Seeking Contact

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

A few days after the attacks in London, Lawrence sat confined in his private office, reviewing reports presented by the Security Services and watching re-runs of Al-Qaeda’s announcement claiming responsibility for the attack. His hands slowly clasped together as he contemplated a retaliation that could define his legacy. He had already publicly promised a response, and though he trusted the security services to conduct their investigations within the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister knew the true instigators were in a foreign country. The public had no appetite for war, but someone had to be held accountable.

It was well known that Al-Qaeda used Afghanistan as a safe haven, but the extent of their operations there had never been fully certain. Adams leaned back in his chair, releasing a deep sigh. Suddenly, with a decisive motion, he sat up and pressed a button that connected him directly to his Secretary.

“Can you reach someone high up in the Afghan government? Ideally, Prime Minister Waziri,” he said, his tone steady but urgent. Leaning back again, he exhaled slowly, the seconds felt endless as he waited for a response. Grant

 

[Grant]

Prime Minister Faridullah Waziri sat at the conference table, engaged in a serious discussion with Interior Minister Osman Khan and Defense Minister Javed Karim. They were strategizing their next move to secure Afghanistan's regions from the hidden Taliban threat. The conversation shifted from one tactical concern to another as maps of key regions were spread across the table. Suddenly, the intercom on the table buzzed loudly. Faridullah's hand froze mid-sentence, and both Osman and Javed halted at the disturbance. The Prime Minister leant forward and accepted the transmission.

"Prime Minister Waziri, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is on the line," a voice from the intercom announced.

Faridullah raised a hand, signalling for the generals standing near the door to step outside. "Generals, please wait outside until we’re finished with this call," he instructed, his voice firm. The officers exchanged brief glances and filed out of the room quietly, leaving only the three ministers in the conference room.

“Put him through,” Faridullah ordered. A brief static click indicated that the call had connected through the intercom system.

"Greetings, Prime Minister. You are speaking with Prime Minister Waziri. I would like to express my condolences regarding the terrible attacks that have occurred in your capital city. I assume that is why you are calling?"

Jamie