NationStates Jolt Archive

Secret Message to France:

We would be honored to meet with you in Paris. The PM is on his way.

0500 hours:

Ehud Olmert took a hankerchief from his pocket and wiped his sweating forehead. These last few weeks had been extremely stressful and extremely beneficial. But Ehud had learned it's hard to remain calm when your life is at stake. Already, hundreds of death threats had poured in, and the security was overwhelming.

Ehud rode in the backseat of a black car with his driver and two secret servicemen, headed for the airport... the public wouldn't even know he had left the country.

As the car rounded a corner, something slammed against the car with incredible force. Olmert stared at the bullet hole that had dug into the bullet proof glass!

"Get down and hang on!!" Screamed the driver, as he rammed the accelerator to the floor.

As they reached the airport, they quickly hurried through the terminal and boarded the private plane.

One more close attempt like that and I might not make it... thought Ehud.

He turned to one of his advisors. "Notify the PM of France we are on the way and what has taken place. Tell them that the utmost security is needed in an undisclosed location for the summit."

Villepin looked around as the helicopter landed down on the island. It was a popular destination, but fortunately for him, there were many secret passages, many of which were used to house the most secret of conferences - including the most famous meeting between the Duke of Nordmandy and the Pope, before the Norman conquest of England; the meeting between Petain and Hitler; and now between Villepin and Ehud...

"We have the site secured...No one will know that we are there...and for points and purposes, no one will know we exist for that time..."

"Good," Villepin said. "We don't want our friends to die here."

The plane screeched to a halt on the runway, it may have been conspicuous, but speed was more important than stealth at this point.

Ehud nearly sprinted out of the plane on the little island, as he reached the bottom of the stairs he looked around.

Any reception committee?

The airplane probably caused some anxiety for the FIO, but they still managed to get PM Ehud inside the building. They led him through several passage, in side with Israeli security officers. It was perhaps confusing and nauseating, but the effect was real; Ehud had no idea where he was.

It was perhaps also true to say Villepin didn't know either. Deep in the catacombs of the ancient monastery, there was a lovely table, set in the ancient of times amidst the Roman columns and the Medieval architecture. As Ehud emerged, Villepin walked up with comfort in his feet.

"Ah, mon ami! It is good that you are here and all well!"

They walked to the table, where a large screen stood, showing a map of the world and various GPS positions. The Modern meets the Ancient, he thought as Ehud cautiously sat down in the echoing caverns. Even as he knew that no one else knew where he was, it wasn't too comforting to watch French guards in the distance where the dark faded with the light.

Villepin seemed content with the surroundings. He turned to some of his officials, on the security of the area, and the topic for discussion. Once he was quickly briefed, he sent a call to a waitperson to receive the wine and some hors d'oeurves. Finally, he went to Ehud and again shook his hand.

"Well, Ehud - what can we do for you?"

Ehud looked around the room... very uneasily... it isn't fun to know that people want to kill you...

Then he looked up at the kind face of the French PM.

"Nice to see you Villepin... I trust this place is extremely secure."

Ehud took a long drink from a red wine that sat in front of him.

"I'm here to discuss recent events. Let us start with the North. The recent crisis with Norway was somewhat agitated. We were unhappy to hear of the action of France upon Norway... although we see that it was your perogative. They were after all EU countries... so it was justified. Still we believe that it was unwise to attack without the support of other countries, including the United States."

Ehud bumped against the table and felt the semi-automatic pistol at his side. At this stage, he needed personal defense, even in his own hands. He could trust no one. I wonder if this is how Ariel felt... Ehud thought back on his old friend.

Villepin nodded.

"It is mostt deplorable the actions of the last Norwegian regime, and while I can say that France was pushed to the brink, I cannot say that I liked where the whole scenario went. However, I must state that it was our duty and obligation to defend nations of the EU, not to mention that Norway likewise attacked French units. In all, we only sent a bomber squadron to disable a Norwegian military facility in Sweden...although that itself is debatable whether the Norwegians covered it as a school or used the actual facility for cover...That was our only attack, and even when wee had the opportunity to strike harder, we wanted to get the international community involved, namely such that international pressure could have coerced the Norwegians into submission, although it seems that the loyal citizens of Norway did that for us. The lives lost are lamentable, but let us hope that it was not in vain.

"But let us leave that topic for now. Norway is a bad history for us. We need to talk about the present, namely Greece-Albania, and perhaps Brazil-Venezuela later. We would like to know Israel thinks is the right way to go."

Villepin calmly put aside the pate roll as he watched PM olmert shuffle around; he was anxious for certain, but he didn't want to make the situation worse by acknowledging it. So he sat for the short moment while Ehud pondered on a response.

Ehud smiled at the man, quite anxiously.

"Thank you.

Greece and Albania is a severe problem right now. Israel fears that Russia has gone way too far, and believes that their intentions are to help terrorists. We would not go so far as to accuse them of this, but we are very afraid taht their intentions may not be pure. I would be interested to hear what you think about Russia's intentions.

