Il Predestinato
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IC Secret - News will be released by the Spanish Press from time to time
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Part 1 - La Creazione dell'Erede
«Are you extremely sure they will not see us there?», Donald Tusk asked the man he was talking to on the phone.
«Donald», answered the man, with a huge Italian accent from the region of Grequia, «I know my region. If I tell you you will be good there, trust me. It is not that difficult, when have I exposed any of you? You are pretty well aware of my loyalty to them and to you. All I am asking you for is to be right once again: a mistake could mean the end of it», the man sentenced.
«I am well aware of your loyalty, yet I need you to understand we need to be careful. But I trust you. Thank you for helping us», Donald said just before hanging up the phone. The Council Speaker and Councillor for Spain was seating on his office in Europolis, preparing to leave for Spain for a few days to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. He was well aware of the news, including that summit the Government was having with the United Duchies... «He really wants to exhaust the kid», the Speaker thought to himself.
Donald then looked at the phone, again. He dialled number 1, pressing the key to make the call. After 10 seconds, a familiar voice to him was on the other side: «Any news?», he inquired. «Get your luggage ready. Rendez-vous tonight in Manarola, Nova Italia, Grequia. Bring a hat and a good coat. Oh, and get ready to dine in family on a cold bench by the sea. Tell them too, please», Donald said, then hanging up. The Speaker then took his gloves, hat and coat, his suitcase and turned the lights off, leaving the office and heading towards Europolis - Jean-Claude Juncker International Airport.
Manarola, Nova Italia (Grequia)Donald Tusk arrived at the Grequian village at 22.00, with darkness taking over the sky for another night. He walked by the streets of the 353 inhabitants village, alone. Everything was closed, including the restaurant. «He was right, bloody Mario...», Donald thought. He then arrived to a narrow footpath by the sea, over a cliff, and took a seat on a stone bench. A slight halo of light from a spotlight aimed at the mountain was the only illumination on the path where the Speaker waited patiently for his guests to arrive.
Would they find him? Would they attend or choose to betray him? The response did not take long to be discovered. Fifteen minutes later, a 1.70 meters long man approached the Speaker, who attempted to recognise the man... successfully. He stood up and gave two kisses to the man. «Nice to see you again, my old friend», Donald confessed to his friend.
«I would have preferred this to happen at a restaurant... Where is the food?», the old man with a Germanic accent replied.
«You have got to be kidding me... You have not brought the food, Jean-Claude?», Donald questioned the former Premier Commissioner.
«The boy is bringing it, no worries», said Juncker patting the Council Speaker on the back.
«I thought we all agreed that it was to early to summon him to our private meetings», Tusk pointed out rapidly.
«Did you just think I am speaking about him?», Juncker asked before starting to laugh. «I can't- I can't- (Juncker stops laughing for a moment) I can't believe that's what you seem to think of me, Donald. I am speaking about our first boy!», commented Jean-Claude, who kept laughing for over 10 seconds.
«You ought to learn to use Spanish properly, my friend - and more precisely!», Donald answered back. «Ah, the complete absence of sense of humour... I was missing that Donald», the former Premier Commissioner striked back.
While the two European but Spanish politicians were arguing about the food and who they were talking about, the third party invited to the clandestine summit was approaching them. His footsteps were light, but echoed in the silence that enveloped the small town of Grequia. Soon the third man came up alongside the other two, a wicker basket in his left hand. The mysterious man tapped Donald on the shoulder, who jumped in fright and tried hard not to scream. «Oh Donald, c'mon. I did not know you were such a fearful little boy!», the man with a discreet Andalusian accent stated.
«You son of a... There were a thousand different ways to make your entry, and out of all of them, do you choose this one?», Tusk protested. Juncker, on the other side, was laughing. «I have loved it! You should have looked at your face, Donald! You fearful little boy!», he noted, laughing again. Juncker then approached the man and gave him two kisses, while Donald shook his hand and gave him a hug. The individual that had arrived was 188 centimeters long
«Whose idea was it to meet here? I wanted secrecy, not to be isolated from the outer world», the man protested.
«Donald proposed to meet here, Jesús», Juncker replied while looking at the Council Speaker, who quickly spoke up: «In fact, it was not my idea at all... Mario suggested this town would be silent and empty when we arrived, he told the truth as you can see. Maybe you two should be thankful for once in your lives».
«Donald, I swear to God, please don't tell me you've told Mario. Did you really?!», Juncker enquired the Councillor, visibly disturbed. «I have! But he supports us, Jean-Claude! There is no risk!», Tusk explained nervously. «Oh for God's sake, Donald, the man can't keep a secret. HE'S GREQUIAN AND NOVOITALIAN! THEY TALK NINETEEN TO THE DOZEN, THEY DON'T KEEP SECRETS! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE?!», Juncker shouted. «I DO, AND I DO NOT REGRET ANYTHING I'VE DONE SO FAR!», Tusk sentenced.
«You two gotta calm down if you don't want the entire village to know», Aguilar noted. He then took a seat on the bench, left the basket over it and proceeded to open it. «I don't know about you two, but I'm hungry and there is a lot of Iberic Ham here. I have also brought some bread, wine, chorizo, Iberian spicy sausage, Iberian pork loin and other canapés, so if you want to have dinner, you better hurry up». That was enough for Juncker and Tusk to seat down and start eating together. «Look at us: The Great Three, eating together again as in the old days! Then... are we actually doing this?», Aguilar questioned his friends.
