THE AGREEMENT: Can Misu Make A Difference

By Richard Rowley

This story is set one hundred and fifty years into our future. Globalism is accepted as the best way this planet can support ten billion humans as well as the animals and plants we presently have. The United Nations has been superseded by The Agreement. Nationalism of nations to protect their own without reference to other inhabitants of our planet is no longer accepted. These books imagine a different world. Nations have lost some of their sovereignty. Global management and governance authority is vested in The Agreement.
Weapons of war including of defence are now only manufactured under licence to The Agreement and are controlled by that entity with the support of member nations. All member nations contribute a percentage of their GDP to fund The Agreement.
The individuals you will meet are exceptional. People who are elected to control the activities of The Agreement. But like any group of people, they have personal lives and relationships.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris NZ
• Release date: Apr 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9781669881575

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Copyright © 2024 by Richard Rowley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 04/30/2024

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1   Jo Goes To New York

Chapter 2   Col Goes To New York

Chapter 3   Yaan Hosts Jo

Chapter 4   One Year Later – 2173

Chapter 5   Roald Re-Starts The Desalination Plan

Chapter 6   Misu Accepts Her Father’s Challenge

INTRODUCTION

T HE AGREEMENT IS an international governance platform responsible for the modern international focus on globalisation. The time is one hundred and fifty years into our future. Nations have already started a journey to trust each other. They have substantially identified and agreed on a need to collaborate rather than contest. The principles of this global governance model were simple enough, but implementation had proven very complex and difficult. Not only had the investing and business trading worlds been turned upside down, but the movement of people from one nation to another, the taxation of business and individuals by nations, and the provision of health care and secure shelter were each making governance more complex. The historic acceptance of national boundaries and legal jurisdictions coinciding was no longer accepted. An overarching acceptance of a responsibility to look after planet earth was now assumed.

A recent conference in Beijing led to the election of a new president of The Agreement team. Misu won a narrow victory but Roald, the other contestant, has yet to accept his loss. These tensions are still dominating relationships.

Each member nation of The Agreement has committed their armed forces control to The Agreement. Full compliance with this principle is still not complete. Each nation has accepted their commitment to fund The Agreement budget from a share of their annual GDP. There are still fifty countries on planet earth that were not members of The Agreement. Each of the largest economies and as well the largest by populaation are already members. The Council of The Agreement has the fire-power to deter any international military confrontation.

The leadership team members of The Agreement have now learned the winner of the election for president was Misu, but the Chair of their Council, Col, had resigned just before the election results were available. Questions are being asked about that?

Naman, immediate past president, and his wife, Sha, have returned to Helsinki and he is now learning to adjust to his new life. Col is no longer involved in The Agreement team and is back in Sydney, Australia. His wife, Royale and he are still apart. Jo has jettisoned Ross and is seeking to make Yaan her potential life partner. Roald has a divided mindset. He is upset he lost to a virtually unknown competitor, but he is anxious to protect his business interests. Following Col’s resignation, Ivy has been made Chair of The Council, having persuaded Jo to work with her for the next two years. These people are very powerful internationally.

The Chinese Government have not yet made a formal application for the boundaries between them and Eastern Russia to be changed. The Middle Eastern countries are still conducting their cultural refusal to accept history has passed them by and that their claims to territories held centuries ago are not viable today. The United States of America split into two separate nations fifty years ago, and they still wrangle over their respective rights. However, they continue to work closely on foreign affairs and defense issues. China is also split into two separate nations, but both continue to work closely on international trade and defence issues. These four national entities, together with Russia, are the most powerful and most compliant members with the principles of The Agreement.

The international business trading platforms have adjusted to meet the demands of the principles of The Agreement. Accordingly, they no longer accept insider trading, short-term investments on share markets and speculative markets for commodities such as oil and gold. The regulation of these is now international, not national, and the clear and consistent regulations have made the economic growth of the world’s economy more transparent and therefore more manageable. The historic positions of Wall Street and London in the financial world have been substantially negated.

