Middle Eastern Touches

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Description

Energy is changing throughout the world. Lady Seitenshi and Rentaro go to the United Arab Emirates to negotiate the future of energy production.

Foreword

Chapter 1: An Unexpected Journey

 

He was about to go to bed when his phone rang on the night stand beside him. The whir of Mil Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters flying all over the city, kept him from sleeping most nights. The African Standby Force was all over Japan fighting the Gastrea. Addis Ababa heard from the Japanese Ministry of Defense what was going on.

“Lady Seitenshi, what’s going on? It’s late.”

"I know, but I have a favor to ask you. Rentaro, would you accompany me to Dubai for an important meeting?"

"Dubai? What for milady?"

"There's a business deal with a prominent emir that I'm worried about. I go there several times a year, but this time it's serious. It’ll only be you and me. I might need you to double as a negotiator."

"So just you and me?"

"Correct," she said. "I have a 25,000 square foot triplex penthouse overlooking the Persian Gulf. I rent it when I'm not there to cover the cost of ownership."

"You're not worried about Kagetane?"

"No, I have a trusted cabinet member who will take over governor duties while I'm away from Tokyo."

"What is the business deal about?"

"I'll have to tell you in the car due to security reasons. An armored Rolls Royce Phantom limo is going to pick you up at your apartment."


Like clockwork, the 7 meter limo stopped in front of Rentaro's apartment, escorted by 3 Toyota Hilux gun trucks with ZPU-4 anti aircraft guns mounted on the back. He hopped in and sat facing Lady Seitenshi, who handed him a glass of champagne. There were Russian T-90 tanks patrolling the streets too.

"My other bodyguards drive me nuts. It's just you and me this time. Trust me, I've taken them to the United Arab Emirates before and they are unappreciative. I've made them get hotels."

"I see, so what do I do with Enju?"

"She'll be fine. Someone will look after her while we're away."

"So what were you going to tell me about meeting with an emir?"

"It's concerning Japan's future with energy. Other governors have tried to work out deals with them, but it doesn't go well. Even Saitake has tried, but they are too unlikeable."

"And you think you'll have a better shot, milady? Why the United Arab Emirates?"

Her eyes darted to her right, staring at her champagne glass in her hand. The limo was approaching Haneda Airport, but there was traffic.

"I've tried before,” she began. “It's a different person every time. I bought a property there a while ago because trade with Japan is very important there and I go several times a year for business, but I am worried about this trip."

"You bought a property there? No way. Dubai is crazy expensive. How did you do that?"

"I had a partner who bought it with me. We each paid for half. It was over 700 million yen equivalent in Emirati dirham."

"So you paid 350 million yen? Insane. I bet gastrea do not like the hot desert."

"They do not. Dubai is one of the few cities in the world that doesn't need monolith barriers. I rent it for 7,000 dirham a month."

The driver made their way through an airport access gate and onto the tarmac. An ACJ350-900 awaited them. Once aboard, they taxied to the runway.

"It'll be awhile before we're back," said Seitenshi, adjusting her seat.

"I don't have any luggage. The only thing I have are the clothes on my back, my security badge, and my standard issue pistol."

Seitenshi looked at him from her window seat. 

"Don't worry, we can go to a mall. Sometimes I like going to the UAE to get away from everything."

"How do you afford all of this?"

"I get a good pension from the Japanese government and I make smart investments."


It wasn't long before they were soaring above Tokyo. Of course the plane would fly higher and faster than commercial airliners. The only other people aboard were her flight attendant, Hamad was dressed in a white kandura and two pilots. They would land in Dubai in around 9 hours. Rentaro fell asleep rather quickly, holding Seitenshi's hand next to him. When he awoke, they were over Southwestern Afghanistan according to the flight path map on the wall-mounted monitor in front of him. It wasn’t sunrise yet, which meant it was probably close to quarter to 5 in the morning. Hamad served an Emirati breakfast of Balaleet fresh from the galley, an omelet with vermicelli and spices, all drizzled with rose water for flavor. 

“This breakfast is common among Persian Gulf nations,” said Hamad. “I thought I would give you an introduction to the region, by serving you this traditional breakfast.”

"I haven't been outside Japan much. This is a welcome change from what I am used to."

"The United Arab Emirates sees people from all over the world,” said Lady Seitenshi. “It's a major transport hub."

