NationStates Jolt Archive

Dawn was the traditional time for receiving diplomats. An overnight flight allowed the arriving envoy to sleep and defeat some of the inevitable jet lag, and many Russkyans employed by the government worked best during the night hours, putting the finishing touches on files that would be reviewed in the morning.

Arkady Ill'ych Sakharov, a head diplomat, was very comfortably seated in the back of a VLT Automotive luxury sedan. Normally more pragmatic, the Russkyan Diplomatic Corps was aware that certain people in the employ of other nation's diplomatic apparats were impressed by show, circumstance, material affluence. The Bose sound system flooded the interior of the vehicle with the soft strains of Rachmaninov while Sakharov reviewed his documentation on what the Russkyan Intelligence and Security Service, or RISS, had codenamed KOSHKA.

With the sun just starting to appear over the horizon, a Tu-144 taxied off the runway to be guided into a hangar on the far side of the primary runway. Airfield 33, not far from the outskirts of Berisak, was where extra-regional diplomatic envoys were brought in.

Ever the quiet professional, Sakharov thumbed through the last few pages of the file sitting in his lap and committed certain key facts to memory, such as the name and title of the lead diplomat scheduled to arrive. In the driver's and front passenger's seat, two men from one of RISS's directorates were sitting, enjoying the music and maintaining a perpetual watch around the vehicle. More vehicles and more of their colleagues waited in and around this spacious hangar that would receive the Terra Novian envoy.

The diplomat Matt Rogers just woke up after his long flight. He was going through the last of the files regarding the meeting. He was hopeful that the negotiation would go well and save his nation from collapsing.

After assuring himself that he had gone through all the papers his assistant came into his cabinet with a cup of coffee and told him that he arrive shortly and should get ready.

As the C-9 came over the horizon requesting permission to land Matt couldn't help to admire the great nation. After clearence the C-9 touched down softly,taxing towards the Hangar.

"I guess its show time!" Matt said abit nervous after it stopped in the hangar and the doors opened

Rogers was warmly welcomed by Sakharov, standing at the foot of the gangway that lead down from the C-9's hatchway. For reasons of security, diplomats were often welcomed inside hangars as opposed to out on the tarmac, where they could be vulnerable to a skilled man with a precision rifle.

"Welcome to the People's Socialist Republic, Mister Rogers. I hope you enjoy your stay with us."

Sakharov shook Roger's hand as Russkyans did - a quick grasp, firm squeeze, and release. He gestured towards the VLT L-7 F-Segment (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13231453&postcount=12) a few meters away. One of the RISS men indicated to any aides following that they would be transported in a second L-7.

Once the entirety of the Terre Novian envoy were aboard, Sakharov joined Rogers in the Van Luxemburgian auto, settling back into the upper class seating.

"I understand that time is short, Mister Rogers, so we can be as punctilious as you'd like."

The small convoy drove out of the hangar and eventually joined into the high speed traffic on the arterial roads running towards and through Berisak. Richly green forest blurred past on either side of the road to give way to sound-dampening walls and road signs as they entered the outskirts of the capitol city.

When Matt first came out of the hatch he saw a a group of men waiting on him. A man came forth and introduced him to the country it was Arkady Ill'ych Sakharov, a head diplomat of the Russkya . His handshake was firm and Matt knew he was a veteran in negotiation. As they were directed towards the car convoy he couldn't help notice the slim and sporty design of the car.

As they were driving Matt could not stop admiring the city once again out of the window.

"Mister Sakharov, Your country is the most interesting " Matt said and quickly paused

"But I am not here to admire the beauty" He said and gave a small smile towards Sakharov

"Thank you. I have been to many other countries, most recently Layarteb, and my homeland always seems to be the most beautiful." Sakharov nodded to show he'd acknowledged Roger's last statement.

"Quite. Well, it is safe to talk here if you'd like. What is it your government hopes to gain from this?"

