American dream (Американская мечта)

Russian actors but they don’t know America as you do and need a guide.
 - If I make such a film my career in Hollywood may finish.
 - But you’ve made a film about “Jolly Roger”.
 - About mafia and corruption, not pure politics. That’s acceptable and even such description restricted my film to Internet and DVD. No one prohibits it but it won’t go on TV as the rest.
 - It may be televised in Russia and you may return home completely.
 - I have achieved success in America and I was not a spy, why should I ruin everything and flee? I have friends there, who expect continuation and I’m not going to betray them.
 - I see. You are right. Your success in Hollywood is beneficial for us too, because you prove that Russians can be useful.  But can you play a role in my project? Just yourself, when you helped me to survive.
 - That’s easier. Here in Russia I can have a compromise to promote my own films.
 - Well, and you can use a pseudonym for a director or I can put my own name.
 - If I do it, I must interpret the plot from an American point of view, because in two years I’m going to become an American citizen.  
 - It’s already three after you came there?
 - Yes. It’s a whole eternity and I’m different now from the boy you knew. Or FSS knew me in the last years.
 - Why did you go away?
 - They tried to recruit me as a spy among religious activists, my own friends and when I refused pressed me to complete isolation. I had nothing to do here. So I went to the New World for new life.
 - That’s local FSS in your town. Changes go to province very slowly.
 - They remained the same commies as before the reforms, only changed slogans. Now fight for democracy, though in reality – for power.
 - You can show in our film your own motives for emigration. That’s another dimension of life, immigrants are part of reality there and they are all like you.
 - OK, we’ll make it. Search for Russian actors and call me when they are ready.
  He gathered the command very quickly because the film was financed by the state. Tumanov explain them that he didn’t like any propaganda, both American and Russian, and that the film must be personal as a life story of a man in a complex situation and not ideal circumstances. They got the point and started to work. During casting Tumanov realized that the actors shared his views on Russia and had their own American dreams, the most common – Hollywood. So the film turned out to be non-anti-American and he put his own name. Before final revision of the material he sent it to Nick and FBI friends for sanction as a diplomatic measure and they said no one objects.

  Kate came back from the Caucasus refreshed and happy. I was her first real adventure in life, though she said to Russians she had such experience before, or they wouldn’t take her. Yuriko was quiet and enigmatic. After the supper she confessed:
  - I have an idea. You could sell to mafia your sword, it costs one million dollars. I brought it with me. Say it is stolen from a Japanese museum and learn their ties.
  - Interesting. Who can need such an artifact? Only yakudzu allies; maybe, we must go to the Far East.
 A buyer turned up in Moscow, but “Eagle” followed his ties and came to a man, trading with Japan. Then came yakudzu themselves, they saw the photo of the sword and decided to get it from the first seller, killing all intermediaries, and appointing Tumanov a meeting in a very suspicious place. When he showed them the sword, they showed no money and tried to kill him. But he used it and their heads flied off the shoulders as cabbage.
  That night Yuriko in her manner changed in the bed Lucy.


