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　　 自第二次世界大战以来，生育率有所下降。为了增加新生儿数量，苏联政府将非婚生子女合法化，为新婚夫妇分配住房，并修改了婚姻法以提高妇女地位。

　　 苏联婚姻法规定

　　 1. 如果夫妻离婚，男人的房子、储蓄和家具都属于女人，只有汽车可以给男人（包括婚前财产）。

　　 2. 如果夫妻离婚，子女的监护权也属于母亲，如果妻子再婚，男子的子女就不能再使用前夫的名字。

　　 3. 妻子拥有管理婚姻财产的绝对权利。男子的婚姻收入需要全额支付；

　　 4. 一个在家里虐待妻子的男人，即使他喝醉时是无意的行为，也会被逮捕。

　　 因为婚姻法对妇女有利与合法私生子，导致男子结婚意愿下降。此外，分配的赫鲁晓夫楼建筑面积小，导致了妇女的不满。女权倡导者指责苏联政府厌恶女性。

　　 到了20世纪70年代，苏联的生育政策付出了巨大的代价。1970年，出生率下降到1%。

　　 “婚姻法应该修改吗，或者……你有什么想法吗？”罗曼诺夫揉着疲惫的眼睛问道。

　　 “那么，一个混合型的系统呢？在这个系统中，国家在建立家庭的过程中持有股权？”

　　 “我并不是这个想法的粉丝。”罗曼诺夫说：“这似乎与国家世俗化的概念不符。”

　　 特雷古波娃说：“但如果这是一个国家在经济上帮助抚养孩子的制度，或者如果国家为每个孩子支付一定数额的钱，那么我可以看到它更具吸引力。”。

　　 “是的，在那里的预算支出中再加上数百亿卢布！你还不如让我破产。”

　　 “嗯，我们不能这么做。所以，也许我们应该考虑其他的想法。”

　　 罗曼诺夫想了想说：“我们还应该为小别墅建立集中居住区，以取代赫鲁晓夫的房子，同时收养来自罗马尼亚等东欧国家的孤儿和被遗弃儿童。”

　　 “我喜欢这个想法，我相信中央委员会的成员也会这么做。”特雷古波娃说：“让我们给它一些时间，看看我们还能想出什么。”

　　 “很好。与此同时，我认为我们应该会见其他共产主义国家的代表，讨论我们可以做些什么来改善我们的状况。”

　　 “我们将和谁签订这些协议？”特雷古波娃问道。

　　 “好吧，如果你的意思是这样的话，我们就不会跟魔鬼做交易了。”罗曼诺夫放下笔说，“顺便问一下，你同意我先前的要求了吗？”

　　 “我还在考虑，但我通常倾向于同意你要求的大多数事情。”

　　 罗曼诺夫点点头：“我相信你会同意帮我联系政治局，顺便问一下，你找到那个负责联系列宁格勒波罗的海银行的女孩了吗？”

　　 “哦，是的，那个列宁格勒女孩。我已经设法安排你和她见面了。”

　　 “太好了，开始吧。”

　　 “那我成为中央委员会正式委员的梦想呢？”

　　 “我会帮你的，再过几年，你还太年轻。”

　　 “哦，谢谢你！”

　　 “你最近应该好好休息一下。”

　　 特雷古波娃扬起眉毛看着罗曼诺夫。“是吗？”

　　 “的确，”罗曼诺夫说。“现在，那个列宁格勒女孩叫什么名字？全名和年龄。”

　　 特雷古波娃的脸有点发红，她说：“我希望你没有计划强迫我向你透露这些信息。”

　　 “当然不是。现在，”他说

　　 “德米特里·乌拉帕拉，”特雷古波娃有些挑衅地说，“22岁，全名读作‘德米特里·乌拉帕拉’，”她看着罗曼诺夫，拼出了这句话。“你可以叫她和你见面。她会在列宁格勒代表所在的那个房间旁边。”

　　 \\"完美。明天让她来见你，到时候我会给你进一步的指示。\\"罗曼诺夫说，不屑地挥了挥手。

　　 特雷古波娃离开了罗曼诺夫的办公室，脸上带着一点皱眉。

　　 -------

　　 第二天，德米特里乌拉帕拉在约定的时间在隔壁的一个空房间见到了罗曼诺夫。这位年轻女子的脸色非常苍白，当她伸出手让他握手时，她的手也在颤抖。

　　 当他们完成后，她说：\\"我是德米特里-乌拉帕拉，你可以叫我乌拉帕拉。\\"

　　 \\"我是格里高利-瓦西里耶维奇，\\"罗曼诺夫说，握住她的手，\\"这是特雷古波娃。\\" 他继续说道，向站在他身后几英尺处的奥尔加做了个手势。

　　 \\"我能帮你什么吗？\\" 乌拉帕拉问道。

　　 \\"当然，我想问你一个问题。你对你的祖国与你自己有什么感觉？你可以说实话。\\"

　　 乌拉帕拉没有说什么，然后她说：\\"我非常喜欢我的国家，我不认为我有什么特别之处。\\"

　　 罗曼诺夫坐在沙发上，指着旁边的沙发椅说：\\"坐下来，告诉我，你认为什么是最重要的？\\"

　　 乌拉帕拉坐下来，说：\\"我认为最重要的是我们应该团结一致。我们不应该让那些渴望权力和贪婪的人试图分开我们。\\"

　　 \\"是这样的吗？你学过经济学吗？特别是金融？\\" 罗曼诺夫问。

　　 \\"是的，我获得了金融工商方面的MBA学位。\\"

　　 \\"你的家庭有什么样的财务顾问？\\"

　　 \\"我的家庭是相当富裕的。\\"

　　 \\"但你还是选择了金融领域？\\"

　　 \\"是的，我想帮助我的家人打理他们的生意，在我拿到学位后，我决定为他们工作。\\"

　　 \\"真幸运。你学习金融是为了什么？说实话吧。\\"

　　 \\"嗯......，有一天我想成为一家大公司的经理。\\"

　　 \\"你认为自己是有朝一日会管理人的人吗？\\"

　　 \\"是的。\\"

　　 罗曼诺夫点点头起身打开收音机声音又问：\\"好吧，如果有机会让你成为一家银行的董事和股东呢？\\"

　　 乌拉帕拉的眼睛睁大了，她说：\\"嗯，...... 我很感兴趣。\\"

　　 \\"很好，我很高兴听到这个消息。如果你在银行，你能通过一些小手段帮助一个大人物吗？\\" 罗曼诺夫走到她面前问道。

　　 \\"你可以再说一遍，但要再含蓄巧妙一点？\\"

　　 \\"你是什么意思？\\"

　　 \\"我的意思是，不是说我不欣赏你说的话，但......\\"

　　 \\"这要求不高。只是一个小小的帮助。就这么简单。你能做到这一点吗？\\"

　　 \\"嗯...... 我想是的。\\"

　　 \\"这就是我所需要的。现在，告诉我你需要什么才能到达那里？\\"

　　 乌拉帕拉想了一会儿。\\"我想如果我成功了，那家银行的董事会里会有我的一个席位。\\"

　　 \\"如果你再成功一点，你可以在那家银行有很大的股份。\\" 罗曼诺夫盯着她，说：\\"那么，交易？\\"

　　 \\"是的，我可以这样做。\\"

　　 \\"你可以在董事会有一个席位，在银行有很大的股份？\\"

　　 \\"一个大赌注。\\"

　　 \\"很好，我们有一笔交易。\\" 罗曼诺夫指着她说：\\"脱掉你的胸罩。\\"

