The first signs of tension appear when Stalin refers to Trotsky – who volunteers to organise the Red Army – as "our Bonaparte", greatly insulting Trotsky for this suggestion of counter-revolutionary disloyalty. At this time, Dzerzhinsky is appointed head of the Cheka, the Soviet secret police. At the end of the act, in a private conversation, Lenin tells Stalin that he is "the most useful Comrade on the whole Committee."
As soon as signs of unease appear, Stalin refers to Trotsky – who volunteers to lead the Red Army – as "our Napoleon", causing Trotsky great offense for this implication of disloyalty. At the same time, Dzerzhinsky is appointed head of the Cheka, the Soviet secret police. In a private conversation at the end of the act, Lenin tells Stalin that he is "the most valuable Comrade on the entire Committee."