“Of course, Lieutenant Kovalenko. I imagine it would no doubt be funny to our soft Western European friends to hear an officer complain of coming south to Moscow, especially an officer as … capable as you.” The captain said it almost as an insult, such was his disdain for giving actual compliments. But the lieutenant’s abilities could not be denied, especially within the area of intelligence.

“Anyway, enough of this chitchat. Where was I, Lieutenant?”

“I believe we were discussing potential assignments, Captain. You were extolling me on the very great importance of discipline, especially if I were to pursue a career in the Strategic Command Force.”

“Yes, yes, Lieutenant, and very important it is. Normally I am very hesitant to use one of my few annual nominations to the SCF recruitment list. But in your case I believe you may be worthy of such an honor. I was a member of the StratCom myself; back when it really meant something.”

The captain could not know that the lieutenant, via the AI’s research, had accessed the captain’s military record, including as much of the classified sections as were easily reached. So he could not know that the lieutenant was aware of the captain’s five applications to the SCF, all unsuccessful, back in the Cold War when it had, indeed, been a much more elite force than it was today.

“Yes, Lieutenant, you may well be of SCF’s standards, though I doubt you would have made it into the Old Strategic Command.” said the captain proudly, the lieutenant nodding subserviently, making sure his face and deep black eyes betrayed none of his contempt for the pompous fool in front of him.

Chapter 20: Playing the Fool

“Come in, come in.” said Admiral Hamilton. “Coffee?”

Neal and Madeline nodded emphatically. They had not slept in a bed since leaving the guest house in Kodikkarai, two days ago, and the admiral had been so keen to see them that they had been brought straight to the Pentagon from the airport.

Neal had asked that they be allowed to check into their hotels and freshen up, a sentiment that Madeline had echoed, but the driver had insisted that he was under strict orders to bring them directly to the admiral.

“Hey, I guess you two haven’t slept, sorry. Lieutenant Martin should have let you check-in first so that you could freshen up.” said the admiral. Neal felt certain that the lieutenant had been ordered to do no such thing; no doubt the admiral wanted them a little off guard so he could get the most information out of them.

Either way, they had both discussed at length how much they should tell the admiral, and their stories were well set as they gratefully accepted their coffees from the admiral’s secretary.

“Now, maybe you could just answer a few questions and I’ll let you head to the hotel, I’m sure you are both very tired.”