I soon found cause to grab General Ginevra Cappitani and her husband, Dante, and speak to them somewhat privately. "General Cappitani, I wish to let you know how appreciative Lady Isabella and I are that you are here to oversee the elections. We want nothing but a clean, fair process and I will gladly and efficiently acquiesce to your every request that is within my power to grant."
"I wish you to know that Lady Isabella, until the elections and transfer of power, has final say on anything concerning Mexico and I have final say on anything involving the presence of the U.S. Military. We will both back you to the hilt."
Ginevra then asked, "Would it be possible to speak with both you and Lady Isabella?"
I immediately got Beth's attention and she excused herself from some diplomats before coming over to us. General Ginevra then mentioned, "Lady Isabella, Ambassador Walker here has said you have the final word for all things Mexico. Do you perceive that to be an accurate statement?"
Beth smiled, "I would indeed, General. How may I be of assistance?"
"I find it best if my people can work with complete autonomy. Will that be an issue?"
Beth giggled with a big smile, "Absolutely no issue at all, General. I was hoping to be able to fade into the shadows concerning this election and if you are willing to take the 'bull by the horns', I am all the happier."
Will my units have arrest powers?"
"I have no problem with your units having arrest powers. While you are here, I will consider you and yours part of my military police force with power to arrest and incarcerate. You will also have the power to prosecute in our courts should you require it. I am sure you understand I cannot speak for the government after the transition of power, however."
Ginevre nodded, "What are we to do if we are fired upon?"
"Fire back with overwhelming force and eliminate the threat. And if you need help give Ambassador Harry a call. He can have heavy ordinance delivered by air to any coordinates you give him within a minute and there will be no inquiry; you just need to provide an AAR to Ambassador Walker when it is all over."
Ginevre smiled, "You are most accommodating, Madam President. We will be out of your hair as quickly as possible after the elections have been certified." She then looked to me, "When will the U.S. forces withdraw from the country?"
"The day power is transferred to the new government we will pull our forces out with alacrity. Indeed, immediately after elections have been certified, the Naval blockade will be lifted so trade and tourism can begin to normalize."
Dante looked at me shrewdly, "You are a very capable man, Ambassador. Surprising, given your age."
I smiled, "Thank you, and it is just Harry, please."
"And Beth or Bella."
"Dante is just fine with me, though, for appearances, I believe my wife prefers General."
Beth and I both nodded, "General and Dante, we look forward to working closely with you and yours. If there are any issues, please contact the Embassy afloat and we will jump on it immediately."
Ginevre then smiled, "After your little speech to the other ambassadors, I was not sure how we would get along. I am glad my first impression was not the entire picture."
"Well, General, I have no doubt you realize there was a lot of behind-the-scenes messaging going on there. With a new governance of Mexico, some might wish to establish improper relationships with the new politicians, and I wanted to send a very strong message that such things will not be tolerated. The whole point of this exercise is to expunge the crime and corruption and pave the way for a new era of prosperity for all of Mexico."
Ginevre raised an eyebrow, "Oh, I have no issues with military style discipline. I am not sure career politicians feel the same way, however."
I chuckled, "General, ambassador was not my first title."
Dante guffawed, "No, that much is obvious; and I mean no disrespect. You do not have the slime of a career politician. No, I suspect your first title, given your known skill sets, was... associated with black bag operations? Am I close?"
"I cannot speak to that, Dante. I am sure you understand." I said as I smiled and winked.
Beth laughed, "Damn Harry! He has your number!"
"Yeah, seems so. I just hope the others here recognize with whom they are dealing."
Ginevre responded, "I would hazard a guess you didn't leave much room for doubt. You will make an interesting President one day, Harry."
"I laughed, "Oh? What are you hearing?"
"Umm, just the scuttlebutt around the diplomatic halls in the United Nations. Nothing official, yet."
0o0
Walsh, along with Craig, were able to get some alone time with Dante and Ginevre just before dinner and Craig quietly asked, "Mon cher Général, puis-je vous renseigner sur vos penchants concernant les rencontres sexuelles gratuites?" (My dear General, might I inquire about your proclivities concerning free use sexual encounters?)
Ginevre smiled and responded in kind, "Mon mari et moi sommes très aventureux à cet égard. Aviez-vous quelque chose en tête?" (My husband and I are very adventurous in that regard. Did you have something in mind?) she asked discretely as she looked both Walsh and Craig up and down in an appraising manner.
"Avez-vous eu le plaisir de faire l'amour en hélicoptère avec d'autres couples en survolant plus d'un kilomètre de hauteur dans les airs?" (Have you had the pleasure of sex in a helicopter with other couples while flying over a mile high in the air?)
"Je dois admettre que non. Mais une orgie impromptue en rejoignant le club Mile High est en fait sur notre liste de choses à faire. Puis-je demander qui serait présent?" (I must admit we have not. But an impromptu orgy while joining the mile high club is actually on our bucket list. May I inquire as to all who would be present?)
El Presidente de México, Lady Isabella y su maestro, el Capitán Barnes, el Presidente de Estados Unidos y su esposa, Mary, yo y la Sra. Walsh, el Embajador de la ONU Adrian Scotsdale y su esposa, Carol, Harry y su esposa, Sue. ¿Aún interesado? (The President of Mexico, Lady Isabella and her master, Captain Barnes, the President of America and his wife, Mary, myself and Mrs. Walsh, UN Ambassador Adrian Scotsdale and his wife, Carol, Harry and his wife, Sue. Still interested?)