Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Oath

When Vladimir Sergeevich Malinov finished processing the huge pile of documents and returned the desktop to a flat state, the hands of the clock were exactly at seven o'clock in the afternoon. Dusk drew the blue gauze curtain outside the window.While turning his tired eyes out of the window after chasing groups of small words, Malinov's thinking frequency also switched from business to family. I'm really sorry for my son, who had so much trouble looking forward to Sunday. In order to go out to sketch last night, his son Saxia begged his father to take him to the canal in the suburbs.

"No way, Sasha!" Malinov had to so persuade his young son. "Dad also has important work to do tomorrow, you and Mom will go together, and Dad will take you to Sochi to play when the summer vacation comes." "Why not? How annoying!" "Sasha is eight years old, isn't he? You have to learn to be patient. Only three weeks left, isn't it? After three weeks, you will be able to swim and sail in the black sea, which is so green that it hurts your eyes. You can also bask in the sun.” "Are we really going to Sochi?" "It's true, the hotel is already booked."

"good job!" "So Dad won't be with you tomorrow." The reason why he had to disappoint his son was also thanks to these mountains of documents.Had he done it twenty-four hours earlier, he would not have let his son down, and he would have had his wife cook her own meals instead of tedious Russian pies and kvass. A traditional Russian drink made from fermented malt, which tastes like beer.) Come to satisfy your hunger. Malinov grabbed the shabby-looking paper cup that was placed in the corner of the desk, aimed at the target, and threw it into the wastebasket placed far away.

The door of the room was opened, and a fat female staff in her thirties appeared at the door. "Comrade Malinov, you have a visitor." "Visitor?" Malinov frowned. I wasted my rare Sunday working here, until the evening I finally got things done, and I didn't expect another visitor to come now.Malinov couldn't help sighing, he really hoped to go back to his home near Gorky Park, take a hot bath, and taste the Kyiv-style fried fish steaks that Ikadrina is good at; Feel the warm steam of black tea rising in your hands as you watch the historical drama "Ivan the Terrible" broadcast on state-run television.Then Sasha would proudly show him his sketches - even as a KGB agent, it shouldn't be an exaggeration to have such a small wish!

How could there be a visitor? Malinov asked with a tired face. "Who is it? The guest." "He said he was Inspector Serenko of the headquarters of the Moscow Civil Police." "Sheriff?" Malinov frowned again. "He's waiting for you in the fourth reception room on the first floor." "Understood, I'll go there right away." After sighing, Malinov stood up from behind the desk. Vladimir Malinov was thirty-six years old, with dun hair and dark brown eyes of the same color, and a tall, strong, well-built physique in good physical condition.He doesn't have that special KGB-style appearance. Instead, he looks like a teacher. He is said to be a teacher, and he seems to be more like a musician. It is suitable for people who sit in front of the piano and stare at the score.So far, though, he's spent far more time holding the gun in his fingers than hitting the keys.

The mission was the same this time, as Soviet and East German authorities teamed up to crack down on an exile relief organization lurking on the western border of the German Democratic Republic, but in the end it turned into a shootout that killed and wounded both sides.Her partner of eight years, Burriss Fomin, is still receiving intensive care in a hospital in Nordhausen, Germany, with a gunshot wound to his right shoulder.Although there will definitely be courteous treatment there, but in my heart I can't wait to recover and return to the Soviet Union as soon as possible. Boris Fomin once complained to Malinov - the task of teaming up with the Germans was still avoided. Those guys are indeed capable and hardworking, but they always like to put on a look that they are the best in everything, Others don't need to be nosy.Regardless of whether he is a communist or an anti-communist, a German is a German. What is "the number one Germany in the world"?No shit!What's more, their black tea is terrible!

Malinov didn't hate Germany that much, and he didn't think German black tea was so bad, but he completely agreed with Fomin, who believed that his own black tea was the most delicious in the world.Although it is an allied country, Germany is a foreign land after all. Compared with Fomin who is alone, Malinov is much luckier to be able to return home with his wife waiting for him.But if Fomin was there, he could help with half of the official documents, and Malinov could go to the canal with his family.In short, there are advantages and disadvantages. Malinov intended to go home immediately after meeting the visitors in the reception room, so he left the office with his briefcase.He was originally walking in the direction of the elevator, but he shrugged his shoulders and turned to the stairs when he saw the "Failure" sign.

Since the scientific and technological level of our Soviet Union is the highest in the world, one day we will be able to lead the capitalist countries and manufacture elevators that will not fail. After walking down nearly a hundred steps from the fourth floor to the first floor, Malinov finally came to the fourth reception room. As soon as the door was opened, the chubby man in a vulgar police uniform immediately stood up from the chair, his thick thick eyebrows squirming under a tense expression. "I kept you waiting, I'm Malinov." After Malinov gestured for Serenko to sit down, he sat down himself.

