Читать книгу Cull - Stafford Ray - Страница 10

The president waited by the door as Harry Fromm and Magnus Devaurno passed into the Oval Office, closed it, then led the way to the more informal lounge area and motioned for the others to sit. He spent a moment considering Harry before he spoke. Harry was not comfortable. This had the stink of conspiracy. It brought back memories of other conspiracies and where they led. His unease came more from the presence of Devaurno, who gave the slightest of nods. Tanner took the cue and began.

“Harry, I asked you in to gauge your attitude to a very delicate matter we’ve been considering. We have on the table a proposal that is political dynamite. It must remain absolutely confidential. If we take up that proposal, we can solve the environmental problem and our security problems in one move.” He paused and considered, his eyes wandering over Harry’s impassive face. Satisfied, he continued, “If we go that way, we’ll need you aboard to fulfil a key function. However, at this stage, it could place you in an awkward position if it was explained fully before we have your agreement in principle, so first some questions.”

He noted Harry’s nod and sat to face him as he considered how much to reveal. “Harry, what do you really think are the chances the UN will find sufficient consensus to get this proposal up in time?”

Harry wanted to be sure of the limits to the question.

“In time? You mean within five years?”

“Yes. I’m interested in the ability of our competitors to achieve full implementation.”

Devaurno spoke up. “We’re expecting unprecedented international conflict as climate change makes life harder and we’ll all be sucked in eventually as the pressure to relocate pushes billions of people across borders. So we need to manage the process to maintain our military security and our economic strength through this period of adjustment and into the future.”

Tanner nodded in the direction of the Cabinet Room. “I got the impression in there that it was all too hard. Evidence indicates we are already past the point where we could have avoided destructive climate change but most say the timetable is too short. Some are going nuclear while Australia, China and indeed we, are kidding ourselves that coal seam gas is natural and pouring money into clean coal research. Wayne says it’s an oxymoron and you’re not convinced.”

“No, I’m not convinced. It’s like jumping out of the plane before you put on the parachute. The coal industry is still expanding, so if clean coal doesn’t work, we’re even further in the hole. But I don’t really know.”

“What do you think is the biggest obstacle?” asked Devaurno.

“What, to clean coal?”

“No, to the US reaching consensus…supporting this thing.”

“Well, our intransigence in not supporting Kyoto One, then the wishy-washy effort in Amsterdam, then Kyoto Two, then hedging our bets on agreements we did sign gave our industries the wrong signals and reasons to procrastinate.”

Th ey were waiting for more. Harry continued, “As usual, reform was undermined by dumb slogans so there was no real debate. People are confused and frightened so they hang on to the platitudes and cosy up to their gurus for support.” He noted Tanner’s frown but continued as his mind flashed to Felicity’s warning.

“We need decision based on facts, not faith, political, religious or otherwise. To do less is a lack of due diligence at any level and I am afraid the rhetoric so far, particularly from the far right, has been dishonest and divisive.”

Tanner felt the criticism but appreciated the honesty and nodded for Harry to continue. “Nothing personal, Mr President, but you won’t find any less realistic group than some in our own party, particularly the religious Right…and of course much of Islam is too busy destroying itself to have the headspace for climate change.”

Tanner felt an uneasy mixture of anger and a nagging feeling that, despite the earlier epiphany, God was leaving the hard decisions to him.

“But you think China is getting political traction by sponsoring this resolution and we do not have a political answer?”

“No, we don’t, but we need one and soon, if we are to stay relevant in the debate.” He indicated the cabinet room. “Wayne represented scientific consensus but Arino more accurately reflected the electorate.” He turned to Devaurno. “So this needs something dramatic… an earth-shattering event that gets everyone onto the same page.”

Silence followed for a few seconds, then Devaurno replied, “Harry, we agree with you entirely. This problem needs a wake-up call. As you say; ‘an earth shattering event’.”

Thoughts crossed Harry’s mind of conspiracy theories following 9/11. His unease increased as Devaurno continued, “What you’ve said supports our thoughts. If we dither about for years waiting for agreement we’ll just blunder on into never-ending climatic and political chaos. Delice has said in previous meetings that most governments will back off when their electorates revolt against the cost of going one hundred percent renewable. We are convinced the UN resolution will fall over, so we have devised a plan and the means to deliver on it.”

Harry knew the answer before he asked the question. “Military?”

Devaurno nodded slowly, watching his reactions. Harry could not imagine any military intervention that could stop climate change. “I can’t see how bombing some poor bastards will lower birth rates and wean them off fossil fuels.”

“You’re right, Harry, but you’re not aware of the scope. We are not planning to fiddle at the edges here. To do half the job would be worse than nothing and to do nothing is no longer an option. Already we have a dozen conflicts raging through Africa, the Balkans again, Asia, the Middle East, the Subcontinent, you name it. As climate change bites conflict will accelerate until we’re all fighting over the dregs. In the long run, global population will be decimated whether we take action or not but if we move early, we can save a lot of it.”

“We have very regretfully decided,” concluded Tanner, “that population decline needs to be managed to produce the best outcome moving forward.”

Tanner misinterpreted Harry’s smile at the marketing language and confidently continued, “I see you agree we have no option but to force a rapid decline in world population in order to save the ecosystem and with a bit of luck, civilisation.”

He noted Harry’s smile had been replaced by white-faced disbelief.

“These are very hard decisions to take, Harry, but in the final analysis, we’re merely proposing sensible management of the inevitable.”

