Covenant - THE CONTROLLER 01

by Jerry Bruce

  “This hard line approach of yours has put us on the brink of disaster.” Hollister voiced his displeasure loudly and without any attempt at tempering his anger.

  The president stopped in the doorway, turned to face the Speaker, and looked him in the eyes with equal ire. “We’ve been on the brink for quite some time. Thanks to politicians such as yourself, we have been living in fear of terrorism because you keep hoping it will go away on its own volition instead of taking action. But now I believe I’ve put us in the driver’s seat, Mr. Speaker. I’ve put the terrorists on notice; and now they know they are living on borrowed time.”

  * * *

  Back in his office, Richard pondered over his meeting and wondered if he might have burned some bridges. Too late to have second thoughts now, the damage is done, he thought to himself with a deep sigh. A knock on the door brought him back.

  “Yes?”

  Adam opened the door and entered. “I think that went well, but I thought you were going to baby their egos?”

  “I decided that since I had public opinion on my side, I should take advantage of the situation and flex my muscle. Do you think I laid it on too strong?”

  “No, you made your point. A little muscle flexing can’t hurt from time to time, especially when there’s a budget to be passed.”

  “Yeah, that’s coming up, isn’t it? We have to sit down with the staff and decide what we will accept as a bottom line. What else do we have coming up?”

  “Well, there are the Medicare and Social Security issues, of course. We also have to decide how to handle the World Trade Organization. They haven’t stepped up to the plate as we hoped they would.”

  “Okay, Adam, set up a couple of teams using our aides and assistants and give them the tasks of coming up with the hot spots we should target in each area. Let’s focus on about ten items we need to resolve. Knowing we won’t get everything we ask for, tell them to list by priority.”

  “Will do, Sir. I guess I’ll see you back at the White House in a couple of days?”

  “Yeah, the vacation, such as it is, is almost over.”

  * * *

  Richard was just about ready to call it a day and join the family for dinner when the cell phone rang out its familiar “Hail to the Chief”.

  “Hello.”

  “Good evening, Richard. I won’t keep you long as I know you probably want to relax and spend some time with your family. You have a couple of days to spend with them, and you should. You deserve a break and they deserve to see more of you.”

  “So why are you calling?”

  “I just wanted to give you some ideas to mull over when the opportunity arises. First of all, I would like you to consider how we might implement a plan to provide grain and vegetable seeds to as many nations as possible. I’ve had a team of scientists come up with genetically-altered rice, wheat, corn and other crops. We’ve given them the capability of quick growth, maximum output and drought tolerance. With these we’ll be able to eliminate starvation. Think of it, Richard. You and I will put an end to hunger. No longer will millions die every year.”

  “That’s amazing. How did you accomplish it, and so soon?”

  “It took a great deal of money and time. It wasn’t done overnight. I’ve had them working on this for years.”

  “It shouldn’t be too difficult to get the seeds to the places that need them the most.” Richard almost said it under his breath as he thought over the logistics.

  “Actually, I was thinking that the best way to proceed would be to get our limited amount of seed stock to countries that have the ability to propagate the crops as quickly as possible. We could increase our supply of stock more rapidly that way. We should be able to pyramid each crop in minimal time. Then the next phase would be to get the crops going in those third world countries that need them the most.”

  “Good idea. How much starter stock do we have?”

  “Right now I have thousands of acres in such places as California, Nebraska, Iowa, and Idaho. We’ve been growing the crops for a couple of years. We can hit the ground running, so to speak. If you put together a team, I will provide the names of individuals involved in this project and together they can get the ball rolling.”

  “I’ll put my chief of staff on it right away. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible with the names of those we decide to put on the project.”

  “Excellent, Richard. I’m glad you are as excited about this as I am. The possibilities are wondrous.”

  “This definitely comes at a convenient time, what with recent events.” Richard was hoping to elicit some reaction and voluntary release of information from the Controller.

  “I assure you, it is no coincidence. I could have told you about this several months ago, however I chose to keep it to myself. I wanted to make doubly sure that everything was perfect before I mentioned it. However, I had no idea it would come in so handy, so quickly. This could win over all your detractors, not just at home, but worldwide.”

  “This could be just the incentive that some of the WTO nations need to swing over my way.”

  “Quite right, Richard. But consider this: once the food program is in full swing, world trade will be a side benefit and a logical next step. Once trade is firmly entrenched, we will have the perfect foundation for disarmament talks and treaties. Peace won’t be just a dream, it will be a reality. Once resistant nations are dependent upon our grains and free trade, they will have no choice but to fall peacefully in line.”

  “That seems like too much to even dream about, considering what has transpired lately.”

  “Have no fear, Richard, it is going to happen, I have no doubt.” With that the Controller ended the call, leaving Richard to think over the possibilities.

