g him was simply this. In the earlier days of his
acquaintance with Col. Joyce, and for reasons known only to himself,
the Russian had confided probably more than he should have about Soviet
intentions during the war. Perhaps it was the need to express and
justify his thoughts to a younger man not yet so cynical, so certain
and so weary of life. In any event he had told him, and Brunner now
knew why they had insisted that the Coalition strike Dutch Larkspur
first, and why they were now being instructed to withdraw.

The new orders had arrived that very day. They were to return to the
fringes of Cerberus, there to re-form with heavy Russian
reinforcements, for the inevitable assault on the Athena colonies---the
campaign to liberate and reclaim his home.

That was all fine, and how it should be. Incredibly tempting, except
that in the meantime they were to leave Rembrandt and Van Gogh in the
hands of the Soviets. And he could no longer pretend ignorance as to
what would happen next: one more SSR possession, one less home for the
Dutch. And one more subjugated people, for those who would not, or
could not leave. It was 1946 all over again.

DAMN IT!

He had seen too much suffering and loss, been spared from final
annihilation too many times to feel no responsibility, or to take such
news easily. It was so unfair. What remained of the Dutch forces,
along with their Swedish allies, had been contacted and told of the
colonies' liberation. They were on their way, with deepest gratitude,
to re-occupy their homes, and rebuild their lives.

And what would they find upon arrival? The Soviets firmly entrenched,
regretfully explaining that for strategic purposes they must maintain,
for the time being, a provisional government and strong military
presence there. But not to worry, they would say, so soon as the
conflict was ended and peace assured, all would again be set right.

THE BLOOD LEECHES, FEEDING OF THE MISERY OF OTHERS TO EXPAND THEIR
DOMAIN. But what could he possibly do about it? He was only one man,
and had his own family to think of first..... No. Though the excuse
to turn his back was ready-made, he knew he could not yield. For this
was what his ancestors had done under Hitler: in the name of loving
and protecting their own, disregarding the lives and humanity of all
who opposed them. It was WRONG, the seed and heart of all betrayal.

He watched his wife with the baby at her breast, knew there