"Chain Reaction" Power Failure Book I

by Andrew Draper

Half a world away, the sands of Ryhiad, Saudi Arabia swirled, driven by the incendiary desert wind howling outside the window of Yashidda’s palatial home.

  The oil man was well aware a quantum leap like this would undoubtedly have catastrophic affects on not only his business, but also on the economic and political stability of the entire region.

  “Tell me,” Yashidda asked in a tentative timbre, “what is the nature of this technology?”

  “It’s called particle manipulation technology,” Temple explained, “In its simplest application, a single disk the size of a watch battery could potentially power an electric car for decades. Larger units have commensurate energy delivery potential.”

  Yashidda’s pulse quickened. A shrewd man, he knew if Temple called him, then he had the goods.

  So, the Americans have developed a new energy technology. He sucked in a quick breath, his ruthless mind ticking through several possible response scenarios. An inconvenient, yet not completely unexpected, development. It was inevitable.

  The revelation did more than trouble him. Creation of this kind of technology by western nations was the biggest fear of all the oil producing nations in the Middle East. Fundamentalist or progressive, they all relied on crude exports to the U.S. to drive their economies. If the cars in America suddenly went to this new power technology, the economic shock waves would cripple the region. He knew he had to keep this new battery out of production at all costs. Fortunately, he also knew the Americans were so greedy that they would sell anything to anyone for the right price.

  He baited the trap. “What did you have in mind Phillip?”

  “I was thinking that if I was able to bring you this technology, it might prove to be very valuable to you and your business associates.”

  The oil magnate easily recognized the leading statement. He twisted the large gold and diamond ring around his little finger as he waited for Temple to play the last card in his hand.

  He hated dealing with Americans. They were so unpredictable and were, at times, capable of being truly devious. He despised them, they had so much and still they wanted more.

  While the people of this country starve in the streets, the people in the U.S. grow fat and lazy. No more!

  The inner revulsion swelled and his fingers tightened their grip on the phone as he came to terms with the truth. He knew he must do whatever was necessary to secure his nation’s place in the world economy. He had no real choice but to give Temple what he wanted.

  “How valuable?” He asked.

  “I don't think fifty million U.S. dollars is too much to pay for continued economic security for your people. Do you?”

  Yashidda nearly laughed out loud. What a fool! He could have asked for fifty times fifty million and he would've gotten it. Still, he kept the game going. “That's a lot of money, but I think arraignments can be made. When can you deliver this scientific miracle?”

  “I can have it for you in less than a week…if that’s satisfactory?”

  Yashidda finished the negotiations, holding his breath for a few seconds while appearing to consider the figure. “That will be fine, but…” his voice began to drip with an open hostility, thinly disguised by soft-voiced diplomacy. “I would be very disappointed if you attempted to sell to someone else in the interim. Do you understand?”

  Temple acquiesced, acknowledging the threat. “I wouldn't dream of it. After all, we’re friends, aren't we?”

  “Then we will consider the matter closed until I hear from you on a delivery date. Good-bye, Phillip.”