Taking all of this into her accounting of her plans for the next four years, Misu and her team are deep into the debating and finalising of their strategies and their priorities. This is an exciting time.

CHAPTER ONE

JO GOES TO NEW YORK

J O IS VERY pleased with her decisions to change her life. Her latest agreement with Ivy allowed her time to plan her visit to New York and find her stepmother and half-sister. And of course, to recommence her trial friendship/romance with Yaan. It was especially exciting for her because now she has no immediate daily stress points that require her to be anywhere at any particular time. This freedom has allowed her to breath more freely, both literally and figuratively, for the longest period in many years.

Initially, her stepmother had been very defensive. Her life had been dominated by a man, Jo’s father, who was incapable of sharing his emotional life. His needs were to dominate his partner’s, but he had failed to appreciate the consequent strife was most directly due to his behaviour. Her defense against him while at the same time scrabbling for a life within his emotional confines, had been almost impossible. She had eventually realized this, and had taken her daughter and disappeared. Jo’s father had tried to find her and punish her for her failure to accept his authority, but their son had assisted his mother and together they had found a new life. She is still needing to maintain a very defensive protective shell about her. Jo’s father had removed himself to California but was now somewhere in Texas, if he was still alive.

Paul had told Jo a lot about all these activities. Jo was aware of her stepmother’s need for assurance that Jo was not being manipulated by her father, and that Jo was not seeking revenge for a failed relationship that was clearly outside Jo’s control. The communications between Jo and her stepmother had improved to the point where they had agreed to spend a few days re-establishing a relationship and hopefully, building a potential future as a family.

At the same time, Yaan had been very busy dealing with appeals about the voting for President. Apart from the very small majority, there had also been claims of fraud in the voting process. Roald had denied he was instigating these claims, but it was becoming clear that his team were indeed secretly trying to overturn the outcome. Yaan had agreed to meet with Roald and his close adviser group and discuss their concerns.

Yann was also very alert to the need to look after Jo when she arrived in New York. He had promised her he would be there and would be free to enjoy some very valuable time together. However, this scheduled visit was likely to conflict with the Roald meetings unless he could find an alternative process.

Yaan’s daughter, who was now training for the next Olympics, was giving him plenty to wrestle with. Her coaches had insisted she be available in Buffalo next week, the same week Jo was planning to visit. The point Yaan was very keen to cover was that Jo and his children would get to know each other a bit better. He regarded this as an important foundational part of the puzzle. He knew Jo was not really wanting a teenage daughter at this stage in her life, but he also knew it would be great for his daughters to have Jo as a serious influencer in their maturing. This was important if he was to make Jo his life partner! But he also knew their mother was still their mother and they would not necessarily accept Jo.

Yaan decided to call Siatin. Hi there, Si, are you still in Russia? When might you be in New York next please? I am keen to get your support, if I may. Siatin grumbled, Hi Yaan, I am on my way there as we speak. I had a call from Misu, and she wants to meet with me so I’m on my way. How can I assist you? Oh, that might be good news for me, thanks. I am dealing with Roald and his team, and they have just now acknowledged they are behind some challenges to the results of the vote for President. I have been struggling to get them to front up. Now, just this morning, they have decided to meet with us and have set the date next week. However, I am on leave then and it doesn’t work for me. Siatin smiled and breathed deeply, Am I allowed to guess? You want me to manage this meeting for you? Really? Are you serious? Yaan grinned. I am being very honest, Si, but yes, that is exactly what I was hoping for. Could we at least discuss it please? he responded.

Siatin and Yaan discussed the process and the needs of such a meeting to make it useful. Siatin was reluctant but also intrigued. She had seen and heard a lot about Roald during the post-election period and she was quietly interested in meeting with him again. She knew he was a poor loser. Okay Yaan, I’ll meet you tomorrow and we can sort out a plan. And yes, I’ll do it. But remember, … she hesitated, remember Yaan, you owe me! she finished. He smiled and relaxed, visibly. Thank you, Si, thank you very much.

