March 1986

Romanov sits in the fireplace room enjoying the warmth as he flips through Grossman's Life and Destiny, with Ulapala and Tregubova sitting next to him.

The only sound is the turning of the pages.

"You don't have the slightest idea do you?" Ulapala says.

"What?"

"That life is not for the weak."

"I don't see why not."

"Because if you don't have the strength to survive in this world, you might as well not bother doing it at all."

"I don't see what you're getting at."

"The world doesn't belong to the strong."

"Surely you're not advocating violence?" Romanov closed the book and put it aside to stare at her and said, "What's wrong with you?"

"I don't want violence. Not ever. But there are those who do. And it's their world. We can't judge them for defending their right to it."

"Maybe you're right. But it doesn't change the fact that we're alive and they're not. And it is our world."

"So we should just give up and not fight?"

Romanov shook his head and said, "Do you think idealists will win over egoists? Don't forget that you yourself are a member of corruption and bribery."

"I'm not."

"What do you think this country would be like without the support of certain people in high places?"

"It would be worse off."

"And how do you think the people would react to this?"

She didn't respond.

Tregubova spoke up and said, "Do we so must need to abandon the concept of morality and obedience?"

"We don't. But I'm not going to see that happen. I won't see the Soviet Union overthrown either. But if we're to survive, we need to be pragmatic."

Ulapala bowed her head and said, "I have no way to hold on to the fact that I know what the rich people are doing. They are on the island of Little St. James with Bird Island in South Africa...The nuns in Western European countries serve children to..."

Romanov interrupted, "If you all want to get caught and killed, that's fine with me."

Tregubova jumped up and said, "If you're looking for an excuse to avoid doing anything yourself, you've found it."

"I'm not."

"You're not what?"

"I'm just saying you have to be calm, there are these things going on behind the scenes of the elite in any society, the people just don't see it. Any government is also involved in some muscle-dirty things." Romanoff paused for a moment and added: "The East German government used political prisoners to extort money from West Germany, the Stasi would pick single women aged 22-28 to make them into prostitutes in state brothels to buy intelligence and earn foreign currency. Some feminist and human rights organizations in Europe send girls from some countries to private prisons to be abused by paying clients for the financial support of drug dealers and gangs. Even in Japan & Korea, the muscle is dirty behind the plutocrats of these countries."

"I see your point," Ulapala said in a serious tone that contrasted with the jokester attitude she'd been displaying up until now. "I suppose we're lucky we're not in a life and death struggle."

"Yes. We are."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Tregubova asked.

"I need loyal and determined people to help me, and you must be strong to help me. I mean if you see some girls dismembered in a cage will not feel sympathy."

Tregubova shuddered and said, "I can do it."

"Good. The world is in dire need of a change. Our duties as political activists will be easier once we have some sort of...organization." Romanoff's face showed uncertainty as he said, "But we don't have any money. We have no..."

"Weapons? Yes, we do." Tregubova said.

"Forget it, I'll think of something. What do you two think of the American economy?" Romanov asked, holding Ulapala and Tregubova.

"It's a disaster," Ulapala said.

"Oh? Why?"

"Too many greedy and powerful people."

"Yes, but I want to know if you know enough about the workings of American society?" Romanov hugged her and put his hand on the back of her neck. It satisfied his desire to be in control. He'd been searching for a long time to find someone to control.

"I think so," Ulapala said. "Why do you ask?"

"Because your tactics are not very clever, let me ask you, if you wanted to pay a bribe in America, what would you do?"

"Well, I wouldn't go around threatening people. There are too many FBI agents." Tregubova replied.

"You wouldn't need to. A bribe is accepted all the time. It's a well known fact. When it comes to big businesses, congressmen are bought off all the time. You just have to know who to pay off."

"We could try bribing a politician, but I'm not sure if that's even possible or if we even have the money to do it," Ulapala said, beginning to lose interest.

"We have no problem finding that kind of money, But don't engage in direct corruption in the United States, which is an extremely advanced capitalist society. You can't do it directly through bribery."

"Why not?" Ulapala asked, still interested.

"Because American society works differently, American society works through human feelings. Let's say a middle-class American wants to bribe his way to the top or an American discriminates against a race. What would they do? Carry out the action publicly?"

"Well, if it worked, there wouldn't be a problem," Ulapala said, smiling.

