General Fazeed recognized nearly everybody there, and had been able to have a quick word with Admiral Ralouf when he arrived. They exchanged pleasantries, inquired about each other’s families, and of course stayed away from the topic of the meeting. The presumed topic, that is; nobody had been informed of the subject matter, only that their presence was required for a discussion of matters of strategic interest. Not even the ubiquitous Mr. Jafari would enlighten them. He had greeted Fazeed and then Ralouf warmly. Since their meeting at the base two weeks earlier for the missile test, Fazeed had done some discreet checking on the Defense Ministry official, who turned out to be not from the Defense Ministry at all, but from VEVAK, Ministry of Intelligence and National Security. That was not a great surprise, but it was another reason for Fazeed to be cautious. “Gentlemen, the President of the Islamic Republic.” Fazeed faced the doorway and came to attention.
