Chapter 25
"Step one, elect a team leader. I'm taking myself out of the running since I'm stuck here. That leaves you, Anna." said Robert.
Anna looked at her son. "You know more about this than I do. It should be you."
Andrew held his hands out in front of him as if deflecting incoming fire. "No, no, no. The scope of this operation is far too encompassing for me."
"Andrew, you control absolutely two global intelligence agencies, two companies and whatever else I don't know about. This should be child's play." Anna argued.
"Mother, those are things I've done for years. I'm used to them. A field officer must always prove to be adaptable to changing conditions in any instance. I don't like sudden changes as has been amply demonstrated to you. Another factor in your favor is that you know the terrain and personnel. I know nothing of Port Charles or any likely allies or enemies on the ground."
"A disciple of Sun Tzu, are you?" asked Anna. "Wait. Let me guess. Military history is a hobby."
Andrew grinned. "And a guilty pleasure."
"My son the walking contradiction. A pacifist who likes military history."
"It is my belief that there are enough people in this world making weapons. I refuse to add myself to that number. That does not make me a pacifist." said Andrew. "So, what's the plan, team leader?"
"Off the top of my head, we need to establish defensive positions, share information, recruit allies and plan the offensive." Anna said. "But there's something we need to think about first. This situation has been ongoing for sixteen years. In that time, the other side, all of them, has established their presence and accumulated resources. By what you've told me, our side has only been in the game in the last two years. We are at a disadvantage before we get started. How do we get in the game in such a way that we are benefited most given the resources we do possess?"
"We ought to capitalize on the element of surprise and the virtues of our size and expertise - speed, mobility, communications and technology." answered Andrew.
"In connection with surprise, one of the things that has kept us from being targeted is the fact that we've been disconnected from each other, as far as the rest of the world is concerned. Rarely are we in the same place or seen together. Once the other side knows we're working together then that will change the game." Robert said. "Let's use this unique opportunity as well as we can."
"Agreed on all points." Anna turned her gaze to Andrew. She looked him up and down and up again in a very calculating manner. It made Andrew feel uneasy. "Robert, wouldn't you agree that getting in the first counter offensive could leave our opponents reeling?"
As if aware of what Anna had in mind, Robert chuckled with glee. Andrew's unease increased. "Why, yes, dear. In fact, given the right punch at the right time, they may never recover."
Anna motioned for Andrew to come forward and stand before her. "Andrew, I am convinced that your debut must be handled with the utmost care."
"My what? Debut into what?" asked Andrew warily.
Anna circled Andrew. As she passed, she touched the ends of his hair, his shoulders and cheek. "You're very photogenic. You have a natural presence and an articulate speaker. And you're tall and lean like your father."
"Americans adore an accent," Robert pointed out.
"Of course, we must tell Robin and Mac everything prior to anything public." Anna mused turning his face left and right. "Do you know that you have no bad profile? I know a hair stylist who will be in a state of rapture over this hair."
"Anna, I think Robin should be an active participant in his debut. It would give it that extra flavor." suggested Robert.
"Good idea, Robert." Having finished her close up inspection, Anna stood back and stared at him mentally imagining him in various outfits. "Do you have any formalwear, Andrew?"
"A tuxedo and dinner jacket are gathering dust in my closet. I ask again. What de-de-debut?"
"Your first public appearance, Andrew. It must be choreographed for maximum effect. I think a big party with media coverage. We can host a hospital fundraiser I think."
Andrew scampered away to stand behind the armchair. His hands gripped the back of the chair as if it were a shield against the predatory gleam in his mother's eyes. "Oh, no, no, no. I loathe par-parties, loud noises and ... and strange pe-pe-people."
"You have to give your mother the opportunity to show off her children. It's practically your duty." urged Robert.
"Screw du-du-duty!" Andrew replied hotly.
Anna walked over the chair, placed one bent knee on the seat and then lovingly brushed her hands over her son's arms. "My maternal side is very greedy. I admit it. What better way to let our friends know about Andrew and vice versa? It will be difficult for you at first but we'll all help."
"NO."
"It's time to stop hiding yourself away. You're not Quasimodo." cajoled Anna. "Far from it."
"I pr-pr-prefer my own company. Thank you, no."
"It can't be helped or avoided, sweetheart. If you reveal yourself as our son and the head of DigiMaze, your tactical options double perhaps quadruple. Imagine the strategic value in us coming out as one family, a united front. Going public will be one step in drawing out the Cassadines, The Foundation and Domino's group into the open."
Anna let her words sink in. Her son's forehead creased as he thought about his potential options. She sat on the couch by Robert and leaned her head on his shoulder.
Robert whispered. "You're shameless. Manipulating your own child."
"You wouldn't have me any other way," said Anna. "He's smart. He'll make the right choice."
After a few minutes of earnest thought, Andrew said, "Mother is correct. Our options would increase. I suppose a small party of family and friends would be acceptable."
"Fantastic! Robin and I will take care of everything. All you have to do is show up." Anna stretched her arms out wide. Robert began to massage her shoulders. "Now, back to our strategy. Here are some assignments. Robert, put on your recruiting hat and make calls."
"Aye, aye, mon capitan. I know just the person to call first." said Robert.
"I need to know as much information as possible. Andrew, you and I will return to Paris tomorrow. I want to talk face to face with Jacques and Andre. What are your plans for establishing a base in Port Charles?"
"No thought yet beyond updating the bureaus on my plans."
"We'll discuss details in Paris. Since I will be in Port Charles before you, I want to lay down some groundwork before your arrival."
"Let's talk about timing." Robert said. "When do you think you'll be in Port Charles, Andrew? When do we tell Robin and Mac? And it has to be we three. I'll teleconference in if need be."
"We tell them after Christmas for certain. I don't want anything overshadowing Robin's wedding."
"My timetable will have me in Port Charles by the first of February. I plan to open a store in Port Charles but I don't have any contacts there yet."
"What kind do you need?" Anna asked.
"Importers. Ones I can trust and who have ample warehouse space to take my shipments until the store is ready."
"I have just the man for you."
"And he can be trusted?"
"Utterly," Anna assured him. "He has the space and the street smarts to get things done."
"He must be legitimate, Mother. I don't deal with any other kind. He'll have to pass a corporate due diligence test." insisted Andrew.
"His family has helped ours for two generations. His company is fairly successful and with your business it will be even more so."
"I'll need to do some cursory investigation first. What's your contact's name?"
"The name of the company is Green Pearl Imports Limited. The president is Suki Kwon." Anna informed him.
A/N: I thought it was time for some levity and family bonding. One thing I liked about old GH was the give and take and teasing during planning sessions. Happy reading!