I paused for a moment, carefully thinking about what I wanted to say before formulating a response. “Mr Ambassador,” I started slowly, “my remarks before the UN assembly were not aimed specifically at you, they were aimed at all countries guilty of human rights violations, but seeing as how you recognised those criticisms as factors in your own society tells both of us that China is and should be part of the group I was criticising. Your record on human rights is – in a word – appalling. Freedom of movement, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom over your own body and health, freedom from persecution, freedom from torture… these are all rights that you deny your own citizens without denial or apology…” the ambassador was looking at me neutrally as I levelled off accusations against the nation who – not 24 hours ago – had surprised and elated us with their support.
“Now, as the representative of a country that views those freedoms - as well as all other human rights - in the highest possible regard, has built its legal framework around ensuring their absolute primacy and has a population that is made up – at least in part – with refugees who have fled governments who violate those rights, yours included, I must ask: how do you think the Atlantian people would feel about a cultural relationship between our nations without some serious reforms on your part?” I sat back into my chair to wait for either a response to my question, or for the delegation to storm out of the room, either seemed likely at that point.
“Mr Speaker…” Ambassador Ling finally said, “… China is not a country you want as an enemy.”
“And I would like very much if that never happened.” I responded when it became clear that was all he was going to say, “I would like us to be friends. All I am asking is how that can happen with such opposing views.”
“slowly.” The Ambassador replied simply. This time it was my turn to say nothing. The Ambassador took a deep breath before continuing. “China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, arguably the largest single economy in history and certainly the biggest market. Trade between our nations would be beneficial to both of our countries.”
“I agree.” I replied.
“Then maybe that is where we should start,” the Ambassador offered calmly, this man’s self-control was almost zen like. China were infamous for their refusal to accept criticism and I had just dished out a lot of it. “Maybe as time goes on, compromises can be made that will bring our peoples closer. But as a show of good faith, our government has agreed to remove Atlantia from the list of prohibited emigration destinations, you can expect free and unmolested movement of people between our two countries.”
“That is certainly a step in the right direction, Ambassador. In return, I extend a formal invitation for your government to send a trade delegation to Atlantia to begin trade negotiations, they will be received gratefully.”
The Ambassador smiled, the first real sign of emotion he had shown towards me since he arrived. “You learn Chinese customs quickly, Mr Speaker. I’m sure my government will be happy to accept your gracious invitation.” The three men stood as if on cue. I stood to mirror them, shaking the hand of the Ambassador and nodding at the deep bows offered by his aides. Without another word, the three men turned and left the office.
Less than a minute later, Alice stepped through the doors, giving a confused look back into the corridor before she closed the door behind her. “Was that…”
“the Chinese delegation? Yes”
“I’ve missed something important, haven’t I?”
“Yes, you have,” I smiled, “But I think I managed.”
“Marcus, I am so sorry, I got a little carried away with the socialising last night and…” she stopped when she saw my smirk. “What?”
“Where did you spend the night, young lady?” I asked with mock parental concern. “Or should I ask who you spent it with?”
“What makes you think I spent it with anyone?” she blushed back.
“Aside from the blush and avoiding the question? You walking through my door is a bit of a giveaway considering you could materialise yourself anywhere in the building in seconds, that would mean you were with someone who didn’t know you could do that…” I left my logic hang in the air for a few seconds before her resolve crumbled.
“alright, fine,” she laughed “yes, I spent the night with a… gentleman friend.”
“and how is Frank?”
“What? How did you…”
“Ah, you have a lot to learn, my dear.”
“You can’t say much, I saw you leaving with Charlotte.”
“I did, but I was still back here in time to arrange trade talks with China.”
“You did what? That’s amazing! How…”
“don’t change the subject young lady…”
“Alright, damn!” she laughed, throwing her hands up in the air in surrender, “I got a little carried away, Frank was charming and funny, and it was… new.”
“Hey, I’m not criticising,” I laughed, “I just didn’t realise that you could… you know…”
“Oh, I’m an exact replica of Amelia.” She smirked, thrusting out her hip to one side with a triumphant smile. “Complete with emotions and … erm… desires. Anyway…” she continued after we both stopped laughing, “How did it go with the Chinese?”
“I have no idea; you’ll have to review the footage and decide for yourself.” I smiled as we gathered up the last of our things and headed for the door.
“Ok, I’ll review the footage on the Chariot. Speaking of which, it is due to pick us up in a few minutes.” I nodded as we stepped out of the office that would forever be a part of our history and into the hallway.
The sun hadn’t quite reached its apex in the sky as we stepped out of the UN building and into the late morning light. The crowds that had greeted me on both sides of the cordon a few days prior had grown considerably since I had arrived, the hostile crowd was furious with how their leader had been portrayed, the friendly crowd jubilant for the same reason. The Chariot had just touched down when a storm that I hadn’t realised was brewing, broke all around us.
