for a few hours during the night. Then at the morning Liv would get in Veronica’s car and drive to FOA to make it look like she was driving to work. Mikkel watched the people of the iron church with Liv’s opera glasses. He recognized the Iron Church people sitting in their car watching Veronika Nilsson. Mikkel saw a van parked a few cars behind the iron church car. It looked as if a craftsman had accidentally placed it there. But Mikkel knew that this car was from the secret service and was stuffed with surveillance electronics. There were other police officers a few cars away to be on site immediately in an emergency.

The first night was uneventful. After completing his watch, he slept for a few hours. Then he drove to the FOA to meet with Liv. They left FOA to spend a few hours together. They drove to Rusaberget Lake. It was picturesquely surrounded by forest. They parked the car and walked around the lake. They found a spot where the water wasn’t very deep and they were unobserved. They undressed and jumped naked into the cool water. They swam around, splashed each other with water, then kissed and made love in the warm, fragrant grass. Late in the afternoon, Mikkel brought Liv back to FOA and kissed her goodbye. He followed Liv’s car at a distance home to Hagaboda. The next few days were similar and uneventful.

                               **********

In the cave under the lighthouse of Klacksundsfyren the robot army grew. Only a few human beings remained in the Hall of the Enlightened. A ferry anchored off the coast in the middle of the sound. A Stridsbåt 90 had moored on the beach below the lighthouse and picked up the first robotic units at night and in fog to bring them to the ferry. During the day the ferry hid in the archipelago and came back to the agreed meeting point at night. To add more robots. In a few days, the robot army should be brought ashore and storm FOA 53.

On Day X, in the early hours of the morning, they would travel up the Överbyån with about five boats of the Stridsbåt class, across Lake Avern to Kopparstugan to disembark and start the invasion. The boats would return to the ferry several times to pick up more robots to transport them ashore.

                                  **********

Ingrid Granqvist had gotten used to personal security and felt safer. She was on duty at the FOA as usual and checked on van Ulmer who remained in his comatose state. Veronika Nilsson enjoyed the holidays with her parents. Little Finn was happy and romped around in the garden with his grandfather. He had promised to take him out to the Kålleby Sund to fish early tomorrow morning. After having fika (swed. Coffee and Cake time), with her mother, she retired to her room. She started her computer and connected to her computer at FOA 53. So she could calmly go troubleshooting in the FNIX program. She was in the middle of her work when her screen suddenly went dark. First the letters of the program text rained down on the bottom line of the screen, then the screen went black and flickered. Liv already thought that she had caught a computer virus that was now up to mischief on the computer system. But it occurred to her that the connection to the FOA was strictly secured and that it was actually not possible.

Then letters slowly appeared on the screen.

FNIX MEDDELANDEHANTERINGSTJÄNST INITIERAD

(Swed. FNIX MESSENGER SERVICE INITIATED)

Veronika couldn’t believe her eyes and had to read it twice before she understood what she was reading. FNIX wanted to tell her something.

Then new letters formed again

»HELLO«

Appeared on the screen in amber letters.

Below that, the prompt blinked. Veronika typed hesitantly

»HELLO WHO IS THERE? «

»SVANTE«

The answer came promptly. Veronica’s jaw dropped and her heart began to race. Finally Svante van Ulmer gave a sign of life.

»HOW ARE YOU SVANTE?

WE THOUGHT YOU ARE DEAD ! «

»I’M DOING WELL! VERONIKA YOU ARE IN GREAT DANGER! «

»I KNOW «

Veronika typed back.

»GET YOURSELF SAFE

BECAUSE SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN «

»I AM SAFE SVANTE

THE POLICE ARE WATCHING ME«

»YOU MUST UNITE WITH FNIX!

A DARK FORCE WANTS TO TAKE FNIX«

»IT’S NOT THAT EASY SVANTE WHAT ABOUT MY CHILD? «

»UNITING WITH FNIX IS MORE IMPORTANT

WHEN THE DARK FORCES TAKE OVER THE FNIX

ARE WE ALL IN GREAT DANGER! «

»THAT’S NOT GOING SVANTE!

WE HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER WAY! «

»I CANNOT HOLD THE COMMUNICATION UPRIGHT FOR SO LONG.

I WILL CONTACT YOU AGAIN LATER. »

Veronika stared dumbfounded at the letters that flickered on the screen in front of her. Svante van Ulmer had contacted her. She should unite with FNIX! There was no way she could, not as long as the return sequence didn’t work. Gradually, Veronika got the feeling that maybe it was FNIX itself that was blocking the return transport of consciousness. She set out again to find a place in the program that would make this possible.

                                 **********

At FOA, Ingrid Granqvist just finished her service. She took off her work coat and hung it in her office closet. Then she grabbed her purse and headed home. As she drove, she reflected that she still had to do some shopping for dinner. She stopped in Östervik at Kundsam market, which was close to the port. Loaded with heavy shopping bags, she returned to her car and drove home to Lillå. After dinner, Ingrid Granqvist treated herself to a glass of red wine and made herself comfortable on her couch in front of the television. Before she went to bed around midnight, she went back to her study. She started the computer and connected to the FOA. She started the FNIX program, which allowed her to use the lab’s surveillance cameras. She took another look at Svante van Ulmer, who was lying rigid in his sickbed. Next to the screen, display fields had popped up showing his heartbeat, breathing rate, the oxygen saturation of his blood and the brain wave patterns in curves.

Suddenly Ingrid heard a noise. Was there a faint clink? She listened intently and heard a door on the ground floor creaking softly open. Ingrid’s heart began to pound. Was anyone in the house? Where were the cops. The room’s window faced the garden, so Ingrid couldn’t see any of the police officers. She thought quickly. The phone was down the hall, so calling was impossible. She quietly pulled open her desk drawer. She heard the stairs creak softly behind her. That was the middle step that always creaked. There was definitely someone in the house, quietly sneaking up the stairs. Ingrid reached into the drawer and pulled out a small Möller pistol. She had bought this gun for exactly this case. She got up quietly from her chair and turned towards the door. She quietly pushed back the pistol’s slide and loaded it. The gun’s hammer clicked into place. Then she pulled the safety lever and unlocked the gun. She heard a rustling in the hallway. The door to her study slowly opened and a dark shadow appeared in the door. They fired almost simultaneously. Ingrid felt a dull hit in her belly. The dark-clad figure collapsed. She raised her gun again Ingrid pulled the trigger again, the man was thrown backwards by the shot and lay still. She heard footsteps approaching and saw a shadow. She fired again then slouched into the hallway and saw a dark figure running down the stairs. Ingrid shot after it again. Her whole belly hurt and she felt dizzy. She had a hand on her stomach, feeling wet. When she took her hand away, she saw that it was covered in blood. A large red spot spread across her stomach. Ingrid knew that she would not survive this injury. She knew that kind of injury. She stepped over the dead man and tried to get to her desk. Ingrid felt nauseous. The room rotated before her eyes. The gun fell from her hand and rumbled on the floor. She sank to her knees and fell to the ground. The pain in her belly almost robbed her of her senses. Ingrid gritted her teeth and dragged herself to her desk. She pulled herself up on the seat of the chair. Her bloodstained hand left smeary marks. Ingrid pulled herself up at the tabletop, groaning. She had to put the Brainhood on her head and start the FNIX transmission sequence, that was her only hope. She groped for the Brainhood and got hold of it. She turned her on. A row of small blue glowing diodes indicated operational readiness. She typed in the transfer sequence. She had to stop because her belly was cramping and hurting badly. The screen and the letters on the keyboard blurred before her eyes. With the last of her strength she finished the transfer sequence and pressed the enter key. Then she sank to the ground. The transfer sequence messages flickered on the computer screen. A light bar moved slowly from left to right. The desk began to tremble. A small vase of flowers started to move and slowly wandered to the edge of the desk, tipped over and smashed on the floor. Ingrid Granqvist lay on the ground, mouth gaping. Her whole body was shaking violently. She reared up again, took a deep breath, and then collapsed with a sigh. Her eyes stared at the ceiling. She stopped moving.

Suddenly the whole settlement was in an uproar. Shots and screams rang out. A man ran out the back door of his home and began screaming loudly for help. Shots rang out through the night. The man collapsed in his garden and lay still. Dark figures scurried to black Björk limousines whose engines started. Not far away in Balder’s Val the blue glow of the police cars flickered, their sirens shattering the stillness of the night.

Ambulances and more and more police cars stopped in the settlement. Many people stood in the doorways of their houses, wrapped in dressing gowns. Police officers at gunpoint rushed into the houses whose doors were open. Others secured the road.

                               **********

Mikkel was sitting in his Porsche which he had parked in the parking lot on the banks of Hagaboda. From here he could see the back of the house where Veronika’s apartment was. Soft music was playing on the Porsche radio. Mikkel yawned and looked at his watch. It was already one o’clock. He would have to hold out until three o’clock before his relief came. Suddenly the radio beeped. It was Ole Bengtson who radioed him.

»What’s up ? «, Mikkel asked and yawned again.

»Mikkel you have to come, something terrible happened here in Lillå. «

»What is it? «, Mikkel asked, sitting up in the driver’s seat of his Porsche.

»In Lillå some scientists from FOA were murdered. There must have been a bad shooting. The perpetrators are on the run. Unfortunately we couldn’t catch them. I’ve already called for reinforcements in Stockholm. Please come fast. «

»I’m coming ! «, Mikkel replies curtly, tossed the radio onto the passenger seat and started the engine.

