AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Delicious, thank you."
Volodya was already getting the impression of a matter-of-fact personality behind the gorgeous exterior. It was an intriguing combination: a beautiful woman who made no attempt to charm.
Anya cleared away the soup bowls while Katerina brought the main course, chicken and potatoes cooked in a pot. Zoya tucked in, stuffing the food into her mouth, chewing and swallowing and eating more. Like most Russians, she did not often see food this good.
Volodya said: "What kind of science do you do, Zoya?"
With evident regret she stopped eating to answer. "I'm a physicist," she said. "We're trying to understand the atom: what its components are, what holds them together."
"Is that interesting?"
"Completely fascinating." She put down her fork. "We're finding out what the universe is really made of. There's nothing so exciting." Her eyes lit up. Apparently physics was the one thing that could distract her from her dinner.
Ilya spoke up for the first time. "Ah, but how does all this theoretical stuff help the revolution?"
Zoya's eyes blazed anger, and Volodya liked her even more. "Some comrades make the mistake of undervaluing pure science, preferring practical research," she said. "But technical developments, such as improved aircraft, are ultimately based on theoretical advances."
Volodya concealed a grin. Ilya had been demolished with one casual swipe.
But Zoya had not finished. "This is why I wanted to talk to you, sir," she said to Grigori. "We physicists read all the scientific journals published in the West--they foolishly reveal their results to the whole world. And we have lately realized that they are making alarming forward leaps in their understanding of atomic physics. Soviet science is in grave danger of falling behind. I wonder if Comrade Stalin is aware of this."
The room went quiet. The merest hint of a criticism of Stalin was dangerous. "He knows most things," Grigori said.
"Of course," Zoya said automatically. "But perhaps there are times when loyal comrades such as yourself need to draw important matters to his attention."
"Yes, that's true."
Ilya said: "Undoubtedly Comrade Stalin believes that science should be consistent with Marxist-Leninist ideology."
Volodya saw a flash of defiance in Zoya's eyes, but she dropped her gaze and said humbly: "There can be no question that he is right. We scientists must clearly redouble our efforts."
This was horseshit, and everyone in the room knew it, but no one would say so. The proprieties had to be observed.
"Indeed," said Grigori. "Nevertheless, I will mention it next time I get a chance to talk to the comrade general secretary of the party. He may wish to look into it further."
"I hope so," said Zoya. "We want to be ahead of the West."
"And how about after work, Zoya?" said Grigori cheerily. "Do you have a boyfriend, a fiance perhaps?"
Anya protested: "Dad! That's none of our business."
Zoya did not seem to mind. "No fiance," she said mildly. "No boyfriend."
"As bad as my son, Volodya! He, too, is single. He is twenty-three years old, well educated, tall, and handsome--yet he has no fiancee!"
Volodya squirmed at the heavy-handedness of this hint.
"Hard to believe," Zoya said, and as she glanced at Volodya he saw a gleam of humor in her eyes.
Katerina put a hand on her husband's arm. "Enough," she said. "Stop embarrassing the poor girl."
The doorbell rang.
"Again?" said Grigori.
"This time I have no idea who it might be," said Katerina as she left the kitchen.
She returned with Volodya's boss, Major Lemitov.