　　 乌拉帕拉紧张地环顾四周，然后咬住嘴唇。她站起来，解开胸罩，罗曼诺夫说：\\"是的，是的。我看得出你很紧张。你会没事的。\\"

　　 乌拉帕拉解开胸罩，让它掉到地上。

　　 罗曼诺夫站起来，绕着她走，用手沿着她的背部摸索，说：\\"你非常紧张。放松。\\" 他继续说：\\"你会好起来的。\\" 他坐在沙发上，拍了拍他旁边的空间。\\"坐下吧。\\"

　　 乌拉帕拉犹豫了一下，然后移动到罗曼诺夫旁边坐下。罗曼诺夫用一只手搂着她，把她拉得比兄弟还近。她僵硬地坐着，然后在罗曼诺夫的手抚摸她的头发时放松下来。

　　 \\"好，\\"罗曼诺夫说。\\"特雷古波娃，亲爱的来给我们拍照。\\"

　　 特雷古波娃走过去，说：\\"你不打算让她把上衣脱掉？\\"

　　 \\"不，我不会，\\"罗曼诺夫说。\\"此外，我希望照片能显示我们在一起。\\"

　　 相机的快门啪地一声打开了，他们三个人都愣住了。罗曼诺夫看了看他的腕表，说：\\"十，九，八，七......\\"

　　 \\"等等！\\" 乌拉帕拉说，\\"那是什么啪的一声？\\" 她指着秒表。

　　 \\"五，四，三，二，一！\\" 罗曼诺夫说。

　　 快门啪的一声关上了，乌拉帕拉张口结舌地盯着她。

　　 \\"我不能相信这一点。你至少可以先问问我。\\" 她看了看特雷古波娃。

　　 \\"很好。现在，给我们俩拍一张照片。\\"

　　 特雷古波娃转过身来，乌拉帕拉僵硬地站着，双手紧握在身前。他们盯着相机。\\"一......\\" 快门啪的一声关上了。

　　 \\"二......\\"

　　 \\"三......\\"

　　 一张奴隶和她的新主人的照片，\\"罗曼诺夫拍着胸脯，\\"就是这样，\\"他微笑着说。

　　 “我不是你的奴隶，”乌拉帕拉用刺耳的声音说，“我要向领袖报告你。”

　　 “我不这么认为。”

　　 乌帕拉交叉双臂说：“我不怕向当局报告你。”

　　 罗曼诺夫说：“我并不担心你会这样做，但是，在这样一个组织中，我们不能让人们对他们所处的职位过于依恋。如果你依恋我，你将成为这项事业的累赘。”

　　 “我不明白你怎么能这样做，”乌拉帕拉说，“你不了解我。”

　　 罗曼诺夫站起来，拿起酒杯倒酒，说：“整个苏联有2.8亿人，我需要认识每一个女孩吗？”乌拉帕拉张开嘴说了些什么，但罗曼诺夫继续说，“我认为，我们之所以如此成功，是因为我们对媒体、教育体系和这个国家大多数人的文化理想都有着非常严格的控制。换句话说，我们几乎没有反对意见。现在，你越成功，你就会有越多的反对意见。你越不成功，你的反对意见就越少。这就是它的工作原理。“给你。”罗曼诺夫把杯子递给乌拉帕拉和特雷古波娃。“你不必喝，但把它扔掉是不明智的。”特雷古波娃拿起杯子说，“你为什么把这个给我？”

　　 “因为我想让你管理办公室的财务，”罗曼诺夫说，“相信我，我不会把酒递给我不喜欢的人。你们俩都是我的人？对吧?\\"

　　 “你可以相信我们，”乌拉帕拉说，“我们不会让你失望的。”

　　 “那很好，”罗曼诺夫说，“因为，如果你这样做了，你就要和我打交道了。”

　　 罗曼诺夫站起来，在房间里走来走去，盯着窗外说：“现在，离开这里。几天后去列宁格勒，我需要你的时候，特雷古波娃会和你联系的。”

　　 乌拉帕拉站起来，吻了吻罗曼诺夫的脸颊，说：“别忘了我。”

　　 “我不会的，”罗曼诺夫说，“现在，你走吧。”

　　 乌拉帕拉走出门时，罗曼诺夫说：“希望她是认真的。”

　　 “她以前从未对我们撒谎，”特雷古波娃说，“但是，谁知道呢？她被分配到我们这一天。也许她会像其他人一样。”

　　 “她是我们的同志。”

　　 “是的，”特雷古波娃说，“我们的同志。”

　　 罗曼诺夫坐在沙发上，查看来自各个地区的报告和信件，说：“我希望你不是嫉妒或其他什么，她是你自己推荐给我的。”

　　 “当然不是，”特雷古波娃说，“但是，考虑到你的工作，你确定她会合适吗？”

　　 “我不知道，”罗曼诺夫承认，“我只需要在不直接参与的情况下控制波罗的海列宁格勒银行，为我提供养老金和薪水以外的资金来源。”

　　 “你是说……”

　　 罗曼诺夫挥手说：“其实没什么。我只需要让我的思想占据，仅此而已。”罗曼诺夫拿起笔说：“当然，你会参与这些基金的管理。我相信你不会让我失望的，你在我心中的地位和我妻子一样。”

　　 “我永远不会让你失望，”特雷古波娃说，“你知道的。”

　　 他站起来说，“很好。等我从古巴回来后再谈其他事情。”

　　 “很好，”特雷古波娃说，“我从来没有去过古巴，但我当然会尽力的。”

　　 “好吧，”罗曼诺夫说，“我派辆车来接你。”

　　 特雷古波娃点点头说：“很好。”

　　 罗曼诺夫又盯着特雷古波娃看了一会儿，说：“亲爱的，一定要把我干洗的衣服拿起来。”

　　 “当然，”特雷古波娃说，“这是做生意的绝佳机会。”

　　 罗曼诺夫走到门口，打开门说：“再见，我亲爱的特雷古波娃。”

　　 “再见，同志。”

　　 “再见。”

　　 古巴埃斯特雷拉号这艘游轮是70年代末由一艘旧苏联货船建造的。这艘船上有二十名船员，共有六十名乘客，其中大部分是哈瓦那大学的学生和教授。一周来，这艘船在加勒比海巡游，参观了几座无人居住的小岛。

　　 罗曼诺夫盯着旅游地图说：“我想知道我是否能看到台尔曼岛？”

　　 “那是在波多黎各的另一边，”特雷古波娃说，“我不会抱太大的希望。”

　　 “阿贝隆群岛怎么样？”

　　 “它们离得更远。”

　　 “我在地图上没有看到沃班岛，”罗曼诺夫说，“我想知道这是不是因为它无人居住。”

　　 “是的，”特雷古波娃说，“但我不认为它被列入名单，因为它的大小只有几英里，因此与此无关。”

　　 “在我们见到卡斯特罗之前，你懂西班牙语吗？”

　　 “是的，同志，”特雷古波娃说。

　　 “很好，”罗曼诺夫说，回头看地图，“我需要你帮我翻译。”

　　 特雷古波娃点点头，“我会尽力的。”

　　 与此同时，游轮正在接近哈瓦那港。这是一个繁忙的港口，来自几个国家的船只来来往往。

　　 特雷古波娃想了想，问道：“你们为什么不坐飞机去哈瓦那？”

　　 “我想一路上看看风景，”罗曼诺夫说，“而且，我可能会被认出，这可能会带来不幸的后果。”

　　 “我对此表示怀疑。”

　　 “嗯，你可以理解，我想和你一起旅行一次。这算什么回答？”

