Brown, Dale - Air Battle Force by Brown Dale

Author:Brown, Dale [Brown, Dale]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007142460
Publisher: Harpercollins Pub Ltd
Published: 2004-04-06T04:00:00+00:00

dilemma in his face. Instead of replying, he asked, “How do you

know the Turkmen government will even allow you into the

country?”

“You’re right. They might not like a State Department official

poking her nose into their backroom dealing.” She looked over at

Martindale. “But there’s one way to entice them to agree to see us.”

“What’s that? Offer them financial assistance?”

“Even better than that—I should bring you along. Would you

like to accompany us, Kevin?”

“Me? Go to Turkmenistan with you? Now?”

“I’m going to make the last scheduled appearance here in San

Francisco, but right after that we’ll be off,” Hershel said. “I figure in about three hours. What do you say?” Martindale hesitated. “I’m sure

Miss Meiling will be busy, but I think she’d enjoy your company.”

He could think of a dozen things he had on his schedule that

couldn’t be missed, and with no prep and no real agenda, the trip

would likely be a total flop. There wasn’t even a guarantee that Her-

shel would be allowed to meet with any of the principals involved.

But the opportunity to get a glimpse of the inner workings of

Thorn’s foreign-policy team in action couldn’t be missed either.

And, naturally, the happy thought of spending some time with

Isadora Meiling sealed the deal. “Of course, Miss Deputy Secretary.

I’d be happy to accompany you.”

“Good. I’ll tell her you’ll be accompanying us. I’m sure she’ll be

thrilled.”

“I do have one question,” Martindale said.

“Fire away.”

“What are your rules about disclosing conversations discussed

during the trip?”

“You mean are we going to allow you to talk to the press about

what you see and hear on this trip?”

Martindale said nothing, but Hershel knew his silence meant yes.

“President Thorn believes in completely open and honest dis-

closure with all American citizens, even potential political adver-

saries. We may exclude you from some discussions, but if you see or

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hear anything, you’re free to discuss it or mention it to anyone you

choose.”

“Thank you. I appreciate the president’s position.” I would

never allow the same, he thought, but if Thorn wanted to deal his

cards faceup like this, all the better. “At the same time I assume that the president will make as much political hay as he can about my

participation in this trip.”

“I suppose it’s possible—to the extent that the president makes

any political hay at all,” Hershel said. “But who knows? Maybe

you’ll see something in this administration that appeals to you, and

we can convince you to support the president’s reelection cam-

paign?”

“If the president wanted my help, he could have asked me.”

“The president doesn’t often ask for help, especially from those

he considers political rivals,” Hershel said. “Perhaps he was wrong

in this case?”

“It sounds as if you’re heading up Thorn’s reelection campaign, Maureen.”

“If the president asked me to do so, I’d be honored.” Hershel

smiled and nodded. “Very good. I’ll leave you to head back and get

ready for the trip. A car will pick you up.” She shook hands with

him. “I think this will be an educational journey for both of us.”

He shook her hand and then, as they were heading for the door

of her hotel suite, asked, “Miss Hershel, Turkmenistan is a .

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