  Richard remained in his office another few minutes before joining the family. His mind was racing over the logistical nightmares that the food grain program would pose. This had to be successful; failure could not be even the remotest of possibilities. So wrapped up in the mechanics of making the program work, he hardly had time to reflect on how much this would mean to the world. Taking a few minutes to think it over brought home the significance—the elimination of starvation—no longer a dream but a reality. Richard had to fight back the tears over the thought of accomplishing something so extraordinary. That he would be the president at such a time was overwhelming. It didn’t matter what it would do for his political career; what mattered most was what it would do for mankind.

  * * *

  “So, you’ve never showed me your ‘Alexander the Great, world conqueror’ side before. What triggered the sudden hard line? Veronica was curious to hear the answer, but wanted to pose the question in a lighthearted manner, so she asked somewhat matter-of-factly before taking a bite of apple pie.

  “I don’t think I came across at quite that level.”

  “Well, maybe the conqueror term was a bit much,” she smiled.

  “I just felt that the timing and severity of the embassy takeover, what with the Middle East situation being what it is, warranted drastic measures.”

  “You don’t have to apologize to me.”

  “I didn’t realize that I was. I just wanted you to understand my position.”

  “I do understand, Richard. And I agree with your actions. It’s about time somebody did something to put an end to this madness. It’s only a matter of time, a short time at that, before some lunatic starts lobbing missiles all over the region.”

  “That’s my point, exactly.”

  “But tell me, Richard, would you have really used nuclear weapons on Israel?” She looked him in the eyes with concern and wasn’t sure if she was prepared for the answer.

  “With deep regret.”

  * * *

  Their last few days at Camp David were less hectic and Richard found more time to spend fishing with Randall and riding with Jennifer. He and Veronica were able to spend more private time, taking walks and discussing trivial things instead of major events. Veronica told
Richard how pleased she was to see the family reconnecting. She remarked about how she noticed that Jennifer and Randall were closer than they had ever been. Richard offered that maybe it wasn’t Camp David as much as it was the maturing of their children. They agreed that both might have been contributing factors.

  As the family was preparing for their departure after having breakfast, Veronica received a phone call from her mother.

  “Richard, I have to get home right away.” The distress in her voice got Richard’s attention.

  “We’ll be on our way to the White House in an hour or so. The helicopter is already here.”

  “No, I mean home. My father had a heart attack.”

  “Oh no. Listen, try to relax, I’ll get the helicopter to take you right away. I’ll stay here with the children until another helicopter can be arranged.”

  “Shouldn’t we all go?”

  “I don’t think that would be advisable just yet. You go and get to your father’s side as soon as you can. Let us know the situation and I’ll make arrangements to get there with the kids. Did your mother say how serious it was?”

  “No, it only happened minutes ago. The paramedics got him stabilized and he is being transported to the hospital right now. She was calling from my sister’s cell phone en route to the hospital.”

  “Okay, you go there and see what’s up. If he requires more care than the local hospital can provide, let me know and I’ll see to getting him relocated to a better facility.” With that Richard picked up the phone and notified security about the change in plans.

  “You finish packing. I’ll go tell the kids and then I’ll come back to see you off.”

  * * *

  Richard decided to wait at Camp David for news from Veronica rather than traveling back to D.C. Marine One had enough time to take the first lady back to the white house and return to Camp David. The helicopter was already loaded with the president’s luggage and awaiting orders.

  It was several hours after Veronica got to the hospital before she was able to phone Richard with an update.

  “Here’s the latest news I’ve been able to get.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “He had a mild attack. The doctors will need some time before they can determine how badly his heart may have been damaged. Apparently, even a very mild attack can seriously damage the heart.”

  “I suppose we can be grateful that it was mild and not more serious. How are your mother and sisters?”

  “They’re coping fairly well.”

  “Do you want me to look into having him transferred to another facility?”

  “No, we decided to leave him here. Apparently one of Dad’s best friends, Dr. Unger, is a cardiologist and Mom called him in for his opinion. He should be getting here any minute. The doctors here have indicated to us that he is one of the top men in his field.”

  “Good. As long as he receives the best care, that’s the main thing. Look, we have a helicopter standing by, so I’ll bring the kids. We should be there before too long.”

  “Okay. See you soon. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “You wanted to see me, Mr. President?” Adam already was closing the door to the Oval Office as he asked.

  “Yes, Adam, have a seat.” The president motioned to Adam and directed him to the easy chair next to the president’s usual chair. Richard mulled over the agriculture project for a few days before deciding on his action plan.

  “I want your feedback on something. I want to put two people on a new project. It will require some knowledge of large-scale farming, some international agricultural background, and the ability to deal with the scientific community. Those traits can be distributed between the two individuals. If we have such people on our staff, then I would prefer to use them; otherwise, tap any sources that fit the mold.”

  “Those are pretty specific requirements. May I ask what the project entails?”