Dozens of police vehicles with sirens flashing sped up the street towards us from all sides, coming to a screeching halt around the roped off walkway to the Chariot. A group of security guards and officials burst out of the doors behind us, running to close the gap between the themselves and our procession. I instinctively activated the shields on my body armour and the Spartans closed ranks defensively around us.
“Mr Speaker…” A bull-horned voice sounded from somewhere in crowd of about 50 police officers, all of which had raised their weapons towards us, “…By order of the President, we are to place you under arrest for charges of murder, terrorism and treason, you and your soldiers are to stand down and accompany these officers to Fort Hamilton!”
“They will do no such thing!” A French accented voice sounded from behind us as the UN security team approached the chaos. “This is an official UN delegation and are therefore protected by diplomatic immunity from any charges against them while they are under the protection of the UN!”
“The President has severed all diplomatic ties with Atlantia, including their right to diplomatic immunity.” The officer shouted back.
“Well, I’m afraid your President cannot do that.”
“Take it up with the courts, in the meantime, these people and their machines are under arrest!”
“Again, no they are not officer!” The French man shouted back, “This is international soil, neither you, nor your President has any jurisdiction on UN grounds!”
“But their aircraft isn’t on UN grounds, this intersection is in our jurisdiction and the delegation will be arrested when they try to board it!”
The French man spluttered, realising the situation we had inadvertently put ourselves in. Alice took this as her cue to act. The Condor dropship that would be taking the Spartans back to Atlantia suddenly appeared overhead, its doors opening and 68 Spartans dropping to the ground between the
police and our possession. All of them - the twelve defending us included – immediately retrieved their weapons and levelled them at the officers. “What?” she asked when I gave her a questioning look, “the UN said we could take 12 inside with us, they said nothing about how many we could keep on the aircraft.”
At the same time, the four Broadsword fighters appeared overhead, hovering around the intersection and training their weapons on our accosters. Alice spoke, her voice carrying over the roar of aircraft engines, sirens and frenzied shouts from the crowds. “Now I am going to say this only once…” she started forcefully “…the Speaker will be boarding his aircraft and will not be cooperating – in any way – with more illegal orders from your spineless and duplicitous President. Any attempts to stop him will be answered with extreme force. Stand down, move aside or die. They are your choices!”
Even between the enormous shoulders of the Spartans, I could see the nervous faces of the Police officers as they glanced between the Spartans, the Broadswords and each other. I felt a strong metallic hand grip by shoulder and force me forward as our procession started making its way towards the Chariot. I watched nervously as the asphalt of the UN grounds gave way to the concrete of the New York City street.
“Stop or we will open fire!” The officer shouted; the nerves clear in his voice. Alice neither responded nor slowed down. The first line of Spartans reached the closest of the Police officers, a young black man - certainly younger than me - was staring down the barrel of the most advanced weapon system in existence and – what’s more – he knew it.
“Nope!” he said, lowering his weapon, standing up straight and stepping aside. “I ain’t dying for that son of a bitch, Fuck that! I’m out!” He turned and walked away. Within a few seconds, a dozen or so more officers were doing the same thing.
“Hold your ground!” the bullhorn shouted at the retreating officers.
“Listen Sarge…” another voice shouted from the police ranks, “I signed up to enforce the law, not to break it on the whim of a psychopath, we’re on the wrong side of this one, we press it and we die. Turnbull isn’t worth being killed over dude… walk away.” Hearing that, almost the entire remaining police force lowered their weapons and moved aside, the Spartans didn’t miss a step as we approached the Chariot unmolested.
I was bundled inside with Alice, the door slammed shut immediately and the engines lifted the Chariot into the air. I watched through the windows as three of the Broadswords took up flanking positions and followed us over the river and the condor dropped to the intersection to pick up the Spartans, the force of its engines crushing the police cars unlucky enough to be parked beneath them. It took less than 90 seconds for our soldiers to board and the condor and last Broadsword to join our formation.
“Hold on, Marcus…” Alice said sternly, “We are going to be accelerating very quickly.”
I gave a simple nod and braced myself. Within a few seconds I had been pressed into my seat with what felt like an anvil on my chest, the blood being forced from my extremities and my vision blurring as my consciousness faded, the grey outline of the New York skyline blurred as we shot past at incredible speeds.
“Incoming aircraft!” Alice announced, somehow pulling my focus away from the g-forces, “confirmed hostile, Broadswords 2 and 3 moving to engage.”
I turned my heavy head back towards the window as one of the escort fighters on my side of the aircraft turned to the north and accelerated towards the quickly growing specks in the distance. It wasn’t until a series of distant explosions and smoke trails heading into the ocean punctuated the clear blue sky that I realised that those specs – and the subsequent explosions – were the incoming hostile aircraft that Alice had been talking about.
