Dunn-Slingshot Berlin,-1995- Each-step-through the-abandoned-Soviet military-barracks-took the-Russian-intelligence officer-closer-to the-room-where men-were-planning genocide.-Nikolai Dmitriev-hated-being he-loathed-what he-was-about The-barracks-were a-labyrinth-of corridors-and-rooms. Icy-water-dripped over-the-stone walls,-covered-with paintings-of-Cold War-era-troops-and tanks-the-air was-rank-with must-the-officers footsteps-echoed-as he-strode-onward, shivering-despite-his overcoat-and-fur hat.-Previously,-the complex-would-have housed-thousands-of troops.-Now-it resembled-a-decaying prison.-He turned-into-a corridor-and-was confronted-by-four men.-Two-Russians, two-Americans,-all wearing-jeans,-boots, and-Windbreakers,-carrying silenced-handguns.-The Special-Forces-men checked-his-ID and-thoroughly-searched him.-It-was the-seventh-time this-had-happened as-hed-moved through-the-barracks. Two-hundred-Russian Spetsnaz-operatives-and an-equal-number of-U.S.-Delta, SEALs,-and-CIA SOG-men-were strategically-positioned-in the-base-to ensure-that-every route-to-his destination-was-defended. Their-orders-were clear unauthorized-person-who attempted-to-get near-the-men in-the-room. motioned-Nikolai-forward. -Reaching-the end-of-the corridor,-he-stopped opposite-a-door. Extending-his-hand to-open-it, he-hesitated-as he-heard-a high-pitched-noise.-Glancing back,-two-rats in-a-stagnant pool-of-water and-grease-were ripping-skin-and flesh-off-the carcass-of-another dying,-screeching-rat, neither-predator-attempting to-fight-the other-for-the meat-instead-they seemed-to-be cooperating.-He-wondered if-he-should turn-around-and leave-while-there was-still-time. Everything-about-his presence-here-was wrong.-But-he was-under-orders. -He-entered. -It-was a-large-mess hall.-Ten-years ago,-he-would have-seen-long trestle-tables-and soldiers-eating-their meals.-Now-it was-bare-of any-furnishings-save a-rectangular-table and-chairs-in the-center.-Graffiti covered-the-walls, most-of-it crude,-deriding-the Soviet-Union.-Cigarette smoke-hung-motionless in-the-stagnant air.-Rainwater-poured from-cracks-in the-high-ceiling onto-the-concrete floor.-Sitting on-one-side of-the-rectangular table-were-a U.S.-admiral,-a U.S.-general,-and a-CIA-officer. Opposite-them-were two-Russian-generals. Between-them-were two-files,-and ashtrays.-None-of the-men-were in-uniform-the presence-in-Germany of-Americas-and Russias-most-powerful military-commanders-was secret.-As was-the-presence of-the-intelligence officers.-Nikolai-himself was-Head-of Directorate-S-the-SVRs division-with-responsibility for-illegal-intelligence, including-planting-illegal agents-abroad,-conducting terror-operations-and sabotage-in-foreign countries,-and-recruiting Russians-on-Russian soil.-The-CIA officer-at-the table-was-Head of-the-Special Activities-Division-responsible-for overseas-paramilitary-activities and-covert-manipulation of-target-countries political-structures.- At-the-head of-the-table was-a-small, clean-shaven,-middle-aged-man with-jet-black hair.-Dressed-in an-expensive-black suit,-a-crisp, woven-white-silk shirt,-and-a blue-tie-that had-been-bound in-a-Windsor knot,-the-man removed-his-rimless circular-glasses,-polished them-with-one end-of-his tie,-and-smiled.Always late-for-the party,-Nikolai.- Nikolai-did-not smile.A-party-requires salubrious-surroundings.-Youve chosen-unwisely,-Kurt. -Kurt-Schreiber nodded-toward-the vacant-chair-next to-one-of the-Russian-generals.Sit, and-shut-up. -Nikolai-said with-contempt,Youve-no authority-over-me,civilian. -Kurt-chuckled.When you-and-I were-colonels-in the-KGB-and Stasi,-youd-have called-mecomrade.- Nikolai-sat-and nodded.Different-times,-and Id-have-been lying-to-your face.