(eng) Michael Coorlim by Galvanic Century 1-9

Author:Galvanic Century 1-9 [1-9, Galvanic Century]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

***

"What in blazes is going on?" the British ambassador asked.

"I wish I could tell you, Sir Lowther," Aldora said.

"The facts of the matter are quite plain," Cemal said, resting a bandaged hand on top of the conference table. His gaze passed from the Sir Lowther to the German, American, and French ambassadors, each of whom had gathered in the British embassy's conference room, along with the Bey, his guard captain Uğur, and Aldora.

"A gang of armed thugs covertly entered the hamam, bribing the staff to depart, and forcibly abducted Mr. Brugmann, Comte Montagni and Mr. Herbert, and attempted to abduct Ms. Fiske. They attempted to kill myself and my valet."

"I am unsurprised Ms. Fiske managed to fight them off," Sir Lowther said. "Formidable woman that she is."

Aldora managed not to grimace at the man, her face stone. She had little love for the overbearing knight.

"This is unacceptable," Von Bieberstein, the German Ambassador, said. "What are you doing to recover Herr Brugmann?"

Captain Uğur shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was a large man -- not fat, simply big, tall and broad. The elegantly carved wooden chair he sat in was insufficient to accommodate the width of his hips, and from the ginger way he shifted she believed that he feared a collapse at any moment.

"My valet is working with the police to find out whatever we can about these kidnappers," Cemal said. "I can assure you that the Committee of Union and Progress is making this a matter of highest priority."

"Do you believe Minister Viviani and his wife are to be targeted as well?" the French ambassador Bompard asked. Of those present, he was the eldest, his neatly trimmed beard and moustache a pure white. "They never arrived for their appointment."

"We fear so," Uğur said, his voice a low rumble, his English imprecise. "Men out looking for them, but for now we think they taken."

"So a coordinated attack?" American ambassador Rockhill asked. "What is it these assassins are after?"

"That has yet to be determined," Cemal said. "But rest assured, I will personally be investigating the matter."

Von Bieberstein folded his hands. "And you may 'rest assured', Cemal Bey, that the German Empire does not look kindly upon states that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens."

"Nor does France," Bompard said. "Viviani is a government minister, for the love of God. I cannot guarantee that the Republic can leave this matter in the hands of the Ottoman Empire."

"I understand your positions," Cemal said, "and the Empire is grateful for any assistance the powers of Europe care to render. But understand, this is a matter of honour. It is only two years since the Committee took control, and foreign intervention would be seen by the monarchists as a sign of weakness, of letting Europe dictate Imperial policy. I trust I am not being too bold in saying that none of us -- not the Young Turks, not your nations -- want an Ottoman return to dictatorship."

"I understand the political implications," Bompard said, "But the decision is not mine to make.

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