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Settler
Local Time: 17:20
Local Date: October 31, 2010
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Worcester, Ma, US
Posts: 15
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UN Poker
This is the sequal to the story "The Third German War."
It was the first meeting of its type in the history of the world. This place had been built to hold such a meeting. The United Nations was organized by all the world powers as a forum for the world. And the nation with the honor of building went to Greece, his Greece. He would be damned if he was going to be outplayed on his home turf.
The President sat in the back of the limousine contemplating the next few hours in that building. Make no mistake; this was a game of sorts, like Poker, only much more dangerous and much more serious. Instead of playing on a card table, they played on the world. Instead of chips, they played with armies, cities, and people. Just like poker, the game required a face. Give too much information, even with the bat of an eye, and they eat you alive. Everyone speaks with a forked tongue. They will lie, tell half-truths, even tell the whole truth, but you have to tell one from the other. The car door opened up and the President was met with the thousand lights of various cameras and hassling reporters. He stepped out of the car and into the game. It was time to show them how the President of Greece played poker.
The interior of the building could be described in one word—grandiose. Everything was luxurious; everything was large. The hallways were filled with various administrators and dignitaries from the countries. The President had little concern for their own little games, but protocol insisted he at least give them all a greeting (and it had to be all of them too). When he managed to get into the Security Council’s chamber, he straightened his suit and put his poker on.
First up was Joan D’arc, leader of the French. The little slime ball had managed to take much of what was left of Germany and claimed it for herself. She now thought that she actually had some sort of influence.
“Hello Mr. President, so nice to see you again, “she said with obvious pretentiousness.
“Feelings mutual,” the President replied. They exchanged some more pleasantries until Joan made the first bet.
“Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I must inform you that we will be canceling our protection pact with you. As you know, with the downfall of the Germans, there is no need for such a treaty . . . “
France Bets
She rambled on attempting to give more justification. But the President saw through it all, she was talking more about her victories than about protection. She was getting haughty and impetuous. The President made no response and said little—the more you say the more you give away and Joan sure was giving away a lot.
It was time for a counter, “Ms. D’arc, our scientists have recently discovered how to recycle waste. We would be more than willing to trade you this knowledge in interests of protecting the environment.”
Greece raises.
They haggled for a little and then set a deal--Joan called his raise. It would be awhile, as it always is in this type of poker, to see who would win.
And thus it went in turn with each of the leaders present. The President for the most part played the same cards. Some like the English won small hands by asking for some money to renew their pact. The President traded his recycling technology under the guise of environmentalism for a premium price. Everyone was so happy with his generosity they didn’t bother to notice (or at least mention) that he wasn’t giving up his more military orientated technologies like space flight. He also felt that he was getting good deals, lots of income and even some luxuries.
But just because he was winning, doesn’t mean he was the only one doing so. As he talked and moved and negotiated he kept an eye on Cleopatra. She was playing the game quite well—too well. They weren’t just being nice, they were practically sucking up to her. The other leaders crowded around her and wooed her. They respected him, but the loved her.
At that moment she caught his eye and smiling excused herself from the conversation. She came right over to him, never breaking eye contact. When she was in front of him, her smile widened and she said, “If it isn’t our ever so dour leader of the Greek nations. I must compliment you on your handling of the German situation.”
Egypt bets
“Why thank you, Cleopatra, without your assistance it would have been much more of a difficult task, though for the most part it was Greek blood that made the world safe for the other nations”
Greece raises.
“So, I here your are spreading around good cheer for once, and some new technology to boot eh?
Egypt reraises.
Cleopatra new that he had to give the technology to her, or someone else would. Therefore the price would be pretty cheap. Sometimes, being last had its advantages.
“Indeed, I’m more than willing to offer it to you for some income and your maps, standard deal.” They haggles a little and relatively easily set up a deal. Pisthetaerus figured that this was pretty much her game, he would call for now and wait for the next round.
But Cleopatra had something else in mind, she didn’t want this hand to end so soon, “My dear President, I have suggested to the other world leaders that it is time to elect a secretary general. Why must it be that we created a post, but leave it vacant? We need strong world leadership in these troublesome times. The other leaders agree with me, do you not?”
Egypt gives the arm.
She had done it. She had raised him everything, all her winnings, all her chips. She pushed them onto the table in one great final raise. For him to call, he would have to put in everything he had. Whoever would win the vote would win the pot. For whoever one the position of secretary general for all intents and purposes ruled the world. It was all a question of who could get the votes. They would have some time before the vote itself, and Pisthetaerus knew he would have to do much talking to at least see how people would vote, if not to convince them that he was the best man for the job.
And Cleopatra had a strong hand indeed. No one really warmed up to Greece. Sure they were cordial, but they didn’t act as if they would vote for him. But everyone had their best poker faces on now, and they were giving the same attitudes to Cleopatra (even though before they were being quite nice to her). But the motion to elect had to be approved unanimously or else it could not be done. She had as much convincing of Him as the others.
Finally, the meeting was called to order. Several procedural votes were taken, and some small issues discussed. A unanimous resolution condemning the Germans and officially splitting up their state was passed. Finally, the Queen made her expected move, “I motion for the election of Secretary General.”
“I second,” was the reply from Elizabeth of England.
“This will be done as roll call vote” said the moderator. One by one, the other leaders all voted yes until only Pisthetaerus was left. As the vote went round, he stared at Cleopatra; she stared back. They never broke eye contact. Even when the vote came to him, they continued to silently stare. The moderator spoke up and reminded the Grecian president it was his turn to vote, but still he stayed silent studying his opponent for the slightest tell. Finally, he saw it. She gave herself away. The left part of her lip turned upwards slightly, then a little more. It wasn’t a smile—it was a smirk.
Fold
Without breaking the stare, Pisthetaerus gave his vote, “Greece does not find it prudent at this juncture to be voting on a Secretary General. We believe that the council as is fits the needs of the times. We vote nay.”
There was a ruckus in the room. People were surprised by his vote. Cleopatra, visibly upset, quickly got up and stormed out of the room. And he knew he had been right to fold. Sure, he would have to have his pr guys spin it for everyone. But Cleopatra had set up the others to vote for her. He calls, she wins; he doesn’t call, she wins but he doesn't lose. He would bye his time until the right cards came up. Then he would put her in the same position that she did to him today. He would make her call with everything when he was assured victory—he would entrap her. Next time, Cleopatra, next time.
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