Chronicles of the Shade – Part II – Episode 2
Chronicles of The Shade Part II
The McPain Conspiracy
By Sam Miller
INTRODUCTION: DI author/contributor “Sam Miller” (pseudonym of one of our regular DI band, electing for mystical reasons to remain anonymous) has graced us with a sequel to his previously co-authored “Chronicles of the Shade” (Part I) which you can still enjoy through the articles link to this website. Chronicles…Part II is—again—a DI exclusive.
It would be helpful—but not necessary—to read Chronicles I in order to enjoy this sequel, although it is recommended that the reader peruse at least Episode 1 of that earlier drama in order to better grasp the gist of the “Shade’s” mystical identity and modus operandum.
In this very insightful (and hopefully non-prophetic) sequel, the author takes us with him and our magus of stealth on the latter’s continued saga in quest of the truth behind our administration’s foreign and domestic policy machinations and shenanigans.
Sam Miller, as we, was apparently troubled in no small way to read recent reports of Hillary Clinton’s back-handed endorsement of McCain by her several-times repeated statements to the effect that she (Hillary) and McCain shared in common a wealth of political experience when compared to Obama.
In this parody of actual events, Miller entertains us while he stealthily urges us to ponder (along with other things) the possibilities –mostly treacherous—underlying Hillary Clinton’s recent actions.
DI DISCLAIMER:
The DI website and its editor, Bobby Dees, wish to make it clear and certain to all readers that this offering is strictly fiction, and a parody of reality at most, and that the views expressed or implied in this dramatic art do not necessarily reflect the political views of the DI website, Bobby Dees or DI contributors and staff.
Having said all that, it is my sincere hope and expectation that you will experience the same enjoyment—and wake-up-message of attention and alarm—I did in reading this piece, which shall be presented to you in a serial publication of 6 episodes, each to be posted on the DI website on successive Wednesdays beginning April 23, and concluding Wednesday, May 28, 2008.
Thanks, “Sam”, for a fun and provocative read, and best regards to all our DI contributors and readership.
Dusty (DI Foreign Policy Editor, Robert R. Schoch)
EPISODE 2
The Shade walked to his 2001 black Honda that was parked a block from the convention hall. As he entered his car and again resumed his identity as Lance Carter, he noticed a black limousine moving slowly down the opposite side of the street. Lance could tell that it was Rick Chancey’s vehicle from the plate on its front that said, “VEEP.” Chancey hadn’t bothered to remove the plate after he had resigned his office.
Lance started his car and, on a whim, made a u-turn with his lights off and began to follow Chancey’s limousine at a discreet distance. After a mile, Chancey’s car stopped in front of an apartment building. Lance parked his car a block away and waited for Chancey’s enormous bulk to heave itself from the back seat of his chauffeured car. Then Lance slowed his heartbeat almost to a stop, and exited his own car. Having again become The Shade, Lance breezed past the doorman to the building and followed Chancey to the elevator. He entered the elevator car just before Chancey turned the key that started the car’s ascent to the penthouse. Ricardo Chancey had rented the penthouse for a month so that he could come and go to the Repugnican convention as he pleased. He still thought of himself as a player, and he wanted to do all in his power to see that Squintus McPain, upon becoming the next president, would act to further Chancey’s own interests—which he took to be identical with those of the United States.
When Chancey exited the elevator into his apartment, The Shade was right behind him. As Chancey eased his ponderous frame into a large, leather armchair, The Shade slipped behind a bookcase. He was alone with Chancey in the room. Lemon Chancey, the former veep’s wife was still in Reagan, D.C., doing her utmost to resurrect her husband’s reputation; for it was rumored that Chancey had been forced to resign by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honorable Fancy Bugliosi.
Ricardo Chancey picked up the telephone beside his chair and dialed a D.C. number. The Shade thought that he might be calling his wife, but when Chancey spoke, his words caused The Shade to inhale sharply. “Hello,” said Chancey. “Is that you, Hildy? It’s Rick Chancey here.”
Quickly, The Shade moved from behind the bookcase and slipped into a nearby bedroom. There he carefully picked up the extension telephone and listened as Ricardo Chancey’s conversation with Hildegard Swinton continued.
