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The Ivan Aufulich Papers
7. Pyotr Dar Podnar
Pyotr Dar Podnar was seen meeting with the No. 14 Geerklash Tractor Committee. This, of course, has little to do with tractors, but rather sends a signal to hardliners in the Overseas Service that further persecution of travelling folk dancers will not be tolerated, and hints at improved vodka supplies in Byelorus. All this presumes, of course, that his deal for American electric screwdrivers goes through and meets with approval in higher circles, which is by no means assured. That he would dare to affront the hardliners when he himself is overextended bespeaks supreme confidence; or, perhaps, that he is luring them into the trap of criticizing him when he has a counterattack prepared. Or perhaps it is he that is the one being lured into a trap.
©1997 Grant Schampel