The two men got into a grappling match each trying to take the other down. Basic training had given them all the instincts they needed, and they knew how to make it look like they were really hurting each other without doing any real damage. Tom landed two solid punches to Bob’s gut. Bob then got Tom in an arm lock around the neck. They both landed on the floor wrestling.
A crowd quickly formed around the two men. They were starting to begin to cheer and then money came out and bets were being made. The odds were running about two to one in Tom’s favor, but it was far from clear what the betting was on and how the payoff would be made. Was the crowd expecting a knockout or for one of them to tap out? Tom and Bob hadn’t worked that out. They expected something else to happen.
And it did. Both men found themselves grabbed by two security men, handcuffed, and taken to the hotel manager’s office. Out of the sides of their eyes they caught Chen standing a few yards away from where the fight took place. Then they passed Deng sitting on one of the couches in the lobby. He pretended to be talking with one of the personal guards, but the smile on his face was unmistakable.
* * *
On Wednesday at noon, the networks interrupted their regularly scheduled programming for the President’s address from the Oval Office.
Turner began with the usual formal introduction, thanking viewers for watching and giving a brief recap of the challenge posed by China. He followed this by repeating his pledge that America would prevail, then spoke at length about how the dollar was not just the economic symbol of the United States, but, was used by people throughout the world.
He then revealed the work between Congress and the Federal Reserve to issue a new series of gold coins, enough to cover every existing dollar currently in circulation. He framed the new coins not as pocket currency—paper money would still be viable, the preferred way of conducting commerce—but as an investment, a way to securely protect the value of one’s money.
After giving a simplified version of the math—how the coins would be bought with debt, the way the price would be protected, and how it would keep the nation’s spending reined in—time came for the full court press.
“So what does this have to do with China,” he said. “Remember, they are trying to undermine our currency. They are trying to drive down the value of the dollar and in so doing make their own currency—which they call renminbi, or ‘the people’s money’—the world’s dominant currency.
Turner made a significant pause. Then, “Unfortunately, they got two things wrong. First, they aren’t going to drive down the value of the dollar. This new currency will make the dollar as good as gold. And it will be that way forever because we are putting the gold in your hands if you want to hold it instead of holding cash.
“Second, the truth is that the U.S. dollar is the true people’s money. You will have the right to hold these special gold coins, or not, depending on your choice. They aren’t doing that. Over in China they are keeping the gold in the hands of the government, not letting it out into the hands of the people. They are saying to the people ‘trust us,’ ‘trust the government.’ So the renminbi really isn’t the people’s money. It is the government’s money. And some people are saying that it is not even the government’s money, but the Chinese government’s Ponzi scheme.
“So today we are telling the Chinese government that we are trusting our people with the choice of holding dollars in gold coins or in currency and you aren’t. What does that say about who has the better currency?
“The difference between our currencies is like the difference between our governments. We trust the people to elect who runs the government and we trust the people to decide on how to hold their money. In China they do neither of these things. Those in power keep themselves in power, and they keep the gold all to themselves. Political freedom and economic freedom go hand in hand. So do political and economic dictatorships.
“Freedom is the sign of strength. A faith in people running their own lives. Dictatorship is a sign of weakness. A sign of fear of what people may do if given the choice. They don’t trust the people with that choice because they are right to fear what the people will do—demand freedom for themselves and for their families.
“So, my fellow Americans, I have always told you that we will prevail. And the reason is that we are a free people and freedom is a sign of strength, a beacon of hope, and a promise of prosperity.
“Thank you again for inviting me into your homes this afternoon, and thank you for joining me in standing tall for our country and the cause of freedom.”
* * *
The two men had their handcuffs removed in the manager’s office and were seated on chairs in front of his desk. The manager said, “Gentlemen, we simply cannot have fighting in this hotel. If the local police become involved, you will be charged with disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct. You will be spending the rest of your vacation in our local jail, which I assure you has no amenities whatsoever and a prison population more than happy to give you all the fights you desire. None of us wants that, now do we?”
Bob and Tom lowered their heads showing they were ashamed and said, “No, sir.” Showing respect in these situations almost always worked. Besides, the odds that the hotel manager would actually bring the police in were exceedingly small. A police presence was bad for business—and the hotel was involved in a variety of business lines that would be impacted should such an intervention take place.
The manager continued. “Then there is the matter of the chits that the casino gave you. You were overheard saying that you were out of money and your credit cards were maxed out. How were you planning on redeeming the chits and paying your hotel bill when you left?”
Both men remembered the promise of a comped room when their winning streak started, but they let it go. This was part of the game the casino was playing. They kept their heads lowered in shame.
“The husband and wife who own this casino and all the land you see do not take very kindly to deadbeats. You will not be allowed to leave Laos until you pay. Under local law you will be allowed to work off your debts via indenture. But I suspect that would take several years given the amount you owe.”