Ron had left Africa two days ago and travelled to New York. His main objective was to meet formally with the new President. He had not met Misu previously. He was pleased to know Siatin would be in New York as well so they could have a good catchup.

Following the Chinese acknowledgement of their interference and what he regarded as disgraceful actions during the recent conference in Beijing, he and his team had been working assiduously seeking to confirm they were indeed the perpetrators of the kidnappings and as well, of the threats made to the conference directly. The evidence did not fully support their version of events. He knew they would not wish to vary their explanations but on the other hand, they were not doubling down and threatening anyone who sought to disagree. His natural disposition in these cases was to remain suspicious.

Siatin had reported to him just three days ago that they had found Si Kong and Peter Lee were now meeting, also in New York, and she was sure this was somehow connected. Her concerns related to the fact that Peter Lee had spoken with Col about the inter-space weaponization of their three stationery platforms in space each strategically positioned over three separate areas. Lee had slipped into his conversations that Francoise and he were seeking a new role with the Chinese following their Jakarta stint, implying it might relate to a Chinese desalination project. Although the Indonesian desalination project was now back on track, it appeared the University had terminated their arrangements with both Francoise and Peter.

The other information Siatin was refreshing, related to the law firm that had made the tax avoidance arrangements for Col. That firm was the same firm the Chinese government typically instructed in international affairs regarding their arrangements and commitments to The Agreement. It was Siatin’s view that Peter slipped up mentioning his plans about working with the Chinese government on their project and this led to her concluding they were, even before that date, on the payroll of the Chinese Communist Party. The government of the southern China Nation was not controlled by the CCP. Accordingly, the desalination project was never being peer reviewed by the CCP, yet Peter had alluded to them having the research details. These bits of information created a need for more investigation.

Ron had read her report and was starting to appreciate her position. He had earlier believed the Chinese were being surprisingly open but now wondered whether that was ever likely to be the case. Si Kong had been interviewed by one of Ron’s team and had been very friendly and open. She had indicated her interests in recruiting Peter Lee and Francoise but only after a long period of discussions and reflection. The Chinese had already made desalination work a lot better than the American model currently preferred by many countries, but she was anxious to improve their performance and in addition, keen to compete for financial support and for buyers. Peter Lee had been a willing target. She was less familiar with Francoise. When invited to consider whether there were other plans to utilize their international experience, Si Kong had denied them. Ron’s team believed her. Apparently, encouraging many smaller nations to buy Chinese was something they were expecting Peter and Francoise, to achieve.

The meeting arranged by Peter Lee with Si Kong would be secretly recorded. That would be very interesting. Ron was also keen to speak to Col. He gathered, now knowing that Col had resigned, it would be useful to find out more about Col’s understanding around the Jakarta Project. Also, Ron was a bit of a supporter of Col’s, given some recent history when they had conspired to sort out a dispute in northern Africa relating to the Gulf States and their Oil exploration demands. Col was a blustering sort of a guy, but one Ron could relate to.

Ivy was in the coastal town of Zadar, in Croatia and had overseen a just completed a three-day survey of the ocean degradation in that part of the Mediterranean. She had been challenged by the local government officials, to find more money from The Agreement fund. Her response had been to strictly adhere to their policy. The Agreement funds would support a plan provided they, the Croats, provided at least 40% of the cost and, completed all statutory requirements of administrators and regulators on that coast. Her own impression was that this was a step up for the coastal region and one that they now appreciated needed to be undertaken. She was very pleased to see this attitudinal change. Some of Europe’s oldest communities, historically, were failing to adjust. Her experience was that talk between them was interminable, even enjoyable, but action took a long time to warm up! Sitting beside the beautiful ocean was mesmerizing, except the odours and the change of colours during rainfalls made these brief quiet spells seem more and more infrequent. Now the locals were, finally, accepting they were the problem and they needed to act.

