The Great Wall of Silence: The Silent Political Takeover of the United States

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Prologue

Historical Facts:

The Mongolian Empire existed during the 13th and 14th centuries, and was the largest contiguous land empire in human history. Beginning in the Central Asian steppes, it eventually stretched from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan, covering large parts of Siberia in the north and extending southward into Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Iranian plateau, and the Middle East.

The Mongol Empire emerged from the unification of Mongol and Turkic tribes of historical Mongolia under the leadership of Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan was proclaimed ruler of all Mongols in 1206. The empire grew rapidly under his rule and then under the rule of his descendants, who sent invasions in every direction. The vast transcontinental empire which connected the east with the west with an enforced Pax Mongolica allowed trade, technologies, commodities and ideologies to be disseminated and exchanged across Eurasia.

The empire began to split as a result of wars over succession, as the grandchildren of Genghis Khan disputed whether the royal line should follow from Genghis’s son and initial heir Ogedei, or one of his other sons such as Tolui, Chagatai, or Jochi. The Toluids prevailed after a bloody purge of Ogedeid and Chagataid factions, but disputes continued even among the descendants of To lui.

The Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260 marked the high-water point of Mongol conquests, and was the first time a Mongol advance had ever been beaten back in direct combat on the battlefield. In 1304, the three western khanates briefly accepted the nominal suzerainty of the Yuan Dynasty, but when it was overthrown by the Han Chinese Ming Dynasty in 1368, the Mongol Empire finally dissolved.

(historical sources from Wikipedia.com)

After the fall of the Mongolian Dynasty in 1368, the head members of the councils of the four separate khanates convened in secrecy in what is known as The Secret Society of the Mongols (SSM). They were each haunted and tormented by the political decisions they had made that led to the fall of the powerful dynasty started by their ancestor Genghis Khan. The spirit of Khan himself seemed to be pursuing the leaders and pushing them to rebuild the empire. It was then and there that they created the most prolific plot, to one day, rebuild and rule the largest land Empire on Earth. They spent the next 3 years writing the Manual of the SSM that gave specific instructions for what bloodline members of the SSM were to do with their lives. They were to guard these secrets and were to pass them down to male children only patiently and strategically waiting until all the pieces were in place to execute their plan.

Chapter 1

She awoke to the sound of thunder in the mountains. Hearing the approaching storm, her heart began to pound with anxiety.

Shit, she mumbled as she reached toward the nightstand. Darkness hovered over her room as she fumbled for the clock. It can’t be. How could it be?

She dragged her body across the sheets, lifted herself, and sat upright. The red light from the digital clock hit her square in the eyes. It was midnight. Surely Drew would think something had happened to her. Maybe he would think she had finally met an ill-fated doom. He had warned her all too often. She was asking for trouble. She had a death wish.

She thought about danger, thought about death. What if she were murdered? Drew would, of course, cry in anguish. Her high school prom date would mourn in silence, and her cat… oh, she couldn’t bear to think of her cat.

She dressed, grabbed her things, and headed for the lobby.

Addison Landon, 211, she said, handing her room key to the desk clerk.

You were supposed to check out by three o’clock yesterday, ma’am. I’m going to have to charge you for the extra day.

Yeah, yeah, that’s fine. I… I fell asleep.

That happens. The clerk held out her hand. Credit card, please. I need to run it through again.

Addison slowly rocked back and forth as she waited for the clerk to settle the bill.

You driving tonight, ma’am?

Yes, I’m late getting back to New York.

Big storm coming. Be careful, the clerk cautioned.

Sure, sure. Thanks. she picked up her suitcase and headed to her car.

The night’s shadows fell in strange, eerie patterns, sending a chill through Addison. She unlocked her car door and, as she always did, checked to be sure no one was hiding in the backseat. Justified paranoia. That’s what Drew called it.

She started the car and pulled out of the parking lot into the quiet of the night. If she hurried, perhaps she could beat the storm. With a long drive ahead of her, Addison was in no mood to battle the elements. It would be a lonely drive. It was too late to call Drew, and she had few friends. Those she did have would be fast asleep.

A flash of lightening spidered across the sky. Addison accelerated. I’ve got to beat this storm, she thought. Just keep going, Addison, just keep going.

She entered in the interstate, heading back to the city. Damn, if only the radio worked. It was time for a new car but the Mitsubishi Eclipse was reliable, and parting with it wouldn’t be easy. The thought of car payments made her nauseous. She hadn’t had a raise in two years. The instability of the print media made her too nervous to commit to any large purchases. At any time, the plug could be pulled. It was a thought that stayed in the back of her mind, always. A new car was out of the question, so she had to preserve the Eclipse, with its 127,000 miles. When she moved to the city, she bought the car despite everyone telling her no one owns a car in New York. Subways weren’t her thing, and a car, well; it was a necessity for her frequent trips out of the city. She had bought it when she was with Michael. Ahhh… Michael. They had picked it out together, years before she discovered what a creep he was. While she was off working at night, he was off playing — with Robin. It was a tough breakup, but Addison had no intention of staying in a relationship with a cheater. No matter how remorseful he was. For all she cared, he could spend the rest of his life with Robin. She was a bottom feeder. He deserved her.

