by DiMirra
In this relaxed setting, I presented the King our one thousand karat emerald and Ibrahim the Mufti our one-of-a kind, historic Koran. They were at a loss for words and teary-eyed. So was Don Francisco. We had cemented our relationship for another generation.
The king summoned the Royal Jeweler who gawked in amazement at the gem. His Majesty then handed his ring with the Royal Seal to the jeweler and commanded it to be cut in half immediately and returned.
The stewards brought us fresh figs and melon accompanied by a vanilla crème bruelee. We enjoyed espressos and smoked Cohibas fresh from his majesty's cigar-maker at the palace. The conversation turned to family. The King commented that he had heard Reza Khan was the people's choice to lead Iran. With that, he flashed me a knowing smile.
The jeweler returned with the severed seal ring. He handed it to the king on a small, red velvet pillow. His majesty examined the work. He looked pleased. He picked up both halves, then looked at me as he said, "Gianni, you are more than a friend, more than a son to me. I present your family with one half of this ring. When presented to me or to the House of Saed, as long as it stands, you will be granted any boon you ask.
All the plans were set. Everyone concerned realized the need for immediate action. I had presented the Mufti with my Guardians. I would bring them home when we had cleared the field with the new course for Islam well under way. I spoke privately with His Majesty as well, to tell him of my trip to China and that I would defend his Kingdom at all costs.
In return, I asked him to give us landing rights for Sharp Sword drones to carry out the cleansing in the name of Islam. His Majesty and the Mufti agreed to provide escorts and safe passage for the Marine Division that was now en route to Iran from the east. His majesty even arranged immediate transport.
Our division was already on the move. I really liked how General Hamilton operated. He would make a fine President.
Chapter 31
En route to Beijing: 16:00, January 23rd
Air traffic was light. Most countries limited all departures and arrivals until the plagues were under control, if that time ever came. As we lined up on the runway, I couldn't help but think about that Airbus 319 that took off from this position three days before us, headed to Washington, DC. Not only did I not feel any remorse, it also reinforced my thinking and my determination to foster better governments when this was over.
Gone would be the professional politicians who acted like kings, queens, dukes and duchesses. There is nothing more morally bankrupt or more bereft of good ideas than the mind of a professional politician. We would replace governments that ruled over the people with laws that they themselves, flagrantly disregarded. Populations wanted and needed well-run, smaller governments with officials that wanted to return to their own occupation as soon as possible.
To that end, I brought together some of the best minds in the world at our ranch Costa Rica. The son I had with Cristina, named Rodrigo Castillo Uribe, would lead them. This ranch is a peaceful place, high up the slopes of Volcan Miravalles. I charged them with building a document that creates a more representative form of government manned by leaders for short periods of time, that were, and preferred to be, private citizens.
This document would be based on the core values of personal responsibility, limited government, free markets and individual liberty. The United Nations would be dissolved because a more corrupt and inept institution never existed. In its place, we would form a regulatory body to police the entire world. It would consist of seven members eventually, but to start, it would include China, Russia, the USA, and the Castillo Family. Eventually, it would include one representative each from Europe, Africa and South America.
There was an incoming video from Ali. I settled in the conference room with a double espresso, a smoke, and Don Francisco.
"Good afternoon, how went the meeting in Riyadh?" Ali opened.
"I'll let Don Francisco answer that," I replied.
"Ali, in a word, it was terrific. They were stuck and they knew it. To preserve peace in the Kingdom and within Islam they have been playing all sides against each other. For the first time, they had a way out through a viable choice. Our approach made it possible to save their Monarchy and Islam at the same time. They took the deal and are moving forward as we speak. Your Father did an exquisite job."
"That's good to hear, because things are heating up. The Pakistani nuclear device just lit up New Delhi. This happened less than ten minutes ago. I just spoke with my counterpart in India. He says the armed forces will launch a full counter-strike in the next ten minutes.
"They will target all cities over 50,000 inhabitants, of which there are over a hundred. This would just about empty their nuclear arsenal and produce several hundred million casualties. It appears to me world chaos has just escalated to World War III. This particular battle has been brewing for a long time. I think, in the end, it will really calm things down. I have already alerted China.
"General Hamilton has inspired confidence within the people of the United States so the level of violence is subsiding. Having said that, the Ebola, botulism, and other, less virulent diseases, have jumped the fire break and gone out of control. California alone has seven million infected. The General has some difficult decisions in front of him. He's done a great job on the Border and in Mexico. He has the Cartels and criminal gangs on the run. He selected the populist leader, an indigenous man called Tupac, to govern until they can regroup and hold elections.
"The violence in the EU has wound down but now they have the same issue with disease -- 80 million infected and rising. The French Defense Minister is on his way to Taroudant. We are going to discuss the vaccine with him. Please advise on what terms we do so."
"Ali, we need to exact a high price for this benefit," I said. "These are the terms -- the military will take control of each and every government. They will cede their nuclear arsenals to us for safekeeping, including the submarines. This must be done immediately.
