Mind Games. Part 3. Duel of Masters

 Mind Games

 Part 3. Duel of Masters

 Chapter 12. Opening Moves

Alexey Voronov sat in Caf; Pushkin on Tverskoy Boulevard and studied James Harris's file. Three weeks had passed since their first meeting at the embassy, and during this time he had gathered an impressive amount of information about his target.

James Harris, 32 years old, second secretary of the US Embassy. Officially — cultural attach;, specialist in Russian-American cultural relations. Unofficially — almost certainly a CIA officer.

Education: Harvard, international relations, summa cum laude. Dissertation on contemporary Russian politics. Fluent Russian speaker, experience working in Eastern Europe. Single, no children. Parents — economics professor and cardiologist. Older brother serves in the Navy.

Alexey closed the folder and looked at his watch. In half an hour he had a meeting with Harris — the American himself had proposed discussing "consulting work" in an informal setting.

Interesting, what approach would the American choose? Direct recruitment through money? Ideological influence? Or something more sophisticated?

Alexey perfectly understood the situation. Harris was trying to recruit him, thinking he was dealing with an ordinary translator. And he had to pretend to be a potential agent, gradually learning about American intelligence plans in Russia.

But the main task was different — to understand how strong Harris was as a psychological influence specialist. Because sooner or later their game would move to a new level.

At the appointed time, the American entered the caf;. A tall blond in an expensive but understated suit, with an engaging smile and confident movements. A high-class professional.

"Alexey!" Harris approached the table with an outstretched hand. "Good to see you. How are things with the DeLillo translation?"

"Still studying the issue," Alexey replied, shaking the American's hand.

The handshake was firm but not aggressive. Harris held himself confidently but not arrogantly. His gaze was attentive, studying, but without open assessment. Really a high-level professional.

"What will you drink?" Harris asked, sitting across from him.

"Espresso, thank you."

While Harris ordered coffee, Alexey observed his behavior. The American was calm but not relaxed. Periodically scanned the room with his eyes — professional habit. When speaking with the waiter, he was polite but not fawning — sign of inner confidence.

"So," Harris began when the waiter left, "tell me about yourself, Alexey. How long have you been working as a translator?"

It begins, Alexey thought. Information gathering.

"About five years," he replied. "First I worked at a translation bureau, then went freelance. I prefer choosing projects myself."

"I understand. What kind of work do you prefer? Technical? Literary?"

"Technical is easier, literary is more interesting. But honestly," Alexey paused, depicting slight frustration, "I'd like something more... meaningful."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you know, translating vacuum cleaner manuals or romance novels — that's bread, of course. But I want to work with something important, influence processes..."

Alexey carefully observed Harris's reaction. The American leaned slightly forward — became interested. Pupils barely noticeably dilated. Good, the hook was cast.

"What does 'important' work mean to you?" Harris asked.

"Well, for example, work in international organizations, analytical centers, government structures. Where a translator isn't just a technical link, but a participant in the process."

"Interesting," Harris nodded. "Have you ever thought about working with foreign organizations?"

"I've thought about it, but don't know where to start. Everything here is quite closed, bureaucratic."

Harris leaned back in his chair, pretending to think something over.

"You know, Alexey, I have a proposal. But first tell me — how do you feel about American-Russian relations?"

A careful question. Harris was checking political views.

"It's complicated," Alexey replied. "On one hand, I understand that countries must protect their interests. On the other — I think many problems come from misunderstanding, lack of information."

"So you're for expanding contacts?"

"For honest contacts. When people tell the truth, not play games."

Harris nodded approvingly.

"Exactly. And I have a proposal that might interest you."

"What proposal?"

"We have a program at the embassy for studying Russian society. We prepare analytical materials for American politicians, businessmen, scientists — people who want to understand Russia."

Alexey showed interest.

"What's required?"

"Help analyzing Russian media, public moods, cultural trends. Nothing secret — only what everyone knows anyway, but systematized professionally."

Classic scheme, Alexey thought. They start with open information, then gradually draw you in deeper.