A look of fear crossed Bob and Tom’s faces. Bob said, “We have jobs to go back to that pay good salaries. We could pay the casino off in six months, tops.”
“Gentlemen, there is no surety that this casino could collect from you once you were back in the United States. Payments from America to this casino are very carefully monitored, so that would be impossible. However, we do have an option that would let you pay your debts and even leave some money in your pocket. If you choose, you could even stay at the hotel for the duration of your reservation.”
Bob and Tom looked up, paying rapt attention.
“Our guests come here seeking many different types of enjoyment. We have two particular guests, both Chinese businessmen, who have some tastes that are a bit out of the ordinary. Usually they arrange to do things with local boys, generally younger than yourselves. Americans are fairly rare here and the few that are rarely find themselves in your particular situation.”
“Let me guess, these guys enjoy gay sex, right?” asked Tom.
“Not exactly. They enjoy rough sex. Really rough. I believe it would be described as BDSM in America.”
The men looked at each other. A clear look of fear and apprehension showed on their faces. That would make for a better negotiation. Sadistic bullies such as Deng enjoyed watching their subjects exhibit fear. They had noticed one of the casino’s ubiquitous cameras above the manager’s desk. They suspected Deng was watching. Bob said, “We are not really into that.”
Tom followed by saying to Bob, “You got us here, you bastard. It sounds like that or being indentured for years or maybe a visit to a jail where we might get knifed to death.” Tom then said to the manager, “What exactly does your guest have in mind?”
“He envisions himself as an old-style military officer meting out old-fashi
oned sorts of military punishments. He will inspect you closely. He’s not really into sodomy, though he will make you pleasure yourselves in front of him and the other men around him to humiliate you. Then he will beat you with his belt. I won’t mislead you. It is going to hurt like hell. But there is a limit. The hotel has an agreement with him and his colleague. He will stop before you lose consciousness. The rule is you must be able to leave standing, with assistance perhaps, but no stretchers. Very bad for business.”
Both men grimaced.
“What are we talking about?” asked Tom. “And how do we know he will stop?”
Bob said, “How much money are we talking about? And how can we be assured we will be paid?”
The manager said, “All good questions. It will stop. It always does. Mr. Chen and Mr. Yam know the rules and they want to keep coming back. If it makes you feel any better, I can be in the room to make sure and also to act as a translator. Most of the people he uses are local teenage boys and they usually get around sixty to seventy lashes. They get tired after that. You two are solidly built and can probably handle that easily.
“Since you seem to be Anglo-Saxon in origin, Mr. Yam will doubtless remind you how the Royal Navy regularly meted out one hundred lashes and that was with a cat-of-nine-tails made of tarred rope. His belt is comparatively gentle. I will be honest—it may be easier than what they used 150 years ago, but gentle it is not. Still, you will walk out of there. Sore, but alive.”
Bob repeated, “And how much?”
“That is negotiable. The local boys only get about $300. Enough to feed their family for a month. But the two of you are different. Mr. Yam in particular seemed anxious to be able to do his thing with some Americans. He has already provided the means to cover your debts and promised to add more if you are willing. I will go speak with him. Please excuse my directness, but he may want to inspect the merchandise. You see the camera. He is watching. If you two gentlemen might remove your shirts and do so in a way that might excite him, you could probably drive up the price.”
The manager left, locking the door behind him. Bob and Tom did their best slow strip and then proceeded to flex showing off their backs, chest, arms, and shoulders to the fullest.
Bob whispered to Tom, “Never imagined that taking off my shirt would cause me to feel so squeamish. And I hate to say, it but proving to myself that I can take it in the name of a good cause seems important too.”
He saw Tom nod his head in agreement. “All in is all in.”
The manager returned. “Mr. Yam has agreed to cover your chits with the casino and give you three thousand each. He even mentioned that it looks like the two of you will have good stamina.”
Bob was willing to jump on the offer, but Tom decided to hold out for a better deal.
“If I understand the rules,” he said, “good stamina means more of a beating. We need three things. Make it five each, not three. A limit of sixty lashes each. And I want a souvenir. The belt.” He nodded at Bob. “I want to be able to show this moron something tangible to remind him what we went through because of his recklessness.”
“That’s quite a set of demands. I will have to ask.” This time the manager picked up the phone and spoke in Mandarin. Both men still had their shirts off and did some more flexing in a not-so-obvious way.
The manager continued, “Mr. Yam says that is a tough offer. He will hate to part with his belt but understands why you want it. He likes the idea of wrongdoers facing the prospect of more discipline. But in return he wants to do some of the job himself. The sixty lash limit is fine for you, but for the man who got you in this trouble he demands eighty. With that condition you will get the belt and the extra money.”
Bob suddenly understood why Tom had wanted the belt. He did not hesitate. “Deal. And by the way, I deserve the extra lashes for getting us into trouble. And if I ever do something so stupid again, Tom, that belt will be a great reminder.” Bob bowed his head ever so slightly to Tom to appear to show submission. They agreed to show up in Deng’s suite at 9 p.m., about two hours hence. That meant two hours of waiting and worrying about what lay ahead.