As she left the meetings and headed back to her hotel her chord indicated Jo was looking for her. Hi Jo, how are you and where are you? she asked. Jo responded indicating London and that she was great. Ivy laughed. I’m glad to hear that and to know you are feeling a lot better. How can I help? Jo was smiling and relaxed, I am checking in and wanting to make sure you are fine if I take off for two weeks before we get started? she asked. I am planning a trip to New York to discover my long-lost stepmother and to meet a half-sister I never knew I had, until recently. Ivy was surprised. She didn’t know anything about Jo’s family and had always accepted Jo kept her private life to herself. I am sure I can manage. We haven’t got the go-ahead from Misu yet, and then we will need to negotiate our arrangements. My preference is that I stay in London. Indeed, that is a line in the sand condition for me. Ivy hesitated, But the family reunion challenge sounds very intriguing Jo. I immediately want to know more, but realize it is none of my business. I hope it all works out nicely though. Jo thanked her and added, I am considering my moving to New York, but may still stay in London. Would that matter too much Ivy? They agreed to play it carefully and see whether Misu might impose any conditions they were unhappy with.

Jo was relieved this all seemed to be developing nicely. She called Yaan and they agreed to let her arrange time with her stepmother first and they would fill in the rest of the days and travel as they wanted. They seemed relaxed, but Yaan was not sure his daughters would be so relaxed. He still needed to be wary of their needs. He had not spoken to them about Jo’s visit, yet.

Misu has decided to leave the University life in Ontario and live in New York. Her father has an apartment in the city near the Park, and she was welcome to utilize it in the meantime until she found something more suitable for her needs. David is in his London house. He also had a holiday home in upper New York State. He was still enjoying the thrill of his daughter’s success. He enthusiastically applauded her victory to whomsoever would listen. Previously his conversations started with the weather, but now, they commenced with his daughter’s latest actions. Mostly his conversations were getting a bit boring, but he was too pleased to notice.

Dalton had settled back into New York and was very complacently enjoying the euphoria he felt, having played a significant part in this successful campaign. He had never believed they would win. He had always assumed Roald would. He was disappointed he could never expect to know who had voted for Misu. However, his fame had permeated into his hometown of Scarsdale, in New York, and wherever he went he was being stopped and congratulated, as if he was the winner. It was annoying after the first few days, as his recently preferred lifestyle was to live quietly. He had had more than enough public life.

His chord indicated a T V channel was seeking him and he ignored it. He didn’t need to do this. On the other hand, he suddenly realized, perhaps he needed to leverage Misu into the reply. He returned their call.

Col was relaxing and enjoying the time without any obligations and commitments. He had been asked by the Prime Minister of Australia whether he might assist them with an issue they were still experiencing between Indonesia and themselves. The Indonesian government were not keeping their people from boarding small watercraft and trying to land on Australian shores. This activity had been recurring for over one hundred and fifty years. In between periods of significant activity guarding the ocean borders, the organizers of these expeditions were continuing to make significant money from desperate people. The Agreement officials were now very supportive of stopping illegal border entry and would certainly assist. The Indonesians agreed but claimed their issue was the large coastline and the large numbers of people involved. They didn’t deny their obligations, but they were not prepared to put more resources in place to manage their escaping population. It was an old dispute.

Col was conflicted; he felt, at a personal level, as he was compartmentalising this aspect of his life into two areas. One, a personal ambition to become wealthy and the other, a personal ambition to provide responsible leadership. He had just completed a very significant period of time and effort helping the Indonesian government. He did not wish to offend them. He had built some very good relationships in supplying funding and support to small business owners who were engaged in immigration and emmigration matters, including the boating activities involved. He needed to protect them. However, he knew them well enough to allow him to leverage those relationships and be seen to support and focus on these issues. He was enjoying the opportunity to help his P M. Unbeknownst to any in The Agreement, Col had been very significantly involved in several cases whereby arrests and imprisonment of traders in human trafficking had been successfully completed. His knowledge had been carefully applied. He was regarded by the P M as a good person. One to rely on to seek out these offenders. The Agreement leaders nor the P M’s office were aware Col was also profiting from these illegal activities. His fingers were certainly in this pie! Money was still king in Col’s domain.