In our view, we think Greece is in the right. When terrorism strikes, it is the right and privledge... no.... the duty to defeat the terrorists.

What do you think?"

bump.

[ooc: sorry...lost the thread...]

Villepin hesitated at a response.

"We have substantial evidence that associates the Albanian government with terrorist groups in the region. We've found it to be a delicate network of connected groups in Iraq, Turkey, Chechnya, Iran, Albania, and Yugoslavia. Our problem with calling out the Albanian government is to give a reason to attack the Albanian government - as of yet, they have not signed any deals or contracts with these terrorists. They are passively existing in these regions."

He slowed his talk as he reached for a glass of water. "You are right in saying we have the duty to defeat terrorism." He then gulped a little down before returning it to the plate. After that, he rose and beckoned Ehud to come to the world screen. Reluctantly, Ehud followed him, although his senses were becoming less revealing of his anxiety. Either he's getting comfortable, or he really needs to drink some water soon, Villepin thought.

As the world stood before them Villepin pointed to Albania before the operators enlarged the country profile. "France does not wish a war with Albania. We assume that neither does Greece, nor does Russia, nor does Israel. Our war is with the terrorists. Granted that we attack someone, its ripple will run across Europe and potential across the Caucasus. We will need a government in Albania to help stop that ripple, or even prevent it. It is therefore in the opinion of the French that we should instead pursue diplomacy - to persuade the Albanian government into cracking on these various organizations."

He paused. "Well, at least they could do it, or they could let us do it. But either, we want that government to remain - unless by their deeds they reveal their loyalties. What do you say to that?"

Ehud took two steps back from screen, then stepped forward again. His hands clutched behind his back. His suit coat concealed the weapon at his hip.

"That is a most honorable idea. But we are not so sure this crisis can be resolved with diplomacy. As millions have heard me say, my motto is: 'Diplomacy first, hostility second', but I am not so sure that a peaceful agreement can be found.

Albania deserves some kind of punishment in any case, at least the government does. Our biggest worry is that Russia will aid Albania in its defense if Greece attacks. This would be a huge danger for the entire world, seeing how the US is already aiding Greece.

We don't want to start World War 3 Villepin."

Ehud's hands came lose and he combed them both through his hair.

"Diplomacy might work. Israel will make every effort to work with your French government to make peace in Greece and Albania. But time is running out. An agreement must be reached soon.

The government of Albania is highly under question. I suggest we submit a proposal to the UN to send UN investigators to Albania to find out the truth behind all this, and find out if the government is linked directly to the terrorism. If they are, they should be removed from office by the UN."

Ehud shoved his left hand into his pocket, shifted in the way he was standing, and gestured with his right hand.

"What do you think?"

"Absolutely. Unfortunately, as you said, we are pressed with time, and granted if we had it, I'm certain that we would come to better understandings of the situation at hand. It is therefore necessary to employ every possible measure to prevent another world war and reward the nations who do the right thing. True, the Albanian government has been too lose in its policy towards terrorists, especially being an EU candidate, an honorable member in the international community, and various other things that raise the expectations of a civil society; for that, Albania needs to redress."

Villepin then paused, surveying Ehud's anxiety bursting back out at him. I wonder if it was the rancour that killed him, he thought to himself, about how Ariel had died. But he quickly cast that thought aside and returned to his originial intentions. "If it should come to that [that being Albania will support the terrroists explicitly or not comply], would Israel support a resolution on the UN floor, and potentially in the UNSC? It means very well that we take the right steps. We must avoid entangling Russia into this mess, but Albania - I believe - shall decide her own fate, and how the world should react to her willingness to cooperate with justice will become the new dialogue."

Ehud was sweating like a pig. It was hot in this underground tunnel, at least to a man who was constantly in fear for his own life.

"Israel will push the UN to deal with Albania if they are found to be connected with terrorists. We have long dealt with such problems, and only recently we have begun to experience social peace in our homeland. We understand that terrorism must be destroyed before it begins, and all supporters must be wiped off the face of the earth either by diplomacy or war. The UN will decide that. We will send Albania an ultimatum imediately, if they do not completely cooperate with Israel by supplying all information they know about their country's terrorists, we will place a resolution before the UNSC. We trust we have France's support in this matter."

Ehud walked back over to the table and sat down. He took another drink of the wine.

"France always made the good stuff."

He was beginning to relax, just a little.

"Sir, let us turn our attention to other important matters now. I'm sure you have heard of our treaty with the UAE, and the fact that we have pulled out of the Golan Heights and West Bank. In addition we have retained East Jerusalem and re-organized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

And, at the same time we are building the Third Temple on the Temple Mount. It will be even more beautiful than the one Solomon made. We have established peace in the west Middle East for the first time since the Six-Day War.

What does France, and even you personally, think about these things?"

