10. Shoigu joins us

At Chkalovsky we swap for an IL-96, and Shoigu joins us. Sergei Shoigu is my minister of defence, soon to be my ex-minister of defence, but he does not know that yet. Or maybe he has his worries. That could be one reason behind that exaggerated grin that seems plastered to his face.

“Hello Vladimir” he grins “you look good”

“I am sad” I say “I cannot say the same about you”

“Ha ha ha ha” he laughs “that was a good one my president!”

I don’t know how I will be able to stand him for an entire day, but I must. Shoigu has many weaknesses. No, actually Shoigu has only weaknesses. He is stupid, fat and totally incompetent at his job. His corrupt disregard for the army as a fighting force is a big reason we are in this mess. But Shoigu also has one significant advantage: he makes people like him. One of the people that like him is Alexander Lukashenko, and as things are, my entire plan depends on Mr Lukashenko.

"I'm pleased that you are coming" I say.

“No problem" he beams "We should go swimming Vladimir. Like in the old days! The three of us”.

I look at him. It is November. We have never gone swimming. I think of telling him that but my phone buzzes.

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