Why?

“Marshal Vershinin do you know why you are here?”

“I have no idea Comrade.”

“Novikov and Beria have framed you in the debacle in Baku and the other oil production facilities…”

“But Excellency I had nothing to do with the failures, comrade. I was the one who fought against stripping our forces and…”

“Quiet Konstantin I know all this. You are in the right. You did all you could do. I know who is at fault but someone has to pay and Novikov and Beria are too valuable to sacrifice, at this time. You are not.”

“I don’t understand Excellency. What are you saying?”

“I’m going to have you arrested on various trumped up charges in one hour. You can save yourself the torture that surely awaits in Beria’s favorite chair or you can go back to your room and use that gun at your side. The fact that I am telling you this in person is testament to your devotion to the Soviet Union and the communist cause. The fact that I am giving you this opportunity to take matters into your own hands shows how much personal admiration I have for you but we must be practical Konstantin.”

“I am speechless Excellency.”

“As well you should be. Now go to your room and contact your family and then do what you must.”

“Yes Excellency. One question if I may…will my family be treated well?”

“Yes Konstantin they will have the best and your son will enter the service academy next year as planned. In time you will be exonerated and will be named a true hero of the Motherland and Beria and Novikov will visit the chair meant for you.  But for now you must do what I have told you.”

“Yes Excellency…Thank you.”

“You are welcome Konstantin.”