OOO

Roald had not enjoyed the first few days after the election results were certified. He was completely sidelined. His expectations of a clear victory had been dashed and even his clamor for a reversal of the counting had failed. Misu, a young Chinese Canadian woman whose father he detested, had come from nowhere to lead the vote and win. In the meantime, a man of his stature and position, a man who had worked his life for this position, and a very successful businessperson, he, Roald, was silenced by his emotional blockage and his mix of disbelief and anger. How in God’s name can this sort of thing happen? he asked himself, more than once every day. Just tell me that, how can this be?

Roald was still a member of the Council. He now knew that Col had resigned, both as Chair and as a member. That had upset Roald as he was expecting he and Col would work together in trying to ensure the work of the Council remained focused and directed as they had previously arranged with Naman. Now, with a new President and Col gone, Roald was feeling lost and dejected. He was trying desperately, to hide his anger. He was not at all ready to give up. He was still hoping to find a way to get back on top. He would not let go. At least, not yet.

Siatin was available to meet with Roald’s team but, in the event, Yaan was too. Accordingly Yaan needed to take control. When Yaan had agreed to meet with Roald’s team he hadn’t expected Roald to attend. However, Roald was there too. Hi Yaan, I recall advising you I would not be easy to manage and here I am. I expect a better reception today than at our last meeting, he threatened. Yaan nodded and said, Hi Roald, sorry to see the results didn’t go your way but I guess that is why we are meeting now. What are you wanting from me today, please? he asked the group Roald had brought with him.

Roald answered, You know what we want. We want justice. This is a sham. How do you explain how an unknown has more votes than me? That is my first question. Yaan nodded, I can’t explain why Roald, as you already know, but I can assure you we have checked and re-checked the votes and we are absolutely sure the published results are right. Roald grumped and swore to himself, Yaaargh! … Omph! … Like hell they are. I want to see them. I want to know who voted against me. I am entitled to know that, surely, he bellowed. Yaan kept his cool. He knew this broadside was coming. I have had this discussion with you already Roald, and no matter how much you yell, no matter how much you threaten me, no matter how far you seek to bully me, you will never know the voters, either way. Even if you interview each of them, they are under no obligation to disclose their votes. You know this and you must accept it. Who here, apart from Roald, seeks to dispute what I have said? he asked.

The three people with Roald all looked to the floor and remained silent. Roald looked at each of them and said, Well, now is the time to speak. Who of you is going first? No one spoke. They all remained hunched over their screens and refused to look at Yaan or Roald.

Yaan said, Roald, are you able to accept the result and move on, or are we going to have a long and expensive public display of your failure? That is the issue here today. If you want to fight us in the courts, we will respond fully, and it will be public and world-wide. I can assure you, without any doubt at all, that you will lose, and it will destroy you and perhaps damage your business as well. Surely, we can stop right now and accept the position? he asked, voicing it firmly and very strongly.

Roald looked at him and nodded to himself. He swallowed and breathed heavily for three measured breaths. His eyes closed and his fists clenched. Suddenly he relaxed. He unclenched his hands and opened his eyes. He looked straight at Yaan and said, Thank you Yaan. That is very good advice, and I will accept it. Thank you. He stood and walked out of the room leaving his small team trembling and shaken. They quietly shook Yaan’s hand and filed out. The meeting was over. Yaan now, at last, believed he had finalized things and hoped that would be the end of the charade.

Roald was angry with himself. He knew his actions were very childish. He was better than that. He needed to get on with the future and leave the past. He called his brother, Peter, and they agreed to meet. He wanted to discuss his future and his closer involvement in the business. Maybe Peter would not be expecting this, but it was important to Roald to find a place and a purpose again. He was very dependent on being regarded as important and relevant. Peter was very willing to meet. He said he had some news.