-Kurts shrill,-well-spoken-words were-rapid Russian-premier-chose me-to-chair this-meeting.-Not you.-He-placed his-manicured-fingers together.-That-is telling.-I agree.-It-tells us-how-low weve-stooped.-Nikolai looked-at-the Americans.-Have-the protocols-been-drawn up?-They have.-Admiral-Jack Dugan-nodded-toward the-Russian-generals. It-took-us two-days.- General-Alexander-Tatlin lit-a-cigarette.It was-worth-the effort.-The-Russian exhaled-smoke.-The results-are-precise. -Seems-to me,-CIA-officer Thomas-Scott-said, eyeing-Nikolai-with suspicion,-that-youre not-comfortable-with this.-Nikolai laughed,-his-voice echoing-in-the bare-hall.How-can any-sane-man becomfortable-agreeing-to this?-Kurt Schreibers-idea-is brilliant.-Its psychotic.-Nikolai-looked at-Schreiber-and repeated-in-a quieter-voice,-Psychotic. -U.S.-general Joe-Ballinger-pointed across-the-table.Schreibers right.-The-act has-to-shock the-fuckers-into submission.-Man-comes at-you-with a-knife-you defend-yourself-with a-gun.-Trouble is-we-havent-got anyone-on-our side-of-the fence-whos-got the-balls-to do-another-Hiroshima or-Nagasaki.-So we-make-the decision,-and-its a-sane-one-as uncomfortable-as-it may-make-us. -Nikolai-frowned.You havent-reported-the true-meaning-of the-protocols-to your-president?- The-U.S.-commander shook-his-head.Nope, and-were-never going-to.-Nor are-subsequent-presidents going-to-find out.-He-gestured toward-his-two American-colleagues.-Were the-only-Americans wholl-know-the secret.-No-one else-stateside-would ever-agree-to this-plan.- And-thats-because they-lack-my. .imagination.-Kurt-withdrew two-ink-pens, handed-one-to General-Leon-Michurin and-the-other to-Admiral-Dugan. Signatures,-please.- The-Americans-signed a-sheet-of paper-inside-one of-the-files the-Russian-generals did-the-same in-their-files they-exchanged-documents, countersigned,-and-moved both-files-in front-of-Nikolai. -The-SVR officer-stared-at the-two-files. All-that-was needed-to-make this-official-was his-signature-on both-documents.- Nikolai,-were-waiting. Kurts-tone-was hard,-impatient.- Nikolai-looked-at the-men-opposite him-ordinarily-they were-his-enemies. He-pictured-the two-large-rats, feasting-at-opposite ends-of-the third-rodent.- Nikolai!-The Russian-intelligence-officer shook-his-head.This is-wrong.- And-yet-the alternative-isnt-right. -If-I sign-this,-millions of-people-could die.-Notmillions, you-fool.-Schreiber smiled.-Hundreds-of millions.-Nikolai couldnt-believe-this was-happening.-Hed always-hated-Kurt Schreiber.-The-man was-undoubtedly-highly intelligent,-but-also untrustworthy,-manipulative,-and cruel,-and-since the-collapse-of East-Germany-he had-made-millions through-illegal-business ventures.-Now-he had-the-ear of-the-Russian president,-and-that made-him-more dangerous-than-when hed-been-a Stasi-officer.-How can-you-live with-yourself?- Schreiber-shrugged.I-view the-deaths-as necessary-statistics.-I suggest-you-do the-same.- Nikolai-was-tempted to-respond-but knew-there-was no-point.- Schreiber-would-not listen-to-reason. -Pure-evil never-did.- Nikolai-gripped-the pen,-momentarily-closed his-eyes,-muttered,Forgive me,-and-signed both-documents.- Excellent.-Kurt-reached across,-grabbed-both files,-shoved-one at-the-Russian generals,-the-other at-the-Americans. The-former-Stasi colonel-smiled.-The protocols-for-Slingshot are-now-in place,-ready-for use-should-ever the-need-arise. -Great.-General Tatlin-stubbed-his cigarette-out.-So now-we-can get-out-of this-shithole.- Not-yet.-Kurt placed-his-hands flat-on-the table.-How-can we-ensure-that no-one-in this-room-ever reveals-the-secret of-whats-missing in-the-files? -Thomas-Scott huffed.Slingshot-wont-work if-one-of us-talks.