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“But you are also not English, comrade?”

“I’, which seeuest A plate of smoked salmon was placed in front of him

Valchek had finished his first course, and was cutting into a rare steak before he began to reveal the real purpose of his visit

“The National Science Institute want to publish a book co their achieve a Dijon mustard “The chair far too ram when, as everyone knows, it was the Soviet Union that put the firstthe achieve of the Space Academy to the present day I am in possession of a 200,000-wordscientists in the field, over a hundred photographs taken as recently as last rams and specifications for Luna IV and V”

Arer had to be aware that such a book would be out of date even before it was published Clearly there had to be another reason why he had traveled all the way frouest chatted on, addingfor his opinion of the project

“How many copies does General Tulpanov expect to be printed?”

“One h the usual channels”

Ar doubted whether such a book would have a ide readership of even a fraction of that figure “But an

“We fully understand the risks you would be taking with such a publication So ill be advancing you a su those countries in which the book will be translated, published and sold Naturally there will be an agent’s coreat surprise to General Tulpanov if the book does not appear on any best-seller list Just as long as you are able to show in your annual report that a million copies were printed, he will be content It’s the distribution of the profits that reallyhis vodka

“Is this to be a one-off?” asked Ar

“If youthe right word “—project, ould want a paperback edition to be published a year later, which we of course appreciate would require a further advance of five ht have to be reprints, revised versions…”

“Thus ensuring a continuous flow of currency to your operatives in every country where the KGB has a presence,” said Ar

“And as our representative,” said Valchek, ignoring the comment, “you will receive 10 percent of any advance After all, there is no reason why you should be treated differently froent And I’m confident that our scientists will be able to produce a new manuscript that is worthy of publication every year” He paused “Just as long as their royalties are always paid on time and in whichever currency we require”

“When do I get to see the

“I have a copy withhis eyes to the briefcase by his side “If you agree to be the publisher, the first five million will be paid into your account in Liechtenstein by the end of the week I understand that is hoe’ve always conducted business with you in the past”