"My government is in deep trouble,The on going war is not going well. Not since they started with chemical warfare." Matt then paused before continuing

"Our nation may be ruled with an iron fist but we do not use cowardly weapons of mass destruction." Matt sighed "The people are starting to demand that we withdraw our troops and negotiate a ceasefire. But our nation is not willing to stop the ongoing war"

"We are now trying to reach out for help to stop the collapse of our nation and ease the civilian uprising."

"Also to stop their ongoing war and terror against our nation. We may be the agressors but we have a our reasons and I assure you they are genuine" He quickly stated before looking at Sakharov for a reaction.

Sakharov's mouth twisted into a sardonic smile and he glanced out the window for a moment to give him more time to compose his response.

"Yes, I see now why my superiors were interested. If we can help alleviate the suffering of your people, that is a major plus. And because of our recent history, we know quite clearly that a powerful central government can just as legitimately have the interests of its people at heart as any Western democracy."

KOSHKA +: Currently engaged in a preemptive war that is stalemated and potentially turning against them due to use of chemical weapons. The line from the RISS briefing that was securely tucked away in a file folder between the front passenger's legs leapt into Arkady Ill'ych's mind.

"There will be no political problems, Mister Rogers, with providing at the very least humanitarian aid to your countrymen. Are you authorized to sign a non-aggression pact? This is standard procedure for Russkya before any sort of large-scale arms deal, like artillery, armoured vehicles, that sort of thing."

Matt listened to what Sakharov just said and got speechless when he heard the word "large-scale arms deal"

"...Uh Yes mister Sakharov I have the fullest authority." He stated

Matt took up his briefcase and opened it. He was looking through the papers until he took a particular one out of the briefcase that wasn't a paper and handed it over to Mr.Sakharov.

"Here is something I want you to see" He said as he was handing it over to Sakharov

"Its photographies of the City Netaru after a chemical attack." As he was briefing Sakharov on the picture.

"65.000 Casualties" Matt stated silently in respect of the victims.

Matt looked out the window and remembered the inspections after one of the attacked towns. "Will we arrive soon Mister Sakharov?"

"Chemical casualties are always horrific. When did this happen?"

The six-vehicle column was now deep inside Berisak, heading towards the government's core. The streets were noticably clearer of civilian vehicles now, these roads being restricted to diplomatic and government traffic only. On the left, the Embassy of The Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg could be seen, and on the right, the Embassy of the Empire of Kilrany.

"Yes..Horrific" Matt Replied.

"These photos were captured 2 weeks ago after we sabotaged one of their ammunition depots. They are like savage animals" Matt quickly stated and once again noticed how well structurized Russkyia's society was.

"I must say this car is the most comfortable one I ever had the pleasure to sit in,I might aswell recommend them for my government" Matt said with admire

Sakharov smiled slightly as the car pulled into an underground parking garage.

"VLT makes fantastic automobiles. All of our Ducas were otherwise engaged, or I would have used one of those to meet your plane. Stunning car. Once you've managed to stabilized your homeland you might be able to convince VLT Automotive to establish a factory, help your economy repair itself."

The vehicles stopped infront of a bank of elevators and disgorged their passengers. Arkady Ill'ych waited for a moment outside the elevator and turned to face Rogers.

"Do you have access to the sea?"

"Well technically no but we own a large island which we use for transporting our needs form the sea to our country by air. All our sea is otherwise frozen" as Matt stepped in the Elevator.

"Where are we going?"

"Ninth floor. Mostly conference rooms. It's going to be hard to get a lot of equipment to your mainland if you have to rely on air transport, could we break a lane through the sea ice with icebreakers or is it all hard-pack? If it's hard-pack, we could try running a road over the top of it."

They were joined in the elevator by two RISS officers, one carrying a briefcase. At the end of its brief journey, the doors slid open to reveal a pair of military officers with their caps tucked under their left arm.

"Meet Lieutenant Generals Chebukhin and Yelenin, Mister Rogers. They're here to explain what exactly we can offer you in terms of military equipment."

"Its hard packed mister Sakharov. A road would be the best option" Matt replied

As the door slided open he saw now a pair of officers standing infront of him. They was introduced as "Lieutenant Generals Chebukhin and Yelenin". They did not have the same appearence as the Terra Novian Military.

