Friend & Foe Book 3

Friend & Foe

Book 3

Odd facts have been taken from the news and some of the places mentioned do exist in order to provide an element of realism, but all characters are entirely fictional; any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

Copyright J Nicholson 2019

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the author.

For those willing to ask awkward questions and listen to the arguments submitted by others

Chapter 1

London, England; the climate change debacle in Paris with representatives of 190 nations is coming to a close; a demonstration is under way on the streets of London where climate change protesters are marching to show their support for the much needed reduction in greenhouse gases; though most are unaware of any scientific argument for or against the much debated and politicised subject.

‘Keep back behind the barrier – do not attempt to break through the line; you will be breaking the law and be arrested.’ The megaphone repeated the message to the crowd surging down the mall towards the Houses of Parliament. There had been sporadic attempts to break away from the main body into the side streets but they had been largely contained and no arrests had been necessary. From somewhere in the middle of a tight bunch of protesters against global warming a missile was thrown, followed by another, then people were screaming, accusing the police of abuse: a big push broke the line and the demonstrators surged through, a new vitality seemed to have emerged; suddenly chaos had overtaken the relative calm and the police struggled to maintain any order – fights broke out where small groups targeted spots with a weakened police presence: some stores that hadn’t substantial shutters were attacked and vehicles were torched. The ability of the police to bring any discipline to the situation was severely hampered by their strict orders on physical confrontation; their only option was to fall back, attempt to pick out the ring leaders orchestrating the violence and target them specifically, making some arrests in the hope that would quell the uprising.

The damage was substantial: what should have been a peaceful rally had obviously been infiltrated by activists who spurred the others into actions they had not anticipated, but became swept up in the momentum. A rebellious and easily led, but harmless individual called Sam was among those held for questioning, though he couldn’t provide any clues to the ring-leaders identities or who may have started the violence. He was charged for causing affray and told to attend court at a later date.

Sinclair de Montefiore absorbed the fracas in London along with many other events from around the world, submitted via pulses of information onto a large screen where he would request extra information on the subjects of interest from his sophisticated computer aide called Mac. Their formidable organisation had survived millennia in one guise or another, though the origins were debatable and the numerous splinter groups clouded the possibility of a definitive judgement. The Count, as he was sometimes called, compared the ease with which they arranged and infiltrated disparate groups in the West to the much more strictly controlled East, pondering the effectiveness of the different ruling systems and the most effective way to control them all over a longer period.

In contrast to the heavy handed methods in China, the British police in London were hampered by rules and regulations; their efforts to contain the crowds thwarted by decades of government interference and non-confrontational policy, highlighting the occasional accident where an innocent bystander has been injured or killed. The top echelons in the forces had been carefully chosen to follow political guidelines and avert antagonistic acts. The advent of instant communication ensured many groups were in contact and able to arrange demonstrations simultaneously to protest against any particular injustices or perceived grievances; and there were many corporations willing to subsidise the core protesters who move around the country making a living from promoting discord and inciting fringe groups. The Herculean task to create order out of continually erupting chaos would demoralise a lesser man, despairing of the perverse traits of the human race.

*

‘The activists were well organised sir: we were unable to apprehend anyone of seniority, though the damages were substantial.’

‘Let it be known we have several of the ringleaders and are taking the appropriate action Sybil. The media need to be aware we are in control, and tell the commissioner that we need convictions, but to be careful not to provoke any minority interests; we are just beginning to win some of them over by leaking details to the media which inflames local opinion, thereby promoting our principles. It is unfortunate we can’t just set the rules and strictly observe them, but too many self-interest groups and their lobbyists denounce our actions from elevated platforms twisting the truth, accusing us of numerous acts against the masses which the great public are persuaded is all true and hold against us. Is democracy really down to who can perform best in the various forms of social media?’

‘You are under a lot of pressure prime minister; I am sure the voters will know who to vote for when the time comes.’

‘I am not so sure Sybil; not when you see how elections are faring in other countries with populist figures appealing to the public, even though their promises are absurd. I would like to see some of our more outlandish regulations removed but the bureaucratic machine is now just too big to be able to make significant changes to, and our sense of justice and fair play is the envy of the world so we can’t afford to make drastic changes; even if we could.’ The prime minister’s pps accepted the file containing numerous signed forms of correspondence as she acknowledged his speech, but had nothing to add to assuage his concerns.

*

Sinclair de Montefiore opened his secure communication system to speak with a favoured director who had earned her position on their august board through diligence and devotion to the cause.

‘Ms Khasani, good morning; it is comforting to have good reports from your section expanding our network and hastening our imperative ascent: the schools are functioning well and our recruits are having a welcome impact on society even though some of your lecturers have a colourful record.’ Banda Khasani could tell her boss was in a good mood though she recognised the need for diplomacy as well as expediency in her reply.