　　 “很好，”特雷古波娃笑着说。

　　 古巴埃斯特雷拉号在傍晚时分进入哈瓦那港。城市的灯光在背景中闪烁。哈瓦那港挤满了各种大小的船只，从渔船到游轮再到货船。这座城市有好几条繁忙的街道，小贩们在街道的一边卖他们的商品。空气中弥漫着新鲜的鱼腥味，微风把街头音乐的声音带到船上。

　　 “这里很繁荣，如果不是…”罗曼诺夫停顿了下来他会相信眼前繁荣的古巴在几年之后就因为苏联解体失去石油来源倒退回了畜力时代吗？“不，它很繁荣。人们在街上买卖商品。”

　　 “他们在买卖什么？”特雷古波娃问道。

　　 罗曼诺夫说：“我想，一切都是这样。”

　　 “你想交易吗？”特雷古波娃问道。

　　 “也许吧，我还不确定。”

　　 特雷古波娃停了下来。她低头看了看自己的脚，说：“你为什么不现在决定呢？看来你并不是急于寻找一个贸易伙伴。”

　　 “因为。”罗曼诺夫微笑着说：“我现在还不想找到一个。”

　　 特雷古波娃微笑着说：“很好。”

　　 船停泊在码头上。

　　 古巴首都和最大城市哈瓦那。

　　 罗曼诺夫他在西装外穿了一件长外套，打了一条领带。他的黑鞋子在阳光下闪闪发光。他那灰白的头发看上去像是站在暴风雨中。虽然只是傍晚时分，但太阳已经照耀着这座城市。

　　 “古巴人的酒店还不错？”罗曼诺夫在顶楼通过窗户说，特雷古波娃点点头问：“这家酒店基本都是我们的警卫部队，你想到明天怎么面对卡斯特罗了吗？”

　　 “我正在努力，”罗曼诺夫微笑说。

　　 “很好，”特雷古波娃说，“因为我有一些想法，我想在我们去开会之前把它们告诉你。”

　　 “我洗耳恭听。”

　　 “嗯，我们需要在人民中激起一些反卡斯特罗的情绪。我们需要让公众相信，革命者不是他们自称的救世主。他们不是罗宾汉式的把财富牺牲给穷人的人，他们只是一群手持枪支的强盗团伙，他们非常乐意把你的财富据为己有。”

　　 罗曼诺夫摇摇头说：“你在说什么？给我们的盟友制造麻烦？”

　　 “不，我们给反对派制造了麻烦，”特雷古波娃说，“对政府来说，我们只是另一批罪犯。我们需要确保公众看到我们是这样的。”

　　 “等等，你的意思是借助反对派制造麻烦来让古巴公众支持卡斯特罗与我们？”

　　 “是的，”特雷古波娃说，“没错。”

　　 “我不同意，”罗曼诺夫说，“我们需要被视为合法的力量，而不是罪犯。”

　　 “一股接管政府并杀害其公民的犯罪势力？如果你把革命者描绘成圣人，我认为你是在卖弄他们。”

　　 “出于同样的原因。”罗曼诺夫停顿了一下，“你为什么不告诉我你的想法？”

　　 特雷古波娃点点头说：“好吧，但请记住，古巴公众将决定我们的未来。我们需要谨慎行事。”

　　 “我在听，”罗曼诺夫说。“我会决定，但是决定权在我。现在，让我睡觉。”

　　 特雷古波娃看着罗曼诺夫走进酒店，关上了门。她笑了笑，柔和地说：“然后，我们开始吧。”

　　 第二天早上，这艘船驶向哈瓦那郊外的集合点。船沿着两边山丘之间的海上航行，风景中点缀着小村庄。船终于进港时，阳光灿烂。船只沿着海岸停靠，小渔村依偎在山丘中。整个地区弥漫着盐的味道，工业的喧闹声此起彼伏。

　　 船停泊在码头上。

　　 会议地点是哈瓦那郊外的一个大型乡村庄园。

　　 主楼是一座大宅邸，四周是大花园。几座较小的建筑围绕着主楼，包括一座农舍和几座较小的住宅。这个庄园足够大，有自己的水井和发电机。

　　 几辆汽车停在主楼周围，从破旧的旧车到崭新的梅赛德斯-奔驰。

　　 罗曼诺夫的脚步踏在泥土上站立在大花园里，他斜视着太阳说：“这个地方是革命者聚会的地方，不是吗？它似乎与主要地区相当隔离。”

　　 “主要地区是指哈瓦那市中心？”特雷古波娃问道，“不，这是在乡下。”

　　 “哦，”罗曼诺夫环顾四周说。

　　 特雷古波娃微笑着说，“我们有很多工作要做，走吧。”

　　 两人穿过花园来到主楼。

　　 这座房子很大，是砖砌的，有石板屋顶。大窗户使光线能照进大楼。门是木制的，另一边有一个大铁插销。当罗曼诺夫和特雷古波娃走近时，门开了。

　　 几个人坐在那里，其中一个人是卡斯特罗。

　　 “欢迎，同志们！”卡斯特罗伸出手说。

　　 “很高兴见到你，卡斯特罗先生，”罗曼诺夫握着卡斯特罗的手说。

　　 他身材矮小，戴着眼镜，嘴里叼着一支雪茄。他的黑发在耳朵上方微微退去，眼睛周围有几条皱纹。灰白的头发提醒着所有人，他老了。

　　 “我也很高兴见到你，罗曼诺夫同志，”卡斯特罗笑着说。卡斯特罗用西班牙语说，特雷古波娃翻译成俄语给罗曼诺夫听。“我很高兴你在这里。我们需要所有能得到的帮助。”

　　 “我相信我们都同意，”罗曼诺夫说。他坐在一把木椅子上。“这里发生了什么事？为什么要在这里举行会议？为什么外面有一支完整的军事分遣队？”

　　 “前两个问题很简单，”卡斯特罗说，“我们秘密举行这次会议，外面的军事分遣队是为了确保我们客人的安全。”

　　 “客人？”罗曼诺夫扬起眉毛问道。

　　 特雷古波娃说：“有英国和美国的代表在场。”

　　 “那么这是一次计划你下一次恐怖主义行动的会议？”罗曼诺夫问道，转向卡斯特罗。

　　 “不，我的朋友，这是一个计划我们下一步行动的会议。我相信你知道，我们已经打了将近一年的仗了。”

　　 “的确。”罗曼诺夫又说：“尽管我们援助了奥尔特加与美国本土的极端安那其主义者，但是我看不出有什么能让奥尔特加成功的希望。”

　　 “这是真的，”卡斯特罗说。“但我认为，我们都可以同意，最好消灭支持他们的英国人和美国人，而不是奥尔特加政府。”

　　 “是的，我们不得不承认社会主义阵营陷入经济停滞与危机。美国已经完成了第三次科技革命，但是我们还停留在60年代。苏维埃联盟必须进行战略收缩与科技发展，战略收缩并不意味着我们向美国人投降。苏联不会放弃古巴，也不会美国触碰我们的底线。”

　　 坐在桌子一角的特雷古波娃问道：“那计划是什么？”。

　　 “我们一直在监测局势。”卡斯特罗说：“极左势力似乎正在策划一系列袭击，这将吸引英国人和美国人，同时削弱奥尔特加政府获得的财政支持。”

　　 “这是野心勃勃的。”罗曼诺夫摇摇头。“这很难实现。”

　　 “我同意。”卡斯特罗似乎进入了他的话题。“这些袭击将针对战略目标，如发电厂、炼油厂和英美两国使用的其他基础设施。这些袭击将造成经济损失和生命损失，但不像我们击中军事目标那样严重。这将迫使英国政府采取行动。”

