Hi guys!
I am writing a online SHTF novel called "The Troublemaker" I have posted this work in progress on two survival sites. If you 'd like to check it out, I'd like to know what you think.
I'll post the first chapter here, so let me know what you think, ok?
Chapter One – Desires
The twin solid mahogany doors of the stately Vienna hotel opened with a silent announcement that the meeting was adjourned. The spokesman for the group’s powerful majority smiled and walked slowly to the outstretched microphones of the news hungry media. The Saudi Arabian Oil Ministry Press Secretary paused for a moment before speaking.
“Good afternoon†Pausing briefly, the very well dressed spokesman continued. “We have reached agreement on ‘near future’ production. As it stands now, prices are about $50.00 per barrel. We will increase our production by approximately 2%; this should have a very positive effect on world prices.†With that said the OPEC spokesman turned and walked towards his Oil Minster who was surrounded by the ever-present body guards.
This particular meeting was especially important as world oil prices had begun another spiral upward, putting a huge strain on the economies of the most powerful nations on earth. Saudi Arabia’s increase in production would drive down prices and was excellent news to the oil consuming world.
Power in the world can be categorized as, the have’s and the have not’s. The haves are the oil producing nations and the countries that control enormous armies and economies. Everyone else falls into the have not’s. OPEC also has their have’s and have not’s. The alliance was thinly held together and dominated by the Saudi’s who could out produce the others, thereby dictating the supply and price.
A small group of the have not’s gathered off to the side of the meeting room. Although fabulously wealthy in their own right, this group wanted more of the power and control over their production pricing.
“I am not pleased with this meeting, at all. Again the Saudis have sided up to the United States and are not allowing the market to dictate price.†Venezuela’s Oil Minister, Alberto Santos was particularly angry. Venezuela had been at odds with the US ever since their recent election of President Martinez. The newly elected socialist President and ruler of this oil rich nation, sought respect through whatever means necessary, for his kingdom.
“Yes, I am in complete agreement with you Alberto. Our country is also tired of the US control of our financial destiny.†Nigeria’s Oil Minster, Abrahim Ahzir, was a man on the hot seat. Meeting with his Finance Minster and President recently he was told in no uncertain terms that oil production and profits had to increase, or else he would be replaced.
Standing close by and listening intently and nodding with agreement were the Libyan coequals. At the other side of the room, the Iranian contingent observed the gathering and walked over to join in the conversation. To an outsider, this group looked like any other business meeting with multi-national players. Knowing the dress code of the various nations present made it easy to discern who was who. The Nigerians with their multi colored full length robes and round cake pan style hats, the Libyans with their white floor length robes, although tailored by London’s finest. The Iranians wore their charcoal gray business suits and white tie-less button down shirts and finally the only non-Muslim in the group, the South American in his hand made Saville Row pinstripe suit. To an outside observer this was a group photo of wealth and power.
Greeting the group warmly, the Iranian Oil Minister, Mohammed Mahzari spoke. “Gentlemen, I would like to invite you to our Embassy for dinner this evening, we have much to discuss.â€
The group accepted the invitation of the Iranian, who many consider to be the de facto leader of the have not’s in OPEC.
Later in the evening the invitees arrived at the Iranian Embassy in vehicles that matched the image of their status. Mercedes Benz and Rolls Royce’s, all fully armored and filled with personal body guards pulled through the front gates and up to the door. They were escorted into the Embassy’s ostentatious meeting room. The well dressed Iranian in-house staff, valet parked their vehicles as the body guards made small talk and took positions outside of the meeting room.
Dinner was served and the men ate, complimenting the chef who expertly prepared lamb and the various side dishes. Everyone present knew that business wasn’t to be discussed in the open. After the meal, Mahzari started the business conversation. “Gentlemen, I would like to show you something, follow meâ€. Mahzari got up and walked down the oversized hallway which was lined with a collection of antique armaments used throughout history.
“Fascinating collection, Mohammed.†Alberto Santos was genuinely impressed, as were the others.
“Thank you; there is much history and beauty in this weaponry. This Roman short sword for example is from the time of the Prophet Jesus. No doubt many Jews blood was spilled with it.†Mahzari had a smile on his face. He then led the group through a door and into a large room that resemble nothing like where they had just come from. This room was lined with rubber foam and carbon fiber sound insulation material. In the center of the room was another smaller fully enclosed room that resembled a cargo shipping container. This containment room was a sound proof safe room. Opening the door and stepping the inside the group sat in the plastic resin chairs.