"They will balk at this, but hold the line, they have no other choice. We need a consensus from all the generals before we proceed. General Hamilton will send the necessary air transport for the nuclear arms and crews to man the subs. No excuses. No delays.
"Once the plagues have run their course and there are no new infections we will also deliver the Cellbot technology to them. Then they will have a healthy populace going forward."
"Ok Baba, I got it," Ali said. "The Defiance is cleared. Everyone on board was inoculated with the Cellbot therapy. She'll make port in Tangiers and then we'll sort out what to do with the girls we rescued. You'll be happy to know that General Chang Long and his Falcons terminated the last piece of the poaching network."
"That's fabulous. Make sure you let Raffa know, so the General can be properly rewarded. Don Francisco and I are going to have dinner and discuss South America. We'll catch up with you later on the India situation. The Pakistanis are a wily group but they were too clever by half in dealing with India.
"Francisco, the King catered your plane with loin of fresh tuna, shrimp, salmon and stone crab along with two bottles of Chateau Lafitte '29. So it will be seafood and sushi night with a most excellent wine as we discuss the future of South America.
I was enjoying the chilled stone crab claws with a divine honey mustard sauce and a little lime, when I began the conversation.
"I know we're distantly related to Simon Bolivar. I can see his strong character in you. It is time for his spirit to unite all of South America. We have the tools, we have the opportunity, and we have the means to accomplish this now. I want you to lead this revolution."
"Johnny, my boy," my Grandfather replied. "Simon was a notorious womanizer and slept with hundreds of beautiful women in Colombia. So in that respect we are similar. One was a great Grandmother on your Uribe side, six generations ago. So you have his genes, not me, and by the way he was a miserable politician. Please do tell me more of your thoughts and this idea of yours."
"The following
is how I see our problem in Latin America. No matter who is in power, a rich family or a communist dictator, and we've had many of both, still the people remain uneducated and poor. We know it is because of corruption from anyone who gains power and control.
"What we lack is a large middle class that enables social mobility. We have abundant natural resources but they are frequently misused and abused. We have large indigenous populations that don't give a damn about a central government and do not want to integrate into the larger society. They do want certain benefits and their fair share of the resources.
"In other words, we have almost twice the landmass of the States, double the resources, and a slightly larger population, yet we fail to prosper as nations. Our problem is our form of government and private ownership of resources instead of public. I believe all of the diverse groups want more self-determination. They don't want handouts from a central government. They want to live life in a manner that they determine without government intervention.
"Keep going, Johnny."
"In the last few years, our family has clandestinely bought about 750,000 square miles of land distributed throughout the continent. We now control 11 percent of the continent through a complex series of relationships and companies. This land was acquired to be redistributed to those many people who want to govern their own destiny with exception for a few key parcels totaling approximately 100,000 square miles.
"I'm listening," said Francisco.
"Here's the plan. We are thirteen countries. You know all the leaders personally. You know all the wealthy families in each country. I want you to be the head of it all and the face of unification. When we finish here, drop me in Africa for my meetings with Keny and return to Colombia and start this conversation. Gauge the level of interest at the top and let me know where, and from whom, we have any serious disagreement. I will deal with those dissenting leaders in the manner most expedient.
"We have the most highly paid and happy employees on this continent. They will gladly support this effort on your behalf. In other words, they will sing your praises high and low to the masses. I will have Etsa and Wakani organize a grassroots campaign through the indigenous people. They will spearhead this to gain momentum with the populations in each country."
"Why don't you do it, Johnny?"
"Grandfather, you, of all people, know I do not suffer fools gladly and I do not enjoy the political game. As a matter of fact, I detest politics. That's where you come in. You love the limelight. You love the non-stop parties and all the intrigue. You're perfect for this and you know it."
"Ok, ok. I was just messing with you, Johnny. You would be horrible at it, you'd probably kill everyone that disagreed with you. You will be great at doing what needs to be done when I ask. So be it."
I felt a slight deceleration of the plane. Nanyuan military airport was nearby. It was late, so we would spend the night on the plane. I would keep company with Tori. I was thinking of writing a book about her breasts as I fell asleep.
Chapter 32
Beijing: 08:00, January 24th
Raffa arrived by military helicopter appearing well dressed and looking happy. He came aboard just in time for the breakfast our chef was preparing. The flight attendants wore skimpy maid outfits. I felt like pancakes and sausage so that's what we were having.
Raffa greeted us with "Good morning, Gentlemen. I see nothing ever changes for you two."
"Good morning Raffa. Please join us for breakfast," I replied.
Don Francisco said, "Buenos Días, (Good Morning) Raffa. Johnny has big plans. He's taking over the world."
"It's not like that Tio (Uncle,)" I cut in. "You know how Francisco exaggerates."
"Well, at any rate boys," Raffa said, "The vaccine has been here for 24 hours. It is working its way down through the chain of command reaching people in order of importance at the moment.
"The cash was phenomenal. I had never seen two billion in green paper form. The Premier knows there is a trillion in route via container ships, due in Shanghai in the next day or so."