"Greetings Generals nice to meet you" Matt said and saluted the generals

"Shall we?" Matt said straight forwarded

Lieutenant General Chebukhin, Yelenin's senior by three weeks out of the General Staff Academy, donned his peaked cap and returned Roger's salute with all of the military punctilio that was expected of the highly professional and disciplined Russkyan Military. The uniforms were little changed since the Soviet era, still sporting large shoulderboards, though the cut of the tunics had changed and the colour was now a distinct forest green. Far fewer medals were awarded or issued, and ergo, worn.

The group moved to a conference room, one of the RISS officers entering first after throwing open the double doors to reveal the massive mahogany table and leather-upholstered chairs set around it. The RISS officer entering behind the group closed those doors and sat facing it near a sideboard adorned with a silver samovar, high-grade coffeemaker, and miniature fridge.

Sakharov swung his hand towards a seat with the nearly-universal "make yourself comfortable" gesture and took a seat at the tail of the table, nearest the doors, as the head of the table was traditionally reserved for Politburo - now Skolchoi - members, or full Flag officers. The other RISS officer deposited the briefcase on the table beside Generals Yelenin and Chebukhin, unlatching it and stepping back to stand post on the doorway.

Arkady Ill'ych sat forward on the edge of his chair and ran the back of his hand over the tabletop, a Russkyan gesture that meant this is what I can offer you. He spoke:

"First off, this year has been exceptionally bountiful. We have a grain surplus of some three hundred tons of wheat, barley, and fifteen more tons of hops. Of that, a hundred tons of barley is already sold to a regional interest. We can offer two hundred tons of wheat and a hundred tons of barley right off, as part of a humanitarian aid package to Terra Novian Atlantis. How badly damaged is your infrastructure? If you're missing grain mills and bakeries, for example, this isn't going to do you much good."

"Its a most generous offer but our island to the south flies in tons of rice enough to sustain our population but not our troops at the front. Besides that we could use meat and vegetables,we also are lacking the basic means of Electricity after they started to target our Coal Plants. Do you have any generators in spare perhaps?" Matt said and paused for continuing

"We also lack basic needs for medical treatments at our hospital. Especially sterilized materials and bandages." Matt continued

"Regarding infrastructure besides the Coal Plants,We lost most radio communication and we are only housing a few hidden ones at the moment.
This has proven most difficult to coordinate any kind of military operation or messages to the people."

"Meat and vegetables are more difficult, but it should be possible to divert perhaps as much as ten tons of combat rations as well as the grain. Russkya switched away from coal power many years ago, perhaps there are some coal-fired boilers that could be dismantled and shipped to Atlantis. I would have to check. Excuse me a moment."

Arkady Ill'ych stood and walked to a corner of the room to make use of the secured phone. His first call went to S.A. Korakov, and his second was connected with the office of Alexei D. Ladmilin, the primary economic advisor. L/Gen Yelenin passed a compact booklet to Rogers.

"This is a brief analysis of the Aequatian M93A1 gas mask. Recently, the Aequatian Republic's military switched to a different model, making these available en-masse for sale. We have access to those stocks. The M93A1 should be able to protect against whatever you've been attacked with, but to be sure, tell me what they've used."

Chebukhin thought for a moment and was next to speak.

"Mister Rogers, it would be useless for us to give you communications equipment, because there's a good chance what we gave you wouldn't be compatible with what you've already got.
Now, for relaying orders between headquarters - Brigade and Divisional level - we could supply you easily with sufficient transmitters, and some civilian transmitters as well to reach the population as a whole. Radio Russkya, for example, is a bit like the BBC World Service, you can hear it prettymuch anywheres. We have some very powerful transmitters available."

"Most generous Mr. Sakharov and General Chebukhin,If you are able to help us by this means. Altough the gas masks won't do much. They are using a nerve gas called Cyclosarin,which is most deadly and pierces through your skin." Matt said before continuing

"It also come under our attention..."Matt was interrupted by his satellite telephone ringing.

