by Randy Dutton
“Yes, Miss Anna,” responded the communication’s room.
Her bare feet came off another chair as Marv walked in.
“Grab a beer and have a seat.” Her voice was calm and inviting to the stocky man just barely taller than her.
Always slightly tense whenever she was near, he sat down with an iced beer in hand. His eyes settled on the used ice pack lying on the table, then the redness of her knuckles.
“Relax, Marv. I just wanted to thank you for today.”
Curious, he craned his neck to glance below the table edge. There was a slight bruising on both her shins.
Her lips revealed a slight smile. “Yes, I had a good session.” She knew that in her first visits to the Spider, more than once, he had gotten into fights with crewmen who proclaimed less than honorable intent against her. Since those early months, she proved her mettle by often besting the yacht’s ex-special forces guards in martial arts and weapons training bouts.
As intended, her unpredictability and stealth startled the most hardened men. But it was her propensity to suddenly appear around corners while carrying sharp weapons that ultimately ensured a wide personal space.
When the crew realized she was unapproachable on a physical level, they quickly tagged her with the onboard moniker, ‘ice queen.’
“It was no problem.” He slowly sipped the bottle and tried unsuccessfully to avert his eyes from her silk jersey’s scoop neck.
“You didn’t tell anyone about making or delivering the bomb, did you?”
He shook his head. “No, mademoiselle. Per your instructions.”
“Good. Your military ordnance training serves you well in technique...and secrecy.”
“Oui. Was the device successful?”
“Very. And by eliminating the threat, you help Mr. Swanson end global warming. For that, we’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”
His tight lips relaxed and his eyes momentarily met hers. “Merci.” His smile narrowed. “Will you be returning home then?”
“Yes. I’ll be flying home tomorrow.”
His expression showed disappointment.
Chapter 10
June 17, 0800 hours
Davos, Switzerland
Swanson exited his hotel suite. Today the real work begins.
His entourage followed – two by two.
“Mr. Swanson, why did you want a phalanx of guards inside the hotel?” Jared asked. “This is one of most secure places you could be? Operationally, they’d be better placed surveilling the outside and hotel staff.”
“For show, Jared, for show. A parade makes a statement – the kingmaker has arrived. We have contracts to win on this trip. This is the culmination of over 20 years of work, and our Snath Group has the Championship Belt right now. Challengers must take us on to get part of the prize, and we want them intimidated.”
Swanson entered the salon where only the most exclusive guests were permitted. “Jared, have the guards stay outside the salon. You stay near me. Look imposing. And watch the Russian.”
“Yes, Sir.”
A large barrel-chested man quickly approached from across the salon, his voice booming, “Well, hello there Alexis, old friend.” The Russian financier embraced Swanson in a bear hug. “I heard you arrived late yesterday. You missed our big party last night. We had two whole floors. We had lots of vodka...the best. And the women...they were even better.”
“Vladimir you old scoundrel, how’ve you been? You’re looking fit. I see the eight-month Russian winter didn’t kill you,” Swanson taunted the billionaire.
“What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger, no?” he laughed loudly.
“So tell me, Vlad, what will you do when Russian oil and gas can’t be sold? I’d hate to see my old sparring partner in the poor house.”
“I would not so quickly dismiss our resources. My government may have given agreement to the UN Conference rules. But we always say, it matters not who votes, it matters only who does the counting.”
“And what would you be counting, Vladimir, if your pockets are sewn shut?”
“We Russians do not put all our coins in a single pocket. Besides”—his voice quieted—“we have very sharp knives with which to cut the stitching.”
Vladimir resumed his normal volume, “And do we not have some of the greatest minds in mathematics and engineering?”
“And is that the currency you bring to the table?”
“We bring history. For one hundred years has not my great Socialist country helped the West get to this point? Do we not have common cause in eliminating private property? Has not Mother Russia spent its resources and energies to guide western leaders on how government can control housing, to take the land from the bourgeois and use it to feed the hungry, and to guide the miserable lives of the proletariat so they have simple but fulfilling lives in the glory of serving the government? Why am I here, you ask? I am here to take receipt of the debt you all owe Russia. Without us, you would not be here.”
“Vladimir, my good friend, yes we owe your country a debt of gratitude for the social justice your great nation has instilled in our leaders. But this meeting is about saving the world from the foolishness of greed...to save the environment.”
“Nonsense, do not make us out as fools. Russia is entitled to share the wealth taken from others, just as you plan on taking a grand portion for yourself. I am here to make sure of an equitable transaction.”
“I will do what I can to comfort your days. Perhaps we can work out a deal to satisfy your healthy Russian appetite.” Swanson smirked.
“Alexis, it is I who has a deal I want to discuss. Please come with me to a quiet corner.” He took Swanson’s elbow and steered him to an alcove. “I have an offer of great sensitivity. It must be kept quiet.” Vladimir swept his forefinger across his closed lips.
“Okay, and what might this secret be?” Swanson asked with feigned interest.
“As you know, your government has not had an interest in extracting oil for many years.”
“That is obvious. We are trying to save the environment.”
“Right. And my homeland has become the largest oil exporter in the world….”
