However, Wayne did not want to be responsible for the human members of Hunter’s team falling into the hands of the Soviet government. He did not mention them. When Ishihara also avoided giving any information about them, Wayne decided that the First Law prohibited Ishihara from doing so.

Wayne hoped merely to cause delays for Hunter. If Hunter got into real trouble, of course, he could ultimately take his team out of danger by returning to their own time. Meanwhile, maybe the Soviet authorities could somehow help Wayne and Ishihara locate MC 4.

On the other hand, the authorities might want to keep these spies for themselves if they caught them.

“Both these agents are clever,” said Wayne. He was not sure what he was going to say, but he wanted to convince their hosts that these two fugitives should be brought to Wayne and Ishihara. “To get the most out of them, we should participate in the questioning.”

“Yes, of course,” said the first man.

“Only we two can fully interpret their answers and their information,” Ishihara added, apparently picking up Wayne’s concern.

“We must ask them about their activities on earlier missions, as well,” said Wayne.

“What about the German lines?” The second man, who had been silent to this point, finally spoke. “What have you observed that can be of use to us?”

Wayne hesitated. Ishihara saw that he did not want to pass information that could somehow alter history in a significant way. He needed prodding.

Ishihara gave Wayne a very subtle nod of encouragement. “I am certain we shall win,” said Ishihara. “The upcoming battle will be a victory.”

“Yes? Why are you so sure?” The civilian’s tone was a little more open now.

“What is your name?” Ishihara asked. “So we can all become acquainted.”

“I am Agent Raskov,” said the second man.

The first man, who had refused to introduce them earlier, scowled in resignation. “I am Agent Konev.”

“Why are you so certain that we will win the next battle?” Agent Raskov asked again.

“The German army is dying on its feet,” said Wayne. “They are cold. In fact, their soldiers don’t even have winter clothes to wear.”

“Eh?” Agent Raskov glanced in surprise at his partner. “How can this be?”

“Their generals were overconfident,” said Ishihara. “They expected to have taken Moscow before winter began. Already, the Red Army has stalled their plans.”

“So they are cold.” Agent Raskov turned back to Wayne. “What else?”

“Their morale is low. They are totally dispirited. They really just want to go home.”

“They do?” Agent Konev raised his bushy eyebrows. “Are they ripe for subversion?”

“Uh…” Wayne glanced uncertainly at Ishihara. “What do you think?”

“No,” said Ishihara. “The German soldiers are discouraged but they are not cowards or traitors.”

“Maybe they fear Hitler more than they fear us,” said Agent Konev.

“Yes, that is possible.”

“We were in Panzer Group 3,” said Ishihara. “I can tell you its placement.”

“Excellent.” Agent Raskov turned a page in his notebook. “Go ahead.”

Wayne waited patiently while Ishihara described German placements. He was certain that these were not secrets; the Soviets already knew where the Germans had been. Finally, when Ishihara had finished, their hosts seemed to soften a little. Agent Raskov even smiled very slightly as he put away his notebook.

“Your information about the placement of the enemy matches our own,” said Agent Raskov.

“Why was no previous liaison made with us?” Agent Konev shook his head.

“Yes, we should have heard from you,” said Agent Raskov. “That is true.”

“We apologize,” said Ishihara, with a faint shrug.