Russian Roulette

Chapter 27 : Wrapping up

New York City, New York

The limousine carrying the Vice President of the United States pulled to a halt in front of the lobby entrance. Today marks the second and last day of the G7 summit. Secret Service Agents and their foreign equivalents patrolled the perimeter, each carrying firearms loaded with live ammunition as all seven members of the G7 member states, plus the delegation from the European Union, has already arrived at the venue. I remained seated in the limousine while observing the crowd outside. "Time to go ma'am." said my chief of staff Oliver Evans. My principal Secret Service Agent Timothy Brock noted and opened the door. Stepping out into the view of the crowd I smiled and waved at them.

Climbing up the stairs to the hotel lobby I pushed past the door and entered the spacious place, meeting up with the heads of state of the G7 member states including the EU delegation. We exchanged smiles and handshakes, heading off to the meeting place. "It's a disgrace Madam Vice President I tell you." German chancellor Lucas Merkel said, hammering his fist against the round table once we're all seated to begin the meeting. "First the poisoning and now a murder!"

"Trust me chancellor, the President and me are furious upon the issue." I say. "Russia cannot say that they're not culpable."

"I agree." said British prime minister Jason Duncan. "The Russians have taken the issue too far."

"Are we favoring UN sanctions again?" Canadian prime minister Jessica Pierre asked. 

"It's best to not put that to fruition yet. We're making progress, the investigation team has locked onto two suspects but I'm not allowed to say anything more."

"It's national security, we understand." Japanese prime minister Takaguchi Kawa responded. "We would be happy to lend a helping hand if your country needs one." 

"Thank you Mr. Prime Minister." I say.

"We hear that the Saudis have imposed a travel restriction on Afghanistan." said President Jean-Paul Leroy of the European Council. 

"From where I see it, it's damaging to Afghanistan's economy." I say. "The Secretary of State has issued a travel warning."

"Despite the invasion the terrorists won't back down and leave." the German chancellor said with a sigh. "The memories of the fallen towers won't be forgotten." he is referring to the September 11 attacks, he wasn't chancellor yet when the attacks happened.

"I was lucky when 9/11 happened." I said. Prime Minister Duncan perked up, linking up something in his brains when I mentioned 9/11. "But we're not here to talk about that." I changed the subject.

"Of course." said the council president. "How can we do to help the nation? It has suffered a lot thanks to the terrorists."

"Well... this is quite a tough question." I say, dipping my head low. "How can we be sure that any form of help we're giving will be directly handed to the people and not get robbed by those terrorists?"

"The vice president is correct about it." Vanessa Dupont, the President of the European Commission, said in agreement. "I recommend that we donate food supplies, have people guarding the transport carrying the cargo." 

"It's not a bad idea Madam President." Italian Prime Minister Fernando Ferrero said. "What is everybody's thoughts about this?"

"It is not a bad idea Prime Minister Ferrero." said French President Francois Louis. "Should we ask the United Nations for help in the transportation of goods?"

"I'm sure that humanitarian efforts won't be an issue." said Japanese Prime Minister Takaguchi Kawa. 

"The UN has been trying to help the innocent souls living in war-torn Afghanistan, I'm sure it will work." 

"You can say it like that Mr. Chancellor." I say. "But we still have to contend with the probability of a black market."

"Black market, of course it is." 

"But we should also focus our gazes on Russia at the same time." President Leroy said. 

"What is Russia's game to be honest?" asked Chancellor Merkel. "They have walked on the line stretched too thin."

"And the current president is also a former KGB officer." said Prime Minister Duncan. "This doesn't bode well, as we all have seen during the Cold War and the multiple assassinations."

"You can go head to toe with the Russian President, you're the only one now Madam Vice President." 

"He had already blown his last shot when the ambassador is murdered." I say. "Nevertheless President Reagan has the verdict in his hands, and I am sure that he is furious enough to chuck sanctions upon the President."

"He puts up quite a smokescreen." 

"But among the eight of us, you have dealt with Russian agents before ma'am." Chancellor Merkel whispered in my ear. I gave him a quick nod but kept my silence. 

"Still, it's not my place to make any decision." I say. "Rest assured, I will inform President Reagan of our discussion."

Hours later

Seated in the middle of the long table in the press conference I scanned the row of reporters from left to right. It's time for the press conference they all have been waiting for, to learn about G7's decision on the things that are happening now. "After the two-day meeting the G7 has agreed upon two key issues." I addressed the room. "We have decided to pledge 200 million dollars in the form of financial aid to Indonesia to aid the nation on their road to recovery from the devastating nuclear attack. Second, we have decided to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to help the local population."

"Madam Vice President, what about the murder of the US ambassador in Russia?" a reporter raised her hand. "Anything that you can tell us?"

"Unfortunately, the FBI will not disclose any details. They will have an announcement once the investigation is wrapped up." I say. "But rest assured, the FBI will bring the criminals to justice."