When Roald arrived at the restaurant, where they had agreed to meet, he was surprised to find Yan and Donald sitting with Peter. Peter had apparently, perhaps coincidentally but that can never be tested, been approached by Yan and asked for another meeting. Roald was still trying to understand this when Peter interrupted his thoughts. I believe we can eat first and perhaps speak then? he asked. Yan agreed and Donald smiled as he said, We have travelled some distance today. We met with our Minister this morning and since then we have been to Hong Kong and back. We have some news and some questions but yes, let us eat first. Roald was intrigued but also a bit nervous. His brother had not called and warned him of this change, and he was starting to feel a bit irrelevant. He needed to stay calm, he told himself.

An hour or so later they ordered a coffee each and settled for a discussion. Peter opened the discussion by indicating the Russian Government had instructed its companies with whom they were trading as joint partners, that they were now seeking more control over the planning and production capacities of their energy focused activities. Not related to mining but related to natural gas extracting and processing. We are needing to approve their plans or face a new set of conditions and new market access provisions. This is not a new action by them. They did this about ten years ago when we were negotiating the arrangements in Venezuela, but this seems a bit out of the blue! he concluded.

Yan took up the challenge. I assume you believe this might be in preparation for their defense against our application? he asked. Peter said, I don’t know. I am not really conversant with that enough to appreciate whether this could be related, but it is potentially a significant attack on our equity value in this region and it certainly diminishes our attractiveness to your government, I expect. he added.

Donald asked, What is the outcome likely to look like Peter? There was a hesitation from Peter. He looked at Roald and nodded towards Yan. I expect it may reduce our influence significantly and it will certainly stop us from investing further in the activity unless we can negotiate a better outcome. Roald will recall the last time we spent over a year arguing and debating until we reached an agreement that still worked for us. They can’t know anything of your discussions with us, as far as I can understand, but we are worried whether these activities will change your government’s interest in us. he finished. Donald looked at Yan and they smiled towards each other. We aren’t too worried. In our world, agreements need to align with government policy and those that don’t will not survive. Governments we run rule these things and are not bound by the agreements of other parties unless they are in sync with us. Roald smiled. He had seen the Russian government work this way and was not at all surprised the Chinese would do the same. Sometimes he envied this pragmatic governance approach.

Yan then indicated their minister was concerned that the companies might reduce their commitment to the region and of course, that would be contrary to their hopes. He went on, Our government recognizes the strategic significance of your business and as our President indicated to you, Roald, when you visited him, he is very personally involved in this matter. You assured him the investments you were making in other jurisdictions were not a signal that your company was no longer seeking to grow and protect its position in this area of Russia. Is that right Peter? Was Roald correct to so advise our president? Peter looked at Roald, and then at Yan. I agree with Roald. We are, indeed, we have been now for over two or three years, expanding our investments into Venezuela and Brazil. This does not indicate any loss of confidence in the Russian duopoly we are a party to, and I certainly agree that we are still keen to grow that part of our business. Donald interrupted, Do you have plans at this time to invest further into those companies Peter? We rather gathered this was on hold at present and we are concerned our discussions with you may have preempted this hesitation. Peter smiled, No, we would not allow our business strategy to be confused by wondering what might happen next with the Chinese Government’s application, should they make it, or indeed with Russia’s recent edict. We are used to this sort of grandstanding by governments in Russia and we know our partners will keep us informed from the inside if we need to change direction. Donald nodded and he and Yan decided to take a break. After ten minutes they returned to the table and asked whether they might meet with Roald and Peter again in a few weeks’ time. They were interested to get permission first, and then put a proposal to the brothers. Would that be okay with you both, please? Yan asked. It was agreed and soon after, they left.