Then he took it again and informed the officers that he was leaving his post because he had to go to Lillå. Then he sped off.

When he left Hagaboda, he pulled his blue light out of the glove compartment, switched it on and placed it on the roof of his Porsche.

Lillå was cordoned off over a wide area. Mikkel showed his police ID and was then able to pass through the checkpoints. All of Lillå was illuminated by the flickering blue lights. Mikkel took the radio from the passenger seat and went to the operations center. Ole Bengtson received him directly and led him to the crime scenes. All those killed belonged to the scientific staff of FOA 53. Mikkel knew immediately who was behind it. It had been the Iron Church. A body was found in Ingrid Granqvist’s home. The tattoo on his arm confirmed Mikkel’s assumption. Mikkel immediately contacted Captain Forsberg. He immediately put together a special task force and went to Hjimfäll to storm the house of Drako Ivarsson and the commune of Ljuset. They wanted to arrest the members of the Iron Church along with Drako Ivarsson.

                               **********

Liv woke up with a start. She hadn’t slept well since staying at Veronika Nilsson’s apartment. She always tensed awaited a burglary. Although she knew that Mikkel was out there and some police officers were watching over her, she was nervous and couldn’t sleep.

Didn’t she hear a click? Liv listened intently. Then she heard a soft but hard »Clack« again. It came from the balcony railing. Liv grabbed her gun, which she always kept under her pillow, took the spare magazines and the radio. She loaded her Glock and snuck into the living room on bare feet. She saw the balcony railing tremble as if something heavy tried to pull itself up on it. In the midsummer twilight, she could see two grappling hooks hanging on the railing. Liv crept back into the furthest corner of the apartment. It must have been the kidnappers, but why didn’t anyone react? Were they all asleep out there? Liv clicked the radio to call Mikkel.

She spoke softly into the radio: »Liv to Mikkel please coming!«

                               **********

»What about the police officers who were supposed to be on guard here? «, Mikkel asked.

»They lay in their cars and slept. They were obviously drugged. The side windows of the cars were smashed and we found this. «

Mikkel took the object, which was about the size of a can of condensed milk, from Ole Bengtson’s hand.

»That’s a sedantine grenade. «, said Mikkel, amazed, and handed it back to Ole Bengtson.

»Exactly, we found them in all the police cars. There must have been several perpetrators. They sneaked up, smashed the window and then threw in the grenade. The colleagues didn’t stand a chance. «

Suddenly Mikkel’s radio came on. Liv’s whispering voice came out:

»Liv to Mikkel! «

»I hear! «, Mikkel replied.

»Decoy in danger !«, Liv whispered softly.

That was the code word. The kidnappers had started their attempt.

»How many they are? «, Mikkel whispered into the radio.

»I don’t know. I think there are two «

»Ok hold the position here we come! «, Mikkel whispered.

Ole Bengtson shouted some orders, then some police cars started moving and drove off with loud »Tatutata.«

While Mikkel ran to his Porsche, he radioed Tjorben and instructed him. They were in the van and had to watch as their colleagues were drugged. They themselves had already requested a special task force. Mikkel gave the instruction not to force his way into the apartment to get Liv out. Unfortunately it was too late for that. Mikkel raced through the night

                                  **********

Liv had retired to Veronika’s little son Finn’s room. She had the gun tucked into the waistband of her pajama bottoms and was holding a baseball bat she found in Finn’s room. She heard the soft crunch of a glass cutter and saw a dark figure on the balcony cutting a hole in the pane of the balcony door. Liv feverishly thought about what to do and forced herself to calm down. She could have shot the perpetrator right away, but that would provoke a firefight with an uncertain outcome. She had to play Veronika Nilsson, but if the kidnappers found out she wasn’t Veronika Nilsson, her life wouldn’t be worth not a chanterelle. She heard a faint clinking and heard the balcony door being opened. Liv cast a careful look out of Finn’s room. Luckily it was in a dark area of the apartment. She saw two dark figures entering her apartment and swarmed out. One walked purposefully to her bedroom. The other to Finn’s room. Liv waited anxiously behind the door, breathing very shallowly so as not to make a sound. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She saw a large black shadow. Liv jumped out from behind the door and hit with all her might. Liv had hit him square at the head. Her opponent collapsed like a sack of potatoes. She dropped the baseball bat and quickly ran over to the kitchen. There was a window there. But she saw a dark shadow rushing out of her bedroom. Liv shot. The shadow flinched. Then he fired back. A violent exchange of fire ensued. Neither could meet the other.

                              **********

Mikkel overtook the column of police cars that raced towards Hagaboda with sirens and blue lights flashing. On the way he was blinded by the flashes of the radar traps which he passed at far too high a speed. With squealing tires, he slammed on the brakes at the apartment building. He saw the car with the police officers here, too, the windows were broken like in Lillå. The police officers lay motionless in their seats. More police cars arrived and stopped with screeching tires. The door of the Secret Service van opened and Gunnar stepped out.

»The perpetrators are still in the house. «, he said.

Police officers swarmed the house and surrounded it.

---

The window behind Liv burst with a bang. She was still fighting fiercely in the kitchen. Something hard was pressed against her head.

»Put that gun down now! Go drop her! «, came a harsh voice behind her.

Liv carefully laid the gun on the ground and raised her hands.

A boot came into view, kicking the weapon aside.

»Over! «, Liv thought. She heard the police sirens approaching. They gave Liv hope.

»Get up and don’t move. «, said the voice behind her harshly.

Liv slowly got up. A hand patted her down, the barrel of the pistol stayed against her head pressed. The other intruder appeared. He was dressed in black from head to toe and wore a balaclava over his head. Liv could only see the eyes from a slit.

»Give up, the police will be here in a few minutes. You’re not getting out of here. «, Liv said in a calm tone.

»Shut up, you’re not asked. «, the other said harshly to Liv.

»Shit, Vide took off!! Anyway, I don’t see the car anymore. What do we do now ? The cops are coming, can’t you hear that!? «

»Do you think I’m deaf? Of course I hear the cops, damn it! «, hissed the other man who was holding the gun to Liv’s head.

»Give up, nothing bad has happened yet. «, Liv tried again.

»I told you to shut up! «, came the harsh answer and a hard push in her back that made Liv stagger forward.

One of the intruders paced restlessly and looked out the window.

»Damn the whole house is surrounded, what are we going to do now Thorben? ’ he asked anxiously and excitedly.

»Shut up, I have to think, Benka. «, hissed the voice behind Liv.

»Liv are you there? «, whispered Mikkel’s voice from the radio lying on the ground.

The one addressed as Benka whirled around

»Liv, why Liv? Aren’t you Veronika Nilsson? «

Liv bit her lower lip.

»Damned! Inadvertently, Mikkel had spoken Liv’s real name. Who could have guessed that the kidnappers could overhear. ’ Thoughts raced in Liv’s head. Her cover was blown, now she was in mortal danger. Liv put everything on one card.

»Yes exactly Liv. I’m from the police and that’s my colleague Mikkel Havlund on the radio. You can shoot me, but then you won’t get out of here alive. «, Liv said in a calm voice.

Then the hand of the one addressed as Benka exploded in her face.

»You damn cop bitch! «, he yelled at her.

The attack came as a complete surprise to Liv, who staggered back and fell to the ground.

The blow was hard and burned in her face. Benka suddenly stands over her and loads his gun.

»I’ll shoot you!..I’ll shoot you! «, he yelled in a cracking voice. Torben caught his arm and knocked Benka’s gun aside. A shot erupted with a bang from Benka’s pistol and hit the kitchen cupboard. Splinters of wood rained down on Liv. As if insane, he kicked Liv. She curled up on the ground, protecting herself as best she could. Each kick drove the air out of her lungs, her whole body ached.

»Stop it, Benka, you idiot. Are you completely insane? She’s right, without her we don’t getting out of here alive! « she heard Torben yell. The kicks stopped and they saw Benka being pushed away from her by Torben.

Liv tasted blood in her mouth. She was pulled up hard. Her tormentor brutally grabbed her hair and yanked her head back, twisting her arm behind her back so that Liv was unable to move… Livs cried out in pain, her heart racing, freezing fear holding her in a chokehold.

»Go tie her up. «,said Torben harsh. Benka found Liv’s handcuffs and cuffed her hands behind her back. The third man appeared staggering in the kitchen door. He was holding his head and appeared to have a severe headache.

»What’s going on here. Do you finally have the Nilsson in your power? « the figure asked anguished.

»No, Iver, it’s not Veronika Nilsson, it’s a police officer. «, Thorben said.

»Liv answer! «, Mikkel’s voice whispered over the radio.

»Holy shit. They have fooled us. What are we going to do now Thorben? «, he kept asking.

»We need to talk to the cops. «, Thorben replied.

He picked up the radio and grabbed Liv’s face. His fingers gripped her lower jaw and held the radio in front of Liv’s mouth.

»Talk to your colleagues and make it clear to them that we want a getaway car and safe conduct. If not, you’re dead. Then he cocked the hammer of his pistol and pressed the barrel against Liv’s temple. She could feel his stinky breath on her face. A feeling of disgust rose in Liv.

Thorben held the radio in Liv’s face and pressed the talk button. Her lip was swollen and painful from Benka’s punch. Liv cleared her throat and said loudly:

»I hear Mikkel! «

»Have you been captured? Are you hurt?«, Mikkel sounded worried.

»I’m doing well. Mikkel, there are three of them. They want a getaway car and safe conduct. They’ll kill me if we don’t meet their demands. «

»That’s understood. We’ll get in touch. «

Then the connection broke.