"I am Serenko from the headquarters of the Moscow Civil Police. Comrade, I have to report some unfortunate news to you. Although this is my job, it is quite regrettable..." After speaking in one breath, Serenko wiped the sweat floating on his forehead with the back of his hand. "What the hell is going on?" Malinov realized that he was being bound by a certain premonition, and anxiety began to invade his entire chest.The faces of Ikadrina and Sasha flickered in his mind. "...Could it be!" "It's about your wife and son, actually comrade..."

Serenko seemed to be unable to find any suitable words to explain it. Malinov adjusted his breathing and spoke resolutely. "My wife took her son out for a drive today, did an accident happen?" "At first we also thought it was an accident..." "at first?" Serenko fell silent hesitantly, and at the same time opened and closed his palms unconsciously, and then continued to speak with a determined look. "Let me be straightforward! Comrade, your wife was killed by an unknown person." Malinov heard a sound like a mirror cracking deep in his ears. At the same time, everything outside suddenly darkened, and his vision became narrower and narrower.

Feeling like riding a merry-go-round in the dark, Malinov couldn't keep his balance and had to prop up the table with his palms. "It's a pity, comrade..." Serenko's voice echoed hollowly from very, very far away. "Who did you say she was killed by?" Also in a very far away place, I don't know who raised the question.Who is speaking?Malinov thought vaguely.Apart from the thick-browed sheriff and himself, there should be no one else here. If so, who is talking to Serenko? "This has not been found yet, comrade." Serenko wiped the sweat off his forehead again.Even though it has entered June, the night in Moscow shrouded in mist is still slightly chilly, but Serenko’s back is drenched with sweat, and his heart is almost drowned by a lot of sweat, because he I had to report the news of his wife's death to this KGB agent who is known for his toughness, and it was a homicide case, and the murderer's identity was unknown. Serenko was already mentally prepared that he might be grabbed by the chest by the emotional Malinov and yell at him for being incompetent. "Fortunately, the young master is still alive, which can be described as the greatest fortune among misfortunes." Serenko's words silently tore apart the black curtain surrounding Malinov. "My son is still alive?" A distant voice approached rapidly, and Malinov knew that the voice came from his own mouth.At the same time, as if a light was lit in front of his eyes, it gradually became brighter, and Serenko's face floated in front of his eyes. "My son is alive...is it true, comrade?" "It's true, but..." "Just what?" "His consciousness has not yet recovered, and he is still in a coma. Of course, doctors are doing their best to rescue him." "Unconscious?" As if to empty out all the air in his lungs, Malinov sighed deeply, put his palms on his forehead, and closed his eyes exhaustedly. "No consciousness... No, that's fine, as long as you can live..." Malinov put his hands down, opened his eyes and looked directly at Serenko, with a painful light shining in his deep eyes.The sergeant of the Civil Police was aware of the fear in his heart, and he could understand the stern light emitted by these eyes when they were full of hostility and hatred.If it weren't for the strong mental strength, it must be impossible to parry it! "Where is my wife's body? And my son..." "The remains of Mrs. Ling and Mrs. Ling are currently in the Piotor Brasov Hospital near Izmailov Park." "May I ask you to lead the way?" "Of course, the car is ready." After silently nodding his head in greeting, Malinov stood up. How should the lost item measure its size or weight?And where to look for things to fill the void? Vladimir Malinov asked himself this question several times, but could not get an answer. He thought back to the joke Ikadrina had made on the way out this morning. "Be careful, don't cause any accidents! I'm not great enough to get rid of the case!" The wife replied with a smile. "Don't worry! If something happens, I will run away at full speed and won't be caught by the police, because their car can't catch up!" A boring and unremarkable conversation, but the last one he had with his wife.Had I known that things would turn out like this, would I have said something more meaningful? If only I knew things would turn out like this... Regret turned into