[Chapter 582: Washington Crisis: How to Calm Linton's Fury]
Since arriving in Washington, Li Xiaoran felt like the luckiest woman alive. Not only had she won over Linton Anderson, but more importantly, for the next two days, he hadn't handled a single official matter. Instead, he spent all his time with her in their hotel suite, indulging in wild, unrestrained passion.
She seized every chance to showcase her charms to Linton. When she wasn't engaging in their intimate encounters, she entertained him with an array of dances she had mastered -- folk dances, classical ballet, peacock dance, belly dance, and even lively modern routines. She danced them all with fervor, earning countless rewards from Linton. Sometimes, caught in the heat of the moment, Linton would scoop her up mid-dance, and they'd embark on an entirely new level of exploration and pleasure.
Linton often joined her for duets as well -- ballet, Latin dances -- making it even easier for their passion to escalate into intimate battles. Li Xiaoran herself wasn't sure when her stamina had grown so incredible. Over two days and nights, she hardly slept. She alternated between seducing Linton, performing dance routines, or writhing in their passionate embraces. Yet, despite everything, her spirit never waned, and her body experienced a pleasure unlike anything before.
...
While Linton and Li Xiaoran basked in their endless ecstasy at the hotel, Washington descended into unprecedented chaos.
Starting the afternoon of the 16th, most government departments -- including Congress, the executive agencies, Treasury, and Commerce -- ground to a halt. Buildings were eerily empty, as no one dared show up for work.
Even the few military and law enforcement bodies left operational -- the Pentagon, Justice Department, and FBI -- were heavily affected. Many mid-to-high-ranking officers were too frightened to come in. Some even chose to flee Washington temporarily with their families, seeking refuge and vacation far away.
This growing paralysis caused a nationwide political upheaval, stalling progress across dozens of critical initiatives. Leaders in every state scrambled to find out what was going on in the capital. Unfortunately, everyone clammed up, too scared to say a word, fearing that speaking out might cost them their lives.
Information was severely limited. The only consensus was that Washington had become perilously dangerous. Those who initially planned trips to the capital for work or intelligence gathering quickly canceled them.
Inevitably, this situation drew massive media attention. News networks and tabloids scrambled to reach officials, spokespeople, and staff to uncover the truth. Yet, curiously, no department or employee was willing to grant an interview. Even generous payments for exclusive scoops were rejected. Mainstream media outlets also received stern warnings from the White House not to report on Washington's status.
But with such a high-profile crisis, rumors and wild speculation exploded in tabloids and gossip columns. Stories circulated about terrorist attacks causing massive casualties, secret intercepted alien invasion signals prompting emergency wartime preparations, and outbreaks of deadly viruses forcing citywide lockdowns.
Even far away in Los Angeles, stars like Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Charlize Theron, and Nicole Kidman on the farm called Linton, worried about his safety.
...
President Clinton himself was on the verge of collapse due to the crisis, his hair falling out in clumps. Yet he knew decisive action was desperately needed -- a swift, surgical strike to quell the panic and restore order before things spiraled out of control.
He was painfully aware the root cause was Linton. It was Linton's brutal rampage through Washington -- an unrestrained purge -- that had triggered the current nightmare.
Only now did Bill Clinton fully grasp the weight behind Linton's cryptic vow: "I'll solve this my own way." If only he'd silenced Roger and the other four conspirators earlier, this merciless retaliation might have been avoided.
But regrets were useless. The situation had reached its darkest hour.
Could he possibly blame Linton? That was a joke. Not only was Bill Clinton himself branded with Linton's soul slave mark -- bound forever in loyal submission -- no one could dare defy Linton's terrifying power. Even without the mark, facing a foe who could behead at will, ignore all protections, and strike anywhere at any time, no one would be foolish enough to resist.
In desperation, Bill Clinton simultaneously warned all major media outlets and signed orders deploying the 82nd Airborne Division from Andrews Joint Base into Washington. Alongside the National Guard, the army units would maintain security and prevent riots -- especially looting and chaos fueled by disenfranchised groups.
He also convened a high-level crisis task force at the White House, including cabinet members and leaders like Secretary of State Warren Christopher and House Speaker Newt Gingrich. These men were tasked with immediate solutions to Washington's paralyzing emergency.
Under normal circumstances, Warren Christopher and Newt Gingrich would have scoffed at such a meeting. Their role was to scrutinize and block White House proposals, not collaborate on crisis plans. Attending such a gathering was a blow to their status.
But after 32 senators and nine representatives were publicly executed, and Congress itself abandoned, fear weakened even the most proud politicians. Unity was the only option.
...
At the task force's opening, FBI Director Lawrence briefed the members on the wave of murders behind the upheaval.
Like everyone else, Lawrence was shaken by Linton's savagery. To avoid provoking him further, Lawrence deliberately sanitized the case details.
He reported that since midnight, there had been 19 horrifying killings in Washington. A total of 260 people were publicly beheaded.
Among the victims were 32 senators, nine representatives, and 35 other senior officials from various government agencies. The families of Roger, Carol, Cody, Maslow, and Eric -- five conspirators -- were also massacred, totaling 184 slain.
The severity chilled even the prepared crisis team to the bone. The cruelty -- beyond words.
When it came to naming the culprit, Lawrence carefully avoided saying Linton's name. Instead, he referred to him as "XX," portraying the assassinations as divine retribution.
He explained that Roger, Carol, Cody, Maslow, and Eric had conspired to frame "XX," inciting his wrath and causing their entire families' annihilation. The motives behind the conspiracy were deemed irrelevant; no one cared.
