Tyrenkov.
“That will change,” said Karpov. “We will raise ten divisions every month and, by autumn, we will be ready to launch a major offensive on the Ob simultaneous with the Autumn Wind operation on the Volga. 1941 will all be about buildup and re-rooting the Soviet industrial capacity. The Germans will soon overrun two thirds of the existing Soviet coal mines. Luckily we have resources in abundance here, and soon Sergei Kirov will be sending us the engineers, skilled labor, and all the machinery we need to make good use of those resources. On that note, tell Bogrov to get the ship ready for a long haul operation.”
“Sir? We are leaving Ilanskiy now?”
“Don’t worry, Tyrenkov. I think Volkov learned his lesson with that last little disaster he planned here. I have told Kolchak that I will need both Irkutsk and Novosibirsk to stand by here in my absence. He can have them back after Baikal is delivered to the fleet next month. In the meantime, I am taking Tunguska to Moscow to meet with Sergei Kirov and discuss these matters. We need to get our piece of the pie. I will show Kirov that he simply has no hope of winning this war without us, and extract considerable concessions.”
“What about the Japanese, sir?” said Tyrenkov. “Kolchak is always droning on about the Japanese.”
“They will not pose a serious threat until later this year. I wonder if they will attack Hawaii as planned?”
“Hawaii?” Tyrenkov seemed surprised. “We know they are rehearsing some big naval operation, but the target has not yet been determined. Several of my operatives believe it may be Singapore or Manila.”
“Oh, it will be both,” said Karpov with a smile, “and more. In my history, the Japanese attacked the big American naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, of this year. That kicked off their major campaign into southeast Asia. They already have significant holdings in China and Primorskiy, so I see no reason for them to try and push further into our territory. No. I think the Strike South camp will now win by default in Japan. They will push all the way to the Solomons, and possibly farther, and come very close to destroying the American Pacific Fleet in doing so. Don’t forget, Tyrenkov. I know every plan, every battle, and every mistake they will make. Kolchak has nothing to worry about for the time being.”
“Yet he can be very persistent, sir. He is already complaining that the buildup here serves no purpose. Soon he’ll be demanding more than those two airships. He’ll want divisions to pad his defenses along Lake Baikal.”
“Then get rid of the fool.”
That statement fell like hot coals in water, and Tyrenkov inclined his head, wanting to be certain Karpov was serious. “Are you instructing me to plan his removal?”
“He’s a nuisance, Tyrenkov, just as you say. He will question every operation I plan, haggle for troops and material, pull on my resources. If I’m to get anything done here, I’ll need a free hand. I have accepted this role as his Lieutenant for appearances only. It is clear who is really running things in Siberia, and so I see no reason why we should not make that a permanent truth. Get rid of him. Do it carefully, and make it look like Kymchek planned the whole thing. In fact, we’ll arrange to have him confess whatever we decide to do. For now, I’m off to Moscow to negotiate with Sergei Kirov. By the time I get back, the restoration of the inn at Ilanskiy will be complete. Then you and I have some very interesting options to consider. Volkov may soon have more to worry about than the buildup on the upper Volga or his pathetic defensive line on the Ob. Remember what we can do with Tunguska! Yet for the moment, I must cement our position with the Soviets and get a good deal for Siberia.”
Tyrenkov nodded, seeing that distant look in Karpov’s eye again, as if he were seeing things yet to come, and realizing that he may be doing exactly that. It was an eerie feeling to know this man was from the future, to realize that he had even seen a tiny glimpse of that future when he went up those stairs. What was he planning, he wondered?
“One more thing,” said Karpov. “Have we found all of Kymchek’s sleeper cells here in Ilanskiy?”
“We’ve identified several suspicious men, but the investigation continues.”
“Get them all, Tyrenkov, every last