43 Chapter 35

On horseback sits a Russian officer drinking water under the sun as it's a hot day. As he moves the canteen from his lips and wipes his mouth and wipes his lips with his sleeve, he looks on watching something but soon the sound of horse hooves could be heard coming up next to him then a voice says "Happy birthday captain Anton" says the newcomer who appears to be a man his mid-40s" he continues before the other male Anton could answer "you turn thirty today and your life and career are still ahead of you" he then hands Anton a folded paper "his majesty the Tsar is looking for individuals to create a new department of some sort. I don't know the full details, but I recommended you. As the Colonel of the 56th hussar regiment, I know my officers well and I know you're one of the best ones. I have at least the best one that fits the requirements for what the Tsar asks for."

While the Colonel was speaking, Anton had started to open the paper and read it. It is a summons to the winter palace. Anton isn't stupid and knows the country is going through a big change under the little Tsar and from what the paper says the Tsar is looking to form a new department,' but what could it be?' he asked himself, but he knows he will be working directly for the Tsar which sounds like opportunity as he will be skipping so many ranks. Anton was soon shaken out of thought by the Colonel.

"at least pretend to listen" the Colonel sighs but then shakes his head "listen to me carefully" his tone becomes even more serious "From my few interactions with the Tsar, the last thing you want to do is to treat him like a child. Despite his young age, it already shows he wants to hold power and control but also needs loyal people by his side. If you can't be a dog for the Tsar, then don't make the appointment. "The old colonel warns. Anton knows the Colonel well and knows he is really serious, so he nods.

"I understand Colonel" he gives him a salute before holding the rein of his horse and pulling it around and riding off. The Colonel watches his back "takes his job too seriously. Can't even call me father when it's just us." he says under his breath before riding off.

Later in the day, Anton is in the hallway of the winter palace sitting on a chair with his ha on his lap waiting for his turn to get an interview with the Tsar. When he got there, he saw a few before and one by one he watches them enter and leave with dejected faces.

"Next!" a young voice calls out. He stands and straightens himself before walking into the room. "Close the door behind you," says a young boy. This is none other than Vlad, who is standing by a window looking at the canal next to the Palace. "I greet your Majesty," Anton says with respect.

"We just occupied a new nation, and we need to settle the people of different language and culture from ours. There would be obvious rebels after our occupation of said nation. What would you do?" Vlad didn't waste time and just asked the question. Seeing it's the test, Anton thinks about it before answering "the carrot and stick method,"

Without turning around Vlad says "go on" seeing the Tsar didn't tell him to leave, Anton is at least sure he gave the right answer, which lifts a little weight off his shoulder.

"By carrot and stick method, your majesty I would show the new citizens the benefits of being a part of Russia and what they gain and even improve their lives and also show what happens to those that go against his majesty by strict and harsh punishment. By then, they will have a choice. Another method would be to take out those of high standing and replace them with ones that support Russia and the Tsar." he pauses before continuing

"As for the rebels. If we can't take them out right away, then we will try to infiltrate them if we can't take them out. It would be better to take out its leaders and top member. If not that way, then use force or turn their people against them," he looks at the Tsar's back, waiting.

"Interesting Anton. Your methods sound good and doable as well. If I ask you to round up men to execute, to purge, would you be able to do it?"

"Yes, your majesty,"

"women?"

"yes,"

"children,"

"if his majesty wishes," he says without hesitation

Vlad finally turns and looks at him with a satisfied smile. "Congratulations. You will become head of the Okhrana. It will be a new force that will combat both internal and external threats. It will be divided up into some departments such as intelligence gathering, spying, assassination, and many more, mostly cruel, I will say that. You will answer directly to me. I want you to be my eyes and ears all over and outside the nation. "Vlad says, taking the name of the secret police of the Russian Empire from the earth as the name means security, but he is making it an SS equivalent

Anton walks over to him gets on one knee, holds Vlads Vladimir's left-hand kisses the back of it "In the Tsar I trust I Anton Korolev will be his majesty's eyes, ears, and weapon for his majesty no matter where" he says making an oath.

"good Anton. First new uniforms. I am thinking black and a few are ready. Next, for those to join, they must be loyal to the Tsar. At the moment, if you can find some in the army, then take them. After you can take from the civilian population and train them, Indoctrinate them." Anton nods, understanding that the Tsar is also building his forces that won't betray. After talking a bit longer, he let Anton leave.

Vlad watches him leave now, not knowing the butcher of Russia, and a powerful force has been created and his cruel deeds to be talked about for generations to come.