  “What would you say if I told you that there’s a team of scientists that have developed crops such as wheat, rice, and corn which are disease-resistant, drought tolerant and fast-growing?” The president was sitting on the edge of the chair, obviously excited at such prospects.

  “I’d say it would be the biggest discovery in decades!” Adam was definitely interested in hearing more.

  “Precisely. And there are enough crops being grown right now to provide a good supply of seed to a lot of farmers.”

  “Why haven’t I read about this in the papers? This is big news.”

  “It’s been done on the Q-T by private parties with no government intervention or help. We need to keep it as quiet as possible until we’re ready to announce it to the rest of the world. Needless to say, in spite of the benefits, there are those who do not see ending hunger as part of their agendas.” The president relaxed somewhat and sat back into his chair.

  “I understand. Well, I can’t think of anyone on our staff with enough in-depth knowledge to do justice to such a project. I do, however, remember reading about a woman who has spent the last ten years of her life in Africa trying to get worthwhile relief to the farmers there. All they are getting is worn-out farm equipment that they can’t keep running, and they don’t have any crops to use the machinery on, anyway. As I recall, the piece stated that she wasn’t too fond of American politicians and their views concerning how to solve the problems facing third world countries. She was quite outspoken about political motivations on the part of world powers being more important than getting results.”

  “She sounds like a good person to have on our side. Find out as much about her as you can and get back to me. If she has the right credentials, maybe we can use her help. Anyone else come to mind?”

  “Not immediately. Let me have a few days to see what I can come up with.”

  “Fine. Get back to me as soon as you can. I want to get the ball rolling on this. This could take some of the heat off us and get people thinking even more positively about this administration.” With that, Richard got up and walked back to his desk.

  “I’ll make this a top priority, Mr. President.” Adam was closing the Oval Office door as he spoke when Mrs. Williams stuck her head in.

  “Mr. President, Vice President Hamilton would like to talk to you if you have a few minutes.”

  “Send him in, Mrs. Williams.”

  “Good morning, Richard.”

  “I’m glad you stopped by Stephen. I’ve been meaning to call you. Let’s have a seat and I’ll have Mrs. Williams bring us some coffee.”

  “You sure I’m not disturbing you?”

  “Not at all, I’m glad you’re here.” Richard stuck his head outside the door and asked Mrs. Williams to bring in a coffee service.

  “I’ve wanted to congratulate you on the job you did in the Middle East. I couldn’t have sent a better spokesperson.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President, I appreciate it.”

  “I have something to run by you, Stephen, and I assure you this will be better news than the last time.”

  Richard proceeded to fill Stephen in on the agriculture project. He gave him the details, leaving out only the involvement of the Controller. Richard suspected that Stephen still had reservations regarding their benefactor, so Richard never told him about his being contacted by the Controller, or his discussions with him. Richard felt bad about leaving Stephen out of the loop on the issues he was working on with the Controller, but it was easier this way.

  “That is phenomenal news, sir. I think I might have someone who could fit in very well on this project. I’ll give his name to Adam and he can check him out to see if it’s a fit.”

  “Great, any help would be welcome.”

  “Have you thought over all the ramifications if this project succeeds? And I don’t mean just the project results; I’m talking about the mood that will permeate world politics.”

  “I don’t follow you.”

  “Mr. President, this project, if successful—and I see no reas
on why it cannot be—could grease the wheels toward a world economy. In fact, if our ideas on revising the WTO are adopted, then along with this we are looking at a world ripe for leadership by one man. We could be laying the cornerstone right now for a world government. Think about it. We have an American president responsible for the Middle East going through disarmament and forming peace treaties; a president who is actually taking over the leadership role instead of merely being ‘viewed’ as the world leader; and now that same president is bringing an end to world hunger. Forget about reelection; that’s now a foregone conclusion in my book. We need to start thinking in terms of a World Presidency.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Stephen. The world isn’t ready to think in those terms. Besides, we haven’t been in office that long to be talking about reelection. And as far as anything beyond a second term, well, that’s just too premature to even speculate.”

  “It won’t be by the time our second term is over. Don’t be surprised if the notion of a world government doesn’t start gaining momentum over the next few years. You could find yourself campaigning for a higher office!”

  “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

  “You bet I’m serious. Mark my words, sir, it’s going to happen.”

  With that the vice president rose to depart, saying “I’ll go see Adam about that candidate.”

  “Wait a minute, Stephen; you came in here to see me and I sidetracked you into discussing my project. What did you want to talk to me about?”

  “Oh, nothing as important as your information, but there is something of which I think you should be aware. While I was in the Middle East, I was meeting with the Syrian President and he said something odd to me.”

  “What was it?”

  “Something to the effect that Israel didn’t act solely of their own volition. He hinted that there was another influence at play. When I pushed him, he clammed up and said that he couldn’t give me any more information without putting himself in jeopardy. Does this make any sense to you?”

  “Not in the least; I can’t imagine what would prompt him to say such a thing.”