NEGOTIATIONS (EARTH)

President Phillip Reginald Williams studied his visitor; Ambassador Jonathan Allen, Haven's representative on Earth. Ambassador Allen patiently waited for President Williams to speak.

Phillip Williams was acknowledged as Earth's most powerful leader because he governed fifty-five percent of Earth's remaining arable land.

The dwindling supply of arable land occurred when poorer nations failed to promote sound agricultural practices; resulting in less land available for farming. Recently, millions of hectares of East European farmland were temporarily lost due to a terrorist group infecting winter crops with a genetically modified variant of wheat rust.

Today, most nations are forced to import food from America to feed their citizens. Interestingly, the increasing demand for American agriculture products triggered a reversal of earlier land use practices. Arable land is now being reclaimed from urban sprawl and converted back into farmland. Suburbanites are moving into compact cities and living in skyscrapers or below ground.

Two hundred fifty years ago, an American space exploration team discovered and claimed Haven; a planet similar to Earth in age, size, climate and land mass. Shortly afterward, American pioneers began arriving on Haven; thus cementing America's claim to that planet as its territory. During the past seventy-five years, Haven has become an important source of food controlled by America.

Focusing on his visitor, President Williams said, "Ambassador Allen, the Taxation Commission has given its final ruling. Haven is required to lower its export tax to 1.25% of the wholesale value of all goods being shipped to America. Further, the Commerce Commission has ruled that Haven cannot limit the quantity of goods being shipped. There is really nothing more you can say to change our position in these matters."

"President Williams, surely you understand that Haven must be permitted to protect its environment and conserve our way of life. Allowing unlimited immigration to Haven will forever change our unique culture and our deeply held religious beliefs."

"Ambassador, as a religious person, you must look at the greater good for mankind. We estimate over ten million people on Earth will starve each year if we don't increase Haven's farming capacity."

"Mr. President, your exploration teams have recently discovered another planet which can grow food for earth's populations."

"Unfortunately, this planet is not readily available for this purpose. As you undoubtedly know, terraforming a planet takes years and costs trillions of credits. No, we require Haven's immediate assistance."

"President Williams, while I sympathize with the plight of Earth's population, it is not Haven's problem. Social policies encouraging population growth, weak environmental regulations, wars, and rampant consumption by the wealthy has decimated Earth's ability to continue supporting its population. Your predecessors have utterly failed to provide leadership which might have circumvented your current dilemma."

"Ambassador, while I respect those who have critical opinions of Earth's past and present leadership, there is another detail I hoped we could have avoided mentioning. But the fact is, Haven is a territory of America and our laws and policies take precedence over Haven's wishes. If you cannot persuade your government to accept our final position on immigration, our Agriculture Commission is prepared to send enough growers and equipment to Haven to substantially increase agriculture production."

"Mr. President, my government gave me explicit instructions regarding Haven's position on trade and immigration. These new policies proposed by your government compel me to return home for further instructions."

"Ambassador Allen, please convey my respects to Governor General Johnson. Have him contact me if there are additional questions. I look forward to our next meeting and wish you a pleasant trip home."

After the door closed behind Ambassador Allen, President Williams grinned, turned to his Chief of Staff and said, "Harry, if Haven's leadership is anything like that little wimp, I'll crush them like a bug. These conversations held under the guise of diplomatic negotiations have been a total waste of my time. I want large numbers of Americans to immigrate to Haven. We'll show them what Earth-style farming is all about. I want you to make it happen. As you well know, we've got to do something fast. Sporadic rioting has been reported on three continents. You and I know widespread insurrection is just around the corner."

* * *

Ambassador Jonathan Allen left the President's office and hurried to his official residence to start preparations for the long trip home to Haven. As he entered his residence, he summoned an aide to his office.

After switching on 'white noise' equipment designed to ensure privacy, he said, "Sergio, please contact Jim Anderson. Tell him I am going to visit Haven for a few weeks. Ask him to bring me any notes and gifts he may have for his family. Also, please schedule an embassy staff meeting to convene at 3:00 PM today. We must begin preparations for a trip to Haven."

* * *

Sergio met Jim Anderson at the Lafayette Restaurant for lunch. "Jim, it's good to see you today. How is your family?"

"Oh the family is fine. Jenny is growing so fast. She started kindergarten this year."

"Wow, it seems only yesterday when I saw you and Victoria at the Tupelo hospital. That was the day you were taking Jenny home."

"Sergio, your memory is phenomenal. But I'm sure you called this meeting for another purpose. What can I do for you?"

"Jim, the Ambassador is leaving Earth and returning to Haven for consultations with the Governor General. He is volunteering to take any letters or gifts you may have for Victoria and Jenny."

"That's very kind of the Ambassador. Shipping items home is expensive and this will save me lots of money. Please tell the Ambassador I'll bring some personal gifts for my family this afternoon."

After returning to his apartment, Jim opened his safe and selected four chips containing data purchased or stolen during the past few months by his team of agents.

Jim left a fifth chip in his safe. It contained a large collection of personal data giving the chip owner access to a number of America's computers. These computers were connected to power stations, banks, water treatment plants, air traffic control, shipping, communication satellites and selected automated production facilities.

Agent Anderson put the four chips in his suit pocket and drove to the Ambassador's Residence. After entering the Ambassador's office, he handed the chips to the Ambassador for inclusion in the diplomatic case.

"Mr. Ambassador, these chips contain specifications and drawings for the latest hyperpulse engines used on Earth's interstellar transport ships; specifications for a new armored vehicle; and specifications for a revolutionary fighter design. The fourth chip contains the most recent intelligence on America's invasion plans. That specific information was furnished by a Haven agent serving on America's military planning staff. Until today, we considered this merely contingency planning and nothing to be concerned about. However, after hearing President Williams' conversation with this Chief of Staff following your meeting this morning, there can be no doubt about America's real intentions toward Haven."

"Jim, how...