File Zero. Джек Марс
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Название: File Zero
Автор: Джек Марс
Издательство: Lukeman Literary Management Ltd
Жанр: Политические детективы
Серия: An Agent Zero Spy Thriller
isbn: 9781094310336
isbn:
“Tell that to the American people,” Rigby argued.
Zero said nothing in response, but he knew in that moment that his assumption was right. The conspirators wanted to use the recent attack as a way to rally the people to the cause of war.
“All right,” Pierson cut in, holding up a hand. “Let’s take a step back here. Roland, what sort of global responses are we seeing?”
The Secretary of State, Roland Kemmerer, quickly scanned his notes as he spoke. “Bad news first, I suppose. Intelligence and satellite recon suggests that Iran is already seeking allies in Iraq and Oman, as well as some Syrian nationalist groups. If they banded together, they would have the ability to close the Strait of Hormuz.”
There was a moment of reverential silence to allow the comment to sink in before Rigby said, “You know how detrimental that could be, Mr. President.”
“Not only would that eliminate a strategic advantage for the Fifth Fleet,” Holmes added, “but we could be facing a major economic downturn.”
“A recession, to say the least. Possibly worse.” Kemmerer shook his head.
Zero bit his tongue to keep from reacting. Sons of bitches. This was as rehearsed as a play. They’d been waiting for years for this exact moment. He never would have imagined that he would be present for it, yet here he was, sitting in the Situation Room as these warmongers attempted to sway a president.
Pierson rubbed his chin pensively. His face was ashen; not only was he the sole person responsible for whether or not America would go to war, but a recession was clearly not something he had considered previously. “Is there any good news?”
The Secretary of State sighed. “Eventually. The UN wants to investigate the incident. The European Union, China, Japan, and most other allies are already issuing proclamations of neutrality in any future conflict that might arise. Except for one.”
Zero knew it well before Kemmerer even said it.
“Russia.” The Secretary of State fidgeted slightly in his seat. “It seems their own trade agreements with Iran have been deteriorating. They’re ready to lend their support if we need it.”
“President Ivanov has already pledged resources to our cause if we decided that it was in our best interests,” said Holmes.
“War,” the president murmured. “Might as well call it what it is. If war is in our best interests.”
Zero glanced over at Pierson. The president’s complexion had taken on a sallow aspect, and he stared blankly at the shiny mahogany tabletop. Despite how adept Zero was at reading expressions and tells, he couldn’t say whether or not Pierson was buying the load of bullshit that his cabinet was selling. But if he had to guess, he would say that Pierson was caving.
“General Rigby,” the president asked, “what’s your position?”
Here it comes. The blatant advice that the US go to war in the Middle East.
“It is my position that we mobilize the Fifth Fleet,” said Rigby, “and show them our full potential in the Persian Gulf. We can call in additional assets from the Gulf of Oman. But…” The general paused and shook his head. “I cannot advise that we initiate a war over this.”
Zero balked. He couldn’t hide his reaction this time; his mouth fell open slightly at the general’s remark. Rigby was playing a part, he was certain, but it was still a curveball.
“I believe that we should hold our position in the Gulf and let the Iranians know that we want to avoid conflict in any way possible,” he continued. “If they act, we react, but until then, we stay the course.”
“With all due respect, General,” said Holmes, “I’m not sure that perspective will sit well with the American people in the wake of recent events.”
“No,” Pierson agreed, “but the general is right. We can’t allow this situation to get blown out of proportion, and I don’t believe the Iranians are going to declare war without further provocation. Mr. Holmes,” he addressed his Chief of Staff, “let’s begin immediately on an address to the nation. We’ll explain that the attack in the Persian Gulf did not result in any loss of American life, and that we will not be goaded into any hostilities.”
“Yes sir, Mr. President.”
Zero’s mind was working a mile a minute. He had fully expected this to be the meeting in which the US declared war on Iran and took swift action to control the Strait of Hormuz…
Oh. The realization struck him like a brick to the head. To declare war now would make their intentions too obvious. He, Agent Zero, had figured it out, and while he knew he was fiercely intelligent—there was that hubris again—others were too. Someone else could assume the same as him. No, these people had years to plan this. They weren’t in any rush.
He had thought, had assumed that this entire meeting was the play. But this was just the rehearsal. Which meant… There is going to be something else. Not an attack. Not a fight.
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