|
|
|
|
|
|
room, past the tables groaning with food and drink as usual. Food and drink, always available to us, while ordinary citizens go to empty shops, he thought angrily. Kondratiev was the center of a group standing by the windows, gesticulating as he spoke, his listeners nodding in earnest agreement. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As he watched, Milstein realized in horror that today was a turning point, that there was no time left to reason or negotiate with those monsters. Kondratiev and his Soyuz fascists were planningnot just planning, but on the verge of a putsch. Only the timing was still unclear, and chances were that it was imminent. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
He chose a moment when Cherny was filling his plate at the buffet to approach him again. "Aleksandr," he said intensely, "that was no accident in the square. It was a test." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"A test? David Davidovich, have you taken leave of your senses?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"The bastards wanted to see what you would do. They wanted to know if you would take command on the spot, forbid them to fire on unarmed demonstrators." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cherny's broad face hardened. "You are upset. I am also." His voice was cold, warning Milstein. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Milstein's anger overcame his caution. "Damn you, Aleksandr," he said, "they're all corrupt: criminals, black marketeers, with every intention of overthrowing your government, even killing you, if that's what is necessary." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cherny flew into a rage, unable to stand Milstein's incessant complaints, "I cannotwill notbelieve the filthy gossip about these men. Aleyev and Suvorov are pressing for reconciliation between me and Kondratiev in order to heal the breach. That is why Kondratiev returned to Moscow, that and the funeral. They have capitulated, have given up their agenda, and promise full cooperation with me in the legislature." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I can't believe what I am hearing, Aleksandr," Milstein said in dismay. "Reconciliation is impossible." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Nothing is impossible if it means an end to this plot and counterplot." Cherny rubbed his forehead again, the weariness |
|
|
|
|
|