Chapter 48

“I thought it might be something like that, although his version differed from yours in key areas,” confirmed Hanson. “You’ve made a serious foe. Don’t underestimate Rosen. He expects to have my job in a few years. I’d advise you to retire from the service before he takes office if he gets elected."

“How did the talks go? I’ve been given the laundered version from both ambassadors, but what did you think?” asked Hanson.

“I’d say that they went as well as you could hope. Russia has far too much to lose to allow the area to get too far from its grip. I suspect Crimea will join Russia and Ukraine is going to have a long road in front of it. They need to walk the line. They have to make every effort to remain neutral and not align with the U.S. too much. Russia can’t allow it, and they won’t. Rosen seemed to think he could convince everyone that the U.S. would have a dominant position and everyone should accept it. It’s not going to happen. It’s like us allowing Russia contr