"

Larry stared at the blank phone screen.

"What kind of a change?" he said finally. "You mean a change to the Soviet
system?" Surely not even the self-deluding Russkies could think it
possible to overthrow the American socio-economic system in favor of the
Soviet brand.

"No, no, no," the German chuckled. "Of course not. It's not of their
working at all."

"Then what's Frol Eivazov's interest, if they aren't engineering it?"

Distelmayer rumbled his characteristic chuckle with humor. "My dear
friend, don't be naive. Anything that happens in America is of interest to
the Soviets. There is delicate peace between you now that they have
changed their direction and are occupying themselves largely with the
economic and agricultural development of Asia and such portions of the
world as have come under their hegemony, and while you put all efforts
into modernizing the more backward countries among your satellites."

Larry said automatically, "Our allies aren't satellites."

The spy-master went on without contesting the statement. "There is
immediate peace but surely governmental officials on both sides keep
careful watch on the internal developments of the other. True, the current
heads of the Soviet Complex would like to see the governments of all the
Western powers changed--but only if they are changed in the direction of
communism. They are hardly interested in seeing changes made which would
strengthen the West in the, ah, Battle For Men's Minds."

Larry snorted his disgust. "What sort of change in government would
strengthen the United States in--"

The German interrupted smoothly, "Evidently, that's what Frol seems to be
here for, Larry. To find out more about this movement and--"

"This _what_?" Larry blurted.

"The term seems to be _movement_."

Larry Woolford held a long silence before saying, "And Frol is actually
here in this country to buck this ... this movement."

"Not necessarily," the other said impatiently. "He is here to find out
more about it. Evidently Peking and Moscow have heard just enough to make
them nervous."

Larry said, "You have anything more, Hans?"

"I'm afraid that's about it."

"All right," Larry said. He added absently, "Thanks, Hans."

"Thank me some day with deeds, not with words," the German chuckled.

-------------------------------------

Larry Woolford looked at his watch and grimaced. He was either going to
get going now or forget about doing a