"Tim, let me remind you that in our last meeting we discussed this very eventuality. We have only had a short amount of time to dissuade and prevent something that appeared to be on the verge of happening anyway. If you remember, General Stone indicated that GIR "advisors" were already on the ground in Pakistan. No, our best bet with respect to Pakistan and the GIR is to keep India nervous and looking to us for help if at all possible."

"But, let's jump to the GIR and talk about that. The Iraqi situation has me very concerned. We are trying to influence Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Syria, but everyone is nervous. The GIR influence is growing and right now, Iraq has almost gone into a state of abject anarchy, despite the three brigades we have maintained in the country. There is little we can do diplomatically there at this point. What little political infrastructure remains believes we are guilty of murdering Chaliberi."

As President Weisskopf listened, he realized that the unease he had been feeling since before his initial meeting with Jien Zenim of China had continued to grow. It was like an ever-present mole eating away beneath the surface. If you weren't careful, you'd step in a hole and fall and break a leg, or worse yet, eventually the complete foundation of your entire surface world would be undermined and lead to a ma.s.sive collapse. That's how the President felt as international conditions continued to deteriorate.

"Fred, or Mike, what is the likelihood of any group in Iraq allowing us to help them come to power?"

Fred Reissinger was aghast.

"Mr. President, from a diplomatic standpoint, I have to advise against such a course of action. If we now blatantly help any group in Iraq, it will be viewed as an admission of guilt with respect to Chaliberi's death."

The President wasted no time in replying.

"Fred, they already think we are responsible for it, and things are going to h.e.l.l in a hand basket. We cannot afford to allow the GIR to occupy Iraq, and I promise you, that is where this is headed. America did not allow a fundamental Islamic regime to come to power in 2003, and we are not going to allow it now."

Very concerned about the current situation, the Secretary of State did not relent.

"What you say is absolutely true, Mr. President, but the difference is this. The first time we deposed a ruthless tyrant. This time we are talking about an individual that we placed in power.

"To all the world it will look like we are now in the business of removing one leader, any leader, by military invasion or a.s.sa.s.sination whenever it suits us. I must warn that the consequences of that perception being allowed to take root will be disastrous."

The president had known and trusted Fred Reissinger for years. He did not take his advise lightly.

"You're right Fred, I understand we cannot just waltz in there and once again take over Iraq in these circ.u.mstances. But the consequences of a fundamental Islamic government that either leans toward or joins the GIR would be equally disastrous.

"I am going to need your help to a.s.sist me with the Saudis and the Turks especially, so whatever options we have can be accomplished with their support. What about it, Mike? Is there anyone we can work with over there? What about the Kurds?"

Mike Rowley had been polling his CIA a.s.sets for days. He had a pretty good picture of the conditions, and the prospects weren't good.

"Mr. President, despite our use of them in Operation Iraqi Freedom, many of the Kurds in the North of Iraq are still wary of us. The same holds with many of the s.h.i.+as in the south, who are more and more disposed toward Sayeed. Despite Iraqi Freedom, many of them remember still that we gave them the "green light" fifteen years ago to go after Saddam and implied we would help. Then we stood back and watched while the army we had just defeated slaughtered them. I can have our folks in country give it a try, but prospects are not a sure thing at all. In such an environment, there will be a real threat to our operatives."

President Weisskopf never took his command authority and its potential for mortal impact on those he commanded lightly. But he couldn't shake the feeling-no, the almost sure knowledge, that this entire affair was getting away from them. If they allowed it to do so, the consequences could be much more deadly than even he wanted to contemplate. He simply would not allow the realization of such a scenario.

"I know Mike, but this is one time we are going to have to risk it. Tell our own people to get ready to earn some hazardous duty pay and have the contacts we maintain on the ground in Iraq make the effort."

"John, what's the opinion of the NSA regarding the impact of Iraq coming under the GIR? Give me a best case and a worse case scenario from your people's a.n.a.lysis."

John Bowers had been busier than at any point in his life. The planning sessions with respect to his own combat involvement in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom had been a cake walk compared to trying to keep up with the CAS and GIR developments and their potential impacts. But he and his people had made the effort, and they had good people in all branches of the military helping them.

"Mr. President, the best case is that everyone in the region is made extremely nervous and that the influence of the GIR is used to impact oil prices, production and delivery to our detriment."