"In fact, Americans will do through legal legal means what is illegal in other countries. For example, a wealthy American who wants to avoid estate taxes can do so by setting up a charitable foundation, if he wants to prevent minorities from working in a certain industry he does so through stealth discrimination and restrictions, and if the American elite wants to engage in a highly profitable crime he legalizes it." Romanov explained.

"I see..." Tregubova said, thinking deeply.

"Infiltration is also done in this way, targeting clearly supported audience groups. The American infiltration is clearly coming at the elite, the intellectuals, the middle class, the niche groups, and the basic tone is liberal and egoistic. And, they are very flexible in their morality." Romanov continued.

"So, the infiltration should be easy?" Tregubova asked.

"Of course, this does not at all prevent U.S. officials from helping Latin drug lords deal drugs while setting up feminist and human rights organizations in other countries."

"You make it sound like there is a great demand for drugs in America?" Tregubova asked, now more confused than ever.

"Yes, you only have to look through the demographic makeup of the U.S. since 1950 with the growth of people with AIDS and drug populations to see that."

"Oh."

"So, let me get this straight. You want us to destroy American culture, from within?" Ulapala asked, finally understanding.

"Yes."

"How do we do that?"

"Do nothing, I mean let America degenerate on its own until it kills itself."

"But... how do we make money off of this?" Tregubova asked.

"We are the Soviet Union. We'll just take over a large corporation and run it for the good of the people." Romanov said.

"Hmm, that may work...."

"Of course, there is a fundamental difference between a socialist state and a capitalist state, in which the disorderly expansion of capital will not be tolerated and it is impossible for capitalists to bully the people at will. However, socialism also suffers from a lack of incentives and technological innovation, it is difficult to mobilize market effects to develop the economy, and allowing a private economy does not make the socialist state lose its revolutionary principles." Romanov stretched and then said, "We must be one in interest, and when the time comes to demutualize the state enterprises..."

"Oh, I see," Ulapala said, now fully engaged.

"In short, we will need to run a tight ship."

"You sound like Beria."

Romanov shook his head and said, "I am not the head of the secret service, in any case, when I completely master the Soviet Union we can divide and monopolize the Soviet industry. You will also get more pay, real estate, etc.; set up large and small companies for business activities or directly assume top positions such as chairman of the so-called state enterprises."

"But, the people..." Tregubova asked.

"What do you mean?" Romanov asked.

"You know, the people."

"They are lambs who can be led by just a few rumors, numb and utilitarian fools. As long as we can satisfy their consumer goods."

"Well, we'll need to make sure..." Tregubova started to say.

"Enough," Romanov said, now losing his patience with the Tregubova. "Now be quiet."

"Yes, General Secretary."

「Tregubova fell silent.

"Yes, it will require a great deal of work, but I'm confident we can do it." Romanov said.

"Yes, General Secretary." Tregubova repeated.

"Now, my dear, you seem to be rather distracted. Is anything the matter?"

Tregubova looked away and replied, "No. No, everything is fine. I just..."

"Tell me, I don't want to guess what you think." Romanov said impatiently; he could not treat her as an equal.

"I... I don't know." She replied. "I just feel..."

"Tell me, what do you feel?"

"I feel... afraid. Scared." Tregubova admitted.

After a few moments, Tregubova looked back at Romanov. "I was...thinking that it would be nice if we could have a normal life for a change."

"A normal life?" Romanov asked. "What's a normal life in this situation? When the entire nation is in constant danger, and when the government itself is more of a danger than the enemy? Don't make me answer that."

Tregubova looked away and said, "I don't know what I'm saying anymore... it's just...a feeling."

"I see." Romanov sighed and said, "Maybe you should relax, can I ask why Ulapala use male names?"

Ulapala's cheeks turn a bright pink and she said, "Well, my father wanted me to, and I thought it made me seem more...manly."

"What was your original female name? Honey?" Romanov asked.

"No, not that..." Ulapala said, now blushing further.

"Oh, come now, I can't call you Honey all the time. What is it?"

Ulapala's face darkened, but she said nothing.

"I can give you a new name," Romanov said, "What would you like to be called?"

Ulapala looked away, and said, "It doesn't matter."

"Well, I need a nice Russian girl name. The more exotic the better."

Ulapala looked back at him and considered several names before saying, "Katarina."

