A man leans on against a lamppost in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. In his hands he holds copy of the extra edition newspaper whose headline blares:
RUSSIAN GRAND DUCHESS IN ANKARA TODAY
Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova arrived in a cavalcade of cars. President Ataturk himself greeted her as she stepped out of the car. Despite a strained past between the two nations, its modern leaders, despite one being in exile, seem to have cordial relations, signifying hope that future bonds between Russia and Turkey will be strong when the time comes. Protestors were seen at the front of parliament, but were out numbered by the supporters of the history-making meeting. This is due most likely to President Ataturk's open support of reconciliation. In a prepared statement, the Office of the President said, "The Rivalry between the Ottoman Empire and Russian Empire is one that should rightfully be cosigned to the dustbin of history. Now with the modern Republic of Turkey serving as a shining example of democracy triumphing over monarchy, we hope her majesty will take it to heart and use Turkey as inspiration for when the time comes for her and her government to write a Russian Constitution." President Ataturk and Her Majesty will be attending Parliament in a joint address of 'looking to the future.' The speeches will be made at…"
The man stops reading and looks up across the street at the parliament building, surrounded by crowds and policemen.
"Fools," he mutters to himself, "she has no government, no legitimate one anyway. Russia now rightfully belongs to the people. It will never return to autocratic rule." The Soviet agent folds the newspaper and crosses the street. "I look forward when what we started in 1917 will be finished soon." Inside parliament, the chamber is packed in both the gallery and on the assembly floor. President Ataturk is in the midst of giving a speech. Oliver and Benjamin Cross seat in the galley, watching over the proceedings.
"The President is quite good at this. I can tell he's sincere in his want of a democratic future. Father made the right choice in putting an institute branch here," Benjamin comments.
"And when she comes to America, Anya will probably be a student. Her brother too. That's gonna take some convincing. I just hope she can pull off the speech. One that we made it on the fly, and two that she's never done this before."
"Her grandmother said she went through the training, and we grilled her on the train. I have faith. She has to either way. Besides, sink or sail, the Soviets will notice." Oliver turns to Ben.
"What do you mean? I don't want to make her look ridiculous. Look at her she's terrified." Oliver motions to Anya, whose hands can be seen wringing from the upper vantage point. She keeps going over the first lines of the speech in her head, while fighting back inner voices of doubt.
"She's not the only one," Ben uses his eyes to point to Dimitri, who is sitting next to them stoic as ever, looking directly at Anya. Resting his chin on his balled fists, he stares across the room, offering support, forming a smile every time he makes eye contact with Anya. Their minute facial movements and gestures imply that they're having their own private conversation, conveying encouragement to one another. At that moment the President ended his speech.
"And now," he booms, "with great honor, I introduce Her Highness, Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova!" He steps from the podium while applauding while the chamber does the same. Anya takes a deep breath, and gets up from her chair and walks to the podium among the applause.
"I can do this, I can do this, I can do this," she whispers over and over to herself. She stands before the microphone, and looks up to Dimitri, who offers a thumbs up. Oliver and Benjamin follow suit. Anya smiles a bit. Another deep breath.
"Gentlemen, President Ataturk. Thank you. If the treatment I've received so far is any inclination of how all citizens of this great republic behave, that I can tell you are well on your way to becoming a nation to be emulated." This is met with thunderous applause. 'So far, so good,' she thinks…
Two hours later, after the reception has ended, everyone reconvenes at a hotel. Everyone is exhausted. The political circus they just went through made sure of that, but none are more exhausted than Anya.
"I've never been so nervous in my life. I've never been so tired in my life. My head is killing me." She moans as she rests her head in her hands. Dimitri hands her a glass of vodka, as he takes one as well. "I don't ever want to that again."
"And you don't have to," says Ben, "that was the hardest part of the whole trip. You're over the hump. Now you get to play tourist the next few days."
"You three at least, I have to go do the hard stuff now. We set out tonight." Oliver holds his glass, looking at its contents, psyching himself up.
"Are you read-" Ben begins to say.
"Yes," Oliver cuts off. Ben raises his hands.
"Ok, I can take your place if you change your mind."
"No, I'm ready. I'm in it now, I want to go, I need to go." Ben puts down his glass and hugs his brother.
"You've grown a lot Oliver. Make sure you come back in one piece."
"Of course Ben, I want to come back in one piece too." Anya and Dimitri stand up to shake Oliver's hand.
"Good luck Oliver. I hope not only for my brother's return, but yours as well," Anya says.
"Go get 'em kid," Dimitri says with a pat on the back. Oliver just nods.
"Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to get ready." He turns and walks out of the room.
"I hope he really is ready," Ben sighs.
"If his briefings were any hint, he is," Dimitri reassures.
"Are you two ready?" Ben asks. Dimitri and Anya nod.
"How are you feeling?" asks Anya.
"I'm a nervous wreck. It's one thing to plan and plan and plan, but when it actually happens, all the doubt seeps in. I'm worried sick. I admire my brother's resolve, but being the older brother…" Ben trails off. "My family's gone through enough trauma, I don't want to lose another sibling." Anya and Dimitri eyebrows rise in surprise. Ben goes quiet. "I don't want to bring that up. Negative thoughts bring negative consequences. Gotta think positive. Gotta think positive." Ben downs his vodka glass. There's a knock at the door, and Anton sticks his head in.
"Forgive me for bothering you your highness, but I just need to go over one more thing with you and your doubles. Can you come with me please?"
"Excuse us Benjamin. Don't worry, everything's going to be fine," Anya says trying to bolster Ben's confidence. Ben nods as Anya and Dimitri leave the room. He stands silent for a moment, before the tears start running down his face. Now that his guest left, he drops the façade, and lets his emotions out. He nearly collapses to the ground. "Oh lord, let him be delivered safely." Ben pulls out a rosary and starts praying. Meanwhile in the hallway, after rounding a corner, Anya leans in close to Anton.
"Is everything ready?" whispers Anya.
"Yes, we're just about to iron out some details with your doubles, but I can get you on the task force. We'll talk about it after your doubles." Anya nods. Now it was Anya's and Dimitri's turn to psych themselves up.
"I hope we can pull this off. I hope you can pull this off, Anton," says Dimitri.
"Don't worry, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. All that we want will be achieved."
At the Ankara train station, the next eastbound train is being made up. A special sealed section containing the task force is coupled on. Major Rossmount and other officers double check ammunition, rations, and other supplies. Crates and boxes are loaded into freight cars. Soldiers file on board.
"Where is Mr. Santorino, we're going to be late because of him." Maj. Rossmount checks his watch. Oliver checks his too.
"I don't know. I hope her majesty isn't keeping him."
"If he doesn't show up soon, we're going to have to leave him."
"Well, I'll try to manage, wait, here he comes now!" On cue, Anton comes running up the platform.
"Sorry gentlemen, had to square away some details with extra rations to make sure there's enough for the person of interest."
"Good call, sir." Says the Major. "Time to go." Anton nods and boards the train. Oliver follows as the Major waves the all clear to the conductor who waves to the engineer. The train sounds its whistle and starts off. As its wheels turn, no one notices two figures dart out of the shadows towards the train. As it picks up speed, they run for the grab irons. They scramble on board and make their way to a pre-arranged hiding place. But someone may have saw something.
"That's strange," muses Oliver as he looked out the window.
"What is?" asks Anton.
"I don't know, thought I saw something. Must've been some newspaper kicked up by the train. Can't tell in this light. It's probably nothing."
"You're probably right. Come now, get some rest you're going to need it." Oliver nods and heads into the cabin. Anton looks out the window and then closes it. Now the adventure truly begins.