　　 “美国人呢？”特雷古波娃问道。

　　 “我们将看到他们的影响力消失。我们将在他们的金融中心打击他们。不仅是银行，还有他们的证券交易所和其他投资领域。我们将带来世界新闻界，使政府难堪，而美国人将在世界的注视下局促不安。”

　　 罗曼诺夫说：“我们讨论的是一种风险策略。”。

　　 “我们将占上风。”卡斯特罗说：

　　 “但是……”罗曼诺夫说，他找不到任何足以表达他怀疑的字眼，

　　 “而且，海地正在爆发骚乱。我们可以通过解放神学的教士们影响那里的革命者推翻小杜瓦利埃。”

　　 “分散注意力？我看不出这怎么可能，”罗曼诺夫说。

　　 “如果你比对手更了解人民，这是可能的。”卡斯特罗说：“杜瓦利埃背后有非常强大的力量，他们会比你想象的更加小心。你必须密切关注这一情况，因为它直接影响到我们的计划。我们在这里有很多利害关系，我们需要确定我们正在采取最合乎逻辑的行动。”

　　 “我明白了，我需要回到克里姆林宫跟政治局协商。还有什么吗？卡斯特罗同志。”

　　 “不，同志。我相信我们会找到成功的办法。这种情况必须不惜一切代价加以解决。我们决不能允许英国人和美国人干涉我们的事务。我们决不能让恐怖主义的威胁成为普遍现象。我们决不能让世界认为苏联是软弱的。我们必须表现出力量。我们必须表明，有一种制度能够占上风。朋友们，我想向你们保证这一点。我们会成功的。”“是的，我们将。现在，请原谅，我的朋友们，我必须离开。我离开太久了，我的助手们会想知道我在哪里。

　　 卡斯特罗点点头说：“是的，对了，古巴人民还有一些礼物送给苏联领导人。”

　　 “什么样的礼物？”罗曼诺夫问。

　　 “这种人适合你这样的人。”

　　 “我明白了。”

　　 这名男子显然名叫波波夫，他拿出一个黑匣子放在桌子上。“给你，同志。古巴人民送给你这份临别礼物。”

　　 “谢谢你，我相信这份礼物和上次一样有用。”

　　 “那样的话，我想我应该感谢你。你给了我最终结束那些英国奴隶贩子及其同类的手段。干杯！”

　　 “干杯！”

　　 -------

　　 会面结束后的古巴国家酒店里。

　　 特雷古波娃放下黑匣子说：“警卫检查过了，没有问题。”“拿过来，你有看到里面的资料吗？”罗曼诺夫点点头问。

　　 特雷古波娃走近并把箱子递了过来。“我不确定这方面的协议，但是……你想在这里打开它吗？”

　　 “我想是的。”罗曼诺夫打开盒子，检查里面的东西。“嗯，看来他们是对的。”

　　 “它说什么？”特雷古波娃问。

　　 “我也不明白这些资料的真假，但是它们确实预言了未来。你相信有人能知道未来吗？”

　　 特雷古波娃大吃一惊。“我……嗯，我不会感到惊讶。”

　　 “说实话，我也惊讶这些资料。一年前，就开始有这些资料出现在古巴。它们准确预言并提露了一些秘密。”

　　 “什么秘密？”

　　 罗曼诺夫放下盒子说：“今年是1985年，你相信我们伟大的苏维埃联盟会在6年后崩溃吗？”

　　 “嗯……我……”特雷古波娃再次吃惊地说。

　　 “这是预测似乎不会出错的一件事。”

　　 “你相信吗？”

　　 罗曼诺夫拿出加密电文的资料说：“如果你在一年内得到的这些资料都预言实现了，你会怎么办？”

　　 “我会震惊的，仅此而已。”

　　 “你会逃跑吗？”

　　 “嗯，不，我是说，是的，当然，但是……我是说，我不会逃跑。”

　　 罗曼诺夫耸耸肩说：“好了，帮我翻译这些预言未来的资料。我可看不懂西班牙文。”

　　 特雷古波娃开始帮忙。他们翻译了第一个预言。上面说：“苏联将遭受灾难，”特雷古波娃说，“这可能意味着一次军事打击。”

　　 罗曼诺夫说：“军事打击？这很奇怪。”

　　 特雷古波娃说：“为什么？”

　　 “嗯，军事打击意味着一场灾难。苏联一直在提高其军事实力。它正在为战争做准备。”

　　 特雷古波娃说：“但我们没有和它们开战。”

　　 “是的，但如果战争爆发，我们的国家就没有准备。”罗曼诺夫站在她身后搂着她说：“继续翻译。”

　　 特雷古波娃说：“这里说我们将遭受灾难，但不是军事灾难。”

　　 “嗯，那更令人担忧。那会是什么样的灾难呢？”

　　 “我不知道，这些资料其他部分很难，我需要花一点时间翻译。”

　　 “你应该趁你在这里的时候去做。记录这些预言会很好。我相信一旦我们开始研究它们，它们会变得更加清晰。”

　　 “你确定这是个好主意吗？”

　　 “我们还有别的选择吗？如果我们要阻止这些预言，我们需要做点什么，而且我们的时间紧迫。”

　　 “我知道了，我能问你，你是不是为了翻译西班牙文才挑选我当秘书吗？”

　　 “是的。”

　　 “那么，我也能成为一个阅读未来的人吗？”

　　 罗曼诺夫笑着说：“我看看能安排些什么。”

　　 他说完又坐下拿起笔与纸说：“当然，现在我选择你不只是你懂西班牙文，我想我们之间能保持爱人关系下去。对吗？”

　　 特雷古波娃的脸涨红了，她的手颤抖着。她把手放在臀部后面说：“我会……我会尽力的，你可以相信。”

　　 罗曼诺夫说：“当然。”他站起来，向她伸出手来。她把手放在他的手上。

　　 “那么，让我们开始吧。”

　　 “我将首先尝试寻找这些预言之间的任何联系。然后，我们将看到这一点。”

　　 他们研究了预言。第一句的翻译是：“苏联将遭受灾难。”

　　 特雷古波娃说：“这可能意味着一次军事打击。”

　　 “不一定，也是其他因素。比如天灾与意外什么的，这些预言总是很难理解。”

　　 “你认为这会是一次重大的袭击吗？”

　　 “一切皆有可能。我们是一个强大的国家和一个强大的军事大国，一切皆有可能。”

　　 特雷古波娃坐回地板上说：“我一点也不喜欢这个。”

　　 “我也不知道，但我们现在对此无能为力。”罗曼诺夫站了起来。“我们回去工作吧。”

　　 [newpage]

　　 Since the Second World War, the fertility rate has decreased. In order to increase the number of newborns, the Soviet government legalized illegitimate children and assigned houses to new couples and changed the marriage law to improve the status of women.

　　 The Soviet Union marriage law states that

　　 1. if the couple divorced, the man\\u0027s house, savings, and furniture all belonged to the woman, and only the car could go to the man (including premarital property). 2. if the couple divorced, the custody of the offspring also belonged to the mother, and if the wife remarried, the man\\u0027s offspring could no longer take the name of the former husband. 3. the wife had the absolute right to manage the marital property. The man\\u0027s marital income needs to be paid in full; 4. A man who domestically abuses his wife, even if it is an unintentional act when he is drunk, is subject to arrest.

