Blackmail

15 MOSCOW

Seated at his desk in his office, Yuri Kalinin listened intently as his chief of the general staff, General Sergei Andropov, delivered the daily update on Russia’s progress. So far, things were proceeding well, but all that had been authorized were the preparations. Despite his outward confidence and decisiveness, Kalinin hadn’t committed. The time was rapidly approaching, however, when a final decision would be required, and if he approved, Russia would step onto a precipice from which it could not retreat. In the meantime, he monitored the progress.

“Everything required to achieve the primary objectives has been arranged,” Andropov said. “The initial military units are en route, agreements have been made in Ukraine, and President Lukashenko has agreed to his part. Our oil and natural gas price discounts to Belarus had to be significantly increased, but came in as projected.

“We are now focused on the insurance aspects you requested be added to the plan. Defense Minister Chernov has already met with Iran and is meeting with India and China this weekend. Of the three countries, the commitment from Iran is the most crucial and they have agreed. China and India’s participation isn’t essential, but would place the United States in an untenable position, eliminating their ability to intervene.”

Kalinin nodded his understanding. “Keep me apprised of our progress.”