                                  Hunters

“Russian spy” sat between the two chairs, neither in America, nor in Russia it went on the air and the only audience was in the Internet. It turned out to be too psychological and was ahead of time. In both countries television preferred slogan ideas of national interests and cooperation of superpowers was still only a wish. But they all received the promised state money and did not complain. In Hollywood the film provoked criticism and hot discussions through the web under nicknames. Officially all cinema people avoided any marks or remarks and Olaf Tuman got the reputation of a risky man., though it only supported his first image of a mysterious newcomer. He probed the situation after his return to the USA and understood that some would start to avoid him and some on the contrary would become curious and make friends. That was natural, because you can’t be always good for all and sometimes you have to choose.
  Lulu invited him to India. She lived in a mantra-yoga ashram and said she was at last happy. Tumanov’s casting with Lucy was completed and he decided to relax in new surroundings so he accepted the invitation and went. For several years he practiced mahamantra himself and didn’t expect in India anything surprising and new.
 Krishnaits, or vaishnavs, were friendly and when he joined singing their sacred songs considered him to be one of them. It was not untrue but was not so either. It was a stage of his development and now his past, as it was for many Americans. Lulu was eager to spread the Vedic truth and her teacher after acquaintance with Tumanov suggested her to go to Russia as a missionary with him. Lulu studied Russian in India and could explain their main ideas.  She had a drive and he could translate the rest. Mantra-yoga was not in words but in mantras themselves, in the energy they give and there were enough translations of their books into Russian. After a week of sightseeing and common mantra singing Oleg and Lulu left for Moscow with the blessings of a Brahmin.
 - You needn’t be afraid of me, I need no sex. I’ve changed completely.
 - I was never afraid, you know. Maybe, you need not be afraid of me?
 - OK, let it be. But there should be no sex, remember.
 - That’s your problem, not mine.
 In Moscow Lulu went to local Krishnaits and plunged into intensive studies of Russian with their help. Simultaneously she began to preach and organize sessions of mantra meditation with new people. Besides Vedic knowledge she advertised everything Indian, from soap and dresses to music and cinema.
   Oleg believed in Lulu’s spiritual rebirth until one fine morning, when he discovered her in his bed instead of Lucy, who again went out for a minute and disappeared.
 - It isn’t sex, - smiled Lulu. – It is a baby. We are not allowed sex, even if married, but children are necessary as future Krishna’s devotees.
 - Really? Why than didn’t you tell it to me directly? Why do you use this trick?
 - It is Yuriko’s idea and a ninja technique. She was born the same way. Her mother was a ninja hunter and caught the best man, who would never give her a baby, if she warned. She married him only when her sister, his wife, was killed. I think you’ll marry Kate or Lucy and don’t plan any family life but with the child.
 - You are not a Buddhist, - mocked her Oleg.
 - Buddha is an incarnation of Krishna; Buddhist ideas for us are not prohibited.
 - I see. You accept all that is convenient for you personally. But what would your teacher say about a child?
 - I’m not going to show him. After Russia I’ll go to Japan and leave him in a ninja school as your hire. And he will return when he grows up, though I will frequently visit him or maybe even settle in Japan for several years. We’ll become relatives with Yuriko and I’ll get all the rights.
 - I didn’t see her for a year, do you know why?
 - Ask her. She never tells us anything about her life. I can only guess.
 
  One day unexpectedly Nick called him to Moscow.
 - Your last film is a challenge to some hawks. They’ll hunt you when you return, though they are not sure you will. So be ready for surprises. Call me when flying, I’ll meet you in the airport and tell details.
  Similar news came from Popov. He was warned that “Jolly Roger” decided to kill both of them to revenge on the exposure. A killer was sent to Moscow to avoid noise in the USA and to shift the blame to FSS. He was he catch them at their meeting and to imitate their quarrel and mutual simultaneous killing.
 - Are we going to catch him?
 - Yes, he must confess his mission and motives.
 - And if he does not?
 - Twenty years in Siberia are enough for changing his mind.
 No one knew him in face, but general information was enough for the trap. Popov organized official presentation of the film in a Moscow privileged club, inviting everyone through the web, and after the meeting they went for a walk in night streets. No one followed but a girl as in Oleg’s film about LA.
- Hey, Mr. Tumanov, wait a minute!
 She approached and asked for a phone number. And before he answered took out two guns and made simultaneous shots. They fell to the ground; she put the guns into their hands, dragged them into needed position and ran away. But not far, because some passersby suddenly beat her off the legs, clenched and drew to a car.
- The rest is not your problem, - said Popov rising to his feet.
- But I’m curious, - answered Tumanov taking off his coat and a bulletproof vest. I’m going back to America and they’ll hunt me there too.
- As a victim you have the right to get all the information, I’ll bring you the reports.
- I want to talk to her personally with a lie detector, in American style.
- We have polygraphs too.
- But I want to ask my questions and alone without witnesses.
- OK. I’ll organize it. Will an hour or two suffice?
- Yes, enough.
 The killer said to FSS nothing and they gave her to “Eagle” for an official interrogation.
- You see, baby, I’m not a Russian security man and I’m going back to the States. And I can tell for your bosses there a story that you fell in love with me or got a large sum of money for saving my life. Your family won’t get anything for your feat and maybe they will even revenge on them in a very cruel manner they like. Do you have a little sister? She will be raped and cut to pieces.
- Better think of your own friends, they may have problems because of you too.
- The detector shows that you are really afraid for your sister. And that you don’t believe in my friends. I’m alone there as a Russian and no Americans will pay for me.
 - OK, - cried the girl. - I was to kill you for the films about “Jolly Roger”. Is it enough?