«That is our intention, Jesús. Unfortunately I cannot promise you that it will work. Mario is supporting us and who knows if we can get anyone else on our boat. The important thing is that nobody who's not supposed to know finds out, otherwise we're lost», Tusk warned the gentlemen.
«Given the fact that Donald decided to inform Mario about our special plans, we need a nickname for the kiddo. Something that we understand, but that can be misunderstood anywhere else... You guys can think on something while we eat and discuss how we are pulling the whole plan off», Jean-Claude added, serving himself the second cup of red wine.
«There goes Jean-Claude, serving him his second cup and getting drunk as the great lover of wine he is!», the Council Speaker complained. «You should drink some more, Donald, maybe you would understand what 'sense of humour' really means!», the former Premier Commissioner suggested.
«Well enough! You two are acting like five years olds on a birthday party, fighting over the last piece of cake! Jean-Claude, unless you want to return to Politics, you are retired, just like me. Furthermore, Donald, we better succeed on this plan, or you will be the next one on the retirement list. Ergo, apologise to each other now. In the light of our presence here tonight, I propose we address the kid as 'Il Predestinato'. Italian is not as widely spoken in Spain as English or Spanish is, and even if you can get the word meanings easily, who knows what that could mean if we manage to squeeze it carefully? Meanwhile, we will be known as 'The Great Three'. I've read the press and, believe me, I loved that name», Aguilar proposed.
Both Tusk and Juncker apologised to each other, and liked the idea. The only thing that was missing now was how to get Sebastián Rubio, also known as 'Il Predestinato', to become the Spanish President and, therefore, the President of the Partido Popular. The former Premier Commissioner brought up an idea: «Feijóo is still our friend, but he is not as smart as we thought he was. He is not suited for the job, but he needs a way out. Maybe a swap?», Juncker said.
«A swap? That is simply impossible, Jean-Claude», Tusk replied. «Alberto is smart and still our friend, but the only way he will be useful to the party is either in Galicia or as the Mayor of his little rural village. Of course, he could become the new Spanish Councillor and I could stand in as the kiddo's Foreign Affairs Minister, but does that even fit with my plans to continue as Speaker of the European Council?», Tusk added.
«That is our Plan B, the path we will follow if you lose the election, Donald. Knowing the many fans Spain has all around the Union, I am quite sure one of them will compete against you for the Speaker's Office. We cannot sacrifice Alfonso either, he would not agree with our plans if that were to happen. Henceforth, our current tasks should be improving Il Predestinato's popularity, reputation and the knowledge the Spanish people have about him. Meanwhile, we better start thinking on a way out for Alberto, something decent», Aguilar ordered.
«WAIT! I've got an idea... What if when that happens, we get to run him for the European Commission? I could advice him, he could become a new me... slightly younger, of course. It is not a bad destination, and we could get rid of Corinna for once and all...», Jean-Claude proposed. Donald Tusk and Jesús Aguilar's eyes lit up, nodding at the proposal Juncker had just made.
«Then, we have it. Gentlemen, we will meet again to evaluate our progress. Inform 'Il Predestinato'. And on subsequent occasions, no one should make a move without first informing the others. Discretion is key. All clear?», Aguilar questioned his friends. They nooded. «Then, let's finish our meal and enjoy this time together. Enough business for today, don't you think?», the former Spanish President added.
The Great Three then had dinner together, chatting and laughing. The mission to get Il Predestinato in the Presidency of the Spanish Government had just begun...
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Part 2 - Valutazione dei Candidati
Two months had passed since Jesús Aguilar, Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker, also known as The Great Three, had met in the little Grequian village of Manarola. During that time, the former President, Premier Commissioner and the current Speaker of the European Council had been in contact, but not as much as they would have loved to be. While Juncker and Aguilar were closer, partly thanks to their retirement from politics, good old Donald was busy. Therefore, the Andalusian and the Germanic started their own attempt of drafting a cabinet for Sebastián Rubio, also known by them as Il Predestinato. Days later, the two former Presidents of the Kingdom of Spain agreed on meeting in a different location on 1st March, an encounter they told Tusk about. The Spanish Councillor and Council Speaker accepted... or maybe not.
«You have got to be joking, Jesús. The Spanish Micronesia? Why on Earth would we meet there?! I have not seen a headline about our encounter in Manarola two months ago, why can't we meet there again?», Tusk asked the Spanish President, somewhat annoyed.
«It was Jean-Claude's idea to meet there. He said he wants a 'relaxing experience', and that he does not plan to leave his holidays early. He has booked an hotel until Sunday, and claims to be drinking loads of wine and having great fun with Christiane. Only God knows what great fun means, I will not even make an attempt on thinking about it», Aguilar said, disgusted by the scene that had just come up in his mind.
«Then tell our boozer friend to move his ass out of the Spanish Micronesia and find a place where we can meet to discuss our progress. And do not dare to mention me that kind of fun ever again, I am still elder than you, you got me? Like, I would rather meet in a cave in Cantabria!», answered the Speaker, who seemed to have a bad day according to his tone.
«Donald, I will try my best», sentenced Aguilar, hunging up. He then called Jean-Claude Juncker, who accepted to shorten his holidays in exchange of a box of the best Rioja wine the former Spanish President could find in 'El Corte Inglés' before the meeting. «Thank God I am not either of these guys child. Their old age would be exhausting...», Jesús told her wife while entering bed. «Yet, they are your mentors, your best friends and probably, the biggest supporters you had when you were a politician», Julie argued. Aguilar panted: «I guess you are right».