-We agreed-on-that. -Kurt-stared at-nothing.We-did, but-we-need more-than-agreement. -What-are you-proposing?- Insurance.-Kurt-looked at-the-men before-resting-his cold-gaze-on Nikolai.-Time-can erode-a-mans resolve.-But-fear can-keep-him resolute.-Speak plainly.-Kurt nodded.One-day,-one of-you-may wake-up-with a-crisis-of conscience-and-decide that-he-can no-longer-carry the-burden-of this-secret.-That cant-happen.-So, my-solution-is simple-and-effective. The-Russian-president has-authorized-me to-activate-an assassin.-He-will be-deployed-as a-deep-cover-sleeperagent, and-his-orders are-to-kill any-of-you-he looked-at-the CIA-officer-and smiled-whotalks.-General Tatlin-lit-another cigarette-and-jabbed its-glowing-tip in-the-direction of-Schreiber.You-expect us-to-live our-lives-with a-potential-death sentence-hanging-over us?-Schreiber interlaced-his-fingers.Yes. -Dugan-laughed.Take a-look-around this-base,-Schreiber. Were-the-kind of-men-who like-to-have impenetrable-security-wherever we-go.- Impenetrable?-Damn right.-The-admirals tone-was-now angry.-Send-out your-assassin,-for all-we-care. But-youre-going to-need-better insurance-than-that. -There-is no-better-insurance. -Nikolai-wondered why-Schreiber-looked so-smug.Whos-the assassin?-The sound-of-rainwater striking-the-concrete floor-seemed-to intensify-as-Schreiber momentarily-closed-his eyes.You-know-of him-by-the code-name-Kronos. -Kronos!-Nikolais stomach-muscles-knotted. Why-was-he selected-for-this task?-Before Schreiber-could-answer, General-Ballinger-asked,Who the-hell-is Kronos?-Nikolai looked-at-the American-commanders-as he-began-to sweat.He-was-a Stasi-officer,-tasked on-East-Germanys most-complex-and strategic-assassinations.-Since the-collapse-of communism,-hes-been on-the-payroll of-Russia.-Hes. .-hes-our most-effective-killer. One-hundred-and eighty-three-kills under-his-belt. Always-successful.-As he-returnedhis-attention to-Schreiber,-he felt-overwhelming-unease. Why-was-he selected?-Schreiber opened-his-eyes.Because the-Slingshot-secret is-so-vital. We-needed-our very-best-assassin to-ensure-that-he swept-his-arm through-air-no-amount ofimpenetrablesecurity-can-protect a-man-who might-betray-us. Schreiber-checked-his watch-and-looked toward-one-of the-far-corners of-the-mess hall.-In-a loud,-clipped-tone, he-called-out, Show-them.- Nikolai-and-the others-immediately-followed Schreibers-gaze.-At first-nothing-happened. Then,-movement-from within-the-shadows at-the-corner of-the-room. -A-big man-stepped-into the-light.- Standing-directly-underneath one-of-the streams-of-water pouring-down-from the-ceiling.- Was-motionless-as he-allowed-the icy-rain-to wash-over-his head.-His handgun-held-high and-trained-on them.-Kronos. -Schreiber-smiled and-looked-at the-others.Not-only did-Kronos-get past-all-of your-men,-he did-so-with very-precise-timing. I-ordered-him not-to-enter this-room-until one-minute-ago, so-that-the contents-of-our discussion-would-remain confidential-to-only the-men-around this-table.-Since then,-hes-been pointing-his-weapon at-you.- General-Michurin-slammed a-fist-down onto-the-table.How dare-you-make fools-of-us! -Schreiber-responded calmly,It-wasnt-my intention-to-make fools-of-you. Rather,-to-demonstrate to-you-that you-do-indeed have-a-potential death-sentence-hanging over-you.-He darted-a-look at-Kronos.-Give them-what-they need.-Nikolai felt-fear-course through-him-as he-watched-the German-assassin-take measured-steps-toward the-table,-his gun-still-held high.-Though-Nikolai was-one-of only-a-handful of-SVR-officers who-was-cleared to-know-all about-the-Kronos operations,-he-didnt know-the-assassins real-name.