Executive orders - Tom Clancy [461]
Then you need to speak to the rebels on Taiwan. We believe that it is they who destroyed the airliner.
But why do such a thing? Adler asked, ignoring the really surprising part. Was it a slip? Talk to Taiwan. The PRC was asking him to do that?
To foment this incident, obviously. To play upon your President's personal feelings. To cloud the real issues between the People's Republic and our wayward province.
Do you really think so?
Yes, we do, the Foreign Minister assured him. We do not wish to have hostilities. Such things are so wasteful of people and resources, and we have greater concerns for our country. The Taiwan issue will be decided in due course. So long as America does not interfere, he added.
As I have already told you, Minister, we have made no policy changes. All we wish is the restoration of peace and stability, Adler said, the obvious import being the indeterminate maintenance of the status quo, which was decidedly not part of the People's Republic game plan.
Then we are agreed.
You will not object to our naval deployments?
The Foreign Minister sighed. The sea is free for the innocent passage of all. It is not our place to give orders to the United States of America, as it is not your place to give orders to the People's Republic. The movement of your forces gives the impression that you will influence local events, and we will make pro forma comments on this. But in the interests of peace, he went on in a voice that was both patient and weary, we will not object too strongly, especially if it encourages the rebels to cease their foolish provocations.
It would be useful to know if your naval exercises will end soon. That would be a very favorable gesture.
The spring maneuvers will continue. They do not threaten anyone, as your increased naval presence will determine quite clearly. We do not ask you to take our word. Let our deeds speak for us. It would be well also if our rebellious cousins reduce their own activities. Perhaps you might speak to them on this? Twice now? He hadn't misspoken before, then.
If you request it, yes, I would be pleased to add my voice and that of my country to the quest for peace.
We value the good offices of the United States, and we trust you to be an honest broker for this occasion, in view of the fact that, regrettably, American lives were lost in this tragic incident.
Secretary Adler yawned. Oh, excuse me.
Travel is a curse, is it not? These words came from Zhang, speaking for the first time.
It truly can be, Adler agreed. Please allow me to consult my government. I think our response to your request will be favorable.
Excellent, the Foreign Minister observed. We seek to make no precedent here. I hope you understand this, but in view of the singular circumstances here, we welcome your assistance.
I shall have a reply for you in the morning, Adler promised, rising. Forgive me for extending your day.
Such is duty, for all of us.
Scott Adler took his leave, wondering what exactly this bombshell was that had landed on him. He wasn't sure who'd won the card game, and realized that he wasn't even sure what game it had been. It certainly hadn't gone as expected. It seemed like he'd won, and won easily. The other side had been more accommodating than he would have been in their place.
SOME CALLED IT checkbook journalism, but it wasn't new, and it wasn't expensive at the working level. Any experienced reporter had people he could call, people who, for a modest fee, would check things. It wasn't in any way illegal, to ask a favor of a friend, at least not grossly so. The information was rarely sensitive-and in this case was public record. It was just that the offices weren't always open on Sunday.
A mid-level bureaucrat in the office of Maryland's Secretary of State drove into his office in Baltimore, used his card-pass to get to his parking place, then walked in and unlocked the right number of doors until he got to a musty