Somewhere in Monsanto, PortugaliaWearing sunglasses, a blue suit and green tie in honour of the National Day of Andalucía, Aguilar awaited for the arrival of his friends to the peculiar place he had chosen for the meeting, an abandoned cottage next to a rock on a cliff. He was looking at sunset, resting on his black Mercedes GLC Coupé's bonnet. He could hear the cheeps of the birds, the sound the leaves made when they were moved by the wind. The place was peaceful, silent and hidden: no one could ever imagine that The Great Three would meet there.
Meanwhile, Donald Tusk had found themselves on the same car, with Jean-Claude driving while he complained about the chosen location: «If you had agreed to come to the Spanish Micronesia, we would be drinking caipirinhas right now! -said the former Premier, annoyed- Instead, going there was 'too risky' for you! How would Donald Tusk go to the Spanish Micronesia? What would people say? You are just beginning your decline to become a mediocre politician!», he sentenced. «Caipirinhas?! You would have been more focused on driking bottles and bottles of Rioja rather than listening to our plans concerning the guy, Jean-Claude», Tusk answered. They kept arguing until Donald turned his head and looked to the dirt path, getting to see that they were dangerously approaching a tree: «JEAN-CLAUDE, THE TREE!», he screamed. Juncker managed to avoid it and just like that, they both ended up finding the cottage.
Jesús noticed their arrival, who could ignore it? Donald and Jean-Claude got off the car and approached the former Spanish President, who turned around to welcome his friends, smiling. They greeted each other with a hug, and Aguilar was helped by his guests to display three chairs and a table, where they left the food. «Won't the birds disturb us, Jesús?», Juncker wondered, while he looked at the bottle of wine. «They were heading to bed shortly before you arrived. I have also brought three lanterns, as I plan this summit to go on for a few hours», Aguilar informed. «We might not need them, Jesús. We have a full Moon today», Tusk noted.
Jesús then pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket that said 'likely supporters'. He handed it to Juncker and Tusk so they could read the list of names the former Spanish president had written on it. «Draghi? I thought we already had confirmed that one», Juncker said, looking at the Spanish Councillor. «Actually... Draghi said we could count on him, but there needs to be a compensation», Donald added. Jean-Claude did not look happy: «I warned you, but I was the crazy old man! Now look, there you have it: we pay him, or the whole plot is over. Let me repeat this once again: HE IS NOVOITALIAN, THOSE GUYS DON'T. KEEP. SECRETS!!», Juncker shouted.
«Jean-Claude, relax. At this time, I am quite sure Donald knows what Mario wants in exchange of his support, don't you Donald?», Jesús replied in a calm tone. «I do. He just wants Metsola to be the kiddo's Vicepresident, and Mariastella to be the Transport Minister», Tusk pointed out. «We can accept that, sure. By the way, Donald, sorry for shouting at you», the former Premier Commissioner apologised. «Therefore, we are moving towards building Il Predestinato's Cabinet already?», Jesús asked. Both gentlemen nodded. «Alright then, but I would rather have the kid in front of us for that. Or... hearing us at least», he noted.
«I am fine with bringing him to our next meeting, but I want to choose the place where we will meet next time», confessed Jean-Claude. «Nevertheless, I would like to make sure that we are all on this boat, and by being on this boat I mean if we agree that this guy is our man. I wouldn't like to work on something that is predestined to be a failure, and I love the kid, so you better back off now if you are not sure about him», Juncker commented.
«I think we can all agree that he is the man», Donald stated. «His management of the summit with the United Duchies was exemplary, and we got a good deal out of it. Feijóo told me he was 'pleased' with my advice about hiring Il Predestinato for the job, so we are good to go. Jesús, you are the one that remains in touch with him the majority of the time. Do you think he is suitable for the job?», Tusk inquired.
«He is perfect. Il Predestinato is the new us. Yet, he will need to form his own army, just like I made mine up. Let's go stright to the point: Jean-Claude and I are retired, we are part of Spain's history. You can be his right hand, Donald, but you cannot forget, neither can we, that you are settled in Europolis. He needs someone he can trust here. On the contrary, I do not think he will be able to trust Alberto, not because he does not trust him -he does- but rather because Alberto will feel betrayed by his Foreign Affairs Minister. Metsola is a good Vicepresident, but do we really want her to be Il Predestinato's right hand? Not me, and I am sure you do not either. The kiddo needs someone he can trust, as well as a subject that we perceive as prepared for the challenge ahead», Jesús noted.
«I have an idea concerning the strong Vicepresident that we need», the Council Speaker said. «Marta Merino is the woman we are looking for. Intelligent, with character, sense of humour, everyone likes her and she has experience in the Spanish Government. She was your Vice-President, Jesús, and I think you are still in contact with her today, if you two did not lie to me. Besides, the boy needs someone with experience, and we need someone who can advise him as well as anyone here when we are not available», Donald added.
«We are forgetting about the fact that we need to do something with Pablo Hernández de Cos», Juncker noted. «He would still hold the Ministry he is in charge of right now, although he would not be the Vicepresident of the Spanish Government. Pablo will certainly not be an issue to our plans, of that I am sure. I can speak to him if you two want me to», Jesús added. The former Spanish President was a close friend of the former Governor of the Bank of Spain, as they worked together when he was the President of the Kingdom of Spain.