"Katarina, eh? Perfect," Romanov said, "I think Katarina is a wonderful and regal name. It shows spirit and pride. There is a very real and strong in the poetry of Akasha, the goddess of love."

"Thank you, General Secretary. I-I think I'll...I think I'll go to my room now." Ulapala said, now blushing.

"Of course. You may go to my room." Romanov stared at her and said, "Do you understand what I mean?"

"Y-Yes, General Secretary." She said, now even more blushing.

"Good. Now, go. Before I change my mind." Romanov said.

Ulpala blushed even more and hurried out of the room.

"What a beauty." Tregubova said, "Now I'm jealous. I wish I could be called Katarina."

"That's not fair. You have your own name already." Romanov put his hand on Tregubova's shoulder and said, "You need to notice how much I believe in you."

"Y-You do?" Tregubova asked.

"Of course. You are the only person I can trust in this entire government. The rest are traitors and fools. And I would be a traitor and a fool if I didn't believe in you."

"Thank you, General Secretary." Tregubova said, now blushing.

"It's nothing." Romanov said, "I need a friend that will never betray me."

"I would never betray you, General Secretary."

"Thank you. That's enough. Now, let's forget about this conversation for the night. The situation is grim, and we must prepare for the worst." He withdrew his hand and said, "Do you think there is any way to ensure that my rule does not collapse under a U.S.-led global market?"

"I-I don't know, General Secretary. The military is strong, we could always..."

"It's not that. I'm asking for your opinion, as a thinking comrade. There has to be a way, and we will find it if we work together."

"We will, General Secretary. And, if we need to, we can always...appeal to the people. It is the only way to ensure a smooth transition of power."

"It's important to be stable and take off your underwear."

Tregubova blushed and glanced down.

"We will do it, of course. The state and the government and the ruler are not one and the same; they have a complicated relationship." Romanov began to undress and said, "Take off your skirt and spread your legs."

"Yes, General Secretary."

"Now, take off your knickers."

Tregubova hesitated for a moment, and then unbuckled her skirt. She stepped out of it, and stood before him in undergarments.

"Good girl." Romanov said, "Take off your bra and panties."

Tregubova hesitated again, and then took off her bra and panties. She stood before him naked.

He said, "Now, lift your arms."

She raised her arms, and Romanov began to massage her small, delicate arms. "You are perfect." He said, now staring at her naked form.

"I'm not a...I'm not a..." She said, now blushing.

"I'm telling the truth, you know? The country is like a piece of land, and the government is a house." He said, now staring at her naked form. "Your beautiful form is a part of that house."

Tregubova said nothing, now blushing even more.

"I am the owner of this house. Now, kneel down and kiss my feet."

Tregubova knelt and began to make a show of kissing his feet.

"Tregubova. You may rise."

She stood up, now blushing, and looked down at his feet. Romanov removed his pants, and Tregubova glanced up in surprise. His erect penis and testicles hung down. She said, "You want me to service you?"

"If that is your wish."

Tregubova stepped forward and lowered her head. She began to stroke his penis and testicles with both hands.

"Oh, yes. That feels good." He said, now beginning to stroke her back.

"The people will never stand for this." She said.

"Oh, I think the people will have no choice but to stand for it. I am the leader of the Soviet Union."

Tregubova laughed and said, "The leader of a dead man."

"The dead are not dead." He said, continuing to stroke her back.

"The Soviet Union is dead. You fool."

"I know, from the moment its bureaucrats can decide the distribution of the means of production. Suck my cock with your tongue, my bitch."

Tregubova said nothing, now taking his cock in her mouth. She sucked his cock and balls, making a hard show of it, though keeping her mind on her task.

Romanov said, "How does that feel, dear?"

"You are a fool, Comrade."

"Are you ready to give me your loyalty?"

"I never pledged myself to you."

"But you will."

"I'm...not sure."

"Think about it."

Tregubova pondered his offer. She ran her hands up and down his shaft and said, "It has been so long since...since you..." She broke off, now focusing her attention on his sac. "You smell so good." She said, now licking her lips.

"I smell good?" Romanov said, now taken back. "How so? I have been eating well."

"I mean, you smell so good in comparison to...other smells."

"Oh." He nodded and said, "I thought you meant something else."

Tregubova looked up at him and smiled. He said, "In what way am I...different?"

"You are not as...earthy." She said.

