Odessa

By John Alexander

This dramatic and compelling story is based on the clashes that occurred in the center of Odessa and the fire in the Trade Union Building on 2 May 2014 that resulted in 48 deaths and injuries to both sides of the conflict. Lyudmila and Mykola, who with their friends and allies, defends the city of Odessa against the insurgence of Russian-backed mercenaries and their unwitting accomplices.
Lyudmila sat on a bench, brooding, with an itchy nervousness and an apprehension she did not like. Lyudmila was waiting for Mykola.
Events over the spring were to say the least, unsettling. Kiev, Crimea, Donbas; all in turmoil. Here in Odessa, pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian forces were mobilizing and the un-predictable nature of the situation put a tightness in her shoulders. Where was Mykola? She was anxious and wanted his company. Even so, a small smile came to her, as she thought of Mykola. She was waiting for him, there is to be a football match today, and hopefully that may release some of the tenseness in the city.
She saw him coming; he had an easy glide to his stride – a strength with confidence. He approached with a warm smile – he was happy to see her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Alexander
• Release date: Dec 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781775085003

John Alexander

A traveler, romantic, wonderer and story teller.

Book preview

Odessa

By John Alexander

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Table of Contents

Preface

In the Park

At the Café

The Plan in the Pub

The Fortress - Kremlin, Moscow

Protest Camp - Kulykove Pole Square

Pro-Russian Rally

Gatherings

Shields Raised

Escalation

Afina Constriction

Barricaded

Chase

Baiting

Trap Set

Trapped

No Escape

Days Later

End Note

Story Characters

About the Author

Preface

This dramatic and compelling story is based on the clashes that occurred in the center of Odessa and the fire in the Trade Union Building on 2 May 2014 that resulted in 48 deaths and many injuries to both sides of the conflict. Lyudmila and Mykola, who with their friends and allies, defend the city of Odessa against the insurgence of Russian-backed mercenaries and their unwitting accomplices.

Most of the individuals in the story are fictional. The detailed events in this story may not be the same as those that actually happened.

In the Park

Lyudmila sat on a bench, brooding, with an itchy nervousness and an apprehension she did not like. Lyudmila was waiting for Mykola.

Events over the spring were to say the least, unsettling. The day was pleasant enough; the sun was shining, although the birds seemed subdued. The day was bright, her thoughts not noticing. There was just a feeling of some darkness. Spring should be happy and joyful. But it was not.

Kiev, Crimea, Donbas; all in turmoil. Here in Odessa, pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian forces were mobilizing and the un-predictable nature of the situation put a tightness in her shoulders. She kept going back and forth over the events of the past few days and weeks and was not sure what to expect today.

Where was Mykola? She was anxious and wanted his company. Even so, a small smile came to her, as she thought of Mykola. She was waiting for him, there is to be a football match today, and hopefully that may release some of the tenseness in the city.

She saw him coming; he had an easy glide to his stride – a strength with confidence. He approached with a warm smile – he was happy to see her.

He sat beside her, picked up her hands and kissed them. He was always so sweet, charming and warm; and very open and honest in his feelings towards her. She could feel the warm of the spring day now. Her smile widened and hissed him on the cheek.

But he could see in the slight tightening of her eyes and the little hunching of her shoulders that she was tense. You should not fret so much, he smiled, trying to assure her.

There has been so much violence, will it end? Her lips tightened. It would be horrible if Russia took over Odessa!

That will not happen! We are more aware now! We are vigilant! And, especially, not if I have anything to say about it! He straightened his shoulders and tried to look tough.

She slapped him on his arm, Try to be serious.

I am, Ukraine is Ukraine and Ukrainians are tired of being slaves to the Russians. The world is different now. Technology, social-media are tools and weapons we can use to organize and defend ourselves.

She still frowned, Russia is so large and has many weapons; it’s powerful!

Large, yes, but the size of a country does not equate to power. Ukrainians defending our country is ten times stronger than a bunch of Russians conscripts, who see for themselves that fighting and giving up their lives gains them nothing!

No, the real enemies are those within us, who look to the old USSR with nostalgia or corrupt officials who believe they will gain more by being part of Russia. Both are so terribly wrong. Russia cares not for these people, not for any people, only for their empire!

She smiled, You make great speeches!

He smiled back, Yes, but, we must go now, or we will be late for lunch, our friends are waiting.

As they walked down the street, he whispered in her ear, Kharkiv has a good team, but our Chronomrets will beat them this time!

She squeezed his arm, Do not be so cocky, you know what happened last time.

* * * * *

At the Café

As they walked to the café, they could see some of their friends have already been gathering. They had occupied a few tables; some under the trellises that the spring leaves were turning more mature and a dark green.

Lyudmila smiled, Look, there’s Pyotr. When is he going to find a girlfriend?

Mykola responded co-spirally, "Well, he is sitting with Valeria. Should