The story hit international news at 5 a.m. Word of an alleged terror attack at an event attended by Kazakhstan’s President … Statements from world leaders scrolled across the screens. Nothing yet from Kyrgyzstan, with its Russian bases. Nothing yet from Tehran. Mass arrests had started under Zhaparov’s instructions. The official Russian statement: Nazarbayev was a pillar of stability in the region and Russia will do everything it can to preserve peace and security for the people of Kazakhstan. Which meant it was ready to invade.

I logged in to the VKontakte account of Aslan Cherchesov, my Russian seaman, checked his military friends. Leave had been cancelled. I posted: Can’t believe leave’s cancelled. Going to miss my girlfriend’s 21st birthday. Where are you being sent?

A hush fell across the headquarters. I looked up and saw Zhaparov on the screens. He stood in the lobby of Astana’s Parliament House, surrounded by senior military.

‘The President is in a very critical condition. I want the people of Kazakhstan to know, we will stop at nothing to catch those responsible. Nowhere on earth will be safe. They will see what happens when the Kazakh people stand together.’

Zhaparov declared a state of emergency. Vladislav Vishinsky stood in the crowd behind him. Walker touched my arm.

‘Come with me.’

Was this it? I wondered. Was he leading me to some form of incarceration or worse? I considered running. In the end I pocketed a biro on the way, as a last-ditch form of defence.

We walked the length of the ground floor to a door that opened into a gym. No cameras. One shaven-headed individual guarding a scratched brown briefcase. The man departed with a nod at Walker. The case sat there beside a rowing machine.

‘It’s what he asked for,’ Walker said. ‘There’ll be another million in his designated account if the field’s in GL5 control this time next week.’

I lifted the case by the handle. It was heavy. I sat on a bench, lifted it onto my lap and slid the locks. The money was portioned into clear bags of several thousand dollars, a mixture of bank-fresh and used notes, both with plain seals.

‘I’ve arranged guards,’ Walker said.

‘We need to keep it light.’

‘I get that. You can appreciate our concern.’

I called Satayev. He called me back within a few minutes.

‘We’re in a position to help,’ I said. ‘We are ready to fight. But people need to hear your government say they are with us.’

‘I’ve got what you asked for. I’m not doing this on behalf of the government.’

‘I understand.’

‘It’s the truth this time. I need you to know that.’

I told him how much money I was about to deliver and he relaxed.

‘Take it to my colleague.’

‘Someone you can trust? This is a big delivery.’

‘He is my righthand man. I will give you the address.’