“We’re clear…” Alice announced after a few tense minutes. “… No loses, Broadswords re-joining formation, reducing speed, heading for home.” I felt my whole body relax slightly as the weight of gravity on my chest was reduced. Alice turned to face me, a nervous smile on her face, “Well, that was unexpected.”
“You can say that again,” the nerves in my laugh matching the nerves in her smile.
“Marcus… was that an act of War? Is Turnbull is following through on his threat?”
I nodded, the same question had occurred to me, “Alright Alice…” I took a deep breath, my mind suddenly becoming razor sharp and focused. “Mobilize the military. I want you to contact General Levy and tell him what’s happened and relay the following orders, I want everything on alert and ready to go; if they act, I want to be ready to respond. Send the agreed Spartan Divisions to Poland to link up with the European Army; Mechs, aircraft and all other necessary forces to support them, I will leave the specifics up to him and his team, do the same for our Pacific obligations. Deploy the navy in defensive positions around Atlantia and sent what we can spare to the Pacific. Ramp up production on all military units, especially naval assets and deploy them as soon as possible. I want a military command set up in the Tower, any military personnel can use the residence until more suitable accommodation can be found for them.
“Consider it done.”
“Next, I want you to contact all of our new allies and anyone who supported us at the UN, again, tell them what has happened and advise them to mobilize their own militaries, especially Europe and the Pacific Nations. Prioritise communications to Britain, France, Germany, Poland, Australia and Japan, in that order, the others can be prioritised based on their proximity to hostile forces.
“I will do that as soon as I have spoken to General Levy.”
“one last thing… do NOT engage the Americans or Russians unless our forces are engaged first, I don’t want the next world war to kick off because we over-reacted on one of Turnbull’s temper tantrums.”
“Understood.”
“Thank you, Alice… oh, and good work back there.” My mind flashed to my dance with Charlotte a little over 12 hours earlier, specifically what I had said to her about Alice. “I don’t tell you enough how much I appreciate everything you do, Alice,” I started. “You are the closest thing to family that I have, but if this goes badly and we end up at war, I am going to be relying on you a whole lot more.”
“Thank you, Marcus.” She smiled, “I appreciate you saying that, but you don’t have to worry, you can count on me.”
I nodded and looked out of the window, watching the endless ocean stretch out beneath me. I didn’t want another war, the first one had been an issue of morals and principle, it had been the right thing to do; this one was based on politics and egos, how many would die before one side’s ego was satisfied?
Chapter 38
Loose ends
Penny and Jonathan had sat on the sofa’s in the Bastion for hours, neither making a sound aside from Penny’s furious tapping on her screen.
“So that was the Princess from the summit the other day?” Penny looked up at me from her tablet with a grin.
“Really?” Jonathan laughed at her, “all that… the sub-Saharan war, the foundation of the bill of rights in the second congressional intervention, the UN application, the convoluted back door politics and ‘that’ is your first question?”
“Yes… so? Was it?”
I sighed with a smile. “Yes, Penny, it was.”
“I’m looking her up!... Thank God for google… oh my god, she’s gorgeous!” I looked at Jonathan and shook my head with a laugh, he did the same back to me, Penny looked up from her screen, “What? Look, this isn’t some ditzy blonde thing, people are going to want to know who this mysterious woman in our leader’s life is. So? Do you think it will ever get serious?”
I hadn’t even considered that angle when I had told Penny about Charlotte, now put on the spot, was unsure what to say. “I don’t know, maybe.” I answered honestly. “She is royalty, so she has a lot of commitments that I would never ask her to abandon, and I doubt she would say yes even if I did ask. But maybe when she starts winding things back… we met twenty-five years ago, if things
were going to get serious, they probably would have by now.”
“But would you want to?”
“Make it serious?” Penny nodded. I shrugged, of course I already knew the answer and the truth about my relationship with Charlotte, but it was something that Penny would have to learn another day, our story hadn’t gotten that far yet.
“That is a story for another time.” I answered with a smile, Penny looked like she was about to burst but – to her credit – didn’t push the matter.
“I’m happy for you, Marcus” The smiling face of Alice faded in to existence next to me on the Residence’s balcony as I looked over the city.
“Alice…” I smiled at my oldest friend. “It’s great to see you.”
“I’m glad this interview is working out as well as it is,” she continued, “I was hoping it would do you some good. You’ve done well, kept all of the secret parts secret…”
“Alice, I don’t want you to be a secret.” I said softly, a long standing pang of guilt blossoming in my gut “I want the world to see how amazing you are, how much you have done for this country and her people, I want them to see you like I do.”
Alice smiled, but shook her head. “I didn’t mean about me, but not yet, Marcus, maybe one day, but not yet.”
“it doesn’t feel right, taking credit for all your work.” I added as the chariot came into view.
“our work, Marcus, remember?”
“But I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“And I wouldn’t exist without you. Let’s just call it even.” She quipped back
The Rise of the Speaker Page 45
