He chucked her out of Ubomo.
She is, as you probably know, a British subject, and she ended up back here in the UK. However, she had not learned her lesson and she continues her campaign against the government of Ubomo. BOSS has nothing to fear from someone like that, surely? Daniel probed gently, and Harrison looked across at him sharply, searching for traces of irony in the question. Then he transferred his attention back to the duelling pistol in his right hand. Unfortunately, the woman has built up a foundation of influence on the strength of her writings. She is articulate and, he hesitated, and personable. She manages to hide her fanaticism under a cloak of reasoned logic which is, needless to say, based on false assumptions and distorted facts. She has managed to recruit the support of the Green Party in this country and on the Continent. You are right, BOSS has nothing to fear from such an obvious charlatan, but she is a nuisance. She looks good on television. Now she has come to know of our interest in Ubomo and the plans that our consortium has to develop the area. She and her supporters are making a great deal of noise.
You might have seen that piece in the Guardian recently? No. Daniel shook his head. I don't read the Guardian, and I've been pretty busy recently. I'm a little out of touch. Well, take my word for it then, it is making life just a trifle uncomfortable for me. I have shareholders to answer to and an annual general meeting coming up.
Now, I've just learned that this woman has acquired a small block of shares in BOSS, which gives her the right to attend the AGM and to speak. You can be certain she will have the radical press and a bunch of those lunatics from 'Friends of the Earth' there with her,, she will make a circus of the occasion. an awkward, Tug. Daniel nodded, stifling his smile. How can I help you? Your influence in public and scientific circles is far greater than Kelly Kinnear's. I have spoken to many people in various disciplines and diverse walks of life about you. You are well respected your views on Africa are taken seriously.
What I propose is that you go to Ubomo and make a documentary that sets out the true facts and examines the issues that this Kinnear woman has raised. It would blow her away like a puff of smoke. Television is a much more powerful medium than the printed word, and I could guarantee you maximum exposure.
BOSS owns extensive media interests .
Daniel listened to him with rising incredulity. It was like listening to a client propositioning a prostitute for the performance of a particularly lurid perversion. He felt the urge to laugh with outrage, to reject violently this insult to his integrity. This man truly believed that he was for sale. it took an effort for him to sit still and listen expressionlessly. Of course, I could also guarantee that you would receive the whole-hearted cooperation of President Taffari and his government.
They would provide everything that you require. You need only ask and there would be military transport, helicopters, lake patrol boats, at your disposal. You could go anywhere, even into the closed area of the forest reservations. You could speak to anybody. . To political prisoners? Daniel could not help himself. It slipped out. Political prisoners? Harrison repeated. What the Hell would you want to speak to politicals for? This will be a documentary on the environment and the develoPment of a backward society. Just suppose I did want to talk to political detainees, Daniel insisted. Look here, young man.
Taffari is a progressive leader, one of the few honest and committed leaders on the continent. I don't think he is holding any political prisoners. It isn't his style. What happened to Omeru? Daniel asked, leaning forward intently, and Harrison laid the duelling pistol on the blotter in front of him. its barrels were pointing at Daniel's chest.
Do I detect hostility towards the Ubomo government? He asked softly.
Towards my proposition? No, Daniel denied it. I just have to know what I'm getting myself into. I'm a businessman, like you, Tug. I want the hard facts, not the hard sell. You understand that. I'm sure you'd want the same, if you were in my position. If I'm going to put my name to something, I must know what it is. All right. Harrison relaxed. He understood that explanation. Omeru was an obstinate old man. Taffari had no option but to hold him incommunicado during the transition period. He was under house-arrest, being treated well. He had access to his lawyers and his doctor when he died of a heart attack. Taffari has not announced his death yet. It would seem to point in undesirable directions. Like summary execution without trial, Daniel suggested. He felt a pang of mourning for the old president.
It might look like that, Harrison agreed, although I am assured by Taffari, and I have every reason to believe him that it was not the case. All right, I accept your assurance on that point, Daniel said.
Now what about the costs of this production? it wouldn't be cheap.
Off the top of my head, I would estimate. the cost at a couple of million. I take it that you would want a first- rate job.
Who pays for that? BOSS? That would be a little obvious, Harrison demurred. It would reduce the stature of your production to a simple piece of company propaganda. No, I would arrange outside finance.
The money would come through a far eastern company. Although it is a member of the consortium, it is not openly associated with BOSS at this stage. They own a film company in Hong Kong which we would use as a front. What is the name of the parent company? And where is it based?
Daniel asked. He felt the first tiny premonition, that sense of predestination that had disturbed him before. The parent company is Taiwanese, not well known but very rich, very powerful. First-class people to deal with, I assure you, but of course, I won I'd personally underwrite any contract that you have with them. What is the company's name? It's a rather flamboyant name, but typically Chinese. The Lucky Dragon Company. Daniel stared at him, unable to speak for a moment.
In some strange fashion Ning Cheng Gong's destiny had been linked with his by the murder of Johnny Nzou. He knew that it had to be played out to the very end. Is something worrying you, Danny?
Harrison looked concerned and Daniel realised that he had allowed his agitation to show. No. I was just considering your proposal. On principle I accept the assignment. He took a grip on himself. Subject to contract, of course. There would be many items to negotiate. I would want a percentage of the total gross, an agreed advertising budget, choice of my own crew, especially the cameraman, and I'd want final cut. I am sure we'll be able to come together on the details.
Harrison smiled, and with one finger rotated the duelling pistol until the barrels were no longer pointed at Daniel's chest. Ask your agent to call me as soon as she can. And now I think the sun is definitely over the yard- arm. We can drink to our arrangement in something a little more substantial than Darjeeling. Look here, Bonny, it would be much easier if you had an agent, Daniel told her seriously.
I don't enjoy haggling with you. I believe an artist's job is to be creative, not to waste talent examining the fine print in a contract.
You've been honest with me.
