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“There’s one ,” Cabrillo said slowly

“Yes?”

“We need your UN vote in the Security CouncilMonday,” Cabrillo said

“You’re going to legitimize the coup?” Putin asked

“We think we can pull the votes,” Cabrillo agreed

“A lot could go wrong,” Putin said, “but it could work What exactly would Russia need to do to participate?”

“First we need your troops to enter Mongolia,” Cabrillo said “I understand the Mongolian government would okay the incursion That draws the Chinese farther from Tibet Second, I would need as many crack paratroops as you can field to enter the country as soon as the Dalai Lama returns and we stabilize the situation The Dalai Lareed to invite Russia to provide security until the situation stabilizes The invitation will be announced to the world community, so the fallout other than from China should be small Third, we need you to make the diplomatic approach to China with the oil offer—it has been made clear to me the United States wants no direct involvement in the liberation of Tibet”

“I have spoken to your president,” Putin said “He mentioned the need for secrecy”

“Good,” Cabrillo said “Next, I need that vote in the UN If we can hold off the Chinese until the vote comes in and the peacekeepers arrive, then the Russian troops will be relieved”

Putin rose from the chair and stoked the fire “So Russia invests no money, only muscle”

“The company that will develop the oilfield has already been fornature on this docuned by the Dalai Lama, and your word you will do e have discussed, and we can proceed”

Makelikov entered the room just as Putin placed the stoker back in the rack He stepped over to Cabrillo, took the document and read it quickly

“Sergei,” he said, “bring me a pen”

“I’LL swap you,” Gurt said to one of the other mercenary pilots, “if you don’t mind”

“What did you draw?” the other pilot asked