The Devil's Playground

by Michael Reagan

of Russia took a sip of the rich Meursault white wine produced in the commune of Meursault in C?te de Beaune of Burgundy and then began.

  "We are not afraid to be critical of official policy but underneath we are at heart nationalists," she said putting the glass down.

  "We wish to see more decisive action in defense of China's interests."

  "Interesting," said the Mayor.

  She smiled before continuing with an explanation that all thoughts of trusting luck, (the curse of China in its previous dealings outside its borders) and the abandoning of a policy of containment (the previous grand strategy of China in its dealings with the world and in particular the U.S.) would be the only way to achieve this.

  "We must give 'tit for tat' and must not allow the slightest bit of indulgence or tolerance to the whims of America or Russia for that matter," she stated warmly with a knowing smile before using the example of how a U.S. Congressman she had met had arrogantly told her that he had put forward the Taiwan Relations Act so it would act as a hidden tool the U.S. could use to raise the quality and number of weapons they could export to the renegade province and break the basic principles of the Shanghai Communiqu? as to one of the reasons why she believed this.

  This time it was Thomas who challenged her.

  "How do you see that being achieved?"

  She smiled at Thomas. This time she didn't cover her mouth.

  "We must lower the level of our diplomatic relations with them."

  "And what if that means war?" asked Alina who, apart from the Mayor's wife, was an MP representing the United Russia Party in the Duma, The Russian Parliament.

  "So be it," Zhang answered without hesitation.

  "Fama, you see Zhang understands what your friends in America do not," he said expressively as if appearing to lecture Thomas while he continued to stare at her. Zhang noticed that although he had smiled back, Thomas's eyes, one of the most attractive features she found in him, were saying anything despite his attempts at concealing it.

  "What is that Vladimir Vladimirovich?" Thomas asked as if appearing to brace for the answer that he knew was coming.

  "That in the twenty-first century, no longer will leaders be allowed to place emphasis on the glories of the past as a way to do business. We as leaders of politics and business, whether in Russia or China, must ensure we serve our people by 'wrapping ourselves in the flag of our nations' and no longer allow our countries to be bullied by the Devil in the Playground," he said referring to the United States of America as though at a political rally rallying the troops, raising his glass of wine in toast ignoring Zheng's reference that Russia was considered in the same light.

  "I like her, Fama" said the Mayor when Thomas and he were finally alone in his study after dinner whilst Alina and Zhang sat chatting in the lounge.

  "Apart from being beautiful, she is intelligent and surprisingly, for someone who lives in the world of the arts, understanding of what is needed to feed her people," he said while indicating for Thomas to sit.

  Thomas smiled and took the compliment at face value even if he wasn't too sure about Zhang's point of view on the subjects they had discussed with regard to the change in China's traditional focus.

  It proved one thing though by her giving an answer with regard to the U.S. Congressman, she had shown him he had underestimated her capabilities. Zhang was a woman who listened and formulated opinions, yet appeared to not act on them. Although they were characteristics he found attractive in her, Thomas began to wonder...

  "Now what did you and O Su Lee discuss today?" the Mayor ordered with his poker face back on, bringing Thomas right back into the moment and back on his guard.

  By the time Thomas had finished with his update and the consequences to the Russian economy that any military action to reclaim the islands by the Koreans would bring and during which, the Mayor expressed he wasn't surprised by the information but nevertheless, to Thomas's surprise had confessed to him that he had seriously underestimated the abilities of the former intelligent officer of the North Koreans, he was left in no doubt as to what Putin thought of the proposal.

  "An intelligent man indeed!" he said placing his hand in an inverted V, his mind completely focused on problem solving. "Using you, a key business partner of his province to represent him in discussions with this 'Iron Triangle' in order to find a peaceful solution once operations begins gives him the plausible deniability. He must certainly trust you," he concluded with a hint of admiration in his eyes. Again something Thomas wasn't sure he wanted but nevertheless accepted at face value.