Worse still, some senators had been duped by those conspirators into voicing support for retaliation, even trying to rally others against "XX." Immediately, "XX" had responded, using his mysterious powers to behead them publicly.
Similarly, other officials ignorant of the truth openly called for action against "XX," only to meet the same fate.
This included the nine House representatives and three Pentagon generals -- each slaughtered in full view.
Every victim spat curses at "XX," demanding justice moments before their deaths.
Lawrence's analysis concluded that the root cause lay with the five conspirators' scheme against "XX." The others died after being deceived or recklessly inciting opposition.
He emphasized "XX" possessed unfathomable powers, capable of silently monitoring every corner of Washington in real time.
Most terrifyingly, "XX" could execute perfect, remote beheadings anywhere -- no matter how heavy the security -- whether inside the Capitol or the Pentagon.
In closing, Lawrence suggested "XX" might represent divine judgment. The killings, he said, were punishment for blasphemy. Mortals should cease futile investigations.
He strongly urged the task force to avoid any further confrontation to prevent more deaths. Instead, they should sincerely seek ways to appease "XX" and restore normal political functioning.
In spite of prior preparations, the gravity of Lawrence's verdict stunned everyone. Particularly House Speaker Newt Gingrich, leader of the Elephant Party.
Though Newt Gingrich had a good personal relationship with Linton, this massacre devastated the Elephant faction. More than half their senior officials had been killed, leaving the party crippled and severely unbalanced against the Donkey Party.
According to Lawrence's logic, the slain Elephant Party members had died unjustly and were now branded as sacrilegious traitors -- an unbearable insult.
Infuriated, Newt slammed the table and shouted, "I oppose this!"
Before he finished, terrified attendees scrambled away from him, distancing themselves as if fearing his reckless defiance might drag them down.
Witnessing this, and recalling Linton's terrifying surveillance and lethal powers, no one dared utter another word of dissent.
Lawrence was right -- resistance was pointless, and they couldn't afford more bloodshed in Washington.
Growing somber, Newt Gingrich finally relented, muttering, "Fine, I withdraw my objection. Continue."
With Newt Gingrich backing down, the consensus hardened: No connection existed between Linton and these killings officially, no murder investigations would proceed, and no one dared challenge the divine retribution narrative.
Yet the problem wasn't over. They themselves dared not act; the only way was to exonerate Linton preemptively.
But would Linton ever calm down and accept peace?
With so many dead, the news was impossible to contain. Some government workers and lower-level officials knew pieces of the truth. The media, despite strict mainstream controls, would surely gossip and speculate endlessly.
If rumors spread, and the public's whispered discussions enraged Linton anew, unleashing another massacre, how could Washington ever recover?
Therefore, the task force's next focus was clear: How to appease Linton's anger, bury this nightmare, and resume normal governance.
Of course, quelling Linton's rage required concessions. Just like in war, the losing side seeking peace must pay tribute.
But Linton, one of the world's top three billionaires, controlled potent elixirs -- Vitality and Beauty Pills -- along with the global conglomerate and his media empire. His interests primarily lay in singing, films, and his many romantic companions. Beyond that, he had few other hobbies.
What terms could satisfy him?
...
By the afternoon of the 17th, the group finally outlined a tentative framework, approaching from three angles: honor, economic benefits, and political status.
Though a "bottom line," everyone understood that merely winning Linton's approval counted as victory. No one expected better deals. Besides, who knew if Linton was monitoring the meeting remotely?
First, regarding honor: They proposed awarding Linton the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This idea came from White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta and was initially met with fierce opposition. How could they give such a prestigious honor to a man who just executed hundreds?
Leon Panetta reasoned, "Considering the benefits we've reaped from Linton's Vitality and Beauty Pills alone, what's the harm in this honor? Any country would eventually recognize him. Besides, we need to placate him."
His words swayed the room, even Newt Gingrich grudgingly agreed.
Second, on the economic front: This was easier -- since it involved federal funds, no one would pay out of pocket.
They ruled out direct cash payments to Linton, fearing both political fallout and perceived disrespect if the sum was too large or too small.
The final decision granted Linton's health company full exemption from all federal taxes -- for as long as he lived, and the company remained under his name.
Such a long-term exemption required congressional approval beyond a president's term, ensuring the policy's permanence. With both the Senate and House leaders present -- and given Linton's mysterious powers -- no one in Congress would dare oppose.
Third, politically: Leon Panetta suggested appointing Linton as White House Chief Honorary Advisor.
Unexpectedly, Secretary of State Warren Christopher proposed extending the same honor to Linton in the Senate.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich quickly caught on -- the Donkey Party would now have Linton firmly on their side. If Linton fully aligned with one party backed by what seemed like divine power, could the Elephant Party ever recover? Absolutely not.
Yet Newt Gingrich feared openly opposing the idea. What if Linton was watching? Rejection might cost him his life.
After a moment's thought, Newt shocked everyone by demanding the House also appoint Linton as Chief Honorary Advisor to help Congress function better.
The room erupted in disbelief. Only a short while ago, Newt Gingrich had rejected the official report and openly criticized Linton. How did he flip 180 degrees and now want to bring Linton into the heart of political power?
Only President Clinton and Secretary Warren Christopher understood Newt's strategy: preserving a lifeline for the Elephant Party while acknowledging reality.
Ultimately, following Newt Gingrich's insistence, an unprecedented political arrangement was finalized: Linton would serve simultaneously as Chief Honorary Advisor to the White House, Senate, and House.
If he accepted, Linton would directly influence America's three highest centers of power -- the executive branch, the Senate, and the House.
The stakes -- and Washington's fate -- had never been higher.
*****
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