9:11 p.m.
Hardy had grabbed one of the straight-back chairs near the table and sat to the right of the fireplace; Natasha was in the rocking chair on the other side, while Mika and Romana were on the couch. Everyone had a cup of coffee, which Romana had brought into the living room on a serving tray.
Hardy sipped his coffee. “Who are we meeting with?”
“General Vasily Denikin,” replied Natasha before she gave a brief synopsis of General Denikin’s background.
General Denikin was a powerful and influential man in Russia. He was a decorated war hero and politician, respected by all. He served in the Soviet-Afghan War in the mid to late eighties. Even though the overall war did not go well for Russia, Denikin received several medals for bravery, and he was promoted. He went on to play a major role in several Russian conflicts in the early nineties, including the Georgian Civil War. After Russia was defeated in the first Chechen War, Denikin was chosen to lead the army. He was at the helm for the next three Russian victories, ending his tenure after a win in the second Chechen War. From there, he focused on politics. Having been a war hero, he quickly ascended the political ladder, stopping short of becoming the Premier. Many said the position was his for the taking, but he declined. Instead, at the age of sixty, he chose to retire to a quiet life with his wife.
“I’ve tried to contact General Denikin in the past, but he has refused to meet with me.”
“So, what’s changed?” Hardy set the coffee cup at his feet and leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs and clasping his hand together. “Why has he agreed to meet with you now?”
“Plenty has changed.” She took a sip from her cup before placing it on her lap. “What time is it?”
Hardy was the first to retrieve his phone. “Quarter after nine,” he said.
“We are meeting him at ten, so we have a little time.” Standing, she put her cup on the stone mantel over the fireplace before bending over and warming her hands. “There’s something I haven’t told any of you.”
Mika and Romana glanced at each other.
Hardy leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.
Natasha straightened and pivoted on her heels. “The Premier has authorized the Nemesis Protocol for this mission.”
Mika’s eyes widened and Romana let out a low whistle.
Nemesis Protocol. Hardy had never heard the term, but the women’s faces across from him told him they had.
“Wow,” said Mika, “our first mission together and we’re going Nemesis.”
“What are the rules of engagement?” Romana took a drink from her coffee cup and set it on an end table.
“Question,” Hardy raised a hand as if he was in school again, “What’s this Nemesis Protocol?” He showed his palms. “Anyone care to explain?”
“The Nemesis Protocol,” said Natasha, facing him, “was established shortly after the first assassination attempt on the Premier’s life. Its purpose was to give absolute power to a few individuals who could cut through governmental bureaucracy and complete a task quickly. It was to be reserved for serious matters that had a direct impact on national security.”
Natasha crossed her arms. “Only the Premier has the authority to enact the Nemesis Protocol and he can confer the powers on whomever he chooses. Those individuals have total immunity from whatever actions they take during the execution of their duties. They cannot be held accountable by the government or the courts.”
“So, I take it the Premier has given,” Hardy pointed at Natasha and swept his finger to the left to include Mika and Romana, “the three of you this absolute power and total immunity.”
Natasha nodded. “Yes, and technically, you have it as well. Although, I don’t know how much it would come into play, since you’re a foreign agent.”
Hardy bobbed his head. That makes sense.
“Once Nemesis is underway, all agencies of the government and the military are subject to the person, or persons, whom the Premier has granted the absolute power. The agencies continue operating as usual, but if a…Nemesis Agent…for lack of a better term, needed assistance, then that entire entity is required to cooperate fully. All other cases become secondary.”
“What’s the communication process?” Hardy reached for his mug. “This sounds like a communication nightmare.”
“At the onset of making the declaration, the Premier chooses one person to serve as the liaison between the agents and the government. That person coordinates all requests and facilitates governmental actions. The main emphasis of the Nemesis Protocol is speed, full disclosure of information and total access to resources at all levels of government.”
Hardy blew on the hot coffee. “So, you used your newly acquired power to coerce General Denikin to meet with us?”
Natasha bristled. Coerce. She stared at him, trying to determine how he meant the word. “I think coerce is a little strong. Anyway, I’m going to do whatever it takes to get Popovich. If I have to twist a few arms along the way, then so be it.”
Hardy waved a hand, while leaning and setting the cup back on the floor. “I didn’t mean anything by what I said. I understand you want to get this guy, and so do I.” He pointed a finger at her. “Don’t forget my President was just down the hall from yours, and may have been the assassin’s next target. I, too, am willing to bend and break the rules to see this mission succeed.”
Natasha breathed an inward sigh of relief and took a drink.
“Just remember,” he leaned forward, “with all this power you’ve been given, there’s an equal amount of responsibility that comes with it. You may not be held accountable, officially, but plenty of people will judge you, unofficially.”
“You think I don’t know that?” she shot back.
“I can’t remember who said it, but the quote ‘Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely’ comes to mind. I don’t want to see you go down that road, Natasha…You’re a good person.” He held up his hands, surrendering. “That’s the last I’m going to say about it.”
Clenching her teeth, Natasha held her chin high and looked down at him, her eyes narrow. Does he think I’m that weak that I’d let this authority consume me? Checking the anger, she recalled already asking herself the same question. Her mind shifted to Popovich. The man had been the author of so many atrocious acts, causing her fellow citizens much pain and anxiety. In her mind, there was no question of if she would find the man. He had to be stopped and she was going to stop him, no matter what it took.
“So, my question still stands,” said Romana. “What are the rules of engagement?”
“Dead or alive,” replied Natasha. “The Premier wants to put an end to this.”
“That’s okay by me.”
Mika shrugged. “I’m fine with that, too.”
All eyes shifted toward Hardy, who waited a few seconds before nodding his head once. “It’s agreed then. Let’s take him down.” He paused. “Whether or not he’s still breathing at the end of this…is entirely up to Mr. Popovich.”