The Kremlin, lit from within by lamps.
Joseph Stalin stood alone at the window of his office in the Kremlin, hands clasped behind his back, his breath fogging the glass faintly.
He was watching the parade ground empty now where officers had rehearsed formations for the Revolution Day march.
But no rehearsal had been called this week.
No tanks.
No banners.
A knock.
"Come."
Molotov entered, gloved and stiff-backed.
He carried no papers just a small note folded precisely into thirds.
"They've confirmed it. Germany has begun social reinforcement activity in Austria. Cultural cells. Not military. But organized."
Stalin didn't move. "And France?"
"Still in Spain. Roads, dams, alphabet programs."
"Programs," Stalin repeated quietly. "They don't invade now. They standardize."
Molotov hesitated, then placed the note on the desk and stood straight again.
Stalin turned slowly, stepped toward the desk, and picked up the paper.
Just one line.
A coded report.
