"Ladies and gentlemen, for your dining pleasure this evening we have Chicken Massala over Basmati rice with garlic naan and salad," announced Susan as she, Goldberg and Margolis returned from the kitchen. "Please do serve yourselves in the kitchen as this nuclear disaster survival center has many things but it doesn't have servants. You will also find more tea out there."
There was a scramble as everyone went to queue up for the kitchen. Roger was quite right that they were famished and they were very eager to sample the meal. There were a few minutes of coming and going as they all got themselves trays with their dinners and there was only the sound of enthusiastic eating after that.
"My compliments to all the chefs. Science-fiction and Indian food are what make the Universe perfect," said Gill.
"Are you sure there is nothing else, Harold," asked Susan innocently.
"Gill, you're going to be a great scientist but I don't think making a YouTube video about how to be an Internet Casanova is in your future, bro," laughed Goldberg.
"Aye," said Hoffman.
Highly-flustered, Gill slowly responded, "Of course, without Christine, the perfection of the Universe would be irrelevant."
"Thank you to our chefs for a wonderful meal," said Sweeney as she was accustomed through plenty of practice to covering for Gill's social incompetence.
"Yes, at least I got that part right," said Gill meekly.
That was followed by compliments all around , all of which were highly-enthusiastic to the chefs.
"Not to worry, Harold," said Goldberg. "I'm sure your turn will come for cooking."
"I'm not sure you want that," replied Gill. He chuckled a little to himself as he recalled his previous cooking disasters.
"He gets to thinking about research protocols and he forgets all about the food," said Hoffman. "The next thing that comes is the smell of smoke. He makes great science but dinner doesn't fare too well by it."
"You've got to train them, Christine. If your husband burns the food don't send out for a pizza, make him eat it. Even scientists can learn," laughed Susan.
"There's one drawback to that, Susan. I have to eat it too," exclaimed Sweeney.
"Only once, honey," said Susan, still laughing.
In the Oval Office the same thing was happening but the conversation wasn't so lighthearted. Although the mood was somewhat more relaxed, all were acutely conscious of the moment and the weight of what they were undertaking.
"Will we meet the rest of the Revolutionary Council," asked the President.
"No, sir," replied Malcolm. "Frederick and I knew going into this we might be sacrificed and we accepted that knowing we would be replaced as soon as news of that event was received by the others."
Before there was time to say anything else, a telephone rang and Masterson answered it. There was a paused after he identified himself and then he said, "Well done, General Rodriguez. Be advised that a semi-trailer will be arriving and it is carrying auditors and programmers from the Revolutionary Council. They are to be afforded full access to the systems. Prior to their arrival, you are to destroy all classified material."
"General Masterson, we need to review this matter," said Malcolm.
"Hold on a minute, General Rodriguez," said Masterson. He then put his hand over the mouthpiece and said, "Malcolm, this information cannot be permitted to be compromised by releasing it to the public."
"While it is our intention to zero the data the NSA has collected, we are also concerned about their violations of law. We will provide an amnesty for those who did it but we consider it important to know what violations took place."
"Understood," replied Masterson. "Nevertheless, I cannot permit releasing information that may well compromise weapons systems or any other aspect of our country's intelligence gathering."
"Would you not consider it a security violation simply for the NSA to possess such information in the first place, General Masterson," asked Malcolm, quite pointedly.
"That fact notwithstanding, Malcolm, I cannot support any risk to national security," replied Masterson.
Malcolm thought about it for a moment and then said, "We are going to need to trust each other, General."
"Does that mean agreement or your intention to pursue the classified data," asked Masterson.
"It means proceed with destroying it, sir," replied Malcolm. "As we have said, we have no intention of overturning America but rather restoring its freedom. Destroying the data will serve that restoration."
"Very well," said Masterson and he took his hand off the mouthpiece. "Proceed as ordered, John."
As he replaced the receiver in the cradle, Masterson said, "Malcolm, in your Manifesto you announced the intention for global demobilisation of the American military. How do you intend to proceed with that?"
"It is too early to talk about tactical matters but that is our overall strategy," replied Malcolm.
"Failure to prepare for war is to prepare to lose the next one," said Masterson.
"So I've heard and our intention is to ensure we are preparing for the right one," asked Malcolm.
"How so," asked Masterson.
"We do not anticipate a threat from the major powers as all of us have too much to lose by engaging. We do not foresee any increase in a drive toward imperialism as the lessons of history, particularly those of World War II, show us that empires always collapse from their own weight. If any future conflict comes then our projection is that it's most likely to take place over resources rather than territory. Oil is the primary example and we anticipate this is where problems are most likely to arise with water a close second. We have seen that already."
"How does demobilisation serve that end?"
"By focusing our military on realistic concerns rather than serving traditions left over from World War II. We believe we need to work in concert with the Big Three, Russia, China and the U.S., in the same way as another Big Three worked in that war. Working in opposition to each other only plays to a stalemate and increases the likelihood of war rather than reducing it."
"I'm listening, convince me."
