29

103073, Moscow,

Kremlin, Russia.

Lat = 55 degrees, 45.1 minutes North

Long = 37 degrees, 37.1 minutes East

Friday 15th September 1989. (Same day)

Eleven twenty hours

Moscow time

Like his American counterpart, Vitaly Shvernik had been busy.

Immediately following his meeting with President Nikolai Zinoviev two days earlier, he had taken a flight directly to the WPF near Chapayevsk.

His arrival had been unannounced, which had caught Nikolay Demyanov the scientist in charge by surprise.

Vitaly had initially praised Demyanov and his team’s efforts in their work and had then asked Demyanov for an update on the Red Mercury programme.

Vitaly had listened for several minutes as Demyanov had outlined the programme and the completion of it.

When Demyanov finished Vitaly opened his small attaché case, pulled a folder from it, and said in Russian, “What did Ivan Balagula take from the premises on Thursday 3rd August 1989?”

Demyanov was taken totally off guard by the question and replied, “Nothing has left the facility.”

Vitaly leaned forward in his chair, looked harshly at Demyanov, and said, “I do not have time to play games with you Demyanov. I have evidence that says different, now unless you want to go down in history as the man whom started WW3 you had better talk. Because as it stands you and your family have a one-way ticket to Siberia!”

Demyanov capitulated there and then and spent several minutes briefing Vitaly on what had transpired including the threat to his family, if he did not comply with Ivan Balagula request.

Vitaly had further questioned him and pressed him about who else was involved, but Demyanov has assured him that he had only dealt with Ivan Balagula.

Whilst sitting in the room his thoughts were broken by the sound of a door opening and the President walking in.

The President sat down and said, “What have you found out comrade?”

For the next few minutes, Vitaly gave his full briefing to the President.

President Nikolai Zinoviev listened intently to Vitaly’s briefing, when he had finished he said, “Good work my friend, so it seems that our Red Mercury has made its way to the USA and there can only be one reason for it being there...?”

Vitaly cut in with, “The SALT-1 agreement at the end of the month!”

“Yes, it would appear that some people on both sides do not want this agreement signing.”

“What will you do sir?”

“I need to speak with the American President.)

“You could cancel the visit to America sir.”

“No my friend, this agreement is too important to delay. I will attend and hopefully this issue can be resolved in time?”