«As things stand right now, the plot looks like this: Il Predestinato becomes the President. Merino and Metsola, Vicepresidents. Gelmini and Hernández de Cos stay. Feijóo attempts to become Commissioner and we give him a good role on the European Progressive Alliance. Bravo stays as we secure Juanma Moreno's support. So does Penny Mourdaunt in Defence, and Anja in Science. I am guessing we are respecting Cayetana in the Ministry of Justice. That leaves us with Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs left to assign, as we will leave Il Predestinato choose his less relevant Ministers», Jean-Claude said.
«I like Bendodo as Home Affairs Minister. He is not an issue either, so we are good. My concerns arise when we begin to speak about the next Foreign Affairs Minister... which is even more worrying when you think about the fact that he will be the one in charge of establishing the storytelling of 'Operation Turtle Beach'. We need someone who is experienced, somebody who knows what he is doing... That is why I am bringing up Gabriel Attal's to this conversation», Tusk announced.
«Experienced? Attal? -Juncker laughed- I was expecting you to say Anthony Blinken, and that way we would fill the American quota that Obama forces us all to have in our cabinet. But you propose Attal, who is an unknown guy, no Government experience... is he your new protegée, Donald? He is not who we are looking for», Jean-Claude objected. «He is a good politician. On top of that, yes, he is a promising talent and certainly, my new protegée. Jesús is also following the guy, and you should too, Jean-Claude», the Speaker noted. «Then make him Vicepresident and put Merino in Foreign Affairs!», Juncker replied.
«I like Attal. He is smart, he knows how to read the situation with skill and ease... not to mention that he is a close friend of Il Predestinato. I want to remind you that the Foreign Affairs Minister is the one that travels the most with the President. If you don't believe me, ask Alfonso Dastis. He is another promising figure to be aware of, and giving him this chance is what he needs to become the version of himself Donald and I have always demanded him to turn into. He is ready to be another Dastis, maybe an improved version of him», Aguilar told Juncker.
«Argh, fine, you win. Regardless, we still need to please Barack and his exigencies, and I want someone that I have a huge affection for in that Cabinet. As Thierry goes, I want Jennifer Granholm to return to her Ministry. The kiddo can choose the others, and will choose the others. No more designations. Deal?», the former Premier inquired his friends, before looking at the full Moon emerging from the horizon.
«Done», Tusk and Aguilar answered at unison. The Council Speaker then caught a paper, a pen and wrote down the names of the future Ministers of the Spanish Government under Il Predestinato's leadership. «Now comes the hard part: convincing the territorial leaders, telling the boy what we have agreed and starting to implement our plan. I'll take care of the current ministers and good old Draghi. Jean-Claude, you take Obama and meet with Il Predestinato, inform him of our progress, but discreetly, and let him weave his cabinet. As for you, Jesús, I want you to talk to Attal, Merino and Hernández de Cos. The meetings will be private», the Spanish Councillor said.
«Fine. Before we approach the territorial leaders, we will meet again. Jean-Claude, next time you choose the meeting point, but remember, it has to be somewhere where you are convinced about our security and not being disturbed. It will also have to be done by the end of May at the latest, which leaves us with fewer and fewer options as the summer flying season will have started by then. So think carefully and keep us updated», Aguilar added
«I have a few places in mind, so sure thing. Well, gentlemen, I have not made my dear wife cook for nothing, so you better start eating this and telling me how delicious everything is... I love working together... and if there is wine in the meeting, that makes it a perfect day!», Jean-Claude added. The Great Three then had dinner together and had fun, laughing at each other's stories, mocking one another and remembering some anecdotes. La valutazione had been completed. It was a matter of time until Il Predestinato became a threat to Feijóo.
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Part 3 - La Complicazione
«You've got to be kidding. This must be a joke, a very bad joke». Those words were Donald Tusk's reaction to the latest news from the Sertian media, who seemed to have found out about 'Operation Turtle Beach' or, in other words, the brand new smokescreen prepared for the moment Il Predestinato, also known as Sebastián Rubio, who happens to be the current Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, was sworn in as President of Spain; making people forget about Alberto Núñez Feijóo. The Spanish Councillor requested his secretary to go home and to be left alone, as he dialled Rubio's phone number. Suddenly, a call came in...
«Tell me you have seen the news and that you are not panicking», said the voice, with a slight but outstanding French accent. «I am trying my best not to, but every minute that goes by without speaking to Il Predestinato makes my panic grow», replied the Speaker of the European Council. «C'mon, Donald! We have been through worse ones! This one is just a crisis for amateurs... take this as a good test for the kid», answered the man. «Jean-Claude, they have found out about our plans! They are acussing us of planning to annex a sovereign nation! Do you know what that means? Are you even conscious of what is going on?», Tusk told Juncker, who was on the other end of the phone. «I told you the Spanish Micronesia was a better place, but you could not go there because it was 'too far'. Now look at what we have got!», argued the former Premier Commissioner. «We were in the middle of a mountain, Jean-Claude, how on Earth would anyone hear us and know what that meant? Explain to me, c'mon. I am waiting for a coherent answer», Donald protested.
Silence. Jean-Claude Juncker was out of answers, but his mind had other plans for that conversation: «Mario betrayed us», he proclaimed. «I have not told him about this, nobody but us four and maybe Attal are aware of our... I've got to leave you, Jean-Claude. We will talk later. Try to speak to the kiddo», Tusk said, rushing to dial Aguilar's phone number. «See? You can see clearly now!», Juncker answered back before hanging up. The Speaker dialled the number, and seconds later, someone picked up the phone. With a lot of noise in the background, which sounded like a plane in mid-air, Aguilar answered: «I have seen the news. I am heading to Paris as we speak». Donald could not believe that the former President had not spoken to Attal: «Wait, so you have not met with Attal yet?», the Spanish Councillor inquired Jesús. «I was heading towards Nueva Antequera to meet with Merino, but somebody decided that making up a story about Spain annexing Nofoaga was a great idea. An awesome one if you think that, in fact, that is part of our plans with Il Predestinato», Aguilar told Tusk.