"We are glad and further encouraged to watch the bonds of brothers come together to a table. La fraternite, non?"

Villepin chuckled a little. Ehud just passively took out a knapsack and wiped his head. "Well, I must conclude that Israel is certainly going in the right direction in this century. With the policies as you have proclaimed, you are certain to find many friends in the world. And I offer that as an encouragement as well as praise for your government. If such is the way that history writes, then I am glad to be here to assist and participate in the action."

Then raising his glass, he proposed a small toast.

"Longue vive la France! Longue vive l'Israel! Longue vive le monde!"

"Indeed!"

Ehud raised his glass and drank once more.

The wine was taking effect and he was feeling much better now.

"Thank you for your support, we are doing our best to make Israel a happy place... in a happy world."

Ehud leaned towards the man, the wine was making his tounge a little more free that it normally would have been.

"I trust we are in a secure location, this meeting and what we say is top secret."

Ehud leaned closer and started to speak very low.

"Israel is very much distressed. We have plans to build the Third Temple on the Temple Mount, but our problem is that the place is already occupied by two other heathen temples. Our desire is to rid our holy place of the infidel worshipers and their accursed building.

What we want to do, to be fair, is to remove the Dome of the Rock to Mecca, where it rightly belongs. Both Muslims and non-Muslims would be happier if it were moved there, and we would have a holy spot to put our Third Temple in.

I'm telling you friend, it is all I can do right now to keep my people from rushing upon the structure and tearing it down with their bare hands... it would make the Middle East more peaceful.

Mind you, this is meant for your ears alone. Do not let this knowledge leave the room. Only here can it be discussed. What do you think of such a proposal, would France back our action to protect the building by moving it to Mecca; and for that matter, would the EU?"

Villepin almost laughed.

"Back in the Sinai war, the French engineers created a plan to destroy the temple, but we never had the permission from the Israelis for some reason. WE perhaps see it better now, their reasons for forgoing the operation. Nonetheless, France would personally like to see the Dome moved to the Islamic areas, since the history would much more belong to them. Although I would be careful about building this next temple, since that would a state condoning the adoption of a specific religion - a dirty mess in which we would not want to see Israel get meddled in. Perhaps if you could encourage a private contractor to build the temple for the local Judaic ministry, that would be less meddling. At least, that's how we do it in France...we own the land, but the Churc wants to build another cathedral - so we allow it to happen, occasionally.

"I cannot speak for entire EU in saying that they would support, but logic tells me that many would. It would be great step forward for the Middle East if these things could be resolved so quickly."

"Very good. I will be speaking with President Clinton of the US of it in a few days. It is good to know we have the support of France. But somehow we fear that the Muslim community would be outraged by teh action of moving their precious dome. If the rest of the Internationl community is behind us though, we will move it.

It is our opinion that the longer that building stays where it is, the lkonger peace will be unreachable. But if we move it we believe we will have a war on our hands... particuarly with the OPEC nations and the UAE. Would you support and defend us if such was the case?

We do not wish for war... but we do wish for peace, and my beloved country will never be peaceful as long as the heathen temple is in our midst."

Villepin then paused...

"I would be careful about calling it a heathen temple, but I would agree...the longer it stays there, the longer conflict remains. And you do bring up a sensitive topic about the other Arabic countries, which leads me to conclude that anything that happens there must be formally agreed between your government and the Arabic countries. Otherwise, there is a more likely potential conflict following such, and I understand Israel's desire to remain a peaceful power..."

Suddenly, a clock beeped. Villepin watched as Ehud stuttered from the shock. If the assassins don't kill him, the clocks will, he thought to himself. He looked over at the clock, seeing as their time had expired. Then he rose and patted Ehud's back. "My friend, I must apologize, but I have an appointment in Paris. I'd wish that you could come, but seeing your desire to remain in the shade, I think that it would be best that you returned home. And seeing all of this unfold, I think that I could give you some advise: Le oiseau qui chante rien ne prend rien [The bird that sings nothing gets nothing]."

With that, Dominique de Villepin headed out to the halls and looked back at Ehud. "I have some agents who can recover you to your airplane, so that you can leave in safety. The satellite jammers should be be operable in two minutes, in which time you can leave without a single person knowing it...well, you know what I mean."

And there, he left as Ehud stood up slowly and faced the uncertain void of friendly hands.

"Forgive me for speaking so freely... wine does that to me."

Ehud stood.

"We will try to make an agreement with the Arabs... but we are not sure that this will be possible. They are highly unreasonable. The Dome belongs in Mecca, intact. We will try and move it there, with or without Arabic approval. Unfourtunately, even if it means conflict, in the long run it will provide peace."

As Villepin stood to leave, and Ehud shook his hand.

"Thank you for meeting with me friend, and thank you for the protection in these dangerous times..

As Villepin left, Ehud turned to look at the security officer, two of his own and a few French.

"Let's get out of here, my head is spinning from being underground so long."

They started to leave the compound...