"The worst case is that the GIR continues to grow and that other Islamic states continue to come under their influence to the point where we are totally pushed out of the Mid East."

This what just about what the President had expected, though having it put in those clear, stark terms was like a slap in the face.

"John, let's continue down this path. What is our dependence on Mid East oil at this point, and how long would our strategic reserves last if our Mid East supply were cut off?"

"Mr. President, since we began drilling off the west coast, and added more drilling in Alaska under the last administration, we have cut the dependence down to about 30%, but we are still very reliant on them. Without those measures from the last administration, the current situation would be much bleaker.

Even so, my a.n.a.lysis indicates that with no Mid East oil, but continued production from other sources, our ninety-day emergency reserve could be stretched to about six months."

Six months in normal, peacetime circ.u.mstances. It's not enough, but is all he could hope for. Clearly, in a wartime scenario, those numbers could only be stretched one way. Turning now towards his Federal Emergency Management Director, the head of FEMA, Curt Johnson, the President said: "You all know Curt. I asked him to attend this meeting today specifically because I feared these types of developments.

Curt, I want you to work with John Bowers and write up and Executive Order (EO) for me to sign which will accomplish the following: I want to be able to quickly treat our energy supply situation as a National Emergency and allow the government to restrict consumption by government agencies and establish quotas for non-critical agencies.

I want to open up to petroleum exploration and production all Federal Lands that any of my Executive Agencies manage.

I want the Department of Energy to relax requirements on the construction of nuclear power plants.

Make it so that they must only adhere to the Nuclear Construction Code at the date of approval of construction only, as opposed to having to retrofit construction to newer codes whole the plant is being built. This act alone will spur the Bechtels and Brown and Roots to immediately look at building more plants here in this country.

"Please have such an order on my desk prepared to be signed within five days. I hate to say this, and it can go no further than this room, but what is taking shape here could well turn into as great a crisis to our nation and its interests as anything since the second world war. It is time we began putting in place some preparations in that regard."

"Tim and General Stone, please work with our friends in Kuwait to arrange for a "training exercise"

involving two additional wings of F-15E strike eagles, a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and all of the logistical support necessary to maintain them there for a six month period at least."

At this point, Curt Johnson spoke up.

"Excuse me for the interruption Mr. President, but while I understand the need for the provisions in the EO for the restrictions and quotas for governmental agencies, why is there nothing in your instructions for the private sector? That is where the vast bulk of the utilization lies. Unless we curb usage there, we will buy very little."

President Weisskopf had expected such a question. The measures he was taking were necessary, but many in government felt that their "duty" would be to extend such provisions to the public. But Norm Weisskopf knew the limits of his powers, and he had taken an oath to abide by them.

"Curt, I am only going to say this once, and I want all of you in this room to understand it completely.

We are the servants of the people, not their masters. Our duties and powers are very explicitly laid out in a training manual we all took an oath to bear true faith and allegiance to. It's called the Const.i.tution. I intend to do just that: bear true faith and allegiance to it, so help me G.o.d, even when the going gets tough."

"The reason I do not include such provisions in my executive order is that I have no power or authority to do so. I would be violating my oath of office to presume to do so-irrespective of whatever "Acts"

congress has pa.s.sed, or whatever rulings the Court has made. Simply put, they cannot pa.s.s and act, or make a ruling, that supercedes the Const.i.tution any more than I can write an order that does so...and have it be legitimate. If it's not legitimate, it's illegal and a violation of our oath of office."

"This EO will be preparatory. It is a "just in case," which will allow us to be better prepared as a government should things get worse. If they do, at that time we will work with the governors, the Congress and with the people to extend such provisions as necessary, but we will do it according to what the Const.i.tution dictates. We will not become, in any way, shape or form, suppressors of individual freedom ourselves, irrespective of the bad precedent established by prior administrations. Is that understood? Is that understood by everyone in this room?"

As Curt responded in a quick affirmative, and as everyone else in the room did likewise, John Bowers glanced over to General Jeremy Stone and both men gave one another a knowing, but barely perceptive, nod. John and General Stone both felt, at that moment, that whatever else happened, a real American patriot and hero was in the saddle for this ride, regardless of how rough it got. They would spread the word through the ranks that the "Old Man" had what it took to see them through.

August 9, 2005, 17:00 local time Presidential offices Tehran, Greater Islamic Republic As the red light flashed and David knew that they were back on the air after the commercial break, he continued.