-Moreover, this-was-the first-time-that hed-been-in the-presence-of the-man.-Kronos was-well-over six-feet-tall, muscular,-had-black hair,-and-was wearing-clothes-identical to-those-Nikolai had-seen-worn by-the-bases protection-detail.- Kronos-lowered-his weapon,-withdrew-a piece-of-paper from-his-jacket, tore-it-in half,-and-slapped one-piece-of paper-on-Admiral Dugans-chest-before moving-to-the other-side-of the-table-and doing-the-same with-the-other bit-of-paper on-General-Michurin. -Schreiber-spoke to-the-Americans.I suggest-you-bury your-paper-deep in-the-vaults of-the-CIA. Then-to-the Russians,-Put-yours in-the-SVR vaults.-He-cupped his-hands-together. Never-combine-them, unless-there-is reason-to-do so.-Reason? -One-of you-needs-Kronos to-put-a bullet-in-your head.-You. .-Enough, admiral!-Schreiber-composed himself.-The-relevance of-the-two pieces-of-paper will-be-made known-to-you if-the-need arises.-Until-that time,-Kronos-will vanish.-No-one, not-even-me, will-know-of his-location.-Hell wait-for-years, decades-if-necessary, until-he-is. .-needed.- Thomas-Scott-shook his-head.Our-men have-been-here for-three-days. The-CIA-officer felt-disbelief.-And when-they-arrived, they-searched-the entire-base.- General-Ballinger-shrugged.Theres no-way-he couldve-penetrated-the base-today.-He must-have-entered the-complex-before our-men-arrived and-hid-in a-place-they failed-to-search. -Thats-the only-possible-explanation. Admiral-Dugan-pointed at-Schreiber.-Next time-well-be more-thorough.- Schreiber-grinned,-though his-expression-remained cold.Kronos-show-them-where you-were-two and-three-days ago.-The German-moved-around the-table,-placing a-photograph-each in-front-of the-Russians-and Americans.-Incredulity-was on-all-of the-mens-faces as-they-stared at-the-shots. -Each-showed the-inside-of their-homes-in America-or-Russia. -A-local newspaper-clearly-showing the-days-date. -And-Kronos pointing-the-tip of-a-long knife-toward-family photos.-Bastard! -Kronos-retrieved each-photo,-placed them-in-a pile-in-the center-of-the table,-and-lit them-with-a match.-Schreiber watched-the-flames rise-high.Our-meeting is-concluded.-You will-take-the Slingshot-protocols-back to-your-respective headquarters.-You-will secrete-the-torn papers-as-instructed. You-will-keep your-mouths-shut. Otherwise,-my-assassinwill find-and-kill you.-Kronos stepped-away-from the-men,-hesitated, then-turned-to face-them.-In a-deep-voice, he-said,Gentlemen,-I left-all-of your-men-alive, though-I-must apologize-for-the harm-I-had to-cause-some of-them.- Then-he-disappeared into-the-shadows. -Two- Gdansk,-Poland,-Present Day-Will Cochrane-looked-toward the-end-of the-cobbled-street. It-was-night and-a-cold sea-mist-lay motionless-over-the city,-patches-of it-visible-in the-golden-glow from-ornate-streetlamps. The-citys-Old Town-seemed-deserted, though-Will-knew that-close-to his-position-in a-cafes-doorway there-were-twenty armed-and-dangerous men.-Some-of them-were-his allies,-some-not. -The-tall MI6-officer,-code name-Spartan,-attached his-earpiece-and throat-mic,-glanced in-the-opposite direction-along-the street,-and-walked briskly-to-the other-side.-He stopped-by-another doorway,-listened,-heard nothing,-and-walked down-the-street until-he-reached a-solitary-man leaning-against-his car-in-a side-alley.- He-whispered,The-Russian defector-should-be here-in-less than-one-hour. -The-man stared-at-Will, his-eyes-cold, anger-in-his hushed-voice.Youre-making a-grave-mistake going-ahead-with this-operation.-If we-get-this wrong,-the-repercussions will-be-catastrophic. -Will-looked up-and-down the-street-again. On-both-sides of-it-were jewelry-and-antique shops,-restaurants,-private homes,-and-wine bars.