sharp claws, tearing open his chest.That's right, if he knew that things would turn out like this, he would definitely cancel his holiday attendance and go out with his wife and children.If he is present, even if the opponent is an entire armored brigade, he will protect them and prevent them from being harmed. The anger directed at him burned Malinov's whole body fiercely. It's all your fault that you gave up your wife and children and chose to be with piles of documents!It's all because you take the duties and responsibilities at work as the highest principle, but are careless about the duties and responsibilities of your wife and children!Isn't it you who caused this result? "Comrade Malinov, madam and son, which side do you want to look at first?" Serenko asked. When he heard the sound and turned to Serenko's thick-browed face showing sympathy and fear, Malinov realized that he had arrived at the hospital. "Ah, this... well, let's go to my wife first..." Malinov replied, surprised that he did not know when to get out of the car.This is indeed the gate of the Piotor Brasov Hospital. Men and women in white clothes are busy shuttling back and forth in front of their eyes, and fragments of conversations unique to medical facilities are also filling their ears. ——Prepare IV for the patients in Ward 702! ——The old man in the 554 ward is scheduled to be discharged tomorrow! ——The Angolans in Ward 901 seem to have some requirements, but they cannot speak the language. Are there any Portuguese interpreters? ——Patients in Ward 1160 want to know the name of the disease. What is the opinion of the attending physician? Malinov felt like a ship floating in the sea, all the phenomena lacked a sense of reality and existence for him, it was like a repeated nightmare just before waking up. It turned out that his wife, son, and family were the anchors that tied him to the real world. Malinov suddenly had this realization. It's really sad, people always realize the true value of things after they lose... "It's right here, comrade," Serenko said in a low voice. The iron door opened with a gloomy sound, and as the square light cut through the darkness, everything emerged under the light.Serenko pressed the light switch in the morgue.Concrete ceilings, concrete walls and concrete floors, surrounded by dozens of beds covered in white cloth, this is the scene inside. Although he didn't stand still, Malinov couldn't help but feel a sense of oppression.Here is a bastion of inorganic matter that rejects life, the existence of organic matter is heresy.Ikadrina is also eligible to stay here because she has been reduced to an inorganic substance. Malinov looked back at the police sergeant.Serenko responded to the silent questioning with silent instructions. The KGB agent walked over with mechanized heavy steps like a man who knew he was drunk, and grabbed a corner of the white cloth.At first he was a little hesitant, and then he resolutely lifted the white cloth. He saw his wife's face, that face was as white and transparent as snow under the moonlight, without any expression, like a face made of white glass. Ikadrina's flaxen hair was still stained with paint-like blood stains. Malinov pushed aside the silky hair with trembling fingers, and saw the red and black gunshot wound piercing through his wife's ear.As if he could understand everything by staring at the wound, Malinov stared intently. "Where's the bullet?" After a while, Malinov forced the question out of his stiff mouth. "It hasn't been taken out yet." "Not yet taken out!" The tone is quite severe. "why?" "Because your consent to forensic autopsy is still required, comrade." Serenko replied in such a way that there was a sense of helplessness in his words, and he did not deliberately conceal it. In the case of ordinary people, the judicial autopsy can be completed immediately by the judgment of the police, but that is not the case with the incidents related to the KGB.Whether it is an autopsy or a search, the KGB will handle it on its own, and there is no need for the police to meddle in their own business. Facing such accusations has not happened once or twice. Regardless of the system, in essence, the police are indeed under the KGB. Therefore, they must not only be on standby for orders and requests from the KGB, but also be careful on the other hand. Be careful not to offend.In fact, this situation is not limited to the civilian police units. In the face of the KGB organization that actually ruled the