Mind Games. Part 1. School of Ravens

 Mind Games

 Part 1. School of Ravens

 Chapter 1. Selection

Alexey Voronov sat in a faceless office on Khoroshevsky Highway and felt himself being scanned by a penetrating gaze. Colonel Semenov — a gray-haired, fit man with shrewd eyes — had been studying his file for ten minutes.

"Faculty of Psychology at Moscow University, red diploma," the colonel said without looking up. "PhD in cognitive psychology at twenty-four. Fluency in five languages. Athletic rankings in sambo and shooting. Impressive resume."

Alexey remained silent. His university courses had taught him that in such situations, it was better to let the interviewer speak first.

"But that's not what interests me," Semenov continued, finally raising his eyes. "What interests me is why a promising scientist wants to serve in the GRU."

"I want to serve the Motherland, Comrade Colonel," Alexey replied with the standard phrase.

Semenov smirked.

"Lies. And you know it. Try again. Honestly."

Alexey was momentarily confused. Was this a test?

"I'm interested in applied psychology," he said slowly. "How knowledge of human psychology can be used in... complex situations."

"Better. Continue."

"At university, we studied theory. But I want to know how it works in practice. How you can influence people, change their beliefs, make them accept the right decisions."

"Make them?" the colonel asked.

"Guide them," Alexey corrected himself. "Create conditions where a person comes to the right conclusion on their own."

Semenov nodded.

"Do you know what NLP is?"

"Neuro-linguistic programming. A set of techniques for studying and changing behavioral patterns."

"Western development," the colonel noted. "Bandler, Grinder. Have you studied their work?"

"I have. But I was more interested in Soviet research in suggestion and influence."

"Name some names."

"Bekhterev, Uznadze, Sherток. The work of Leontiev's laboratory on attitudinal behavior."

Semenov wrote something in his notebook.

"Good. Now a practical question. How would you make me reveal secret information?"

Alexey felt his pulse quicken. This was a serious test.

"First, I would conduct calibration," he began slowly. "Study your micro-expressions, speech patterns, gestures. Understand how you react to truth and lies."

"Continue."

"Then rapport building. Mirror your breathing, posture, intonations. Create unconscious-level rapport."

"And then?"

"Search for values and motivations. What's important to you? Family? Career? Justice? Finding the right leverage, you can create a situation where silence would contradict your beliefs."

Semenov leaned back in his chair.

"Interesting. And if I'm a professional who knows all these techniques?"

"Then the game moves to a higher level. Multi-layered influences, false rapport, working through third parties..."

"Enough," the colonel interrupted. "You're accepted into the school. But I warn you — what you'll be taught may change you forever. Are you ready for this?"

"Ready, Comrade Colonel."

"Then tomorrow at eight AM, report to this address," Semenov handed him a card. "And forget everything you think you know about NLP. You'll be taught by real masters."

 Chapter 2. The Academy

The GRU closed training center was located in the Moscow suburbs, in a building that looked like an ordinary sanatorium from the outside. Alexey arrived there with seven other selected candidates — all young, all with psychology or linguistics backgrounds.

They were met by Major Krylov — a man of about forty with an unremarkable face that was easy to forget a minute after meeting.

"Welcome to the Academy of Special Influence," he said in a monotone voice. "For the next two years, you will study the most effective methods of psychological influence, developed by the best specialists of the USSR and adapted for intelligence tasks."

They entered an auditorium where a phrase was written on the board: "Consciousness is a program. Programs can be rewritten."

"The first thing you must understand," Krylov continued, "is that NLP as the West knows it is child's play. We will go much deeper. We will study not only how to change a person's behavior, but how to change their personality, their basic beliefs, their perception of reality."

One of the cadets raised his hand.

"Major, is this ethical?"

Krylov looked at him with a cold smile.

"Lieutenant Morozov, did you come to defend the Motherland's interests or give lectures on morality? Our opponents don't ask such questions. The KGB and GRU train their agents in the same techniques, just under different names."

He approached the board and wrote several words:

**CALIBRATION ; RAPPORT ; LEADING ; INFLUENCE**

"This is our basic formula. First we study the object — their reactions, patterns, weaknesses. Then we build rapport with them, become 'one of them.' Then we begin leading them, gradually changing their state. And finally — we influence, implanting the ideas or decisions we need."