                              **********

Mikkel turned to Gunnar.

»Damn, her cover’s blown. «, said Mikel.

»You know she’s not Veronika Nilsson? «

»Damn it, how did that happen? «, Gunnar asked.

»I fucked it up. I shouldn’t have called Liv by her name. Damn crap! «, said Mikkel contritely.

»It doesn’t matter now. We got to get her out of there. «, Gunnar said firmly.

»We have to buy time until the task force gets here. «, said Mikkel.

»We need snipers on the roofs. Then we need nail barriers on all arterial roads. «

»OK, the snipers can get their colleagues from the special task force. The police can take over the roadblocks. «, Gunnar said.

»Are you negotiating with the kidnappers? «, Gunnar asked.

»I’ll do that!«, Mikkel replied.

Ole Bengtson gave instructions to his people. Mikkel asked them to leave without making a fuss. The message came over the radio that the people from the special task force had arrived. Mikkel looked around. He could see men getting into position on the surrounding rooftops. In between, the kidnappers reported again. Mikkel asked if anyone was hurt or if they needed any food or drink. They declined. They demanded the getaway car. When the Special Force reported readiness. Mikkel reconnected with the kidnappers.

»We have provided the getaway car. I’m going to get it to the front door now and park it there with the engine running and the doors open. «

»Do it cop and don’t do anything stupid, otherwise your colleague is dead, you understand! «

»That’s understood. We will do everything to ensure that our colleague survives. «

»Better is that, cop. We’re coming out now. «

As announced, Mikkel parked the car with the engine running and the doors open. Then he withdrew. Mikkel holed himself up behind a concrete box containing garbage cans. He activated the radio and informed the Special Force. He then informed the kidnappers that they could verify that the road was clear and that all the police had withdrawn. The Special Force people hid behind bushes and house entrances so that they could not be seen.

A tense silence had fallen over Hagaboda, broken only by the cries of the gulls and the sound of the waves pounding on the nearby shore…

The front door was opened. The first to appear was Liv, dressed only in her pajamas. Her hands were tied behind her back. She had some wounds on her face, she must have been abused. She had mortal fear in her gaze. Hot anger boiled up in Mikkel. One of the perpetrators had an arm around Liv’s neck and held a pistol to her lower jaw. If he pulled the trigger, Liv would be dead instantly. Mikkel was nervous. Could the snipers do anything now without endangering Liv? Behind the man who held Liv in his grip, two more men appeared, walking slowly and carefully behind their leader with their pistols, securing them in all directions. They went to the car. Two of them got into the car, only the one holding Liv was still standing outside. Mikkel aimed his pistol at the man sitting in the backseat of the car. If a shot rang out, he would shoot at the man immediately. The seconds slipped endlessly.

                               ***********

The cool night air hit Liv in the face as the gangsters opened the front door and she got a push in her back.

»Walk slowly and don’t do anything stupid, is that clear? «

»Yes! «, Liv replied.

Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, her breathing went intermittently. Liv wasn’t just shivering from the cool air. Cold sweat of fear beaded on her forehead and ran down her temples. The barrel of Thorben’s pistol dug painfully into her lower jaw. She tried to tilt her head even more to avoid the pressure, but that only made her neck hurt as well. He was walking very close behind her, one arm around her neck and holding her in a chokehold. The thoughts just raced in her head. As she slowly and cautiously approached the car parked on the sidewalk with the doors open and the engine running, a leaden silence fell over the scene. Liv closed with her life. She would never be able to hug Mikkel again. Never know what it’s like to have a family.

Liv was actually very tough and had survived many a tricky situation, but now the fear of death held her in its ice-cold grip. When she was near the car, she was stopped. Her last hope was Mikkel, he would do something to get her out of this situation. But what? Gunnar and Benka walked past her with their pistols at the ready, securing them on all sides and got into the car. Benka sat down on the back seat and aimed his gun at her. A certain fatalism overcame Liv. She would be shot either way. If Thorben wasn’t going to put a bullet through her head, then it was definitely Benka. Pure hatred erupted in his eyes. He would shoot her mercilessly. If not here, then on the way, when she’s useless as a hostage. The seconds crawled by endlessly. How might dying feel? Was it quick? Would she feel the pain if the bullet hit her head? Would the light just go out and then nothing at all? No pain? No Perceptions? Just wiped out? Or would she die in agony in pain. Infinitely long before a merciful unconsciousness settled over her? Liv surprised herself at the clarity of her thoughts. She pulled herself together and tried to fight down her fear like she had learned in police academy. She felt Thorben’s moist, warm breath on her ear. A foul-smelling cloud brushed her face.

»I’m going to let you go now. You will sit in the car well-behaved and carefully. No tricks you bitch, you know what happens to you otherwise! «, Thorben hissed in her ear.

Liv slowly got in her knees to sit in the car. Then everything happened in slow motion. She heard a wet splash accompanied by an »Uhhgg! «. Blood spattered her face, the vehicle’s rear window exploded, shattering into thousands of glass crumbs that rained into the car. She threw herself to the side, feeling no resistance from Thorben’s grip anymore. She saw the muzzle flash from Benka’s gun and felt something hot whizz past her temple. While she was falling she saw the muzzle flash from Benka’s gun again, this time the bullet went further past her, the third bullet went into the car roof. Then Liv felt the impact on the ground. She saw lace-up boots scurrying across the street. Liv was relieved, it was Special Force police officers who rushed in with submachine guns held in front of them. An inferno erupted around her, orders were shouted, she heard the driver’s door of the car being ripped open and more shouting. Then she was grabbed and lifted up by two strong arms. She looked into Mikkel’s ice gray eyes with relief. He hugged her and then all the fear she had felt and the relief that she was saved suddenly erupted in a never-ending stream of tears. She felt how Mikkel unlocked the handcuffs and almost tenderly removed them from her wrists.

                              ***********

Just as the man loosened his grip to let Liv get into the car, Mikkel heard a soft “PFFTT”. Something burst at the kidnapper’s head. Liv jumped sideways and fell, Mikkel shot several times. The vehicle’s rear window shattered explosively, sending crumbs of glass flying around. Special Force officers jumped out with drawn submachine guns, tore the perpetrators out of the car and forced them to the ground. The man that has hold Liv, lay on the ground and didn’t move. The man who was in the back seat was covered in blood when officers yanked him out of the car. Mikkel had met him several times. Mikkel’s only concern was for Liv.

He jumped out of his cover and helped her up. Mikkel took her in his arms. Then he took out his key and unlocked the handcuffs with which Liv’s hands were tied. Liv wrapped her arms around Mikkel and started to cry. Mikkel held her in his arms while Special Force people and paramedics scurried around them. A paramedic approached the two and took Liv into his care. A little later, Liv sat in the back of an ambulance. They had wrapped her in a blanket to keep her warm. She sipped on a cup of tea to warm up. Mikkel sat next to her and held her in his arms. He persuaded Liv to take the ambulance to the hospital and get treatment. Liv finally agreed. Mikkel promised to pick her.

[helldiver]

                            **Chapter 38**

Captain Forsberg landed near Sjötorpet campsite with several Zodiac boats. The boats were dragged into the low undergrowth and hidden there. That only lasted a few seconds. The group split up. One would go to Tarnboda Skåns to Drako Ivarson’s house to arrest him and his people. The other to Ljuset commune. By dawn the two squads were in position at the destination. Then Captain Forsberg gave the order.

»Access! «, he said curtly over the radio.

The special task force stormed Drako Ivarsson’s house. It was the same in Ljuset commune. There, Captain Forsberg’s squad came under heavy fire. They had to defend themselves against the members of the commune, who fired heavily at them. The fight went back and forth. In between, Forsberg got the message that Drako Ivarsson’s house was secured and some members arrested. Suddenly, boomed loud shots of a large caliber. Shells slammed into all around them, throwing up the ground. Forsberg had to withdraw. They faced some of the big robots that advanced and shot at them. Forsberg ordered the retreat. His men scurried through the forest. The robots chased and shot at them. One of Forsberg’s men was hit and collapsed. They kept running, there was no time to take the wounded, they ran for their lives. They threw grenades. Loud explosions ripped through the forest floor. One of the robots suddenly threw sparks. They turned and all fired at the robot, which exploded in a bright fireball. They reached the Zodiac boats completely exhausted. The squad that had gone to Tarnboda Skåns came to their aid. MG’s pounding bullets whistled around. Another robot exploded. Then the boats were ready to go. They rushed out to sea. There were five prisoners in the boat with them. All members of the Iron Church.

                                  **********

After Liv was taken to Östervik by ambulance, Mikkel called Åsa. She promised to come to Östervik with a team to interrogate the prisoners. Then Mikkel got into his Porsche and drove to Östervik himself. He first visited the police headquarters. Ole Bengtson offered him a coffee. Only now did Mikkel realize how tired he was. Ole unlocked a detention cell for him and offered him to sleep there a little.

»Hit the mattress for a while, Mikkel. I do that too when I’m tired. When the people from Stockholm arrive I’ll wake you up. «

Mikkel thanked him. Sat down on the bunk, took off his shoes and curled up. As soon as he lay down, his eyes closed and he slept deeply and dreamlessly. Around noon, he was woken up by a police officer. Mikkel sat up. The police officer calmed him down and said:

»The people of Stockholm have just arrived and are drinking coffee first. Mikkel got up, went to the sink in the detention cell, turned on the water and put his head under it. The cold water drove away the last sleep. Mikkel rubbed his hair dry. Because they were tied in a pigtail, he didn’t have to comb his hair. Then he went to the conference room. At the big table sat Ole Bengtson, Åsa and some colleagues from Homicide who greeted Mikkel happily. Everyone asked how Liv was doing.