Soviet Union, there is no government agency that can override it—at least as far as Serenko knows—does not exist. Although he wanted to curse the pedantic attitude of the police, Malinov could also understand Serenko's mentality.Rather than being taboo because of ability, I would rather be considered a pedantic mediocrity, which is less stressful.Rather than actively taking action and waiting for orders to do what they are told, it is indeed more prudent to protect oneself in this bureaucratic system that is as large and slow as a herbivorous dinosaur. "I have no objection to the judicial autopsy performed by the police, please proceed as soon as possible." Malinov said in a depressed tone. "However, please let me know the type of bullet that was taken out." "Of course." "Then, I'm counting on you." Malinov couldn't help but feel sad when he thought of his wife showing no signs of gaining weight and her young and firm body being disintegrated by a scalpel.However, there is no other way to find the murderer. I will definitely avenge you! Malinov re-covered his wife's body with a white cloth, and made an oath in his heart. You wait, I will definitely let the guy who made you like this receive the retribution he deserves.must! Malinov turned back, repeating his oath as he walked towards the iron gate. I certainly will! After Malinov left, Serenko also turned off the lights and left and closed the iron gate, dividing the kingdoms of life and death.For the living, the responsibilities and obligations of life are piled up like dust in an abandoned house. "I am Elena Rostovskaya." The attending physician reported his name to Malinov who came to visit his son's ward.This woman of medium build is about thirty years old. Although she can't be called a beauty, she can make people feel her outstanding intelligence and stable temperament. "How is my son?" Malinov asked while thinking, the doctor felt quite trustworthy.Although he had no choice but to trust the doctor, he still hoped that the doctor would give him the impression of being trustworthy. "His consciousness has not yet recovered, but he is out of danger and can be said to have stabilized." "Do you mean you can rest assured?" "It's useless to worry too much." "That's right..." Malinov complained. "But how is it not redundant? I really don't know how to judge this." These words sound very childish to the ears of the female doctor or the chief of the police department, but Elena has no intention of contempt, her gentle brown eyes are full of sympathy. The female doctor replied: "Then please don't worry, and leave everything to the experts." After nodding vaguely, Malinovnin pointed to his son lying on the bed.He said he was a son, but at the moment, in his eyes, it looked more like a mass of gauze wrapped things.Sasha's heavily closed eyes were dark brown pupils that were shining brightly and lively a few hours ago. Malinov suddenly looked back at the female doctor. "Please, Doctor!" Sasha's father said in a low and excited tone. "Please let my son fulfill his obligations as a son of man... He is twenty-eight years younger than me, so he has the obligation to leave twenty-eight years later than me..." The female doctor stared at Malinov and nodded without saying a word. "May I ask if your son has a friend named Kled?" Members of the civilian police team were on standby in a certain reception room of the hospital. Sergeant Serenko raised this question on the way leading Malinov to the reception room. "Kret... Is it Nibre's nickname? No, as far as I know, not... What's going on?" "No, we're just checking to see if it's his friend's name. Just to be on the safe side." As soon as Serenko opened the door of the reception room, two men in the same uniform immediately stood up from their chairs to greet him. "My subordinate." Serenko briefly introduced. "This is Comrade Malinov. He works for the KGB. Petrovsky, show him that." A slender man of medium height put something in front of Malinov. Malinov took a deep breath, stared at it, and half unconsciously reached out to pick it up.Of course, he was not hindered in the slightest. "This is Mr. Ling's stuff, right?" "That's right..." The blood-stained "Fuji girl" looked at Malinov with an expressionless white face.This is Sasha's treasure. Malinov bought it from Japan and gave it to Sasha. The cover is the sketchbook of "Fuji Girl". "Thank you dad!" Not only the eyes, but also the joyful image of his son whose voice seemed to be shining brightly, reappeared in