Lethal Trajectories - Michael Conley [139]
“I’m glad to hear Clayton will address the broad spectrum of issues,” Wang said, “and I hope as a result of our efforts we can also collaborate fully on climate-change and economic issues. Needless to say, the Politburo is acutely interested in how the United States manages its economy given the amount of its debt that China holds.”
Jack grimaced at the reminder and sipped his coffee before asking, “Have you had any further thoughts on my meeting with Prince Khalid?”
“I think it’s a promising development. I’ve said nothing to my team about it, but I did bounce it off Lin Cheng.”
“What was his reaction?” Jack asked eagerly, hoping he had not offended the Chinese leader.
“Without knowing anything about Prince Khalid, he thought it should be pursued. We’ll need a Saudi leader—be it Khalid or someone else—to replace Mustafa. Lin doesn’t want China left out of the discussions with Khalid, but he thought it is best not to have too many fingers in the pot at this stage.”
Relieved, Jack changed the subject. “What time will you be leaving today?”
“I’ll need to leave by early afternoon to brief Lin Cheng and prepare for the upcoming Politburo Standing Committee meeting. How about you?”
“I’m in the same boat as you. We’re having a major meeting in Washington tonight to fine-tune our plans and prepare for Clayton’s speech to Congress on Monday. Clayton said he’d be happy to send Lin Cheng a copy of his speech once it’s completed so that we’re not throwing any last-minute surprises at him.”
“I know Lin Cheng would appreciate that,” Wang responded.
The two old college buddies rolled up their sleeves to conclude their work on the unresolved issues. It was a work in process, but at least they were making progress.
50
The Situation Room
12 October 2017
Clayton McCarty peered out the window of the Oval Office at the light rain and falling leaves of autumn. It was his first good look outdoors after a heavy day of Safe Harbors planning meetings. He longed for the chance to take a long walk to clear his mind and gain perspective. Here I am, he mused, supposedly the most powerful person in the world, and I’m a prisoner in my own house—some power. …
He collected his papers and started the short walk to the Situation Room, pleased with the progress his people had made on Safe Harbors and encouraged by the success of Jack’s meetings in Geneva. The NSC was assembled and waiting when he entered the room. He greeted them and nodded at Admiral Coxen, inviting him to begin.
“The purpose of our meeting this evening,” said Coxen, “is to finalize the blueprint for Safe Harbors, to the extent we can, in preparation for the president’s address on Monday night. We expect Jack McCarty to join us as soon as his plane touches down from Geneva.”
“Thank you, Admiral,” Clayton interjected, “and I’d like to thank all of you for your Herculean efforts on behalf of Safe Harbors. Admiral Coxen has distributed copies of your respective reports in advance of this meeting, and we’ve all been talking to each other as well. I’d like to hear the latest from each of you, and I’ll then outline Monday’s speech and ask for your feedback.”
Clayton listened carefully to their presentations, impressed with the quality of their reports and pleased with the collegial efforts put forth to develop the complex plan. He found the CIA report on Israel’s nuclear preparations chilling, but he was overjoyed at the conclusion of the report to see his brother enter the room with his mischievous grin.
“Hi, stranger,” said the president joyfully, “I hope you enjoyed your Geneva vacation.”
“Thanks, Clayton—er, I mean, Mr. President, it was a ball.” The group laughed at Jack’s indiscretion. It relieved some of the tension generated by Tony Mullen’s gloomy presentation on Israel.
“Jack, the floor is yours.