"Welcome back. We are here in Tehran conducting an exclusive live interview with Imam Hasan Sayeed. We have discussed his roots and education. We have discussed his military experiences during the war with Iraq and his amazing exploits during those years...exploits which established Hasan's bravery and remarkable leaders.h.i.+p skills."

"We have discussed his rise in power and influence within Iran and his ultimate recognition as Imam by the Iranian clerics and Ayatollahs. Finally, in the last segment, we discussed with the Imam the amazing growth of the Islamic Republic. Now, Imam Sayeed, we would like to discuss current events and ask for your perceptions regarding them. Let us start with the Coalition of Asian States. What are your views and intentions towards that unprecedented and developing influence?"

Hasan felt that the interview was going extraordinarily well. This American, while clearly in love with himself and his perceived influence, was giving Hasan every opportunity to tell his own story and relate things from his own perspective, just as Li Peng had indicated he would when the interview had been suggested by Li on behalf of Jien Zenim.

"Well, David, the CAS is, as you indicate, an unprecedented coalition. Who would have thought that, with their past differences, the Indian Republic and the People's Republic of China would have bridged their gaps and created such an alignment? But, on the other hand, when one reflects on the basis for that agreement, namely the Three Wisdoms, it is not so unlikely or unprecedented as one would think."

"All men and women are equal."

"All share equally in the bounty of a working and industrious society."

"One goal, one thought, one people for World peace."

"These are tenets that much of your own nation's amazing productivity, longevity and success have been based upon. Is it so surprising then that other nations who embrace these philosophies are also successful?"

"As to the intent and views of the Greater Islamic Republic regarding the CAS, we welcome on our borders a coalition that embraces such views. Islam embraces many similar views. The Prophet taught us that we should treat others as we would be treated; that we should look to do good and not evil.

Equality, sharing and peace are all good things that we should all seek. The Greater Islamic Republic can live in peace with any people who truly seek these things."

David Krenshaw had been amazed throughout the interview at how smooth and well-spoken Hasan was. He continued to have that impression.

"Yes, but if I may, I take some issue with what you have just said. In the American system all do not share equally in society. The principles of capitalism are more geared towards the hope that everyone has equal opportunity to share, but that anyone can rise as high as their individual efforts will take them, while others who are either not inclined, or unable, do not rise as high. Also, in the Islamic world it cannot be said that men and women are equal."

"It is true, David, that capitalism-the system of government in many of the western nations, the United States in particular-does represent a differing political and social philosophy from the system of social equity that the CAS is focusing upon. But, when one considers the numbers of people in the CAS, and the potential for suffering amongst two billion people, it is a difference that can be understood, and one that can be accommodated."

"Within Islam, we prefer to look upon equality as something that exists within the s.e.xes as opposed to between the s.e.xes. For example, anyone with a perceptive eye can tell that men and women are not really "equal." In this way, the nations of Islam try to follow a path that embraces the best of both systems, while desiring to live in peace with all."

David noticed that his time was running short, and he had saved what he felt to be the most pressing topic until last. If he began now, he felt he had just enough time to have a healthy discussion regarding it.

"Thank you, Imam. As our interview winds down, let us move on to the topic of Iraq. As you know, Isam Chaliberi was a.s.sa.s.sinated one week ago today. There are serious allegations regarding that a.s.sa.s.sination and my own government's possible involvement. In addition, Iraq appears to be in a state of anarchy, and what is left of Chaliberi's government is having a difficult, if not impossible, time of ruling the nation. What are your thoughts on this state of affairs? And what, if anything, are the intentions of the Greater Islamic Republic in this regard?"

Hasan had patiently waited for this opportunity. The time was at hand to bring the rest of Islam together, and Iraq was a major remaining keystone in that effort. With this interview, at this moment, Hasan had been given the perfect audience by Allah to make that appeal, and he intended to seize the opportunity.

"David, the death of Isam Chaliberi has been felt with sadness and remorse throughout Islam. Whatever else you may say about him-and as you know I did not trust his ties to, or his dependence on the west- Chaliberi was a talented and dedicated leader. Throughout his life, he fought to advance what he considered to be the cause of his people. We will miss that strong voice, that relentless effort to improve the lot of our brothers and sisters in Iraq."