‘Thank you sir; it is an honour to be involved in the creation of a sustainable and equitable culture, preserving our planet and species; and I agree with your appraisal, however we must use those talents best suited for our purposes until they are no longer necessary. Zealous orators with inflamed opinions of themselves and lack of compassion for those that don’t follow their doctrine do have their uses. How can I be of assistance?’

‘I agree and am not criticising at all Banda; we can enjoy a more just society after our long awaited victory.’ He paused momentarily before continuing. ‘Your old network is functioning well, and your protégé, Mahmoud, has exceeded our expectations, however parts of the process are becoming unmanageable and if we are going to use the Middle East as one of the catalysts for our accession, we will need to have complete control over the movements of the various forces in the region including the proxy contingents, whoever they happen to be fighting for. I am suggesting you return to assist Mahmoud in a supervisory capacity, overseeing the complex factions with many convoluted interests involving numerous countries. This will be a very delicate and dangerous operation requiring significant dexterity and diplomacy, a trait you have shown to possess in abundance in the past.’

‘I always apply myself fully to whatever is required of me sir, and am pleased to have fulfilled all of my obligations to date. How do you want me to proceed in this instance?’

‘As you are aware, Mahmoud has continued with your objective of infiltrating the many disparate extreme groups in the region, and has assisted with the creation of factional bodies with ever more violent or radical leaders. The time has come to remove the more reasonable and intelligent powerbrokers who are necessary for the long term continuation of the radicals; we want our agents to begin leaking information to known informers of the movements of these key figures, so they can be targeted by US drones or special forces and eliminated. The more deranged leaders won’t have any steadying influence and will mount ever more idealistic incursions on anyone remotely objecting to their completely irrational demands, eventually imploding through their own volition; no doubt with a little external encouragement. Mahmoud did well in Egypt with his promotion of the Muslim Brotherhood, evicting the Christians; and that can still be used to good effect with the increasing division in the country, but we want to pull in the West and the East who are becoming more involved through proxy fighters and instigate a web of distrust between friend and foe alike. When this is established we will begin to destabilise relations through our network of infiltrated agents and begin the uprisings which will mark the start of our ascendance to our rightful place in the world.’

‘Your trust in me will be repaid with interest sir; I will hand over my existing operations and begin the new task with immediate effect. What do you wish me to do with my educational programmes and in particular the VRE project; should I put it on hold until I return?’

‘Ah yes, your variable rate equivalent; I believe you can safely leave that particular project aside for your personal attention later: the Bitcoin revolution hasn’t achieved its potential and your improved version using much less energy, will take time to be fully evaluated and trusted, though I am sure you will succeed utilising the blockchain method to a commercial level. We may even assist the deluded governments in their quest for alternative currencies to a small degree. Your corrective schools and recruitment programmes now have sufficient volition to continue in your absence under the capable deputies you have installed, so I firmly believe your lack of physical presence will not be to the detriment of your progressive ventures. Thank you Banda for your understanding; we all have the utmost faith in you; your devotion and loyalty will not go unrewarded. Mac has all the operational details and will forward everything you should require, but don’t forget to call either myself or Mac if there is anything to report: the other members of the board have their own agendas and do not need to know of your specific movements.’ He complimented her on the ease with which she was able to recruit disaffected individuals and indoctrinate them with any particular form that suited their ethnic group, though did qualify his praise saying it would undoubtedly throw up some issues to be resolved at a later date.

The secure line closed and Sinclair de Montefiore looked at the hologram in front of his work station where an effigy of Mac had appeared. He began to run through the anticipated sequence of events where several engagements were anticipated, including his forthcoming speech to the international forum on climate change, where their manufacturing prowess using rare earth materials to reduce the need for fossil fuels was universally acclaimed.

Chapter 2

Though his movement was measured there was a slight bounce to his steps, where before it was a desultory trudge. Unseen by the casual observer and ignored by the few hardy souls braving the early morning temperature, where the sun had not yet risen over the horizon and the thin layer of snow crunched underneath boots on the thick compacted ice - too early for the few shops that bothered to open for the occasional desperate customer willing to pay a high price for inferior produce rather than trek into the small community centre a short distance away, and too soon for the first of the ramshackle transport vehicles that plied their trade between the few isolated communities dotted around the region. This was a special time – reserved for the few that made the effort to brave the bleak wilderness before the watery sun cast its mournful appearance.