Alexey recorded every word. This was exactly what he had been striving for.

"Voronov," Krylov suddenly addressed him. "Demonstrate calibration for us. Study my current state."

Alexey stood and looked carefully at the major. Breathing even, but with slight tension in the shoulders. Hands relaxed, but ready for action — military bearing. Gaze focused, but periodically scanning the entire group — situation control.

"You're controlling the situation, but not completely relaxed," Alexey said. "Perhaps evaluating us or thinking about something unrelated to the lesson. Based on eye movements left-up, you're reproducing auditory memories."

"Not bad. Now mirror my state."

Alexey copied Krylov's posture, breathing rhythm, even the slight tension in his shoulders.

"Good. Now try to lead me. Change my state through rapport."

This was harder. Alexey slowly began relaxing his shoulders, deepening his breathing. Surprisingly, Krylov unconsciously began repeating these changes.

"Excellent," the instructor said. "You've seen the basic principles in action. But this is kindergarten compared to what we'll study next."

The following weeks passed in intensive study of techniques. They learned:

**Advanced calibration** — not only obvious signals, but micro-expressions, speech pattern changes, gestures.

**Multi-level rapport** — synchronizing not only with external behavior, but with the object's internal state. Krylov taught them to enter altered states of consciousness where rapport occurred at the subconscious level.

**Complex speech patterns** — ways to embed commands in ordinary speech so that the listener didn't realize the influence.

"Remember," Krylov said in one lesson, "direct suggestion only works with unprepared people. A professional immediately recognizes an influence attempt. We use indirect suggestion — commands hidden in context."

He gave an example:

"Instead of 'You must trust me,' we say: 'I know someone who at first didn't trust, but then understood that sometimes IT'S WORTH TRUSTING and then everything becomes easier.' The command is hidden in the story structure."

 Chapter 3. First Operations

After six months of training, the cadets were given their first practical assignment. Alexey had to "recruit" a planted agent — an actor playing the role of an embassy employee from a friendly country.

The meeting was scheduled at a caf; on Arbat. Alexey arrived half an hour early, chose a table with a good view, and waited.

The target — Vladimir Petrovich Somov, 45 years old, employee of the Bulgarian embassy's trade department. According to the legend — a family man with two children, small salary, dreams of career advancement.

At the appointed time, a middle-aged man of medium height with a portly figure and tired face appeared. He looked around and headed toward Alexey's table.

"Vladimir Petrovich?" Alexey stood. "Alexey Mikhailovich, very pleased to meet you."

They shook hands, and Alexey immediately began calibration. Weak handshake, slightly damp palm — nervousness. Darting gaze, often looking at exits — caution or fear. Shallow breathing — stress.

"Please, sit down," Alexey indicated the chair. "What would you like to drink?"

While Somov studied the menu, Alexey observed his micro-reactions. When the waiter named prices, Somov winced slightly — financial difficulties were real.

"I'll just have coffee," Somov said.

"You must try the tiramisu," Alexey suggested. "My treat. They make it excellently here."

This was the first test. Would the object accept a gift? Somov hesitated for a second, then nodded.

"Well, if you insist..."

Good. Ready to accept benefits from others. Alexey began rapport building — copied Somov's posture, breathing rhythm, even his habit of adjusting his glasses.

"Vladimir Petrovich, I heard you work in the trade department?" Alexey began small talk. "Interesting work?"

"What's interesting about it," Somov sighed. "Papers, reports, approvals. Sometimes it seems like life is passing by."

Excellent. Job dissatisfaction — that's leverage.

"I understand," Alexey nodded, mirroring his sigh. "I worked in a similar structure myself. The feeling that your abilities are undervalued, right?"

"Exactly!" Somov perked up. "I'm an economist by education, graduated from Moscow University. But they make me deal with routine."

Alexey noticed how Somov's posture changed — he straightened when talking about his education. Pride in his diploma — another hook.

"Moscow University? Seriously," Alexey feigned admiration. "Now I understand why you're bored. A person with such education deserves more."