"As to the allegations regarding his a.s.sa.s.sination...they are serious and would be viewed seriously by any nation if they are proven correct. We will not pa.s.s judgment in that regard until more information is available, to allow for an informed and sure determination."

"The civil conditions in Iraq are difficult. What little economy was returning after years of warfare and sanctions, has been injured all the more by the current circ.u.mstances. These dire circ.u.mstances affect the children and the widows and the infirm the most. We desire to see such suffering stop. We call on the west to lift all sanctions and send what humanitarian aid they can. We are doing the same."

"As you know, David, there is a significant percentage of the population in Iraq which is calling for unification with the Greater Islamic Republic. Although we make no secret or apology for our stated intention to unite all of Islam, we will not presume to take advantage of such conditions by coercion or deception."

"At the same time, we feel that, in the American tradition, the voice of the people should be heard. As a result, we have met with, and obtained the approval of, various NGO's and agencies in the UN to call for a UN-sponsored referendum in Iraq. Since their own government is not in a position to do so, this will put the option for unification with the Greater Islamic Republic before the people. We are proposing that such a referendum occur on September 1st, in conjunction with the similar referendum in Pakistan."

"The Greater Islamic Republic, outside of proposing to the general a.s.sembly such a referendum, will in no way be involved with the actual voting or its administration."

David Krenshaw was dumbfounded. Here was the leader of what was developing into one of the superpowers of the world announcing during his exclusive interview such a politically and diplomatically explosive proposal. Although he knew he should feel used, his unease was counterbalanced by the fact that he would be remembered as the one who ferreted out such news.

"Imam, I, of course, am not in a position to render official judgment or approval for such a proposal. I am sure my government will respond officially, and that the UN will render its own decision. I can say that this is an unprecedented venue for such an announcement, and I thank you for the opportunity to bring such "news" to the world. That is, after all, the primary purpose of WNN, and the focal point of my own career."

"One more question if you will. Imam, what can you say to the west today, to America in particular, to ease their mind regarding you clear call for a united Islam. Just a few years ago, another very charismatic leader called for the same, and he then proceeded to kill many thousands of America in the infamous attack in September of 2001?"

Sayeed had known that this question was certain to come up. Everyday Americans would indeed be concerned. He meant to put their fears to rest.

"I can simply say this. There are vast differences between that individual and his terrorist organization that called for Islamic unification and our current efforts. The foremost is the message of peace and tolerance we not only preach, but practice when it comes to the western nations. Surely the west, surely no one any where would deny us the opportunity to unite in peace and tolerance. We have no intention of attacking anyone as long as our borders and strategic interests are not violated"

David Krenshaw was pleased with the answer.

"Okay, Imam, I must say that what you have stated is a clear difference in message and rhetoric.

Unfortunately, we are out of time. I want to thank you, Imam Hasan Sayeed, for this interview, and thank everyone at WNN and within the Greater Islamic Republic who worked so hard to make it possible.

This has been David Krenshaw with WNN from Tehran. "

August 15, 2005, 18:20 Ann Morris Park, on the Boise Rover Boise, Idaho It was a warm day, about eighty-nine degrees. But in the shade of the trees by the river and with a steady breeze, it was quite comfortable. Geneva Campbell was enjoying herself in Boise. This park was so lovely and peaceful. The weather was simply grand. Even when the temperatures hovered near ninety degrees, with the low humidity in the western part of the nation, and with shade and a breeze, it was quite comfortable compared to Chicago.

She watched her two sons. Reflecting on fond memories of her deceased husband, a thought came unbidden into her mind. "Lord, Jerome, I wish you could see your boys now." She continued in that vein as Leon and Alan threw a Frisbee back and forth to each other in a small meadow near where she sat, "Maybe you do, Jerome, maybe you do."

"Hey Leon, what time did you say those folks from Texas was supposed to be here?"

Leon made a dive for the Frisbee, caught it in his outstretched fingers, rolled and rose to his feet in one fluid motion.

"Mom, the Simmons said they'd be here about six thirty. I expect we'll see them any time. Billy said he'd be wearing a big cowboy hat and we couldn't miss him."

Geneva was a bit apprehensive. She still wasn't used to meeting all of these people. But Leon had a.s.sured her that the Simmons were good folk who worked the land and were G.o.d-fearing. Thus far in Boise, the Campbells had faired very well in the people they had met. So many had been kind to them and anxious to help the "newcomers." "So," she concluded to herself, "perhaps it won't be so bad after all." Best to just enjoy this cool breeze and clear dry air until these folks get here.

