Kosigan: Why? Who do we have to mollify, the United Nations? Half the Army and Air Forces and two-thirds of the Navy of the Soviet Union belong to Russia. We control 520,000 Army troops, 30,000 Strategic Rocket Forces, 110,000 Air Defense forces, 200,000 Navy personnel- Dogin: We can't break faith with the entire world!

Kosigan: Why not? I can seize Poland and then take the Kremlin. When we have power, what does it matter what Washington or anyone else thinks?

Dogin: And how will you control Poland when it's time to move on? Martial law? Even your troops would be spread too thin.

Kosigan: Hitler made object lessons of entire villages. It worked.

Dogin: A half century ago, yes. Not today. Satellite dishes, cellular telephones, and fax machines make it impossible to isolate a nation and break its spirit. I've told you before this must be a groundswell, and it must be guided by the officials and leaders who are already in place. People who can be bought but whom the Poles trust. We can't afford chaos.

Kosigan: What about the promise of broader powers when they win the elections there in two months? Isn't that enough to move the constables and mayors?

Dogin: It is. But they've also insisted on bank accounts if they lose.

Kosigan: Bastards.

Dogin: Don't fool yourself, General. We're all bastards. Just stay calm. I've alerted Shovich that the shipment will be late, and he's told his agents.

Kosigan: How did he take it?

Dogin: He said he used to mark time by scratching lines on the wall of his cell. A few hash marks more won't bother him.

Kosigan: I hope so, for your sake.

Dogin: Everything is still on track-- merely delayed. Instead of twenty-four hours from now, we'll be toasting our new revolution forty hours from now.

Kosigan: I hope you're right, Minister. One way or another, I promise you: I will go to Poland. Good evening, Minister.

Dogin: Good evening, General, and stay calm. I won't disappoint you.

When the transmission ended, Orlov felt the way he had the first time he was spun in a centrifuge during cosmonaut training: disoriented and sick.