"What about payment?"

"Two thousand dollars a month for several reports. If cooperation proves productive — the amount could increase."

Alexey pretended to consider. Actually, he was evaluating Harris's approach. The American acted competently — didn't rush, didn't pressure, gave time to think.

"That's interesting," Alexey said finally. "But I need to understand — what exactly interests you? What topics?"

"Public moods, attitudes toward political events, economic expectations. How ordinary Russians perceive what's happening in the country and world."

"How would I find this out?"

"Do you have friends, acquaintances in different spheres? Do you communicate with people, read forums, social media?"

"Of course."

"Perfect. Just systematize what you hear and see every day anyway."

Harris presented this as if it were completely innocent work. But Alexey understood — this was the first step toward creating an agent network.

"I need to think," he said.

"Of course," Harris agreed. "This is a serious decision. But you know what, Alexey?" — the American slightly changed his intonation, making it more confidential — "sometimes opportunities appear in life that can change a lot. And wise people know how to recognize them."

Alexey recognized the technique — hidden command in the context of friendly advice. Harris really was a professional.

"Alright," Alexey said. "Let's meet in a week. I'll think about your proposal."

"Excellent," Harris smiled. "I'm sure you'll make the right decision."

Another command — presupposition of the "right decision."

They said goodbye, and Alexey left the caf; with a clear understanding: James Harris was a master of psychological influence. The game would be interesting.

### Chapter 13. Deepening Contact

A week later they met in the same caf;. Alexey came with a decision — to agree to Harris's proposal but begin his own game.

"James," he said, sitting at the table, "I thought about your proposal. It really is an interesting opportunity."

"I'm glad you think so," Harris replied. "So you're ready to try?"

"Ready. But I have questions about the work format."

"Of course, ask away."

"How will information exchange happen? What guarantees of confidentiality? And most importantly — how can I be sure this really is for analytical purposes, and not for... other purposes?"

Harris looked at him assessingly. The question was provocative — Alexey was directly hinting at intelligence activity.

"Alexey," the American said seriously, "I understand your concerns. Yes, I work at the embassy. Yes, we gather information about Russia. But this is normal activity for any diplomatic mission."

Interesting, Alexey thought. Harris chose a strategy of partial honesty.

"We're not asking you to spy or obtain secret information," the American continued. "We need an insider's view of Russian society. What's impossible to understand reading official sources."

"What if Russian special services learn about our cooperation?"

"What's wrong with a Russian citizen helping Americans better understand Russia?" Harris parried. "These aren't military secrets."

Clever, Alexey admitted to himself. Harris was moving the conversation to the plane of cultural exchange.

"Alright," Alexey said. "But I want to understand who I'm dealing with. Tell me about yourself."

Now it was Harris's turn to answer questions. Alexey listened carefully, calibrating every word.

"I've studied Russia my entire conscious life," the American told him. "Wrote my dissertation on the Russian political system, interned at Moscow University for a year, studied the language, culture. I'm genuinely interested in your country."

True, but not the whole truth.

"Why diplomacy and not science?"

"I wanted to apply knowledge practically, influence relations between our countries."

Also true, but with omissions.

"What about family? Doesn't your wife mind that you work in Russia?"

"I'm not married," Harris replied. "The work doesn't lend itself to serious relationships."

Alexey noticed a slight change in tone — painful topic. Perhaps there had been relationships that didn't work out due to work specifics.

"I understand," Alexey nodded sympathetically. "I have a similar situation. Hard to build relationships when you spend a lot of time at work."

He used the mirroring technique — showed they had common problems.

"Yes," Harris agreed. "Sometimes it seems like work consumes your whole life."

"Haven't you thought about changing fields?"

"I have. But this is what I do best. And what I consider important."

Interesting. Harris really believed in what he was doing.

The next hour they spent talking about work, life, plans. Alexey methodically gathered information about the American's psychological profile.