Malinov's mind. "What a beautiful cover! The quality of the paper is very good! Dad, do all Japanese children use such good sketchbooks? If so, it's really enviable..." In a voice absolutely inaudible to others, Malinov opened the cover, and the canal scenery on the outskirts of Moscow immediately appeared in front of his eyes.Boats of all sizes coming and going, people walking and standing on the shore, puppies barking at the boats, the early summer sun giving them sharp shadows, everything seems to be dancing lively. "Could you please look at the back cover?" The harsh voice begged so.After Malinov nodded indifferently, he did as he was told, and froze in the next moment. Malinov didn't immediately understand what caught his eye, it looked like a strange pattern drawn with dirty red lines.The pattern is readable because it's the Cyrillic alphabet (note: the Cyrillic alphabet, the writing system used by the Russian language), which is trembling, skewed, and unbalanced, but it's true.The first letter is K, then O... "Kret..." Malinov whispered to himself. "Kret?" "Have you remembered anything, comrade?" Cree?Or is it Nikolai?I seem to have heard it somewhere.He had indeed heard the name somewhere!Not a movie star, not a ski shooter at the Winter Olympics, not Uncle Kled who sells kvass on the street corner, not a Kled boy in a teenage choir... "Master Ling wrote this with blood on his fingers." Of course I know that! "According to the judgment of the police, this should be the murderer's name that Young Master Ling knew, and he must have heard it from the conversation." I know this too!The son used his own blood to expose the murderer who killed his mother, and the purpose was for his father to find that person! "The police will definitely try to catch the murderer." Then give it to me?If not, you might as well leave it alone.The reason why my son used all his strength to write down the murderer's name was not to inform the police, but to inform his father.Revenge is my business!However, where did he hear the name Kled... "A thorough investigation of all the men in Moscow and its suburbs with a driver's license named Nikolai so-and-so, maybe he also transported some dirty things." Can it be found that way?Kled is not a man who can show his tail, Kled is not so easy to show a fox's tail... Kled... Kled... Kled... the mysterious Kled... "Mysterious Kret!" In Malinov's mind came a flash that no one could see, and it brightly illuminated his memory.In the headquarters of the National Security Council (KGB), his boss, Minister Nesterank, once said that Kled is not a person who can easily show the tail of a fox. Because of this, it is not easy to catch this guy . The strange eyesight of the policemen and the voice of Serenko, who tried his best to restrain his emotions, became the existence of another world to Malinov. Holding his son's blood-stained sketchbook in his hand, he was Looking at the figure of "Kret" who was about to move in the darkness behind his eyelids, his ears were filled with the laughter of "Kret", and his consciousness was even more filled with hatred for "Kret". For Malinov, he has already taken the first step of revenge. The report on the bullet in his wife’s head has been sent to Malinov, and the content recorded in it is as follows——The gun used is not a domestic product, but a Western product. It is speculated that it should be a point made by Colt. 38 caliber pistol. After adding jam to the black tea, Quigley Nestrank picked up a large spoon that didn't fit the cup and stirred it, then put the spoon on the saucer, picked up the cup and began to sip. Hmm, a little too much jam. Through the moist steam, he saw Vladimir Malinov's completely unblinking, statue-like face. "It seems a little sweet, what do you think?" "Ah, I think it's just right." Malinov replied absent-mindedly. He didn't even touch the black teacup, and the steam was bubbling in vain in front of him. Nestrank put the teacup back on the saucer and watched the expression of this excellent subordinate. "Something about 'Mysterious Kled'?" "Yes, Minister, the 'mysterious Kled'." Nestrank picked up the spoon and tapped the rim of the cup two or three times.Dangdang... "You seem quite sure, comrade?" "yes." "However, Klein is Nikolai's nickname, and besides, the entire Soviet Union does not know that there are millions of people named Nikolai." "Maybe!" "It might just be a random coincidence." "I don't think there will be too many Nikolai who can use Western weapons