The Council Speaker was confused: if only four people knew about the plans, who would have told the Sertian press? And why didn't the Spanish media publish it? «Then, you say they have made this up without any real information and that, somehow, they have managed to guess what our smokescreen would be?», asked Donald. «Basically, that is my current theory. But I would check it up with the kid, just in case he left any hints behind that could have been leaked», replied Jesús. The Spanish Councillor remained silent for a second, thinking about the chances of a paper being seen by someone who decided to leak that thing to the Sertian media. «The odds say that is mostly impossible», he insisted. «Then my theory wins the most realistic award! Is Jean-Claude going to speak to him?», Aguilar asked. «I am the Spanish Councillor, so I will, unless Alberto calls me first. My bet is he is panicking too», Donald pointed out. «Alright, I will meet with Attal in the morning. I'll leave my phone turned on just in case you need to call me or anything», the former President stated. «Be careful, that is all I ask you to do tomorrow», Tusk warned Jesús. «I will my friend, trust me», Aguilar told him.
The Spanish Councillor then rapidly dialled the phone number of the Minister, who picked up the phone. He seemed relaxed, like if he had not seen anything at all: «Has Jean-Claude spoken to you?», Tusk inquired Il Predestinato. «Yup. He said he owes me a beer now because he has lost a bet we made about your reaction if anything did not go to plan», he laughed. Nevertheless, Donald did not think the matter was funny at all: «Ha, ha, ha. Do I have to pretend that I am having fun some more? Your political future is at risk and you are making bets with Jean-Claude?! Are you fucking stupid?!», he cried. Il Predestinato did not answer back for a few seconds: «Sorry, master, I have not thought yet about the great implications this has for our plans», he apologised. «The job you are looking forward too is about being able to consider how disruptive news and events around the world are, just like the implications they might have. Making any bets about them is not a part of the job. You have to predict everyone else's behaviour properly, and you must do that fast», Donald remarked.
«Do we know who is the traitor? Don't tell me I cannot call Gabriel a friend anymore...», wondered Rubio. «Jesús has not spoken to him yet - in fact, he is on his way to Paris as we speak. He was going to meet your future Vicepresident tomorrow morning, but it seems the morning summit has a new guest and location», Tusk informed Il Predestinato. «Therefore, if only us four know, who do you think it was? Is there a traitor amongst us?», the Minister for Foreign Affairs inquired nervously. «For me, it is either one of these two: they were bored and they made up the whole thing, being lucky enough to discover Operation Turtle Beach, or else someone left a hint somewhere. I must ask you if you have left any papers that could lead to finding out about our plans, and therefore being leaked to Sertian media», the Council Speaker said. Il Predestinato remained silent for a moment, thinking: «there are no papers about this, because that plan does not exist. Therefore, not that I am aware of!», he insisted. «Well, it is a good start», sentenced Donald.
«But Donald, what do I do now? Feijóo is asking me to react rapidly, yet, I do not know what to do or say; because it is true even though it is not. Help me!», demanded Il Predestinato. «Okay, okay, relax... Today you are going to learn to deny true claims without lying», stated Tusk. «How so? That is simply impossible!», Sebastián pointed out. «Look, all you have got to do is claim that the Sertians made that up, tell the Sertian Government through your statement that Spain is a realiable partner and ally and that they respect Sertian sovereignty, that the Spanish Government is committed with stability in the Caribbean and that it will always be a good, reliable neighbour», the Speaker explained. «And what about the plans to annex Nofoaga?», Il Predestinato said. «Didn't you hear me? They have made that up. There are no plans to annex Nofoaga. Period. See? Easy as stealing candy from a child's hand!», Donald commented.
«I get it. Thank you, Donald. I will not disappoint any of you. Also, please, keep me posted about the developments if you do not mind», said Il Predestinato. «I will. Now get out there and show them why you were chosen to be our Foreign Minister», the Speaker added. La complicazione seemed to be sorted out... for now.
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Part 4 - Un Jour Avec Aguilar
Aéroport de Paris-Le Bourget (Île-de-France, Spain)Ah, París. La cité de l'amour, or that it was they said. For Jesús Aguilar, it was the city of nightmares, as the Sertian press had, somehow, found out about The Great Three and Il Predestinato's plans to annex Nofoaga... peacefully, of course. The former President's private jet landed in Paris - Le Bourget airport, 12 kilometers away from the main city of the autonomous community of Île-de-France, late that night. The next morning, he was to meet the potential next Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Minister, the Francinian Gabriel Attal. At Aguilar's express request, Marta Merino and Cristina Tierralibre were to join them. The former was a candidate for Vice-President of the Government and the latter was the autonomical President of Nueva Antequera.
That night, Aguilar did not sleep. He rented a car in Le Bourget and headed towards Coupvray, a village next to Disneyland Paris. During his trip through the Francinian roads, he listened to an ambient music playlist from Ratatouille, which made him feel slightly relaxed. When he arrived in Coupvray, the sun had already come out. He parked next to the village's Church, where he would meet his three guests. Once he made sure nobody was around, he got off of his car and entered the Church, that was empty and silent.
