"Thank you for making my point," Petrov said, with a humorless smile. "Absolutely correct. The revolution would have been nothing if not for a determined and ruthless leader who unified the country and squashed opponents under his thumb." The smile vanished. "The Cossacks have a similar leader. His name is Mikhail Razov. He is an immensely wealthy shipping and mining magnate who owns a cartel named Ataman Industries. He is dedicated to the resurrection of Great Russia. He endorses the Cossack ideals of masculinity and brute force He has said the best way to wipe out corruption is with a machine gun. He is totally paranoid, believes that the rest of the world is out to get him.”
"Money and power are a potent formula."
"It goes far beyond that." Petrov lit up another cigarette. Austin was surprised to see that the match hand was trembling. "He is advised by a monk named Boris, a man of great animal magnetism with a reputation for prophecy. He exerts an evil influence over Razov, encouraging his claim that he is a true descendant of the tsar, going back to Peter the Great."
"I was under the impression that Tsar Nicholas was the last of the Romanov line."
"There have always been questions."
"Even so, I can say I'm the king of Spain, but that doesn't put me on his throne."
"Razov says he has proof."
"DNA?"
"I doubt if he would let anyone take a blood sample."
"You may be onto something," Austin conceded. "You have a movement, a charismatic leader guided by a messianic prophet and a hereditary line. I agree that sounds like a potent formula for revolution."
Petrov nodded solemnly. "There is no 'maybe' about it. Russia is on the verge of a neo-Cossack revival that will sweep across the country, wiping out all the gains we have made. The tsar and his family have already been canonized by the right wing in our country. And Razov is poised to take on the tsar's sacred mantle." He smiled. "How many politicians can claim to be descended from a saint?"
"Most of them claim to be saints. But I take your point. What's your role in this Ivan? Are you with the KGB?"
"The KGB has been infiltrated by Razov's people. I lead a small inner group whose job is to keep watch on those who threaten Russia's stability. We report directly to the president. But I've only told you part of the story. This involves you, too, Mr. Austin. Razov considers the United States to be the head of a dark worldwide conspiracy that is largely responsible for Russia's ills. He believes America is deliberately using its power around the world to keep Russia impoverished and backward. Many in parliament share his views."
"America has a long list of enemies. It goes with being the only superpower."
"Add Razov's name to the roster, then. But this isn't just political – he has a personal reason as well. His fiancee was accidentally killed in the Americans' bombing of Belgrade several years ago. I understand Irini was quite beautiful, and he has never gotten over her loss. So I would urge you to take him very seriously – especially as there are signs he intends to cause great harm to your country."
"In what way?"
Petrov spread his hands. "We don't know. We know only that he has given his scheme a name: Operation Troika."
"Then you've wasted your time and mine. You should use diplomatic channels to take your case to higher-ups in the American government."
"We already have. We have told them we want them to avoid any overt moves."
"I can't picture the White House and the Pentagon ignoring a possible threat like this, not now. They've learned the hard way to take threats seriously."
"Yes, well, they're not pleased with our position. We have told them if they respond too clumsily, they will spoil our efforts and ensure that the threat, whatever it is, will be carried out."
"What's the connection between this threat and the sub base?"
"Come to your own conclusion. The sub pen was built for medium-range missile submarines that roamed the Black Sea, mostly to intimidate Turkish leaders who allowed the Americans to establish bases. It was abandoned after the Soviet government fell and lay undisturbed for years. Then Razov leased the facility from the government. His ships were seen coming and going. The Cossacks you encountered were camped nearby as guards."
"Why the fancy costumes and old weapons?"
"It has something to do with the symbolism of his cause. Razov chooses to equip some of his men as if they were still cavalry for the tsar. Make no mistake. He has accumulated many modem weapons from the former Soviet Union."
"Why haven't you moved in on these guys?"
"We were waiting and watching for the right time. Then you blundered in."
"Sorry to spoil your stakeout. Someone was being mugged and needed help."
"We think he intends to act against the U.S. before he assumes power."
"I can help you find out what he has in mind."