One hundred yards to the north, along the paved path in the park, Jess, Cindy and Billy Simmons were walking towards the south and looking for the Campbells. They had driven from Texas to Boise, arriving yesterday evening, and it had been a long but beautiful drive.

They left Montague County, Texas on August 12th and drove to the northwest along US Highway 287 all the way through Amarillo to Dumas, Texas. There they had taken US Highway 84, which they followed all the way to Raton, New Mexico. Along that portion of the trip, they stopped for an hour at the Capulin National Monument in northeast New Mexico and viewed the inactive volcano cone there. It was a beautiful view from the top and they could see the Rocky Mountains clearly. It had only been a forty-five minute drive to Raton from the national monument.

At Raton, New Mexico, they had taken Interstate Highway 25 north over the beautiful and historic Raton Pa.s.s into Colorado to Trinidad. They spent that first night in Trinidad.

The next day they rose to a cool (by Texas standards) morning and continued their journey. They followed Interstate 25 further north along the majestic "front range" of the Rocky Mountains. They pa.s.sed through Colorado Springs about noon and ate lunch there and took some pictures with the mountains as a back drop. North of Colorado Springs, they came upon the US Air Force Academy.

Both Jess and Billy wanted to stop there, so they had spent two hours touring the campus. As summer cadets and some of the staff there learned of Jess Simmons' military status and his "flight" capabilities, it had led to several interesting and enjoyable conversations. Late in the afternoon they pa.s.sed through Denver. At Fort Carson, they got back on US 287 and drove across a beautiful mountain pa.s.s into Wyoming. At the bottom of that pa.s.s they came to Laramie, Wyoming on Interstate Highway 80 where they spent the second night.

The next morning, another brisk one for these native Texans, they followed the same path the Campbells had taken a little over a month earlier along Interstate 80. Around 5 p.m. yesterday, August 14th, they had arrived in Boise. After staying in a nice hotel right off of Interstate 84 last night, they had found Boise State University (BSU) in the morning, met the coaching staff, who treated them to lunch, just before noon, and then got Billy checked into his dorm by 2 p.m..

Now, as they walked through the beautiful Ann Morris Park, they hoped to soon find the Campbells and make acquaintance with Leon and his family. They did not have long to wait.

"Hey, Leon! Look down there. Here comes a big white guy with a big ol' white cowboy hat just like you said. Looks like his parents are with him. I bet it's your friend Billy."

Leon turned and looked up the path. Sure enough, just coming around the bend were three people, one of them wearing a big white cowboy hat. "Whew," thought Leon, "if that's Billy, he's a monster."

"Momma, let's get up and walk down that way and meet the Simmons. I'm positive that's them."

As Geneva got up from the bench and joined her sons, almost a hundred yards away, Billy noticed the movement and turned to his Dad.

"Dad, that must be them down there near that clearing. Look, I bet that colored guy waving to us is Leon!"

Billy waved back and started to jog towards the three Campbells.

"I hope this works out, Jess." Cindy Simmons said to her husband. "Billy seems real excited, but I'm just a little nervous. I mean this young man was a gang leader in Chicago and has been involved in who all knows what."

Jess considered his wife's remarks. Jess could understand her concern. Fact was, he had been concerned himself. But he had talked to Billy and trusted his son's instincts, his ability to handle himself in difficult circ.u.mstances and his commitment to doing what was right.

"Cindy, I know what you mean. I have had similar concerns. But, you know, Billy is eighteen now. He's a man and has to make his own way. I believe we've raised him right, and I believe it'll show. I think, from what I have heard, he and Leon are going to get along just fine.

"Leon's story is quite remarkable, you know. Very few have the strength, or vision, or faith in themselves to pull themselves out of a situation like he was in, let alone to pull their entire family out with them. Some get pulled out of it by parents who have the strength; some get pulled out by a teacher along the way; some come out of it after going through the discipline and structure of the military. I have seen quite a few of those cases myself. "

"Most never come out of it. It's too bad, because it's no secret that many of the government programs perpetuate the conditions-and many of the politicians know it-but they feel their agendas and political careers are empowered by those same conditions, so they keep it up. No, honey, it's rare that an individual like Leon comes along and pulls himself up by the bootstraps on his own. That being the case, I believe Billy and Leon are going to get along just fine."