"Tio, what are the infection count and current casualties?"
"Between the bombing and virus, we suspect it's over 180 million dead and perhaps as many 400 million more infected. Beijing is not insulated. There are tens of thousands of cases but the Army is working its way through inoculations and quarantine in the general metropolitan area. The same is occurring in all of the major population centers."
"Those are staggering numbers, more than the population of South America," I said.
"Tio you need to start the Cellbot therapy today, just to be sure. We have a limited supply with us now. I plan a demonstration for the Premier. We'll start with you and your family, if you do not mind."
"I'm all in, Johnny".
"I need to check in with Ali," I replied. "Let's go to the conference center."
Ali appeared bright and cheerful on the screen.
"The only big change from my last report is that Pakistan has disappeared off the map. At last count, the Indian armed forces hit the country with 115 nukes. The entire country is covered in a dust storm heading east southeast. I have included some high altitude videos on the screen just behind me. The entire country seems to be on fire.
"I cannot imagine what it must be like on the ground. The fallout will blanket northeast India today and be over Thailand and Vietnam tomorrow and onward to Malaysia the next day. We do not have enough data to run a computer model, so it's anyone's guess what will happen to the countries downwind.
"I spoke with Jean Claude, the EU Secretary of Defense. I outlined what we could do and what we want in return. I think he actually understood the brilliance of the plan. At any rate, he will arrange for the commanding Generals of the major EU countries to meet with you at the Villa in Lugano. He added he would petition the Generals to accept your 'Terms of Surrender.'
"You're due in Africa tomorrow to meet with Keny and the new leadership. Your jet is en route. I will have it in Nairobi tomorrow morning.
"Nothing new in the US. The military is making small progress everyday. DC and New York are still too hot for any type of relief action. The frigid conditions are due to break on Thursday.
"Other than that, I spoke with Miche this morning. He said the labs at Coherent Harmonics made a breakthrough in the "background radiation and dark energy equation." He sounded excited but said he would prefer to deliver the details in person.
"One last item. You can see it on your right-hand screen. His Majesty and the Mufti, good to their word, sent escorts to the traveling marine column in Bamian this morning, early. As you can see from the drone shot, the head of the column and the outriders are carrying the battle flag of Arabia and Islamic banners. Who would have ever thought that possible? I sent this clip to General Hamilton and he shot back a 'smiley face.'"
"Interesting. Thanks Ali, we must get ready to meet with the Premier, so I will catch up with you this afternoon. Thanks, Son."
Don Francisco shouted out "Ciao, Ali."
I went to change into the appropriate light charcoal, blue pinstripe, Zegna suit with a vermillion Charvet tie for good luck. After all, we were in China.
It was a cold and dreary day in Beijing. The water droplets formed interesting designs on my window, helped by the speed of the helicopter, reminding me how fleeting life really is.
The Premier received us privately. He had his two closest allies from the State Council by his side. We were symmetrically matched, in that our party was Don Francisco, Raffa and me. The Premier had already met my Grandfather on numbers of occasions through the years.
I could tell his curiosity was piqued by Francisco's appearance. We exchanged pleasantries. English was the chosen language. The Premier spoke it with confidence. He was perhaps the best-educated man to ever hold the office, which was a plus for us and for China. I decided to start the conversation with the health issues.
"Gentlemen, these hard times, bleak times, yet they are also times of great opportunity
. One such opportunity is the health of your population. You are now inoculating your people. The vaccine will be one hundred percent effective, so no worries there. Premier, you have met my Grandfather numerous times in the past. He will be turning 86 this year. Raffa is one of his sons. Yet Francisco looks closer to my age.
"I'm privileged to tell you we have developed cellular technologies that not only slow down the aging process, it also reverses aging to an optimum degree. This technology also cures and prevents every malady known to man. I give you living proof of that in my Grandfather."
There was a little commotion amongst the leaders of China as they discussed it among themselves for a moment.
"Now is the time, and there will never be a better time, for us to define what our people want and their direction. What we, as a united world, want to move toward. I am not a policy wonk nor am I inclined to be political. Policy and framework will come. Right now, we have to concentrate on strategy.
"America has lost her appetite for policing the world, but the world still needs a policeman. The EU is in such difficulty that it may take them much longer to recover than the rest of the world. I propose a permanent World Council that will have seven members eventually.
To begin, there will be four -- China, Russia, the United States and my Family. Don Francisco will unite South America into one nation with thirteen states. Then they will be admitted as a member. Kenyatta is rapidly uniting Africa into one nation with many members. They will also be admitted to the Council. When Europe is united with one voice, they will be admitted, making seven."
"Excuse me Gianni," the Premier broke in. "How do you propose to gain acceptance from the countries and continents of which you speak?"
"Premier, it will not be easy but we have already begun the process. This is why we are here today. I will meet with all the Generals of the EU, in Switzerland, two days hence. The subject matter is that they will give up their complete nuclear arsenals and begin to form a true Nation of States. In return, they will receive, at no cost, the very cell technology we are discussing today."