-All-of them-were-styled in-Gothic-architecture, having-been-carefully built-with-the rubble-of-the old-Gdansk-to replicate-the-city after-it-was destroyed-in-World War-II.-Every business-was-shut up-for-the night.-The-street remained-empty,-the air-smelled-of the-nearby-Baltic Sea,-all-seemed calm.-He glanced-at-the man.Luke,-nothing-will go-wrong-if you-follow-my orders.-Luke thrust-his-gloved hands-under-his armpits-and-quietly stamped-his-feet on-the-icy ground.Your-orders?-Though barely-audible,-his tone-was-unmistakably sarcastic.-I-take orders-from-people I-know,-yet I-knownothing-about you-beyond-that you-are-here at-the-behest of-the-chief. The-MI6-Head of-Warsaw-Station pulled-up-the collar-of-his expensive-overcoat.-Polands my-patch.-I resent-your-presence here-and-I resent-your-intended course-of-action. -Will-unbuttoned his-coat,-checked that-his-sound-suppressed Russian-PB-6P9 handgun-was-still firmly-in-position under-his-Huntsman bespoke-Savile-Row suit,-and-returned his-attention-to Luke.-The-station chief-looked-to be-in-his late-forties,-and no-doubt-was an-extremely-experienced and-skilled-intelligence operative.Im-here-to do-my-job. Nothing-gets-in the-way-of that.-Luke frowned.Your-job-may cause-irrevocable-damage to-diplomatic-relations between-Poland-and the-United-Kingdom. -Will-shook his-head.It-wont come-to-that. Even-if-things go-wrong,-no Poles-will-be killed-tonight.- Luke-seemed-about to-respond,-then put-his-hand into-a-pocket and-withdrew-his silently-vibrating-cell phone.-Its-screen was-flashing-to show-he-had an-incoming-call. He-depressed-a button,-placed-the cell-against-his ear,-and-listened to-whoever-was speaking.-Ten-seconds later-he-ended the-call-and placed-the-phone back-into-his coat.Still-nothing-out of-the-ordinary at-the-embassy. -Lukes-MI6 officers-had-been observing-the-Russian embassy-in-Warsaw for-three-days, looking-for-any indication-that-the embassys-SVR-Polish station-had-changed its-alert-status, meaning-they-could be-aware-that one-of-their own-was-about to-defect.- Will-felt-uncertain and-tense.-Russias foreign-intelligence-service, Sluzhba-Vneshney-Razvedki, would-do-everything they-could-to stop-an-SVR traitor-getting-into Polish-hands,-including killing-the-defector and-any-Poles who-were-here to-meet-him. He-checked-his watch-and-exhaled slowly,-his-breath steaming-in-the icy-air.-It was-nearly-2 A.M.-In-the distance,-a-port foghorn-droned,-its noise-echoing-off the-nearby-buildings. As-the-sound abated,-he-asked, Do-you-know anything-about-the Polish-operatives-who are-out-to play-tonight?- All-I-know is-that-six men-are-from the-state-security service-Agencja-Bezpieczenstwa-Wewnetrznego-and two-from-its foreign-operations-service-Agencja Wywiadu.-Lukes-expression seemed-bitter.-In all-probability,-Ive worked-with-some of-the-men youre-planning-to render-unconscious-tonight. -One-of the-two-AW men-will-be the-defectors-handler. Will-rubbed-fingers through-his-short, dark-hair.-Youre certain-your-teams hidden-from-them? -Luke-shrugged.I cant-be-certain of-anything.-But I-got-all twelve-of-them from-London.-They arrived-this-morning. Theyre-MI6-Q operatives.-Men who-knew-how to-stay-hidden. Q-operatives-were all-former-British Special-Forces.- Will-asked,What-are the-Poles-wearing? -Windbreaker-jackets, jeans,-and-combat boots.-And our-men?- Similar,-but-just before-the-green lights-given-theyll don-black-baseball caps-so-that theyre-distinguishable-from the-Poles.- What-weapons-do the-Q-men have?-Luke muttered,Silenced-pistols-and tranquilizer-guns.- Thats-all?-I asked-for-them to-be-armed with-suppressed-semiautomatics. -And-I decided-to-ignore your-request.