"For example, Okinawa. It serves as a base for attacking China or Russia but a conventional war against either country on their land has no chance just as they have no chance in a conventional war with us on our territory. If such a war turns nuclear then we all lose so we conclude it's a no-win game any way it is pursued."
"Do you not think our readiness is what prevents such a war from being pursued?"
"True and that's why we need to work in concert with Russia and China. However we strongly believe we must lead by example rather than confrontation. Okinawa is an implicit confrontation which makes little sense when there are fifteen hundred live nukes here and another fifteen hundred in Russia. If either country commits so much as the crime of jaywalking then we can melt it from coast to coast with the obvious consequence to the rest of the world. Again it's a stalemate."
"You do not intend to proceed with demobilisation immediately?"
"No. Our first priority is meeting simultaneously with Russia and China. The military is a third of America's budget and it is likely of the same order in those countries as well. We have everything to gain by reducing that expense just as do they. There is nothing to gain except the increased probability of conflict if we continue trying to bankrupt each other."
Masterson looked at each of his generals and saw varying levels of acceptance in each of them. Haddock looked furious but that was predictable. At least he had enough sense to remain silent. Masterson then turned and said, "Mister President?"
"You have seen I have been listening and I am interested. I understand the logic but I question the practicality. Two of the key variables are not represented," said the President.
"We believe there is no alternative to the practicality as failure to achieve it leads to bankruptcy which leads to war. Checkmate," said Malcolm.
"In fact, I agree with you but things are never so cut and dry as they may seem in a textbook," said the President.
"General Masterson," questioned Malcolm.
"My allegiance is, as always, to America and to the Commander-in-Chief. I will say this much that I accept the logic but possibly I question the practicality more than you two. Nevertheless, no-one wants peace more than an old soldier who has seen too much war."
"Fair enough," said Malcolm. "We do insist on two things, however. We want an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean to interdict cocaine and we want the poppy fields in southeast Asia destroyed. The narcotics flow has to stop. We want to compensate the farmers but no more than they would have made on conventional crops or they will be tempted to replant the poppies to get compensated again. We suspect a substantial portion of the financing for the radicals comes from heroin sales."
"This we can do," said Masterson. "Mister President?"
"Acceptable," said the President.
A silence came over the room as if all were wondering am I really doing this but still there was a calm that was surprising all of them. Their thoughts were interrupted when General Andrew Forsythe and four Military Policeman entered the room. General Forsythe walked over to General Haddock and said, "General Haddock, I am placing you under arrest for insubordination and conspiracy to commit treason."
Haddock exploded and shouted, "Damn you, Masterson. You are overseeing the destruction of the greatest country in the world. Damn you."
"Take him away," said Masterson. He looked hard at the President as Haddock was escorted out of the room. The President looked back at him with little expression and did not speak.
There was a scramble as everyone went to queue up for the kitchen. Roger was quite right that they were famished and they were very eager to sample the meal. There were a few minutes of coming and going as they all got themselves trays with their dinners and there was only the sound of enthusiastic eating after that.
"My compliments to all the chefs. Science-fiction and Indian food are what make the Universe perfect," said Gill.
"Are you sure there is nothing else, Harold," asked Susan innocently.
"Gill, you're going to be a great scientist but I don't think making a YouTube video about how to be an Internet Casanova is in your future, bro," laughed Goldberg.
"Aye," said Hoffman.
Highly-flustered, Gill slowly responded, "Of course, without Christine, the perfection of the Universe would be irrelevant."
"Thank you to our chefs for a wonderful meal," said Sweeney as she was accustomed through plenty of practice to covering for Gill's social incompetence.
"Yes, at least I got that part right," said Gill meekly.
That was followed by compliments all around , all of which were highly-enthusiastic to the chefs.
"Not to worry, Harold," said Goldberg. "I'm sure your turn will come for cooking."
"I'm not sure you want that," replied Gill. He chuckled a little to himself as he recalled his previous cooking disasters.
"He gets to thinking about research protocols and he forgets all about the food," said Hoffman. "The next thing that comes is the smell of smoke. He makes great science but dinner doesn't fare too well by it."
"You've got to train them, Christine. If your husband burns the food don't send out for a pizza, make him eat it. Even scientists can learn," laughed Susan.
"There's one drawback to that, Susan. I have to eat it too," exclaimed Sweeney.
"Only once, honey," said Susan, still laughing.
In the Oval Office the same thing was happening but the conversation wasn't so lighthearted. Although the mood was somewhat more relaxed, all were acutely conscious of the moment and the weight of what they were undertaking.
"Will we meet the rest of the Revolutionary Council," asked the President.
"No, sir," replied Malcolm. "Frederick and I knew going into this we might be sacrificed and we accepted that knowing we would be replaced as soon as news of that event was received by the others."
Before there was time to say anything else, a telephone rang and Masterson answered it. There was a paused after he identified himself and then he said, "Well done, General Rodriguez. Be advised that a semi-trailer will be arriving and it is carrying auditors and programmers from the Revolutionary Council. They are to be afforded full access to the systems. Prior to their arrival, you are to destroy all classified material."
"General Masterson, we need to review this matter," said Malcolm.