"This'll be my first time in the UAE," said Rentaro, eating his breakfast. Seitenshi had the same thing.

"You'll like it," said Hamad, chiming in. "It is scorching hot most of the time, as it is part of the Arabian Desert and it's a playground for the rich and famous. Oil money is big here. I worked in the construction business in Dubai."

"We're meeting with a fuel tycoon in a few days," said Rentaro.

"Is that so? Be careful cutting deals with those guys. They're known to do shady transactions to maximize their profits."

"Thank you for the heads-up. How did you get your foot in the door there milady? I mean Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world.”

“I got a deal on a penthouse because it cut into the previous owner’s bottom line. Believe it or not, it was an American oil executive. They had another place in the region, Doha I think.”

“Qatar eh?” said Hamad. “I’ve been there lots of times. Also expensive.”

“If you knew it cut into their bottom line, then why did you take it?” said Rentaro.

“I refurbished it and made it very nice. I ordered a Venetian sputnik chandelier for each of the 5 bedrooms to fit the modern design I had in mind for the residence.”

“You said before we left Tokyo that it is 25,000 square feet?”

“Yes, it is two levels, the master bedroom is on the second floor, where you and I are staying. It has 6 bathrooms too.”

“Hold on a second, you want me to share your bed? I don’t know if I can do that. I’ve never shared a bed with anyone other than maybe Enju. She’s not supposed to be sleeping in my bed, but sometimes I let her do it.”

“Well it gets lonesome sleeping in a king sized bed alone. It’ll be more environmentally friendly too when it comes to doing laundry.”

He thought about how nice it would be sharing a bed with a woman. It would be a first for him. 

“Milady, how do you afford a place like that?”

“The owner was selling it for 22 million Emirati dirham.”

“How do you have the money for that?”

“I told you earlier,” said Seitenshi, pouring two glasses of french champagne and handing one of them to Rentaro. “I rent it when I am not there. Month to month, and I’m still trying to get the home loan reduced.”

“That’s a wise business decision. Do you ever host any events?”

“It’s not the only property I have. I have 4 more in Auckland, Singapore, London, and New York. And yes, sometimes I host events.”

“Penthouses?”

“I have a luxury villa just outside Auckland, and the other three are large penthouses, yes. The one in Singapore is atop the Wallich Residence. At 21,000 square feet, it is my largest property. Near Camps Bay, I have a modern villa with a nice slender swimming pool.”

“You must be renting them right now.”

“Yes,” she said, sipping her champagne with elegance. “I have to rent them to stay afloat.”

“Then of course you have the palace in Tokyo.”

“Of course, although it’s similar to the White House in the United States. I do not own it, but my other properties are rented full time until I need to go there. Normally, I wouldn’t be getting this specific, but you are my boyfriend and I trust that you will keep it close to the vest.”

When Lady Seitenshi looked out the window, she could see the dark waters of the Strait of Hormuz about 45,000 feet below, which meant they had about half an hour of the flight left. The sun was starting to peak over the horizon.


Chapter 2: Settling In

Once they landed at Sharjah International Airport, it wasn’t too much of a drive to her residence. A chauffeur in the same limo that awaited them, arrived not too much later. Once they arrived at her place, Rentaro couldn’t believe his eyes.

“You did all this yourself?”

“I had help, Hamad helped with the design. I promised him, if he finished the project he could be a flight attendant for me.”

“It looks modern, but at the same time has middle eastern touches.”

“I wanted something that reflected the culture here. Don’t worry, I have a deal with the tenant that when I need this place, they go on a trip. I come here several times a year.”

Rentaro opened the sliding glass door and walked out on the deck that wrapped around half of the penthouse.

"There’s a swimming pool out here too?"

He could feel the cool breeze coming off the Persian Gulf hitting his face. Downtown Dubai was visible in the distance as well as a view of the Burj Khalifa. 

"I never get tired of that view, especially at night. Believe it or not, I have yet to use that pool."

Seitenshi checked her email on her phone. 

Rentaro shut the door as he came back inside.

"What is it milady?"

"The day after tomorrow we're meeting with the energy executive at the Almas Tower. The meeting will not be that long, but why don't we consider this a vacation too."

"What about things back home?"

"The vice-governor will call me if there is any trouble. Come relax."

"So what gets your other bodyguards in trouble like Yasuwaki?"