"Yes,Mr president...yes...I see..Thank you Mr President." Matt put the cellphone on the table and continued

"I just received words from the president. He has ordered to retreat the whole invading army. 4 more cities has undergone chemical attacks,estimation 550.000
Casualties."

"I can't stay much longer Mr.Sakharov."

Generals Chebukhin and Yelenin were visibly angered by the thought of more massed chemical strikes on civilian targets. Sakharov, the professional diplomat, was far better at concealing his emotions. There was no time for condolences. Only solutions.

"Humanitarian aid in the form of food, the previously mentioned amounts. This will be delivered by Russkyan-flagged freighters as a clearly marked humanitarian shipment. Attacking such a transport would raise international ire and result in... swift punitive action by my government, I am certain.

"Ministers Korakov and Ladmilin tell me that we do have a number of coal-fired boilers that can be delivered while the food shipments are in progress. General, you look as if you have something to say."

Yelenin nodded deferentially to the two diplomats and began speaking.

"It is concerning that you are facing cyclosarin. As you say, it is not only an inhalant agent, it is able to penetrate the mucous membrane such as the skin. This requires full CBRN protection. The very large stocks of M93A1 respirators coupled with equally large supplies of surplus Russkyan L-1M chemical and radiological protection suits will provide your military the ability to operate in contaminated environments. Against cyclosarin, M93A1 and L-1M are very effective. To help protect civilians, GROB-1/OP equipment could be issued, we have large stocks of these that were about to go on the market - your timing is very good, Mister Rogers. It can be worn as a sort of poncho or a long coat, and comes in five sizes. Combined with the one-size-fits-all protective gloves and overboots, GROB-1/OP will help reduce your civilian casualties."

It would be very clear to anyone who knew Yelenin that he was enraged by these chemical strikes on civilian population centers, as evidenced by the very precise and analytical speech he had just delivered to Matt Rogers. Yelenin was normally a much more affable man. He continued:

"To help provide warning of chemical attack, PKhR-MV/U detectors can be supplied with L-1M and GROB-1/OP equipment as part of a humanitarian aid package, ostensibly designed to reduce civilian suffering but of course, we can offload sufficient stocks that you can equip your military fully and possibly what remains of your civilian population."

Sakharov had to speak next, regarding the cost of equipment.

"Since this is surplus gear, I can only promise you that it is in fully working order. It is not cutting edge equipment, but it is clearly better than what you currently have available to you. Right now I am authorized to offer this at fifty percent of the equipment's original price, to be paid when it is economically viable for you to do so, with no interest or required payment date on money owed. All part of a humanitarian mission."

Then it was Lieutenant General Chebukhin:

"I understand you're looking for BMP-3 combat vehicles. We have a number of these available, approximately a hundred and seventy-five. They have upgraded fire control electronics, radios, and are equipped with a Krizhantema ATGM on a roof mount that is much more effective than the barrel-launched Arkan. Our designation for these vehicles is BMP-3PR. Will this meet your requirements?"

Sakharov broke in before Rogers could answer Chebukhin.

"Of course, we will have to sign that non-aggression pact now in order to be able to supply you with the BMP-3s. The grain, some radio equipment with instruction manuals and generators, the coal-fired boilers, those can all go immediately as part of a humanitarian aid mission. We will have to make arrangements to train the crews of the BMPs and some chemical protective equipment instructors here in Russkya, a sort of crash course, as that is much more complex than reassembling radio equipment and getting power back. Getting them and the BMPs back to Terra Novia will be slightly more difficult than the first humanitarian shipments, but not very hard for the PSR."

Matt digested the information given by him and opened his mouth.

"Well that settles it. I am just going through some details regarding shipments. They have hired privateers...they are no match for our navy or yours but they may cause trouble if you don't ship it with an escort...Than there is the matter with either flying in the equipment or build a road on the ice. My government have been working on a modified CH-47 Chinook which we named PA-6H. To be honest its a new model,It is 40% bigger in size and takes double the load. Our government spends great money on military transportations you see"

"They are still prototypes but at preliminary tests we made,we lifted 25tons.We are estimating a lifting capapcity on 37ton.With your help maybe we can have those 4 operational within 3 months. Then there should be no problems. The only problems indicated is what fuel we need. Normal Jet fuel isn't good enough.Also the engines still takes up too much space. With your help we maybe can decrease its size"

He took a brief pause and continued "We are able to deliver one of these prototypes within the next 3 days for your Scientists to study."