　　 As a result, the marriage law favored the woman with legalized illegitimate children leading to a reduction in men\\u0027s willingness to marry. Also, the small size of the allocated Khrushchev building led to women\\u0027s dissatisfaction. Women\\u0027s rights advocates accused the Soviet government of misogyny.

　　 By the 1970s, the Soviet Union\\u0027s reproductive policy was deriving a large cost. In 1970, the birth rate had declined to 1.

　　 \\"Should the marriage law be reworked, or... do you have any ideas?\\" Romanov asked, rubbing his weary eyes.

　　 \\"Well, what about a hybrid system, where the state takes an equity stake in the establishment of the family?\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027m not exactly a fan of that idea,\\" said Romanov. \\"It seems at odds with the concept of the state being secular and all.\\"

　　 \\"But if it were a system where the state helped financially with child rearing, or if the state paid a certain sum of money for each child then I could see more appeal in it,\\" said Tregubova.

　　 \\"Yeah, add another few tens of billions of rubles to the budget expenditures there! You might as well let me go bankrupt.\\"

　　 \\"Well, we can\\u0027t have that. So, maybe we should consider other ideas.\\"

　　 Romanov thought about it and said, \\"We should also create centralized residential areas for small villas to replace the Khrushchev House, and at the same time, adopt orphans and abandoned children from Eastern European countries such as Romania.\\"

　　 \\"I like that idea, and I\\u0027m pretty sure the members of the Central Committee will as well,\\" said Tregubova. \\"Let\\u0027s give it some time and see what else we come up with.\\"

　　 \\"Very well. In the meantime, I think we should meet with the delegates from other communist countries and discuss what we can do to improve our situation.\\"

　　 \\"And who will we be making these pacts with?\\" asked Tregubova.

　　 \\"Well, we won\\u0027t be making deals with the devil, if that\\u0027s what you\\u0027re getting at.\\" Romanov put down his pen and said, \\"By the way, did you agree to my previous request?\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027m still thinking about it, but I generally tend to agree to most things you request.\\"

　　 Romanov nodded: \\"I trust you will agree to help me tap the Politburo, by the way, have you found the girl who can be responsible for contacting the Baltic Bank in Leningrad?\\"

　　 \\"Oh, yes, the Leningrad girl. I\\u0027ve already managed to set up a meeting between you and her.\\"

　　 \\"Excellent. Get on it.\\"

　　 \\"And what about my dream of becoming a full member of the Central Committee?\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027ll help you, in a few years, you\\u0027re still too young.\\"

　　 \\"Oh, thank you!\\"

　　 \\"Think nothing of it. Now, you should go and have a good rest, you\\u0027ve been very very tired recently.\\"

　　 Tregubova looked at Romanov with a raised eyebrow. \\"Have I?\\"

　　 \\"Indeed,\\" said Romanov. \\"Now, what was the Leningrad girl\\u0027s name? Full name and age.\\"

　　 Tregubova\\u0027s face colored slightly and she said, \\"I hope you\\u0027re not planning on forcing me to disclose that information to you.\\"

　　 \\"Of course not. Now, said.\\"

　　 \\"Dmitri Ulapala,\\" said Tregubova with some defiance, \\"age 22, full name pronounced \\u0027Dmitri Ulapala\\u0027,\\" she spelled out, looking at Romanov. \\"You can ask her to meet with you. She\\u0027ll be in the room next to the one that the Leningrad delegates are in.\\"

　　 \\"Perfect. Get her to see you tomorrow, I will give you further instructions then.\\" said Romanov, waving a hand dismissively.

　　 Tregubova left Romanov\\u0027s office with a little frown on her face.

　　 The next day Dmitry Ulapala met Romanov at the appointed time in an empty room next door. The young woman\\u0027s face was very pale and her hands were trembling as she held out her hand for him to shake.

　　 When they were finished, she said, \\"I am Dmitry Ulapala, you can call me Ulapala.\\"

　　 \\"I am Grigory Vasilievich,\\" said Romanov, taking her hand in his, \\"and this is Tregubova.\\" He continued, gesturing to Olga, who was standing a few feet behind him.

　　 \\"Can I help you with something?\\" Urrappala asked.

　　 \\"Sure, I want to ask you a question. How do you feel about your homeland versus yourself? You can tell the truth.\\"

　　 Ulapala said nothing, then she said, \\"I like my country very much, I don\\u0027t think I\\u0027m anything special.\\"

　　 Romanov sat on the sofa and pointed to the sofa chair next to him and said, \\"Sit down and tell me, what do you think is the most important?\\"

　　 Ulapala sat down and said, \\"I think the most important thing is that we should be united. We should not let people who are power hungry and greedy try to separate us.\\"

　　 \\"Is that so? Have you studied economics? Especially finance?\\" Romanov asked.

　　 \\"Yes, I earned an MBA in finance.\\"

　　 \\"What kind of financial advisor does your family have?\\"

　　 \\"My family is quite wealthy.\\"

　　 \\"But you still chose the field of finance?\\"

　　 \\"Yes. I wanted to help my family with their business, and after I got my degree, I decided to work for them.\\"

　　 \\"How fortunate. What did you study finance for? Tell the truth.\\"

　　 \\"Well ...... someday I want to be a manager of a big company.\\"

　　 \\"Do you see yourself as someone who will manage people someday?\\"

　　 \\"Yes.\\"

　　 Romanov nodded got up and turned on the radio voice and asked again, \\"Well, what if there was an opportunity for you to become a director and shareholder of a bank?\\"

　　 Ulapala\\u0027s eyes widened and she said, \\"Well ...... I would be interested.\\"

　　 \\"Very well, I\\u0027m glad to hear that. If you are in a bank, can you help a big man by some small means?\\" Romanov asked as he walked up to her.

　　 \\"You can say that again, but with a little more subtlety?\\"

　　 \\"What do you mean?\\"

　　 \\"I mean, not that I don\\u0027t appreciate what you have to say, but ......\\"

　　 \\"It\\u0027s not much to ask. Just a little help. That\\u0027s all. Can you do that?\\"

　　 \\"Well ...... I think so.\\"

　　 \\"That\\u0027s all I need. Now, tell me what you need to get there?\\"

　　 Ulapala thought for a moment. \\"I think if I\\u0027m successful, there will be a seat on the board of that bank for me.\\"

　　 \\"If you\\u0027re a little more successful, you could have a large stake in that bank.\\" Romanov stared at her and said, \\"So, a deal?\\"

　　 \\"Yes, I can do that.\\"

　　 \\"You could have a seat on the board and a large stake in the bank?\\"

　　 \\"A big bet.\\"

　　 \\"Very well, we have a deal.\\" Romanov pointed at her and said, \\"Take off your bra.\\"

　　 Ulapala looked around nervously, then bit her lip. She stood up and unhooked her bra and Romanov said, \\"Yes, yes. I can see you\\u0027re nervous. You\\u0027ll be fine.\\"

　　 Ulapala unhooked her bra and let it fall to the floor.

　　 Romanov stood up and walked around her, running his hand along her back and said, \\"You are very tense. Relax.\\" He continued, \\"You will be fine.\\" He sat on the sofa and patted the space next to him. \\"Sit down.\\"

　　 Ulapala hesitated, then moved to sit next to Romanov. Romanov put an arm around her, pulling her closer than a brother would. She sat stiffly, then relaxed as Romanov\\u0027s hand stroked her hair.

