The fiber optics were state-of-the art. Expensive. As was all of the equipment.<br/><br/>Expense...<br/><br/><em>Everything can be bought, Viktor. For a price. все!</em>His uncle's voice, raspy, vodka-soaked malevolence, bellowed in his head.<br/><br/>"Yes, Uncle Petr. Yes indeed." He spoke aloud to the ghost of his Uncle.  His past  was like winter creeping upon Autumn's twilight, hovering about on the periphery like a bleak apparition.<br/><br/>He mouthed a curse and filled the coffee mug with two fingers of vodka.<br/><br/>Waiting. Watching. The inactivity caused him to brood. His mind to drift, like an untethered boat upon the lake.<br/><br/>центр, Viktor!<br/><br/>The American woman was attractive and he enjoyed watching her in her various states of dress and undress. He thought about Varinka and the assignment. Heat blossomed in his loins and his eyes narrowed as he sipped the vodka.<br/><br/>Perhaps he would pleasure himself as Varinka seduced the American women. The two lithe bodies intertwined..<br/><br/>Viktor allowed himself the small luxury of a smile.<br/><br/>