Hildy Swinton had been grievously disappointed when she didn’t get the Demo nomination for president. The super delegates who had been pledged to her went over to Bam Orama by a margin of two to one, giving him the nomination. What wounded her even more deeply was Orama’s total disregard for her feelings in not even mentioning her as a possible running mate. He had opted instead for Rich Billups, the governor of New Texaco, in order to solidify the Hispanic vote and act as a counterweight to Squintus McPain’s influence in that state. Although she put on her bravest smile and promised on the convention floor to work hard for the Demo ticket in November, when she returned to her hotel suite she had smashed every single dish in the kitchen cupboard.
The Shade heard Chancey say, “Hildy, I know it’s late, but I just had a talk with Squintus McPain. I think he’s on board with what we talked about a couple of weeks ago.”
Then The Shade heard Hildegard Swinton’s reply. It was tinged in icy syllables. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What does it mean to say that McPain is on board?” The Shade knew that Swinton had always despised Chancey. What could it mean that she was even speaking with him?
“Look, Hildy,” said Chancey. “I know you don’t like me, but can’t we just forget about that? Isn’t it more important for you to continue serving your country—and I mean not just by remaining as the junior senator from New York?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then Hildy Swinton said, “Just what do you have in mind?”
“I can guarantee that if Squintus McPain is elected president, he will make you his Secretary of State,” said Chancey.
“Two questions, Ricardo. One, why is that a step up for me? And two, what do I have to do to get this so-called reward?”
“One,” said Chancey. “It’s a step up because McPain isn’t going for a second term. He’s too old as it is. The guy he chose as his running mate hasn’t got any national recognition. It’s a step up, because in four years you get the Demo nomination, and you wipe the floor with any token Repug candidate.”
The Shade heard Hildy Swinton laugh at the other end of the line. “My, such big plans. And how do you propose that the Repugnican Party can be swayed into doing this for little old me?”
“It’s simple, Hildy,” said Chancey. “The fix will be in. You’ll perform in spectacular fashion at State. You’ll repair the reputation of the Repugnican Party, and in gratitude they’ll run a minimal campaign. Independents and Demos will flock to you, and you’ll be President of the U.S. in 2012.”
Again there was a pause. Then Swinton said, “And what about ‘two’, my role in all this? Just what would I have to do.”
“Nothing,” said Chancey. “Absolutely nothing. If you do absolutely nothing to help Bam Orama win the presidency, then Squintus McPain will be our next president.
“How do you propose that I do that, Ricardo? I’ve already said that I support the Demo ticket?”
“Sure, Hildy. You support it. But you don’t have to campaign for it. You can always say that Senate business takes precedence. Meanwhile, your former campaign staff can spread the word that you’re unhappy that a woman won’t be running for office. At the same time, just don’t say anything negative about Squintus.”
“You think my doing absolutely nothing is going to result in a McPain victory?” Swinton sounded incredulous.
“Sure. Women won’t come out to vote. The young people who supported Orama in the primaries will probably be more interested in football next fall, and they won’t show up. Meanwhile, the Repugnicans will turn out the faithful, and with a 40% turnout of the electorate, we’ll steal another election.”
The Shade heard Hildy Swinton sigh. Then she said, “I’ve got to admit it’s an ingenious plan, Ricardo. But it’s something that I should have expected from you.’
“Think about it, Hildy. Just four more years of Repugnican rule. Then you’ve got the country for the next eight years. By that time I’ll really be retired and living on the Riviera. I don’t care what you do then.”
There was a long silence on the other end of the line. Finally, Hildegard Swinton said, “OK, I owe your ingenuity that much. I’ll think about it.” Then there was a click on the line as Swinton hung up the phone.
The Shade waited until Chancey entered the bedroom and then eased his way out of the apartment. Was this the “October surprise” that Chancey had promised McPain? The plan sounded ominous, but would Swinton go for it? How could he and Wilby convince her that she would be making a deal with the devil? Nothing in politics is simple anymore, he thought—if it ever was.
Chronicles of the Shade Part II Episode 3
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