Harris turned out to be:
- An idealist who sincerely believed he was working for the good of American-Russian relations
- A loner whose work replaced personal life
- A perfectionist who strived to be the best in his field
- A person with high moral principles, but ready for compromises for "higher goals"

"Alright, James," Alexey said at the end of the meeting. "I agree to try. But let's start small — one report per month, see how it goes."

"Excellent," Harris was delighted. "Now let's discuss technical details."

They agreed on report formats, communication methods, payment. Everything looked quite innocent — cultural-analytical work for better mutual understanding between peoples.

But both understood: this was only the beginning of a long and dangerous game.

### Chapter 14. First Reports

The next two months, Alexey diligently prepared reports for Harris. He wrote about moods in Moscow caf;s, how Russians discussed political events, popular TV programs and internet memes.

Formally everything was absolutely legal — open information available to any attentive observer. But Alexey understood — the Americans were creating a detailed map of Russian social consciousness.

Harris was pleased with the quality of work. At monthly meetings he praised Alexey, said the materials were highly valued in Washington.

"You're doing important work, Alexey," the American said. "Helping our politicians understand Russian society, avoid mistakes in relations with your country."

Gradually requests became more specific. Harris was interested in moods in scientific circles, among retired military, in defense enterprises.

"We're interested in how these groups perceive American policy," he explained. "Where there are opportunities for dialogue, and where there are insurmountable contradictions."

Alexey understood — the Americans were looking for potential agents of influence in key spheres of Russian society. But he played his role, diligently gathering information.

In the third month of cooperation, Harris made the next move.

"Alexey," he said at another meeting, "I have a proposal that might interest you."

"What proposal?"

"A trip to America. Two-week internship at an analytical center, familiarization with American work methods. We'll cover all expenses."

Alexey showed interest, though he understood — this was an attempt to take him out of Russia for deeper recruitment.

"That's interesting. What specifically is planned?"

"Lectures, seminars, meetings with experts. Opportunity to see from inside how American analytical structures work."

"And what obligations on my part?"

"No obligations. Just an opportunity to broaden horizons, meet colleagues."

A lie. Obligations would appear, but later.

"I need to think," Alexey said.

"Of course. But think seriously — this is a unique opportunity."

At home Alexey thought long. A trip to America would be an excellent opportunity to study CIA methods from inside. But the risk of operation failure increased many times over.

He contacted Colonel Cherny and reported the proposal.

"Interesting," the curator said. "They really want to recruit you fully. The question is — are you ready for this?"

"Ready, Comrade Colonel. But I ask that you ensure reliable legend cover."

"It will be done. But remember — there you'll be one-on-one with top-class professionals. One mistake — and we'll lose you."

"Understood, sir."

A week later Alexey agreed to the trip. Harris was clearly pleased.

"Excellent!" the American said. "I'll arrange all the formalities. In a month you'll be in Washington."

"James," Alexey said, "may I ask a question?"

"Of course."

"Why are you doing so much for me? After all, I'm just a freelance translator."

Harris looked at him carefully.

"Because you're not just a translator, Alexey. You're an intelligent, observant person with an analytical mind. And I think you have a great future in our cooperation."

"Great future?"

"Opportunities for growth, interesting projects, decent pay. But most importantly — you'll be doing genuinely important work."

Alexey nodded, showing enthusiasm.

"Thank you for the trust, James. I'll try to justify it."

Actually he was thinking that the game was moving to a qualitatively new level. In America, a real test of professionalism awaited him.

### Chapter 15. Washington

A month later Alexey sat on a plane flying to Washington. In his pocket was a passport in the name of Alexey Petrovich Smirnov, freelance translator, visiting the USA for the first time.

Actually he had several documents, carefully prepared legend and communication with the center through special channels. But most importantly — he was ready for psychological confrontation with the CIA's best specialists.

Harris met him at the airport.

"Welcome to America, Alexey!" the American was clearly in good spirits. "How was the flight?"

"Long, but bearable," Alexey replied. "Impressive airport."

"That's just the beginning. See Washington — you'll fall in love with it."

