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"He has to be told the truth," Kellner whispered. |
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At that moment, Cherny turned away from the console and signaled for everyone but the chief communications technician to leave the room. The Americans watched them file out, faces full of suppressed excitement and worry. As soon as the staff and the interpreter had gone, Cherny said grimly, "Now. Be more explicit, Mr. President." He sounded angry, and slightly contemptuous. |
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A pose, Kellner wondered. Or to gain time? |
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Charlotte crossed her fingers, awaiting the next exchange. Don't make things worse, she pleaded silently. |
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"The coup is being planned by General Kondratiev, Admiral Aleyev, and their nationalist confederates. The name of their organization is Soyuz. Our list of the men involved is available to you, if you want it," Caidin said. His face was very flushed now, his manner deliberate, his eyes glittering. |
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Cherny sat, impassive, uncommunicative. |
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"You will recall that Ambassador Rankin gave you a message from me two days ago, about the plutonium contamination in Hudson Bay. We have had no response at all from you to date. Now we have concrete evidence that a Russian naval vessel has engaged in illegal operations inside the territorial waters of Canada, a NATO ally of the United States. These activities may be connected to the conspiracy against your government. If not, I would have to believe that these illegal operations were ordered by you. A thorough investigation has begun here. Am I making myself clear, Mr. President?" |
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He rushed on, not waiting for an answer. "Are you aware that Nathan Abramov was recalled to Moscow by Foreign Minister Mirisov, and that he was arrested the moment he arrived at Sheremeteyvo?" |
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Kellner had never admired Aleksandr Cherny more than he did at that moment. It must have taken every bit of his selfcontrol to keep silent in the face of these surprises and bitter accusations. |
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Then Cherny spoke, slowly and deliberately. "You are mis- |
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