Page 74 of Tom Clancy Line of Sight
His computer chimed: “Transfer Complete.” He grinned, and flicked the spent butt into the street below.
Time to call his woman and celebrate.
37
SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Aida led the way by foot in a fast, ten-minute walk to a cul-de-sac at the end of a nearby side street. A large crowd had already gathered in front of the newly built three-story building with a banner in the Bosnian national colors of blue, white, and yellow proclaiming “Bosnia Youth Technology and Sports Center.” Half of the crowd waved little Bosnian flags, but easily a third waved red Turkish national flags.
The Turkish ambassador, Kemal Topal, stood at the top of the entrance steps, flanked by school-aged children and several local politicians. He was just finishing up his speech.
Jack turned to Aida, whispering. “He sounds like he’s running for office.”
“The ambassador is a remarkable man.”
“You know him?”
Aida just smiled.
—
Topal laid his hands on the heads of two small children propped beside him.
“The future of Bosnia stands on either side of me. The twenty-first century belongs to them, and the twenty-first century is a technological century. These children will dream technology dreams, and thanks to this center, they will help bring about advances in medicine, robotics, and artificial intelligence, which will change how we live, and how we live together.”
Applause broke out among the crowd, and the kids on the steps, too.
“But boys and girls need strong bodies as well as strong minds. Life isn’t all books—excuse me, tablets—and math equations. That is why we are also providing state-of-the-art exercise equipment, as well as martial-arts training, dance, and cardiovascular conditioning, what we used to call ‘football.’”
His grandfatherly smile launched another wave of clapping.
“My government is deeply honored to sponsor the construction and equipping of this magnificent new facility.” He turned to the adults around him. “And we offer our sincerest congratulations to the mayor, the minister of education, and all of the others who have worked tirelessly to make the dream of the Bosnia Youth Technology and Sports Center a reality for all children in Sarajevo—Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. Thank you!”
The Turks in the crowd roared their approval, applauding wildly, and were soon joined by the rest.
Topal scanned the audience, noting who was in attendance. His eyes fell on Jack and Aida standing in the back. He whispered in the ear of one of his bodyguards, who nodded and waded into the crowd.
—
Aida turned to Jack. “What did you think about the youth center opening?”
“That was the hope you were talking about.”
“You have no idea how significant this is. Do you know there are schools in Bosnia where the kids are all separated? One floor is Croat, one floor is Serb, and the third floor is Bosniak, all learning the exact same subjects but taught separately. They even play in separate yards. What kind of message do you think that sends to those kids?”
The Turk bodyguard approached them. “Excuse me, but the ambassador would like to speak with the two of you.”
Aida and Jack exchanged a look. Jack shrugged. “Sure, why not?”
The bodyguard led them back through the chattering crowd devouring the free snacks and beverages provided by the Turkish embassy, and through the doors of the center and into the foyer.
Ambassador Topal dismissed the bodyguard with a friendly nod.
“Aida, I’m so glad to see you here,” he said, beaming, extending his hand.
Aida shook it. “Congratulations, Your Excellency. This is a wonderful project. I’m so glad it was completed. Ambassador Topal, this is my friend Jack Ryan.”
Topal shook Jack’s hand. “Mr. Ryan, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
