"By the zero elevator to the science team compound," Kirchner instructed, and the German translated. "We'll need a truck released from the compound to cross the chamber."

Pletnev passed on the requirements. Vielgorsky added that one of his men must accompany them in the truck to the second chamber. After a moment's consideration, Kirchner again agreed. He then spoke with Gerhardt and confirmed the plan.

"Lanier and two of my men will be on the opposite side of the bridge as soon as we reach an agreement with whoever's in charge of the second chamber," Gerhardt said. "Lanier's learned Russian. We think one of the Russian science team should go with him, too, if everyone's agreeable."

Pletnev pursed his lips and mumbled something the German could not understand. Then, in passable English, he asked, "Pliss, is there washroom? I have occupied suit for a week now."

Belozersky crouched beside Mirsky as the cease-fire instructions were relayed over the loudspeaker in the enemy camp.

"This could be very tricky," Belozersky said, shaking his head. "We cannot be sure what sort of misinformation they will bring."

Mirsky did not react. He listened intently, then passed orders through Garabedian for his battalion to heed the instructions. "Pletnev will be here in an hour," he said as he took a cigarette offered by Garabedian. "We can question him to our heart's content. If what he says is indeed, true, then we negotiate."

"There must be no retreat from principles," Belozersky said grimly.

"Who suggested retreat from anything?" Mirsky countered. He disliked the little martinet with his tight-pressed lips and nervous gestures.

"If Pletnev tells the truth," Belozersky pursued, "then we must establish a stronghold of the revolution right here, on the Potato."

"They call it the Stone," Garabedian said.

"The Potato," Belozersky repeated, glaring at him.

"No one disputes you," Mirsky said with perhaps too much patience.

"We must be equal partners in this venture."

"They have all the women," Mirsky observed. Belozersky scrutinized him as if he had made a bad joke.

"Yes? Comrade General, I do not see—"

"We cannot go home—if Pletnev is correct," Mirsky said. "To carry on the ideals of the revolution, there must be. . . women. That seems obvious."

Belozersky had nothing to say to this.

"Perhaps on our science team. . .” Garabedian suggested.

"Most of them are men," Mirsky observed. "Remember the briefings? Very prestigious assignment, the Potato. Senior academicians and their assistants only. Maybe fifteen women. Spread among seven hundred soldiers." He laughed and squashed the quickly smoked cigarette butt against the concrete foundation.

Belozersky sat with his back against the concrete and stared down at his clasped hands where they rested on drawn-up knees. "Not everything in Russia has been destroyed," he murmured. "There are redoubts, fortresses. You have heard of these, Comrade General, surely."

"They reveal nothing to those who do not need to know," Mirsky said. "Rumors don't equal reality."