The Talbot Odyssey [antikvár]

PROLOGUE "This is the way the world will end," said Viktor Androv, "not with a bang, not with a whimper but with a bleep, bleep, bleep. " His wide face broke, into a grin and he made a gesture loward the electronic consoles that lined the walls of the long, dimly lit garret. The tall, aging American standing beside him remarked, "Not really end, Androv. Change. And it will, at least, be bloodless." Androv walked toward the stairs, his footsteps echoing loudly in the attic room. "Yes, of course," he said. He turned and studied the American in the half-light. He was still rather handsome for his age, with clear blue eyes and a full head of white hair. His manner and bearing, though, were a bit too aristocratic for Androv's own tastes. He said, "Come. I have a surprise for you. An old friend of yours. Someone you have not seen in forty years." "Who?" "The grocer. Did you ever wonder what happened to him? He is a capitalist now." He nodded his head toward the staircase. "Follow me. The steps are badly lit. Careful." The thickset, middle-aged Russian led the way down the narrow staircase and into a small wood-paneled room, barely illuminated by a single wall sconce. He said, "It's unfortunate thiat you cannot join us at our May Day celebration. But, as we do each year, we have invited Americans who are friendly to us. And who knows? Even after so many years, one of them may recognize you." The American did not reply, Androv went on, "This year, we have invited the Veterans of the 11