Dragon's Fury - Dragon's Breath Part 11

This state of affairs could not be allowed to continue.

As he was taking his seat, Sahid thought about the carefully-scripted role he would play over the next few minutes in bringing Islam together, and how what he was about to do would ensure his own entry into the great paradise of G.o.d. His aid, a good and valiant defender of the faith, would join him there, though the aid was completely oblivious to what was about to happen.

As he dragged his chair up to the mahogany conference table, Sahid began to put pressure on the lower back molars on each side of his jaw. Those molars had been filled and crowned years ago and were taken for granted by the security detachments in these facilities. After all, they had seen them on their x-ray machines many times.

Three days before coming to Iraq, the crowns covering those two molars had been removed and the fillings drilled out and filled with small, pressurized cartridges that were coated with the same material from which the fillings were made. The crowns had been replaced, but not glued in. By exerting the right pressure, Sahid could remove the crowns and activate the pressurized gas within each cartridge.

By the time Sahid was seated comfortably at the conference table, he had already removed the crowns with practiced precision. After Chaliberi had finished with the introduction, which consisted of his carefully scripted and flowery words about how he was in fact taking advantage of Israel and America, he invited Sahid to stand and speak concerning the plans that were to be the object of the meeting.

Sahid stood and looked around the room. He took a deep breath and then, to everyone's complete astonishment, he uttered the following words: "Isam Chaliberi, on behalf of the United States of America, I find you guilty of treason against the new government of Iraq and treachery against the united States government that has placed you in this position!"

At the mention of the "United States," "guilty" and "treachery," the guards began to bring their weapons to bear on Sahid. But it was too late. A small cloud of mist erupted from Sahid's mouth and shot towards Chaliberi, while diffusing around the room. It was a mist filled with an extremely toxic nerve gas that did not have to be inhaled to produce its deadly effects. It was absorbed into the body upon contact with the skin of the victim.

Even as the subsonic bullets from the guards standing behind Sahid began to rip into his body, the first tiny particles of the mist began to fall upon Chaliberi's exposed face and arms. In an effort to avoid the gas, Chaliberi had thrown up his arms to protect his face and fallen back in his chair, but the desperate action proved futile.

Chaliberi rolled back in his chair in shocked surprise. A stunned silence fell over the room as Sahid's lifeless body thudded to the floor. Looking around the room, a wry smile appeared on Chaliberi's face for an instant as he thought there would be no ill effect from the mist-but the instant was fleeting.

Suddenly a terrible, almost animal-like scream erupted from his throat. His entire body began to writhe in horrific spasms and convulsions as the nerve agent began to destroy his central nervous system. Over a few seconds, the spasms, the convulsions-and the screams-got worse, much worse. Similar screams began to erupt from all around the room as others began to experience the same effects.

Two of the guards standing in the back of the room, and three of the council members who were sitting in the back, were quick-witted enough to exit the room at the first hint of any untoward action and with the gunfire. They were able to do so before any of the expanding and diffusing mist particles touched their skin. They proved to be the only survivors.

As the shocked guards who were monitoring the audio and video feed watched, the hapless victims thrashed around in unbelievably violent contortions as their spasms worsened. Horribly, three or four audible "cracks" were heard as convulsions wracked the spinal cords of the victims into unnatural backward aches-so unnatural that their spines literally snapped. The screams were beyond description; the sight beyond imagination and, ironically, every minute of the grotesque human horror was recorded in full by Chaliberi's own audio and video security equipment.

Within five minutes it was over. All sixteen individuals who remained in the room were dead and sprawled about the room in a most grotesque manner. The five who had gotten out were not allowed to exit the outer room to the conference center for many hours.

Iraqi toxicologists, scientists, medical doctors and investigators would secretly and carefully a.n.a.lyze the scene, while protected by full bio-chemical suits, for several days before announcing their preliminary conclusions to the new Iraqi hierarchy and before Chaliberi's absence became a cause for concern amongst the Americans. The discovery of the cartridges in Sahid's mouth from which the gas had erupted would play heavily into the reaction of the Iraqi leaders.h.i.+p. Upon performing a microscopic examination of each of these cartridges, astonis.h.i.+ngly, they would find the following letters stenciled on the side of each in tiny script: "MANF. TO US MIL SPEC0602."

