Tom Clancy's op-centre_ mirror image - Tom Clancy [32]
"Had I done otherwise," Rossky said, "high command would have ordered the entire group executed as traitors."
"Of course," Orlov said. "But there was an inquiry afterward, a question as to whether the soldier's wound was sufficient to require death."
"It was a leg wound," Rossky said, "and he was slowing us down. The regulations are quite specific on that count. The inquiry was merely a formality."
"Nonetheless," Orlov continued, "some of your men were not happy with what you'd done. Ambition, a desire for promotion-- those were some of the charges they made, I believe. There was concern for your safety, so you were recalled and became part of the special faculty at the Military-Diplomatic Academy. You taught my son and got to know Minister Dogin when he was still the Mayor of Moscow. Is that all correct?"
"Yes, sir."
Orlov moved even closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "You've served your country and the military vigorously for just over twenty years, risked your life and reputation. With all of this experience, Colonel, tell me: didn't you learn not to sit down in the presence of a superior officer unless given leave to do so?"
Rossky's face flushed. He rose at once, slowly, his posture rigid. "Yes, sir."
Orlov remained seated on the desk. "My career has been different than yours, Colonel. My father saw firsthand what the Luftwaffe did to the Red Army during the War. He passed his respect for airpower to me. I spent eight years in the Air Defense Forces, flying reconnaissance for four years, then helping to train other pilots in ambushes-- drawing enemy aircraft into killing grounds of antiaircraft fire." Orlov stood and looked into Rossky's angry eyes. "Did you know all of this, Colonel? Did you study my dossier?"
"I did, sir."
"Then you know I've never had to formally discipline any of my subordinates. Most men are decent, even the conscripts. They only want to do their jobs and he rewarded for the work they do. Some make honest mistakes, and there's no reason to spoil their records because of that. I will always give a soldier, a patriot, the benefit of the doubt. Including you, Colonel." Orlov came closer until their faces were inches apart. "But if you try and go around me again," he said, "I'll catch you and have you returned to the academy-- with a notation of insubordination on your record. Are we clear on that, Colonel?"
"We are-- sir," Rossky said, nearly spitting out the word.
"Good."
The men exchanged salutes as the General turned and headed toward the door.
"Sir?" Rossky said.
Orlov looked back. The Colonel was still standing at attention. "Yes?" Orlov asked.
"What your son did in Moscow-- was that an honest mistake?"
"It was stupid and irresponsible," Orlov said. "You and the Minister were more than fair with him."
"It was out of respect for your accomplishments that we were, sir," Rossky said. "And he has a great career ahead of him. Did you ever read the file on the incident?"
Orlov's eyes narrowed. "I've never had any interest in it, no. "
"I have a copy," Rossky said. "It was removed from the records in general staff headquarters. There was a recommendation attached to it. Did you know that?"
Orlov said nothing.
"Nikita's company Senior Sergeant recommended expulsion for guliganstvo. Not for defacing the Greek Orthodox church on Ulitsa Arkhipova or beating up the priest, but for breaking into the academy supply depot to get the paint, and for striking the guard when he tried to stop him." Rossky smiled. "I think your boy was frustrated after my lecture about how the Greek armed forces sold weapons to Afghanistan."
"What's your point?" Orlov asked. "That you were able to teach Nikita to attack