Peter sat quietly for a few minutes and then asked Roald, Well, what did you make of that, and by the way, how are you? he said. Roald smiled and said he was glad to be back doing something relevant. He had been a bit angry, and lost, these last few days and needed to get back into something more serious. It’s been pretty difficult actually, Peter, with my losing that election and me thinking I would win easily, and now starting to accept that maybe I should be happy not to have won. I’m a bit confused but generally starting to count my blessings. I’ve got close to making a total idiot of myself, but I have recalibrated and am now just keen to move on. Peter nodded. I’m very proud of you, brother, and I am sure our dad would have been also. You have been a bloody star and we are very proud. They both stopped and looked at each other. Roald grinned, Thank you. That means a lot. Great. Thanks."

Peter and he spent the next hour discussing their business and decided to consider what the Chinese Government might be able to do that would assist them. They agreed to speak regularly and see what happens at their next meeting with Yan and Donald.

OOO

Misu decided to call Col herself, rather than have her team arrange a meeting. He answered straight away, and she smiled as she asked him if he had time to talk. I am surprised to hear from you Misu, I guess I wasn’t expecting your call, at least not personally. I’ve been half expecting to have a summons served, he quipped. Misu nodded her understanding and replied, Col, I am a young and new President, and I am aware you have a deal of experience and will know things I don’t, but might need to. I also know, from Naman, that you will be anxious about what I expect from you and how I might need to manage your past actions, but all in all, I wanted to speak to you personally first. Are you coming to New York by any chance, or, can we arrange a call? I think we should spend a couple of hours together if that suits you. And before you answer, you should know that Siatin is reporting to me about your actions regarding Indonesia. I haven’t seen her yet. she finished.

Col was indeed surprised by this young president’s call. He realized that she was after something he knew or something he had, and he felt a sense of seniority and power. Hi, Misu, very nice to hear from you. I am not coming to New York unless you insist. I am learning to be a quiet, and even a lazy, Australian. I have been watching sport, watching t v, and getting to know my wife and my life again, in that order. It is just as challenging as my role as chair of the Council, but more rewarding, perhaps. he chuckled and added, I am joking of course. Actually, I am bored and trying to decide what to do. I am not demanding your presence, at least not yet, she advised, but I am keen to get your advice. When might suit you Col? she asked. He looked at Royale who was listening to the call. Would you like to go to New York darling? he asked her. Not really, and especially not to have that all rehashed and the wounds opened up again, she replied. Col nodded. They agreed to speak tomorrow evening and Misu would decide whether he needed to come to New York. The call finished.

Royale asked Col what he thought of that and whether Misu was fishing or whether she was genuine. Col wasn’t sure but he was impressed with her previous call to him and was going to give her the benefit of the doubt. He remembered her calling after her finding out about the Chinese interfering with the peer review of the Indonesian’s desalination project and offering him support and he was very grateful. Royale, asked What can they do to you? Are they trying to punish you Col? How will you manage that without getting angry and starting to go down the same old road, again? Col remembered very clearly the anger and hurt Royale had displayed in Beijing when she learned of his plans. He knew exactly what she was referring to. No darling, I am your man again and I’m not about to throw that away. She smiled and they returned to their books.

At the same time, he was worried. He knew he had been very close to criminal action of fraud and theft, and he also knew he had admitted as much to Naman. In addition, he knew he had a potential blinder if they found his other connections in Indonesia. He hoped Naman would stay out of the picture as much as Siatin would allow. He worried about her. Siatin was a very bright and very pugnacious protector of the rules. She was not one of his best friends, but he respected her.

OOO

Misu, Jo and Ivy with six persons from their office teams, were meeting on the top floor of a one hundred and fifty floor building in Manhattan. Jo was on the call. Two others were also. They had a lot to get through. Misu was very alert and questioning people and settling for only accurate and succinct answers. She was a bit like a robot, in Ivy’s personal opinion, with a mind that seemed incapable of slowing down and more carefully trying to appreciate what was really being said. For her part, Ivy was used to some of this high level senior bureaucratic posturing to try and impress a new boss. Ivy had seen it too often already. Jo was reluctant to intervene unless asked by Misu, and as that was infrequent, she was very much a silent passenger. Ivy was frustrated at the lack of serious decision-making that seemed to be on Misu’s agenda.

