Blake Schwendiman's Blog and Blook

Chapter 27

Friday, 11 March 2022 – 6:30 a.m. IST

Sireesha always started her days early. The sun was just coming up as she entered her office. It was quiet. She sat at her desk and activated the viewscreens opposite her. She checked her messages. She immediately found the message from her inside source at Q-Morrow.

She glanced at the brief text message then activated the video segment. The file contained several minutes of internal security video. She watched closely. It was Ramesh. He looked older and a little ragged, but it was definitely him.

Sireesha sat back in her chair. She considered the implications of Quinn involving Ramesh. She assumed that Ramesh would be traveling to Durban. She opened a new message window and sent a quick note to Daniel.

Confirmed Quinn has contacted Ramesh. Likely Ramesh traveling to Durban. He is still in US. I will track Ramesh and inform you of his flight plans. He is not a threat, but he must not reach Brad before you.

Sireesha switched to another display and sent another message.

Have received requested information. Payment wired. Will be in contact if more information is needed.

She sat back and considered her next actions. Things were proceeding as she had hoped.

At seven a.m. Sireesha turned to make a video call. She leaned forward in her chair, assuming a more dominant posture for the call. The viewscreen opened. Opposite her on the screen, yet over three thousand miles away in Beijing sat Xinxin Chen, a young Chinese woman destined to become one of the most important political figures in Asia in the next twenty years.

“Good morning, Chen,” Sireesha greeted.

“Good morning.”

“Today begins the new order of Asian dominance,” Sireesha smiled. “Today begins the rise of Asia.”

“You have selected the target?” Chen asked.

“The target was chosen for me,” Sireesha responded coldly. “This is both political and personal.”

“How soon?”

“Within two hours,” Sireesha responded.

Chen smiled. “Very good. If you are capable of doing what you have promised, this will be an historic day for all of Asia.”

“Yes,” Sireesha responded, “but it only works if you are able to convince your people as we discussed.”

“There are many within the government that are ready now to distance themselves from the west,” Chen continued. “But are concerned about retaliation in terms of sanctions and boycotts. If your position is as strong as you say, we will be able to re-align with India to meet our technological and biotechnical needs.”

“You have nothing to fear,” Sireesha confirmed. “Naidu is prepared and we have surpassed all the technological and biotechnical boundaries currently plaguing our competition. We just need a partner in Asia to end the western empire.”

“You will have your partner,” Chen said, “when you prove your superiority. Beijing is only waiting for a better option and an opportunity.”

“You will have both today,” Sireesha responded.

Chen nodded then ended the call. Sireesha leaned back. She glanced at the time. It wouldn’t be long. There was a part of her that wished she could be there and see the suffering and pain. She wished she could scream out for justice against the people that had taken her brother from her in war. But she reveled in the knowledge that she would strike an anonymous blow and that she would never be connected with the truth.