"Maybe it's just that I think a little bit strangely with other people, I'm...this body is very old."

"No, it's not. My father had an even longer life than yours. Perhaps it's...just you're more refined."

Romanov said, "If that's the case, then you ought to take my offer. My way is too coarse for you."

Tregubova considered. "I think I will. I want to serve you." She said, "But know this, my loyalty is not pledged to you forever. I will give you my word, but I will not be your bitch when the time comes."

"I understand." He said.

"Do you?" She said, cocking her head to the side and looking up at him with a mischievous smile. "Do you understand?"

"You're a foolish woman who hasn't understood her place." He said, now removing his pants.

"I'm not that young, and I'm not that naive." Her smile broadened. "Cum inside me, brute."

"I'm going to make you recognize yourself, you she-cat." He stepped forward and lowered his penis into her vagina.

Tregubova gasped as his penis went into her. It felt so good she forgot about the offer. She purred, wrapping her arms and legs around him, and rode out the orgasm.

"You are my bitch."

"Yes, Grigory. I am your bitch."

"You will obey me."

"Yes, my leader. I obey you."

"Good." He withdrew, now ready to start the next act. "Now, let's have our little whore here come to her senses." He said, now taking out a bottle of vodka. He held it to Tregubova's lips. "Drink. If you want to join the ranks of the blessed, you will drink."

"No." Tregubova said, now pushing it away. "I don't want to drink. What will you give me?"

"The gift of stupidity. A clear mind. A happy soul."

"Well, I want to say one important thing." She said, now taking a deep breath. "I love you."

"I love you too." He said. "Drink, or I'll make you."

"No, what I'm saying is that I'm pregnant." She said, now looking away, seeming embarrassed.

"What? Pregnant?" He said. "Wh-who is the father?"

"Yes, you are." She said, looking back at him. "You are the father."

"What? How can that be? I mean...when...how..." He seemed unable to form complete words.

"I'll explain later. Suffice it to say, you'll need to help me."

"But...but...I don't want to be..."

"Yes, you do. Drink. Or you'll never find out."

He examined her face, seeming unsure. "Okay, but...you might regret this..."

"Drink."

He took a deep breath, then drank. "That's too bad, I need to think about it." He said, now staring at his feet.

"Think about what?"

"My answer. You'll need to give me more time to think about it." He said. "For now, you and I should go."

"Go where?"

"The place where you'll need to go. We're going to have a little talk." He said, now grabbing his coat. He looked at her one last time, and said, "I'm sorry, my dear. It was good seeing you." He walked out of the room, leaving her alone.

Tregubova sat there, alone, confused, and afraid. She drank the rest of the vodka, and threw the empty bottle in the trash can before getting dressed. She wore a dress, stockings, and high heels. She applied fresh lipstick, then brushed her hair. She stared in the mirror for a long time, saying nothing, lost in her own thoughts.

After a period of silence, Romanov, who regretted this, asked, "What do you want to do?"

"I want to kill you."

"What? Why?"

"For messing up my life, for making me do something I don't want to do, and for trying to force feed me alcohol."

"That's enough, I don't want to hear the bashing me crap. What do you want to do with your kids?"

"I don't want to have kids."

"Fine, do you want to kill me?"

"Yes."

"Then go ahead and do it."

"No..."

"Do it."

She threw her lipstick bitterly into a couple of books on Romanov's desk, and Romanov stared at her in silence.

"Fine, I'll do it but we're even now." She said. "Now, let's go."

He looked at her, a strange look in his eyes. "What about the baby you're carrying? You're not married."

"I'll marry him, he's the father."

"What? Who?"

"You're the father."

Romanov stared at her, saying nothing. He looked away, seeming unimpressed.

"Why would you do that?" He asked.

"Because you won't give me what I want. You never have, so I'm taking matters into my own hands."

"I know I haven't given you what you want, and I will. But not now, I have a wife."

"So do I, and I'm pregnant, and that's all that matters. Goodbye, Comrade Romanov."

She walked out of his office, not looking back. Romanov stared at the door, dumbfounded. He picked up the phone, dialing a number.

"Major General Vladimir Medvedev? Well, Tregubova walked out. Send someone to keep an eye on her, I mean keep her safe. Call me if anything happens."

"Yes."

"I'm sorry things didn't work out, but that's life. She was a good person, I liked her."

"I know."

"Send her my regards."

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