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"If oneheld prisoner in an extremely vulnerable situation stood between you and leadership of a superpower, hoould you play it?"

Antonov broke into a loud laugh that frightened a nearby bird into flight "You read through lass, old friend I see your point I wouldn't hesitate to remove him"

"The Aolin co"

"So your theory is on firround," said Antonov "Maybe the old Steel Lotus will end up doing us a favor after all"

" At least our deal with her didn't cost anything"

"Speaking of cost, what is the status of the gold?"

"Ade operations He expects to raise every bar within three weeks"

"That's good news," said Antonov "And what of Dr Lugovoy?

Can he continue his project after the President is cast from office?"

"He can," Polevoi replied "Locked inside the President's head is a vast treasure store of United States secrets Lugovoy has yet to tap it"

"Then keep the project going provide Lugovoy with an extensive list of delicate political and military subjects ish explored All American leaders who leave office are consulted for their experience, regardless of inept handling of their administrations The capitalist e the President now possesses and has yet to learn froreat benefit to us in the future This time we shall practice patience and probe slowly The President's brain s for decades to come"

Polevoi raised his glass " A toast to the best secret agent we ever recruited"

Antonov s may he produce"

Across half a world, Rayely sat at a console and read the data that unrolled frolasses and rubbed his reddened eyes Despite his seey about him His competitive juices were stirred The opportunity to beat his ue drove hiht of sleep

Dr Harry Greenberg, a respected psychiatric researcher in his own right, lit a curved-ste the stained yellol to life, he pointed the mouthpiece at the recorder