Starting from South America, speeding through the world

Chapter 324 The Emperor Emeritus of America
The October wind carried a chill as it blew in from the other end of the track.

The business jet parking area at Borispil Airport has been separated.

The yellow line marks a wide-open rectangular area.

The reporters crowded on the opposite side, blocked by the railing, their camera lenses held high.

Two National Guard officers stood side by side in a corner, their backs to the glaring lights.

Will she get off the plane and speak directly?

The younger man lowered his hat brim but couldn't help asking the question.

The U.S. Diplomatic Security Service agent closest to them turned to the side.

He didn't answer immediately; he paused for a moment before slowly replying:

"Follow the arrangements."

“What I mean is,” the young officer said, lowering his voice slightly.

"How much will she say to the media? Just one sentence, or a paragraph?"

The man's expression remained unchanged as he tucked the headphone cord further into his collar.

"The specific details are not up to you or me to decide."

Upon hearing this, the young officer's lips twitched involuntarily.

He wanted to ask another question, but his colleague coughed twice and took over the conversation:

“We added three layers of security to the perimeter and cleared the route a second time.”

"If she doesn't want to stay too long, we can help suppress the reporters' questions."

The American finally turned around, facing the two of them, and gave them a polite smile.

"No need. She'll choose the questions herself."

"She just came from Brussels? How was her journey?"

This time, the Americans remained silent.

Several code names came through the earpiece; he responded briefly and left with:
“The schedule is tight.”

The young officer frowned, unable to discern whether it was praise or criticism.

"We need to confirm every detail, please understand."

A colleague added, feigning nonchalance.

"If the media gets in a mess, it will be bad for both sides' image."

The American nodded and raised his hand to make a simple gesture.

Another team member immediately returned from the press area and reported in a low voice in English:

"The north fence is secure, and two teams of personnel are monitoring from a high point."

"The police dog re-examination lane is complete. They are expected to approach in two minutes."

In the few seconds of silence, the only sound was the wind whistling through the metal roof.

The young officer felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up one by one.

The smell of fuel seemed to become more pronounced.

A roar came from the far end of the runway.

"The lead vehicle is in position."

"Tower clearance. Received."

The young officer instinctively straightened his back, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down.

The team members with metal detectors finally scanned the white line leading down the gangway.

"The plane has landed. VIPs are moving in two."

The engine, the radio calls, and the noise made it impossible to tell which was closer.

The reporters' area immediately became abuzz, with camera shutters clicking in rapid succession.

The female reporter tried to push the microphone tip forward, but was stopped by the security guards on guard.

The next second, the American public relations officer walked through the side of the crowd.

"You've got a view, stop pushing in!" she shouted.

"Also, don't hold the microphone too high, the wind noise is terrible."

"Watch out for the gangway."

"Stairs man clear. Dogs clear. LZ sterile."

"Copy".

"Blue One on stairs in one."

At the same time, the hatch was pushed open from the inside out.

The gray-haired ambassador appeared first, waving to reporters and mouthing "Welcome".

Immediately afterwards, a woman dressed in a dark suit appeared at the hatch.

Below the gangway, the protocol officer and the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Director were already in position.

In the middle section, a Ukrainian girl in traditional clothing holds a bouquet of sunflowers.

Madeline smiled and accepted it.

In the front row, the Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister and the US Ambassador waited side by side. After a few brief greetings, she shook hands with them and posed for a photo.

They were then directed to the press area by the protocol staff.

The PR person raised their hand in advance from the side and quickly selected two media outlets.

"Madam Deputy Secretary, does the United States support the protesters in Independence Square?"

Madeline's gaze was calm, and she wore a smile.
"The United States supports the Ukrainian people's right to choose their own future."

"We believe they should be able to express their opinions in a peaceful and free environment."

The reporter was not satisfied, so he chose to continue asking questions:

"The Yanukovych government has accused the protests of being influenced by external forces."

What is your response to this?

"The sovereignty of Ukraine belongs to the Ukrainian people."

"Our position is clear: violence must be avoided and dialogue must continue."

Will the United States provide concrete support to Ukraine?

Economic aid? Sanctions?

Upon seeing this, the PR person immediately made a "one last question" gesture.

"We are in close communication with our partners and allies."

"Discuss how to help Ukraine embark on the path of reform and stability."

"I am here today to reiterate this point."

After speaking, Madeline, holding a bouquet of flowers, nodded in acknowledgment and walked towards the convoy under the protection of her guards.

The car door slammed shut and was then locked.

A DSS agent who was accompanying her sat next to her, and another person sat in the front row.

"Package secure. Convoy rolling."

The lead car drove out first, followed closely by two black SUVs.

Finally, a police car brought the scene to a close.

The shouts from the reporters' area were still echoing behind them, but they were quickly blocked outside the iron railings.

The convoy drove into the airport's dedicated lane.

The ambassador opened his wallet-style itinerary card and reported in a low voice:

"The first stop is the Presidential Palace, where the Deputy Foreign Minister will accompany us."

"Then comes the House of Representatives, followed by a meeting with the opposition."

Madeline indicated that she understood, pondered for a moment, and then added:
"Streamline the press releases again, emphasizing reform and avoiding setting conditions."

The DSS agents in the front row turned to confirm:

"The route is normal. After three kilometers, it will merge into the highway. Two groups of motorcycles are ahead of the clear road."

"Route green. ETA twenty minutes."

Madeline laid the bouquet across her lap, her fingers unconsciously stroking the thin membrane.

Outside the window, October in Kyiv already felt like late autumn.

Faded billboards are pasted on gray-white residential buildings.

The roadside is lined with old lampposts.

Madeline's gaze lingered on the glass, where the string of characters continued to flash.

—A very courageous attempt, Madeline.

Jim Spencer.

She silently repeated the name in her heart.

7th SFG(A)
USASOC 1st SFOD-D
He retired with honors, but turned to become an assassin.

Their activities have always been confined to the Americas, and they have never left their old circle.

I originally thought that I could control such a person after a few rounds of coercion and enticement.

But I was too hasty, revealed myself too early, and my intentions were too direct.

It was the predicament that forced her to take risks.

It was the past failures and humiliations that made him anxious and eager to turn the tables.

Fortunately, everything will be different after this trip.

Kyiv will provide enough leverage and prestige to silence all doubts.

And that Jim Spencer
Perhaps we should consider making him disappear.

A thought flashed through Madeline's mind as she glanced at the DSS agents around her.

Fully armed, hands resting on their thighs, ready to act at any moment.

She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, suppressing the impulse for the time being.

It's not too late to deal with it after this visit is over and she has some alone time.

(End of this chapter)