Dmitry Orloff contemplated his change of fortune after meeting the strange man in a café he occasionally stopped in when visiting what passed for the town centre. The offer of deserved riches for the supreme sacrifices he had made for his country was enticing, and as the man had so aptly suggested, nothing more than his just reward. His limp was the only visual indication of any injury, but he had other less obvious, though more debilitating wounds suffered during his army career; one of which forced him to leave his unit and accept the small state allowance in recognition of his distinguished service. He had been discarded, working for people who would have been below his rank in the army and not suitable superiors; still he had managed to survive: only by luck, through a distant relation had he found this relatively senior position, eschewed by those with better connections due to the remoteness of the region and bitter conditions. Never-the-less Dmitry had made this Siberian border village his home, and his power over the superior scientists gave him a perverse pleasure.

His department boss, the adjutant to the ministry, was one of the old school favourites from the earlier administration, but had been overlooked for further promotion as new and ambitious recruits with family or business connections were favoured. Their attitude towards inferiors was demeaning and the adjutant resented the standing the upstarts enjoyed with some high ranking officials; this had made him surly and he would take great delight in berating any individuals below him even if not deserving of it. The abrupt orders for him to report to the ministry were concerning, and his mood was not improved by the latest reports from the few secondary sections he continued to have jurisdiction over.

*

Alexei Lekhov the embattled president barked his orders to the submissive adjutant who had little understanding of what was required of him; furiously nodding his head in abject compliance, hoping he could remember the important aspects when relating them to the head of the department for progressive sciences. The autocratic leader waved him away in exasperation; it was an unfortunate result of his repressive style that his staff were only informed of the aspects that directly concerned them, giving him absolute power but equivalent responsibility, and having to deal with minions who should normally be instructed by his ministers; most of whom were incapable.

The adjutant slunk out of the office, passing the young and newly promoted minister for internal affairs, who smiled at him; a polite but dismissive gesture intended to provoke the hapless individual. He returned a look that he hoped would not be offensive and murmured a subservient acknowledgement before scurrying away, back to his depressing department.

‘What do we pay these people for Mikhail? We issue explicit orders explaining our reasonable requirements and the feeble minded bureaucrats are unable to expedite the simplest instructions. They could never be trusted with the full picture; our covert dealings with some of the Middle East states, Asia and China would soon become common knowledge; speaking of which, how are our tactical skirmishes with Europe faring? So far we have managed to complete significant incursions into national borders with hardly any repercussions, which leads me to believe they are completely ineffectual, residing under the illusion the UN will prove an effective deterrent; our moves have strengthened the resolve of China to increase their belligerence, and more countries will see that the promises of the West are unenforceable. Europe cannot afford to defend the core countries, let alone back the UN and US, who are already blaming them for a lack of commitment and financial support.’ The minister had been warned not to interrupt the president at all, and to say little in response to any verbal onslaught, so he kept his reply to the accepted format.

‘You place too much faith in the miserable minions sir; perhaps we could be trusted with overseeing the projects and save you the stress.’ But the president was not listening; he had begun to read a report in the folder on his desk. When he looked up again it was as if the young minister hadn’t spoken and he rattled off orders that had the flustered recipient quickly taking notes before praising the president for his wisdom and scurrying off.

*

‘What is happening down there?’ the furious adjutant demanded of the objectionable head of progressive sciences; his temper not helped by the off-hand response from Dmitry Orloff, the head of the department responsible for his perpetual grief. Orloff held the phone away from his ears and smiled; he was used to being shouted at by the undeserving hierarchy, who achieved their positions through favour, but rarely possessed much ability. He answered in a courteous but slightly mischievous manner.

‘We need more funding comrade; our facilities here are second rate and we can’t afford to pay high enough wages to attract the best scientists, so your shouting and threats will make little difference to our effectiveness – we need talent and a good facility, which you cannot afford.’ The adjutant vented his frustration some more before asking about the progress of the scientist brought in from Ukraine.

‘He has settled in, but finds the constraints of your guidelines too restrictive; his work was based around different criteria and he says he was close to discovering the secret of commercial non-toxic fission providing cheap energy.’

‘Commercial – cheap - non-hazardous fusion! What good is that to us? We already have nuclear weapons and enough oil to supply the world – why do we want to produce something that will reduce the world’s dependence on a commodity we supply and drive the price down further than it already is? We want improved nuclear warheads for our defence and small self-contained plants to produce energy for our towns and cities and crop cultivation: we want to be self-sufficient in every way so we are not dependant on the vagaries of the West and the corrupt edifice that the UN has become. If they want to blackmail us with indiscriminate sanctions and attempt to subordinate our border states, we need to be able to defend ourselves – we do not need to develop a costly new fuel device if it is not going to benefit us imminently. Get a grip on him and your department or pack your bags for somewhere that will make Siberia seem luxurious.’ He slammed the phone down, exasperated at the futility of his administration and the lack of resources meaning he didn’t have the capability to enforce their policies.