　　 \\"Good,\\" Romanov said. \\"Tregubova, honey come take our picture.\\"

　　 Tregubova walked over and said, \\"You\\u0027re not going to ask her to take her blouse off?\\"

　　 \\"No, I will not,\\" said Romanov. \\"Besides, I want the picture to show us together.\\"

　　 The shutter of the camera snapped open and the three of them froze. Romanov looked at his wristwatch and said, \\"Ten, nine, eight, seven......\\"

　　 \\"Wait!\\" Ulapala said, \\"What does that snap?\\" She pointed at the stopwatch.

　　 \\"Five, four, three, two, one!\\" Romanov said.

　　 The shutter snapped shut and Ulapala stared at her open-mouthed.

　　 \\"I can\\u0027t believe this. You could have at least asked me first.\\" She looked at Tregubova.

　　 \\"Very well. Now, take a picture of us both.\\"

　　 Tregubova turned around, and Ulapala stood stiffly, her hands clasped in front of her. They stared at the camera. \\"One ......\\" The shutter snapped shut.

　　 \\"Two ......\\"

　　 \\"Three ......\\"

　　 A picture of a slave and her new master,\\" Romanov said, patting his chest, \\"and that\\u0027s the way it is,\\" he said, smiling.

　　 \\"I\\u0027m not your slave,\\" said Ulapala in a harsh voice, \\"I\\u0027m going to report you to the leader.\\"

　　 \\"I don\\u0027t think so.\\"

　　 Urpala crossed her arms and said, \\"I\\u0027m not afraid to report you to the authorities.\\"

　　 \\"And I\\u0027m not afraid that you will,\\" Romanov said, \\"But, in an organization such as this, we cannot allow people to become too attached to the position they\\u0027re in. If you become attached to me, you will become a liability to the cause.\\"

　　 \\"I don\\u0027t see how you can do this,\\" said Ulapala, \\"You don\\u0027t know me.\\"

　　 Romanov got up and picked up the wine with the glass and poured it and said, \\"There are 280 million people in the entire Soviet Union, do I need to know every single girl?\\" Ulapala opened her mouth to say something, but Romanov continued, \\"And I think that the reason why we are so successful is because we keep a very tight stranglehold over the media, the education system, and the cultural ideals of most people in this country. In other words, we have very little opposition. Now, the more successful you are, the more opposition you will have. The less successful you are, the less opposition you will have. That\\u0027s how it works. Here you are.\\" Romanov handed the glass to Ulapala and Tregubova. \\"You don\\u0027t have to drink it, but it would be unwise to throw it away.\\" Tregubova took the glass and said, \\"Why are you giving this to me?\\"

　　 \\"Because I want you to manage the finances of this office,\\" said Romanov, \\"Trust me, I don\\u0027t pass the wine to people I don\\u0027t like. You\\u0027re both going to be my people? Right?\\"

　　 \\"You can trust us,\\" said Ulapala, \\"We won\\u0027t let you down.\\"

　　 \\"That\\u0027s good,\\" said Romanov, \\"Because, if you do, you\\u0027ll have me to deal with.\\"

　　 Romanov stood up, walked around the room, and stared out the window. He said, \\"Now, get out of here. Go to Leningrad in a few days, and Tregubova will contact you when I need you.\\"

　　 Ulpala stood up, kissed Romanov on the cheek, and said, \\"Don\\u0027t forget about me.\\"

　　 \\"I won\\u0027t,\\" said Romanov, \\"Now, off you go.\\"

　　 Ulpala walked out the door and said, \\"Let\\u0027s hope she really means it.\\"

　　 \\"She\\u0027s never lied to us before,\\" said Tregubova, \\"But, who knows? She\\u0027s been assigned to us for the day. Maybe she will turn out to be like the others.\\"

　　 \\"She\\u0027s our comrade.\\"

　　 \\"Yes,\\" said Tregubova, \\"Our comrade.\\"

　　 Romanov sat back on the couch to check the reports and letters from the regions and said, \\"I hope you\\u0027re not jealous or anything, she was recommended to me by yourself.\\"

　　 \\"Of course not,\\" said Tregubova, \\"But, are you sure she will be suitable, given your line of work?\\"

　　 \\"I don\\u0027t know,\\" Romanov admitted, \\"I just need to control the Baltic Bank of Leningrad without my direct involvement, to give me a source of funds other than my pension and salary.\\"

　　 \\"You mean.....\\"

　　 Romanov waved his hand. \\"It\\u0027s nothing really. I just need to keep my mind occupied, that\\u0027s all. She\\u0027s perfect for the job.\\" Romanov picked up the pen and said, \\"Of course, you\\u0027ll be involved in the management of these funds. I\\u0027m sure you won\\u0027t let me down, you have the same place in my heart as my wife.\\"

　　 \\"I would never let you down,\\" said Tregubova, \\"You know that.\\"

　　 \\"Good, good.\\" Romanov stood up and said, \\"By the way, I\\u0027m going to Cuba afterwards. I\\u0027ll talk about other things when I get back.\\"

　　 \\"Fine,\\" said Tregubova, \\"I\\u0027ve never been to Cuba, but of course I\\u0027ll do my best.\\"

　　 \\"Okay,\\" said Romanov, \\"I\\u0027ll send a car for you.\\"

　　 Tregubova nodded and said, \\"Fine.\\"

　　 Romanov stared at Tregubova a moment longer, and said, \\"And, my dear, make sure you pick up my dry cleaning.\\"

　　 \\"Of course,\\" said Tregubova, \\"What a perfect opportunity to do some business.\\"

　　 Romanov walked over to the door, opened it, and said, \\"Goodbye, my dear Tregubova.\\"

　　 \\"Goodbye, comrade.\\"

　　 \\"Goodbye.\\"

　　 #

　　 The _Estrella Cubana_ was a small cruise ship, built in the late 1970s from an old Soviet freighter. The ship had a crew of twenty, with a total of sixty passengers, mostly students and professors from the University of Havana. For a week, the ship cruised the Caribbean, visiting several small, uninhabited island.

　　 Staring at the tourist map, Romanov said, \\"I wonder if I can see Tairman Island?\\"

　　 \\"That\\u0027s on the other side of Puerto Rico,\\" said Tregubova, \\"I wouldn\\u0027t get my hopes up.\\"

　　 \\"How about the Abellon Islands?\\"

　　 \\"They\\u0027re even further away.\\"

　　 \\"I don\\u0027t see Woban Island listed on the map,\\" said Romanov, \\"I wonder if that\\u0027s because it\\u0027s uninhabited.\\"

　　 \\"It is,\\" said Tregubova, \\"But I don\\u0027t think it\\u0027s listed because it\\u0027s only a few miles in size, and therefore, irrelevant.\\"

　　 \\"Well, before we meet Castro, do you understand Spanish?\\"

　　 \\"Yes, comrade,\\" said Tregubova.

　　 \\"Good,\\" said Romanov, turning back to the map, \\"I\\u0027ll need of you to interpret for me.\\"

　　 Tregubova nodded. \\"I\\u0027ll do my best.\\"

　　 In the meantime, the cruise ship was approaching the port of Havana. It was a busy port, with ships from several nations coming and going.

　　 Tregubova thought about it and asked, \\"Why didn\\u0027t you just go to Havana via flight?\\"

　　 \\"I wanted to see the sights along the way,\\" said Romanov, \\"And, besides, I might have been recognized, and that could have had unfortunate consequences.\\"

　　 \\"I doubt that.\\"

　　 \\"Well, you can understand that I want to travel with you for once. How\\u0027s that for an answer?\\"

　　 \\"Fine,\\" said Tregubova, smiling.