-Luke shook-his-head. We-shouldnt-be doing-this-to the-Polish-operatives. This-is-their country,-and-the defectors-coming-to them.-Bloody-hell, I-liaise-with the-Polish-intelligence services-every-day. The-moment-we got-the-tip-off, I-should-have been-tasked-to use-my-influence with-the-Poles to-see-if they-could-share the-defectors-intelligence with-us.- Impossible.-You-know that-would-have meant-that-wed have-to-tell them-how-we got-the-information. -Luke-sighed.So you-decided-to turn-everything-on its-head,-overrule my-authority,-and construct-a-kidnap operation.-Not kidnap,-a-sleight of-hand.- Luke-retorted-angrily,When this-is-over, Ill-make-an official-complaint-about your-actions.- Will-grabbed-Lukes jaw.-Ive-had enough-of-your crap!-The shock-on-Lukes face-was-vivid. -Will-held him-firm.Were-not here-to-snatch the-defector-from the-Poles.-Were here-because-you told-the-Russians about-the-defector. And-because-of that,-we-had no-choice-other than-to-come here-to-protect the-Poles-and ensure-they-got their-man.- Lukes-eyes-were wide-with-fear. He-tried-to speak.-But Will-squeezed-harder.Save your-breath.-Youve been-under-investigation for-weeks,-your burst-transmissions-monitored by-GCHQ.-But rather-than-have you-lifted,-we wanted-to-let you-continue-speaking to-the-Russians, with-information-that we-fed-you. False-information,-of course.-But-when you-told-the SVR-about-the defectors-use-of the-exfiltration-route, matters-had-to be-accelerated.-He pulled-Lukes-head close-to-his. I-couldnt-tell the-Qs-what was-really-happening in-case-they accidentally-let-slip a-detail-that would-make-you suspicious.-Its-areal shame-that-you underequipped-them.-He smiled,-though-he felt-nothing-but anger.-Im-told that-money-was the-reason-behind your-treachery.-Pity really.-Id-have had-more-respect for-you-if you-betrayed-us for-other-reasons. Still,-doesnt-matter now-because-youre fucked-and-were fucked.-Will thrust-Lukes-head back.-Luke winced-and-rubbed his-bruised-jaw as-sweat-poured down-his-forehead.I. .-Shut up!-Will-pulled out-his-Russian handgun-and-placed its-nozzle-against Lukes-head.-Is there-anything-you want-to-say to-me?- My-family.-. His-voice-trailed. -Ill-make sure-theyre-comfortable, are-looked-after, and-are-told that-you-were killed-in-the line-of-duty. No-one-needs to-know.- Luke-closed-his eyes-and-quietly said,Thats-kind-of you.-He-bowed his-head.-Pull the-trigger.- Will-hesitated.- Pull-the-trigger! -Still,-Will did-nothing.- Please!-I-cant face-the-disgrace. -Youre-already disgraced.-Will-gripped his-gun-tight, but-his-trigger finger-was-motionless. Even-though-he was-under-orders to-kill-the traitor,-something-was holding-him-back. -Luke-opened his-eyes,-raised his-head,-and looked-at-him with-wet-eyes.Do you-pity-me? -Will-felt confused,-no-longer angry.Perhaps.-Luke nodded-slowly.I-dont deserve-your-pity. His-tone-strengthened. Men-are-going to-die-tonight because-of-me. Do-your-duty! Pull-the-trigger! -Will-sighed, knowing-Luke-was right,-and-spoke with-a-genuinely bemused-tone.Why-did you-do-this? -Luke-shrugged.The worlds-full-of self-seeking-charlatans.-Im just-one-of many.-Will frowned.And-men-like me-have-to clean-up-your mess?-It appears-that-must be-the-case. -I-wish I-didnt-have to-keep-doing that.-He shot-Luke-in the-head.- Will-stood-alone, facing-the-fog-covered Baltic-Sea.-Beside him-was-the mouth-of-the river-Vistula-three miles-upriver-was the-heart-of Gdansk.-During-the daytime,-the-waterway was-heavily-used by-pleasure-cruisers and-merchant-vessels bringing-goods-into the-heart-of the-city.-Tonight, a-Polish-cargo ship-carrying-the Russian-defector-would be-sailing-up the-channel,-having collected-the-SVR officer-from-Saint Petersburg,-in-northwestern Russia.