This morning’s less important news included the acquisition of a new wrist-mounted Tessina subminiature camera by a KGB agent from the manufacturer’s factory in Grenchen, Switzerland, and the progress of MIR and BESM research groups working on the development of the Soviet Union’s first solid-state computer. Then Rykov moved on to the three pieces of information that might require Medev’s review.

‘Our informant at Cooke airbase has confirmed the next Corona retrieval is still scheduled for tomorrow morning, Pacific time.’ He gave Medev a moment to file this away in his head. ‘And results for the latest SP-117 tests will be delayed again as more volunteers are recruited.’

SP-117 was the codename for the KGB’s range of psychoactive drugs. They were as close as the KGB had come to creating a real truth serum and were a cornerstone of its interrogation processes. But the latest generation, which should have gone into general circulation two months ago, was having teething problems. It either didn’t work, caused test subjects to become delirious, or killed them.

The lieutenant expected Medev to be angry about this latest setback, but if he was, he didn’t show it. He remained silent, turning one of Malevich’s squat figures over in his hands.

Rykov cleared his throat and moved on to the final item on the agenda. ‘A major explosion has caused significant damage to the Povenets B naukograd in Karelia.’

This got Medev’s attention. He held the clay figure still as Rykov read through the truncated initial report that had been sent overnight to Moscow.

‘The explosion occurred at the city’s power plant while the GRU administrator was inspecting it,’ Rykov continued. ‘Part of the plant was destroyed, causing an overnight blackout …’ He paused again at the line that had shocked him when he’d first read it half an hour ago ‘… and levelling the school building next to it. The administrator and surviving plant workers have been transported to the hospital in Petrozavodsk. Initial indications suggest all children and teachers in the school were killed. The GRU is confident the site is now secure.’ He waited for Medev to respond.

Medev placed the small statue back on his desk.

‘What research was being done at Povenets B?’ he asked.

Rykov consulted his notes. ‘A variety of advanced radio and electronics projects. Primarily remote guidance systems, and long-range, experimental communications.’

Medev sat for another long moment, then looked up at his young assistant and said, ‘Get me a plane.’

Chapter 25

Chapter 25