Rasputin's Legacy by Lee Jackson

Author:Lee Jackson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller, action, espionage, historical, russia, america, spy, soviet union, nuclear, rasputin
Publisher: Lee Jackson

32

When he entered a small theater-like room, Yermolov recognized his old comrade, KGB Chairman Nestor Murin, on a raised stage, obviously engaged in informal discussion. Thirty of some of the top Soviet generals were already seated in the first three rows.

Hearing the door open and close, Murin looked over and saw Yermolov, and his face lit up. He stood and approached, arms extended. “Comrade, it’s good to see you safe inside Russia. Among friends.” He grabbed Yermolov in a bear hug.

They both faced the audience. “I give you a man who needs no introduction,” Murin announced, “Borya Yermolov.”

The generals stood and applauded, but their expressions revealed reserve. When they had quieted down and were seated, Murin took Yermolov’s arm and guided him around a table on the stage. He offered Yermolov the center seat. Then he took the chair to Yermolov’s left. Kutuzov took the one on the right.

The symbolism was not lost on Yermolov, nor was the nature of the welcome he had received. To the assembled senior military leadership, the message was clear: This is our guy. Ask what you will, but be prepared to support.

Yermolov gazed across the assembly. Looking back were faces that bore gradations of hope, tenacity, and skepticism. This is my coup to lose. Lieutenant General Fierko stood there in full uniform with KGB insignia. Two KGB colonels flanked him. Murin stacked the odds in my favor.

Nearby, but slightly apart, a civilian stood alone. With lights shining in Yermolov’s eyes, he could not make out the man’s features. However, he bore the unmistakable presence of high-level seniority, the Politburo.

Yermolov felt satisfaction, but almost instantly sensed that gnawing unease that seemed a constant companion. He shook it off.

Murin stood, but remained behind the table. “Every man in this room is at risk,” he said. “If we’re discovered, we will be considered co-conspirators, and,” he smacked his hands together, “we’ll be executed.” His face grim, he continued. “We came voluntarily, but as of now we’re all in. No one can pull out.” His words hung in the air and he attempted to look each man in the eye. “You came to hear General Yermolov, not me.” He turned to Yermolov. “General, tell us why we should support you.” He sat down.

No one stirred. Yermolov remained silent, observing each man in the room. He rose to his feet and strode to the front of the platform. “Thank you to all of you for your dedication to the Soviet Union.” He paused and gestured toward Kutuzov.

“I’m in the presence of greatness. I’m among men who put country and service ahead of personal ambition. Colonel General Kutuzov is a comrade who has no ambition beyond being a great soldier. He has already accomplished that.”

His arm swept toward Murin. “I’ve had the privilege of working for the chairman, who always provided the support I needed while in foreign lands on national business.” He let the veiled reference to his espionage in the US sink in. “He asked me to tell you why you should support me.

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