to kill people." "Kled, Kled, mysterious Kled!" Nestrank grunted a few times in displeasure, and continued to tap the rim of the glass.Dangdangdang... The ear-piercing sound echoed in the air. "Really, this guy has troubled our KGB for many years. Smuggling, assisting fugitives to smuggle, stealing state secrets, obstructing public affairs..." "And this murder." Malinov whispered, his tone full of sharp anger. "This is not the killing of a public official in a shootout, but the shooting of a woman injured in a car accident without resistance." He clenched his fists unconsciously, his knuckles were almost completely white. "He should be sentenced to death!" "Comrade Malinov!" The spoon stopped in the air, and Nestrank spoke. "These words may sound harsh to you, but I ask you to listen with an open mind. You're so determined that the Kled who killed your wife is the same 'mysterious Kled' who has haunted us for years, but There is simply no evidence to prove it. You have unknowingly confused the object of personal hatred with the enemy of the state." "You mean that my vengeance prevents me from making good judgment?" Nestrank twirled the spoon with his fingertips. "Correct? What is correct? In fact, I don't know. Perhaps the 'mysterious Kled' should really be hanged for his crime of killing innocent citizens as you think! But Kled who killed your wife It may also be an ordinary citizen, maybe he is currently cutting tickets in the subway, while worrying about the appearance of the police." "So, how did the ordinary ticket cutter, Kled, acquire Western weapons?" "Good question, so this possibility must also be taken into account. Maybe Kled is not the name of a person, but the name of an organization that engages in anti-social and anti-national activities in the form of a group. If so , then the members who join the organization may be called Uladimir or Quigley!" "If Kret is the name of the organization, then find out the members of the organization one by one until they are all sent to the execution ground." Words and sentences turned into invisible pieces of ice and spit out from Malinov's mouth.Nestrank was suddenly overwhelmed by the illusion of a sudden drop in room temperature, his body trembled slightly, and then he drank the cold black tea carelessly. Looking at the mud-like jam at the bottom of the cup, Nestrank spoke again cautiously. "There are things you don't know about the 'mysterious Kret.' Last spring a man was arrested in the Georgian mountains near the Turkish border for stashing weapons under the floor of his mountaineering 4WD, including Fifteen American-made carbines, six short-machine guns, and thirty anti-tank grenades. The man was handed over from the Border Guard to the KGB and taken to headquarters in Moscow for interrogation." Malinov listened in silence. "The man's name is Pierre Guryumo, he is French, but he also holds a Soviet national ID card, and the name registered on it is Yusef Pradasov. Although the forged certificate is almost perfect, but Accompanied by a doctor, we administered the EEX2 confession agent to him. As a result, not only his real name, but also his identity as a member of the neo-Nazi party engaged in anti-Semitic terrorist activities in France were revealed. The correct name of the organization is 'European Nationalist Action League', that group of guys who have been bombing synagogues in Paris from time to time since the early 1980s." "..." "However, just when we were about to continue asking questions, he couldn't answer anymore. He suddenly had a heart attack, and in an unexpectedly short period of time, he became a piece of dead flesh." "Is it a side effect of the confessional?" "No. We thought so at first, but according to the doctor, it was the result of hypnotic suggestion." "Hypnotic suggestion?" "That's right, Gurumo mentioned in his confession that he acted under the orders of Kled. Of course we also asked him who Kled was, but when he was about to answer, his heart suddenly went abnormal. " "You mean, when he tried to reveal the secret of Kled to others, the hypnotic suggestion played a role in causing him to have a heart attack?" "That's right." "However, is there such a thing?" "It is possible. In fact, the KGB is also engaged in related research, but it has not yet entered the practical stage. All in all, this incident tells us that Kled's organization and strength are unfathomable. They have the ability to dispatch weapons and forge identity certificates." , the influence goes