CHAPTER 44
Stephanie transformed her hotel room into a mobile command center.
Cotton’s call had changed everything. Ivan was in Sweden.
She already knew that. Now she knew why.
Her Moscow contact had not been wrong when he said this was an unusual situation.
Unprecedented seemed a better description.
Cassiopeia had returned to Stockholm with her, and together they were dealing with the evolving scenario.
Sometimes, not often, but sometimes the breaks fell your way.
“We know all about Ivan,” Koger said to her from the computer screen.
They were on a secure video call. “His name is Dmitry Lut. A seasoned SVR operative who started with the old KGB. He’s worked all over the world.
And I don’t have to tell you that, within the SVR, promotions come solely from longevity and who you know. ”
She was well versed with the Foreign Intelligence Service, whose focus was beyond Russia’s borders.
It conducted military, strategic, economic, scientific, and technological espionage in foreign countries.
A massive entity. Understanding the SVR, and the role it played in supporting Moscow’s geopolitical agendas, allowed for a better understanding of how Russian foreign policy was shaped and executed.
So it was watched. Carefully. Every day.
Its list of greatest hits impressive.
Cozy Bear had been a specialized cyber unit within the SVR, responsible for conducting high-profile, state-sponsored internet attacks.
Targets had included the 2016 Democratic National Committee, Homeland Security, AT&T, Microsoft, Cisco, and Deloitte.
Every Russian sleeper agent around the world was recruited and managed by the SVR.
It also worked closely with the Chinese through a secret cooperation treaty.
Political assassinations were managed by the SVR, though publicly the Russians claimed no part in any of that.
The murder of former acting Chechen President Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, in Qatar, and the poisoning of FSB-officer-turned-defector Alexander Litvinenko were SVR operations.
Disinformation remained an SVR specialty, designed to plant propaganda and fake news across the internet with the aim to promote a positive image of Russia, incite anti-American sentiment, and cause domestic unrest across the globe.
Of late, with Franko in power, Russia had been making long-term investments in infiltrating and influencing key geopolitical countries.
This was particularly true across the African continent, where Moscow had greatly expanded its presence and reach.
Knowing and understanding the SVR was critical.
And she also realized a fun fact. Never had the West turned anyone with the standing of Ivan. He could be a game changer.
“Does he have political connections?” Cassiopeia asked.
“Through his dead wife,” Koger said. “Her father was high in the Kremlin, close to a lot of people under Putin who have risen to the top of the food chain under Franko.”
“Any idea why he would want to defect?” Stephanie asked.
“I get it,” Koger said. “I’m suspicious as hell too. It’s way too convenient. Right when you need a break, one just drops out of the sky? Even worse, one you already know. It’s like a Christmas gift all wrapped up with two big red bows.”
“Tell me about it,” she said.
“To answer the main questions,” Koger said, “Ivan is old school in every way. Which means I doubt he’s a Franko fan.
Old schoolers hate the new Russia. They long for the Soviets.
We get a defector or asylum request nearly every month.
We work ’em. Test ’em. And reject ninety-nine percent.
But, I will say, this guy is definitely different. He has my attention.”
“He told Cotton where the princess is being held,” Cassiopeia said.
“Which needs to be verified,” Koger noted.
“It’s tops on my list,” Stephanie said. “He also confirmed that Westlake was the one who drew Princess Lysa into this. We suspected as much. Now we know.”
“I don’t have to tell you,” Koger noted, “that those two things were exactly what we wanted to hear.”
“I know,” Stephanie said. “But Ivan helped save my butt a few years ago. He was a pain, but he eventually shot straight with us. Let’s not judge him until we’re sure.
” She hoped that was not wishful thinking on her part.
“They want us to think they have two hostages now. But Westlake could be an active participant. We are going to get to the princess and Westlake. Hopefully, they are being held at the same location. I want them both.”
“Who is we?” Koger asked.
“Me, Cassiopeia, Cotton, and your two helpers.”
“You do know we have trained units on call to handle that.”
“The Swedish government does not want an American military presence on its soil. They want us to handle it. Quietly.”
“I want Sandra there.”
“For what?”
“To keep me posted.”
“You don’t trust me?” Stephanie asked.
“I don’t trust anyone. You do realize the whole thing could be a trap?”
“It’s a chance we’ll take.”
“Let’s not include Captain America,” Koger said. “He’s going to have to deal with Ivan. That man needs a full-time nanny watching him.”
She could understand the wisdom in that.
“And he’s going to have to deal with that codex,” Koger said. “We have to control it to keep all these loose cannons in line. The Swedes, Czechs, and Russians. All of them. Like children in a sandbox, staking out their corners. Some leverage would be nice.”
She agreed. “I came to that conclusion hours ago and have it under control.”
“Care to explain?”
“Not really.”
“Okay. But lockjaw toward people trying to help you is not good.”
“I hear you. But I’ve got this one. It’s better you don’t know. What does Langley say?”
“They want what the White House wants. Sweden in NATO.”
She got it. “They have no idea what’s going on here, do they?”
“Not a clue.”
She actually liked that. “Let’s keep it that way, until we resolve it.”
“I’ve always loved your optimism,” Koger said.
And he ended the call.
Cassiopeia stared at her. No words were needed.
Koger had hit the nail right on the head.
“How ironic this is,” Stephanie said. “Four hundred and fifty years ago the Swedes invaded Prague and looted the palace, stealing everything. They carted all that booty back to Stockholm. And kept it. Like a big middle finger to the world. Now Sweden’s entry into a self-defense pact that could secure its borders and protect its citizens hinges on the return of some of that plunder. ”
“Throw in the United States and Russia and you have the makings of a total mess,” Cassiopeia said.
“I agree. But Ivan may be correct. Something else is also happening here. Something outside of the politics. Ivan said Westlake and Monica were a thing. This could also be personal. Which comes with unpredictability. No matter, we move forward. Cotton will stay with Ivan and deal with the codex. We’ll see about the princess and Westlake. ”