　　 The _Estrella Cubana_ entered the port of Havana, in the early evening. The lights of the city twinkled in the background. The port of Havana was filled with ships of all sizes, from fishing boats to cruise ships to cargo ships. The city had several busy streets, with vendors selling their goods on the side of the street. The air smelled of fresh fish, and a light breeze carried the sounds of street music to the ship.

　　 \\"It is prosperous, if not...\\" Romanov paused, if he was not a Swiss travellers in the twenty-first century, he would believe that the prosperous Cuba in front of him in a few years because of the collapse of the Soviet Union lost oil regressed back to the era of animal power? \\"No, it\\u0027s very prosperous. People are buying and selling goods in the streets.\\"

　　 \\"What are they buying and selling?\\" asked Tregubova.

　　 \\"Everything, I\\u0027d imagine,\\" said Romanov.

　　 \\"Will you be wanting to trade?\\" Tregubova asked.

　　 \\"Perhaps. I\\u0027m not sure yet.\\"

　　 Tregubova paused. She looked down at her feet, and said, \\"Why don\\u0027t you decide now? It seems like you\\u0027re not exactly rushing to find a trading partner.\\"

　　 \\"Because.\\" Romanov smiled, \\"I don\\u0027t want to find one just yet.\\"

　　 Tregubova smiled, and said, \\"Fine.\\"

　　 The ship moored to a dock.

　　 Havana, the capital and largest city of Cuba.

　　 Romanov He wore a long coat over a suit, and tie. His black shoes gleamed in the sun. his grey hair looked like he had been standing in a windstorm. Although it was only early evening, already the sun blazed down upon the city.

　　 \\"Not a bad hotel for Cubans?\\" Romanov said through a window on the top floor, Tregubova nodded and asked, \\"This hotel is basically our guard force, have you figured out how to face Castro tomorrow?\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027m working on it,\\" said Romanov, smiling.

　　 \\"Good,\\" said Tregubova, \\"Because I have a few ideas, and want to run them by you before we head to the meeting.\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027m all ears.\\"

　　 \\"Well, we need to stir up some anti-Castro sentiment among the people. We need to get the public to believe that the revolutionaries are not the saviors they claim to be. They\\u0027re not Robin Hood types sacrificing their wealth to the poor, they\\u0027re just a bunch of gun-toting bandit gangs that are perfectly happy to take your wealth for themselves.\\"

　　 Romanov shook his head and said, \\"What are you talking about? Creating problems for our allies?\\"

　　 \\"No, we create problems for the opposition,\\" said Tregubova, \\"For the government, we\\u0027re just another group of criminals. We need to make sure the public sees us as such.\\"

　　 \\"Wait, you mean using the opposition to cause trouble to get the Cuban public behind Castro versus us?\\"

　　 \\"Yes,\\" said Tregubova, \\"Exactly.\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027m not going along with that,\\" said Romanov, \\"We need to be seen as a legitimate force, not criminals.\\"

　　 \\"A criminal force that\\u0027s taking over a government and killing its citizens? I think you\\u0027re selling the revolutionaries a little short if you\\u0027re portraying them as saints.\\"

　　 \\"By the same token.\\" Romanov paused, \\"Why don\\u0027t you tell me what you have in mind?\\"

　　 Tregubova nodded, and said, \\"Alright, but keep in mind that it is the Cuban public that will be deciding our future. We need to be careful how we go about this.\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027m listening,\\" said Romanov. \\"I\\u0027ll decide, but it\\u0027s up to me. Now, let me sleep.\\"

　　 Tregubova watched as Romanov went into the hotel and shut the door. She smiled, and said softly, \\"And, we begin.\\"

　　 The next morning, the ship set off for the meeting point, just outside Havana. The ship sailed along the sea between the hills on either side, and small villages dotted the landscape. The sun shone brightly when the ship finally entered the harbour. Boats were docked along the coast, and small fishing villages nestled into the hills. The entire area smelt of salt, and bustled with the sounds of industry.

　　 The ship moored to a dock.

　　 The meeting place was a large country estate on the outskirts of Havana. The main building was a large mansion, surrounded by large gardens. Several smaller buildings surrounded the main building, including a farmhouse, and several smaller dwellings. The estate was large enough to have its own well, and a generator.

　　 Several cars were parked around the main building, from old, beaten-up vehicles, to brand-new Mercedes-Benzes.

　　 Romanov\\u0027s footsteps on the dirt stood in the large garden. He squinted against the sun, and said, \\"This place was the meeting place for the revolutionaries, wasn\\u0027t it? It seems rather isolated from the main areas.\\"

　　 \\"The main areas meaning downtown Havana?\\" asked Tregubova, \\"No, this is in the countryside.\\"

　　 \\"Oh,\\" said Romanov, looking around.

　　 Tregubova smiled, and said, \\"We have a lot of work to do, let\\u0027s go.\\"

　　 The two walked through the garden to the main building.

　　 The house was large, made of brick, with a slate roof. Large windows allowed the light to flood into the building. The door was wooden, with a large iron bolt on the other side. The door opened as Romanov and Tregubova approached.

　　 Several people were sitting there and one of them was Castro.

　　 \\"Welcome, comrades!\\" said Castro, extending his hand.

　　 \\"It\\u0027s a pleasure to see you, Mr. Castro,\\" said Romanov, shaking Castro\\u0027s hand.

　　 He was short, wearing glasses and a cigar in his mouth. His black hair receded slightly above his ears and there were several wrinkles around his eyes. Gray hair reminds everyone that he is old.

　　 \\"A pleasure to see you too, Comrade Romanov,\\" said Castro, grinning. Castro spoke in Spanish and Tregubova translated into Russian for Romanov to hear. \\"I\\u0027m very happy you\\u0027re here. We need all the help we can get.\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027m sure we all agree,\\" said Romanov. He sat down in a wooden chair. \\"What\\u0027s going on here? Why is this meeting being held here? Why is there a full military detachment outside?\\"

　　 \\"The first two questions are easy,\\" said Castro, \\"We\\u0027re holding this meeting as a secret, and the military detachment outside is there to ensure the safety of our guests.\\"

　　 \\"Guests?\\" asked Romanov, raising an eyebrow.

　　 Tregubova spoke: \\"There\\u0027s British, and American representatives present.\\"

　　 \\"So this is a meeting to plan your next act of terrorism?\\" asked Romanov, turning to Castro.

　　 \\"No, my friend, this is a meeting to plan our next move. As I\\u0027m sure you\\u0027re aware, we\\u0027ve been fighting a war for almost a year now.\\"

　　 \\"Indeed.\\" Romanov added: \\"Despite our assistance to Ortega with the extreme Anarchists on American soil, I don\\u0027t see any hope that Ortega will succeed.\\"

　　 \\"This is true,\\" said Castro. \\"But I think that we can all agree that it would be better to take out the British and Americans who are supporting them, rather than the Ortega government.\\"

　　 \\"Yes, we have to admit that the socialist camp is in economic stagnation and crisis. The US has completed its third technological revolution, but we are still stuck in the 60s. The Soviet Union must undergo strategic contraction and technological development, and strategic contraction does not mean that we surrender to the Americans. The Soviet Union will not give up Cuba, nor will the U.S. touch our bottom line.\\"

　　 \\"So what is the plan?\\" asked Tregubova, who sat on a corner of the table.