For an hour, Alexey methodically gathered information about Somov's values and motivations. It turned out he:
- Was proud of his education
- Was dissatisfied with his financial situation
- Dreamed of giving his children better education
- Felt undervalued
- Was afraid of staying in the same position until retirement

"You know, Vladimir Petrovich," Alexey said near the end of the meeting, "I have a proposal that might interest you."

"What proposal?" Somov grew wary.

"I work for an analytical center that studies economic ties between countries. We need consultants with experience in embassy trade departments. Part-time work, but well-paid."

Alexey carefully observed the reaction. Somov became interested — pupils dilated, leaned forward.

"What exactly would need to be done?"

"Consulting on trade procedures, analyzing trends, sometimes providing overviews of situations in your field. Nothing secret or compromising."

This was a lie, but presented softly. Alexey used the "anchoring" technique — each time he spoke about positive aspects of the proposal, he lightly touched his pen, creating a positive association.

"How much... how much could this cost?" Somov asked, trying not to show greed.

"For starters, five hundred dollars a month for a few hours of work. If our cooperation proves productive — the amount will increase."

Somov tried to maintain a neutral expression, but Alexey saw — the hook was swallowed. Five hundred dollars was half his official salary.

"I need to think," Somov said.

"Of course," Alexey agreed. "This is a serious decision. But you know what?" — he touched the pen again, activating the anchor — "sometimes opportunities appear in life that can change everything. And smart people don't miss these opportunities."

The meeting ended with an exchange of phone numbers. Alexey knew — in a day or two, Somov would call himself.

And so it happened. On the third day, the phone rang:

"Alexey Mikhailovich? This is Vladimir Petrovich. I thought about your proposal... Maybe we could meet again?"

"Of course," Alexey smiled. "I'm very glad that YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION."

The command "you made the right decision" was delivered with special intonation — so that Somov perceived it as confirmation of a choice already made.

The recruitment was complete. Now it only remained to formalize the cooperation and gradually draw the object deeper until he realized he was working for Russian intelligence.

But that was already a task for the next stage of training.

 Chapter 4. Master Class in Manipulation

After a year of training, the cadets were moved to the next level. Now their instructor was the legendary Colonel Boris Nikolaevich Cherny — a man who had spent twenty years in deep cover in the West and recruited several dozen valuable agents.

"Forget everything you were taught before," he said at the first lesson. "Until now you studied the basics. Now we move to real art."

Cherny was a short, unremarkable man of about fifty with gray eyes that seemed capable of looking into the soul. When he spoke, everyone around unconsciously leaned forward, catching every word.

"Voronov," he addressed Alexey. "Tell me about your first recruitment. What did you do right, what wrong?"

Alexey recounted the operation with Somov. Cherny listened silently, occasionally nodding.

"Not bad for a beginner," he said at the end. "But you made a classic mistake. You thought you were recruiting Somov. Actually, Somov recruited himself. Your task was simply to provide him with convenient rationalization."

"How should I understand that, Comrade Colonel?"

"Somov wanted money. He wanted to feel important. He wanted to get back at the system that undervalued him. All this was in him before meeting you. You just gave him a way to get what he wanted."

Cherny approached the board and wrote:

**PEOPLE DON'T DO WHAT WE WANT. PEOPLE DO WHAT THEY WANT.**

"Our task is not to make a person want what we need. Our task is to find what they already want and show how our proposal will help them get it."

The following weeks passed studying advanced techniques:

**Meta-programs** — basic perception filters through which a person processes information.

"Some people are motivated by achievements, others by avoiding problems," Cherny explained. "Some need external approval, others rely on internal criteria. By determining the object's meta-programs, you can tailor your influence to them."

**Working with beliefs and values:**

"Beliefs are what a person considers true. Values are what's important to them. It's easier to change beliefs than values. But if you find a conflict between beliefs and values — you get leverage of enormous power."

**Complex speech patterns:**

"Presuppositions — statements taken as truth within a phrase," Cherny showed. "'After you accept our proposal, your life will change' — here the presupposition is that the proposal will be accepted."

**Persuasion strategies:**

"Each person has their own decision-making strategy," the colonel explained. "Someone needs to see evidence, someone needs to hear an authority's opinion, someone needs to feel the rightness of the decision. Find the strategy — find the key."