On the way to the hotel, Harris played tour guide, telling about the city's sights. But Alexey noticed — the American was carefully studying his reactions, calibrating his perception.

"And tomorrow," Harris said when they reached the hotel, "you have your first meeting at the analytical center. I think it will be very interesting."

"Looking forward to it," Alexey replied.

The next morning Harris brought him to a building near downtown Washington. The sign read: "Institute for International Understanding."

Alexey immediately understood — this was one of the CIA's numerous "covers" for working with foreign citizens.

They were met by an elegant woman of about fifty with penetrating eyes.

"Alexey, meet Dr. Sarah Mitchell, director of our institute's Russian program," Harris introduced.

"Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Smirnov," Mitchell said, extending her hand. "James has told us a lot about your work. We greatly value your contribution to improving understanding between our countries."

The handshake was firm, the gaze — studying. Alexey understood — before him was a professional of the highest class.

"Thank you for the invitation, Dr. Mitchell. It's a great honor to be here."

"Come, I'll show you our center."

The next hour passed in a tour of the institute. Alexey saw analysts working with Russian materials, a library with an enormous amount of literature about Russia, meeting rooms with maps and charts.

Everything looked like a serious research center. But Alexey noticed details revealing the organization's true nature — too good security systems, staff with characteristic bearing, caution in conversations.

"And now," Dr. Mitchell said, "let's talk about your observations of Russian society."

They sat in a small conference room. Besides Mitchell and Harris, three more people were present — introduced as institute analysts.

"Mr. Smirnov," Mitchell began, "tell us how you assess Russian intelligentsia's attitudes toward America?"

Alexey began telling, carefully dosing information. He spoke about liberal intelligentsia's disappointment with Russian politics, hidden sympathy for Western values, many Russians' desire to get Western education or work.

All this was true, but presented at a certain angle — to create an impression of great opportunities for American influence in Russia.

"Very interesting," Mitchell nodded. "How do these people feel about cooperating with American organizations?"

"Differently," Alexey replied. "Many are ready for contacts if they see opportunities for professional growth or solving personal problems."

"Personal problems?"

"Well, you know, financial difficulties, career problems, desire to give children good education. Normal human needs."

Mitchell exchanged glances with colleagues.

"Mr. Smirnov, could you introduce us to some of these people? Of course, within the framework of academic exchange."

Here we get to the essence, Alexey thought. They want me to become a recruiter for them.

"That's... possible," he replied cautiously. "But we need to act very delicately. People must understand we're talking about legal cooperation."

"Of course," Mitchell assured. "We're only interested in open academic exchange."

The meeting lasted three hours. Alexey answered questions, shared observations, gradually entering the role of potential agent of influence.

In the evening Harris invited him to dinner at an expensive restaurant.

"How are your impressions from the first day?" the American asked.

"Impressive," Alexey replied. "Serious organization, professional people."

"Yes, we're proud of our institute. What do you think about Dr. Mitchell's proposal?"

"About meeting Russian colleagues?"

"Yes. This could become a very fruitful direction of cooperation."

Alexey pretended to think.

"James, may I be frank?"

"Of course."

"I understand that your institute isn't quite an ordinary academic organization. And that cooperation with Russian specialists could be... multifaceted."

Harris looked at him carefully.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, besides purely scientific interest, there's also practical — understanding how Russian society functions, where there are points of influence, how to build relationships."

"And what do you think about this?"

"I think it's normal. Every country wants to understand other countries. The question is in methods and goals."

"And what, in your opinion, should the methods and goals be?"

"Honest relationships, mutual benefit, respect for all parties' interests."

Harris nodded.

"That's exactly what we offer. Cooperation that benefits all participants."

"Then I'm ready to help organize contacts," Alexey said. "But on condition that everything happens openly and honestly."

"Of course," Harris agreed. "Now let's drink to the beginning of fruitful cooperation."

They clinked wine glasses. Each thought he had outplayed the other. Each was ready for the next stage of the game.

But neither suspected what surprises fate had in store for them.