Église Saint-Pierre de Coupvray (Île-de-France)Aguilar admired the church, which he believed to be beautiful. He sat on the bench closest to the altar, and began to pray. Five minutes later, his prayers were not the only ones that could be heard in the little church, as he was joined by a man. Jesús opened his eyes, looked at his right and saw Gabriel Attal. The young Francinian smiled, and when both were finished, they stood up and hugged. «Thank you for coming, Gabriel», said the former President to his apprentice. «It is always nice to meet with your master, despite not understanding the reasoning behind the decision of meeting in a church in Coupvray», Attal laughed. «Have you read the Sertian press?», Aguilar asked.
«I do not know if he has, but certainly both of us did», replied a female voice. Both Jesús and Gabriel looked to the church's entrance, where they saw Marta Merino and Cristina Tierralibre making their entry. «Jesús, since when do you believe meeting at the Lord's house is a good idea?», asked the President of Nueva Antequera before getting to greet the former Spanish President with a kiss on each cheek. «Since the Sertian press seems to be very well informed about our [The Great Three] plans, Cristina. I highly doubt there is anyone here at this time, so let's not waste our time in unnecessary debates», suggested Aguilar. His guests agreed, and they all took a seat on the bench where Jesús had firstly seated.
«I believe that if you two are here today, that is because you support our plans and you accept the offer we made to you... Yet, allow me to ask you, Cristina: why are you here?», the former Spanish President enquired Nueva Antequera's President. «Do you pretend to assault the Partido Popular and the Spanish Government presidencies without regional support? If that is your plan, you three are straight out crazy», she answered. «Hence, you are on our side. That is great!», Jesús claimed.
«Hang on you smart guy, not so fast! I obviously support one of the best advisors I have ever had, as I believe you three are right in what you intend to do. Nonetheless, if I am going to let Marta be the kid's Vicepresident, I want to be certain that I will be the party's candidate in Nueva Antequera once again», Cristina pointed out. «Fair enough. You are polling even higher than you did before the regional election, therefore I see no reasons to make a change», Aguilar replied.
«I also have a requirement -interrupted Merino, whose face expressed some sort of concern- Would you please tell us what the stuff concerning Nofoaga is all about?», the former Vicepresident inquired Jesús. Gabriel Attal made the same question, and added that if he was going to assume the role of being the Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, he would love to have some sort of information about Il Predestinato's intentions. Aguilar looked around for a few minutes, and once he made sure nobody was around, he began to speak: «The Great Three, that is us, have drafted a plan for the aftermath of Il Predestinato's arrival to the Palacio de la Moncloa. The press will try to damage the kid's reputation, and yours too, after we oust Alberto to relocate him somewhere else. Subsequently, we thought it was a good idea to annex Nofoaga, an island we actually control, technically. Nofoagans would have a special status, yet they would be Spanish. Everyone would speak about it, and forget about Alberto».
«I will be very honest with you now, Jesús; please do not think I am not in favour of your plans: have you even thought of the consequences? Sure, everyone will forget about Alberto, but what will be the price to pay concerning our foreign relations? In addition, I am not entirely sure about Alberto deserving such a cruel end to his career. I think you should assign him a role in Il Predestinato's cabinet, instead of plainly backstabbing him. Have you thought on making him resign voluntarily? It would just look way better and nobody would suspect», commented Cristina.
«The Sertian Government has reacted confusedly. Furthermore, I do expect foreign governments to reject any and all attempts on the matter, specially Kamala. At the same time, I expect them to tolerate the annexation if we manage to make it look good. Jean-Claude is working on that, he will come up with a plan sooner or later. Then again, would you please elaborate further on your vision about Feijóo's resignation?», Aguilar wondered.
«I believe that what Cristina is proposing you is that we give Feijóo enough reasons to leave the Presidency. He is just not being the President we all expected, though he is a good man. He surely deserves a place in Il Predestinato's cabinet, and I would love to work alongside him. Besides, I am well aware of how well Alberto and Seb get along. You three have no right to ruin that relationship, or to ruin yours with the first Predestinato. Jean-Claude has forgotten about who actually chose Feijóo to lead the party?», inquired Attal.
Jesús had no words, Gabriel was right: Feijóo did not deserve a backstab. In the end, the Galician was his friend, and he always helped the former Spanish President in times of need. «I am speechless. You are right, Gabriel, he does not deserve anything similar to a backstab. -Cristina smiled- I will tell The Great Three about your concerns and we will find a solution to make this as smooth and fair as possible», Jesús assured. Merino smiled too: she finally was seeing the man she admired when he was the President of the Kingdom of Spain.
The four then discussed the electoral programme and the policies that Il Predestinato's Government would implement, as well as the proposals, ideas and suggestions that the guests at the meeting had. They stayed for about an hour before Marta and Cristina said goodbye to the two men. Cristina suggested Jesús to meet for a snack one day, which the former President accepted without hesitation. After both women left the church, Aguilar sat on the bench and prayed. Attal observed his master, who seemed to be sort of downcast. «Jesús, are you okay?», Gabriel questioned the former Spanish President.
«What were we even thinking about when we considered a good idea to backstab a friend?», he wondered, choking with emotion. «You know what, Jesús? The important thing is not what you planned, but what you will do, because that is what will be remembered in the future, what will go down in history. Thanks to this meeting, you not only realised about the value of that friendship for you, but also that you had hidden that version of Jesús who made a whole country fall in love with his way of being. That is my master: the emotional, sensitive and sincere boy who never gave up his ideals when he was President. And that is the kind of politician and Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Minister I want to be... if you give me the chance, of course!», Attal stated.