Life without Michael wasn’t easy at first, but as time passed, the wounds healed. Luckily, she had yet to run into him with Robin. In as much as she prepared for the day, she prayed it would never come.

Michael had lame excuses for cheating on Addison. She wasn’t always nice to waitresses, he had said. Huh? You’re kidding, right? Who cheats on someone because they had a bad day and might not have been overly friendly to the diner waitress? She left the cap off the toothpaste. Okay… that’s original. It was all she could do to not burst out laughing when he tried to justify his indiscretion. But… it didn’t take long for the semi-truth to come out. You like your job better than you like me, he had said. It’s always been that way. Work first, me second.

At that very moment, Michael looked pathetic. Had she been so blind for the past six years that she didn’t see this side of him? Addison had wanted to cry, should have cried, but there were no tears, only numbness.

Was it her job that led her lover to the arms of another woman? Addison suspected it was so, but not quite for the reasons Michael had given her. No, it was because Michaels’s father was the most powerful politician in the city and Michael had his cushy job as a department head. He was always being accused of feeding Addison information. How else were the dirty deeds of city hall creeping into the press? They never gave me credit for having plenty of my own sources, Addison thought often, but never uttered to Michael, or anyone else for that matter. Maybe she could have been more defensive and protected Michael, but it didn’t matter, because no one would have believed her.

Addison had suspected Michael was cheating. Maybe that’s why the split came as no big surprise. After all, she had found a small piece of paper on the kitchen counter one day that had a phone number written on it, in what could only be a woman’s writing. There was no name, nothing to indicate who the number belonged to.

What’s this? she had asked Michael.

Oh, that… that must be Kathleen’s number… you know… the gal who’s been asking me about a job, he said, quickly snatching the paper from the counter and tossing in into the trash receptacle.

Addison didn’t buy the story, but said nothing more. Instead, she did what any investigative reporter would do, and she memorized the number so she could call it late at night, when she would most likely get the voice mail.

Hi, this is Robin. Leave a message.

The woman’s voice was deep and gruff. Addison could only imagine what she looked like.

The final straw came one warm spring evening, the weekend before Memorial Day, when Michael said he had to drive Howie to the airport.

You know Cindy wants to move to a warmer place and Howie wants to start scoping the real estate near Miami. I won’t be gone long.

Howie and Cindy were the only couples friends that Addison and Michael had. They were older and certainly odder. Addison didn’t think much of Michael’s hastily exit to rush Howie to JFK. Howie was notorious for running late.

Addison had settled on the couch to do some work when the phone rang. She let the machine pick up.

Hey guys, Howie here. Cindy and I were sitting here talking and we thought it’d be a great night to hit the town, maybe sit outside someplace and grab something to eat if you haven’t ate yet, or just have a drink. Let me…

Hello, Howie? Addison grabbed the phone receiver.

Hey, Howie. Where would you like to meet up?

Oh, hey Addy, how about the usual spot?

Sure! When?

We’re ready, so any time.

Great, I’ll leave in a few and see you there. Grab a table for us.

Addison freshened her makeup and left for the restaurant, mentally preparing the excuse she would give for Michael’s absence. His father called. Something came up, but he shouldn’t be too long. He’ll meet up with us later.

As she, Howie, and Cindy shared salsa and chips while sipping margaritas, Addison could only think of how surprised Michael would be when he heard how she had spent her evening.

She didn’t have to wait long. He called her cell phone—the guilt call.

I just tried calling home, he said. You didn’t answer and I wanted to let you know I’ll be a little late getting home because I’m caught in traffic.

Oh, that’s not all you’re caught in, Addison said with a hint of sarcasm.

What? Where are you?

I’m out with Howie and Cindy.

Silence.

The split was hard because, like a light switch, Michael had gone from someone madly in love to someone who absolutely loathed her, something she couldn’t understand. She made it through the sleepless nights, the loss of appetite, the torture of the mind… but there were never tears. It wasn’t the loss of love. No, it was the loss of habit, of mutual friends, familiar restaurants, intense political talks, of the stability and certainty she had never had in her life. Addison never knew her mother. She had died when Addison was two days shy of her first birthday, and her father was career military. She treasured their few-times-each-year visits, infrequent phone calls, and express-mailed gifts. Addison grew up in Prescott, Wisconsin, a place she yearned for more often than not, but there was little work for an investigative reporter in Podunk. Prescott was too quiet, too Mom and apple pie-ish, far too Americana for a reporter—unless she wanted to spend her life writing about Barney birthday parties and centenarian celebrations. Besides, her grandparents, who had raised her from the day her mother died, had passed on so there was no one to go home to.

