“A good question. I don't know. I'm certain of one thing, however. This is not the end of it. I have ordered preparations made to move our operations. Meanwhile, extra guards will be posted. I have taken the liberty of arming them with more contemporary weapons. I'm sorry. I know how you feel about preserving the purity of our traditions.”

“I understand the need to be ready to face impure forces. What of your source in Washington?”

“His power is limited, but I have asked him to do what he can without jeopardizing his role.”

“We must know who and what we are dealing with,” Boris said. 'This NUMA may not be what it says it is."

“Agreed. It would be folly to underestimate them, as the Guardians did.”

“Tell me about these television people.”

“I have confirmed that they were from an American network. Two men and a woman.”

Boris stroked his beard in thought. 'This is no accident. The television people and this NUMA must be a cover for an American scheme. Where are they now?"

“On the Argo heading back to Istanbul. I've dispatched a boat to follow her.”

“Can we destroy the NUMA ship?”

“As easily as smashing an insect, but I don't think it would be wise at this time. It might draw attention to our Black Sea venture.”

“Then we must wait.”

“I agree. After the Black Sea venture is done, then you may take your vengeance.”

“I defer to your wisdom, Mikhail.”

Razov's smile had all the warmth of an anaconda's. “No, Boris, it is you who is the wise one. My expertise is business and politics, but you have the vision for the great and grand future.”

“A vision you will carry out as the lone defender against the corruption and materialism that is a cancer in our once-great country. We must show the world that our cause is right. Nothing must stand in the way of our plan to carve out decay where we find it.”

“I want you to see something.” Razov said. He punched a button on his desk. “This is my most recent speech before the army.”

A picture appeared on the wall screen: Razov speaking in a large hall. The audience was made up of men in the uniforms of the various Russian armed services. Razov stepped onto the stage, and within minutes he had his audience in the palm of his hand. As he spoke, he seemed to grow to ten feet high, drawing on the power of his deep voice, impressive physique and his convictions to exhort the crowd: