even Kuwait. Jadallah Zuwayy, as ruler of the most powerful military in the alliance, was the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. Their sworn mission: to replace all of the secular governments in the Middle East with religious- based governments firmly grounded in traditional Muslim beliefs. Egypt joining the Muslim Brotherhood would be the crown jewel in strengthening the organization and convincing other undecided nations to join—Egypt had the most powerful military force in the entire region, almost on a par with Israel quantitatively.

Zuwayy found a ready and willing ideological slave in Khalid al-Khan. Obviously the cleric never read anything but propaganda sheets—for he truly believed that Zuwayy was descended from the Prophet Muhammad and was the savior and sword of Islam. Zuwayy nurtured that fiction every chance he could, and Khan was obviously enjoying and benefiting from the attention. It did not take long to lodge al-Khan firmly under Zuwayy’s thumb.

“I have a request of you, Ulama,” Zuwayy said.

“Ask anything of me, Majesty,” Khan replied devoutly.

“A sneak attack by unidentified commandos was perpetrated against Libya tonight.”

“I have heard of this, Majesty. Are you safe?”

“Perfectly safe, Ulama.”

“I swear this to you, Majesty, that the terrorists that did this deed will be hunted down like the dogs they are and punished!”

“You would tell me if these terrorists came from Egypt, Khalid?”

“Of course, Majesty!” Khan cried. “I would notify you the instant I found out, even if I risked violating state secrets. You are descended from the loving Prophet—none may seek to harm you! All true believers know this to be true!”

“Thank you for your words of comfort, Khalid,” Zuwayy said. “But I need your help to find the terrorists.”

“Anything, Majesty.”

“I believe that the terrorists crossed into Egypt to make their escape. I need your military forces to provide me with radar and patrol data so that I may track them down.”

“It shall be delivered to you by daybreak, Majesty.”

“And whatever my military forces may do, Ulama, I do not want your military forces to intervene,” Zuwayy said. “I will not attack Egyptian soil without first notifying you—but I do not want any Egyptian forces to respond to attacks elsewhere.”

“I will give the orders myself, Majesty,” Khan said. “It is easily done. The commanders of our largest military bases are friends to me and our cause.”

“Very good, Khalid. My war ministers will be in touch with your office within the hour. On behalf of all the faithful, I thank you.”

“It is my honor, Majesty,” Khan said. “I am pleased to tell you, Highness, that I shall place my name in nomination before the People’s Assembly for president of Egypt, insh ’allah”

“Excellent, Ulama,” Zuwayy said. His defense ministers and generals were entering the room—he had to shut this zealot off, quick. “You have my full support and blessings. Anything my government or I can do to support you, it is yours.”