                             Back in the USSR

 Tumanov sent the record of the interrogation by a satellite to Nick and to FBI. The attack was also recorded by his camera. Nick said he must come and give evidence. He’ll get the official shelter by the witness protection program until the case is investigated and sent to the court.
 In the LA airport Nick introduced him to officials, responsible for his security, and they went to a secret flat to record his statement. Russians (officially militia) sent their material too and suggested a joint commission for the exchange of information. Americans asked for the killer to be judged in the USA, Russians refused and sentenced her to 5 years probation. But she was afraid to return and called her family to Russia. So the case was closed without any consequences for “Jolly Roger”, and Tumanov returned to his usual open life.
 - You see, we live in democracy and your record of interrogation must be proved in court by her free evidence. There in Moscow she was under psychological pressure and her statement may be considered forced. She preferred to disappear, because was really afraid of her bosses, and you can do the same. Either return “back to the USSR” as Beatles, or go to Mexico, Canada, Australia as usually Americans do.
 - Any alternatives?
 - CIA. But our chiefs don’t quarrel with politicians and we deal with international problems only outside the country. We could send you anywhere you like with another name and documents and not report to any one. Until all forget about you and you may return.
 - To Russia?
 - You can go there yourself and you are not by your nature a spy. Russians live also in Argentine.
 - And what would you do in my place?
 - Back to the USSR, - laughed Nick. – Your destiny is open success and your last film is more likely to be recognized in Russia than here. You can start criticizing America as an expert and Russians will applaud you. We have weak points too; if you are objective your friends here can understand it.
- You mean “Jolly Roger”?
- Hidden political unions and corruption exist everywhere. It’s natural for all states and cultures. In Japan mafia is legal and even pays taxes. In Russia the real power is FSS, earlier it was the Communist Party. We have secret societies. Life doesn’t stop because of them; people find ways to remain free and to use democracy to protect their interests. You wasn’t killed either. You made a film with FSS-man. That’s your way. I work in CIA. Lucy studies in Russia, because she doesn’t like my control. Her granddad invests money abroad. The world is not perfect and CIA as a realistic organization doesn’t fight against American politicians and they don’t fight against us. So if you decide to hide with our help, you are welcome.
- Thanks. I appreciate your trust.
- It’s not trust, we’ll check you up.
- OK, check me up and let me go my own way.
- Back to the USSR?
- For some time and later I’ll return.
- That’s reasonable. Come on to our center. It will take about two weeks.
  CIA was serious about everything it did and the examination was very thorough. He was a complex personality and they asked for additional two weeks. He answered tests, talked to various people on various subjects, undergone some devices measurement sixteen hours a day with short breaks. At last he was exhausted and tired. But they were as usual insistent and polite. After a month he said it was enough and he was going to leave. They laughed for the first time and explained they tested his patience. Everything was OK and he might go. Nick handed him a ticket to Moscow and took him to the airport.

  I'm back in the U.S.S.R., - sang the chorus in the ear phones.
  You don't know how lucky you are boy, - the plane touched the ground.
  Back in the U.S.S.R., - he said the Lucy in the airport.

  Been away so long I hardly knew the place, - the taxi passed the streets.
  Gee it's good to be back home, - they entered the flat.
  Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case, - they went to the bedroom.
  Honey, disconnect the phone, - he stripped off her clothes.
  You don't know how lucky you are boy, - sang Lucy in the morning too.

