Operation Petrograd

Epilogue

The farmlands and forests to the east of Fujiyama glowed red in the silent dawn. Overhead the sky was clear. Only at the horizon was there any haze, and because of it the sunrise was spectacular.

It was cold that morning as Carter stood smoking a cigarette on the veranda. He was dressed only in a kimono, nothing on his feet, no weapons. And it felt good. For the first time in what seemed like a very long time, he felt at peace. The computer chip had been sent to Washington four days ago, and already early reports were using words such as fabulous, stunning, magnificent. Hawk had sent his congratulations, and even the President, who had finally shown up in Tokyo, had sent his thanks through one of his staff.

The only dark cloud was Kazuka's resignation. She had told Carter last night that she was finished… not only with AXE, but with the business.

"I lost Owen some years ago," she had explained, "and I almost just lost you."

"It's part of the job."

"I know," she had said. "It is time for me to settle down, Nicholas. Have babies. Tend to a household. Shop. Make the tea ceremony."

"Anyone I know?" Carter had asked.

She had ignored the question, and later they had made love, slower and more gently than ever before.

He sensed her presence at the rice-paper door behind him.

"It is a beautiful dawn," he said.

"Yes, it is, Nicholas," she said softly.

"My things are packed," he said after a long pause.

"I saw."

"You won't invite me to the wedding?"

"I don't think so. You will probably be on assignment in any event."

"Hawk called again?"

"Yes. He wants you back in Washington. Something important has come up."

"I see."

"I thought about asking you to turn it down, to stay, but then I realized that would be unfair not only to you but to me as well."

Carter nodded. He took a deep drag of his cigarette, drawing the smoke way down into his lungs. His was an odd life, he knew. But he could not imagine any other.

He stubbed out his cigarette and turned to her. Tears streamed down Kazuka's cheeks. "It is Major Rishiri?"

She nodded. "I love you, Nicholas… but there will always be another Petrograd chip for you, won't there?"

Carter nodded.

She reached up and kissed him gently on the lips. "Good-bye, my love."