deeper into the neo-Nazi party. What's more, it uses hypnotic suggestions to control its subordinates." Under the constant impact of the spoon, the black teacup whined. "We can't even imagine the extent of Kled's organizational network. Even the KGB has to abandon the previous view of treating them as unknown. I think that we should not only strictly investigate them, but also launch armed attacks if necessary." It would not hesitate to destroy it." Crack clang clang clang! The thrown spoon hit the rim of the cup and bounced off the table.Nestrank clasped his strong fingers together and looked at Malinov. "Who should be in charge of coordinating the operations against the Kled organization? We have spent more than a year carefully filtering the candidates. I think you should have an idea. You are also on the list of candidates, but you are not The most powerful candidate, although your intelligence and physical performance are excellent, but there are not a few colleagues who can match you." "indeed." A dispassionate smile appeared on the corner of Malinov's mouth for a moment. "But I have an unexpected key to victory?" "That's right, Comrade Malinov, you possess a quality that absolutely no one else has. This quality goes beyond the sense of responsibility and desire to succeed as a member of the organization, and that's the point." "You mean revenge?" "I'm talking about selfless enthusiasm." The moment Malinov heard this sentence, he thought he would laugh hysterically, but it was the opposite of what he expected.At this moment, only an inexplicable dry and low voice came out of his mouth. "What authority do I have regarding the investigation of Kled?" "There are no restrictions at all, comrade. Needless to say, the KGB, even the civilian police and embassies abroad, everything related to Kled is under your command, and your obligation is to submit a report to me every week. In my judgment, the action is too drastic, and I will also ask you to pay attention. Of course, the country’s urgent requirements must be placed before all issues. All in all, no matter what disputes there are in the details, you don’t have to care, as long as you don’t let the West The spy organization or the media camp in your country knows it, and it doesn't matter what you want to do." "yes?" Malinov repeated in a murmur. "It doesn't matter what you want to do?" Nestrank felt chills all over again, and hastily added. "Of course it is in response to needs, within the scope of common sense." "of course." "Then, you can go back first." "I want to start working right now." "You should go home and rest today! You must be fully prepared physically and mentally. Come to my office again at noon tomorrow." Malinov nodded expressionlessly in agreement. "I see." "You haven't closed your eyes since last night, have you?" "I'm not sleepy at all. But since the Minister's order..." Malinov stood up. "Then I'll go down first." "Ah, comrade, about your son, I will let the hospital do its best to treat him. No matter what, I will let you complete the task without any worries." "Thank you for your attention." After Malinov exited the room and closed the door, Nesteranke immediately made a moaning sound and sighed heavily. Is it correct to choose Malinov as the commander of the unified operation against Kled?There is no doubt about his ability, and he is also a man with a fairly stable mind, so he should not do things that bother his boss.But what happened to that strong coldness?It's like steel in sub-zero temperatures...how should I describe it?Yes, it is "burning cold". Nestrank thought that he was about to retire in half a year.Although he had no outstanding achievements during his tenure, he was not exiled to Siberia due to a mistake in the coup d'état. Instead, with his steady management ability and precise judgment, he boarded an important position in the National Security Council as an accomplished bureaucrat. .His wife may not be called a beauty or a talented woman, but she is a master of healthy cooking; the eldest son teaches geology at Novosibirsk University, and the youngest son is a stage designer for the Moscow Puppet Troupe. The impact of the coup.In public and private, this can be regarded as a satisfying life. Nestrank and his wife plan to buy a small villa near Odessa after retirement, where they will plant flowers and plants, take the dog for a walk, take a nap, sunbathe, etc., and start to enjoy a leisurely old life. Children and grandchildren enjoy family happiness together. For the future that Nesterank is looking forward to, Malinov must complete the task thoroughly. It wasn't just Malinov, but Nesteranke also had to bear joint and several responsibilities, and his colleagues and subordinates were busy with their positions, so it was even more difficult to expect their support.As long as there is a mistake, the Odessa villa in the dream may become as illusory as a sandcastle! Should Malinov's actions become uncontrollable, they must be "corrected" immediately.Shouldn't someone in charge of "fixing" be arranged first?