"Oh please don't start with that guy."

"Has he been here?"

"Yes, but I was quick to kick him out. He makes me uncomfortable."

"Why did you hire him?"

She chuckled nervously, "He used to be good, but he changed once I gave him power."

"And after that incident, you were not reluctant to hire me?"

"It's funny you ask that, but no, I know you're completely different. Yasuwaki only came here once, then I promised myself I wouldn't bring him here again. He’s unappreciative."

“Has Sogen Saitake been here?”

“I assume he has been to the UAE,” said Lady Seitenshi, laying her arm on the couch’s armrest beside her. “He’s ambitious and wants to make the most of what he can. Fortunately for me, no one has made a deal with him.” 

“He’s too brash. How could anyone make a deal with that guy? He wanted to threaten other countries and it comes off when you meet him. He doesn’t have a way with people.”

“I remember our meetings with him. He’s not very likable.”

Lady Seitenshi yawned, “I’m sorry I didn’t sleep much on the flight.”

“Go relax milady, it’s a big day tomorrow.”

She made her way upstairs to the master bedroom. Rentaro followed. He jumped in the shower and could see the downtown skyline from the bathroom window. His phone buzzed.

“Kisara? What’s going on?”

“Satomi, can you wait for me after school? I’ve got some important paperwork for you.”

Rentaro looked at his watch.

“I’m actually 5 hours behind you and I am with Lady Seitenshi for a business trip in Dubai and I only got here a few hours ago.”

Her tone changed to that of anger. “Why didn’t you tell me? I guess I don’t matter as much to you as Miori does.”

“No, no, no Kisara, this trip is important.”

“I don’t care Rentaro, you shouldn’t be missing school anyway.”

“Oh yeah,” said Rentaro. “Well what if I told you that the energy that schools in Japan use are in large part due to the country’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates. This is a very important meeting for Lady Seitenshi. No other Japanese governor has been successful with an energy deal, and I am sure Lady Seitenshi is going to be able to secure something for Tokyo.”

Of course he didn’t tell Kisara about the numerous properties Lady Seitenshi had around the world, including the one in Dubai, because that was private information. He finished the call and put on his boxers and plain t-shirt before hopping in bed with Lady Seitenshi, who was fast asleep, her stomach with her arms under her pillow and facing him. He could smell her mint breath on his face.

She always brushes her teeth. Elegant lady. I better let her rest as tomorrow’s meeting is an important one.


Chapter 3: Energy Negotiations

When he awoke, Lady Seitenshi’s arms were wrapped around his stomach. Now he could see Downtown Dubai at night, looking out the window on his side of the room. He could see the flat screen tv on the wall just opposite the king size bed. He looked at the clock, which read just past 3 in the morning. Seitenshi was fast asleep against his back. Despite the large bed, there was barely any space between the two of them. He decided to let her sleep. She worked hard and today was an important day. They weren’t used to sharing beds, but the number of times he worked for her as her bodyguard made him comfortable with Seitenshi. The same was true for her as well. Given her position in bed, sleeping against his back, she longed for this moment too. He turned over looking at her face mere inches away from his. He wanted to put his hand on her cheek, but decided against it as it could wake the hard working Japanese governor. Instead he laced his fingers in one of her hands. She squeezed his hand, which surprised him. 

 

“You thought I was fast asleep,” she said, kissing him on the cheek.

 

“Of course I thought I did, Kisara gets on my nerves. Did you hear that phone call last night?”

 

“No, I did not. What was it about?”

 

“I only told her I’m on a business trip with you. I did not tell her that we are in a relationship.”

 

“Thank you for that. I wanted to get away from Japan for a while.”

 

“I bet if people at Magata High knew the Tokyo governor was my girlfriend, everybody would freak out. Has anyone ever shared this bed with you?”

 

“I bet people would freak out, and no, no one has ever shared this bed with me. Yasuwaki tried, but I told him to find a hotel. One night I came up here and he was in bed and it scared me.”

 

“I don’t get a good feeling from that guy.”

 

“That’s why I banned him from going on trips with me.”

 

“What are we doing up so early in the morning?”

 

“It’s hot tonight.”

 

“When is it ever not hot in Dubai?”

 

“This place rarely gets any rain.”

 

Rentaro adjusted his position in bed to cuddle with Seitenshi.