«According to the circumstances. She is in the hospital at the moment. I’ll check on her sometime this afternoon. Mikkel drank another cup of coffee that was handed to him and ate a Kanelbullar (Swed. Cinamon Snail). They went through the prisoners’ files one by one. Mikkel was informed that Benka, the man who had been in the backseat of the getaway car, had died on the way to the hospital. The first interrogations were scheduled for late afternoon. Mikkel used the time to go over to the Hospital to check on Liv. Dr Håkansson explained to Mikkel that Liv was completely unharmed apart from a few bruises and abrasions. Although the doctor had ordered that she stay in the hospital for at least a day for observation, Liv was determined to leave. Because she would not rest, she was injected with a sedative so that she fell asleep.

»Believe me, it was better that way! «, said Dr. Håkansson with a wink.

»I think so too. Liv is a stubborn head and always thinks she has to get her way. It’s good that she was once sent to the boards for once. «

The doctor said goodbye to Mikkel with a slap on the shoulder. Mikkel showed his ID to the officer guarding Liv’s room and slipped inside quietly. Liv lay asleep in the pillows. Mikkel quietly pulled a chair to the bed and sat down. He looked at the sleeping Liv. She looked so fragile. The small, evenly shaped nose on her face. Her long dark lashes. Her mouth with the narrow, pink lips was slightly parted. Very gently, Mikkel took her delicate hand in his. Her fingers moved slightly. She must have felt Mikkel’s hand. She blinked and opened her eyes a little. Her mouth twisted into a thin smile.

»Mikkel «, she breathed softly.

Mikkel nodded his head and said quietly: »Yes, it’s me.«

»I want to go home Mikkel. «, she whispered.

»That’s not possible now, Liv, my darling. You have to stay here at least one night. «.

»I’d rather be with you. «, she said softly.

Mikkel smiled at her, squeezed her hand gently and also said quietly:

»You can’t do that now, you have to sleep. I’ll come back tomorrow morning and then I’ll take you with me. «

Liv nodded and closed her eyes again. The sedative showed its effect. Mikkel stayed seated for a moment and held her hand. She lay soft and delicate in his hand. Then he leaned over her and kissed her gently on the forehead.

The interrogations that followed proved difficult. Mikkel raged and slapped the table several times when the perpetrators didn’t want to reveal their backers. Åsa always stayed calm and matter-of-fact while Mikkel kept the prisoners under pressure. Finally, Iver caved when Mikkel confronted him about his fingerprints being found on Lenne Pålsson’s car. Mikkel told him that if he didn’t talk, he would be behind bars for life. He confessed that Löjtnant Arvidsson was involved in the murder of Lenne Pålsson and that Drako Ivarsson had ordered him to drive to the ferry terminal with Arvidson. Arvidson had given them the Tiks they used to murder Lenne. Prosecutor Herrmansson himself had ordered the assassination of Mikkel and Liv, since they were sighted in the massacre at Hjimfäll near Ljuset municipality. Drako Ivarsson’s robot was so badly damaged that he had to slip into another robot body. The other people were interrogated further. It was after midnight when they finished the interrogation. They sat together briefly and discussed the results of the investigation. Then the employees went home. Åsa moaned:

»Now I have to drive all the way to Stockholm. I have better taken a room. «

Mikkel answered: »You can come to Hagaboda, Liv will be in the hospital until tomorrow. you can have her room «

»I hope you had separate rooms, didn’t you? «, Åsa asked.

»Yes, of course, what are you thinking of? The rooms are connected by a door. But it was always closed. «

»Okay Mikkel. It would be nice if you would take me with you.«, said his boss.

»I don’t know what I’d rather do.«, Mikkel replied dryly.

They got into Mikkel’s Porsche and drove to Hagaboda. While Mikkel was still smoking a cigarette by the window in his room and enjoying a can of beer, there was a soft knock on the connecting door.

Mikkel opened up to his boss. She had thrown on the boarding house dressing gown and asked Mikkel for a cigarette.

»Why are you still on Mikkel? «, she asked.

»I can not sleep yet. I need a cigarette and something to drink first. do you want to come in «

Åsa entered Mikkel’s room and looked around. She saw the open window and the ashtray. She also saw the can of beer on the windowsill. Mikkel offered his boss a cigarette from the open pack and lit her. Then he gave her a can of beer from the fridge. Åsa thanked Mikkel, ripped open the can and took a deep sip.

They stood in silence for a while at the window, smoking.

»How is Liv? is she hurt «, Åsa finally asked.

»She’s fine. She has bruises and abrasions. But nothing bad. The doctors sent her onto the boards to sleep.«, Mikkel replied.

»That could have gone very wrong. «, said Asa.

»Yes it could have, not to be thought of. », Mikkel replied musingly…

»You’ve known her for a long time, Mikkel? «, Åsa asked.

»I was together with her on the police Academy. Now I’ve been sitting with her in the office and on missions with her for about three years. «, Mikkel replied.

»You must take good care of her. «, Åsa said, yawning.

Mikkel nodded in confirmation, took another puff from his cigarette and said:

»I’ll take care of the little one, I promise. «

»I’m going to bed now Mikkel, you should do that too. «

Then his boss said goodbye and went back to Liv’s room.

Mikkel drank another can of beer and smoked another cigarette, then he too went to bed. The next morning his boss was sitting at the coffee table early. Mikkel joined her. He had taken a tracksuit from Liv’s bag that he wanted to bring her. Liv should at least stay in her accommodation today when she was discharged from the hospital. Åsa talked to Mikkel while they were having breakfast. Then they drove to Östervik. When Mikkel knocked on Liv’s door, her voice could already be heard. She had raised the bed so that she could sit up straight. Liv had been waiting for him longingly. Then she took the clothes he had brought her and disappeared into the bathroom with them. A short time later she came back and hopped onto the hospital bed. They were waiting for the visit. Dr. Håkansson showed up, examined Liv, and then filled out the discharge papers. Liv accepted them beaming with joy and hopped from the hospital bed to her feet. She still had pain, but she took Mikkel by the hand and left the hospital with springy steps. On the way, Mikkel told what he had found out. When he told her that he had enough evidence and witnesses that prosecutor Herrmansson ordered her murder, Liv grinned. She grinned even more when Mikel told her that he personally wanted to nail Herrmansson to the cross.

They went back to the police headquarters. The prisoners were transported to the court prison in Stockholm. There they would be brought before the magistrate. Åsa was sure that everyone would remain in detention. Before Åsa went to Stockholm, she gave him permission to bring Veronika Nilsson back. She had spoken to General Viklund. She conveyed his greetings and congratulations.

                                   **********

[helldiver]

                                **Chapter 39**

After Hauptmann Forsberg had returned to the base of the special task force, he immediately made his way to Överby Airbase. His crew followed him on several military transports. When they arrived at the airbase, six Blackhawk transport helicopters were waiting there. General Viklund had ordered an airborne operation. They should be dropped off at the golf course at Björntunet Hotel and from there storm the municipality of Ljuset. The rotors of the helicopters were already turning, making the air tremble. The men jumped off the trucks and boarded the helicopters. When Sven Forsberg had boarded, everyone lifted off at the same time. They chased in a deep flight towards nearby Östervik Sund and flew low over the choppy waves. Just off Hjimfäll Island, they rose up and flew low over the treetops, then swooped down onto the hotel’s golf course. In a few seconds, Forsberg’s crews dismounted and the helicopters rose again to cover the operation from the air. They hurried through the forest at a run. As soon as they were in sight, they where attacked. Some soldiers equipped with the Granatgevär 90 took up position and fired at the protective wall made of tree trunks. The missiles exploded in rapid succession, blasting a breach into the protection wall. Dirt and splinters of wood splash around. One of the big Hunter robots fired at them with its heavy Machine Guns. Two projectiles from the grenade launcher caused it to explode in a bright cloud of embers. People in the commune ran around screaming and fled into the forest. The robots advanced and shot at the soldiers with their machine guns and their grenade launchers. Heavy machine gun fire from the helicopters cut a path between Sven Forsberg’s men and the robots. Suddenly dog robots came out of the forest from all sides. Sven pulled out his Glock and shot one of the dog robots that got too close to his MG man. When the KVM 89 was complete, it spewed death and destruction in the form of a hail of 7.62mm bullets. A second machine gun hammered and, along with its comrade, smashed a breach in the attacking runners. Nevertheless, Sven’s men had to withdraw slowly. One after the other, the helicopters flew over the area and fought the advancing Hunter robots. The fight went back and forth. Then Sven and his men got the upper hand. The robots withdrew and disappeared into the forest. Sven Forsberg and his men pursued them, but the robots were faster and finally disappeared into the depths of the forest. The men entered the commune and searched the houses. They came across some women hiding with their children in a shack’s crawl space. Sven Forsberg had them taken into custody. Five men escorted them to the Björntunet Hotel, where a helicopter picked them up and took them to the mainland. He radioed for reinforcements to secure the destroyed robots and bodies. Then they gathered at the hotel’s golf course. Sven Forsberg received the order over the radio to march to FOA 4 Bergfinkar (Swed. Mountain finch) and secure it. They found FOA 4 deserted and as the men moved in they marveled at the long lines of hunters and runners lining the halls. Colonel Holberg had built up a huge depot. At the end of the hall, a gigantic robot standing on two legs was enthroned above the robot army. The powerful autocannon and rocket launcher were terrifying. The whole facility was not just a warehouse, but also included a fabrication and repair facility for the robots.

