The Atlantis Stone

CHAPTER 34

Vysotsky returned to SVR Headquarters. Within an hour, Orlov's aide phoned him to tell him Volkov had assigned an agent to the operation. Alexei summoned Valentina to his office. He turned on the unofficial device that shielded the room from eavesdroppers.

"Major Antipov. I am sending you back to Egypt."

Surprise registered on Valentina's face.

"Major?"

"You have been promoted. Congratulations."

"What's the catch?"

"Valentina, you hurt my feelings. You deserve this promotion. President Orlov himself told me to give it to you."

"You and I have known each other too long for foolish games. As I said, what's the catch?"

"You will be working with one of General Volkov's operatives. This is a joint mission with FSB."

"FSB agents are a pain in the ass. They are all idiots. Who is he?"

"It's not a he. Volkov has assigned Major Rostov."

"Her? Work with that bitch? I will not do it."

Alexei sighed. "Sometimes you can be truly ridiculous. You have no choice in the matter. It's an order."

"No one works with Rostov," Valentina said. "She thinks the sun shines out of her ass."

"Please, Valentina, there's no need to be crude. You are in charge. Besides, your real mission isn't to work with her. It's to report on her actions."

"You want me to spy on her? I admit, that appeals to me."

"I thought it might. This is a tricky assignment for you. Orlov is watching closely. He is looking for something to use against Volkov."

"All he has to do is make it up," Valentina said.

"You are lucky no one can hear what is said in this office."

"You know it's true."

"That may be, but in this case proof is required. A conversation overheard. Perhaps an intercepted message. Proof that Volkov is disloyal and seeks his own advancement over the needs of the Motherland. Even better, something that criticizes the president in no uncertain terms."

"Whatever else Rostov is, she's experienced and careful," Valentina said. "It will be difficult to catch her out in anything as obvious as what you suggest."

"That is why I've assigned you to this operation. Because of its difficulty. Harker's team has returned to Egypt."

My sister.

"They are on their way to an underwater site to search for the remains of Atlantis."

Valentina looked at him.

"You're joking."

"I am not. The R/V Tolstoy is waiting for you near Cairo. She will take you and Major Rostov to the site."

"Why would they look for Atlantis?"

"They're looking for an artifact."

"What kind of artifact?"

"One that can be of use to us. That is all you need to know."

Valentina knew better than to push further.

"What are your instructions?"

"Observe the Americans. You are not to interfere unless the situation deteriorates and you have no other choice."

"Understood."

"You and Rostov leave tonight. Military transport has been arranged for you. You have proved efficient in the past, Valentina. I expect no less from you now. Orlov wants a result and he's taking a personal interest in you."

"When he pinned that medal on me, he fondled my breast. I don't like him."

"He has marked you for his inner circle," Alexei said. "It's a pool full of sharks. Find what he needs in Egypt. What protects you is your success."

"And if Rostov creates trouble?"

Alexei steepled the ends of his fingers together.

"There are also sharks in the Mediterranean," he said.

Valentina suppressed a smile.

A few miles away in FSB Headquarters, General Volkov was briefing Katerina Rostov.

"You are leaving for Egypt at 2100 hours," he said. "Orlov is playing games. He's placed an SVR operative in charge of this mission. You will be under her orders."

"Who is it?"

"Valentina Antipov. The one who got the medal after Orlov called off the Baltic invasion."

"I know who she is. She's an annoying woman and she's only a captain. How can she be in charge?"

"Orlov has promoted her to Major."

"I don't like her."

"I'm sure the feeling is mutual. However, that is the situation. You do not have a choice."

"What is it you want me to do?"

"You will stop the Americans from recovering any useful information."

"They will be working underwater. I'm no diver."

"You'll have a Spetsnaz team with you. Their job is to take care of whatever is in the water. Yours is to keep the Americans from succeeding."

"It will require a violent solution," Katerina said. "Are you prepared for whatever fallout comes from that?"

"If you do your job properly, there will not be any fallout. Unfortunate accidents happen at sea all the time."