[Chapter 629: Death by Shame]
"Have you negotiated with the Koreans? When did that happen?"
"For a while now, buddy. Looks like we weren't wrong in our estimates. He's not interested in direct production; no matter how much added value there is, it can't compare to his game."
"Andy, should we consider multimedia support in our chip design? It looks like this personal PC could really turn into a household appliance."
White Systems was in negotiations with Samsung, so gathering intelligence on Intel's higher-ups wasn't difficult.
It's obvious that only resource integration can lead to profit. Why did the iron ore industry turn a profit? Because they'd reached an understanding where no one wanted to disrupt the balance.
As for antitrust issues, there's so much iron ore in America that monopoly simply doesn't exist -- let them dig.
...
On August 19th, after the Soviets' final counterattack failed, that colossal figure finally fell.
The sudden joyous news drove Pentagon into a frenzy. After years of scheming and plotting, they saw everything come to fruition today.
"Master, they're completely done for. I can't believe the Soviets are so unpopular."
"Can't say that. If there hadn't been outside intervention, they might have been fine."
"Master, does that mean those loans don't need to be repaid? And that satellite? It might never be found."
"Hahaha, the loans still need to be repaid; it's just that their currency will soon become worthless. I'm curious if those banks will still be around. And as for the satellite, what's the point of knowing? Just deny everything."
"Oh right, master, what about that Leo Wanta..."
"He's completed his mission, but he probably won't receive any rewards. It's not a bad idea to dispose of him after using him."
Tanner was obviously a bit indignant; such a hero was set to be finished off. It seems heroes rarely have good endings.
"Tanner, there's no one who is innocent. This guy's initial thought was probably to be a broker. The ones who let him out just wanted to have an easier time. These people are different from us; they're not businessmen and don't know how to avoid risks."
To William White, this guy had just made too much money. If he had called it quits in time, he would've been a legend. Now, he could end up a mere footnote. A single word makes all the difference.
With the Soviets gone, the CIA would have nothing to hold them back. Even if others find out, it wouldn't matter. The most important thing now is that money.
When he initially learned of the news, Saddam was quite pleased. If he hated anyone the most, it was definitely the United States. And for the second spot, it was, of course, the Soviets -- those treacherous folks who had caused him grief.
After the excitement, there was naturally fear; having lost the Soviets' restraint, the Americans would definitely come after him. Given his current strength, he might end up defeated in a single charge.
In the same state of dread was Gaddafi, who now couldn't afford to care too much. The diamonds he had been robbed of? He was choosing to ignore that.
Increasing signs pointed to the United States' next target being him. It seems he needed to find some friends.
...
"Sir, they've hired Jeffrey Sachs as their economic advisor."
"Who is that?"
"He invented shock therapy; the guy's pretty impressive."
"That's not what I meant. I want to know whose side he's on."
"No idea; he has good relations with Goldman Sachs and tangled connections with the Rockefeller Foundation. Speaking of whose side he's on, isn't it pretty obvious? Oh, and he's very close with the Bush family."
"Is that a joke? Don't they realize that the ones who want them destroyed the most are the very people they're dealing with right now?"
"Sir, now that we have that scene from August 19th, I think they have no choice."
"Shock therapy? Normally, the best way to save a critically ill patient is with a stimulant. What's shock therapy? Lying at home and waiting for winter to pass? Don't worry; they'll definitely freeze into ice pops."
William White was certain that whoever devised this plan clearly had ulterior motives. What the hell? When did Americans start using such tricks? It feels laced with British vibes!
"Filson, since that guy is in shock, that means he's dead, right? Their currency should be crashing now, right?"
"An avalanche; I believe it won't be long before that stuff turns into worthless paper. This winter will be a tough one for them."
"That's decent, at least I made some profit. I don't have any investment needs in such a shabby place. Let's leave them be."
"Sure thing, sir. I'll wrap it up."
For William White, the Soviets' game was utterly finished. The juiciest piece was taken by others, and now all he could do was draw a circle and curse those bastards.
Damn, the Soviets have accumulated so many illegitimate riches over the years, and now they're just being liquidated. Is there no justice? Weren't we supposed to share the good fortune?
Hmph, they deserve the indigestion. I really want to see the expressions on the faces of those waiting to reap the benefits.
The swift downfall of the Soviets left the CIA bigwigs feeling embarrassed. Now, they didn't want the Soviets to be gone -- not until they finish this Wanta Project.
With the Soviets finished, the Wanta Project became unnecessary. It's just that the bastard won't listen to reason now.
Damn, is this something that can be made public now?
What if the Soviets get desperate and decide to take them all down with them?
Well, they may not have such guts, but for some money, is it really worth the risk? How much did that bastard actually pull out?
The heads of the CIA were distressed. It seemed that earlier matters wouldn't be pursued anymore. What's stolen belongs to everyone; this might be the key issue. If it were really theirs, the attitude would likely be different.
"Tanner, I think they'll be low on supplies. Spend that money; if there are suitable artworks, no matter the country, bring them back."
"Got it, master; their currency will soon turn into waste paper. They're about to enter a barter economy."
"t's strange, during World War II, it didn't seem this severe. They really messed this up. This harsh winter will be very difficult."
"Understood, master. I'll arrange for people to handle it immediately."
"By the way, that Alpha Team has reportedly been disbanded. See if they're willing to go to Africa; I can provide help for their families."
"Those guys are all capable; I hope they'll like this job."
"They'll like it when they're hungry."
*****
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