When they were invited in, they were glad they were offered a seat before their legs gave way, such was the man’s fearsome reputation.
“Good afternoon, Comrades”, he said standing to lean over his desk and shake their hands. “May I get you a drink? I know how overwhelming the Kremlin can be. Perhaps next time we will meet in my office in the Lubyanka, I feel more at home there too.
“I have a friend who sends me Johnny Walker Black Label if you would like to try it, or perhaps something a little less strong. Red wine? Comrade Ivan Ivanovitch, a small Scotch for me and two glasses of red wine for our visitors, please, then you may leave us”. As the door closed, Andropov said, “Cheers. Now, I am told that you have a proposition, which will further the development of International Socialism”
