“I can't picture the White House and the Pentagon ignoring a possible threat like this, not now. They've learned the hard way to take threats seriously.”

“Yes, well, they're not pleased with our position. We have told them if they respond too clumsily, they will spoil our efforts and ensure that the threat, whatever it is, will be carried out.”

“What's the connection between this threat and the sub base?”

“Come to your own conclusion. The sub pen was built for medium-range missile submarines that roamed the Black Sea, mostly to intimidate Turkish leaders who allowed the Americans to establish bases. It was abandoned after the Soviet government fell and lay undisturbed for years. Then Razov leased the facility from the government. His ships were seen coming and going. The Cossacks you encountered were camped nearby as guards.”

“Why the fancy costumes and old weapons?”

“It has something to do with the symbolism of his cause. Razov chooses to equip some of his men as if they were still cavalry for the tsar. Make no mistake. He has accumulated many modem weapons from the former Soviet Union.”

“Why haven't you moved in on these guys?”

“We were waiting and watching for the right time. Then you blundered in.”

“Sorry to spoil your stakeout. Someone was being mugged and needed help.”

“We think he intends to act against the U.S. before he assumes power.”

“I can help you find out what he has in mind.”

Petrov shook his head vigorously. “We don't need American cowboys charging in with six-guns blazing.”

“Neither do I. I'm a scientist with NUMA now.”

“You're being disingenuous. You have a reputation for bending the rules. I know about your Special Assignments Team. My office has press accounts of the NUMA team's role in the Andrea Doria conspiracy and the plot to take over the freshwater resources of the world.”

“We like to keep busy in our spare time.”

“Then keep busy with your ocean science.” Austin folded his arms over his chest. “Let me see if I understand this correctly, Ivan. You want us to count fish while your madman goes on a terror spree in our country.”

“We have every intention of stopping Razov before it gets to that. Your interference may already have spoiled any chance we have of containing him. If you don't stay out, I will consider you an enemy of the Russian people and will act accordingly.”

“Thanks for the advice.” Austin glanced at his watch. “I hate to break off our reunion, but I'm late for dinner with a lovely young woman. So if you're through...”

“Yes, I'm through.” Petrov barked an order in Russian. The men guarding Austin pulled him to his feet and attempted to herd him toward the door. He stood his ground and said, “Nice seeing you again, Ivan. Sorry for past encounters.”