　　 \\"We\\u0027ve been monitoring the situation,\\" said Castro. \\"It seems that the extreme left are planning a series of attacks that will draw in the British and Americans, and at the same time weaken the financial support that the Ortega government receives.\\"

　　 \\"That\\u0027s ambitious.\\" Romanov shook his head. \\"It\\u0027ll be difficult to pull off.\\"

　　 \\"I agree.\\" It seemed that Castro was getting into his topic. \\"The attacks will be aimed at strategic targets such as power plants, refineries, and other infrastructure used by the British and Americans. These attacks will cause economic damage and the loss of life, but not as severe as if we were to hit military targets. This will force the hands of the British government.\\"

　　 \\"And what about the Americans?\\" asked Tregubova.

　　 \\"We will see that their influence vanishes. We will hit them at their financial center. Not only the banks, but also their stock exchange and other investment areas. We will bring in the world press and embarrass the government and the Americans will be left to squirm under the gaze of the world.\\"

　　 \\"We\\u0027re talking about a risky strategy,\\" said Romanov.

　　 \\"We will have the upper hand,\\" said Castro.

　　 \\"But...\\" said Romanov, not able to find any words strong enough to express his doubts,

　　 \\"Also, riots are breaking out in Haiti. We can influence the revolutionaries there to overthrow Petit Duvalier through the clerics of liberation theology.\\"

　　 \\"A distraction? I can\\u0027t see how that would be possible,\\" said Romanov.

　　 \\"It\\u0027s possible, if you understand the people better than your adversaries do,\\" said Castro. \\"There are very powerful forces behind Duvalier, and they will be more careful than you think. You must keep an eye on this situation, as it has a direct impact on our plans. We have a lot at stake here, and we need to be certain that we\\u0027re making the most logical move.\\"

　　 \\"I see, I need to go back to the Kremlin to consult with the Politburo. Is there anything else? Comrade Castro.\\"

　　 \\"No, comrade. I\\u0027m sure we will find a way to succeed. This is the sort of situation that must be resolved at all costs. We must not allow the British and Americans to interfere in our affairs. We must not allow the threat of terrorism to become endemic. We must not let the world think that the Soviet Union is weak. We must show strength. We must show that there is a system that can prevail. I want to assure you of this, my friends. We will succeed.\\"\\"Yes. We will. Now, if you\\u0027ll excuse me, my friends, I must leave. I\\u0027ve been away for too long, and my assistants will be wondering where I am.\\"

　　 Castro nodded and said, \\"Yes, by the way, the Cuban people have some gifts for the Soviet leader.\\"

　　 \\"What sort of gifts?\\" asked Romanov.

　　 \\"The sort that\\u0027s fit for a man like you.\\"

　　 \\"I see.\\"

　　 The man, who was apparently named Popov, took out a black box and set it on the table. \\"Here you are, comrade. The Cuban people have sent you this parting gift.\\"

　　 \\"Thank you, and I\\u0027m sure the gift will be as useful as the last.\\"

　　 \\"In that case, I suppose I should thank you. You\\u0027ve given me the means to finally put an end to those slave-driver British and their ilk. Cheers!\\"

　　 \\"Cheers!\\"

　　 ------

　　 In the Cuban National Hotel after the meeting.

　　 Tregubova put down the black box and said, \\"The guards checked it and it\\u0027s fine.\\" \\"Bring it here, did you see the information inside?\\" Romanov asked with a nod.

　　 Tregubova approached and handed the box over. \\"I\\u0027m not sure about the protocol on this, but... do you wish to open it here?\\"

　　 \\"I suppose so.\\" Romanov opened the box and examined the contents. \\"Hmm, it seems they were right.\\"

　　 \\"What does it say?\\" asked Tregubova.

　　 \\"I don\\u0027t understand the authenticity of the information either, but they do predict the future. Do you believe that anyone can know the future?\\"

　　 Tregubova was taken aback. \\"I... well, I wouldn\\u0027t be surprised.\\"

　　 \\"To be honest, I was surprised by the information as well. A year ago, these materials started appearing in Cuba. They accurately predicted and revealed some secrets.\\"

　　 \\"What kind of secrets?\\"

　　 Romanov put the box down and said, \\"The year is 1985, do you believe that our great Soviet Union will collapse in six years?\\"

　　 \\"Well... I...\\" Tregubova said, taken aback again.

　　 \\"That\\u0027s one thing the predictions can\\u0027t seem to get wrong.\\"

　　 \\"Do you believe it?\\"

　　 Romanov took out the information from the encrypted message and said, \\"What would you do if all these prophecies you got in a year came true?\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027d be shocked, that\\u0027s all.\\"

　　 \\"Would you flee?\\"

　　 \\"Well, no, I mean, yes, of course, but... I mean, I wouldn\\u0027t run away.\\"

　　 Romanov shrugged and said, \\"Well, help me translate these prophecies of the future. I can\\u0027t read Spanish.\\"

　　 Tregubova started to help. They translated the first prophecy. It said, \\"The Soviet Union will suffer a calamity.\\" Tregubova said, \\"That could mean a military attack.\\"

　　 Romanov said, \\"A military strike? That\\u0027s odd.\\"

　　 Tregubova said, \\"Why is that?\\"

　　 \\"Well, a military attack would mean a calamity. The Soviet Union has been increasing it\\u0027s military prowess. It\\u0027s preparing for war.\\"

　　 Tregubova said, \\"But we\\u0027re not at war with them.\\"

　　 \\"True, but if war were to come, our nation wouldn\\u0027t be prepared.\\" Romanov stood behind her and put his arm around her and said, \\"Keep translating.\\"

　　 Tregubova said, \\"It says here that we\\u0027ll suffer a calamity, but not a military one.\\"

　　 \\"Well, that\\u0027s even more worrying. What kind of calamity could that be?\\"

　　 \\"I don\\u0027t know, the rest of this information is difficult and it will take me a little time to translate it.\\"

　　 \\"You should do it while you\\u0027re here. It\\u0027d be good to have a record of what these prophecies say. I\\u0027m sure they\\u0027ll become more clear once we start looking into them.\\"

　　 \\"Are you sure that this is a good idea?\\"

　　 \\"What other choice do we have? We need to do something if we\\u0027re going to stop these prophecies, and we\\u0027re short on time.\\"

　　 \\"I see, can I ask you, did you pick me as a secretary to translate Spanish?\\"

　　 \\"Yes.\\"

　　 \\"Well, can I also be the one to read the future?\\"

　　 Romanov smiled and said, \\"I\\u0027ll see what I can arrange.\\"

　　 He finished and sat down again and picked up the pen and paper and said, \\"Of course, now I chose you not just because you know Spanish, I want us to be able to keep our relationship as lovers going. Right?\\"

　　 Tregubova\\u0027s face reddened and her hand shook. She put it on her hip and said, \\"I\\u0027ll... I\\u0027ll do my best, you can rely on that.\\"

　　 Romanov said, \\"Of course.\\" He stood and held out his hand to her. She placed her hand in his.

　　 \\"So, let\\u0027s get started.\\"

　　 \\"I\\u0027ll start by trying to find any link between these prophecies. Then, we\\u0027ll see where this leads.\\"

　　 They studied the prophecies. The translation of the first one read, \\"The Soviet Union will suffer a calamity.\\"

　　 Tregubova said, \\"That could mean a military attack.\\"

　　 \\"Not necessarily, but also other factors. Such as natural disasters and accidents or something, these prophecies are always difficult to understand.\\"

　　 \\"Do you think it\\u0027ll be a major attack?\\"

　　 \\"Anything is possible. We\\u0027re a powerful nation and a great military power, anything is possible.\\"

　　 Tregubova sat back down on the floor and said, \\"I don\\u0027t like this at all.\\"

　　 \\"Neither do I, but there\\u0027s nothing we can do about it now.\\" Romanov stood up. \\"Let\\u0027s get back to work.\\"