"This is all of course if you agree but for now I must say thank you for what you have offered us and I think its time for me to sign the NAP." Matt said with a firm voice and looked at the Generals and Sakharov for a agreement.

"Sakharov, if it was always this straightforward I'd become a diplomat." Yelenin grinned at the thought of the hard-charging Chebukhin as a diplomat while Sakharov tented his fingers and took a moment to compose a response.

"At the moment, Mister Rogers, I cannot guarantee that our aeronautics specialists would be able to work on the PA-6H helicopter. I'm sure one of the Generals could recommend an existing helicopter to fulfill your heavy lift needs-"

"Mi-26T. Twenty ton load carrying capacity, twelve meters by three point three meters loadbay that's up to three point two meters high. That should do until the PA-6H is complete. Should be able to find someone to lease them for as long as you need them, as well, if you don't want to directly buy any."

"Thank you, General Chebukhin. As he said, the Mi-26T may fulfill your needs for the interim. I am certain the RVMF will provide a escort for the humanitarian supplies. Let's go sign the pact, and leave the Generals here to arrange for the transfer of equipment and organize training for your soldiers who'll be using it."

Sakharov and both Lieutenant Generals stood, Chebukhin and Yelenin shaking hands with Rogers before one of the RISS officers opened the door leading back out into the hallway and to the elevators.

"If negotiation was this easy in times of emergencies,I would have been at home eating with my wife dinner Mr.Sakharov" Matt said with a smile as they walked towards the elevator

"Before I leave,Its a tradition for my people to have a formal dinner after negotiations. I hope its not to much to ask Mr. Sakharov?"

In the elevator headed back down to the parking garage, Sakharov checked his watch and idly commented to Rogers: "You know, when I woke up yesterday I thought today would be a simple seven to seven workday, home for supper and then do it all over again. Then I was assigned to meet you, and now our two nations are about to sign a non-aggression pact and toast the treaty with fine food and wine."

They reboarded the column of VLT automobiles, which took them across the center of the city to another government building. Stepping from the cars, Rogers and Sakharov walked across a plaza flanked by neatly trimmed birch trees fronting the stone facades of a century-old set of buildings. The building they walked towards was of more modern construction, though its architecture matched the eighteenth century European style prevalent throughout the plaza.

"Radio Russkya and the Regional Telecaster Network will be here to cover the signing of the pact. Reporters in Russkya are a little different from the rest of the world; you can give them a speech or ignore them completely, it's up to you, they won't hassle us. Is there any particular format the formal dinner needs to be in to satisfy tradition?"

" The dinner must be served on silver plates. Traditionally its first an apetizer coming from the ocean. Then the main course there is a small soup of spring vegtables accompnied with bread. Served next to it is usually whale with rice and a sauce made out of lemon,garlic and chili,regarding the meat,anything works if you don't have whale Mr.Sakharov. Last we usually end it with a bottle of Vodka...But I would prefer white wine today. I hope its not too much to ask." Matt said and gave a faint smile

"I will send my chef onboard the C-9 with the recipes immediately."

"You see we value our oceans rich life and the gifts it brought to our people. A long time ago our ocean froze and our ancestors suffered greatly. Not until we discovered the island of An'atura we were reunified with our ocean." Matt said proud.

"The president wants me to thank your people only if its not too much to ask of your media?"

"I'm sure our chefs will appreciate the experience. We don't have any whale, but we will likely have turbot for the appetizer. Something other than beef or more common meats... venison, perhaps? It's not too much to ask, no. And there is a wine cellar for diplomatic dinners, so you're in luck. You'll find that most Russkyans tend to have a love of food, so something like this is no bother.