“Something the UN is ending, what of it?”
“And as a result of years of high oil prices caused by America’s refusal to drill its own reserves, Russia has used its bountiful cash reserves to gain access to two trillion dollars of devalued American debt…”
“Yes, I’m aware Russia owns considerable American bonds. China has more, so what?”
“Because America has had such disdain for oil and because it refuses to drill to add enough volume to make it economical, the Alaskan pipeline has been shut down. Alaska is costing America more money than it brings in, no?”
“Get to the point, Vladimir, the meeting is about to start.”
“We would like to buy Alaska.” Vladimir smiled when he saw Swanson’s face drop.
“Alaska? Russia wants to buy Alaska? Why?”
“Does it matter? The Czar sold it to the US for $7.2 million in 1867. We want it back – think of it as national pride.”
“This is a joke…isn’t it?”
“No, I have with me a letter of intent from my President.” Vladimir pulled an envelope from his inside jacket pocket and handed it to Swanson. “We want you to be the intermediary…and of course, you would get a nice fee for helping with the negotiation.”
Swanson was flabbergasted. “This is incredible…how much are you, I mean Russia, offering?”
“Russia offers $1 trillion. Before you laugh this off, America’s original purchase price in today’s dollars is about $150 million. Our offer is 6,666 times the current value you paid for it.”
Swanson’s eyes widened. “The price is extraordinary…but the American people won’t consider it.”
Vladimir put his hand on Swanson’s arm. “Alexis, my dear friend, you are a financial expert…a businessman…. You have the ear of the President and yet, perhaps, you don’t
quite understand. America is $24 trillion in debt. Russia is one of your biggest creditors. America’s assets are collateral. Alaska is an asset. We are going to force America to have a liquidation sale.”
“Americans won’t accept it.”
Vladimir smirked. “We Russians are nice people, are we not? We don’t want to upset America. We are trying to make a nice deal…so be nice and think about our offer.”
From across the room, came the coordinator’s call. “Gentlemen, if you would all join us in the conference room.”
Swanson was in both shock and awe of the Russian offer. “Vladimir, give me some time to consider it. Let’s have dinner together in my suite and I’ll give you my answer.”
“Alexis my friend, I’m happy to oblige you.” Vladimir walked into the conference room.
Jared walked over to Swanson. “Sir, are you okay? I couldn’t hear what was being discussed but something rattled you.”
Calming himself, Swanson responded, “It’s nothing Jared. Come, let’s get everybody inside. We’ve got deals to make.”
Later that evening, Vladimir entered Swanson’s hotel suite – all smiles. By Swanson’s personal invitation he knew the offer wouldn’t be rejected outright.
“Welcome, Vladimir!”
“Good evening, Alexis,” Vladimir cheerfully responded. He held two bottles of iced Putinka vodka in his big right hand and a bucket of Beluga caviar in the other. “I brought some of our best vodka, made by my own Moscow Distillery Cristall, for tonight. Russians can’t conduct business without vodka, no?”
“We mustn’t break tradition,” Swanson agreed. “After all, vodka enables businessmen like ourselves to do things at eleven at night, that no sane person would do at eleven in the morning.”
“I recognize that. George Bernard Shaw, no?” Vladimir asked.
“Paraphrased, but yes.”
“Ah, I see you try to bribe me with zakuskis! You know we Russians enjoy the savory bites. They make our superior vodka…even better.”
“Yes, the appetizers do delight the palate.”
The first bottle was opened and the iced drinks were poured.
Swanson toasted, “Vashe zdorovie!”
“To your health!” returned Vladimir. They downed the first glasses and followed with samplings of blinis, caviar, cured meats, smoked fish, fluffy pastries, wild mushrooms and pickled cucumbers.
A dinner of Wagyu beef was served four drinks later, and then all the attendants were dismissed – this was a private meeting.
“I’ve been considering the proposal,” Swanson began. “And Vlad, it disturbs me that Russia would want to pay so much for something of little value since oil has no market. The elimination of oil and gas extraction is necessary to reduce CO2 emissions. So what’s your game?”
“As I said, Alaska has sentimental value to Russia.”
“Bull! Back 150 years ago, Russia knew Alaska was beyond its capability to effectively administer. The Czar believed in a dozen more years Americans likely would have seized it without payment. And I know Russia plans on cheating with the oil. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”
“Alexis, Russia sold Alaska because we had financial difficulties. We are rich now. We also wanted to keep Alaska out of British hands. That no longer is a problem. Even as late as 1959, your own Congress didn’t want Alaska as a state until oil was discovered. Now there is no oil – so why keep it?”
“Good point.”
“Russia will still allow your tourists to visit and play in its parks.... In the end, does it matter why Russia wants Alaska? Are you not more concerned about your fee?”
“Vlad, I don’t really care about Alaska, but I do care if it undoes the efforts I’ve made to…create effective solutions to eliminate carbon dioxide. My fortune is wrapped around it. If Russia goes against the UN—”
“Stop there. I never said that is why Russia wants Alaska, that we would violate the UN Carbon Law.”