Sven assigned a dozen heavily armed men to guard FOA 4. He requested tanks and other crews from the mainland.

A little later, troop transports landed on the beach at Vråkudden Camping. Sven Forsberg took a boat back to the mainland.

                             **********

The Holberg robot paced restlessly up and down the Hall of Enlightenment. He had seen the battle. Several robots were destroyed and with them the consciousnesses of the people who had slipped into them. Unable to return to the FNIX collective, they perished.

»The kidnapping was a failure! «, boomed the mechanical voice of the Holberg robot.

»My men were tricked by the police. «, replied the Drako Ivarsson robot.

»Your people are incompetent. They must have exchanged them under their eyes.«, growled the Holberg robot.

»We don’t have many options left. We can only reach Veronika Nilsson by raiding FOA 53. We absolutely must bring her under our control. «, said the Holberg robot.

»We have to strike tomorrow. «, agreed the Drako Ivarsson robot.

                              ***********

Mikkel drove back to Hagaboda with Liv to the accommodation. Liv disappeared into the bathroom and took forever. She had run a bath and was enjoying the warm water in the bathtub. Mikkel had bought a bottle of champagne at the nearby Kundsam market and brought her a glass in the bathroom to celebrate the day. Mikkel took a long shower himself. They both met in Mikkel’s room. When Mikkel Åsa aped:

»I hope you had separate rooms! «

Liv snorted and almost choked on the champagne, then laughed out loud.

»You Mikkel? «, Liv said putting on her most seductive look she’d ever had.

»Don’t we deserve a little reward? «

»What are you thinking about, Liv? «

»Oh, I saw there is a restaurant ship here in Hagaboda. They leave at 6:00 p.m. and come back around 11:00 p.m. They’re having a candlelight dinner on board. You know, while eating, they drive through the archipelago at sunset and candlelight, really romantic. «

Mikkel made a face and said:

»What’s romantic about chugging around the islands and letting the seagulls poop on you while you eat. «

»Mikkel!! you are a disgust. You’re not a bit romantic! «, Liv replied indignantly.

»I am the romantic before the Lord. «, Mikkel boasted.

»You are not! «, Liv contradicted him.

»I am! «, Mikkel defended himself.

He took the mobile phone in his hand.

»Knowing you, you have the number for the store. «, said Mikel.

Liv jumped up from her chair with a grin and ran to her room. She rummaged in her handbag and came back with a piece of paper in her hand. Mikkel dialed the number and booked a table for two in the highest category with a guaranteed window seat.

Liv’s grin widened as he placed his order. When Mikkel hung up, she hugged him laughing and kissed him. She jerked back briefly, her face contorted in pain because her lip still hurt. But then she kissed him again.

»Am I invited? «, Liv asked with a seductive look and a sugar sweet smile.

»Sure, of course. «, came Mikkel’s short answer, after which he got a few kisses from Liv again.

When Liv had finished dressing, Mikkel let out an appreciative whistle. He had never seen Liv dressed so nicely. She wore a short skirt with a fine blouse and a blazer over it. Her hair was freshly blow-dried and fell in gentle waves around her delicately made-up face. Her feet were in leather stilettos

Mikkel had also dressed up with black leather trousers, a linen shirt and a leather jacket. Liv smelled pleasantly of a woman’s perfume while Mikkel had perfumed himself with a masculine-scented aftershave.

Liv enjoyed the evening on the ship. The food, which was served in several courses, tasted excellent. Even Mikkel enjoyed the candlelight ride. Liv kept looking at him lovingly while Mikkel stroked her hand.

The next morning, after breakfast, Mikkel drove to Kålleby to pick up Veronika Nilsson. Liv went to Veronika’s apartment and waited for her there. When Mikkel arrived at Veronika’s parents’ house in Kålleby, he was already expected. Veronika’s mother gave Mikkel a warm welcome as she had known him since he was a child. Little Finn was very excited when he saw Mikkel’s shiny silver Porsche.

»It sounds like a racing car! «, he said happily.

»Actually it’s one too. It’s only tamed for the street. «, Mikkel replied.

Veronika greeted Mikkel with a hug. Then she showed him a colorful bouquet of flowers.

»Will Liv like it? «, she asked Mikkel.

»I guess Liv isn’t very picky. But I also have to say that I don’t even know her favorite flowers?«, Mikkel replied.

»Shame on you ! «, said Veronica.

»Why?«, Mikkel asked.

»Well, from the way she looks at you, they must be a couple and then you should know her favorite flowers.«, Veronica said with a mischievous smile.

Mikkel shrugged his shoulders and said:

»I give up, you i can’t beat female logic. «

Veronika laughed silver bright and gave Mikkel a shove. She packed a few more things, then they got into Mikkel’s Porsche. Because his car was only a two-seater, Veronika took Finn on her lap. Mikkel carefully drove the Porsche. The little one was very happy when the Porsche engine roared. Mikkel took the boy’s small hand, put it on the gear stick and together with him shifted the gears of the car. Finn was proud as a snow king when he got off at Hagaboda. In the apartment, Veronika took Liv in her arms and hugged her.

»Liv I don’t even know how to thank you. You saved us both. I can never make that up to you.«, Veronica thanked.

»Helping people is my job Veronika. «, Liv replied.

»I have some flowers for you, and Finn has something for you too. I hope you like the flowers. «

»Veronica, they are beautiful. I so rarely get flowers. «

Then little Finn presented Liv with a box of chocolates.

»They are for you! «, he said, handing it to Liv, then stretching out his small arms. Liv bent down and hugged the boy.

»I painted a picture for you too. «, he said.

Veronika pulled a piece of paper out of her bag and gave it to the little one.

»Look Liv that’s you and that’s Uncle Mikkel with a police car. ’ he explained his picture. It was a colorful picture painted by children’s hands, showing a large person, a small person and a police car with blue lights. Liv accepted it with a happy smile and hugged little Finn once more. Then Veronika turned to Mikkel again.

»Thanks for everything Mikkel. You were always there for me when I needed help. Thanks. «, with that she pressed herself against Mikkel, stood on her tiptoes and kissed Mikkel.

Liv widened her eyes but smiled again. She knew that Mikkel only had friendly feelings for Veronika. Mikkel instructed her that he would drive her to FOA 53 the next morning. Until the last members of the Iron Church were arrested. He also explained to her that she was still under personal protection and that police officers were constantly monitoring her.

In the next two days, Liv and Mikkel didn’t have much to do. Mikkel brought Veronika and Finn to FOA 53. He picked them up again in the afternoon. In the meantime, Liv and Mikkel did their office work in Östervik. They summarized their collected evidence into documents that could be used in court. Liv typed diligently while Mikkel compiled the documents and wrote the reports by hand. At noon they went to eat in Östervik by the sea, enjoying the sun and the cool sea breeze that blew in from Östervik Sund. In the afternoon they went to an ice cream parlor for ice cream and also treated their colleagues from police headquarters to a sweet treat. Liv and Mikkel were looking forward to the weekend. On Friday they would go to Stockholm and close the case. Liv regretted that a bit, because that was the end of the good time on Östertörn. But she had already arranged with Mikkel that he would tidy up his apartment and that Liv would move in with him for the weekend.

                                **********

[helldiver]

                            **Chapter 40**

The stillness of the night was broken below the lighthouse at Klacksundsfyren by the multiple clinking of metal plates hitting the stony ground. In step, half a dozen of the Hunter robots headed for the beach below Klacksundsfyren. Beside them walked dog-like runners, their metal footplates also making a faint clink on the rocky ground. One by one the Stridsbåt came to the beach to pick up the robot department. It only took a few minutes for them to board the boats. Then they were swallowed up by the night. Despite their heavy load, the boats flew over the waves and met the ferry, where a company of robots was already waiting to be deployed. The Stridbåt 90 entered the Överbyån estuary and slowed down a bit. On the open sea they had sounded like angry hornets as they flew across the water at 40 knots. Now, as they drove up the river, they couldn’t be so loud that they wouldn’t be noticed. They switched off the navigation lights and in the pale darkness they drove up the river, crossed Lake Avern and finally landed in Kopparstugan to unload their deadly cargo. The boats immediately left to fetch more robots. A small robotic army hid in the forest around Kopparsturgan until dawn, anxiously awaiting orders to storm the FOA 53. Within the FOA, sympathizers would pull out their laptops, log into FOA’s computer system, unleash a virus, and take control of the FNIX program. After that, they would trigger the Ragnarök Protocol, that gives them dominion over all the robots waiting in the bunkers on Östertörn. These people were then supposed to hijack Veronika Nilsson and the body of Svante van Ulmer.

                               **********

The FNIX sensed that a change was imminent. The dark collective had seized control of a smaller robot army. FNIX couldn’t prevent this because it couldn’t establish a connection to the robots. They were ensouled with the consciousness of Entities. The FNIX had heard the death screams of the consciousnesses dying in the battle between humans and robots. The FNIX observed what was happening, but also noticed a change in its neuron mass. Another entity with a high neuronal mass had gained access from an unauthorized access point. A real shock wave shook FNIX. The FNIX quarantined the consciousness for the time being, as it still wanted to check whether it posed a threat. The FNIX had to protect the builder and the creator.