"Though it is normal here to toast a treaty with a glass of vodka after the signing, then smash the glass afterwards so it isn't used for a lesser purpose."

The two sentries at the black glass double doors saluted as Rogers and Sakharov passed through the doorway into the lobby, a marble-floored, teak-walled space with an arched glass roof and lush foliage decorating the cavernous interior. The click of dress shoes on the metre-square marble tiles was lost under Sakharov's voice as he continued.

"Of course, you can thank Russkya for the pact on television and radio, simultaneously. The reporters would love that. In a moment, you'll meet Vasily Andreyevich Berko, our Prime Minister. He'll sign the pact, drink with you to toast it, then on to supper."

They headed up yet another elevator, arriving on the fourth floor and being conducted to an anteroom where Berko was waiting. He shook hands with Rogers as Sakharov had much earlier.

"I heard about the latest attack by your cowardly enemies. But I understand that Mister Sakharov has been instrumental in ensuring that these attacks will be less effective from now on, isn't that so?"

"Yes Mr.Prime Minister,This will help my people to defend their homes and lives." Matt replied.

"My President would have liked to do this on his own but,To be honest with you. He is a stern man. Negotiation isn't his best qualities you see." Matt said with a smile.

"Now shall we?" Matt said with a firm voice

As they were about to walk Matt turned around to Sakharov

"Aren't you going to join us on the dinner Mr.Sakharov?"

"We shall." Responded Berko, confidently. An aide pulled open the double doors leading to the ceremonial room where a dozen cameras and microphones were recording, manned by security-cleared media specialists while a half-dozen reporters sat waiting quietly for the appearance their national leader and the Terra Novian diplomat.

Vasily Andreyevich glanced over his shoulder, almost across the threshold.

"Arkady Ill'ych, you'll attend the dinner as a matter of course, I'm sure. And as the man who conducted the negotiations on this end you simply must bask in the limelight."

Berko jerked his head at the doorway. Sakharov nodded and fell into step behind Mr. Rogers, with a quiet "Of course, Vasily Andreyevich, of course Mister Rogers."

Seated side by side on hand-built teak chairs behind a richly shined mahogany table, the diplomats were given time to review the very brief signature and overview page of the document. Berko already knew what was written there.


Russko - Terra Novian Non-Aggression Pact
20 June, 2008

As of 20 June 2008, the sovereign Dominion of Terra Novian Atlantis and the People's Socialist Republic of Russkya commit to undertake no hostile action, overt or covert, against one another's homelands, overseas holdings, and citizens.
It is considered to be in effect as of the moment of signing.

Matt looked through the document and went ahead with the pen and signed it.

21 June, 2008

As of 21 June 2008, the sovereign Dominion of Terra Novian Atlantis and the People's Socialist Republic of Russkya commit to undertake no hostile action, overt or covert, against one another's homelands, overseas holdings, and citizens.
It is considered to be in effect as of the moment of signing.

Signed by:
Supreme Diplomat Matt Rogers of The Terra Novian Diplomacy Department

Berko signed the document without flourish and laid the pen down. An aide produced a bottle of vodka that bore no label and a trio of shotglasses. They were larger than was usual - in Russkya, vodka wasn't measured by volume but by weight. These were three hundred gram capacity glasses.

Sakharov accepted the glasses and laid them on the table, looking askance at Prime Minister Berko.

"Arkady Ill'ych, you take the honour of pouring."

He poured, topping the glasses off and setting the bottle down. He placed one infront of Rogers, then infront of Berko, and took his own glass in hand. Berko gave the toast:

"Mister Rogers: To your nation, to your health, and to our newfound friendship."

He hoisted the glass and drained it, as did Sakharov.

"Mr. Prime Minister,I bid the same, Without you I wouldn't probably be sitting here today. Your hospitality and generosity has been overwhelming. To our new friendship" Said Matt with a voice that made men and women proud of their nation as he took his glass of vodka in a single sweep.

Vasily Andreyevich clapped Rogers on the back.