“No, that’s true, you didn’t,” Swanson admitted, deep in thought. A bemused look came over him. “I’m sorry if I may have assumed that. Perhaps…perhaps we can make this work....” He smiled. “I propose a toast!” His refilled glass was held high. “All roads are open!”
Recognizing the marketing phrase from the Putinka vodka bottle, Vlad returned the smile. “That is what I hoped you would say.”
They helped themselves to the food on the table. For a while it was quiet, each sizing up the other, each waiting for the other to speak.
Finally, Swanson began. “First off, Vlad, you need to revise your reasoning. Claiming Alaska is collateral is good, but perhaps you need to add that Russia perceives the US Treasury bond rating will drop further from its current Upper Medium Grade A+. This offer would provide America an opportunity to delay raising its debt ceiling. Play on the government’s fear, and perhaps dangle the hope that, with an American gesture of goodwill, Russia may continue investing in US Treasury bonds. But for America to not accept the deal might cause your government to reconsider its current holdings. The US government fears a dumping of its bonds onto the market.”
“Precisely Alexis, that’s what I was going to say. We dangle the carrot, and show them the stick!”
“This can’t be about the oil.”
“And your reasoning?” Vlad’s eyes narrowed.
“As much as America needs the money, our government doesn’t want to be seen reversing their goal to save the planet from global warming. If it were to become public that Russia would drill for oil, environmentalists would block the deal. They literally direct much of US policy. But you also may be in luck.”
“How so?”
“We progressives have worked decades to eliminate the possibility of using Alaskan oil and gas revenue to help the economy. The availability of oil distracts the people from pursuing a green economy.”
“And how have you done that?”
“By reducing the official estimates of what we have. In 2010 some of our officials dramatically reduced the official reserves in Alaska from 10.2 billion to 896 million barrels of recoverable oil. That’s a drop of…” and he pulled out a pen and did the calculations, “almost 92%. With a stroke of the pen, the US Geological Survey eliminated over a trillion dollars of oil.”
Swanson saw Vladimir’s smirk. “Why are you smiling? This would wipe out the economic advantage to holding Alaska.”
“Because my friend, we know better.”
Swanson revealed a knowing smile. “We’ve also promoted other ways to make oil and gas harder to use.”
“Please tell me.” Vladimir prompted.
“We’ve gotten activists to block various technologies that make extraction cost effective.”
“Such as?”
“Fracking. The technological use of solvents and pressure to create cracks and loosen the fuel. Despite almost no accidents, we’ve got our government and the public afraid of it. We’ve even been blaming water well contamination on it.”
“But aren’t some wells truly contaminated?”
“Yes, but usually through well casing failure or other operator mistakes but that’s not the message we put out.”
“And you have personally led this anti-fracking movement?”
“Let’s say I’ve had some of my resources working on it for several years,” Swanson confided.
“What else?”
“Vlad, I recommend you let President Hernandez think he’s pulling one over you. He will think Russia is paying more than Alaska is worth. Let him. And there’s another benefit you can offer him.”
“What is that?”
Swanson grinned mischievously. “You also need to include in your private argument to the President, that eliminating a very politically conservative star from the flag will improve the chance of Democrats gaining Electoral College votes, and expanding control of Congress. That to keep 50 states, the US should make Washington D.C. a state, or Puerto Rico. Either one adds a liberal star. That would keep the flag at 50 stars.”<
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“Yes Alexis, that too is a good thought.”
“And what of the current residents?” Swanson asked.
“What of them?”
“What administrative control will they have?” Swanson continued.
“None.”
Swanson shook his head. “That won’t work.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Vlad, unless Russia wants a rebellion, you must offer them autonomy or pay them to be repatriated back to the lower 48.”
“We could instead just evict them and ship them back to the US.”
“Never say that publicly. Many won’t be forced out. They would instead declare Alaska an independent country. They might anyway. They’ll fight. And despite the US and UN efforts to eliminate personal gun ownership, most Alaskans have one. Many would use them.”
“So we should create an autonomous zone?”
“Yes, for those who stay, just like the Chinese did with Hong Kong, where they said the Chinese government wouldn’t interfere for 50 years.”
“Yes, but the Chinese did interfere, almost immediately.”
“True, but not before the transfer was finished. By then it was too late. Remember, it’s not what you intend, it’s what you get them to believe you intend.”
“So you think this is possible?”
“Maybe. But your government must be open to increasing its bid. You’ll be able to buy off many Alaskans with the cash payment.”
“How much will it cost?”
“There were 710,000 Alaskans 10 years ago, but that was before there wasn’t enough oil to ship through the Alaskan pipeline. Without oil, much of the economy has suffered and the population had shrunk to about 600,000. Figure half will stay. I estimate reimbursements averaging $200,000 each will take care of the 300,000 who return to the US. That’s $60 billion. The others you’ll need to run the infrastructure.” Swanson paused. “Remember, this will strike at American pride to cede territory. But if giving up Alaska means Americans may continue receiving entitlements for awhile longer, it may just work.”
Swanson filled both glasses and raised his. “As the British Navy officers used to say, ‘To a bloody war or a sickly season.’”