“My apologies for the furniture. It seems that plastic is best for eliminating any eavesdropping. My friends, I am as upset about the Saudi production increase as you are. We feel that all of our products should be in the $100 per barrel price range, or higher.†Mahzari paused for agreement, which he received.
“If we could convince the Saudis not to produce as much, then we would have this price.†said the Nigerian.
“The Saudis are being controlled by the Americans. The Americans dictate what they want and threaten to take over the fields if they don’t get it. You’ve seen what they have done with Iraq. It won’t be long before they have uninterrupted oil flow from them and that will drive pricing down even further. We must find a way to deal with this.†The Venezuelan’s anger was increasing.
“We need to do two things.†The Libyan, Ali Sayed, finally spoke “First, we need to get the Americans out of Iraq and secondly we need to slow down Saudi production.†Ali Sayed was no stranger to the methods he was suggesting, having spent years building Libya’s underground terror network, which was blessed by his President.
As a good lawyer would never ask a question in which he didn’t already know the answer, Mahzari had the group exactly where he wanted them. “I want to share with you all what is taking place right now, even as we speak. We are making a proposal to the Americans for peace in Iraq. We are doing this through the UN Secretary General Santana.â€
“The UN! They are worthless ba*&ards!†The Nigerian voice rose as he had seen first hand the ineffectiveness of the UN in Africa.
“Hold on for a moment, please. We are withdrawing all of our funding and weapon supplies to the Freedom Fighters in Iraq, and we are calling for them to leave the country. When this is accomplished and the Americans are lulled in their sleep, we will make our move.†Mahzari spoke with confidence. “When the Americans leave Iraq, we will shut down the Saudi’s production and you will have all the fortune and power you have ever dreamed of. We must be united amongst ourselves on this.â€
The group accepted the Iranians statement unanimously.
“Madame President, UN Secretary General Francisco Santana is here for your appointment.†The presidential aide spoke an introduction, not looking directly at US President Lydia Chase. President Chase did not allow aides to look at her directly, as she felt this was not acceptable behavior of the subordinates who served her, the first female President of the United States.
President Chase rose from her chair and standing behind the expansive desk in the West Wing of the Oval office, she offered her hand to the Secretary General. “Good afternoon Secretary General Santana. Please have a seat.â€
“Madame President, it is very good to see you again. I thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me on such short notice.†The Secretary General knew that this President liked to be treated and admired as if she were royalty. “Again congratulations on your election victory, and I hope that the transition of your administration will be a smooth one.â€
“Thank you Secretary General Santana.†President Chase enjoyed being courted by powerful people, and the UN Secretary General was a very powerful man. “So, Secretary General Santana, what do I owe this honor of your visit today?â€
“Madame President, I know that you are being pulled along by the previous administrations military’s advisors, in regards to Iraq. It must be a grave burden on your economy, and your plans for this countries recovery. What do I tell the World Council that you are proposing to resolve this conflict?â€
President Chase, who made no effort to hide her distaste for anything military, visibly reddened at the thought of her military advisors and of Iraq. “This Iraq business is standing in my way of getting this country back on its feet again. The Pentagon says that we are well on the way to winning this war. However, every day that an American dies there, I am hounded by the press, “When it will be over?†We’ve already lost over 5,000 soldiers and billions of dollars.â€
“Madam President, I have spoken with some of the leaders in the Middle East. It is my understanding that they are gearing up for a longer and tougher fight than what you have seen so far. I get the impression that this conflict will last a long time and will be very costly, both in men and dollars. I have also spoken with some of the other leaders who like you; want this Iraq business to be over. There is a great opportunity here.†UN Secretary General Santana waited for his information to register with the President.
