XXXI
The Plot Against
Kadar Muhannad sat securely in his bunker, attended only by his generals. He cursed the serpent Luthor and his venomous gift. The holy, morning skies of Kahndaq had been poisoned by its pestilence. The initial blast had only killed hundred, but its taint would kill many thousands more… in time.
"Commander," spoke one of his generals. "We believe this was a plot by the Zionists. Luthor has been working for them from the start! Had their bomb reached Bialya, we would be at war with one of our closest allies!"
The general spoke with wisdom. Surely, it had been Luthor's instructions to transport the weapon to Bialya? The bomb had malfunctioned and foiled Luthor's plans. Had Luthor also given Bialya a weapon?
"General, get me President Rashid. We must warn him of this Zionist plot immediately."
A wi-screen appeared. After pushing his way through numerous underlings and Bialyan generals who answered the call, Muhannad was finally able to get Rashid to appear.
"Commander Muhannad... the people of Bialya grieve for your tragedy. I also grieve for the tragedy that has befallen you."
"The people of Kahndaq are blessed by your prayers, Mr. President. But I must warn you that this was a Zionist plot. We are the victims of lies and conspiracy. I pray that the people of Bialya have not been deceived and are not at risk."
"This was not an accident?"
"No Rashid, this was no accident. The Zionists have numbered among their ranks Lex Luthor – I curse his name! His agents delivered this weapon to us. It was to be used against our common enemy, the false American god. This the men of Luthor swore by Allah to me. Yesterday, these men told my generals to move the weapon to Bialya, that they would have people waiting there to hide the weapon."
"You are saying there are traitors with me, Muhannad? What proof do you have?"
"I am forwarding you their very names taken from my generals, Rashid. You will find all the names you desire. By Allah's providence, I discovered this plot and stopped their journey to Bialya. I ordered my men to leave the weapon in our lonely deserts and abandon their path to Bialya. They were to return immediately, but … it was not Allah's will. We will honor their sacrifice."
"History has taught us to never trust the Americans, my friend."
"You speak with great wisdom, of course. Luthor knew of my great hatred for the false god of the Eagle… His man swore by Allah that our cause was united! That Luthor too hated the god of the Americas! I praise all that is holy that my blindness was lifted before Luthor's poison gift was brought to the lands of my neighbor. The Americans only hated our friendship, that we were brothers under God."
"Allah be praised. I will review this file. Men will be questioned. The truth will be revealed. I will allow no lies, Kadar. Rest assured. Again, Bialya prays for the future and health of your country."
"Ma`a as-salāma, wise friend."
As the screen popped off, Kadar Muhannad smiled. He knew that Luthor truly hated the false god. He knew such things... But Luthor was far too clever. Had the American intended for the false god to discover and then detonate the weapon in Bialya all along? It would be easy for Luthor to blame Kahndaq and poison the trust of the neighbors... Scorn would surely fall on him and his nation.
The people of Kahndaq were victims of American treachery.
But they were far from powerless if the old legend were true.
Author's Note:
Can you guess who the "old legend" is that Muhannad is referring to?