«You have just earned it -Jesús pointed out, extending his hand and shaking it with Gabriel's- The job is yours. Thank you, Gabriel, for being the kind of person I told you to be. You still have the same character as you had the day that we met, which is something I love about you. Never change, please», Aguilar begged his 'pupil'. Attal smiled. «I will never, my friend. Thank you very much for trusting me», the Francinian added.
The former Spanish President and the soon-to-become Foreign Minister left Coupvrey's church and said goodbye to each other. On the way back, Aguilar reflected on the conversation he had just had in the Lord's house. He needed to find something to encourage Alberto to resign, while not ruining their friendship. Ousting him in any other way would be straight out cruel, not to mention the side effects. After he left the car in Le Bourget, he left París behind and headed back home in Andalucía. When he arrived home, his younger son surprised him by running up to him and hugging him. Jesús took him in his arms and kissed his forehead, and sent a message to Donald and Jean-Claude when he took a seat in the sofa: "under no circumstances we shall backstab Alberto. We must meet soon".
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Part 5 - La Prima Riunione a Quattro
Luquillo (Puerto Rico)Sebastián Rubio, or as they called him, Il Predestinato, was driving to the designated meeting place listening to the radio. The island of Puerto Rico had been chosen by Jean-Claude Juncker as the venue for the first meeting of The Great Three with their candidate to become the newest Spanish President. Suddenly, the radio started to play the song NUEVAYoL, by the famous Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, and Sebastián began to sing: «Si te quieres divertir, con encanto y con primor, solo tienes que vivir, un verano en Nueva York». Just after the song ended, the radio gave Saturday's news, with Nofoaga being the main headline. "We rather rush all of this and get the Nofoaga affair done, or this ship is going to sink faster than the Titanic", thought Il Predestinato.
On the other hand, The Great Three had just parked in front of a typical Puerto Rican restaurant that was nearly full. «Over my dead body», warned Donald Tusk, who was the co-driver. Jean-Claude Juncker, who was driving, replied back: «C'mon Donald! It will be fun, and no one will realise about what we are discussing as there will be a lot of noise. By the way, I am really hungry, and I have told Il Predestinato to meet us here, so you have no other choice. Jesús, what do you think?». Jesús Aguilar was seating in the back seat, answered: «Well, I would love to know why I am in the back seat, but overall, this is risky».
«Cowards! That is what you two are! Donald, send a message to the kid and ask him about the food. You should be thankful that I told him to bring something as it was his first meeting with us!», cried the former Premier Commissioner. «He says he is bringing it, no worries. In the meantime, I have a question for you, Jesús: why do you say we cannot backstab Alberto? That was what we agreed on...», Tusk told the other two politicians in that car.
«You two remember we were the ones that encouraged him to run for the party's presidency, right? He did not want to leave Galicia, he wanted to retire there, and you Jean-Claude were the one to tell him 'Alberto, this is the chance that you were waiting for. You deserve it'. Is this even moral? Ethic? Is this the way you treat your friends? Forgetting about what they have done for you in the past? Because if those are our values, then I am sorry but do not count on me for this», Aguilar pointed out.
Tusk and Juncker were speechless. Jesús was right, they both knew it; and Donald felt increbibly guilty after the former President called them out: «You are right. We cannot backstab Alberto, it would not be morally correct to betray him the way we intend to», the Council Speaker added. Juncker reacted in a serious way: «What do you want us to do, Jesús? Put him in the Cabinet? There are no good destinations for him! Unless... Donald, didn't Ana want to retire and leave politics to make a career in the pricate sector?».
«She did indeed, Jean-Claude. Why?», inquired Donald. «I have got an idea... let's give Feijóo the Presidency of the Congreso de los Diputados! That's it, problem solved! He becomes the 3rd authority of Spain, gets a job, barely does anything at all... It is the perfect job, ideal for forcibly-retired politicians that no one wants in their Governments and that have no other choice. Obviously Europe would be the obvious place to go for him, that is where all that people end up at...», announced Juncker, who seemed to be realising about the fact that Donald and him were sent to Europe by Aguilar. Both the Speaker and the former Premier appeared to be thinking the same, and looked to the back seat, where Jesús was.
«I know what you are thinking, but I swear to God that is not the reason why I sent you two to European politics. I sent you because you are experts, that's all -Jesús explained rapidly, seeing how his friend's faces had changed in seconds- By the way, I believe that proposal is perfect, and certainly what we have been looking for». Juncker and Tusk decided to believe him.
Just as the three agreed on the new plans for Feijóo, Il Predestinato shew up in the parking lot and knocked at the car's window: «are you three planning to stay there for the entire day or what? C'mon, get out and let's go to a place I have discovered». After greeting him, the four made their way to Punta Bandera, a few hundreds meters away from where they were.
Punta Bandera, Luquillo, Puerto RicoWhen The Great Three and Il Predestinato arrived in Punta Bandera, Sebastián Rubio gave his masters a menu from the fast food chain Burger King. «Jean-Claude, will you bring food the next time?», Donald asked his friend. «It is up to Christiane... remember I do not know how to cook, Donald!», the former Premier Commissioner laughed. «I think Sebastián needs to learn how to cook, because his first meal has not been as good as I would have expected. Yet, he saved the day, so I will not complain at all», commented Jesús. «You three should be more thankful - you would not be eating right now if it wasn't for me!», remarked Rubio.