The President did not want to hear that the war could drag on. A long drawn out war would destroy her popularity ratings; after all it was the drop in popularity ratings that took down the last President and swept both Houses towards the Democrats. “Tell me General Santana, what can we do to make peace?â€
“I think that we can have a win-win situation here. I will recommend to the Arabs that we have a Cease-Fire, with your assurance that the US military will participate in the Cease-Fire. If we can have this Cease-Fire agreement, then there is no reason why we cannot take it further, to a complete withdrawal of US Forces from the Middle East. I will also recommend to the Security Council that we place UN Islamic troops as Peace-Keepers on Islamic soil.â€
“I can agree to that General, however, I need assurance that we will have the oil supplies needed for our country.â€
“Madame President, I think you have made the right choice. I will insist that you have as much oil as your country needs. There could be some fees for this guarantee, but we can discuss that at a later point. May I add that it is a good thing to have the US participating in the World Community again.†General Santana rose from his seat as did the President. They shook hands in agreement. “Madame President, I will call you after I’ve spoken with the others about our agreement.â€
UN Secretary General Santana left the White House and was escorted to Andrews AFB to begin his flight back to Madrid, his home. Once he was airborne in the UN registered Tupolev TU-154B airliner, he phoned Mohammed Mahzari on a secure satellite cell phone. “Mohammed, this is Francisco. We have agreement on a Cease-Fire. What would be the earliest you can implement this from your end?â€
“I will need at least 72 hours.â€
“Very good. I will phone the President about this good news.â€
Both UN Secretary General Santana and Iranian Oil Minister smiled at their very good fortune.
Bolting upright, Gary opened his eyes to almost total darkness. Reaching for his left wrist Gary pressed the stem on his watch and the green glowing dial showed 3.10 am. Breathing a deep sigh, he relaxed a bit. This was the same dream he has had before. The first dreams didn’t upset him as much lately, it was the ones that came before he awoke every morning that did. Gary looked over at the glowing red embers of the fire he had lit before falling off to sleep. Gary unzipped his sleeping bag and half rolling over to the small firewood stash he set out each night, he placed a couple of mid size pieces on the embers. Lying back on his makeshift pillow of wadded up clothes on top of his make shift bed of pine boughs, Gary stared at the dark ceiling. The fire started small and the light it gave off danced around the granite cave he had called home for the past couple of months.
Gary’s mind asked and then answered questions. “I’ve been here for what, one or two months now? Spring should be coming soon. How long have I ben running and fighting, three years I think. When will it ever be over?†No answer came on the last question.
Gary slowly settled back into sleep, the fire working its dancing and warm magic on his body and mind.
The Troublemaker is copyrighted by Jmurray aka Jmurman and may not be copied or used without the authors permission.
I am writing a online SHTF novel called "The Troublemaker" I have posted this work in progress on two survival sites. If you 'd like to check it out, I'd like to know what you think.
I'll post the first chapter here, so let me know what you think, ok?
The Troublemaker
Chapter One – Desires
The twin solid mahogany doors of the stately Vienna hotel opened with a silent announcement that the meeting was adjourned. The spokesman for the group’s powerful majority smiled and walked slowly to the outstretched microphones of the news hungry media. The Saudi Arabian Oil Ministry Press Secretary paused for a moment before speaking.
“Good afternoon†Pausing briefly, the very well dressed spokesman continued. “We have reached agreement on ‘near future’ production. As it stands now, prices are about $50.00 per barrel. We will increase our production by approximately 2%; this should have a very positive effect on world prices.†With that said the OPEC spokesman turned and walked towards his Oil Minster who was surrounded by the ever-present body guards.
This particular meeting was especially important as world oil prices had begun another spiral upward, putting a huge strain on the economies of the most powerful nations on earth. Saudi Arabia’s increase in production would drive down prices and was excellent news to the oil consuming world.
Power in the world can be categorized as, the have’s and the have not’s. The haves are the oil producing nations and the countries that control enormous armies and economies. Everyone else falls into the have not’s. OPEC also has their have’s and have not’s. The alliance was thinly held together and dominated by the Saudi’s who could out produce the others, thereby dictating the supply and price.
A small group of the have not’s gathered off to the side of the meeting room. Although fabulously wealthy in their own right, this group wanted more of the power and control over their production pricing.
“I am not pleased with this meeting, at all. Again the Saudis have sided up to the United States and are not allowing the market to dictate price.†Venezuela’s Oil Minister, Alberto Santos was particularly angry. Venezuela had been at odds with the US ever since their recent election of President Martinez. The newly elected socialist President and ruler of this oil rich nation, sought respect through whatever means necessary, for his kingdom.
“Yes, I am in complete agreement with you Alberto. Our country is also tired of the US control of our financial destiny.†Nigeria’s Oil Minster, Abrahim Ahzir, was a man on the hot seat. Meeting with his Finance Minster and President recently he was told in no uncertain terms that oil production and profits had to increase, or else he would be replaced.
