Onslaught by Chris James

Author:Chris James [James, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780244931131
Publisher: Chris James
Published: 2017-09-16T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

22.01 Thursday 9 February 2062

CRISPIN WEBB WATCHED the screen on the wall in front of them, disliking the feeling of irritated indifference he sensed from the US President.

Napier spoke: “I’m sorry you weren’t able to attend the Paris summit, but it wasn’t a very good atmosphere.”

Coll said: “I was briefed that it went well given the circumstances. The European governments are reacting to the threat.”

“Which appears likely to be insurmountable. All of the forecasts are for our annihilation in a matter of weeks.” Napier’s eyes pleaded with the President and she said: “Please, Maddie, we need everything you can spare.”

The corners of Coll’s mouth turned down. “Of course the United States will stand by its commitment to NATO, Dahra, but it’s going to take time to organise air and ship transportation.”

“We don’t have time. The Caliph has made his intentions quite clear. He could launch an attack on mainland Europe at any moment. We’ve begun increasing ACA production but it will take time to build new facilities. We need all the material you can supply. You must begin air transports now.”

President Coll said: “Sure, sure. I’ll see what I can do,” and the screen went blank.

The Foreign Secretary, Charles Blackwood, got up from the couch and paced around the spacious living area. “PM, I don’t think you need worry unduly. I’m in almost constant touch with Bill at the State Department, and he’s going to make things happen over there however lackadaisical Coll seems to be.”

Napier leaned her head back and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Perhaps she’s just feeling the pressure a little?”

Crispin got out of his chair and asked: “Glass of white wine, boss?”

“Yes, semi-dry, thank you, Crispin.”

“How about you, Charles?” Crispin asked.

“No, thank you, I need to return to my department.” Blackwood turned to Napier and said: “Everyone’s feeling the pressure, PM. But we’ve achieved quite a bit in the last couple of days. All of Whitehall and other departments are alive and actively working. John is having outline civil defence plans drawn up to see how we might best protect civilians. On the home front, I think we’re getting our act together quite well. We’re also working with our European partners to estimate how best we can manage the flood of refugees we expect any invasion to generate. And…” he paused as Crispin delivered the glass of wine into Napier’s hand, “I can say with some certainty that your cabinet supports you very much, PM.”

Napier sat up, sipped her wine, and said: “They should do when you think about it. After all, the odds aren’t looking very good, are they?”

Blackwood nodded in consideration. “On the surface, no. But the Third Caliph may yet be dissuaded from his adventures.”

“Yes. Update me in the morning on diplomatic efforts in Beijing, would you?”

“Of course. See you in the morning.” Blackwood nodded to Crispin and left the room.

When the door closed behind him, Napier looked at Crispin and said: “Ten years ago, in the leadership race, I came second and he came third in the first round of voting.

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