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By Root 1650 0

so-called Confederation of Independent States had merely generated a vacuum not yet filled. The southern tier of republics were still economically tied to Moscow, rather like a series of carts hitched to a dying horse. They'd always been rebellious, unsettled mini-nations whose religion had set them apart from the atheist empire, and now they were all struggling to establish their own economic identity so that they could once and for all separate themselves from the center of a dead country to which they'd never truly belonged. But they couldn't sustain themselves economically, not in the modern age. They all needed another patron, another guide into the new century. That new leadership had to mean money, and lots of it, plus the unifying banner of religion and culture long denied them by Marxism-Leninism. In return, the republics would provide land and people. And resources.

The obstacle is America, but you do not need me to tell you that, Badrayn observed unnecessarily. And America is too large and powerful to destroy.

I've met this Ryan. But first, you tell me what you think of him.

He's no fool, and no coward, Badrayn said judiciously. He has shown physical bravery, and he is well versed in intelligence operations. He is well educated. The Saudis trust him, as do the Israelis. Those two countries mattered at this moment. So did a third: The Russians know and respect him.

What else?

Do not underestimate him. Do not underestimate America. We have both seen what happens to those who do, Badrayn said.

But America's current state?

What I have seen tells me that President Ryan is working hard to reconstitute the government of his country. It is a huge task, but America is a fundamentally stable country.

What about the problem in the succession?

This I do not understand, Badrayn admitted. I haven't seen enough news reports to understand the issues.

I have met Ryan, Daryaei said, finally revealing his own thoughts. He is an assistant, nothing more. He appears strong, but is not. Were he a man of strength, he would deal with this Kealty directly. The man commits treason, does he not? But this is not important. Ryan is one man. America is one country. Both can be attacked, at the same time, from more than one direction.

Lion and hyenas, Badrayn noted, then explained himself. Daryaei was so pleased with the idea that he didn't object to his own place in the metaphor.

Not one great attack, but many small ones? the cleric asked.

It has worked before.

And what of many large ones? Against America, and against Ryan. For that matter, what if Ryan were to fall? What would happen then, my young friend?

Within their system of government, chaos would result. But I would counsel caution. I would also recommend allies. The more hyenas and the more directions, the better to harry the lion. As for attacking Ryan personally, Badrayn went on, wondering why his host had said that, and wondering if it was an error, the President of the United States is a difficult target, well protected and well informed.

So I am told, Daryaei replied, behind dark eyes devoid of expression. What other countries would you recommend as our allies?

Have you paid close attention to the conflict between Japan and America? Badrayn asked. Did you ever wonder why some large dogs did not bark at all? It was a funny thing about large dogs. They were always hungry. More than once now, however, Daryaei had talked about Ryan and his protection. One dog was the hungriest of all. It would make for an interesting pack.

MAYBE IT JUST malfunctioned.

The Gulfstream representatives were sitting in a room with Swiss civil-aviation officials, along with the chief of flight operations of the corporation which owned the jets. His written records showed that the aircraft had been properly maintained by a local firm. All parts had come from the approved suppliers. The Swiss corporation which did the maintenance had ten years of accident-free history behind it, regulated in turn by the same government agency which oversaw the investigation.

It wouldn't be the first time,