“This is good, Admiral, this mayhem in the streets of the world’s capitals?”

“Yes, Vasiliy, very good. We can thank our friend Medikov for the story concerning Siberia. His people control the markets out there and he owns the television station. Another few days of this boiling turmoil and we will be ready.”

Durov rose from his seat, stepped over to the small sideboard, and poured himself a glass of vodka. He sipped it as he stared into the fireplace, lost in thought. He turned away and said to his aide, “Vasiliy, it is time to up the ante a little. Please get President Smitrov on the phone for me.”

Zhurkov walked across the wood-paneled study to the large teak desk and dialed the phone. After several minutes and numerous short, whispered conversations, he looked up and nodded. “Admiral, the president is coming on the line now.”

Durov took the phone. When he heard Smitrov, he said, “President Smitrov, I fear that I must report our failure to rescue our courageous sailors who have been lost beneath the Barents Sea. The time is past when they could possibly still be alive. Conditions at the ice camp are such that even our best professionals have been able to make little headway.”

Smitrov’s weak, high-pitched voice came back at him over the crackling line.

“My dear admiral, all of Russia mourns with you for your great loss. Your nephew died a hero of the motherland. If there is anything I can do, just name it.”

Durov could barely suppress his glee. Smitrov was an even bigger fool than he thought. This was too easy. The admiral forced a hurt, sorrowful tone to his voice as he replied, “Thank you, President Smitrov. For myself, I need nothing. My sailors, they need solid assurance. If you could come here and speak with them and mourn with the widows, it would mean very much to them. To them and to the people of Russia.”

“Of course. I’ll fly there the first of next week. My staff will schedule it immediately. Is that adequate?”

“Yes, that would be very much appreciated,” Durov answered. “We will have a memorial service that Russia will never forget. We have much to mourn these days, Mr. President. Much to mourn indeed.”