>>5376257After getting your shortlist of demands drawn up, you realize that your negotiation strategies are missing some critical details.
You haven’t played much of the political game, far more concerned with actually surviving the campaign, and know next to nothing about the internal power struggles within the Jungle Rats.
Bonilla, proving himself once again as an excellent non-com, rounds up some of the better-connected and savvier men to give you a crash course on the rumor mill and what to expect.
It’s rushed but informative.
Supposedly, the junta that the Rats plan on putting in power is a triumvirate between the army, navy, and air force; with a representative from each branch holding an equal seat on their military council.
And you discover, much to your surprise, the lead negotiator en-route to the palace is Admiral Miguel Suarez; the naval bigshot on the nascent junta.
After the arrival of his helicopter on the palace landing pad, you have Bonilla escort your distinguished guest to one of Pedraza’s estate rooms where the two of you immediately begin sizing each other up.
Your first impression of the man is that he’s the real deal. You’ve spent enough time in the service to recognize officers that played politics over getting the job done, and Suarez has the look of a stone-cold lifer.
Some of the rumor mill whispers that he’s an old-school hardliner that’s fully committed to thrusting Venezuela back into a position of prominence. Violently, if necessary.
Looking at him, you can’t help but agree. Suarez has a steel to him that suggests he’s not a man who readily enjoys being messed with.
