Clive Cussler - Dragon

“Our original intent was not to kill millions of people,” Tsuboi insisted.

“I know what you intended, Mr. Tsuboi. Try it and Armageddon is yours.”

“If you wish to go down in history as the greatest monster since Adolf Hitler for a totally irrational act, then there is little more to say.”

“You must have wanted to say something, or why else did you contact me?”

Tsuboi paused, then pressed on. “I have certain proposals to throw on the table.”

“I’m willing to hear them.”

“You will call off your search of the cars. If any more are seized, the signals will be sent to detonate. And since you once dropped such a weapon on my people, I assure you I will not hesitate to explode the remaining bombs in populated cities.

The President fought hard to suppress his growing anger. “A standoff then. You kill a few million of us, we decimate your entire population.”

“No, you won’t do that. The people of the great White Christian American nation will not condone such butchery.”

“We’re not all white or Christian.”

“The minorities that undermine your culture will never back your stand.”

“They’re still Americans.”

“Nevertheless, my people are committed and prepared to die for the new empire.”

“That’s a damned lie,” the President shot back. “Until now, you and Suma and the rest of your gangland mob have operated in secret. The Japanese people have no idea you’ve placed their lives on the line for world economic dominance. They won’t risk the devastation of their nation for a cause based on greed by a few criminals. You don’t speak for them or your government.”

The barest trace of a smile crossed Tsuboi’s face, and the President knew he had been sucked in. “You can avoid this horrible holocaust on both our countries by simply accepting my proposals.”

“You mean demands.”

“As you wish.”

“State your case,” said the President, his voice beginning to sound strained. He’d lost his edge and was angry with himself.

“There will be no nationalization or takeover of Japanese owned companies, nor judicial interference with any of our projected corporate or real estate buy-outs.”

“That’s no big deal. Nationalization has never been in the interests of the United States. No legislation has ever been considered on such an unconstitutional premise in our two hundred years. As to the latter, no Japanese firm that I know of has been barred by law from purchasing a business or land in the United States.”

“Japanese citizens will not be required to present visas when entering the United States.”

“You’ll have to battle Congress on that one.”

Tsuboi coldly continued. “No trade barriers or increased tariffs on Japanese products.”

“What about your end?”

“Not negotiable,” said Tsuboi, obviously prepared for the question. “There are sound reasons why many of your products are not welcome in Japan.”

“Go on,” ordered the President.

“The State of Hawaii becomes a territory of Japan.”

The President had been forewarned of that unreasonable demand. “The good people of the island are already madder than hell over what you’ve done to their real estate prices. I doubt if they’d be willing to exchange the Stars and Stripes for the rising sun.”

“Also the State of California.”

“Impossible and outrageous are words that come to mind,” the President said cynically. “Why stop now? What else do you want?”

“Since our money keeps your treasury afloat, we expect representation in your government, which includes a seat on your cabinet and our people highly placed in your State, Treasury, and Commerce departments.”

“Who makes the selection of your people, you and Yoshishu or the leaders of your government?”

“Mr. Yoshishu and myself.”

The President was aghast. It was like inviting organized crime to participate in government at the highest levels. “What you ask, Mr. Tsuboi, is absolutely unthinkable. The American people will never allow themselves to become economic slaves to foreign nationals.”

“They’ll pay a heavy price if you ignore my terms. On the other hand, if we have a say in the operation of the American government and business community, your whole economy will turn around drastically and provide a higher standard of living for your citizens.”

The President’s teeth clenched. “With a monopoly, prices and profits on Japanese products would skyrocket.”

“You’d also have lower unemployment, and the national debt would diminish,” Tsuboi went on as if the President was impotent.

“I don’t have it in my power to make promises that Congress won’t keep,” said the President, his anger stilled, his mind jockeying for an upper hand. He lowered his eyes to appear perplexed. “You know your way around Washington, Mr. Tsuboi. You have an understanding of how our government works.”

“I am quite aware of your executive limits. But there is much you can do without congressional approval.”

“You must excuse me for a few moments while I digest the enormity of your demands.” The President paused to gather his thoughts. He could not lie and pretend to cave in to all of Tsuboi’s ridiculous demands. That would indicate an obvious ploy, a stall for time. He had to put up a brusque front and appear agitated. He looked up and stared directly at Tsuboi. “I cannot in good conscience accept what has to be unconditional terms of surrender.

“They are better terms than you offered us in nineteen forty-five.”

“Our occupation was far more generous and benevolent than your people had any right to expect,” the President said, his nails digging into the armrests of his chair.

“I am not here to discuss historic differences,” Tsuboi stated bluntly. “You’ve heard the terms and know the consequences. Indecision or procrastination on your part will not delay tragedy.”

There was no sign of a bluff in Tsuboi’s eyes. The President well realized the threat was made more horrible by the cars hidden in heavily populated cities and the suicidal maniacs waiting for the signal to set off the bombs.

“Your extortion demands don’t leave much room for negotiation.”

“None whatsoever,” Tsuboi replied in a tone that defied debate.

“I can’t just snap my fingers and produce a miracle of cooperation with the political opposition,” said the President, feigning exasperation. “You damned well know I can’t dictate to Congress. Senator Diaz and Congresswoman Smith carry heavy weight in both houses, and they’re already inflaming their fellow legislators against you.”

Tsuboi shrugged indifferently. “I fully realize the wheels of your government grind in a swamp of emotions, Mr. President. And your elected representatives vote along party lines, irrespective of the national good. But they will be persuaded to accept the inevitable once you inform them that two of the bomb cars are being driven around Washington as we talk.”

Not good. The ball was back on the President’s side of the court. He made a monumental effort to remain impassive and show strains of anger. “I’ll need time.”

“You have until three o’clock this afternoon, your time, to appear on national television with your advisers and the leaders of Congress standing behind you in a show of support as you announce the new cooperation agreements between Japan and the United States.”

“You’re asking too much.”

“That is the way it must be,” said Tsuboi. “And one more thing, Mr. President. Any indication of an attack on Soseki Island will be answered with the bomb cars. Do I make myself clear?”

“As crystal.”

“Then, good morning. I shall look forward to watching you on television this afternoon.”