“This is both physical and economic terrorism, Jing. But you’re right. I said as much to the president earlier today. It appears the motive behind the attacks is to ruin our economy.”
“And what happens to the economy of China if America’s collapses? That is what everyone is worried about over here, and elsewhere.”
“Again, Jing, I don’t know what to say. Our priority at this time is to secure our nation and our financial markets and commerce.”
“I realize that, and you must understand that your goal is shared equally by the Chinese government.”
Hoover’s wry smile was conveyed in her tone of voice. “Our two governments have been inexorably entwined for decades now, at least financially.”
“Your debt to my nation now exceeds six trillion dollars, Madam Secretary, so I would agree our interests are mutual. The debt service alone, although less than ten percent of our domestic GNP, is both a vital, as well as a symbolic, part of our economy. And now there are people around the world — and here as well — who see America defaulting on your obligations in light of these attacks. Are they wrong?”
Colleen Hoover hesitated before answering. This had been a hot topic throughout the day, with many of the politicians and non-financial types saying screw everyone else, we have our own problems to deal with now. Worrying about what impact our actions would have on foreign entities wasn’t a priority.
Hoover knew — better than most — that America did have to worry what others would think and how they would react. With America temporarily handicapped, it would be up to the rest of the world to help find solutions and pick up the slack. The United States was going to need a lot of money to repair the damage caused on just the first day of the crisis — let alone for the duration — and that money would have to come from someplace other than the homeland.
“The thing about economics, Mr. Minister, is that so much of it is out in the open for all to see. Without a prosperous holiday shopping season, the United States will truly suffer economically. This is so much worse than a periodic slowdown due to a weak economy. This is profound, and it will have a ripple effect across all sectors. But to answer your complex question: number one, I don’t know if we have the capacity to fight off these and future attacks. That’s for others in the government to determine. Number two, as far as the US economy and our obligations are concerned, we discussed this at length, and it was decided that we will not allow valuable financial assets to leave the country, either by the government or by individuals and corporations, not when we need that money to keep the nation from spiraling completely out of control. We have to put on a good show, Jing, and that will cost a lot of money.”
“And our payments… are you saying they are in jeopardy?”
“Unfortunately, that is exactly what I’m saying.”
“You would forego your payments to us?”
“Unless things change drastically within the next few days, the United State of America will not have a Christmas, and with seventy percent of our economy based on consumer commerce, it doesn’t take a financial genius to see the writing on the wall.”
“Then what are we to do? A default will spell the complete meltdown of our economy as well.”
“Then I suggest that you get across to your bosses that what happens to America also happens to China. It’s as simple as that. An attack on us is also an attack on you. Having said that, don’t you think it’s about time your incredibly large and powerful country began exerting influence over some of your more questionable affiliations? I would start with North Korea and Iran. The attacks on my country affect you in kind. Only by stopping the terrorists can we — and I do mean we — persuade Americans to start shopping again.” Colleen’s frustration had grown by the minute, and now she let it all out.
“It’s time for Chinese leadership to make a decision. Are you going to continue to assist and protect regimes that sponsor terrorism, or are you going to be against them? Considering how interdependent the world’s economies have become, there is no way a superpower like yours can continue to ride the fence. If you want to save your economy, Mr. Minister, you will have to help America save ours.”
There was silence on the line for almost an entire minute. “Are you still there, Jing?” Colleen asked.
“Yes, I am here. I will convey your thoughts and concerns to my government. They will not be happy.”
“I’m sorry about that, Mr. Minister, but who is happy after the tragic events that have taken place in my country? None of us are happy, but we will do what we have to do to survive. Will China follow suit?”
“I will make a point of requesting that China reconsider some of our political… accommodations. You know I have always questioned the financial wisdom of my government’s affiliations with certain groups and nations. However, that is politics, and I do not play politics. I am an economist, just as you, Madam Secretary. We have no time or tolerance for the games our leaders play, especially when such can affect our economic wellbeing. In light of the seriousness of the current situation, I am sure that my superiors will at least consider following the path that you — and I to a less-vocal degree — now advocate, especially after I relate the content of this conversation.”
“I sincerely hope so, Jing. It’s going to take all the civilized nations in the world to head off this disaster. There can be no middle ground, no vacillation and no ambiguity. Now I will let you go. We both have a lot of work to do in a very short time.”
“They say they’ll look into it,” Billy Jenkins told Xander once he had spoken with his contacts in D.C. “But without any evidence they’re not lifting the all-points-bulletin that’s out on you, at least not officially. It might be better if you turn yourself into the Feds. At least then you’d have a significant layer of protection around you. You know you’re innocent, and once they start looking into Jonas, it shouldn’t be too hard to put two and two together.”
“You could be right, but not until I see just how much trouble I’m really in. Knowing that bastard, there may be an airtight case against me, no matter what I say.”
“Okay, I’m ready,” Tiffany said. She had taken a few sheets of paper and jotted down a series of questions for her interview, while Billy provided a small tripod with a cellphone holder for a steady camera shot. After the interview, it would only take seconds to email the raw footage to her station.
In typical interview fashion, two chairs were placed at a slight angle to each other. Xander sat in one as Tiffany sat in the other. She had borrowed a soft blue blouse from Maria’s closet to replace the flannel shirt she had been wearing, and then spent twenty minutes in the bathroom preparing her hair and makeup — also from Maria’s supply. It was a little past seven when all was ready.
With a nod from Tiffany, Billy pressed the record button on the phone.
“This is Tiffany Collins with an exclusive Fox News report shedding additional light on the terrorist attacks that took place yesterday afternoon in Las Vegas and elsewhere. With me is Xander Moore, the senior drone pilot for the Rapid Defense Center, and we’re coming to you tonight from a secret location, which must remain secret, not only for the protection of Mr. Moore, but for my safety as well.
“For the record, I was at the Rapid Defense Center yesterday conducting an interview with Mr. Moore when the attack took place, so I make this report as an active eyewitness to the tragedy that took place there.