I see nothing other than a simple boardgame

[chesspolitik]

Isn't it strange the complications
People attach to situations
Almost as if they want to miss
The wood for the trees

Nothing will change my basic feeling
When they've done all their wheeler-dealing
Those in the strongest situations
Do as they please -- The Arbiter (Chess)

Comments

[onceihaddreams.livejournal.com]

Svetlana had barely slept a wink last night. She knew why she was here, what Comrade Molokov wanted her to do, what she /needed/ to do for herself and her children. It still didn't sit well with her so she was already up, ready and pacing in her room when the knock came. She closed her eyes, steeled herself and then went to open the door.

"Comrade Molokov." She said politely as she opened the door to let him in. "I've been expecting you."

[molokovcocktail.livejournal.com]

Molokov smiled at her, pleased to hear that she had been waiting. She was a smart, clever girl, really. It was a pity she'd married a man so difficult to handle as Sergievsky. Genius he might be, she could have much better.

He strode into the room as if it were his own, then sat down in the most comfortable chair, not bothering to wait for an invitation. "Please, Svetlana. Sit. We have much to discuss."

[onceihaddreams.livejournal.com]

She was smart and clever and thought she could handle a grandmaster in his prime. How could Svetlana have predicted what would actually happen?

Grimacing at the smile on the man she despised as she shut the door, her calm face was back in place when she turned back to him and took a seat near him, but far enough away that she didn't feel crowded by him. He was rather good at it. Arranging her skirts, she gave him a considering look. "Yes I suppose we do. "

[molokovcocktail.livejournal.com]

"I suppose you miss your husband very much," Molokov began, keeping his tone light and pleasant, as if he was a cherished confidant. "And you would like to see him come home, yes?"

He continued, not waiting for an affirmation. It wasn't as if her answer particularly mattered. "We too, would like to see him return home where he belongs. You will help us make sure this happens."

[onceihaddreams.livejournal.com]

Molokov knew exactly how Svetlana felt about her husband and she didn't appreciate the fake pleasantries. She knew why she was here, she didn't need it sugar coated. Especially when wanting her husband home was a dream she'd given up on a long time ago. Now she just wanted to be free.

Her voice was firm and cool as she replied, "I know why I'm here Comrade. I'll speak to my husband. But as I told you in beginning, I doubt anything I say will matter. It never has."

[molokovcocktail.livejournal.com]

Molokov frowned, not appreciating her tone. By all rights, she and her children should be languishing in prison for Anatoly's defection. His intervention was the only thing keeping them out. She could be a little more grateful to him for that.

"You will convince him," he said emphatically. "Your comfortable life for you and your children depend on it. Remind him where his duty lies. Make certain he understands what will happen if he doesn't. I think, Svetlana, you can be very convincing when you want to be. In fact, I am absolutely sure of it."

[onceihaddreams.livejournal.com]

As far as Svetlana was concerned, she and her children had done nothing wrong and that was the reason they weren't in prison. Not that she would ever say it of course. She was smarter then that. But this whole situation was frustrating and she couldn't help her tone.

"I will do my very best Mr. Molokov...though I do not appreciate the insinuation." She did have her pride after all. It was one of the few things she did have left. "I will convince him."

[molokovcocktail.livejournal.com]

Molokov stood gracefully, straightening his jacket. "I am so very glad we understand each other. I have every bit of faith that you will make our country proud."

She would have to be watched, of course, but he was assured that she would do her job. He took her hand and kissed it, knowing she would hate his presumption. "Good evening, my dear. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."

He shot her a pleasant smile then turned to leave, feeling quite satisfied.

[onceihaddreams.livejournal.com]

It took everything Svetlana had not to flinch when Molokov kissed her hand and she didn't bother to stand as he moved to leave.

Of course, once he had a hand on the door, she asked in a steady voice, "Who was he...the man from the interview?"

[molokovcocktail.livejournal.com]

"A close personal friend of your husband's," Molokov answered so smoothly that only a trained operative could tell he truly had no idea at all. "I think you know the type, hmm? He has lost his way, so far from his loving wife. Help him remember."

He left, without waiting for an answer. There was more work to be done.

[onceihaddreams.livejournal.com]

Svetlana didn't even notice him leaving, as she was in shock. She knew about the other women...Molokov had made sure of that. But a man...

She would do what Molokov asked. Get Anatoly to lose and come home. To Russia as was her duty. But she wasn't sure she could stand him in her home anymore. Not after this betrayal.