Landing in Nanning he thought of Sukhanov, but realized that the Major’s presence as his aide now would be a hindrance in his plans.
A car was waiting to take them to the prison camp, but this time Major Lu Chan stepped out to greet them. Lu Chan noticed immediately the unbending sternness of Chernakov’s new aide, Major Sergei Trushenko and the more formal demeanor of the General.
Lu Chan commented pleasantly, “I was looking forward to seeing Major Sukhanov again, General, how is he?”
Chernakov smiled and nodded, “I am certain that he would want me to give you his greetings, ‘Major,’” emphasizing the new rank, he paused, “I see you have been promoted, congratulations. Sukhanov has received a promotion also and at this time he is in Czechoslovakia and doing well; and General Yang?”
Lu Chan nodded also smiling. “I am most sorry to tell you that General Yang was called to Bejing two days ago. He was to be back tomorrow, however, we have been notified that he will remain there for another four days. It is possible that he will miss your time here, altogether. General, I have been instructed to act as your escort and allow you to have access to any and all of the prisoners you wish to interview.”
Lu Chan noting the change in Chernakov’s demeanor, suggested an early dinner. Chernakov agreed and asked that they be taken to their quarters immediately after.
Before retiring in the same quarters as he and Sukhanov had shared, Chernakov reviewed the orders given him by Karpov. He looked at his aide and said, “Do you know our purpose here, Trushenko?”
“We are to interrogate some American prisoners before they are transferred.”
“The orders, Major, are that I am to interview these prisoners. Therefore, our purpose would be best served if you would take charge of securing the plane and the air crew. I am not unaware of the danger that exists here. It was general Yang who incarcerated two of our technicians at this same location and I would not like to be forced to negotiate for the release of any of our air crew.”
“This is a very wise plan, General, and I will be pleased to take this responsibility,” Trushenko assured him.
Lu Chan arrived early to accompany the Soviet General to the prison that held the POW’s. Chernakov was quiet and seemed even more preoccupied than the day before. Lu Chan reasoned that the General did not look forward to the interrogations and asked, “Is there anything you would like to do before we begin the interrogations, General?”
“Yes, Comrade Lu Chan, I would like a brief tour of the cells.”
“Certainly, General, I will be happy to escort you,” Lu Chan responded. They rode in silence for a few more minutes then Lu Chan asked casually, “Was it very cold in Moscow when you left, General?”
“Yes, it was very cold, but it is the time of year,” Chernakov replied absent-mindedly, continuing to look out the window of the car at the bleak surroundings as they approached the camp.
Lu Chan spoke again, “I understand that September of 1967 was unseasonably warm in Moscow.”
Chernakov’s reaction was immediate, but he continued to stare out the window commenting slowly, “Yes, I do recall now that it was unusually warm and pleasant,” he replied. His pulse had quickened, but he must be careful. It could be a trap, the whole cemetery episode and now Lu Chan. “Better to wait,” he told himself.
The Chinese Major continued, seemingly unaware of his companion’s caution, nodding he commented, “It is warmest here this time of year. It is fortunate that you could make the right connections that would allow you to interrogate the particular prisoners the Party has asked for.”
The same excitement that he had experienced in the cemetery filled him. And now, hearing the same strange words from Lu Chan; he could only half believe that this could be some way of communication from the Americans. His response was measured. “I find it most interesting to meet someone who is so knowledgeable about climactic contrasts. As a pilot I am required to know these weather patterns, but you Major, are a surprise. We must discuss the subject again sometime,” he said as he looked out the car window as they passed through the gate of the prison compound.
Lu Chan knew that Chernakov had understood.
A guard opened the car door for Chernakov and Lu Chan. Lu Chan spoke to the guard in Chinese telling him that they would be touring the cells where five American prisoners were being held.
The first was the cell of an American major; a Chaplain who had been captured in Laos. As they approached they saw he was being beaten by a guard; the prisoner was in bad shape.
Lu Chan intervened, “What are you doing?” he shouted at the guard. “Get away from him. I will see to it that you are dealt with severely for this. This man is in no condition to be beaten any more.”
Bending over the Chaplain, Lu Chan spoke softly to him, “Would you like some water?”
The Chaplain, his face badly bruised, nodded and murmured through swollen lips, “Thanks. Bless you.”
Lu Chan nodded his head making sure the Chaplain was as comfortable as possible and then motioned Chernakov on to the next cells.
They left the cell block after seeing three or four more of the American POWs; one of whom had obviously been wounded. Possibly his wounds had been treated at some time, but he was very thin and was now quite ill; Chernakov was troubled at the seemingly poor treatment of the prisoner. He looked at Lu Chan, “What kind of treatment has this man had?” Chernakov spoke sharply.
Lu Chan looked at Chernakov, “I apologize, General, this man arrived only two days ago. He was given medicine immediately. He was one who came to us from Laos. As you are no doubt aware, the Pathet Lao prisoners are treated even more harshly than our North Vietnamese comrades. You must understand we must be cautious in our treatment; General Yang does not wish us to squander our resources.”
On the way to the interrogation rooms after a review of the prisoners, Chernakov spoke cautiously to Lu Chan, “I now understand your concern over the well being of a prisoner, Major, but perhaps you endangered yourself by being too severe with the guard.” Chernakov watched Lu Chan’s face harden as he spoke.
“The Chaplain poses no threat to anyone; perhaps he will be exchanged one day. It is not our business to prove our superiority by brutality,” he said decisively.
They stepped through a door in the prison into a long gray corridor. Lu Chan opened an inner door off the hallway. The room, like the hallway was drab gray. Everything was painted gray; the interrogation room was stark with a single light fixture dangling on a chain from the ceiling.
The room contained a desk with a chair behind it and one in front of the desk. There were two straight backed chairs near one wall and a three drawer filing cabinet in a corner.
“I thought you would like to use the desk for your papers, General.” Lu Chan went on, “The men you choose to interview will sit in front of you; I will sit on one side, if you wish for me to stay. There will be two guards near the door or just outside, whichever you prefer.”
Chernakov looked around at the room. “This is quite acceptable Major; the guards will remain outside in the hallway. You will remain with me.” Chernakov took papers from his briefcase and arranged them on the desk.
He looked at Lu Chan, “Before we begin the interrogations we will discuss some things and I have some questions for you. Please sit down, Major.”