  "Who will he use to communicate with the Americans?" the Mayor asked, ever the politician, knowing that O would almost certainly talking to other parties.

  "Robin Ashley."

  "Your British friend who worked for the Sheikh," answered and confirmed the Mayor in the same breath with a further nod indicating that he thought that this too was a clever move. He dropped his hands to the antique French desk, straightened his back, and then fixed a stare upon Thomas.

  "Fama-" he started. By the time he had finished, Thomas knew whether he liked it or not he was well and truly part of the Mayor's circle of trust.

  "When do operations begin?" asked Thomas.

  The Mayor fixed him.

  "Forty-eight hours," he answered.

  Thomas never had the chance to digest this news though because the Mayor had given him a mission. One which would see him leave for Beijing tonight, deliver a personal message on his behalf to 'the powers that be' in China, that Russia would remain neutral with regard to any action the Chinese chose to take with Japan and America and in return for them agreeing to stay out of what the Mayor had described as "Mother Russia's domestic dispute" with Turkmenistan-he would guarantee that the price of Turkmenistan's gas would not rise for a period of fifteen years and flow unrestricted to their pipeline so to not to affect their energy security position.

  "Ask your friend to vouch for you," he ordered referring to O and wrapping up Thomas's mission details. With a devil's glint in his eye, he said, "You can use the visit as an excuse to meet the lovely Miss Zhang's mother as your excuse. Only, once you completed your mission on Russia's behalf can you proceed to Japan to meet with this Mafioso on behalf of O," he concluded, firmly laying out his terms.

  Thomas, realizing that he was about to be complicit in providing assistance for biggest carve up of territory since the 1930s, he found for the second time that evening that he was rather uncomfortable with the morality of the position he found himself in yet again.

  Nevertheless without a choice, he answered, "Yes, Mr. President!"

  35

  The White House

  With the country on high alert for the second time in less than three years, security at the White House was even tighter than usual. The extra element today required that Ali and Rob, being asked or told, depending on your point of view, to confirm their identities using iris recognition technology instead of the usual sweep through the credit card machine of their CIA identification badges, being such an example.

  As they walked through the private entrance at 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning they were met by one of the legions of Special Assistants that worked for the President and two Secret Service Agents. The Agents rechecked their badges first then ushered the two men quickly into a lift that then took Ali and Rob on a short journey to an apartment on the top of the famous building that acts as the home of the President.

  While the lift made its way to the top of the building, Ali reflected on his relationship with the forty-fifth President of the United States. He had first met him when he had been asked to brief him during his election campaign. Although they weren't friends, Ali had found him engaging and enthusiastic in his support for sensitive and collection operations, if somewhat limited in his understanding of what governed America's foes decision making.

  When they had first met, Ali could see why the public had warmed to him. With dark brooding eyes and good looks, he represe
nted the American Dream of the college quarterback leading his team to victory after being down in the final quarter. But it was only when he had become the President Elect and had summoned Ali for a private meeting that their relationship changed.

  During that meeting he had informed Ali that once a month he would like him to attend a private meeting with him "off the books" in the residence. At the time Ali, had recognized it for what it was: A test of loyalty, with regard to his close relationship with Young who was to be his Secretary of State. Recognizing this represented his best chance to permanently take over the Agency Ali had kept the meetings secret. In return Ali gained the trust of the President who to the surprise of Young at the time, had made Ali's appointment permanent.

  Met at the door this time by the smiling First Lady, an elegant classically attractive brunette who was a former marine biologist-cum-professor before becoming a political wife, she quickly showed them into the private lounge. There, Ali and Rob found Daniel Parker waiting for them in his jeans and Texas State University sweatshirt with an ever-present Secret Service agent.

  "Ali," said the President, shaking his hand firmly and warmly.

  With the traditional "Mr. President" greetings out of the way, he introduced Rob Ashley, who yet again surprised Ali just how wide his circle of contacts truly was.

  "Good to see you again Sir," Rob offered, taking his hand