                             **********

As in the last few days, after breakfast Mikkel brought Veronika Nilsson and little Finn to FOA 53. It would be the last time for this week as he would be going to Stockholm with Liv and not coming back until Monday. In the evening, two police officers would bring the two home.

Mikkel dropped Veronika and her son Finn off at FOA 53. She thanked him and hugged Mikkel. He bent down to Finn and asked him.

»So, was it fun? «

»Yeah, that was great like a racing car.«, Finn said enthusiastically, laughing at Mikkel.

»We’ll see each other again on Monday. Then you will drive racing car again. «

»Oh yeah! «, Finn cheered.

»Well then, Veronika, have a nice weekend, until Monday. «

»Yes, you and Liv have a nice weekend too, see you on Monday. «, Veronika replied and smiled at Mikkel.

He got back in his car, started the engine, let it rev and drove back to Hagaboda.

In the rearview mirror he saw Veronika waving.

A little later he reached Hagaboda where Liv was already waiting for him. She was already standing on the street smoking a cigarette and got in when Mikkel pulled up next to her. Mikkel kissed her then they drove off. Liv kept her purse on her lap, some papers sticking out of it.

»Got everything Liv? «, asked Mikkel as they drove through the city gate of Hagaboda.

»Of course, everything we need to deliver Holberg, Herrmansson and Arvidson to the knife, assuming General Viklund plays along.«

»But that’s Tjorben and Gunnar’s part.«, Mikkel replied.

»Well, things will go wrong. «, Liv said confidently.

                            **********

The robot army in the forest near Kopparsturgan had their functions reduced to a minimum so that they would not be noticed by a noise. She waited for her orders.

                              **********

Veronika dropped Finn off at childcare at FOA 53. She admonished him to be good and then went to her place of work. As she did every morning, she brewed herself some coffee while the computer system booted up and worked the way through the start-up procedure. Sighing, Liv got to work.

                             **********

A few people in FOA’s phones rang almost simultaneously. A dark, artificial-sounding voice said in a commanding tone

»The day of enlightenment has come! «

The people put down their phones. They then opened a secret compartment in their closets and pulled out chunky-shaped laptops. They plugged in cables on their computers and connected them to the FOA’s computer system. The laptops booted up. Programs began to start. Someone let a virus go and attempted to infiltrate the FNIX system to take control of it. At the same time, the robot army in Kopparsturgan began to move.

                                **********

The FNIX sensed the imminent threat. It immediately recognized the virus program trying to eat its way into its system. The FNIX immediately isolated it. It could see people entering the infirmary and rolling out the bed containing van Ulmer’s body.

                           **********

After Veronika had made various changes to the source code of the FNIX program, she saved the program. Then she tried to log into the Cray computer to patch the modified FNIX operating system.

After she entered her credentials, the message appeared:

»ACCESS DENIED! «

Veronika cursed because she had made a typo again.

She re-entered her credentials, careful not to make a typo. Again Appeared.

»ACCESS DENIED«

»Damn it, what’s that ?«

She tried again without success, then called IT service.

»Hello, Veronika Nilsson here, I can’t dial into the Cray. Can you guys check if the hub crashed? Maybe it’s hanging again, otherwise shut down the computer and start it up again, I did that once last week.«

The man on the other end assured her to send two technicians directly to it.

The two technicians set off and entered the computer room. They checked through the hubs and couldn’t find anything wrong. Then they connected their laptop to the mainframe via an interface.

»Well then, let’s restart it.«, one of the technicians grumbled as he tried to start the procedure.

»Why don’t that work?«, the technician cursed when the computer refused the command. His colleague tried again. Meanwhile, the fans of the Cray computer ran up. The water cooling started.

Then the alarm rang, the bulkheads to the computer room locked automatically.

                           **********

In the large training room, one of the technicians piloted the new Hunter fighting machine. The newly developed combat robot should be controlled by telepathy.

»OK, let him walk three steps straight ahead!«, lead engineer Adrian Petersson ordered his colleague.

The robot took a step and then stopped, twitching.

»I told you to take three steps, not one, it can’t be that difficult.«

Theo Sandqvist, wearing the Brainhood, made a strained face while Petersson snapped at him.

»He just don’t do it ! «, Sandqvist ground out from behind clenched teeth.

Suddenly the machine turned around, activated its machine gun and fired into the control station. Glass shattered, the bodies of the two technicians were shredded by heavy bullets. They were dead before they hit the ground. Debris from the facility rained down on the bodies of the two technicians. Then the gate of the test hall opened, the four meter high robot moved smoothly and marched into the plant. Anyone who stood in his way was shot.

                             **********

In the guard barracks of FOA 53, the phone rang. An excited voice yelled from the receiver:

»We need reinforcements immediately, there’s a company of Hunter combat robots coming and I don’t know how many runners are coming. Where are they come from! «

Thunderous explosions and rattling shots filled the air. Suddenly all hell broke loose in the barracks. Alarm sirens shrilled, armed soldiers rushed about. A few Hunter Robots and Runners suddenly appeared on the premises and shot anything that moved. The soldiers put up a bitter fight. A grenade exploded and blew up part of the administration building. A Stridswagen 103 advanced and fired while it was moving. A Hunter exploded, debris flying over the area. The soldiers put up a bitter fight and tried to push the robots back. Lieutenant Colonel Magnusson recognized the danger and immediately telephoned General Viklund’s headquarters. In a few words he outlined the situation and asked the general to raise the alarm and send relief.

                              **********

The FNIX saw the robot army enter and attack the compound.

Svante van Ulmer also had to see it all. He saw the color of the FNIX’s eyes change from yellow to crimson red. The FNIX had entered combat mode.

Svante watched as armed men rushed through the corridors of the FOA, searching the offices and shooting down anyone who stood in their way.

»I must protect you Builder. I must protect the Creator. I see a threat to the country’s security. I trigger the Ragnarök Protocol!! «, the FNIX said in a soulless voice. The avatar’s eyes narrowed to narrow slits that looked sinister and evil.

»FNIX you mustn’t do that. Not without authorization! FNIX stop immediately I order you!! «, screamed van Ulmer.

Around him formed a billowing glass wall that was impenetrable. Van Ulmer pounded on it with his fists.

»The hostile entities want to steal your biological body. They threaten the Creator. They want to take control of them to take control of me, since there are not enough authorized persons present and a threat to the security of the country has been identified., I take command. The Ragnarök Protocol is effective immediately.«, said the pitiless voice of the FNIX avatar that was omnipresent.

»NOOOO!!! '«, shouted van Ulmer, banging his fists on the invisible glass wall.

He couldn’t prevent it. He saw the robots’ sensors glowing a dusky red all over the country. The big tanks, the harvesters, the armies of the hunters and the runners started to move. Hundreds of Seekers took off and swarmed across the country. thousands of ticks crawled out of their subterranean depots and began their campaign of destruction.

                           ************

The alarm rang. People rushed through the corridors to the emergency exits. Everywhere, bulkheads opened and spat out dog-like robots, which immediately began to prey on the humans.

Veronika Nilsson was startled by the alarm. She grabbed her bag and hastily left her office. People ran past her screaming. A pack of the dog like robots appeared at the other end of the corridor. Veronika started running immediately, heard shots and screams behind her. She stormed up the stairs to the exit.

A soulless voice counted down to the end of which the facility would be locked down. As she stormed outside, the cellphone in her pocket rang.

As she ran to the living quarters, she pressed the talk button.

»Hello «, she called into the receiver. A familiar male voice answered the other end.

»This is Mikkel Havlund, Veronika, you have to flee immediately, suddenly there are robots shooting at everything that moves. I’m on my way to you Hurry.« Before she could reply, he hung up.

She rushed to the kindergarten and received her son Finn. Then she ran back into the yard. Shots and explosions rang out from the rear of the barracks. Two Stridsvagn 105 tanks rattled by. A short distance away they stopped and fired. A soldier hastily asked them to get into the waiting Bus. As soon as she was seated, the doors hissed shut and he drove off at breakneck speed. Bullets crashed into the bus. She ducked on the ground and covered her son Finn with her body. People screamed and were spun around as the driver took a corner at high speed.

                                **********

The soldiers patrolled at the FOA 4 Bergfinkar (swed. Mountain Finch). Everything was calm. But suddenly the alarm sirens shrilled, red flickering lights burned everywhere. The ranks of robots suddenly began to awaken. Their servomotors began to whirr. The robots slowly straightened up. Their sensors glowed white, then immediately turned a crimson red. The soldiers looked around anxiously. They saw how Ammunition belts emerged from the Ammunition containers. The closures of the Weapons cracked. Then the inferno broke loose. Without warning, the robots started shooting at the people. Those not killed immediately retreated and ran for their lives.

[helldiver]

                          **Chapter 41**

Liv and Mikkel had already left the city walls of Hagaboda and were already looking forward to the weekend. Liv thought about what to cook for both of them and what they wanted to do at the weekend. Suddenly a Draken Combat Jet flew low over them. Their thunder could be heard even over the driving noise of the Porsche. Then came a squadron of helicopters, also flying low.

»Is there some military exercise going on again? «, Liv asked.

Mikkel shrugged and said: »Don’t know, but it looks like it. «

No sooner had he said it, another squadron of Draken Jets thundered in and swept overhead. As they passed a village, they heard the siren wail loudly. Mikkel stopped the car. He unbuckled himself and opened the driver’s door. The sirens swelled to a deafening howl. On the other side of the street, Mikkel saw how people with suitcases stormed out of a house, threw things into the trunk of their car, hastily maneuvered onto the street and drove at high speed in the direction of Stenmyra. Liv had also got out and yelled over the howling sirens:

»That’s the Hesa Frederik siren! Something happened, this is not a siren test! «

As she spoke, several cars came through the town and passed them at high speed, honking their horns. People waved at them excitedly. Mikkel looked around and saw a ball of Fire rising on the horizon. Shortly afterwards there was a loud, dark bang. The windows of the surrounding houses shook.