In addition, the Iraqi investigators, and later independent investigators, would find clear forensic evidence that Sahid's fingerprints had been medically altered. The Iraqis surmised that this had been done with a technology and precision that could only have originated in the west, and which was reserved for the highest level clandestine operatives.

August 2, 2005, 20:00 local time Islamic Republic government offices Tehran, Iran Minister Sadiq s.h.i.+raziha gently knocked on the door to Imam Sayeed's personal office. After a moment or two, during which Sadiq waited patiently, knowingly, he heard Hasan give him permission to enter.

As Sadiq entered the room, Hasan rose from where he had been praying. After exchanging Arabic greetings, Hasan spoke.

"I take it there is news out of Iraq?"

Respectfully waiting for his Imam to make his way to his desk and be seated there, Sadiq then answered.

"Yes, Imam. We have received word. Operation Zakat has been successfully completed. President Chaliberi is dead. Our operatives report that five of his eight closest aides died with him, along with a number of personal guards. Sahid Ibrahim and his aid were also amongst the dead. G.o.d rest their souls."

Hasan thought about the guards and some of the military council in Iraq. Some of those men had been faithful Muslims and would now be with Allah in paradise. A special place was surely reserved there for the faithful and patriotic Sahid.

Hasan also thought of individuals like Chaliberi who aligned themselves with the west out of personal interest and l.u.s.t for power, wealth and decadent western vice.

"Allah be with Sahid and all of the faithful who entered into paradise today. "

"Their sacrifice has not been in vain. Today, with his great act of martyrdom, I believe that the faithful servant Sahid Ibrahim did more for the cause of Islam and its unification, than all of the combined acts of the great Ayatollahs of the past hundred years. I say this with no disrespect whatsoever meant for those faithful servants."

"But, we must move on. Sadiq, what of the political and civil situation within Iraq in the aftermath of Chaliberi's death?"

Sadiq reflected just a moment as he recollected the communiques and conversations to which he had been privy during the last several hours.

"Imam, as instructed, our agents in the Iraqi Foreign Ministry have announced Chaliberi's death to the world, along with the allegations regarding the West. A video of the entire incident that was made as a standard security procedure has been released. It will be the major news story in the west in their afternoon editions and their evening news."

"As for the local, civil situation in Iraq: surprisingly, on the streets there is great chaos amongst the common citizens. This is perhaps as clear an indication as one could imagine of the true feelings of the people towards Chaliberi and his western regime. There are many anti-western and anti-American demonstrations forming."

"There is also some indication that the surviving governmental council is trying to consolidate power. But our efforts amongst the people are already producing significant progress in developing a popular movement to join the Greater Islamic Republic and face the West in solidarity. I believe our people in the Foreign Ministry and mounting public pressure will give us the opportunity we need, within the next few days, to formally offer a proposal for alignment, in order to calm the situation and prevent anarchy, chaos and further bloodshed."

Hasan was pleased. Allah's will for a unified Islam was pressing forward. It would press forward through all obstacles, both those thrown in its path by the infidels as well as by the unfaithful.

"Excellent. Keep me informed of the developments, Sadiq. Perhaps I can make this announcement during the upcoming WNN interview. It would come just two days after the Pakistani announcement and would serve to keep the West all the more off balance."

"Though I have been troubled by the recent efforts of the Americans with respect to Pakistan and Iraq...those efforts have been seen for what they are, very transparent and belated attempts to divide a solidarity that is blessed by Allah and growing rapidly."

"Nonetheless, it is indicative that the American leaders.h.i.+p is awakening to what is happening around them. I believe that the reality of a united Islamic Republic stretching from Syria to the Himalayas will quickly remove any remaining sleep from their eyes. We will have to proceed carefully once they begin to see things clearly."

August 3, 2005, 07:50 News Stand, Central Park New York City

Herald Post - Special Edition Isam Chaliberi a.s.sa.s.sinated!

Iraqis Blame United States CIA Operation Video of a.s.sa.s.sination Released Baghdad, Iraq-August 2, 2005-(UIP) In horrific detail, the death of Iraqi President Chaliberi, who returned from exile after Iraq was liberated by the United States, and a long time ally of the United States, was captured on video yesterday as it occurred in one of the nation's remaining Presidential Bunker facilities. The stunning video captured the final words of the a.s.sa.s.sin, a terrorist leader in the Hamas organization, which preceded the death. These words, and other alleged circ.u.mstances surrounding the killing, have led the Iraqi Foreign Minister to blame America and the CIA for the a.s.sa.s.sination.

