Apocalypse Drift by Joe Nobody Read Free Book Online Page B

having already received the blessing of those who controlled his country’s destiny. Still, others who might be affected needed to know what was coming and have a chance to voice their objections. In the unlikely event things did go badly, Hong might need their support.
    Five of the six invitees stood b ehind high-backed executive chairs surrounding a wide conference table inlaid with teak and mahogany. The interwoven red and gold textile covering each chair was of the finest quality and could last for hundreds of years. Quality silk is the chosen fabric of status for the elite Chinese, who would sneer at mass-produced Western leather upholstery, believing it lacks artistic value and craftsmanship.
    A respectful hush f ell over the assemblage as the president entered the room and commanded his place at the head of the table. After the most powerful men in China had taken their seats, pleasantries were exchanged. They were all refined dignitaries who considered diving immediately into business boorish and rude. Ten minutes into the conference, the president nodded at Hong, signaling permission to proceed. In turn, the head of MOSS motioned to his assistant, who delivered each attendee one of the carefully prepared presentations.
    Each minister studied the eight-page handout as if he had never seen the information before. In fact, a secure courier delivered the exact same documents less than 24 hours ago, to allow review prior to this forum. Information of such a sensitive nature certainly could not be distributed via email or fax. 
    Hong maintained a stoic demeanor while the committee completed the review of the documents. MOSS’ top man was not at all surprised that the Minister of Finance took the most time to analyze the brief. The only one of the group who wasn’t a hardliner, Hong trusted the politics of China’s head banker the least. The room remained silent for some time, as the Red Nation’s powerbrokers digested the gravity of the mission. “I apologize to my esteemed colleagues for the quality of my project update and proposal,” he began, knowing full well each page represented perfection to the smallest detail. “My team is ahead of schedule, so there wasn’t time to craft a presentation worthy of this council.” Several heads nodded, accepting the unnecessary apology and acknowledging Minister Hong’s humility. The head of MOSS continued, “My comrades, we have before us the single greatest opportunity for the Chinese people in recent history – perhaps of all time.”
    Hong paused to take note of the indifferent faces comprising his audience. None betrayed their thoughts, but Hong didn’t expect them to. Instead, he used the short gap in his presentation to demonstrate his stoic, controlled approach to the subject.
    “With Operation Golden Mountain, we can guarantee our economic growth and eventual domination of global affairs. As the only truly civilized race, we will take our rightful place at the head of the world’s table. China will once again control its own destiny. As most of you know, the European Union is in shambles. The insolvent capitalist governments of Spain, Greece, and Italy have failed, and there is general anarchy in the streets. Our intelligence reports detail the ongoing battle between Muslim political groups and organized crime syndicates to establish control. Germany is withdrawing its support of the euro, causing France to be the next to fall. The British are barely holding on, a result of nine years of recession. Today the United States and India are considered global dominant forces, but both countries are weak and teetering on the edge of collapse as well.”
    No one spoke for almost a full minute. It was the Minister of Finance who broke the silence. “Minister Hong, first of all I wish to congratulate you on the progress of this project. I do, however, have some small reservations that I feel deserve to be aired before this wise council. As well planned and detailed