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"That's one aspect I never considered," said Boris.
"But they have, and they are doing something about it. In two or three months they will have several additional long-range transmitter stations in operation far away from the base. Anyone of them can do the re-targeting then, and this as far away as 700 KM beyond our borders. Once the stations are operational, nothing that we launch will reach a real target on the American continent that is not intended to do so."
"This gives us a great advantage," Boris observed. "This allows us to launch two minutes earlier than before. We won't need to be as cautious anymore."
"That makes a big difference, Boris, in a process where everything is counted in seconds. Under these new conditions everyone will be safe no matter what happens, and that's where the tragedy lies," said Alexei and paused for Boris' reaction.
"Tragedy?" Boris repeated.
Alexei nodded. "They want to use the advantage to make a point that might save humanity from a real nuclear war. They are hoping for an accidental launch. This would hurt no one, but it would scare the hell out of the world. It might scare the world to its senses. At least this is what the current perception is, in the Bureau. That is as crazy and frightening, Boris, as it is brilliant."
Boris shook his head and looked around. "This is not brilliant, this is insane," he almost shouted to Alexei. "It's absolute madness that the Bureau favors the idea of a nuclear accident, now that things are finally safe. How can anyone hope for an accident to occur? How can you, of all people...."
Alexei cut him off. "Isn't it obvious? With the new procedure in place no one will be hurt, while something that comes so close to being real would bring immense pressure to bear on the world's governments to agree to a real and meaningful solution. Nobody has ever talked about a real solution until now, Boris."
Boris took his time answering, and he did so with a smile as if he found the solution for preventing the whole madness. "They must realize," he said, "that this will not be possible when the long range stations are ready. These stations will then be able to transmit the self-destruct orders."
Alexei nodded, "They are aware of this."
Boris became more thoughtful now. "Tell me why did this fellow, Zalygin, reveal so many of these secrets to you?" asked Boris after a minute of silence. He didn't look up as he spoke, but started nervously checking his watch. "Could it be that the man is hoping for more than just keeping us quiet? Is he asking us to do this? Is this what the whole charade is all about? You didn't meet me here by accident. You were looking for me. This is why your flight was re-routed through Kiev, and why my flight was delayed. God, this is all crazy!" He shook his head and looked up. "That's insane, Alexei."
Alexei got up from the bench. "I didn't like Zalygin's attitude either," he said quietly, "at least no at first. I said to myself that even if it were possible to stage such an accident, how could anyone be certain that the other side would react in a rational manner? I asked myself how such an accident would have to be regarded from their perspective. They would see a missile coming towards them. Would they believe us that the launch is an accident and that the missile is technically secure, that it won't harm anyone? Or will they fire their own missiles long before we can demonstrate our case?"
Boris made up his mind on their way back to the terminal entrance. "I think the people at Bureau are responsible people," he said to Alexei, "they wouldn't contemplate taking such risks. This renders Zalygin a traitor."
Alexei walked quietly beside him, but then ended up telling Boris that he felt exactly like he now feels.
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