Once they finished their meals, time they spent speaking about their lives, the four got down to business. Jesús Aguilar was the first to speak: «Okay, I believe we are good to go. Firstly, I would like to welcome you, Sebastián, to our private meetings. I will be very honest with you: we would have preferred this to happen later, but certain unpredicted events have forced us to act faster. During the last 4 days, we have been preparing part of your Cabinet. We want you to respect the current's Government Ministerial distribution, that is, same amount of Ministries, same Ministries; but not the same Ministers. Donald, do you have the list of confirmed members?», Aguilar inquired the Council Speaker.
«I do, Jesús. -Donald answered- Marta Merino will be the First Vicepresident and the Minister of the Presidency and Relationship with the Cortes; Roberta Metsola will be your Second Vicepresident and Minister for Territorial Administrations. Your Foreign Affairs Minister will be your great friend Gabriel Attal, the Ministry of Justice will be held by Cayetana, Penny stays at Defence, as Bravo, Bendodo, Mariastella, Anja and Pablo do in their Ministries. Last, but not least, Jenniffer Grandholm gets Energy. You get to choose the rest of your Cabinet», explained Tusk, who gave the paper with the empty Ministries to Il Predestinato.
«I am thankful to you guys for your help. I want Fátima in employment and Borja in Education. That leaves us with Agriculture, Environment and Health. Ester Muñoz will be my Health Minister, as she has huge knowledge on that area. On the other hand, Rafael Hernando in from Almería, which makes him the perfect profile for Agriculture. Finally, Luís Montenegro has suggested me to choose Marcelo Rebelo da Sousa for Environment; which completes my Cabinet. Then, we just need to get Alberto out and that would be it!», explained Sebastián.
«That is not the end of it, Sebastián. Of course, Alberto needs to accept he has to leave, and the new position we are offering him. Yet, we need to deal with the annexation of an island that we already control: Nofoaga. Concerning this Caribbean island, I have made a plan to make the annexation progress fast and easy: Marián Fonseca, the Spanish representative in the Nofoagan majority, will proclaim herself as the leader of the Republic's salvation Government, due to the inactivity of Lula's cabinet. Meanwhile, the Spanish military will back up Fonseca's claims, recognising her as the leader. As we hold a monopoly over the use of force in the island, there will be no powerful opposition to our moves, not even politically, as Lula dealt with that. Speaking of whom, she and all our friends will be brived, and will come out supporting the annexation. About civil unrest, we will obviously address it proportionally: if there is violence, there will be arrests. However, a referendum will take place, and considering we have been controlling the island from the shadows for a long time, that Nofoagans are as poor as rats, and that the political class will support becoming a Spanish Overseas Territory, they will massively vote yes. One month of pure political games to get a nice island in the Caribbean, and making people forget about... what was his name?», Juncker told the others.
«I thought that when you told me you were going to work on a plan concerning Operation Turtle Beach you were being sarcastic. This is simply amazing. Congratulations, Jean-Claude», said Jesús, who was surprised about Juncker's work. Suddenly, Il Predestinato interrupted them: «That is a nice plan, I must confess. Nonetheless, you seem to be forgetting the most important thing of this plan: how do we get rid of Alberto? If I remember correctly, you were planning to backstab him until a few days ago, when you changed your criteria. Now, what is the plan? We need him to accept that new job you were talking about!».
«You are just too worried about it all, relax!», Donald added. The Councillor for Spain then proceeded to describe what the plan concerning Feijóo was, shortly after he gave Rubio a paper with a poll on it. «What is this? A poll? How is this going to help us?», Rubio protested. He did not understand what Donald Tusk was trying to tell him with that paper. «Look at the results. If you analyse it carefully, you will realise that the Partido Popular does not have an absolute majority. In other words, we would lose power. So, all we have got to do is sending this poll to a newspaper, make them post it, and then talk to Alberto and convince him of leaving while he designates you as his successor. Easy!», Tusk exclaimed.
«Hang on for a minute... are you telling me the poll is not true? You have made these numbers up?», Rubio insisted, seemingly concerned. «No, these are real numbers, this is real data and those are the real results. If Feijóo decided to hold elections today, we would not remain in Government», added Aguilar. «Then, he will go. He will not be an obstacle to our aspirations concerning the next General Election», Sebastían concluded.
«If I were you, Sebastián, I would get your debate speech ready. Oh, and I would prepare another for when you take over the Party's presidency. Things are going to spice up next week, I assure you», Jean-Claude pointed out. «Concerning you two, we do agree that the Three of us will visit our dear friend when things begin to look bad for him; and convince him of retiring, do we?», he questioned Jesús and Donald, who agreed. «Fine, then we will meet in Madrid the next time...», continued Juncker.
«Not really... Before that, Mario has insisted on meeting again in Manarola. He wants us to attend, and for some reason he did not tell me about, he does not want the kid there. Rumours say he plans to gather all the regional leaders to convince them about the convenience of choosing Il Predestinato over Alberto, yet he did not confirm this», Tusk said. Juncker was just about to lose his temper, but controlled himself: «I hope he does not become another obstacle in our way», he exclaimed.
«Then I will see you in Manarola. Oh, and Seb, remember: do not talk to anyone about this. Operation Turtle Beach does not exist. Am I clear?», Jesús insisted. «Clear enough, Jesús», Il Predestinato answered back. The four politicians left the place. Countdown had started. The final days of Alberto Núñez Feijóo as the President of the Kingdom of Spain had begun.
The Kingdom of Spain