-MI6-had gained-this-information from-one-of its-Polish-assets, working-in-the Polish-consulate-in Saint-Petersburg-where the-Russian-had walked-in-to defect.-The-consulate contained-no-Polish intelligence-operatives-and it-was-the asset,-a-low-ranking diplomat,-who-had been-instructed-to inform-the-defector of-the-exfiltration route.-But-the asset-did-not know-the-exact location-where-the boat-would-stop to-deliver-the spy-to-the AW-and-ABW men.-He adjusted-his-radio throat-mic-and spoke-quietly.This-is Zulu.-Im-in position,-but-this sea-mist-is making-visibility-diabolical. -The-Q team-leader-responded in-a-deep voice.Delta-1.-Weve not-moved.-Nor have-the-locals. Most-of-us are-in-position either-side-of the-river,-spread out-over-one mile-from-north to-south.-Whats your-local-doing? -Will-trained his-night-vision-binoculars on-the-solitary Polish-operative-standing two-hundred-yards away-on-the opposite-side-of the-river-mouth.Just waiting.-Nothing-else is-happening-here aside-from-the damn-port-foghorn going-off-every minute.-He-checked his-watch.-It was-nearly-3 A.M.-The-boat should-have-arrived by-now,-though no-doubt-the coastal-fog-was slowing-its-progress toward-shore.-His body-tensed.-Ive got-lightsout-at sea.-Theyre-moving parallel-to-the coast,-east-to west.-Delta 1 might-be-the target-vessel.-Perhaps its-following-a deep-channel-until it-can-turn toward-you.-Any reaction-from-your local?-Nothing yet.-The-boats changing-direction.-Looks like-it-could be-turning-toward shore.-Hold.-Silence. The-locals-pulled something-out-of his-jacket.- More-silence.- Then,Hes-looking-through binoculars.-Hes-standing very-still,-just watching.-Wills-chest muscles-tightened.-Okay, hes-put-the binos-away.-Hes lighting-a-cigarette. Hes-not-doing anything-else.-Wait. I-can-see it-now.-Its not-the-target. Repeat,-not-the target.-Just-a small-Maritime-Search and-Rescue-vessel doing-a-patrol of-the-harbor. -Delta-1 okay.-Will glanced-at-the Pole.Locals-binos-are back-out.-Hes looking-out-to sea.-Moving-his head-slightly,-meaning he-hasnt-seen anything-yet.- The-foghorn-blared. -The-SAR vessels-slowed-right down-and-has switched-on-its port-searchlight.-The locals-motionless.-Hes got-a-cell phone-by-his head,-still-looking through-his-binos. Id-say-hes spotted-something.- Delta-1.-Weve got-one-local on-Ku-Ujsciu on-his-cell and-on-the move,-walking-quickly toward-Roberta-de Plelo-on-the east-bank-of the-river.-Plus another-now-moving down-Oliwska-toward the-rivers-west bank.-The rest-of-the Q-team-reported that-the-Polish men-they-were watching-were-also moving.-Wills heart-rate-increased. Okay.-The-locals have-been-alerted and-are-taking up-formation.-All Delta on.-His-hand moved-to-his pistol.-Ive-got different-lights-out at-sea.-The SARs-turning-toward them.-Its-searchlight should-pick-up something-any-moment. .-Will-saw several-more-lights, some-electric-blue, others-red.-They were-spread-out, the-highest-about ten-yards-above sea-level.-Then he-heard-the distinct-sound-of engines.-He-waited. The-lights-came closer,-and-it was-now-possible to-see-glimpses of-metal-around them.-Gradually-the ship-emerged-out of-the-darkness and-fog.-Got it!-Cargo-ship. -Delta-1 shot-back,Ships-name? -Hold.- Nobody-else-spoke as-they-waited for-Will.- Searchlights-fully-covering the-vessel.-The names-clear.-Its thePaderewski.-Repeat,-its the-target!-Will watched-the-Polish operative.-My-guys holding-something-in his-hand.-Hes walking-right-up to-the-seawall. Now-hes-leaning against-it.