 

“What can people at Magata High say when we’re 8,000 kilometers away?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

“Exactly.”

 

“I could learn a thing or two from you.”

 

When sunrise came, Seitenshi took a quick shower. Rentaro brushed his teeth, gelled his hair, and put on cologne. Seitenshi got out with a towel wrapped around her torso in the large bathroom mirror next to him. A rather large jacuzzi was right behind them. Sunlight began to creep in over the downtown skyline.

 

“Normally, you wouldn’t let people be in here right?”

 

“Yes, but I trust you.”

 

“The Almas Tower can’t be that far from here.”

 

“We can walk there from here. We can go to the Dubai mall after and get you some clothes and luggage.”

 

Seitenshi faced away from him to put on a bra. Rentaro helped her hook the strap, before they went down and made some Omuraisu in the kitchen.

 

It wasn’t that much of a walk to the Almas Tower. Once they entered the lobby, they boarded an elevator. 

“I wonder what this guy will be like?” said Rentaro.

 

“I don’t know, I have never met him before. Like I said, it’s a different person every time.”

 

Once they reached one of the top floors, it was down the corridor and into a corner office. A man wearing a traditional white kandura and a red and white checkered taqiyah on his head was sitting in an office chair behind the desk reading the Dubai Times, checking on his stocks.

 

“I’ll handle this milady,” said Rentaro. “As-salaam alaykom,” he said in simple Arabic to show respect.

 

“Rentaro?” said Lady Seitenshi, a little surprised at his greeting.

 

“Wa alykom as-salaam,” said Ahsan Hussain in response. He had tan skin. His gentle facial features complemented his tall stature. “How are you two doing? You came all the way here from Tokyo. I’m originally from the Saudi royal family. I’ve been expecting Lady Seitenshi for quite some time. You are?”

 

“Rentaro Satomi, her bodyguard.” He said nothing about negotiation, because he didn’t know what the man was going to do.

 

“Thank you for coming all the way out here from Tokyo. Speaking of Tokyo, you wanted to talk about energy consumption there. How can I help with that?”

 

“You have ties in Saudi Arabia?”

 

“Yes I do. Please have a seat you two,” said Ahsan.

 

They sat on the couch across from the table.

 

“So I hear you’re getting worried about energy consumption in Japan. What do you mainly use it for?”

 

To calm Seitenshi’s nerves, Rentaro put his hand on her hand.

 

“She has told me in the past that there are not enough gas tankers plying the seas from the Middle East to meet demand, but gastrea make it all the more difficult. She has tried with Iran, but they do not want to get involved.”

 

“Let me see if I can help.”

 

“Citizens of Tokyo are struggling right now because they are worried about losing energy.”

 

“Let me get this straight, you came all the way out here to Dubai to negotiate energy?”

“That is correct, the Middle East is a hotspot for natural resources. They say a third of the world’s oil passes through Singapore.”

 

“I’ve been there,” said Ahsan. “Very wealthy. I have negotiated with the likes of Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, and Exxon Mobil. I don’t like how fussy they can be. Meeting with a head of state from another nation is a welcome change.”

 

“Have you been to Nigeria?”

 

“Lady Seitenshi?” said Rentaro not expecting such an abrupt statement.

 

“I have met with all the OPEC nations in board meetings, even the United States President has talked to me face to face in Riyadh. I try not to think about the amount of money the royal family has because that isn’t the point when it comes to business. Business is well… just that… business.”

 

Rentaro and Seitenshi looked at each other.

 

“So what can I do for Japan? I hear the nation is split up into 5 different ruling factions, sort of like the United Arab Emirates although we have 7 different emirates with Dubai being the wealthiest.”

 

“I come here often, Ahsan,” said Lady Seitenshi. “Often enough that I own a property here. Up until now, no one has been of much help to me.”

 

“I take it that previous negotiations have gone sour.”

 

“That is quite correct.”

 

“Tell you what, if you buy some stocks in the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, then I will be more than willing to give you as much energy as you need.”

 

Ashan and Lady Seitenshi shook hands.

 

“Give me a call, I’d be more than happy to help Japan recuperate.”

 

“Have any other Japanese governors been successful in securing a deal with you? Like Sogen Saitake?”

 

“Sogen Saitake? That name rings a bell. Tell you what, let’s go to an early lunch Lady Seitenshi and Rentaro. I’ll have my driver pick you up.”

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