General Discussion Thread

[jemhouston]

Are we sure it's only one person and not people using the same code name as the old one leaves the field? If Western Intelligence got a report that XXX was killed in an operation in the Middle East, only to show up in West Germany the next month could confuse the issue.

Triple X was definitely one person. Apparently SIS had contacts with them in person on more than one occasion.

OOC: Those who met Triple X said they strongly resembled Barbara Bach.

I was afraid he looked like Vin Diesel.

[Matt Wiser]

I know that one of the closest to success was one organised by retired KGB Chairman, General Anatoly Gogol. He sent a KGB officer known only as XXX to kill Khvostov. Gogol was an honourable man who despised Khvostov‘s methods. He had been forced out because he was too connected with the period of detente in the ‘70s, but still had contacts within the KGB.

Ironically, it seems that XXX’s attempt was unsuccessful because it coincided with a totally FUBAR one by a Resistance Cell. The story goes that XXX had a perfect opportunity lined up when the Resistance took a shot and missed. Nicked his ear, I believe. Khvostov‘s security whisked him away and his protection was significantly increased. What happened to this XXX, apparently nobody knows.

I've heard that name before. Wasn't he Chief of their Foreign Operations under Andropov? His name keeps coming up among those Soviets who wanted either to not go to war, or, once it was clear they wouldn't win, find an honorable peace. That name also comes up when the October '89 coup attempt that led to the Second Russian Civil War is discussed.

[Bernard Woolley]

Yes, I believe that’s right. He was Chairman for a bit in the ‘70s, but was forced out because he was against starting a war with the West.

[Poohbah]

Yes, I believe that’s right. He was Chairman for a bit in the ‘70s, but was forced out because he was against starting a war with the West.

Funny thing was that Kosov, of all people, accused him of cooking the books on net assessment. I wonder what sort of feelings he has as it became obvious that Kosov's lies had started a war that the Rodina was losing...the "I told you so" was probably warring with utter horror.

I've talked to some intelligence graybeards and they said he was the straightest of straight shooters.

[Wolfman]

General Gray was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery the day before yesterday… I can safely assume that he is now having to defend his decision-making to the ultimate authority…

[jemhouston]

General Gray was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery the day before yesterday… I can safely assume that he is now having to defend his decision-making to the ultimate authority…

The Lord forgives, he doesn't not forget.

[Wolfman]

General Gray was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery the day before yesterday… I can safely assume that he is now having to defend his decision-making to the ultimate authority…

The Lord forgives, he doesn't not forget.

True, but He also holds His Collections Department to a higher standard…

[Matt Wiser]

Just how deep was Gogol in the '89 Coup? I've read that he did get a sizable faction to join in the plot, and that Kosov made sure that his part of the nuclear codes was safe with Gogol as well. (Remember, Soviet codes had to have a release code sent via the military and another from the KGB Chairman before weapons could be launched)

[Poohbah]

Just how deep was Gogol in the '89 Coup? I've read that he did get a sizable faction to join in the plot, and that Kosov made sure that his part of the nuclear codes was safe with Gogol as well. (Remember, Soviet codes had to have a release code sent via the military and another from the KGB Chairman before weapons could be launched)

I'm not exactly sure Kosov VOLUNTARILY handed his biscuits over to Gogol.

[Matt Wiser]

Gogol knew something about Kosov. Blackmail or extortion, no matter.... He made sure that the nukes would not fly, no matter what.

[Wolfman]

Has anyone heard anything new about the Collings Foundation PB-1W restoration project?

[Matt Wiser]

Nothing new, and when I took 512 to EAA Oshkosh, the most I heard was "slow progress."

[Jotun]

he was despised by his own people, and when the chance came to overthrow the regime, the Romanian Army and people took it. And succeeded.

Some rumors going on that it was one of the KGB final operations.

I heard something like that from a former operator with Consular Operations, codenamed Beowulf Agate. Tough SOB. He dropped the name Taleniekov during an intelligence workshop I took part in.
They supposedly crossed swords more than once and towards the end cooperated on an op or three that helped bring down the clique responsible for WW3…

[Wolfman]

Nothing new, and when I took 512 to EAA Oshkosh, the most I heard was "slow progress."

That’s a pity. A flying PB-1W would be something to see…

[Poohbah]

he was despised by his own people, and when the chance came to overthrow the regime, the Romanian Army and people took it. And succeeded.

Some rumors going on that it was one of the KGB final operations.

I heard something like that from a former operator with Consular Operations, codenamed Beowulf Agate. Tough SOB. He dropped the name Taleniekov during an intelligence workshop I took part in.
They supposedly crossed swords more than once and towards the end cooperated on an op or three that helped bring down the clique responsible for WW3…

I'd heard the codename Beowulf Agate once, ran it past Boss-Ma'am, and she just said, "He was the hardcore dude back in the day. Got shit done and didn't care who got pissed off about how he did it."

[jemhouston]

Some rumors going on that it was one of the KGB final operations.

I heard something like that from a former operator with Consular Operations, codenamed Beowulf Agate. Tough SOB. He dropped the name Taleniekov during an intelligence workshop I took part in.
They supposedly crossed swords more than once and towards the end cooperated on an op or three that helped bring down the clique responsible for WW3…

I'd heard the codename Beowulf Agate once, ran it past Boss-Ma'am, and she just said, "He was the hardcore dude back in the day. Got shit done and didn't care who got pissed off about how he did it."

On the basis of that description, are you related to him Poohbah?

[Poohbah]

I heard something like that from a former operator with Consular Operations, codenamed Beowulf Agate. Tough SOB. He dropped the name Taleniekov during an intelligence workshop I took part in.
They supposedly crossed swords more than once and towards the end cooperated on an op or three that helped bring down the clique responsible for WW3…

I'd heard the codename Beowulf Agate once, ran it past Boss-Ma'am, and she just said, "He was the hardcore dude back in the day. Got shit done and didn't care who got pissed off about how he did it."

On the basis of that description, are you related to him Poohbah?

Doubtful. But not impossible.

[Jotun]

OOC: If you hadn't noticed yet, I have rediscovered Robert Ludlum's thrillers. I actually read them (in German) at about ages 12 to 15, secondhand from my dad (I have always read several years above my age). It is sort of a nostalgia trip and it is fun to see how technology, society etc. have changed since he wrote them. In any case, many details went way over my head back then.

It is actually fun and the novels are quite modestly priced as Kindle versions.

[Wolfman]

OOC: I’ve vaguely heard of him. He wrote the Bourne series, right?

[Jotun]

OOC: I’ve vaguely heard of him. He wrote the Bourne series, right?

Yes, that's the guy.
He wrote a lot more.