SM99
Junior
- Feb 10, 2020
- 455
| Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Procuring Luxury PRIVATE |
As the sun began to set over Tripoli, Saif Al Gadaffi sat at his desk in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, taking a sip from his cup of tea. He looked out the window, watching as people rushed home, eager to be with their families. It had been a few weeks since he was sworn in as the new Foreign Minister of Libya, and he had already made significant changes.
Saif had always been a man of action, and he wasted no time in imposing his authority. His first act was to replace all diplomatic staff across the world, seeking to align the foreign service with his father's intended foreign policy. Saif knew it was a bold move, but he was confident that it was for the betterment of the nation.
The replacement of the Ambassador to the United Kingdom was one of the most significant changes Saif had made. The position was one of the most coveted positions in the foreign office, and it was often misused. Diplomats would bring their friends and family and indulge in the various night life activities in London, costing hundreds of thousands of taxpayers money.
Saif had appointed Jamal Abdul Zaki, a trusted mentor and friend, to be the new Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Though Zaki was an accountant by trade and had no experience in foreign service, Saif knew he was honest, humble, and loyal, which were qualities that mattered more than technical expertise.
Saif couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he pondered the changes he had made in the foreign service. He knew all too well that his father, President Gadaffi, had a tendency to bypass chains of command and issue orders that often contradicted established policies. Saif recognized that convincing his father to accept the changes he had made and abide by the new protocols would be a formidable obstacle. The eccentric nature of the President only added to Saif's apprehension, as he wondered how best to navigate the situation without disrupting the country's stability.
Embassy of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Knights Bridge , London, United Kingdom
The Libyan embassy in London was bustling with activity. Ambassador Zaki had been in his position for just a few days, but he had already gotten everything in order. Most of his job involved processing visas and documentation related to Libyans living or visiting the United Kingdom. Zaki was proud to represent his country and looked forward to the responsibility set before him. He sat at his desk, preparing to make his first act as Ambassador by writing an email to the British Foreign Office to formally open talks.
But just as he was about to begin, his assistant burst into the room, interrupting his thoughts.
"Ambassador! Phone for you! It's the President."
Zaki was taken aback. "Which President? I thought Britain didn't have a President?"
"PRESIDENT GADAFFI" The assistant replied, visibly nervous. President Gaddafi was known to be impatient.
Zaki was surprised to hear from the President so soon. "What could he possibly want?" he wondered. He stuttered, "Wha? Righ- wait, NOW?" before the assistant ran towards the secure line on his desk, picked it up, and immediately pushed it into the Ambassador's hand.
Before Zaki could even say anything, President Gaddafi loudly spoke into the phone. "ABDUL ZAKI, Good to hear from you! How are you liking London?"
"Oh Yes, It is- Oh Hello Mr. President, it is great to hear from you -" Zaki nervously muttered.
"I am glad my son has taken initiative. I hope you are serving him well. I need your assistance urgently. I just saw an advertisement on TV, It was a Bentley Arnage! Beautiful car! I want one immediately, in fact, make that three. Oh, and that reminds me, I have been meaning to tell my personal guard that I want Range Rovers for my escort.... you know what, why don't you go talk to Bentley, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Jaguar. Tell me what they've got."
Zaki was completely overwhelmed. He had absolutely no idea how to respond. He had never anticipated such a conversation, let alone speaking directly to President Gaddafi himself. "Umm.. Mr. President, I am not sure I am the right person for this request. I have no idea about cars-"
"You are in London, Zaki! Stop wasting time and get to it. Go find their factory, talk to whomever, I want to hear back from you next week!" Gaddafi interrupted.
"Oh okay su-" Zaki attempted to respond but once again before he could finish, the President interrupted again and said, "Great, Zaki! I knew my son made a great choice. Talk soon. Goodbye!" The phone slammed shut on the other end of the line.
Zaki held onto the phone to his ear a little while longer. His mind was racing trying to understand what the President just asked him. An accountant by trade, working as the chief diplomat to one of the most powerful nations on the planet, and now being personally given instructions from the President - Zaki felt completely out of place. He took a deep breath, recollected himself, and immediately looked at his assistant.
"I remember driving by a Bentley dealership the other day. Jack Barclay, I believe? Get them on the phone now." Zaki instructed.
"Bentley? The car dealership?" The assistant clarified.
"Yes, you heard me right. Call them now!" Zaki replied, still in a state of disbelief.
Ambassador Zaki nervously dialed the number of the Jack Barclay Bentley dealership in London, hoping that they could help him fulfill the President's urgent request. As he listened to the phone ring, he took out a notepad and pen, preparing to take notes.
His mind raced with questions about how he was going to manage such a strange task, and he wondered what Foreign Minister Saif would think if he found out. Should he tell Saif about this request? Would he be able to fulfill it in time? Zaki felt like he had been thrown into the deep end, and he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to keep up.
Jamie