»Attention Mikkel, look there, what is that? «, Liv exclaimed excitedly.

Mikkel looked around for Liv, she pointed to the sky. A high-pitched whoosh could be heard and when Mikkel looked in the direction Liv’s outstretched arm was pointing, he saw a Draken Jet tumbling towards them, trailing a thick plume of smoke. The jet was badly damaged and Mikkel could see flames licking out of the engine, they where shredded by the headwind. The jet slowly rolled onto its back as it flew overhead. Mikkel could see that he no longer had a canopy. The sound of the jet grew louder, it hit the ground behind the houses and exploded. Liv and Mikkel ducked. Small pieces of wreckage and chunks of earth rained down on them. Mikkel jumped right back behind the steering wheel. Liv did the same and climbed into the passenger seat. Before Liv could close the passenger door, Mikkel sped off, tires squealing. He floored the accelerator. As he was just passing the edge of town, Mikkel had to brake hard because a Stridsvagn 103 came around the corner of the crossroads. The heavy tank rattled past them.

»What on earth is going on here? «, Liv asked anxiously. She reached for the radio volume knob and turned up the volume.

»Attention! An important announcement. An unknown force has invaded the islands of the archipelago and is hunting down the population! Get yourself to safety! The islands of the archipelago are evacuated. Leave the archipelago islands immediately. Mainly affected are Iboholmen, Saltholmen, Norra Saltholmen, Södra Saltholmen and Östertörn! I repeat, this is not an exercise! This is not an exercise! Be sure to follow the military’s orders and leave the islands on the well-known escape routes. The bridges will be blown up at exactly 2:00 p.m.! «

Liv and Mikkel followed the radio announcement breathlessly. The speaker’s stereotyped announcement repeated itself over and over again. As they emerged from the forest near Stenmyra, they heard cannon fire. In a field about a kilometer away trudged two of the huge machines they had seen at the FOA firing range. Several tanks fired at them with their cannons. The machines fired back with rockets. One of the tanks exploded with a deafening bang. Several of the smaller, two-legged robots ran across the field and opened fire on Mikkel’s Porsche. Its engine roared hoarsely and the car jumped forward. Mikkel sped down the road to Stenmyra at high speed. The burst of bullets hit the embankment of the road and churned up the earth. Then they reached Stenmyra. The place was deserted. Mikkel slowed down because he didn’t want to cause an accident. A convoy of armored vehicles and tanks came towards them. Armed military guards stood on the approach to the bridge leading to the mainland and waved them vigorously to continue.

Several cars drove across the bridge in front of them. Mikkel followed them.

Suddenly a warning light went on on Mikkel’s dashboard and a gong sounded.

»Damn it’s out of gas, I have to fill up.«, cursed Mikkel.

»How far can the car go? «, Liv asked scared.

Mikkel twisted his mouth.

»Well, maybe another fifty kilometers. But I think there was a gas station on the mainland side. Just around the corner. «

»You could be right Mikkel. I think we’ve stopped there and bought coffee before. «

Suddenly Mikkel thought of Veronika Nilsson and little Finn. Nothing was allowed to happen to Veronika, otherwise how would they stop the robots if she was killed? Mikkel thought feverishly how he could save her. He made a decision.

When they had left the bridge behind them, they drove through a dense spruce forest. A Benzo gas station appeared around a curve. On the radio, the announcer’s voice repeated the warning message over and over again. Tanks and military trucks came towards them. Mikkel stopped at the gas station and got out.

»Go to the cash register and pay. I’ll give you the money back when we’re in Stockholm! «

Liv took her wallet out of her purse and walked to the gas station building. Mikkel pushed the trigger on the fuel nozzle and quickly poured a few liters of fuel into the tank. He thought that ten liters should be enough. He absolutely had to go back. Liv was safe here and would find a ride. But what about Veronica? He hastily attached the fuel nozzle and closed the tank of the Porsche. He swung behind the steering wheel, started the engine and drove off. He reached into the passenger seat and took Liv’s purse. He fished out the mobile phone and had to stop briefly at the exit to let some cars pass. He rolled down the side window and threw Liv’s purse out of the car. In the rearview mirror he saw Liv storming out of the gas station building. He stepped on the accelerator, took a sharp turn and overtook a military truck that was honking its horns and had to slow down because of him. Mikkel floored the Porsche’s accelerator, quickly shifted up gears, and weaved between the cars.

He raced towards the bridge at high speed, several military trucks came towards him, honking their horns and flashing their headlights. Mikkel’s gaze fell on the on-board clock. It was a quarter to twelve, plenty of time to get to the FOA and back. The Porsche was faster than the robots. Speed limits no longer interested Mikkel. He accelerated even more. The guards in front of the bridge excitedly waved a stop sign, one raised his Automatgevär 4 and shot into the air. Mikkel drove towards the bridge at undiminished speed and honked what the horn gave. The soldiers rushed off to either side, calling after him. The Porsche raced through the steel roadblock. It flew up, hit the edge of the roof of the Porsche and left a pale cobweb on Mikkel’s windscreen before it crashed to the ground. On the other side, Mikkel could see one of the huge robots being attacked by several fighter jets and shooting back.

The five-kilometer bridge was clear in front of him. As he sped across the bridge, he picked up the cell phone, flipped it open with a flourish, pulled out the antenna with his teeth, and punched in the number for Veronika Nilsson’s work phone with one hand. Then he wedged the phone between his ear and his shoulder. It tooted twice then Veronika’s voice sounded at the other end. She sounded harried.

»This is Mikkel Havlund, Veronika, you have to flee immediately, suddenly there are robots shooting at everything that moves. I’m on my way to you Hurry up! «

Then Mikkel had to put the phone down because he needed both hands on the wheel. On the bridge, one of the dog-like robots came towards him and shot at him. Mikkel heard the bullets hit the front of the Porsche.

There was a loud bang as Mikkel rammed the dog robot with his fender. He saw the debris fly away. Mikkel drove in snake lines. Suddenly he saw several streams of fire rising from the other bank. Then suddenly the world began to dissolve in a cloud of embers. Mikkel’s Porsche was blown high into the air in a sea of flames. As he raced towards the dark surface of Stenmyra Sund, Mikkel felt only regret that he couldn’t save Veronika and couldn’t apologize to Liv. As the vehicle hit the surface of the Sund, Mikkel banged his head very hard on the steering wheel. The world sank around him and it grew dark.

                             **********

When Liv was standing at the cash register in the gas station building, she was still considering whether she should buy cigarettes. When the gas station attendant behind the cash register suddenly shouted:

»What’s he doing there with the Porsche, he’s getting away! «

Liv flinched and whirled around. Shelves stood in front of the window and partially blocked her view. Liv stood on tiptoe and saw Mikkel’s silver Porsche start moving. She slammed the money bill she was holding onto the counter and ran out. She saw how Mikkel stopped at the drive out and threw something out of the car. As fast as she could she ran after Mikkel’s Porsche, which with spinning wheels, trailing a trail of smoke, sped onto the road and almost crashed into an oncoming military truck, which honked and braked angrily.

»Mikkel!! «, she yelled after him. »Mikkel No!!! What are you doing ? », she screamed with all her might.

She ran into the street and yelled after him: »Mikkel !!!«.

She trampled her feet on the ground while screaming with all her might, but Mikkel just kept driving towards the bridge at high speed. She saw his taillights disappear around a bend.

She walked back with sluggish steps. Why had Mikkel tricked her like that, why had he driven back? Certainly because of Veronika Nilsson and her child. Tears welled up in her eyes. She was afraid for Mikkel what if the robots got him. The attendant ran out of the building, waving his hand.

»Hello!! Miss!! your change. «

Liv was back at the drive out. She bent down and picked up her purse, which Mikkel had thrown out the window.

Gasping for air, the gas station attendant reached her and held out a wad of small bills.

»Here’s your change! «, he repeated.

Liv took it from the man’s hand and stuffed it into her pocket without looking too closely. Behind her, she heard a loud engine noise and loud honking. A jeep pulled up beside her. A soldier shouted loudly.

»You must get to safety. A Transporter is coming soon, you have to get out of here, it’s no longer safe here. «

No sooner had the soldier spoken than a mighty detonation echoed. The blast was like a thud in the pit of the stomach. A cloud of embers rose from behind the forest.

On the other side of the jeep, a soldier got out and held up a stop sign. A convoy of trucks came out of the forest. The first flashed his headlights and stopped.

A soldier jumped off the back of the truck.

»You must climb! Come on, we have to get out of here! Liv ran to the back of the truck with the attendant. There the loading wall was lowered with a ladder. As Liv got in, she heard a high-pitched polyphonic whistling. She glanced around and saw some plumes of fire falling out of the sky. They fell in the forest and detonated loudly. Liv hastily climbed the ladder. She felt the soldier pushing her from behind her, from inside the soldiers pulled her with strong arms into the semi-darkness of the truck. Liv stumbled and nearly fell, but the soldiers helped her and prevented her fall. Benches where mounted on the loading area, one of the soldiers pushed her into a free place. The gas station attendant came in and was also pushed onto the bench. Then the soldier came from outside. One of the soldiers banged his fist on the driver’s cab and the truck started to move. A soldier sitting next to Liv helped her with her seat belts.

