Military Rule

The President of the United States of America, Richard Burkhart, was sitting at his desk in the Oval Office of the White House when the Secretary of Defence, Paul Denny, entered.
“Good Morning, Richard,” said Denny. “How’s the speech coming on?”
“Good morning, Paul,” replied the President. “Very well. Just putting the final touches to it. This year of our Lord, two thousand and eight, will go down in history as the end of a great presidential era, lasting eight glorious years.”
“Yes, Richard,” concurred the Secretary of Defence. “One of great leadership, conspiracy and reward.”
“Thank you, Paul,” said the President. “I could not have put it better. It makes one feel proud executing the American dream of personal wealth.”
“I agree,” replied the Secretary of Defence. “We’ve done well out of our term in office. It’s a shame we can’t continue: now that we control the whole of the Middle East.”
“Indeed so,” said the President. “But even I can’t change the Constitution. All we can do is tidy things up, tie up the loose ends. It’s time to think of my retirement. I’ve got what I want from my presidency. In my speech, I shall announce that I intend to hand back the Middle East to an elected leader. But, of course, one of my choice. One sympathetic to Western values. One sympathetic to my legacy, and retirement fund. It will demonstrate that I have listened to political leaders across the world, and taken on board their advice and wishes. It takes a great leader to compromise and show a willingness to do so.”
“Undeniably, Richard,” said the Secretary of Defence. “I’m sure you will display your compassion when reading your speech. This will lay to rest the criticisms about the Middle East being in ruin and chaos, unable to mount any meaningful revenge or attack in order to regain control of their oil, and also unable to dispel your legacy of democracy, though they throw it back in your face. They really are most ungrateful. But in reality, Richard, I feel we may have a problem closer to home.”
The President’s tone changed. He seemed frustrated at the sudden switch of subject. “Oh, and what problem may that be, Paul?”
“After everything we have achieved, our generals may not agree to surrender the Middle East.”
“I hear what you are saying, Paul,” said the President, with an air of confidence again. “We don’t need to worry about our generals. The generals do as they are told. It’s the American democratic way. Yes, they can voice their disapproval, but that is all. Nothing to worry about. Besides, I shall be supporting my brother’s candidacy, and my speech today will help him get elected. It will ensure another Republican administration. That will smooth things over with them.”
The Secretary of State paused in thought: he’s just brushing it aside. “I admire your confidence, Richard,” he replied. “But have you forgotten the rumours soon after our initial invasion, some five years ago. Our intelligence agency picked up on discontent among certain generals out there. I just feel uneasy.”
“Only rumours,” said the President, positively. “As proved, nothing happened. Also, if I remember correctly, General G. Mandeville, chief of staff to our army, quashed the so-called mutinous talk.”
“Ah, Mandeville,” said the Secretary of Defence. “He’s the one I fear most. He may well have done so but, even so, if the talk was true, I fear he won’t have forgotten; kept it in the back of his mind for future use; something to take advantage of. I know him well, Richard. He’ll think you’ve sold him out.”
“Nonsense, Paul,” rebuffed the President. “I know him well too. No matter what the grievance and how bad it seems to him, he is ultimately loyal to his commander in chief. Now, I’ll hear no more of this.” The President looked at his watch. “My press conference will be starting soon,” he said. “All the invited guests will be arriving. The time has come to deliver. My actions and speech today will show the world that America meant well. I don’t want to leave the presidency as a tyrant, but as the one who gave hope and the American dream of achievement to the citizens of lesser nations.”
“Is your speech ready, Mr President?” asked the Secretary of Defence, quietly. “Your appearance is indeed expected.”
“Yes, Paul,” replied the President with confidence. “It is now complete after being compiled over the years of our great administration. The Lord will smile upon us on this day, Paul.”
“Never mind the Lord, Mr President,” responded the Secretary of Defence. “I only hope Mandeville smiles upon you on this day.”
The President laughed. “Who cares what he thinks?” he scoffed. “He’s in place to serve me, America and our Lord. Come! It’s time to face my peers.”