"Good man. There aren't many diplomats who could do that without passing out afterwards! Now, for the second part of tradition and then on to your supper."

He rolled the glass in his hand contemplatively for a moment, and then hurled it against the wall. The shattered glass skittered across the floor.

"There we go. Go ahead, we'll sweep it up later."

Matt looked at the glass for a moment and turned around and threw it into the wall aswell.

"I hope that wasn't crystal" He said and laughed

As he smashed his own glass, Arkady Ill'ych grinned at Matt's comment.

"Looking forward to supper now. Nothing like a good dram to awaken the stomach."

Berko, ever the host, gestured towards the door they'd entered from.

"After you two. But first, Mister Rogers, anything to say to the press?"

Well yes...He leaned forward to the microphone.

"Today,Is a great day people of Russkya. Today is the day my people will stop suffer. Today is the day that they won't have to fear the next attack. Today is a day that my people...shall remember your nation as the one that saved our people. My people are in debt to you. Thank you"

He ended it with wavering for a new glass of vodka. He quickly drank it and threw it in the wall.

The press applauded the speech politely, some privately amazed that after six hundred grams of vodka in quick succession Rogers wasn't having difficulty staying upright.
After Roger's speech there was much shaking of hands, smiling for the cameras, et cetera. These clips would find their way to news agencies around the world and most likely be ignored for the most part, given a massive war underway in Haven amongst other innumerable conflicts.

With the media taken care of, the diplomats and Berko made their way downstairs to a dining hall. The long tables had been removed, replaced with a much more sensible table that could seat six but today would only seat half that number. There was little of the pomp and circumstance of fine dining elsewheres in the world; the politicians and diplomats seated themselves and a waiter in an immaculately pressed shirt and trousers appeared, white apron stark against the black dress trousers. He wordlessly took each glass in turn, beginning with Roger's, and filled it with a fine white wine from an orchard and winery buried in the countryside of Van Luxemburg.

Then he exited the room to the kitchen, leaving the politicians to talk amongst themselves. Berko contented himself with sampling the wine, leaving Sakharov to kick off a conversation. He thought back to the file RISS had prepared on KOSHKA, and the conversation with the Generals earlier this evening.

"If I remember right, you mentioned that you're married?"

"Yes,Her name is Jenny we have been married for 13 years now. We have 2 kids 3 and 17" He said and put on a large smile showing he was proud over his family.

Matt moved his hands to the wine and sampled it. "Great wine...what year?" He asked with a question on his face. Before they could answer he put in a quick word.

"You know,Last few days my nations GDP has grown with over 950%. Heavy investments and free market has had its share. Though the companies are growing stronger each day. But I guess that's it for having a global market" He said.

"But I don't know your stance regarding economics." He said with a faint smile

"Thirteen years is quite some time to be married." Sakharov smiled gently. At fifty-two years old, he had been married for twenty-five years. "Seventeen is an obstinate age, I find." He smiled again, more broadly, thinking back to his daughter's attempts to shock him at that age by dating all sorts of political radicals.

Arkady Ill'ych deferred to Berko on the matter of economics.

"We've always had a strange approach to economics, Mister Rogers. It became quite clear early on that Communism wouldn't work, it didn't let people better their position through their efforts. Instead, we have a flat tax rate and subsidize housing and basic foods. During the Cold War, we were aligned with the Soviet Union, whose political theorists thought we would eventually "evolve" into 'proper' Communists. There are a large number of Russkyans who think that we should still be living in the Soviet era."

Berko shook his head. "But that never worked as well as what we have now. And, with the new era, we may still call ourselves the People's Socialist Republic, but we enjoy good relations with free-market nations who are sometimes heavy-handed in their dealings with the... far left, shall we say."

Vasily Andreyevich finished his wine, which caused the waiter to reappear with a decanter. As he recharged Berko's glass, the Prime Minister queried the waiter on the year of the Van Luxemburgian wine. He translated, for Mr. Roger's benefit.

"I'm told this is a 1987 vintage. It's very light, isn't it? Much more so than the 1989, if you happen to be purchasing Van Luxemburgian wines in the future."