Standing close by and listening intently and nodding with agreement were the Libyan coequals. At the other side of the room, the Iranian contingent observed the gathering and walked over to join in the conversation. To an outsider, this group looked like any other business meeting with multi-national players. Knowing the dress code of the various nations present made it easy to discern who was who. The Nigerians with their multi colored full length robes and round cake pan style hats, the Libyans with their white floor length robes, although tailored by London’s finest. The Iranians wore their charcoal gray business suits and white tie-less button down shirts and finally the only non-Muslim in the group, the South American in his hand made Saville Row pinstripe suit. To an outside observer this was a group photo of wealth and power.
Greeting the group warmly, the Iranian Oil Minister, Mohammed Mahzari spoke. “Gentlemen, I would like to invite you to our Embassy for dinner this evening, we have much to discuss.â€
The group accepted the invitation of the Iranian, who many consider to be the de facto leader of the have not’s in OPEC.
Later in the evening the invitees arrived at the Iranian Embassy in vehicles that matched the image of their status. Mercedes Benz and Rolls Royce’s, all fully armored and filled with personal body guards pulled through the front gates and up to the door. They were escorted into the Embassy’s ostentatious meeting room. The well dressed Iranian in-house staff, valet parked their vehicles as the body guards made small talk and took positions outside of the meeting room.
Dinner was served and the men ate, complimenting the chef who expertly prepared lamb and the various side dishes. Everyone present knew that business wasn’t to be discussed in the open. After the meal, Mahzari started the business conversation. “Gentlemen, I would like to show you something, follow meâ€. Mahzari got up and walked down the oversized hallway which was lined with a collection of antique armaments used throughout history.
“Fascinating collection, Mohammed.†Alberto Santos was genuinely impressed, as were the others.
“Thank you; there is much history and beauty in this weaponry. This Roman short sword for example is from the time of the Prophet Jesus. No doubt many Jews blood was spilled with it.†Mahzari had a smile on his face. He then led the group through a door and into a large room that resemble nothing like where they had just come from. This room was lined with rubber foam and carbon fiber sound insulation material. In the center of the room was another smaller fully enclosed room that resembled a cargo shipping container. This containment room was a sound proof safe room. Opening the door and stepping the inside the group sat in the plastic resin chairs.
“My apologies for the furniture. It seems that plastic is best for eliminating any eavesdropping. My friends, I am as upset about the Saudi production increase as you are. We feel that all of our products should be in the $100 per barrel price range, or higher.†Mahzari paused for agreement, which he received.
“If we could convince the Saudis not to produce as much, then we would have this price.†said the Nigerian.
“The Saudis are being controlled by the Americans. The Americans dictate what they want and threaten to take over the fields if they don’t get it. You’ve seen what they have done with Iraq. It won’t be long before they have uninterrupted oil flow from them and that will drive pricing down even further. We must find a way to deal with this.†The Venezuelan’s anger was increasing.
“We need to do two things.†The Libyan, Ali Sayed, finally spoke “First, we need to get the Americans out of Iraq and secondly we need to slow down Saudi production.†Ali Sayed was no stranger to the methods he was suggesting, having spent years building Libya’s underground terror network, which was blessed by his President.
As a good lawyer would never ask a question in which he didn’t already know the answer, Mahzari had the group exactly where he wanted them. “I want to share with you all what is taking place right now, even as we speak. We are making a proposal to the Americans for peace in Iraq. We are doing this through the UN Secretary General Santana.â€
“The UN! They are worthless ba*&ards!†The Nigerian voice rose as he had seen first hand the ineffectiveness of the UN in Africa.
“Hold on for a moment, please. We are withdrawing all of our funding and weapon supplies to the Freedom Fighters in Iraq, and we are calling for them to leave the country. When this is accomplished and the Americans are lulled in their sleep, we will make our move.†Mahzari spoke with confidence. “When the Americans leave Iraq, we will shut down the Saudi’s production and you will have all the fortune and power you have ever dreamed of. We must be united amongst ourselves on this.â€
The group accepted the Iranians statement unanimously.
“Madame President, UN Secretary General Francisco Santana is here for your appointment.†The presidential aide spoke an introduction, not looking directly at US President Lydia Chase. President Chase did not allow aides to look at her directly, as she felt this was not acceptable behavior of the subordinates who served her, the first female President of the United States.