“What are you planning to do exactly?” Harry probed, his gut churning.

“At this stage, Harry,” Tanner hedged, “it would be inappropriate to burden you with detail but as you are in agreement so far, you will be included in future planning sessions where your role will become clear.”

“Why do you need me at all?”

“Harry,” Tanner assured him, “your role in this could be pivotal.”

“In what way?”

“You’re a realist. You’re not beholden to any political group, religious group, or for that matter, any other group. You have an excellent reputation for integrity throughout the world. Basically, you enhance our credibility. Leaders trust you.”

He smiled in anticipation of a positive reply, but Harry didn’t like anyone piggy-backing on his credibility, even his president and certainly not the abomination this was shaping up to be! But Tanner forged on.

“You bring a unique understanding of the state of play in Asia, particularly China. You can hose down any problems arising there.” He again smiled his encouragement. “What do you say?”

Harry had seen too many good people die for lost causes to believe in force as a first option. The plan they were formulating must be huge. It must offer a balanced carbon cycle, a dramatic drop in world population and the United States untouched and in the driver’s seat. Although he already doubted its wisdom, he decided he would be more able to influence its direction if he were included.

“OK,” he agreed, forcing a smile through clenched teeth. “I’ll see you.”

“Good. In that case, there are matters needing your immediate attention. Business wants a free trade agreement with China but we’re taking a lot of heat from our religious supporters over their human rights policies, so we need to bracket them into the same deal.”

“Is this a smoke screen?” asked Harry, more comfortable in the diplomatic role.

“Well, no, not totally. It is a real issue,” he answered, looking at Devaurno, revealing who was really driving the bus. “We need to be seen to be conducting business as usual, keeping our lobbyists happy and our enemies contained.” He lifted his eyes to Harry once again. “There are matters I need you to raise with Ho that’ll hold his attention. I’ll send that material to your office.”

“As you know,” Harry reminded him, “I’m due to visit Australia next week and…um, the geosequestration thing. I hate to say it, but if Arino is pushing it, it needs looking at. Maybe I can ask a few questions without making it official.”

Tanner stared at Harry for a few moments deciding what to say. “I am hopeful it works,” he offered finally. “But I guess we need to be sceptical.” He glanced at Devaurno, then continued, “If it isn’t working and Prime Minister Mulaney knows it, he will be more receptive to our idea, so sound him out. We need him.”

“Australia is vital,” added Devaurno. “With Mulaney aboard we have the perfect base for South Asian operations. We have bases there, but as Mason says, be careful what you say. He’s smart and he’s ruthless and if he thinks he is not in the loop, he could be dangerous. He might come aboard or he might play us against China. That’s a big one. OK?”

“I understand,” he answered, turning to Tanner, “but any invitation to the Prime Minister would be better coming from you. In fact his ego would be dented if it didn’t and he might think it’s smarter to stay out.”

“I’ll invite him,” Tanner agreed. “But we need to be sure he’ll accept. That’s your job. OK?”

“I might have a word with Pender, their foreign minister,” he replied. “He’s in good standing in China too. He’s a straight guy and a friend. I’ll talk to him first.”

“That’s good,” agreed Tanner. “He’d know how their relations really are with China and we need to know that.” He looked to Devaurno and back to Harry. “But nothing about this. OK?”

“There’s one more thing, Harry,” interrupted Devaurno. “Be really attentive to Ho. We may not be the only people doing this. We’re concerned that China might have a similar idea, so keep your ears open for anything while you’re there. OK?”

“What am I looking for? What do you have?”

“Nothing definite, just some suspicious earthworks in the Western Provinces and Mongolia. Satellite photos. With no assets on the ground, that’s all we’ve got.”

“Do you want me to ask about that specifically?”

“No, we don’t want to spook them into precipitous action, just look and listen, unless he raises it, of course. And for God’s sake, deny that anything might be happening here!”

Tanner glanced at Devaurno, who nodded. Although Harry would have liked more information, it was clear they were done. He reached for Harry’s hand and shook it as he stood, then took his arm and guided him to the door where he stopped and faced him.

“Your main task at the moment is to keep Ho’s attention elsewhere. We need time and we need you to buy it. Our first international planning session is scheduled for when you come back. We are confident we have the Brits and we hope Mulaney joins up. That’s all we’ll need.”

“This is well along the road then?” Harry asked, revealing discomfort.

“Don’t worry, Harry,” Tanner assured him. “Nothing has been decided. Our next meeting will clarify the detail for you.”

“Good,” he said, forcing himself to look relieved. “I’d hate us to be doing another Afghanistan!”

“No,” laughed Tanner. “It’s nothing like that.”

He took Harry’s hand again. “Nothing’s happening yet and there is nothing substantial you don’t know. One last thing; this is absolutely top secret. Record nothing that can be hacked and say nothing to anyone. Don’t even dream about it. OK? Security is paramount.”

Harry felt disappointed that Tanner thought he needed reminding, and registered a thought that maybe he was not totally trusted.

Tanner held the door open as he shook his hand again.

“I’ll call your secretary when we have a meeting date and don’t worry, it’s early days. Bye Harry.”

The door closed on Tanner rejoining Devaurno. So there was more to discuss. He re-ran Tanner’s words, ‘There’s nothing substantial you don’t know’, and had that sinking feeling.

‘Bullshit!’ he thought. ‘There were secrets.’ He looked back at the closed door. “Fuck!”