 Chapter 5. Deep Cover

After eighteen months of training, Alexey was sent on his first serious mission. He had to infiltrate a scientific conference in Vienna under the guise of a young scientist and establish contact with American physicist David Clark, who worked on secret military projects.

The legend was carefully crafted: Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Alexey Mikhailov from the Institute of Theoretical Physics, quantum mechanics specialist. Documents, scientific publications, even photos with colleagues — everything was authentic.

The conference was held at a respectable hotel in central Vienna. Alexey flew in two days early to study the environment and prepare for meeting the target.

David Clark turned out to be a man of about forty-five, tall and thin, with nervous mannerisms and an intelligent face. According to the file, he was a brilliant scientist but had personal problems — recent divorce, conflicts with management, financial difficulties due to alimony.

Alexey established first contact during a coffee break after the morning session.

"Professor Clark?" he approached with a coffee cup. "Alexey Mikhailov from Moscow. Very interesting presentation on quantum fluctuations."

"Oh, thank you," Clark blushed slightly at the compliment. "And you... sorry, I don't remember your name in the program."

"I'm in the theoretical foundations section, speaking tomorrow," Alexey handed him a business card. "Working on similar problems, though from a somewhat different angle."

While they talked, Alexey conducted careful calibration. Clark held himself uncertainly, often adjusting his glasses — sign of stress. When his scientific achievements were mentioned, he straightened and spoke more confidently — pride in his work. When administrative matters were mentioned, he frowned — problems with superiors confirmed.

"You know," Alexey said after twenty minutes of conversation, "we have a group in Moscow working on similar research. Perhaps we should establish scientific cooperation?"

"That would be interesting," Clark perked up. "But I'm afraid the bureaucracy in our institutes..."

"Oh, I understand," Alexey nodded sympathetically. "We have the same problem. But sometimes you can find workarounds. Informal exchange of ideas, private consultations..."

He carefully observed the reaction. Clark became interested — pupils dilated, leaned forward.

"What do you mean by private consultations?"

"Well, you know," Alexey lowered his voice, creating an atmosphere of confidentiality, "sometimes our institutes are willing to pay Western colleagues for expert opinions, analysis of trends in science. This helps us not reinvent the wheel."

Clark tried to maintain a neutral expression, but Alexey noticed micro-reactions — quick swallowing, slight change in breathing. Financial motivation worked.

"Is this... legal?" the American asked.

"Absolutely," Alexey assured. "We're talking about open scientific information, reviews, trends. Nothing secret. Just expert opinion from an experienced scientist."

This was a half-truth. They indeed planned to start with open information, but gradually the requests would become more specific.

During the conference, Alexey methodically strengthened relations with Clark. He used all the studied techniques:

**Rapport with scientific interests** — demonstrated deep understanding of the American's work, proposed interesting theoretical questions.

**Emotional rapport** — sympathized with Clark's problems with administration, shared his frustration with bureaucracy.

**Creating false choice** — "The question isn't whether we should cooperate, but how best to organize it — through official channels or privately?"

**Anchoring positive states** — every time Clark showed interest in cooperation, Alexey touched his shoulder or used a certain intonation.

By the end of the conference, the American physicist was ready for informal cooperation.

"David," Alexey said on the last evening over dinner, "I received approval from our institute. We're ready to offer you a consulting contract for three thousand dollars a month for analyzing scientific trends in your field."

Clark nearly choked on his wine.

"Three thousand? For what exactly?"

"Monthly reviews of the state of quantum physics research in American laboratories. Analysis of promising directions. Assessment of leading groups' scientific potential."

Alexey carefully chose his words. Formally, this really was open information, but collectively such data could give a very detailed picture of American scientific programs.

"I need to think," Clark said, but Alexey saw — the decision was already made.

"Of course. But you know what, David?" Alexey activated the previously established anchor, touching the American's shoulder. "Sometimes opportunities appear in life that can solve many problems at once. And smart people don't miss these opportunities."

A week after returning from Vienna, Alexey received an encrypted letter from Clark agreeing to cooperate.