President Chase rose from her chair and standing behind the expansive desk in the West Wing of the Oval office, she offered her hand to the Secretary General. “Good afternoon Secretary General Santana. Please have a seat.â€
“Madame President, it is very good to see you again. I thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me on such short notice.†The Secretary General knew that this President liked to be treated and admired as if she were royalty. “Again congratulations on your election victory, and I hope that the transition of your administration will be a smooth one.â€
“Thank you Secretary General Santana.†President Chase enjoyed being courted by powerful people, and the UN Secretary General was a very powerful man. “So, Secretary General Santana, what do I owe this honor of your visit today?â€
“Madame President, I know that you are being pulled along by the previous administrations military’s advisors, in regards to Iraq. It must be a grave burden on your economy, and your plans for this countries recovery. What do I tell the World Council that you are proposing to resolve this conflict?â€
President Chase, who made no effort to hide her distaste for anything military, visibly reddened at the thought of her military advisors and of Iraq. “This Iraq business is standing in my way of getting this country back on its feet again. The Pentagon says that we are well on the way to winning this war. However, every day that an American dies there, I am hounded by the press, “When it will be over?†We’ve already lost over 5,000 soldiers and billions of dollars.â€
“Madam President, I have spoken with some of the leaders in the Middle East. It is my understanding that they are gearing up for a longer and tougher fight than what you have seen so far. I get the impression that this conflict will last a long time and will be very costly, both in men and dollars. I have also spoken with some of the other leaders who like you; want this Iraq business to be over. There is a great opportunity here.†UN Secretary General Santana waited for his information to register with the President.
The President did not want to hear that the war could drag on. A long drawn out war would destroy her popularity ratings; after all it was the drop in popularity ratings that took down the last President and swept both Houses towards the Democrats. “Tell me General Santana, what can we do to make peace?â€
“I think that we can have a win-win situation here. I will recommend to the Arabs that we have a Cease-Fire, with your assurance that the US military will participate in the Cease-Fire. If we can have this Cease-Fire agreement, then there is no reason why we cannot take it further, to a complete withdrawal of US Forces from the Middle East. I will also recommend to the Security Council that we place UN Islamic troops as Peace-Keepers on Islamic soil.â€
“I can agree to that General, however, I need assurance that we will have the oil supplies needed for our country.â€
“Madame President, I think you have made the right choice. I will insist that you have as much oil as your country needs. There could be some fees for this guarantee, but we can discuss that at a later point. May I add that it is a good thing to have the US participating in the World Community again.†General Santana rose from his seat as did the President. They shook hands in agreement. “Madame President, I will call you after I’ve spoken with the others about our agreement.â€
UN Secretary General Santana left the White House and was escorted to Andrews AFB to begin his flight back to Madrid, his home. Once he was airborne in the UN registered Tupolev TU-154B airliner, he phoned Mohammed Mahzari on a secure satellite cell phone. “Mohammed, this is Francisco. We have agreement on a Cease-Fire. What would be the earliest you can implement this from your end?â€
“I will need at least 72 hours.â€
“Very good. I will phone the President about this good news.â€
Both UN Secretary General Santana and Iranian Oil Minister smiled at their very good fortune.
Bolting upright, Gary opened his eyes to almost total darkness. Reaching for his left wrist Gary pressed the stem on his watch and the green glowing dial showed 3.10 am. Breathing a deep sigh, he relaxed a bit. This was the same dream he has had before. The first dreams didn’t upset him as much lately, it was the ones that came before he awoke every morning that did. Gary looked over at the glowing red embers of the fire he had lit before falling off to sleep. Gary unzipped his sleeping bag and half rolling over to the small firewood stash he set out each night, he placed a couple of mid size pieces on the embers. Lying back on his makeshift pillow of wadded up clothes on top of his make shift bed of pine boughs, Gary stared at the dark ceiling. The fire started small and the light it gave off danced around the granite cave he had called home for the past couple of months.
Gary’s mind asked and then answered questions. “I’ve been here for what, one or two months now? Spring should be coming soon. How long have I ben running and fighting, three years I think. When will it ever be over?†No answer came on the last question.
Gary slowly settled back into sleep, the fire working its dancing and warm magic on his body and mind.
The Troublemaker is copyrighted by Jmurray aka Jmurman and may not be copied or used without the authors permission.
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Like I have time to keep reading these... Well, something has to give. Work, school, reading these ludicrous stories... 
I spose I can always explain to the boss why nothing got accomplished today!