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It was weak tactics to disagree with the man until he had listened to everything he had to say, and heard the full proposal that Harrison was obviously working towards. in principle all you say makes excellent sense. However, if you could be a little more specific, Tug. Right, Harrison agreed. Of course you know the state of Ubomo, don't you?
Daniel felt a little electric shock tickle the hair at the back of his neck. It was so unexpected and yet, in some bizarre ma
Timber and minerals. For twenty years I have tried to convince Omeru that these should be developed for the benefit of his people.
He has resisted with a blind intransigence. Yes. He was stubborn, Daniel agreed. But I liked him. Oh, yes, he was a lovable old codger, Harrison agreed. But that is no longer relevant. The country is ripe and ready for development and, on behalf of an international consortium of which BOSS is the leading member, I have negotiated the concession to undertake a major part of this development. Doesn't sound as though you need me, then. I wish it were as easy as that.
Harrison shook his head. We are being overtaken by the wave of hysteria that is sweeping the world. It is a psychological law that every mass popular movement is hi-jacked by fanatics and pushed beyond the dictates of reason and common sense. The pendulum of public feeling always swings too far in each direction. You are ru
. . Harrison paused to think, and Daniel intervened. The title was The People of the Tall Trees.
Yes, I have read the book. The author's name is Kelly Ki
Harrison demanded. No. Daniel shook his head. But I would like to.
She writes well. Her style reminds me of Rachel Carson. She is a-'She is a trouble-maker, Harrison cut in bluntly. She is a shit-stirrer. The coarse term seemed uncharacteristic of him. You'll have to explain that to me. Daniel kept his voice even and his expression neutral. He didn't want to declare his sentiments until he had heard Harrison out. When he came to power, President Taffari sent for this woman. She was working in the forest at the time. He explained to her his plans for the advancement and development of the country, and asked for her support and her assistance. The meeting was not a success. Kelly Ki
He chucked her out of Ubomo.
She is, as you probably know, a British subject, and she ended up back here in the UK. However, she had not learned her lesson and she continues her campaign against the government of Ubomo. BOSS has nothing to fear from someone like that, surely? Daniel probed gently, and Harrison looked across at him sharply, searching for traces of irony in the question. Then he transferred his attention back to the duelling pistol in his right hand. Unfortunately, the woman has built up a foundation of influence on the strength of her writings. She is articulate and, he hesitated, and personable. She manages to hide her fanaticism under a cloak of reasoned logic which is, needless to say, based on false assumptions and distorted facts. She has managed to recruit the support of the Green Party in this country and on the Continent. You are right, BOSS has nothing to fear from such an obvious charlatan, but she is a nuisance. She looks good on television. Now she has come to know of our interest in Ubomo and the plans that our consortium has to develop the area. She and her supporters are making a great deal of noise.
You might have seen that piece in the Guardian recently? No. Daniel shook his head. I don't read the Guardian, and I've been pretty busy recently. I'm a little out of touch. Well, take my word for it then, it is making life just a trifle uncomfortable for me. I have shareholders to answer to and an a
Now, I've just learned that this woman has acquired a small block of shares in BOSS, which gives her the right to attend the AGM and to speak. You can be certain she will have the radical press and a bunch of those lunatics from "Friends of the Earth" there with her,, she will make a circus of the occasion. an awkward, Tug. Daniel nodded, stifling his smile. How can I help you? Your influence in public and scientific circles is far greater than Kelly Ki
What I propose is that you go to Ubomo and make a documentary that sets out the true facts and examines the issues that this Ki
BOSS owns extensive media interests .
Daniel listened to him with rising incredulity. It was like listening to a client propositioning a prostitute for the performance of a particularly lurid perversion. He felt the urge to laugh with outrage, to reject violently this insult to his integrity. This man truly believed that he was for sale. it took an effort for him to sit still and listen expressionlessly. Of course, I could also guarantee that you would receive the whole-hearted cooperation of President Taffari and his government.