The operation was completed successfully. Now the American physicist began the long path from consultant to full GRU agent, without suspecting it himself.
 
   Chapter 6. The Exam

After two years of training, it was time for the final exam. Alexey had to conduct an operation under real conditions, without support or backup.

The task was ambitious: infiltrate the American embassy in Moscow under the guise of a freelance translator and establish contact with a CIA officer who, according to intelligence data, worked under diplomatic cover.

The target — James Harris, second secretary of the embassy, 32 years old, Harvard graduate, Russia specialist. According to unofficial data — CIA officer, curator of an agent network in scientific circles.

"This will be the most difficult exam of your life," Colonel Cherny warned. "Harris is a high-class professional. He knows all the same techniques you do. Possibly even better. One mistake — and you'll not only fail the operation but fall into American intelligence's field of view."

The legend was flawless: Alexey Petrovich Smirnov, freelance translator specializing in scientific-technical texts. He had real clients, tax reports, even a small apartment rented in his name.

Contact with Harris was to be established through the embassy's cultural events. Americans regularly held lectures, exhibitions, presentations for Moscow intellectuals — this was part of their cultural influence work.

Alexey chose a lecture on contemporary American literature. The event was held at the embassy's cultural center, the atmosphere was informal, conducive to communication.

Harris turned out to be a tall blond with intelligent blue eyes and an engaging smile. He spoke Russian fluently with a slight American accent and clearly felt at home in Russia.

"Excuse me, could you help?" Alexey approached him after the lecture. "I'm a translator, I work with scientific texts, but sometimes I take literary works. I wanted to ask about translation rights for an American author."

"Of course," Harris smiled. "James Harris, cultural attach;. And you?"

"Alexey Smirnov. Very pleased to meet you."

They shook hands, and immediately a hidden duel of professionals began. Each calibrated the other, seeking weaknesses and opportunities for influence.

Alexey noticed: Harris held himself confidently, but there was slight tension around the eyes — sign of heightened attention. The American was also studying him.

"Which author do you want to translate?" Harris asked.

"Don DeLillo. 'White Noise.' Interesting work about modern American society."

Alexey chose this book deliberately — it was about paranoia, secret conspiracies, hidden threats. If Harris really was intelligence, he should be interested.

"Oh, excellent choice," the American perked up. "DeLillo is a master at depicting hidden sides of American life. What attracts you to him?"

"The ability to see what's hidden from ordinary view," Alexey replied. "How he shows that behind the facade of normalcy lies a completely different reality."

This was a veiled test. If Harris was intelligence, he should understand the subtext.

The American looked at him carefully.

"Yes, he has a special talent for penetrating the essence of things. Finding truth where others see only surface."

The answer was meaningful. Harris accepted the game.

The next hour they spent discussing literature, but actually studying each other. Each tried to find hooks for further influence.

Alexey learned that Harris:
- Was interested in Russian culture (possible rapport point)
- Was ambitious, wanted to advance his career (motivation)
- Was somewhat frustrated with routine diplomatic work (weakness)
- Was very cautious but not without curiosity (opportunity)

"You know, Alexey," Harris said at the end of the meeting, "we sometimes have questions about cultural nuances in Russian texts. Perhaps you'd be interested in consulting work?"

Alexey felt his pulse quicken. Harris himself offered contact. This was either luck or a trap.

"That's interesting," he replied cautiously. "What exactly is meant?"

"Help understanding cultural context, translating informal texts, explaining realities. Simple work, but well-paid."

Now Alexey was sure — Harris was also intelligence. The offer was too similar to recruitment beginning.

"I need to think," he said.

"Of course. But you know what, Alexey?" Harris used the same technique Alexey had used himself. "Sometimes life gives us unexpected opportunities. And wise people know how to recognize them."

They exchanged phone numbers and parted. Each knew they had met a professional. Each thought they could outplay the opponent.

A complex game began where not only careers but lives were at stake.

Alexey returned to the center and reported to Colonel Cherny about the meeting.

"Excellent," the instructor said. "Now the most interesting part. Harris will try to recruit you, thinking you're an ordinary translator. And you'll try to recruit him, pretending to be a potential agent. Let's see which of you proves stronger."

The game had begun.