 Yes, he was at home and she was too. At least for several months until he comes back, as Beatles came after their concert in Moscow.  Now he knew the layout in the USA and knew what to do. Lucy won’t spoil her father’s career and will return too. He was an American in Moscow and won’t surrender and give up his American dream.
  He phoned the boys from the capture group and asked for a serious training cause in their center on private terms. In return he promised a film about their work. They settled the question with FSS and he was enlisted in the center under the nickname “Bunny”. All the novices were in masks with nicknames and never saw any one without a mask too. It was very hard unlike his self-training cause but after five months he felt himself another man.
 - If you decide to work with us at any time you are welcome.
 - I have a problem in America and I’ll try your techniques on some fools, who want to kill me, if I return.
 - Ha-ha-ha, - laughed the whole team. - Show them the Russian style, maybe they’ll respect us more.
 “Russian style” was not only a metaphor but the name of the martial arts school, created in Russia for commandos and security services. And now he knew it too.
Next day he phoned Colonel Mihailov and asked for a real American passport for another name. He was surprised but after several questions promised to help. In addition Oleg asked for the American killer’s address. That was already for the colonel not a surprise and in two hours he was drinking with her tea and listening to Beatles, he brought with himself.
 - I’m gong back to the USA to settle the problem with your bosses and I need a companion to show me the way.
 - You are crazy! – exclaimed the girl. – It’s 100% death.
 - No, it’s one million dollars for you or your family, if you die. You are nobody here and will always be. I know Russia better, that’s why I return.
 - You are crazy.
 - I am. But you were crazy too to come here as a killer. So we are matches.
 - Yes, I was. And I am now too, because I go. But I have two conditions - half of the money in advance to my sister. And …
 - And?
 - I wanted to kill you because I hate you.
 - Why?
 - Lennon was killed by his fan. And I’m your fan too. You haunt me even in sleep and I wanted to get rid of you and live in peace.
 - Oh. I see. You need to discharge your subconscious drives.
  She laughed:
 - You are too American. Be Russian. I just want to sleep with you and that’s my final hard rock price.
 - After the job or now?
 - Half of it in advance.
 Oleg got Emily another American passport and they flied to Canada. Then they bought a car, crossed the border, unrecognized and unremembered, and headed for New-York. Emmy was more useful than he expected. She found a black market arms seller and they got equipped. Then she showed him the location of their killers training center and they smashed it to pieces, exploding everything that could go to hell, including safes with documents, which disclosed for them the whole structure of the organization and its headquarters. Their hunt lasted for a whole month, none of the known politicians was killed but the rest was wiped out as if it never existed. There were no killers any more to revenge on them and they went to Canada in a car and back to the USSR by plane.
  The whole war was recorded by their cameras except themselves and they sent it from Canada by Internet to CIA and FBI with documents explaining the reasons. In Moscow he presented the originals to Mihailov and returned the passports.
 - Now we are again official Americans and go back home. The girl paid her debts so you may forget her.
  At night he paid her the remaining portion of sex or love and next morning both left USSR for America on different planes and to different cities, because hers was Miami.

  In Los-Angeles nobody paid him any attention, but in three day police called him to inform that the killer-girl returned to the USA and that she was to be judged in a US court. He explained that she already got the verdict in Russia and took his statement back. Without his evidence in court trial was impossible and they closed the case again.
  With Nick he met only on Lucy’s vacations and they didn’t even mention their previous talk. Mike asked nothing and Tumanov understood that he saw the “Jolly Roger” retribution files too. Maybe he was higher in grade than he though?
  After five years of life in the USA he became a US citizen. The film about his adventures in Moscow went only to the Internet too but was a real success. He bought a house in Miami like an ordinary American millionaire and went there for summer to have a good rest after the casting and … to meet Emily, as it was with Popov accidentally in the street.
    Again back in the USSR he was on a business trip. There he hired a studio and made a film about his war against “Jolly Roger” with Russian actors and a film about the capture group as he promised. His training in its center was