Chapter 34
It felt good being praised like this. I waved to the crowd with a true grin slapped onto my face. Though the cynical side of my mind ask the other about the possibility that the crowds were merely cheering to receive some form of immediate relief like the LGA in Sofia, after all, these were mere commoners, they had little to no knowledge about the success and growth I've been orchestrating for their sakes.
I shook off the doubts as I got into the car waiting for me, even if it were the case, it only meant that my image as the youthful, caring leader was s.h.i.+ning through into the hearts of Schelarians everywhere.
I was more inclined to be optimistic about it though. If the crowds weren't arranged and a notice of my arrival was simply given, it really needs no explanation why the people would come from all corners to receive me. I was making greater strides at improving the economy, uprooting corrupt and capitalist officials and hosting foreign powers and more recently, being hosted by other powers.
The newspaper Luciano hands me says it all.
"It's the most recent piece your friend wrote about you, the nation received it well as you can see," he said with an unrestrained toothy grin.
"Your woman is doing her job quite effectively. Her TV ratings went through the roof the day this came out and as though she knew that would happen, she schedules many talk shows and programs discussing all the changes that have taken place in the single month and a half we've been governed by you. She's enlightening the populace." Matthias added, just as enthusiastic about it all as Luciano.
I give them both a grin, "I guess we've got that settled, the nation trusts us more than ever," I set the paper aside and lose my grin, "Now we just have to not screw that up. The AU chairperson, he has arrived hasn't he?"
The happy look on Matthias' face flatters, "He arrived just last night, we were notified of his arrival whilst he was in the air, absolutely no form of courtesy, sir."
I nod, not expecting due process to be followed at
But I was in charge again and a lot more experienced as well. No longer did I have to divide my attention between satisfying demands of the general populace and snuffing out pockets of rebellion, coups and a.s.sa.s.sination attempts. I was protected, if not by the media then by the intel-ii and my uninhibited ruthlessness towards the still corrupt cancer that plagued my administration. Death was the immediate answer to all the pleas of the selfish men and women who weren't satisfied working for the betterment of the nation.
I steeled my mind as we approached the Presidential guest house, just a few blocks away from the Palace itself. I wouldn't let President Essam Masud trample over Schelar as he did in past lives, this time, I had much more than my life to lose.
***
Once we'd got in, I asked for a little breather to change clothes and a hot bath. As luxurious and comfortable the flight was here, some somethings just had to be done.
Once done, I asked Mireille to have the Chairperson brought in to my office. I had no one beside me as he walked in and sat right across from me after a brief but firm handshake.
"Welcome back home, President Fatah," I smile as I nod, his voice was laced thick in an Arabic sounding accent, "Schelar is a beautiful nation, and very hospitable as well, thank you for having me again."
"It is our pleasure to have you here Mister…Chairman? President? I'm sorry, in what capacity are you here in Schelar?" I purposely looked puzzled as I posed the question, pus.h.i.+ng away pleasantries as I did.
"Ah, can I not be here in both capacities? Perhaps I wish to propose trade as well," he chuckled dismissing the question.
I didn't let go though, "Does this mean that you are ready to work on my behalf to see Schelar reinstated?"
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His previously wide smile shrinks as he settles into his seat gesticulating as he begins explaining, "The African Union does not approve or entertain dictators.h.i.+ps as its member nations. Had you been voted in a free and fair election and const.i.tutionally sworn in after the untimely death of your predecessor, then perhaps your reinstatement wouldn't be such a difficult issue."
"I was."
He breathes out a laugh, "We are both aware that the circ.u.mstances surrounding the birth and quite frankly survival of your country are tenuous ones. The AU only recognized Schelar all those years ago because it was better than having a conflict between so many of our member nations and embarra.s.sing to the unity and solidarity we are purposed to achieve. You may not be aware, but for the brief moments Schelar was an active member nation of the AU, your predecessor was pressured greatly to give the nation an eligible written const.i.tution, known to the public and enforced by law. The failure to do this much was one of the many reasons Schelar has been out in the cold so long."
He narrowed his eyes as he began to lay emphasis, "The African Union is a democratic, Pan-Continental Organization. A form of democracy is absolutely necessary. You are not a democratically elected leader of this nation, a nation that is meant to be a republic. You simply picked up where your Predecessor left off with no form of consent or approval for the millions of impoverished people whose interests do not align with yours."
"Hm."
He raises an eyebrow at my simple grunt and goes on, "We sent President Nawab and Bernador to actually investigate your country because we believed that the only persons you wouldn't have eliminated were those that whose death would lead to the end of your reign here. You'd be glad to know they reported favourably to your administration. But the matter of your thinly veiled dictators.h.i.+p still stands, President Fatah."
"And what if you weren't such a hypocrite?"