The Atlantis Stone

CHAPTER 29

Vladimir Orlov sat at his official desk in the Kremlin Senate building, reading reports. Generals Vysotsky and Volkov stood in front of the desk, waiting. Minutes dragged by as Orlov continued turning pages. Finally, he looked up at them.

"General Volkov. You are aware of the current negotiations with Egypt."

"Yes, Mister President."

Orlov's voice was calm, without emotion. It was in moments like this that you didn't want to be the object of his attention. Vysotsky's outer appearance was impassive. Inside, he was grinning.

"The sale of those arms is a matter of highest priority. Negotiations are now in serious jeopardy because of your actions. Please explain yourself."

"Yes, Mister President. The Americans are looking for something they learned about from one of our senior researchers, a traitor. I sent operatives to observe them and obtain as much information as possible. Lieutenant Arshavin died defending the Motherland. Major Rostov escaped."

"So you say in your report. It would have been easier if the traitor had not died under your interrogation. Did you discover whether or not the Americans found what they are searching for?"

Volkov looked uncomfortable. "Not yet. But…"

Orlov held up his hand. Volkov stopped talking.

"Four agents dead in the last week and you still do not know what the Americans are doing. It seems General Vysotsky has had better luck than you."

Volkov glanced at Alexei with a look of pure hatred.

Orlov continued. "I have his report here. He states that the Americans are searching for records of an ancient power source that could provide us with a strategic advantage. His operative recovered materials in Egypt that explain where it might be found. The Americans know where to look."

Volkov turned to Vysotsky. "You had someone in Egypt?"

Alexei kept his voice mild. "Your department has no mandate to pursue foreign agents outside our borders. That is the function of SVR, as you well know. When I learned what you had done, it seemed prudent to send someone. Her orders were to observe and remain undetected. Had I known your agents were going to create an international incident, I would have ordered her to intervene."

"You are a pompous ass," Volkov said.

"At least I am not an idiot. I know better than to provoke a conflict with the Americans."

"That is because one of your agents is the sister of an American spy."

"No. It is because I am not a thug like you, always ready to bring out the jackboot at any opportunity."

Before Volkov could respond, Orlov interrupted.

"Enough. I have had enough of this childish arguing. You are two of my most important officers. If you cannot find a way to cooperate, I will replace you with others who will. Am I clear?"

Both men answered at once. "Yes, Mister President."

"General Volkov. Do not let a mistake like this happen again. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, Mister President."

"General Vysotsky. I want to know what the Americans are doing. You are not to confront them directly unless they initiate a conflict. This is now your priority. Understood?"

"Yes, Mister President."

"Dismissed."

The two generals saluted and clicked their heels together. They left the room without looking at each other.

Orlov watched them go, thinking about Vysotsky's report and Volkov's ambition.