The Bear

Moscow

The Ilyushin Il-96 touched down half a world away with darkness long since taking hold of Moscow’s winter night. The lights of the dark cabins were brought up slowly as they neared, the plane fully lit as the final approach commenced. The troupe slid up the shades, taking in the lights of the capitol. As with all the others, they had tried to sleep most of the way, but with their situation, sleep was difficult at best. As they rolled along the tarmac, the president’s chief of staff made his way down the final corridor to the last cabin, stopping at the opening.

“I am glad you made it back home. I hope everyone had a restful trip.” He felt the need to at least say goodbye. It was a nagging curiosity that pulled him to them. They were soldiers, much like he had been many years before. Whether from another country or not, they shared a bond of sorts, and these five …

“We are glad to finally be back on the ground,” Anya replied. “A bit hungry, but nothing more.”

“Hungry?” Andrey looked puzzled.

“Yes sir,” Danil replied.

“Did not the steward check on you?”

“We have not seen anyone since you left the cabin,” Ivan answered.

“I am very sorry for that. We do not often have guests this far back in the plane. I’m sure it was an oversight.” Andrey crossed his arms and lowered his head. “I will see each of you are properly fed.” Andrey held up his hands as they began to protest, but he would have none of it. He would at least send them off to their duty with a full belly.