![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
March, 1953
The sudden death of the Premier was officially determined to have been due to a massive stroke. Those who whispered rumors of murder and poison took great care not to be overheard doing so; after all, nothing could be proven, and these were clearly dangerous, uncertain times. What was certain, however, was that Stalin's death put an abrupt end to his accusations of a "doctors' plot" to murder all high-ranking Soviet officials, presumably under orders from the Americans. His secret plans for a draconian purge of Party members at all levels, including even the Politburo itself, were summarily abandoned, and a number of previously suspended programs slowly began their return to normal operations....
August, 1953
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - Cairo
Local officials reported the death of all members of the United Nations Diplomatic Negotiation Team in an accidental fire which destroyed the residential building in which they were staying. All targets successfully eliminated; mission secrecy maintained.
January, 1954
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - West Berlin
NATO General James Keller shot outside the Kammergericht in Schöneberg. No apprehensions made; authorities have no suspects. Target successfully eliminated.
November, 1954
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - Madripoor
British Ambassador Dalton Graines killed while in attendance at a charity gala. Evidence at the scene indicates potential linkage to regional crime organization with connections to the People's Republic of China. Collateral damage incurred at acceptable levels. Target successfully eliminated; secondary objective also achieved.
February, 1955
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - Mexico City
United States Army Colonel Jefferson Hart discovered dead in his room by hotel staff. Target successfully eliminated, with prejudice.
July, 1955
"Comrade Colonel!" Comrade Lieutenant Budanov stands quickly, waving an invitation that the other man doesn't need. Bruskin enters the room and seats himself in the chair in front of Budanov's desk; only then does Budanov resume his own seat. "Your visit is a pleasant surprise."
It's not, of course, but that's what one says. Inwardly, Budanov quietly and fervently hopes that no ill news is in the offing, not today.
"I won't take up much of your time, Comrade Lieutenant," Buskin replies. "Cigarette?"
"Thank you." They go through the polite ritual, tendrils of smoke wreathing around them as they each savor their tobacco.
"I hear rumors," Bruskin says at last. "Of your latest project. Is he really as good as they say?" He sounds frankly disbelieving, and Budanov bristles the slightest bit.
"Exceptional," he retorts. "The general himself saw his potential."
"Mm." The older man leans back in his chair. "Perhaps. But a lone wolf still, no?"
"He works alone, yes... what are you trying to say?"
"Nothing much, Sergey Andreyivich." Bruskin smiles. "Only that there are some jobs that go better with help. Think on it, why don't you?"
September, 1955
The Winter Soldier finishes with the speed bag - frustrating, but useful for practicing rapid movements with his metallic arm - and turns to the heavy bag in the middle of the training ring instead. He pummels it with hard blows, doing his best to ignore the comings and goings of the various visitors who drift in and out, watching him as though he were nothing more than an animal in the zoo.
"Comrade Winter." The voice is familiar; he slows his exercise, stills the bag, and turns to face Budanov.
"Comrade Lieutenant," he returns. "Do you have new orders for me?"
Not that Budanov's the one who gives the orders; no, the lieutenant only makes recommendations and manages the details of what their senior officers decide. They both know it, and both pretend otherwise. It's easier that way.
"Yes," Budanov tells him. "Something a little different this time." He holds out a folder, and the Winter Soldier takes it, flipping it open to look inside. His eyes widen in surprise he can't hide, and he looks up at the other man.
"You're serious?"
"We're sending a recall message tomorrow," Budanov replies. "After that, it should --"
"I've a better idea," he interrupts. "Send me instead."
"Send you?" Budanov stares at him.
The Winter Soldier shrugs. "Why not? You'll need someone to do a skills check. I'm certainly qualified. It'll save you time, and save me getting stuck in the field in a tricky situation."
"... you have a point," the lieutenant admits, grudgingly. "I'll have to clear it, but all right. Report back in three hours, and I'll have your transit papers."
He braces his left hand against one of the ring's corner poles and leaps lightly over the ropes, landing in front of Budanov.
"Three hours," he confirms, handing the folder back. "I'll be ready."
"The Central Committee of the Communist party, the Council of Ministers and the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR announce with deep grief to the party and all workers that on March 5 at 9.50 p.m., Josef Visserionovich Stalin, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist party and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, died after a serious illness. The heart of the collaborator and follower of the genius of Lenin's work, the wise leader and teacher of the Communist party and of the Soviet people, stopped beating."
