“No problem. I assume you called to let us know you will be moving off-site.”

“No, actually I called to check on your caviar supply.” Petrov smiled. “It is more than adequate, thank you. Now let me ask a question. When will your ship be departing?”

“Your command of English isn't as good as I thought. We have no intention of leaving international waters.”

“Then the responsibility for any repercussions will be on your head.”

“Sorry, we're not accepting repercussions.”

“Then we have no alternative but to force the situation.”

“Let's see if we can settle this thing amicably, tovarich,” the American replied casually. “We both know what's on that wreck and what a pain it could cause our respective countries. So here's my suggestion: We pull back while you go down and retrieve your, uh, stolen property. We'll even give you a hand if you'd like. When you're finished with your salvage work, you leave and we'll dispose of the evidence. What do you say?”

“Interesting proposition.”

“I think so.”

“How do I know I can trust you?”

“Action speaks louder than words. I've given the order to move back a half mile.”

Petrov watched the American ship lift anchor and reposition itself farther from the salvage site. Petrov judged that despite the American's lighthearted manner, he was determined to carry out his mission. The alternative to a deal was an escalation of force. Petrov was no gambler. If the American reneged, Petrov could use the armed men on his ship and the Soviet navy was on call. No matter what the outcome, however, he would not look good for letting the confrontation get out of control.

“Very well,” he said. “Once we are finished with our salvage, we will leave and you may move in.”

“Fair enough. What's your name, by the way? I like to know whom I'm dealing with.”

The question caught Petrov off-guard. In a sense, he had no name, having been given one by the Soviet government He chuckled and said, “You may call me Ivan.”

His answer was greeted by a deep laugh. “I'll bet half the guys on your ship are named Ivan. Okay, you can call me John Doe.” He wished Petrov good luck in Russian and hung up.