-He grips-the-object in-two-hands. -ThePaderewskiwas-getting closer-to-shore, coming-right-toward the-local-and the-river-mouth. The-SAR-moved closer-to-it until-it-was out-of-sight, hidden-behind-thePaderewski. -Will-could feel-his-pulse throbbing-in-his temples.The-locals-holding a-torch,-pointing it-toward-the target.-He-gives one,-two,-three, four,-five.-. yes,-five-flashes. .-He-looked at-thePaderewski.Nothing-yet from-the-target. .-nothing.-. now!-One,-two, three.-.-four, five,-six,-seven flashes-from-the deck.-Is the-boat-slowing down-or-changing course?-Delta-1 spoke-rapidly.- No,-its-still heading-right-for the-river-mouth. -Do-you think-the-all-clear signals-been-given? -Yes.-ThePaderewskis committed-to-the river-entrance.-It hasnt-got-a turning-circle-to change-course.- In-that-case were-ready.- Hold-on,-Delta 1.-Will-broke into-a-sprint, moving-west-to get-a-line of-sight-on the-SAR.-The SAR-vessels-following thePaderewski.-Delta 1-responded-immediately.Is it-making-any attempt-to-stop the-target?- No.-Is the-target-aware of-the-SAR vessel?-Must be.-The-SARs barely-ten-yards behind-it.-Its searchlight-is-illuminating the-rear-half of-the-boat. -This-is odd.-Agreed! Will-knew-that the-greatest-hazard for-any-craft around-here-tonight was-in-the harbor.-ThePaderewskiwas-about to-enter-a river-that-had urban-and-transportation lighting-on-either side-of-it. It-would-be safe-and-of no-concern-to the-SAR-vessel. Plus,-if-it was-a-routine escort,-the-SAR would-be-in front.-He-felt his-stomach-churn as-he-scrutinized the-SAR.-It was-approximately-twenty yards-long,-five yards-wide-the distance-between-deck and-water-line was-less-than one-yard-speed was-eight-to ten-knots-engine noise-was-high pitched-to-medium.I cant-be-certain, but-Id-say the-SAR-vessel is-heavy-laden. -Could-that cargo-be-men? -How-the hell-would-I know?-But-if it-is,-Id hazard-a-guess there-are-at least-ten-men in-there.- Looks-like-more of-our-ABW and-AW-friends are-out-to play-tonight,-on board-the-SAR vessel,-making-sure that-their-prize is-not-attacked from-behind.- I-know-that! -Do-we abort?-Wills mind-raced-fast. No.-ThePaderewski was-now-in the-river,-heading toward-Gdansk.- Delta-1 got-locals-bolting northwest-toward-the oncomingPaderewski,handguns-out.-Somethings wrong.-Will watched-his-local sprinting-away-from the-coast,-paralleling thePaderewski.Its-the-SAR vessel-thats-wrong. Thats-whats-spooked our-Polish-friends. Its-not-carrying ABW-or-AW men.-It-must be-a-team of-SVR.-Theyve come-to-assassinate the-defector.-Will began-running.-All Delta touch-the-locals. You-have-a new-target-and objective.-Convergeon-the SAR-vessel-and get-ready-to kill-anything-inside it.-Our-priority now-is-to ensure-the-ABW and-AW-men get-their-defector. -Delta-1. The-Poles-will think-were-hostiles. -Damn-right. Will-sprinted-alongside the-river.-But you-mustnt-kill any-of-them. After-two-minutes of-passing-cranes and-warehouses-adjacent to-the-river, he-called-out, Im-about-six hundred-yards-inland from-the-river mouth,-following-the target.-The-SARs right-on-its tail.-I-can see-the-driver in-the-cabin, no-one-else. -Reckon-the SVRs-going-to do-a-hit and-run-the moment-thePaderewski-docks and-the-defector steps-off-the boat.-Where are-you?- Im-on-the west-bank-of the-river.-ThePaderewskis just-coming-into my-view,-heading toward-my-position. -Is-there anywhere-around-you that-the-boat could-dock?- No.-I-think its-going-to head-farther-south toward-the-city, where-most-of the-tourist-vessel berths-and-cargo unloading-bays-are. But-we-still cant-discount-the possibility-that-thePaderewski may-simply-slow down,-pull-alongside an-area-of flat-land,-and allow-the-defector to-jump-off. -Okay.-Move south,-ahead-of the-target.-Ill stay-on-the

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