还是既然把任务交给了马利诺夫，就应该对他寄予全部的信赖？ 唉，这些事情还是等以后再决定吧！涅斯泰兰克心想。事实上，马利诺夫又还没出错，根本没必要杞人忧天。 一按下手边的对讲机按键，立刻有女性的声音回应。 “我是涅斯泰兰克，进来收拾一下杯子。啊，顺便把今天的真理报拿过来。” 两分钟后，在收拾得干干净净的办公桌前，涅斯泰兰克出神地盯着真理报的页面，大大的印刷字体映入眼帘。 ——白令海峡水坝终于完成、人类宏愿的实现、苏联全体国民梦想的成果。 接着还刊了一幅绵长的水坝白墙照片。 真没想到时代会变成这样，涅斯泰兰克不由得感慨万分。 记忆中，他的少年时期好像就只有战争和饥饿，那时大家常常得在阴暗的防空洞里一面躲避德军的空袭，一面听着收音机里传来的斯大林总理的怒吼，好不容易捱到战争结束，仍得在瓦砾堆中为了明天的食物而忧心。而今，苏联却以令人讶异的速度复兴了。 德国和日本口口声声指责苏联的掠夺行为，但是他们自己的军队又多廉洁？要是让轴心国胜利，他们的作为一定会更加残暴无道。我们苏联可是牺牲了两千万人才战胜的呀！我的三个哥哥也全都上了战场，而且无一生还。哥哥们要是知道世界上第一个太空人和这么巨大的水坝都来自于苏联，不知道会有多高兴…… “再过个十年，西伯利亚就会像乌克兰一样温暖吗？” 涅斯泰兰克喃喃自语。他的儿子们会因此在西伯利亚的阿穆尔河或恩塞河畔，而不是在乌克兰买栋避暑别墅吗？这不过是快乐的空想罢了，然而就算只是为了这种理由，还是得期盼马利诺夫的任务能够顺利成功。 翻开真理报的页面正准备看看足球比赛的结果时，对讲机响了。 “耶可布雷夫副议长阁下请您过去一下……” 涅斯泰兰克的眉毛不安地上下移动。那正是他令人闻之丧胆的上司。 下午二点，主治医师艾莲娜·洛斯托夫斯卡亚会见少年的父亲马利诺夫。 “我想把这个放在儿子的枕头旁边，洛斯托夫斯卡亚医师。” 拿出一只耳朵有缝补痕迹的小熊玩偶，乌拉基密尔·马利诺夫语带迟疑地开口说道。 “这只小熊是我儿子从出生到现在的玩伴，我想他醒来的时候一定会很高兴看到这个在他身边，不晓得会不会有妨碍？” “不会，当然不会有任何妨碍。请您把它放下，我也觉得这样一定会让他非常高兴。” 艾莲娜满怀同情与鼓励地说。沙夏的父亲放心地露出笑容，虽然是个带着阴郁的笑容，不过马利诺夫的境遇实在让他无法开怀地笑。 “一起到病房去吧，马利诺夫同志。” “我可以去吗？” “当然，只要别吵到病人就行了。你一定很想见见儿子一面吧？” 马利诺夫点点头。 两人并肩离开会客室，往沙夏的病房走去。手里抱着小熊玩偶的马利诺夫远远高出艾莲娜许多。这个身材高大、仪态不凡，容貌又出众的父亲，想必是沙夏的骄傲，艾莲娜心想。 “洛斯托夫斯卡亚医师……” 马利诺夫像是下了决心般地开口。 “是的，什么事？马利诺夫同志？” “我会有好一阵子没办法到医院来，就算想来也没办法。” “因为工作吗？” “对，我要到法国去。” 对克烈作战的第一步将从对皮耶鲁·古留莫进行相关调查开始。马利诺夫会从巴黎的奥利机场前往苏联大使馆。至于接下来该往什么地方前进，此刻的马利诺夫还无法得知。 “保安委员会的工作真辛苦。” “你的工作应该更辛苦吧！” “那么，你预计什么时候回国呢？” “不知道，得看任务进行的状况，我自己也不晓得什么时候可以回国。” "That's it..." “所以，我儿子还请医师多多关照了。” 马利诺夫在走廊中央停下脚步，对艾莲娜如此说道。 “身为主治医师，我一定会竭尽全力照顾病患的，这个您倒不必再三嘱咐。” “是我多言了，你会感到不悦也是当然的，不过除了这么拜托之外，我实在不晓得还能为儿子做些什么。” “我并没有感到不悦，但是请您务必相信我们医疗人员的专业与热诚，更重要的是，请相信沙夏的生命力。” “沙夏的生命力……” “没错，沙夏是个生命力很强的孩子，发生这么严重的事故，他还是生存下来了。再说他的运气也很好，歹徒之所以放过他，想必是以为他已经死了。能够逃过杀人凶手的残害，这就证明您的儿子很幸运啊！” 马利诺夫的嘴唇周边开始泛白，手臂用力地抱住小熊玩偶。没错，沙夏原本也很有可能像他母亲一样遭到“克烈”的杀害。 冰冷得让人以为是冰块融化所产生出来的汗水浸湿了马利诺夫的背，在此同时，对于“克烈”的深恶痛绝也开始无声无息地沸腾起来。他将视线从激动的情绪锅炉移开，向远方望去。唯有在这间医院里，他不是一个复仇者，不是国家认可的破坏工作者，而是一个孩子的父亲。 片刻之后，马利诺夫将所有的情绪随着一口短暂的气息吐了出来，面对着艾莲娜。 “你说得完全没错，我儿子的运气真的很好，包括遇到像你这么好的主治医师。” 马利诺夫真诚地说。 “刚才我说了很多无聊的话，请你务必见谅。身为父亲的我实在有太多的悔恨，所以不知不觉就发起牢骚……” “你不必太介意。” “我总是在想，等儿子大一点的时候，我这个做父亲的就可以教他一些事了，比如说为了过更美好的生活，身为人类应该做些什么等等。不过仔细想想，这想法实在太可笑了，像我这样的人居然妄想成为别人的人生导师呢！” 这来自背后的苦涩是艾莲娜所无法体会的，因为乌拉基密尔·马利诺夫对自己的生活方式并非百分之百的肯定。 苏维埃联邦国家保安委员会（KGB）的任务是巩固苏联体制与维持社会秩序，并且为了这个目的而从事各种情资活动，具体的工作内容包括杀人、窃听、拐骗、放火、胁迫、收买等等，简单地说，只要把犯罪百科里所有的项目通通列出来就是了。这些非法活动对于国家的存在而言是不可避免的防卫措施，虽然他内心百分之九十九可以理解这个道理，但是剩下的百分之一却拒绝接受这样的现实。并不是每个献身于情报机关的人连最后的一丝感性都会被抹煞掉。 西方的情报员又如何呢？这个问题并非此刻才开始困扰马利诺夫的。假如身为美国中央情报局（CIA）的情报员，就可以对孩子侃侃而谈自己的工作内容吗？暗杀反抗美国的他国民族主义政治家、教唆他国军队发动政变、收买报社创造出对美国有利的舆论、提供武器给反体制份子以便使该国陷入内乱状态——这些事情正好与马利诺夫的工作完全相反，但是他们真的能够在餐桌上向孩子夸耀自己所做的这些事吗？ No way!就算老美因为喝了太多可乐而把脑子给喝坏了，也绝对不可能那么麻木不仁。不管再怎么以为了国家、为了世界和平为藉口而狡辩，最后还是逃不过自己内心的谴责，因为人类天生拥有的良知，会悄悄举发自己工作的不正当性。 或许辞掉KGB的工作会比较好，马利诺夫痛切地如此想着。等“神秘的克烈”受到制裁，沙夏也恢复意识后，就转到其他职场去吧！渔业部、国际贸易部或电力部都好，虽然自己不是那些方面的政策专家，但应该可以做些整理文件之类的工作。当然了，身为KGB探员的特权也会被剥夺掉，但那也只是还原到一般民众的生活而已。除此之外，到莫斯科以外的土地上生活或许也是一种选择，在纳霍德卡有纳霍德卡的生活方式，在阿马阿塔也有阿马阿塔的生活方式，广大的苏联的国土应该到处都有容得下父子俩过平静生活的地方才是。 但是有个问题，而且是个严重的问题，那就是KGB会不会如他所愿批准他的辞职？没那么容易的。马利诺夫不得不这么想。抛弃保卫祖国的荣耀，甚至连特权都甘愿放弃，只希望做一个平凡人的心情，那些教条主义的上位者能够理解吗？那几乎是不可能的。他完全不在乎自己被视为无能之辈，但若被认为意图背叛苏联体制，那么下场一定会相当凄惨。 看来，这些事得再慎重考虑。 想到这里的时候，沙夏的病房的门正好在马利诺夫眼前打开。在刚刚的对话、思考中，他已经走了相当长的一段距离。 病床上，身上的绷带已经减少的沙夏，就像个陶器打造的玩偶一般，模样可爱却毫无生气，光滑的脸颊苍白得无半点血色，浓密的睫毛仍和事故当晚一样沉重地紧闭着，仿佛没有多余的力气将它撑开似的。沙夏的父亲如此想着，宛如脸上重重地被挨了一拳，他深切体会到这个身上裹着夏被，只能依靠点滴来维持的小生命有多么珍贵。 马利诺夫笨手笨脚地走到床边，又小心翼翼地、轻轻将小熊摆在持续沉睡的少年的头部旁边。 “请稍微放远一点。” 艾莲娜温柔地提醒。 “若放得太靠近，小孩在翻身的时候恐怕会有窒息的危险。” "Oh……" 因为粗心和无知而惭愧地点头之后，马利诺夫立刻依照艾莲娜的指示把玩偶移开。接着他伸出手掌，轻轻碰触少年的脸颊，沉默地凝视了好一会儿。 在医院大门口，乌拉基密尔·马利诺夫向艾莲娜·洛斯托夫斯卡亚道别。 “你不只照顾我儿子，还教导了我许多事。有你来照顾我儿子，我就一点也不担心了。” “为了不辜负您的信赖，我一定会更努力的，同志。” "there's one more thing……" 马利诺夫欲言又止。 "What's up?" “有件事想请你答应我。我可不可以每个星期打一次电话给你？” "Call up?" “就像我刚刚说的，我会有好一阵子没办法到医院来，所以我想一个星期打一通电话问问我儿子的情况。虽然了解情况还是什么也帮不上忙，但是我至少该为儿子做到这点。你一定觉得很困扰吧……” “可是，您不是要到法国去吗？” “不管我人在法国或在南极都一样。” 断然地说完这句话之后，马利诺夫像是感到惭愧似地露出苦笑，艾莲娜则以善意的微笑予以回应。 “只要日子和时间固定的话就没问题，同志。” “那么，今天是星期二，我就每个星期二打电话来好了。星期二正午可以吗？” “莫斯科的正午？” “对，不是巴黎时间。” “好，我没有意见。那就星期二联络吧！” “非常感谢你的谅解，医师。” 说了声“达斯维达涅”（注：俄文“再见”。）之后，马利诺夫转身离开，背对着女医师走下台阶。朝着停在医院大门前的KGB公务车前进之际，他的眼里散发出激烈的光芒。 it is good!开始作战！