Dmitry replaced the phone wondering if the time was near: the insular Ukrainian scientist believed he had chanced upon a revolutionary method of achieving fusion using resonance to stabilise the process along with powerful magnetic fields to enhance molecular forces and super-cooled chambers to remove resistance: he was unaware of the minor alterations to the test results Orloff had secured through the auspices of his new friends. Dmitry Orloff had spent years working through the incestuous government system before a relative provided some assistance to allow him to head this remote department; but he could go no further; he didn’t have the necessary connections. The unexpected meeting with the mysterious agent had proven beneficial and provided him a few comforts: there was a substantial reward for providing an agreeable outcome, and he felt that time was approaching.

*

‘Sorry comrade professor, I am merely passing on the direct orders from the Kremlin: you may choose to ignore them, but I can’t; your little excursions and benefits would be discovered and you will be carted off, never to be heard of again…Or – there is the slight possibility of a new life in the West, but I can’t be seen to be implicated.’ The Ukrainian scientist looked up suddenly, eyeing the smug department head with disbelief. His wife had left him after only two years of marriage; that was twenty years ago; since then, apart from the odd, brief relationship, he had been on his own, with just his work for company. Then his fortune changed and his work began to be appreciated; he was plucked from relative obscurity in the former Russian state and recruited by the Russian national nuclear experimental department, though the grand sounding name belied the actual facilities and quality of work going on. Quite why the department head had suddenly taken a liking to him he didn’t know, and didn’t much care: the thought of returning to the old ways with the possibility of being banished, or worse! He would not let it happen, so resolved to investigate the proposed alternative with enhanced benefits. First he needed to finalise the last few details on his project and make it as valuable as possible to the Western powers: becoming famous and a celebrity with all the connotations was an exciting prospect.

Chapter 3

The heat wasn’t unduly oppressive but Beth felt disheartened and lethargic: the interviews with the misogynistic bureaucrat heading the department for internal affairs in Lebanon had not gone well; it was looking extremely doubtful her application to join the team on a full time basis with her charity work would succeed, and there was intense rivalry with the Muslim charities who appeared to have some tacit agreement with the authorities, using their secretive nature to conceal some dubious practices. Theo was due to return to Washington soon after completing his transcript of the successful operation against the plot to destroy the Suez canal, destabilise the region and global shipping routes: now she had to break the news to her parents about her brother Ben, all of which was increasing her current exasperated state.

‘Hello dad, how is everything over there? Is Ben still home or has he begun his secondment in Gaza? Theo has to leave soon and I will miss him terribly but it can’t be helped.’

‘Hello Beth, we’re fine thanks, and yes, Ben has arrived in Gaza, though from his calls he appears to be experiencing problems; but more importantly, how are you and how are you getting on with your visa extension and full time position? Have you got any further with your enquiries at the hospital into your brother’s birth record?’ Beth smiled; no matter what happened Ben would always be their son – which was as it should be.

‘I have found out something that you might find uncomfortable; at least I am assuming you weren’t told at the time… No, wait; let me finish.’ Beth steadied herself before continuing. ‘It would seem Ben had a twin brother; there is a…’

‘What? Are you sure? Is it possible there’s some mix up?’ Sol called out, his voice unsteady.

‘No dad, there is no doubt: I saw the two of them in the picture; one was definitely Ben, and the other was a bit different but you could tell they were brothers… But please dad,’ Beth quickly added before Sol could but in; ‘please break the news gently to mom; try and be subtle, she doesn’t need any more upsets.’

‘No, no of course not,’ Sol replied quietly, taking in the ramifications. ‘Do they have any information on what happened to him?’

‘No, there were no details; just the births and dates, though your names were included at the head of the files, taken from notes left by the doctor, which made it a bit easier for them when they were searching for the records.’

‘Ben may well be coming home for the weekend; he is already finding the work in Gaza frustrating, with too much political manoeuvring and not enough emphasis on rebuilding the shattered infrastructure and economy. He feels sorry for the largely innocent families who have suffered most, though he appreciates they did not help themselves by allowing Hamas to rule them and create a terrorist enclave. You two never were ones for accepting rules and regulations.’

‘No dad; I wonder where we get it from?’ Beth replied with a trace of humour in her voice. ‘Will you tell him straight away?’

‘Yes; we won’t delay it this time, not after the last episode. I hope he is more calm now and that it won’t unsettle him unduly; he was just recovering from a traumatic experience when you told him about his heritage; though your mother and me know we should have told him years before.’

‘Don’t worry dad, and don’t dwell