Nemesis by John Schettler

Author:John Schettler [Schettler, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Writing Shop Press
Published: 2015-05-09T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

“Just a moment,” said Volsky. “You think you can just walk in here, wave an envelope before my nose, and sail off with the flagship of the Northern Fleet? I wish to see the General Secretary!” Volsky knew all along that this was their only chance. Fedorov had told him they had met Sergei Kirov here, and that meeting was very harmonious. He was the only real authority now, and the only man they could appeal to. Could he hold the ship long enough for that appeal?

Karpov smiled. “Well at least you’ve finally accepted the reality of where you are now. So you must also accept your fate here, Admiral. I’m afraid the General Secretary is somewhat preoccupied at the moment. You see, the Germans have overrun most of the Ukraine, and in the north they are hammering at Smolensk! I suppose you could get him on the radio, though it would only be a voice on the other end, no more evidence than the document before you. I assure you, that signature is authentic. So now you get to make your final decision as Commander of the Northern Fleet. Will you relinquish command voluntarily, or make this difficult? The outcome will be the same either way, though I hope nobody gets killed if we have to force the issue.”

Volsky gave Fedorov an exasperated look. What could he do here? They couldn’t bolt for the door and make a run for the launch through the muddy streets. The presence of those security men told him they would not get thirty feet. No. He had to take another angle.

“So much for the nice warm welcome we received as we landed,” he said, inwardly angry at himself now for not taking more precautions. Yet who could have foreseen that a dead ringer for his own Captain would stride in here with such a demand?

“The men on that ship know me well,” he said. “I would dare say they love me, and I would hate to think what they might do should they learn I have come to harm, and at the hands of my own countrymen. That loyalty was well earned.”

“Yes, I will grant you that you have the affection and loyalty of the men, but let’s face it, Admiral, your time has passed. You can’t measure what is happening here now, not even with all the history books Fedorov can pile on your desk. Events are running on. Japan will be entering the war in due course, and you have no idea what has been going on in the far east—largely because of your own foolish meddling.” That was a slip, but Karpov decided it would be one last test of the Admiral.

“My meddling? I left this port not but five days ago! Everything that has happened to us was an accident! What are you talking about?”

“Never mind,” said Karpov, for Volsky’s response seemed convincing. “I realize this must seem very hard. Yes, the world has gone crazy.” He gestured

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.