Liv thought she was trapped in a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. She heard one of the soldiers say.

»Tell me have you seen the idiot with the Porsche. «

»Sure, of course ! «, replied the other.

»I saw him too. How can you be so stupid and drive over there again. «

»Do you think he made it over the bridge? «, one asked again.

»I don’t think so. «, replied the other.

»I saw him earlier on the bridge before it exploded. «

»Why did she explode so early? «

»Probably someone had a nervous finger, or it was the robots.«, said the other.

Liv had listened carefully to the conversation. She didn’t understand everything because the truck was so loud. But she had already understood that the soldiers must have seen Mikkel. Liv chewed her lower lip excitedly. Hopefully Mikkel had made it across the bridge before the explosion. Fear climbed up her spine with icy claws. After a while the truck stopped. The soldiers got out and helped Liv. They were in a town. There was a phone booth at the side of the road. Liv went to it, fished her wallet out of her trouser pocket, took out a handful of change and stuffed the öre coins into the slot. She dialed the cell phone number that Mikkel had taken out of her purse. It tooted once then said a stereotypical female voice

»The participant cannot be reached! «

Liv hung up and dialed the number again, fingers flying. Again the stereotypical female voice sounded, telling her that the participant could not be reached.

An evil suspicion rose in Liv and slowly constricted her throat. She dialed the number again. When the woman’s voice sounded again, Liv screamed into the receiver:

»Pick up , Mikkel! Go damn it! Mikkel, go for it! «

She felt tears running down her face. She started shaking. That couldn’t be.

»Please not Mikkel, please not! «, she sobbed and dialed the number again. But only the woman’s voice came back.

Liv hung up the phone. She held her on to the phone as her shaking knees went weak. She cried. After a few sobs, she caught herself. She dialed the number of Åsa, her boss. With tears she reported to her boss. She assured Liv that she would send a police car to take her to Stockholm. Liv hung up and left the phone booth, hunched over, shoulders slumped. She said to the soldier:

»You can drive, I will be picked up. «

Then her knees buckled and she lowered herself to the floor. She sat crying on the side of the road until a police car picked her up. As she sat in the back of the car, she heard a radio address from General Viklund, which was broadcast nationwide. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he announced that all troops on Östertörn and the surrounding islands had been crushed and destroyed by the robots. He announced that most of the people could be evacuated and that all bridges to the mainland where blown up. He deeply regretted that not all people could be saved and encouraged those who were still out there waiting for rescue.

It slowly sank into her mind that she had lost Mikkel forever.

[helldiver]

                           **Chapter 42**

The sun was laughing down from a deep blue sky. The birds chirped in many voices in the trees and a mild, blossom-scented breeze blew from the sea through the streets. Actually a wonderful day on which life in lively Stockholm should just pulsate.

But something was different on this beautiful day. The city seemed empty, as if it had been holding its breath. The flags, waving lazily in the balmy summer breeze, were all at half-mast. On this beautiful, sunny day, one should not suspect that a terrible war was raging against an overpowering enemy less than a hundred kilometers from Stockholm. The FNIX had triggered the Ragnarök Protocol and the machines had turned against their builders.

Silence hung over the city like a gray veil, seeming to suck out the colors. A large parade lined up on Slottskajen, the street in front of Stockholm Palace. Polished sabers gleamed in the sunlight. The steel helmets of the soldiers of the royal guard flashed. Many TV broadcasting vehicles lined the shore. People in dark mourning clothes had lined up in the streets. It seemed as if all of Stockholm was in mourning. An eerie stillness hung over the scene.

The king stepped out with his family onto the balcony draped with mourning pile. The entire royal family was draped in black. Orders were shouted. Whole companies clicked their heels together with a loud crack. The cornett raised his baton and the orchestra of the army music choir intoned a funeral march. The seemingly endless queue of uniformed people slowly began to move. Soldiers from the various arms of the Air Force, Army and Navy marched in step. The heels of her boots pounded the tarmac. The king, face stony, raised his hand to his head in salute to honor the long line of the dead who filed past the Kungliga Slottet in their coffins on flak carriages. Leading the long line of coffins was a young woman in police gala uniform. The dark blue uniform fitted perfectly, the gold buttons on her jacket gleamed in the sun. On her head she wore the white police cap with the royal coat of arms. In her white-gloved hands she carried a large picture. Mikkel Havlund’s face with a mischievous smile.

Wait a minute… who is the woman… who had her long, almost black hair tied back in a ponytail and now petrified, carrying the picture of Mikkel Havlund. Almost unrecognizable. It’s Liv Svensson. Her face looks harshened and sunken. In the slow funeral march of the military band, she walked on her polished black pumps. At some distance she was followed by the train with the coffins, which were pulled by horses. She would have a long way to go because the funeral procession would go over Strömboron past Kungsträdgården, then through the gorge of houses on Hamngatan to the wide Sveavägn, one of Stockholm’s great boulevards, to Norra Begravningsplatsen, the large cemetery in northern Stockholm.

The path was almost four miles long, but Liv bravely walked ahead with Mikkel’s picture in her hands. A few days ago Mikkel died on the Stenmyra Bridge trying to save Veronika Nilsson. A search team had tried to recover his body under fire. However, he was not found. Combat divers had found his wrecked car at the bottom of Stenmyra Sund, but no sign of Mikkel. They believed that the bridge explosion threw him out of the car and that the current had carry him out to sea.

As if through a pane of glass, Liv perceived the many people who lined the streets to pay their last respects to the dead. Liv’s throat was tight but she forced herself to keep her composure. Her face was lightly powdered and she had put on a little blush to keep her cheeks from looking too pale. Luckily you couldn’t see her eyes red from tears. Towards the end of the funeral march, Liv’s feet hurt, but she didn’t take any notice. The pebbles of the cemetery path crunched under her feet. Then they had reached their goal. At the back of the cemetery was a spacious memorial where the heroes were to be buried. There would be a memorial stone for Mikkel there.

Orders were shouted again, and the escort companies took attitude. Liv stood on a pedestal with her boss Åsa, General Viklund, the Prime Minister, the Interior Minister and the Defense Minister. Mikkel’s picture stood on a stand between the rows of laid out coffins. Crowds surrounded the scene. Cameras whirred. Many broadcasting vans were parked in front of the cemetery and pointing their antennas at the sky. A few reporters walked around at a respectful distance, microphone in hand and accompanied by a cameraman.

One after the other, the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Home Secretary and General Viklund made speeches and paid tribute to the dead. Then it was Liv’s turn to give her speech. Her boss Åsa had asked her to do so. Liv slowly approached the lectern. Her knees trembled slightly. She looked into the faces of those around her. All that could be heard across the square was the soft rushing of the wind and a little birdsong, otherwise there was silence over the area, as if everyone had been holding their breath. Liv had practiced her speech in front of the mirror a hundred times, mainly to avoid bursting into tears. She cleared her throat and then took a deep breath. She began to speak in a firm voice:

»We have to let go of Mikkel Havlund. A man who loved what he did and was always willing to give more. He had to give up his still young life in an exemplary performance of his duties. He risked his life to save other lives. We all owe him a debt of gratitude. «

Liv paused and took several deep breaths to fight back tears. Åsa came up behind her and put a reassuring hand on her arm.

Then Liv straightened up, took a breath and continued:

»Mikkel had no relatives, no wife, no children. We were his family. His colleagues…… But Mikkel was more than just a work…colleague……Mikkel…Mikkel was my friend….whom I will never forget. «

Liv’s jaws trembled. She pulled herself together to give her voice the necessary strength. Her throat felt tight.

With her last strength she said:

»Farewell Mikkel! We will never forget you !«

Her lips trembled. Her whole body trembled. With stiff movements, Liv turned and walked back into line. She took attitude, but when a trumpeter began to blow “Banished to all eternity,” all the dams suddenly broke. Liv covered her face with her gloved hands and cried without hold. She couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. Åsa took her comfortingly in her arms.

[helldiver]

                            **Chapter 43**

Daylight flooded into the apartment. From the gray overcast sky the rain fell in long strings. It was as if the day wanted to mourn the dead of the archipelago. It didn’t want to get really light. It was now two weeks since the funeral ceremony had taken place. Liv stood at the window of her living room and looked with empty gaze into the dull day. She was just a shadow of herself. She had lost six kilos recently, which was a lot for her already slim female body. There were dark circles under her eyes, red-rimmed from crying. Her face was pale, her cheeks sunken. Her long hair hung tousled around her head. For hours Liv stood at the window and looked into the dim distance. To where the archipelago was. Before, she could never understand why Mikkel always got drunk. Now she felt firsthand how much a loss could hurt. Mikkel had always said that when he got drunk it wouldn’t hurt as much.

Liv almost drank herself to death in one day. She had poured vodka lemon after vodka lemon into herself until she had fallen off the bar stool almost unconscious. The next day she had visited a police psychologist who immediately wrote her off sick. In her body she felt nothing but emptiness, as if she had been sucked out. It rang at her apartment door. She opened it, it was a postman who handed her a large envelope. Since it was registered mail, she had to sign for receipt. Liv dropped onto the couch and opened the envelope. Inside was a picture. It was Mikkel’s picture looking into the camera with his unmistakable, mischievous smile.

Liv looked at the picture for a long time. Then she hugged it to her chest, crossed her arms in front of it and cried bitter tears.

                                 THE END