The statement by the terrorist, "Isam Chaliberi, on behalf of the United States of America, I find you guilty of treason against the new government of Iraq and treachery against the united States government that has placed you in this position!" preceded the release of an unknown mist from the speaker's mouth.

This mist, which spread throughout the room, killed Chaliberi and many members of his executive council who were present at the time. The Hamas leader was shot and killed by Iraqi guards before the effects of the mist resulted in the other deaths. Experts speculate that the mist was some form of nerve gas.

Amazingly, in an era of almost instant news gratification via the internet, email, connected wireless phones and Palm computers...tens of thousands of people were flocking to the newsstands to pick up their copy of the Special Edition news print.

And this was not just occurring in America, where the pa.s.sing of the supposed ally was greeted with significant angst...and with a question of what now would become of Iraq. Newspaper stands all over the world were swamped with people anxious to "read all about it." Web sites that carried the story experienced unprecedented traffic. Online newspapers and news service sites were so overloaded that some of their servers could not effectively handle the increased load.

Everywhere, the world held its collective breath, wondering what would occur as a result of the death of Isam Chaliberi. Everywhere, people sensed that great changes in political and ideological alignments were afoot in the world.

In the Arab world, outside of his ruling party and many of the Palestinians, Chaliberi had been feared and maligned because of his ties to the west. Nonetheless, the prospect of a potential a.s.sa.s.sination of an Arab leader by a western power generated animosity, ma.s.s demonstrations and calls for independent investigations.

In the West and Far East there had been more concern about Chaliberi's uncertain future. Yet, despite this, people had recognized him as a great hope for the Mid East and a real test if American policy in the region. His absence now created a dangerous vacuum-and nature abhors vacuums. Inevitably, the void created by Chaliberi's death would be filled by something as yet unknown.

August 3, 2005, 14:20 White House press briefing Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

"In closing, let me a.s.sure you all, that underno circ.u.mstances did the United States government or any of its agencies take part in, plan, or in any way instigate the a.s.sa.s.sination of Isam Chaliberi. The United States viewed Chaliberi as an ally-and as a leader who had the first real hope of significantly contributing to peace and stability in the entire Middle East. Under no circ.u.mstance does the United States condone a.s.sa.s.sination as a means of promoting or realizing global political stability."

President Weisskopf looked at the sea of hands that were immediately and impatiently raised as he completed his statement. The chorus began at once.

"Mr. President! Mr. President!"

"Bill."

"Thank you, Mr. President. What is the United States response to the video of the a.s.sa.s.sination in which the killer specifically referenced the United States?"

President Weisskopf had asked a similar question earlier in the day of his own advisors, particularly Mike Rowley, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The answer had satisfied him, but the explanation offered for public consumption had to remain less forthright for the time being.

"Until we have a chance to a.n.a.lyze this video in detail, and until more information is forthcoming, we will withhold our comment. However, I can once again reiterate that the United States had nothing to do with this."

"Mr. President! Mr. President!"

"Judy."

"Mr. President. You indicated that our government had nothing to do with this a.s.sa.s.sination. Yet how can you rea.s.sure the people that our government is being forthright? In light of past activities, both domestic and international, from presidential activities to the activities of law enforcement and the military, the government has been caught lying time and again. How can the American people believe you, Mr.

President?"

Norm Weisskopf did not like having his honor or his integrity called into question. He had learned a long time ago at West Point to personally maintain nothing but the highest standards in this regard. It was an integral part of his character. And one he took seriously.

"Judy, I am not one of the former Presidents to which you refer. My own military record and stance on the issue of integrity is open to the public and well doc.u.mented. A government that will directly lie to its people in an effort to cover wrong or illegal activity is a government not worthy to rule a free people."

"I will say it again: the United States had nothing to do with this a.s.sa.s.sination. Thank you."

"Mr. President! Mr. President!"

The President's press secretary had stepped up to the podium as the President was now exiting the room.

"Thank you, the press briefing is over. Good day."

August 5, 2005, 10:35 local time Office of the president New Delhi, India "Mr. President, the People's Republic of China has every intention of insuring the peace between the United States and the Greater Islamic Republic (GIR) once Pakistan carries out its intention of uniting with the GIR We are willing to sign a treaty with all involved parties to that effect at any time you would desire."