After an hour and a half, Ivy suggested a break and asked Misu whether she and Ivy might adjourn together for a half hour. I want to speak to you please, she started, about Col and the role he played and whether you and I are on the same page? Misu smiled and nodded her appreciation. Ivy continued, Perhaps Jo could join us? she asked, My understanding from Naman is that Siatin has completed a report for you. I also understand that the funds sent to Jakarta are held in trust for your decision, and that we can move on as a Council. What you determine with Col is not my concern nor within my jurisdiction. However, I wanted to meet with Col and discuss the Council’s recent agenda items and his views, and I need Jo to hear these directly, if Col will allow that, Ivy concluded. Misu replied, I have arranged to meet with Siatin tomorrow afternoon. I have seen her report and from my understanding, we might decide that we don’t need to take any further action unless we want a very public and negative squabble. Col is not going to lie down and take any punishment, but on the other hand, we need to ensure others understand he has already paid the biggest price. He has resigned. Ivy smiled, I agree that might be right, but how will people know that he has resigned under a proverbial cloud unless we promote that publicly? she asked. Misu responded, Ivy, in my opinion, and it is only my opinion, most people who know him will know something pretty serious will have driven him out of office. Unless it is his health, they will assume it is something nefarious, so I am inclined to wait and see how it translates, without my pushing any buttons at all. Ivy immediately decided to let this matter play out further. She assumed there would be a better time to voice an opinion.

Ivy continued, I also needed to ensure you realize I am planning to remain in London so I can continue with my work in the European Union group. But Jo will consider living in New York and I hope this will prove very useful. I hope Naman has explained this to you? she asked. Yes, Ivy, replied Misu, including that you have achieved the miracle we all needed by bringing Jo back into our leadership group. We are very pleased, and I say that having heard from several members of Council: each noting it. Sorry, that sounds almost rude of me. I must also acknowledge how surprised I was to hear of your agreements, both of you, to take on these roles, and how delighted I am. Not because you and I, Ivy, as women will be firsts, but because I am thrilled, we can work together. Thank you both very much. Ivy was very pleased with those comforting comments. I am sure we won’t always agree Misu, she responded, but I can assure you we will work hard and seek to support your projects as much as we can. I must note I am still not sure about declaring my being a Terran, rather than a European, but I am willing to try it! she smirked and they both chuckled. Misu added, I want you to be proud of both. Ivy continued, I also need to get your approval of a more senior position and remuneration package for Jo. I have promised I would seek this and I have spoken to Naman earlier but he deferred to your authority. Accordingly, I am asking for your approval please Misu. Misu said she appreciated the question and that indeed Naman had briefed her about that as well as Ivy’s terms and conditions. I am happy to do so. My team were to send you a proposal. Has that been finalised yet? Ivy shook her head. I will now suggest that you please send your proposal to my team as soon as you can and I promise I will finalize it. she finished.

Meanwhile Jo had sat quietly at her end of the call, waiting for Ivy and Misu to return to the meeting. She wanted to add some thoughts about Col. Misu, if I may, do I understand that your intention is to let Col off any further embarrassment? Is that Siatin’s position as well? she asked. Misu frowned and thought for a moment or two. Jo, I have not finally decided, but that was part of my thinking so far, yes. What are your thoughts? Jo immediately nodded and said, I assume the Council members will each know there has been something to set Col off on the retirement path. I accept that. However, I am as concerned as Ivy about the leaders of our member countries. They will not know anything of it. If they do, they will likely realize that as a member of the leadership group, we have treated him very kindly compared with how we might treat a staff member or a recalcitrant country leader who sought to defraud us. That group is very significant, and I believe Col must face the consequences in a more public way if justice is to be seen to be done. Misu gulped, and stared into her screen. She immediately recognised the importance of what Ivy and Jo were both advising and that Naman’s earlier advice was not good for Misu either. "I am very pleased you have reminded me of that Jo, thank you. And Ivy as well, both of you. Yes,