But because of the treaty for the transition of control of former Soviet facilities between Lithuania and the Commonwealth, Commonwealth troops and Lithuanian officials had equal access to Fisikous to monitor compliance. Military personnel wearing all sort of uniforms paraded around the place all the time, making it nearly impossible for the scientists to get anything done. This went up Viktor Gabovich's ass sideways. The Institute was his domain, his base of operations, and even though he wasn't a scientist, he sure as hell had authority over what they did. Turning Fisikous into the premier weapons-and-aircraft-design facility in the Commonwealth was not only his goal, it was his obsession.

It was the reason he had brought the American from that hellhole in Siberia, and the reason he'd expended so much time and energy turning him from a prisoner into a collaborator.

It was also the reason he put up with these petty interruptions by the Lithuanians, on whose soil the Institute unfortunately sat. Every day he was tempted to simply lock the doors and gates, tell these Boy Scouts to fuck off, and seal off access. But Viktor Gabovich knew that his Black Berets did not have the numbers needed to keep the Lithuanians at bay, let alone the might of the Byelorussian-equipped Commonwealth forces.

But just because Gabovich had to let these popinjays in did not mean he had to stand for their petty interrogations. To Kolginov he replied, "You asked if he's all right? That is none of your business."

Kolginov's eyes narrowed, and Surkov instinctively took a defensive step backwards, immediately drawing his walkie-talkie to summon help. "Your identification cards, please,"

Kolginov demanded.

Gabovich produced his identification card and replied hotly, "What the problem is, Major, is that you are skulking around here and observing Private research activities that do not concern you.~~

Kolginov examined the card and recognized the man's name immediately~although they had not met before, Kolginov knew Gabovich was the head of security for Fisikous, hired by the scientists themselves to Provide "special" security procedures and services for parts of the facility not yet open to inspection by Lithuania. Kolginov also knew that GaboVich and his_aide, a man named Teresov, were former KGB_officers_and most likely still had their entire KGB apparatus intact. Kolginov had never seen the third man. He motioned to Luger and asked, "And that man...

"Doctor Ivan Sergeiovich Ozerov. He is under my supervision. He is not required to show you his identification," Gabovich said testily. "Now, what is your reason for being in this wing of the facility, Major Iron Wolf?"

"I am on an inspection tour of-"

"There are no guard posts down this corridor, Major," Gabovich pointed out. "I suggest you keep your nose out of business that does not concern you."

"If you have a problem with my actions, Comrade Gabovich," Kolginov said loudly, "you-"

But he never had a chance to finish. Gabovich, flushed with anger as his patience finally snapped, pulled out a huge Makarov pistol and aimed it at Kolginov, silencing him immediately. Teresov pulled a gun on Surkov before the NCO could reach into his holster.