* * *
Anyone charged with deploying camera crews and reporters had to know that something was up had they spent the time to consider what was about to happen. The press had been forewarned that the congressional leadership would be commenting. They always did. But the coordination among these fiercely independent individuals was stunning. Those responsible for logistics in the media were too grateful for the heads-up to have really given much thought to the conspiracy that drove it. The news anchors had a grand total of four minutes to give their own summaries and then segue to Capitol Hill. Since those anchors were the only ones not in on the coordination, no one wanted to give them too much time too gum up the works.
Out of courtesy and to make everyone copacetic with the plan, the individual with the least power, the House Minority Leader, was given the first chance. She was caught by a gaggle of reporters outside her office as she appeared to be headed to the floor. Actually, the idea of catching her was part of the plot. The anchors would have to cut to their reporters immediately and cut themselves short or else risk losing out on the Minority Leader’s comments.
“While I do not approve of most of this president’s economic agenda,” she said, “this attack on us by the Chinese must be met by a strong response. The President has kept us briefed on developments as he should, so I was aware of what he was going to propose.”
No one could miss the obvious air of self-importance that went with the comment. And like any politician, the trick was to put oneself in a win-win situation regardless of the outcome of the plan.
“Our caucus will not be taking a position, leaving how they will vote up to each member’s conscience. I have not yet decided how I will vote, though out of deference to the President I am inclined not to oppose him. I will, however, be carefully monitoring the success of his plan and if it does not pay off for ordinary Americans, I intend to hold him accountable.”
“Madam Leader, how quickly do you expect congressional action on what the President is proposing?”
“That is up to the Speaker and the majority. We will not be obstructing them, however. Ladies and gentlemen, I really have to go to the floor, excuse me.”
Actually, she had to go offstage so her colleague on the Senate side could have his turn. The cameras had been pre-positioned in the lobby right outside the Senate chamber. The Senate Minority Leader walked up to the bank of microphones.
“The President has asked this country to stand together. Many of us disagree with some of his policies, but there is a time when our opposition must not become obstruction. We will not make use of the full extent of Senate rules to delay the legislation the President has called for. Our members on this side may support it or oppose it, but we believe that the President should have the opportunity to implement the strategy he laid out.”
The Minority Leader was then joined by the Majority Leader, who said, “I would like to thank my distinguished colleague from the great State of Maine. His very generous and patriotic words regarding the process in the Senate are most welcome. I can assure him that any deeply felt concerns that he may have will be accommodated as we move forward.”
A reporter blurted out, almost incredulous, “Does this mean that you two are going to work together to pass the legislation the President called for?”
“Whether or not I vote for it,” said the Minority Leader, “or my colleagues do, what I committed to was to give him the opportunity to implement his strategy. We may not work to pass his legislation, but we will not obstruct its passage.”
The Majority Leader piled on in what he hoped would be a bipartisan civics lesson to rebuild confidence in Washington’s institutions.
“Again, I would like to thank the distinguished Minority Leader. The American people need to understand that Republicans and Democrats can work together when action is needed. We are all agreed that America
faces a genuine threat. We must respond to that threat. We may disagree on precisely the right strategy to pursue, but we do know that we must pursue a strategy. Right now the President has laid forth a plausible strategy. It is only natural that at this point in time we let him pursue that strategy. If things should go awry, there is always plenty of time to refine and re-examine the approach we are taking. But right now, action is needed.”
“How soon do you expect the Senate to act?” It was the reporter from CBS.
“With the consent of my distinguished colleague, I would hope that we would be taking up the legislation as soon as the House sends us a bill. By prior arrangement, both sides of the aisle will have six hours of debate time. We have also agreed to postpone our weekend recess so legislation can be adopted. This, of course, requires that the members of the other body act as expeditiously as they can. If the House does so, we may well have a bill here in the wee hours of Thursday night or Friday morning. The Senate will then be able to dispatch the bill, assuming we find it worthy, by sometime on Saturday morning.”
The Minority Leader nodded her head. “I concur with the distinguished Majority Leader. Our goal is to have a bill to the President before the end of this coming weekend.”
At this there was a shouting match among the reporters. But both pols smiled, turned, and walked together into the Senate Chamber. It was a preplanned visual to convey action, determination, and bipartisanship. This bill was going to happen.
The choreography of the day was to allow the networks to squawk about what had happened for about three minutes and then pivot to the press conference by the Speaker of the House, who would actually be announcing the schedule. Cutting to the network anchors would simply reinforce the message as there was only one—a determined show of unity. They would babble on as they usually did, using words such as ‘unprecedented.’ Those predisposed to disliking the President would worry whether there was a rush to judgment. But even the naysayers were effectively reinforcing Washington’s message of the day: speedy and determined action.
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