"In addition, we are hoping that at some date in the near future our peoples in the PRC, the GIR and India will come together in an even greater coalition, despite any religious or ideological differences, and in the spirit of the Three Wisdoms. Such an alignment would affect an economic and political coalition that would rival anything the west can put together. Can you imagine it? Having the economy, the buying power, the influence to challenge the United States or the European Union on our own terms, eye to eye, without the need to blink at all?"

President KP Narayannen of India listened with respect to what Li Peng had to say. He knew that Li was President Jien Zenim's closest advisor and spoke for him. He knew that the coalition that he and Jien had announced and implemented was surpa.s.sing their economic and political aspirations. Now it was time to invite others to the table...but the Pakistanis? Could it be true that Hasan Sayeed had so much influence that he could break down those barriers? More importantly, does Jien Zenim believe that he possesses both the necessary trust, and the necessary power, to be able to incorporate Hasan and his minions into his overall plans?

"I believe we will avoid a direct "military" alliance or commitment at this time, Minister Li. However, we are open to expanding the CAS. At the same time, we are concerned about the growing power of the GIR, particularly now that it will be moving to our borders by encompa.s.sing Pakistan. Although a nation's name may change, the old rivalries and animosities are still there and are difficult to forget about."

"Still, we feel that we are strong enough to preserve the peace on our own borders and will wait to see how the GIR conducts itself. Becoming a member of the CAS, and committing to the economic and social principles that form its basis, would be an initial step in the right direction, and one we would welcome-albeit, as I say, due to historical precedence, it is a step of which we would be wise to remain somewhat wary."

"Inasmuch as the PRC is working with us in the CAS towards our mutual goals, we would welcome your efforts as an arbitrator from a diplomatic standpoint with any issues that arise that we cannot mutually resolve."

Li Peng sensed some of the reservation, and had to admit that there was good historical precedent for it.

At the same time, he knew that his leader's goals and directions in this regard were critical, and explicit.

The latest US efforts to keep the wedge driven deep between Pakistan and India could not be allowed the slightest prospect of success.

"President Narayannen, allow me to address a critical point, and, with your pardon, let me do so very directly. What of the recent overtures by the United States, and their attempts to draw India away from our developing CAS relations.h.i.+p?"

President Narayannen considered this point carefully. He and his advisors had discussed this very subject in great detail. Some were for opening their arms to the Americans. An alliance with the United States was something many in India had wanted for a long time. But others, Narayannen included, argued that America's attention was not sincere. They argued, quite convincingly, that American overtures had occurred only as a result of s.h.i.+fting economies and balances which appeared to threaten them. In short: America was fickle, and could not be relied upon. The counter to this had been that the new administration under Weisskopf was strong, and could be trusted. But the inevitable response to that argument had been that the Reagan administration, too, was a strong and trustworthy one-and look at what had followed a few short years later.

"Minister Li, we have discussed this in detail in our cabinet meetings. We feel that the American overtures are insincere. We are very happy with, and committed to, our CAS responsibilities and agreements. We view the CAS, and its basis in social equity, to be in the best long-term interests of the people of India."

"Having said that, we will take advantage of any offers the Americans make that do not hamper or interfere with those long-term commitments and responsibilities to the CAS. We will ensure that the Americans understand this, and if they wish to make equitable trade agreements and concessions to us in spite of it...well, we would be foolish to not take advantage of them."

"But, please be sure convey to President Jien in no uncertain terms our commitment to the CAS and to the plans he and I have discussed for the last several years."

This is what Li had hoped to hear. The Indians were not buying the American plans, and with the announcement by Pakistan's General Musharraf on August 7th, now only two days away, it would be clear to the world that the Pakistanis weren't buying them either.

"I will certainly convey that message to President Jien. I know he will be gratified to hear of it. On behalf of President Jien, and on behalf of the People's Republic of China, I offer my thanks for your hospitality and your commitment. May the success, well-being and prosperity of our peoples remain linked through such bonds of friends.h.i.+p and commitment to social equity."

August 7, 2005, 13:35 local time National Security Council pressroom Islamabad, Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf looked out over the a.s.sembled news reporters, heads of state and their representatives, his own eight-member National Security Council and the many others who had been invited to hear this announcement. They were all waiting expectantly in the large pressroom. The announcement he was about to make had been discussed by him and the Security Council (every member of which he had personally appointed after his military coup seized government power in 1999) for many weeks. Every possible angle had been debated.

