The Kremlin's Candidate: A Novel

“Why would the GRU under any circumstances wish to accelerate the development of a North Korean nuclear device?” asked Dominika. Bravo, thought Gorelikov, Egorova arrives at the correct issue in five minutes.

“That is not an intelligence matter,” snapped Shlykov. “That is a policy consideration far outside your purview.” Gorelikov from the end of the table looked at Dominika with a blank expression that meant drop it.

“And what does the SVR Director think?” said Dominika. No answer; the current SVR Director is a nonentity. “Is it the president’s edict that Academician Ri be terminated? I see no conflict between the two cases. MAGNIT is only providing the technology. Professor Ri is a penetration of the North Korean nuclear program. Cannot both cases be run concurrently and in close coordination?” Gorelikov noted how Egorova kept her temper, while Shlykov fumed.

“When an asset of immense potential value is threatened by another asset of lesser value, priorities must be set. There is no question that Egorova’s case must be terminated. The SVR must withdraw from the operational field,” said Shlykov.

“I believe we can discuss the compatibility of these cases at a later date,” said Gorelikov. “But what the major says is true. MAGNIT is of immense importance, now and in the future. But this brings us to another subject, the ultimate reason for this meeting: the secure handling of MAGNIT. The president has ordered the SVR to assist the GRU in establishing an enhanced handling protocol for this asset.” Shlykov bristled in his chair.

“The GRU is more than capable of handling its assets securely,” he snapped.

“You may wish to express your opposition to the president’s wishes in person,” said Gorelikov softly, using the time-honored Kremlin threat. Shlykov looked down at his folder, retreating, knowing the conversation was probably being recorded.

“No one has the experience and acumen that the SVR can bring to a foreign operation,” said Gorelikov, ticking points off on his fingers. “MAGNIT will be more safely handled in the United States by an illegals officer. SVR administers Line S, the illegals directorate. Colonel Egorova has handled illegals before. Besides,” he continued, as if any of it made a difference, “the president expressly wishes that Colonel Egorova be involved in the handling and communications plan for MAGNIT,” said Gorelikov.

“I did not agree to this,” said Shlykov.

“The president did not solicit your approval,” said Gorelikov, impatiently. “MAGNIT has been handled adequately for a decade, with tradecraft commensurate with the asset’s position.” Gorelikov was devilishly clever not to use the masculine or feminine pronoun. Be patient; someone will make a slip sooner or later, Dominika thought.

“But the internal handling protocol must now be strengthened,” said Gorelikov. “With the prospect of MAGNIT’s improved access, handling can no longer be left to inside GRU officers. A top illegals officer in New York City encrypted SUSAN will handle MAGNIT internally from now on, and Egorova will travel to the United States to meet her and pass dedicated communications equipment.” Well, we at least know SUSAN is a she. New York: it would be Dominika’s first trip to America.

What none of them at the table knew was that for at least ten years MAGNIT was also being met once a year outside the United States by Gorelikov himself. Gorelikov considered MAGNIT his case despite Shlykov’s pettifogging and now, as MAGNIT’s access was going to mushroom, he wanted to jettison clunky GRU handling and institute more secure handling in the United States.

“The SVR will try to usurp the case,” said Shlykov, unhappily. “The General Staff will not stand for any attempt to purloin the intelligence.”

“You mean steal your credit,” said Gorelikov dryly. “Do not worry, the case will remain with the GRU. Colonel Egorova need not even know MAGNIT’s true name when she passes the equipment to SUSAN.” Wrong answer, Anton. I need to know where our friend MAGNIT lives and breathes. There will be time.

“That’s most reassuring,” said Shlykov. “But I want Blokhin to accompany the colonel to New York to protect our operational equities.”

For a million reasons, no way, thought Dominika. I’ll be meeting Nate and Bratok in New York. “Now I’m afraid I must object,” said Dominika. “Two officers cannot make a clandestine meeting in tandem. Though I’m sure Sergeant Blokhin’s skills in the field are many, I suspect surveillance detection is not one of them.”