The sudden death of the Premier was officially determined to have been due to a massive stroke. Those who whispered rumors of murder and poison took great care not to be overheard doing so; after all, nothing could be proven, and these were clearly dangerous, uncertain times. What was certain, however, was that Stalin's death put an abrupt end to his accusations of a "doctors' plot" to murder all high-ranking Soviet officials, presumably under orders from the Americans. His secret plans for a draconian purge of Party members at all levels, including even the Politburo itself, were summarily abandoned, and a number of previously suspended programs slowly began their return to normal operations....
August, 1953
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - Cairo
Local officials reported the death of all members of the United Nations Diplomatic Negotiation Team in an accidental fire which destroyed the residential building in which they were staying. All targets successfully eliminated; mission secrecy maintained.
January, 1954
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - West Berlin
NATO General James Keller shot outside the Kammergericht in Schöneberg. No apprehensions made; authorities have no suspects. Target successfully eliminated.
November, 1954
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - Madripoor
British Ambassador Dalton Graines killed while in attendance at a charity gala. Evidence at the scene indicates potential linkage to regional crime organization with connections to the People's Republic of China. Collateral damage incurred at acceptable levels. Target successfully eliminated; secondary objective also achieved.
February, 1955
Project: Winter Soldier
Mission Report - Mexico City
United States Army Colonel Jefferson Hart discovered dead in his room by hotel staff. Target successfully eliminated, with prejudice.
July, 1955
"Comrade Colonel!" Comrade Lieutenant Budanov stands quickly, waving an invitation that the other man doesn't need. Bruskin enters the room and seats himself in the chair in front of Budanov's desk; only then does Budanov resume his own seat. "Your visit is a pleasant surprise."
It's not, of course, but that's what one says. Inwardly, Budanov quietly and fervently hopes that no ill news is in the offing, not today.
"I won't take up much of your time, Comrade Lieutenant," Buskin replies. "Cigarette?"
"Thank you." They go through the polite ritual, tendrils of smoke wreathing around them as they each savor their tobacco.
"I hear rumors," Bruskin says at last. "Of your latest project. Is he really as good as they say?" He sounds frankly disbelieving, and Budanov bristles the slightest bit.
"Exceptional," he retorts. "The general himself saw his potential."
"Mm." The older man leans back in his chair. "Perhaps. But a lone wolf still, no?"
"He works alone, yes... what are you trying to say?"
"Nothing much, Sergey Andreyivich." Bruskin smiles. "Only that there are some jobs that go better with help. Think on it, why don't you?"
September, 1955
The Winter Soldier finishes with the speed bag - frustrating, but useful for practicing rapid movements with his metallic arm - and turns to the heavy bag in the middle of the training ring instead. He pummels it with hard blows, doing his best to ignore the comings and goings of the various visitors who drift in and out, watching him as though he were nothing more than an animal in the zoo.
"Comrade Winter." The voice is familiar; he slows his exercise, stills the bag, and turns to face Budanov.
"Comrade Lieutenant," he returns. "Do you have new orders for me?"
Not that Budanov's the one who gives the orders; no, the lieutenant only makes recommendations and manages the details of what their senior officers decide. They both know it, and both pretend otherwise. It's easier that way.
"Yes," Budanov tells him. "Something a little different this time." He holds out a folder, and the Winter Soldier takes it, flipping it open to look inside. His eyes widen in surprise he can't hide, and he looks up at the other man.
"You're serious?"
"We're sending a recall message tomorrow," Budanov replies. "After that, it should --"
"I've a better idea," he interrupts. "Send me instead."
"Send you?" Budanov stares at him.
The Winter Soldier shrugs. "Why not? You'll need someone to do a skills check. I'm certainly qualified. It'll save you time, and save me getting stuck in the field in a tricky situation."
"... you have a point," the lieutenant admits, grudgingly. "I'll have to clear it, but all right. Report back in three hours, and I'll have your transit papers."
He braces his left hand against one of the ring's corner poles and leaps lightly over the ropes, landing in front of Budanov.
"Three hours," he confirms, handing the folder back. "I'll be ready."