There was no doubt that Hasan Sayeed represented the best opportunity for Islamic unification since the Prophet himself. The trouble with this was that it was so obvious, and had been discussed so much, that the people themselves knew it and were demanding it.

This left the General in a quandary. He had been successful in his coup. He had successfully played the competing western, eastern and religious influences against one another...even during the Americans terror war that had placed him in such a tenuous position and caused such upheaval. In the process, he had demonstrated to the world the new nuclear capability the Pakistanis had obtained in response to the Indians. He had been able to modernize his military with both American and Chinese hardware. And he had, at least from his perspective, improved the standard of living for many of his people in the process.

But the quandary was that the people were now looking to Hasan and not to him.

Trying to walk a tightrope between the competing ideological influences of the west and east had been a dangerous game and a "touch and go" proposition for his governmental position. To go against the will of the Islamic people in his Islamic nation could prove fatal to him personally-he took note of the demise of Isam Chaliberi with special interest in this regard. The various news media around the world might buy into the propaganda regarding the cause of Chaliberi's death, but General Musharraf knew better.

Contemplating this precarious situation caused the General to realize again that he had little choice in the matter. He placed his hands on either side of the podium, looked directly into the camera, and began.

"Today we in Pakistan make an historic announcement to add to those of the last several months. We of the National Security Council of Pakistan have reviewed the growth of the Greater Islamic Republic with growing interest and excitement. The prospect of a unified Islam has touched our hearts and our spirits. It is truly the dream of ages-but one that cannot be contemplated lightly or without serious reflection."

"Therefore, we have spoken with, counseled with and negotiated with the leaders of the GIR, and with Imam Hasan Sayeed himself, over the last many weeks. We have considered the impact of a unified Islam on our people, their security, their potential for growth and prosperity and their physical, social and spiritual well-being. As a result, we have made important decisions on behalf of our people which we wish to announce today."

"First, we are convinced that Hasan Sayeed represents a true Imamate for all Islamic people. Today we recognize him as such and proclaim to all true believers everywhere that they should similarly consider the meaning of this reality for themselves."

"Second, we announce today the alliance and merging of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with the Greater Islamic Republic. It is the will of the people. It is the will of Allah-we can but follow."

"The details of the agreement between Pakistan and the Greater Islamic Republic are provided in the packages you have been given. These same details will be voted on by the people in a national referendum on September 1st. We expect the agreement to be overwhelming approved by the people of Pakistan and will proceed diplomatically on that basis from this date."

"This completes the announcement. There will be no questions."

August 7, 2005, 09:35 Oval Office, The White House Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

"OK Fred, let's hear it."

The Secretary of State, understanding full well the gravity of the developing situation, began his comments.

"Mr. President, the unification announcement by Musharraf will create a serious situation in the region.

Not only does it significantly add to the size, influence and overall capability of the Greater Islamic Republic, but it exasperates an already delicate situation in the Kashmir bordering India."

"Our efforts regarding India are making progress. They have made clear to us their intent to remain committed to the CAS, but the fact that they are willing to conduct and accept some trade and diplomatic negotiations indicates a potential for making inroads into that commitment. In addition, I believe they want to "hedge their bets" in terms of continued awareness of the growing threat across their eastern border. I believe, if we play our cards right, we can make progress with India and perhaps create a wedge in the CAS, and any potential for development of the CAS with the GIR."

Tim Hattering listened with increasing concern. He believed that the Pakistani announcement was an unmitigated disaster and he could not stand by while it was soft-pedaled to his President.

"Excuse me for the interruption, Fred, but wait just a minute. This thing with Pakistan is a disaster! We have sunk hundreds of millions of dollars, maybe billions, into Pakistan's military hardware and into the research that led to their nuclear capability. Now, all of that, every d.a.m.n penny of it, is in the hands of a fundamentalist Islamic state that has sponsored terrorism against the United States, and has made its intent clear regarding all of the Middle East. Sooner or later that is going to mean an abject threat to our friends and our own strategic interests in the area."

"The CAS is an equal threat and I appreciate our efforts diplomatically with India to undercut it. But, I am more interested in the immediate threat and ramifications of the ideological and military impact of Pakistan being gobbled up by the GIR. I thought our efforts with India and Pakistan were supposed to help prevent this very thing."

Fred Reissinger was not swayed by Tim's outburst. In fact he had expected it. There was no doubt that the military implications of the growing GIR were weighing heavily on the minds of military leaders around the world.