"Hold on a minute, General Rodriguez," said Masterson. He then put his hand over the mouthpiece and said, "Malcolm, this information cannot be permitted to be compromised by releasing it to the public."
"While it is our intention to zero the data the NSA has collected, we are also concerned about their violations of law. We will provide an amnesty for those who did it but we consider it important to know what violations took place."
"Understood," replied Masterson. "Nevertheless, I cannot permit releasing information that may well compromise weapons systems or any other aspect of our country's intelligence gathering."
"Would you not consider it a security violation simply for the NSA to possess such information in the first place, General Masterson," asked Malcolm, quite pointedly.
"That fact notwithstanding, Malcolm, I cannot support any risk to national security," replied Masterson.
Malcolm thought about it for a moment and then said, "We are going to need to trust each other, General."
"Does that mean agreement or your intention to pursue the classified data," asked Masterson.
"It means proceed with destroying it, sir," replied Malcolm. "As we have said, we have no intention of overturning America but rather restoring its freedom. Destroying the data will serve that restoration."
"Very well," said Masterson and he took his hand off the mouthpiece. "Proceed as ordered, John."
As he replaced the receiver in the cradle, Masterson said, "Malcolm, in your Manifesto you announced the intention for global demobilisation of the American military. How do you intend to proceed with that?"
"It is too early to talk about tactical matters but that is our overall strategy," replied Malcolm.
"Failure to prepare for war is to prepare to lose the next one," said Masterson.
"So I've heard and our intention is to ensure we are preparing for the right one," asked Malcolm.
"How so," asked Masterson.
"We do not anticipate a threat from the major powers as all of us have too much to lose by engaging. We do not foresee any increase in a drive toward imperialism as the lessons of history, particularly those of World War II, show us that empires always collapse from their own weight. If any future conflict comes then our projection is that it's most likely to take place over resources rather than territory. Oil is the primary example and we anticipate this is where problems are most likely to arise with water a close second. We have seen that already."
"How does demobilisation serve that end?"
"By focusing our military on realistic concerns rather than serving traditions left over from World War II. We believe we need to work in concert with the Big Three, Russia, China and the U.S., in the same way as another Big Three worked in that war. Working in opposition to each other only plays to a stalemate and increases the likelihood of war rather than reducing it."
"I'm listening, convince me."
"For example, Okinawa. It serves as a base for attacking China or Russia but a conventional war against either country on their land has no chance just as they have no chance in a conventional war with us on our territory. If such a war turns nuclear then we all lose so we conclude it's a no-win game any way it is pursued."
"Do you not think our readiness is what prevents such a war from being pursued?"
"True and that's why we need to work in concert with Russia and China. However we strongly believe we must lead by example rather than confrontation. Okinawa is an implicit confrontation which makes little sense when there are fifteen hundred live nukes here and another fifteen hundred in Russia. If either country commits so much as the crime of jaywalking then we can melt it from coast to coast with the obvious consequence to the rest of the world. Again it's a stalemate."
"You do not intend to proceed with demobilisation immediately?"
"No. Our first priority is meeting simultaneously with Russia and China. The military is a third of America's budget and it is likely of the same order in those countries as well. We have everything to gain by reducing that expense just as do they. There is nothing to gain except the increased probability of conflict if we continue trying to bankrupt each other."
Masterson looked at each of his generals and saw varying levels of acceptance in each of them. Haddock looked furious but that was predictable. At least he had enough sense to remain silent. Masterson then turned and said, "Mister President?"
"You have seen I have been listening and I am interested. I understand the logic but I question the practicality. Two of the key variables are not represented," said the President.
"We believe there is no alternative to the practicality as failure to achieve it leads to bankruptcy which leads to war. Checkmate," said Malcolm.
"In fact, I agree with you but things are never so cut and dry as they may seem in a textbook," said the President.
"General Masterson," questioned Malcolm.
"My allegiance is, as always, to America and to the Commander-in-Chief. I will say this much that I accept the logic but possibly I question the practicality more than you two. Nevertheless, no-one wants peace more than an old soldier who has seen too much war."
"Fair enough," said Malcolm. "We do insist on two things, however. We want an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean to interdict cocaine and we want the poppy fields in southeast Asia destroyed. The narcotics flow has to stop. We want to compensate the farmers but no more than they would have made on conventional crops or they will be tempted to replant the poppies to get compensated again. We suspect a substantial portion of the financing for the radicals comes from heroin sales."
"This we can do," said Masterson. "Mister President?"
"Acceptable," said the President.
A silence came over the room as if all were wondering am I really doing this but still there was a calm that was surprising all of them. Their thoughts were interrupted when General Andrew Forsythe and four Military Policeman entered the room. General Forsythe walked over to General Haddock and said, "General Haddock, I am placing you under arrest for insubordination and conspiracy to commit treason."
Haddock exploded and shouted, "Damn you, Masterson. You are overseeing the destruction of the greatest country in the world. Damn you."
"Take him away," said Masterson. He looked hard at the President as Haddock was escorted out of the room. The President looked back at him with little expression and did not speak.
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