Michael had come along at a time when Addison needed companionship. She had felt swallowed in a large city. The closest contact she had had in a city with a population of over five thousand was when she attended college at Ohio State University.

Addison’s cell phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She answered, somewhat perplexed. Michael had been the only one to have ever called her late at night.

Addy, where the hell are you? She didn’t have the chance to say anything when she answered.

Drew?

Yeah, it’s me. Where are you?

I’m on the road. Heading home.

After midnight? Where have you been? You didn’t show for work today, didn’t call in, didn’t…

I’m sorry. I went back to the hotel room and fell asleep, she interrupted.

I thought… thought something happened to you. I’ve been frantic. You were supposed to be back today… well, yesterday. Addy, do you know what time it is?

Drew, I’m a big girl. I fell asleep in the hotel room and didn’t wake until around midnight.

Carson was flipping out and you had me worried sick.

Addison paused. So, fire me. You’re the boss.

Knock it off, Addy. I was worried, we were all worried. You’re never late for work, then all of a sudden one day you pull a no-show… just disappear… I thought something… Where the hell are you anyway?

Leaving the Poconos.

You’re in Pennsylvania?

Yes, sir, boss.

Why didn’t you answer your phone? I’ve called you a hundred times.

It didn’t ring. Probably no signal in the mountains.

What the hell are you doing there…? Don’t tell me. Chasing secret societies and mummified politicians?

Addison sighed. I’ll be to work promptly at nine. Thanks for calling.

Before Drew had the chance to say another word, she snapped the phone shut.

Probably not a good thing to hang up on the boss, Addison thought. Drew was a supportive boss, one who had her back, all the time, especially when sparing with Carson. He was a good friend too, and one who didn’t deserve the cold shoulder.

She dialed him back.

Sorry, Drew, she said softly. I’m just tired.

No prob, Addy. Just drive safely and we’ll talk tomorrow… err… today.

Thanks. It looks like I beat a bad storm so the ride from here on out should be smooth sailing. I’ll talk to you later.

Smooth sailing. Addison could only hope. She didn’t like thunderstorms. She feared them. She had white-knuckled her way down the highway only because she had to report to work. Only because she was already late returning to the city.

It was only when the thunder rumbled in the distance, did she exhale. The road was lonely. In some ways, she thought it was a good thing, but always in the back of her mind was the fear of her car breaking down on a deserted stretch of road.

All she could think about was getting home to Mr. Bosley, sleeping in her own bed, and sorting through the information she received at Iron Mountain. As the largest document storage facility in the United States, Addison had a fascination with the place. She would drive there occasionally to take the tour, to dream about actually having access to all of the government records stored inside. Instead, she resolved to the fact she could only read the mounds of literature she picked up on each visit.

It was a trip well worth the ride from hell back home.

Chapter 2

Addison threw her purse on the floor and reached for the phone to check her messages. She hit the speaker button and plugged in her access numbers.

Hey, it’s me. Call when you can.

She grabbed the phone’s receiver from the cradle and accidentally dialed E-911. She quickly realized her mistake, hung up, and dialed the right number.

What’s up? she asked in a whisper.

Meet me today. Same time, same place. The line went dead.

She returned the receiver to the cradle, turned, and found Drew standing in the doorway to her office, looking somewhat disheveled.

You’re looking rather dapper today, Andrew, Addison grinned.

Drew didn’t like being called by his proper name because of some ungodly trauma he suffered in the fifth grade when a classmate compared him to the dog, Andrew, in Mary Poppins. He had been called Andy ever since. Whenever Addison felt playful, she would hit the Andrew nerve, or worse, sing a few bars of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Knowing she had caused Drew a worrisome night, she decided it best to skip her Julie Andrews impression.

Yeah, well I’m not used to staying up until midnight tracking down wayward employees, he said, trying to excuse his frumpiness.

Blame me. I see how you are, Addison laughed.

It’s not every day you take off without anyone knowing where you are.

Give it up. My father never paid anyone more than fifty cents an hour to babysit me.

Drew couldn’t help but laugh. Well, you must have been home alone quite a bit as a kid.

Aren’t we witty today?

Drew combed his fingers though his hair and straightened his tie and his facial expression. Enough of your disappearing acts. What’s on your agenda today? You will drop a story, yes?

Will do, Addison said as she scooped her purse into her arms.

Where are you going? Drew asked. I need a front page story. I’ve got nothing for below the fold.

Suddenly, he shushed her.

