CHAPTER 4. SOMEONE LOSES, SOMEONE FINDS

"Enough! N.G.'s office in thirty minutes. Candidate assessment based on available intelligence. Prepare objective arguments."

"Understood."

"Subject F, then. Let's begin with a brief biography," the FSB handler opened.

"School years. Known as capable but independent. Extracurriculars: chess, English, music, children's railway, young technicians' club," she enumerated.

"Plus—developed logic, disciplinary inclinations."

"Minus—early signs of free thinking. Caught criticizing educational materials. 'How did inorganic matter become life?' Never hid his opinions."

"Trip to Poland. Through Sputnik, during Solidarity's emergence. Under surveillance. Showed no initiative in maintaining approved contacts with local pioneers."

"Under observation since youth—that's a plus. Minus—might have caught freedom's scent at a tender age."

"Technical college. Worked with foreign students, trained in Eastern martial arts. Sent to DOSAAF Maritime School where he commanded a training platoon."

"Plus—junior officer, personable, inspires trust."

"Minus—limited education."

"Factory internship. Security clearance department. Vetted and approved. Staff gave positive reviews but with reservations—too many questions, often inappropriate. Time mismanagement."