Free The Inca Prophecy by Adrian D'Hagé Page A

about?’
    A quizzical look crossed the corporal’s face as he shook his head and Jafari immediately regretted his nervous question. Commanding generals were not in the habit of confiding in corporals.

    ‘So, you have returned safely from the clutches of the infidel, Major Jafari.’ Colonel Davood Rostami’s expression was inscrutable and Jafari could feel his heart thumping against his chest. ‘This is the young officer I was telling you about, General,’ Jafari’s stocky commanding officer explained, turning to General Shakiba.
    Jafari snapped his heels together and saluted.
    ‘Remind me of the purpose of your visit to the United States, Jafari?’ the general asked. Shakiba was dressed in immaculate camouflage fatigues, his black shoulder boards embossed with a large gold star, surmounted by gold crossed swords and a gold wreath.
    ‘I have a sick uncle in Maryland, sir. He has cancer, and not long to live,’ Jafari replied, struggling to keep his voice steady.
    ‘I see. Well, now that you’re back, we have a very important task for you. A high-level scientific delegation is arriving from Pakistan this afternoon, and Colonel Rostami has recommended yoube assigned as their liaison officer. Your colonel has the details, but shortly you will accompany me to the airport. Tonight, I’m hosting a dinner in honour of our guests at the Qom International Hotel. You’re to remain with the delegation for the duration of their stay, and you will be on call twenty-four hours a day. It will be your responsibility to ensure their needs are met, and that includes any after-hours requirements, the cost of which will be met from our budget. The delegation includes General ul-Haq and one of Pakistan’s leading nuclear scientists, Dr Wasim Yousef. Both men are fond of whisky and other night-time pleasures, so you will be authorised to ensure there are adequate supplies of both … Whatever they require.’
    ‘Whisky, sir?’ Jafari asked.
    General Shakiba and Colonel Rostami exchanged glances. ‘The Pakistani delegation is here to assist with our technical difficulties, Major,’ the general said. ‘Until the whole world is governed by Sharia law, we sometimes have to look the other way … This is one such occasion.’

    ‘This trip to the United States … was Jafari under surveillance over there?’ General Shakiba asked, after Jafari had left.
    Colonel Rostami shook his head. ‘I’m told we don’t have sufficient assets. There were higher priorities, apparently.’
    ‘Do you think he can be trusted?’
    ‘He’s one of the most promising officers we have, General, and one of the few with a nuclear science degree, so he’s suited to this task.’

    ‘Nevertheless, given that he’s been to the US, I want him placed under surveillance until we’re certain.’
    Rostami nodded. ‘I will ask Major Golzar from the Close Personal Protection Unit to keep an eye on him.’
    ‘Good. In the meantime there are some problems in Tehran that will bear careful watching, Rostami. What I’m about to tell you is for your ears only, no one else. Is that perfectly clear?’
    ‘Perfectly clear, General,’ Rostami replied gravely.
    ‘For the moment, Ahmadinejad is secure, but we live in turbulent times. The ultimate responsibility for the defence and protection of Shia Islam will fall to the Revolutionary Guards, and those of us in senior positions have to plan for every eventuality. We need to ensure the nuclear program underpins our security. Do you understand me?’
    ‘Yes, General. It has not escaped our notice, even out here, that the younger generation is restless. They will need to be controlled, although some of the younger guards are squeamish about opening fire on their own.’
    ‘We’re dealing with that. Law and order on the streets is best controlled by the Basij.’
    Rostami nodded. Set up after the Iranian Revolution to protect the Iranian Republic, the Basij, a paramilitary volunteer militia, could mobilise