THE SECRET PACT

IT WAS VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING and Kenan Vaine, once again, was on the front page of every newspaper in the country and the world. The unusual speech of the previous night had inflamed the world's media, speculations were emerging from all sources about what the President's new project would be, which bore the eye-catching name: "Siege on Terrorism".

Throughout his political career, Kenan became a master at instigating people. His speeches were like mystery stories, sparking curiosity and suspense in the minds of his viewers, always leaving a loose end that would be closed at a later date. This gave him time to analyze the result of the speech in the popular reaction and the chance to better plan any type of conclusion to his political proposals. He knew that in these decisive and narrow moments, ambiguity was the best way for a politician with so many responsibilities to gain time in his decisions. Political issues were no longer confined to specialized media; all types of programs now addressed the country's situation and the President's possible decisions. The feeling of indignation with the so-called terrorists was widespread, and the population, hungry for insecurity, called for the President who would restore peace to the country.

Commentators and reporters eager to go beyond the call of duty, pointing out several paths he could take in national security policy, such as the implementation of Homeland 2.0, for example, but the biggest doubt was about his position regarding the outside world. Since the media still did not know the names of those responsible, or whether it would be possible to identify them, in addition to questioning what stance Kenan would take in international politics, there was even the idea of ​​an investigative military action in the countries that could harbor the cells responsible for the attacks and, as a consequence, diplomatic confrontations and clashes that could culminate in a blind and merely speculative war.

After his speech, it was clear that the imminence of this war was more worrying than national security itself, in some media outlets.

Some of the more astute reporters recalled excerpts from speeches by the President of Iran, in which he accused the United States of manipulating the political environment and of having intentions to control the region's oil wells, with the situation being created by its economic ambitions. Others put together huge documentaries on the evolution of the terrorist threat and the strength of Muslim indoctrination in Europe and North America. Talk shows and social networks became a huge stage for discussion on the subject, and the benches were divided in their opinions, fiercely battling in the debate.

ON THAT DAY, AFTER THE morning's event, the path to combat terror would be defined. However, two obstacles stood in Kenan's way. The first was the General Staff Corps, which, due to the lack of information made available by the CIA and other intelligence agencies, was against any operation outside the national territory. The leaders wanted to know what they would be dealing with abroad, which was still a source of relevant questions.

This was not the biggest problem, however; the second would require even more negotiation. The UN would not accept that the United States would fail to fulfill its role in the global organization plan at such an important moment, after decades of work. Kenan would need to make an intense maneuver to convince them.

After a quick presidential breakfast, he met with several advisors, military personnel and counselors, and the entire General Staff. The meeting was held in a large room in the White House, with everyone seated at a long table made of polished solid wood, in very well-padded rustic chairs.

Kenan arrived punctually and did not have to wait to begin, as everyone was already present.

As he sat down in his place, he silently looked around the entire plenary, which received him reverently. After that, he made his introduction:

— Gentlemen, good morning everyone, I have called you together today, because in two days we will have the chance to define a new future for our country and we will need an extensive military plan to do so. I believe that everyone is already aware of my announcement and has received the memoranda on the Siege of Terrorism plan, as we will call it. This will be the largest military operation ever carried out, the D-Day for terrorism, and my greatest asset in the fight against the Axis of Evil. I will explain the method of the operation to you:

As he said this, a graph appeared on a huge screen attached to the wall behind his seat, showing the regions of Muslim territory, all in shades of gray. Kenan continued:

— Do you see this graph? For many years we have been carrying out small operations and random incursions in this region, with specific and punctual objectives, small punctures in the total contingent of enemy fighters and radicals.

As he said this, small red dots appeared scattered across the screen, symbolizing the military operations up to that point.

— We won't do it like that anymore. The goal of the Siege of Terrorism is to carry out hypodermic work, which will extend to every corner, every place where there might be an enemy radical.

Having said that, a small red dot appeared in the center of the graph and began to grow, spreading across the entire screen.

— We will do a total sweep, eradicate the evil.