Addison shrugged her shoulders.

Drew pointed to the police scanner. Something’s going down near us, he said. Maybe we’ll get a story without going far.

I’ll have a story for you. I’m going to the library and I’ll be back in a flash.

Addy, I know you don’t like sharing details but, sooner or later, you’re going to have to give me something concrete or I can’t keep letting you leave.

Just trust me. I’ll have it… soon.

Am I going to have it before or after you’ve pissed off every politician and police agency in the state?

Addison tossed the strap of her purse over her shoulder, flashed a smile and a middle finger at Drew, and headed out the door.

She didn’t get far. Roxanne, the secretary from hell, was just outside the doorway.

Did you need something? Addison asked.

Can you come downstairs? Roxanne said, her voice scolding. You too, Drew.

Addison and Drew glanced at one another and followed Roxanne down to the office.

Wow, Drew said as his eyes moved around the room. What’s going on?

You tell me, Roxanne snipped.

The receptionist area was filled with cops—plenty of cops. And paramedics. And firemen.

I think I can explain this, Addison said red-faced. Everyone turned to her.

I went to make a call in a hurry and I accidentally dialed E-911. I hung up as soon as I realized it and I didn’t think the call had even connected.

She looked at Drew, who was standing by her side. I don’t think I’ll be getting my Christmas bonus this year.

Drew smiled. I think you’re right.

When the reception area cleared, Addison excused herself and headed toward the door.

Hey, slippery fingers. Don’t be gone long, Drew called out. I really need you back soon. The dead can wait, I can’t.

As supportive as he was of her work, Addison knew Drew’s patience was running thin with her excessive trips to the library, or wherever else she would run off to. She told him little about what she was working on, but just enough so she could tap into her expense account and come and go as she pleased.

The Sun Sentinel had been her home away from home for the better part of ten years. She had been hired fresh out of college and quickly proved her worth. She paid her dues, working her way up from covering sewer district stories to fulltime investigative reporting. And, more important than her expense account was the fact that the publisher, Rob Carson, never succumbed to political pressure.

Carson, as he was affectionately called, was supportive of Addison’s work, although, she knew she often made him nervous. He kept a bottle of Mylanta on his desk, drinking straight from the bottle whenever she dropped a bomb on him, like the time she had uncovered some major bid rigging in city hall involving a vendor who happened to be one of the Sentinel’s largest advertisers. Despite the potential loss of revenue, he didn’t kill the story—didn’t even sanitize it.

That’s why Addison stayed put despite some tempting offers. There were few newspapers willing to risk offending an advertiser for a story, even if it was a great political expose. Freedom of the press was something near and dear to Addison and she knew she wouldn’t last long anywhere else— the first hint of erosion of the fourth estate and she’d walk.

As Addison stepped onto the sidewalk, Drew, head hung out the window, called to her.

Hey, if you’re off to chase down dead politicians, I’m going to commit you to a mental health facility!

Addison looked up and waved with her middle finger.

The truth was, at this particular moment, she wasn’t so sure that wasn’t where she belonged.

Chapter 3

Addison sat in the back corner of the library, poring over the pages of a book about the Mongolian Empire. She clutched her necklace with intensity as she concentrated on her reading. It wasn’t just any necklace — it had belonged to her mother, an engagement gift from her father. He had given it to Addison on her sixteenth birthday and she wore it every day, like a badge of honor. The silver medallion hung from a delicate chain, a reminder that Addison’s petit frame came from her mother. Large, clunky jewelry did nothing for her small facial features and thin neck. An FBI agent once referred to her as fragile upon their first meeting. Addison wasn’t sure whether to take it as a compliment or an insult. When she made the mistake of mentioning it to Drew, he relentlessly reminded her of her fragility.

Pulling out her notebook, she began taking copious notes.

"The Mongol Empire emerged from the unification of Mongol and Turkic tribes of historical Mongolia under the leadership of Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan was proclaimed ruler of all Mongols in 1206. The empire grew rapidly under his rule and then under the rule of his descendants, who sent invasions in every direction. The vast transcontinental empire which connected the east with the west with an enforced Pax Mongolica allowed trade, technologies, commodities and ideologies to be disseminated and exchanged across Eurasia.

She knew these were details that could not be overlooked so she continued writing.

The empire began to split as a result of wars over succession, as the grandchildren of Genghis Khan disputed whether the royal line should follow from Genghis’s son and initial heir Ögedei, or one of his other sons such as Tolui, Chagatai, or Jochi. The Toluids prevailed after a bloody purge of Ögedeid and Chagataid factions, but disputes continued even among the descendants of Tolui. After Möngke Khan died, rival kurultai councils would simultaneously elect different successors, the brothers Ariq Böke and Kublai, who then not only had to defy each other, but also deal with challenges from descendants