The following morning we find yourselves in a crowded tent configured as a classroom. The pungent smell of aviation gasoline permeates everything, and the roaring of aircraft occasionally interrupts a lesson.  Our first class is on political consciousness for aviation troops, and is conducted by two women in the grey tunics of NKVD officers. The NKVD is the Soviet secret police, and her officers are not to be trifled with. Two are attached to every regiment.<br/><br/>“Good morning Trainees, “ says the ranking officer, a red haired woman somewhat older than the rest you've encountered over the last day, “I am Captain Olga I. Barsukova and this is my Deputy, Lieutenant Svetlana Sheremeteva." She gestures to the smaller woman with the intense blue eyes and blonde hair tied tightly into a bun at her side.  "Our job is to encourage your continued development as politically conscious and socially engaged Communists. But we must never forget that we are also military officers with security responsibilities within the regiment. ”<br/><br/>She slowly begins to walk around the room, speaking us with both questions and lectures.  "What’s your name, Comrade? Where are you from? Would you say that enemies of the people - the bourgeoisie of course, but also aristocrats, religious figures, social parasites, eggheads, nationalists - are these dangerous elements any less a threat than the Fascists?"  She glances around the room, making it clear that the question is directed to anyone who dares answer.<br/><br/>"We’re all here to protect the regiment, But think carefully about “helping your friends”, comrades. Military personnel who fail to report treason are themselves subject to ten years imprisonment.  When I find a counter-revolutionary I will arrest her. If I find someone undermining or weakening the external security of the USSR by means of slacking or wrecking, or parasitism or aiding the enemy, well that is treason, my friend. Section 58-1B clearly states that treason by military personnel incurs an immediate death sentence. Should the offender run away, the same statute allows for the imprisonment of her relatives for five to ten years."<br/><br/>"Listen, I want you to have success here so I will warn you about section 58-14, which deals with counter-revolutionary sabotage. Conscious non-execution or deliberately careless execution of defi =ed duties, aimed at the weakening of the power of the government and of the functioning of the state apparatus, is subject to at least one year of imprisonment, and under especially aggravating circumstances, up to the highest measure of social protection: execution, with confiscation of property. I burn for the opportunity to hang a saboteur. I hope we understand each other."<br/><br/>She surveys the room making sure her lesson has sunk in.  Yelena shrinks into her chair a little, all of this talk seeming to have its intended effect of scaring the bejeezus out of her.<br/>