When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 44

A Passing of the Torch

Gellert slammed his fist on top of his desk, the morning headlines angering, and filling him with concern. Had he known the Russians would react in such a manner, he would have taken an alternative approach in dealing with Federov.

What choices he had, he knew not, but anything was better than the result achieved.

Not only had he failed to retrieve the documents he needed, but he'd also managed to provoke the ire of the one nation he was currently avoiding.

Of course, he intended to seize Russia as he had those that had fallen under his control, but not until he was ready to do so.

"Damn!" he cursed irritably.

If Minister Sokolov was a man of his word, all Gellert had achieved from his recent efforts was creating further enemies for himself and his men.

"Where's Weber?" he asked a nervous Perseus Black.

"I have sent for him," Perseus assured him. "He should arrive shortly."

Gellert took a calming breath, his gaze sweeping over the various newspapers that had been placed in front of him only a moment ago.

"This was not the desired outcome, not yet at least," he muttered.

"We can manage it," Perseus replied confidently. "The ICW forces have already proven themselves inept in combatting us. The Russians will not do any better."

"And what if they form an alliance?" Gellert snorted. "Our numbers advantage will no longer stand."

"Perhaps at first," Perseus conceded, "but we have more men joining us daily, Gellert. It is not an advantage that will be lost for long."

"Let us hope you're right," Gellert sighed. "The Russians are not the ICW. They play by their own rules and should not be taken lightly."

"We will not underestimate them," Perseus comforted. "Look at what we have done in such a short amount of time," he urged, gesturing to the map that adorned the wall.

Gellert nodded proudly.

"You're right, of course," he praised. "I do not like unexpected developments, my dear boy. It is something we could do without, particularly when they do not favour us. Ah, Weber, how nice of you to join us. Have you seen the wonderful headlines today?"

Weber scowled as he perused the various offerings, grunting unhappily.

"The Russians are unpredictable," he declared. "They always have been."

"It is your job to ensure we are prepared for all eventualities!" Gellert snapped, sweeping the newspapers off his desk.

The German was unmoved by the outburst and removed a cigarette from a gold tin before lighting it calmly.

"I do not believe I have failed you yet, have I?"

"You have not," Gellert conceded.