Allah bless America

"The world is turning in our direction, Baz," Fatima bin Laden was saying over coffee on the lanai outside the cafeteria.

"It is our time to bring the true faith of Allah, bless his name, and his sacred language of Arabic to the world. Just as the native tribes and their languages were wiped out in America and Canada by Christian soldiers, even here in Hawaii, and by the Catholic Spanish south of your so-called border, now it is time for the soldiers of Islam to carry their faith and language onward.

"It is time for the second American Revolution, the Islamic version."

Lt. Basel Zakly Faris, USMC, leaned back, sipped his coffee thoughtfully. "The question, I suppose, is what exactly is one willing to do for one's faith? Or how far one is willing to go to overwhelm the world?"

"Precisely. So the question is, what are you willing to do?"

Baz smiled, leaned close. "I was about to ask you. But I'll go. First, agreed that a Muslim world would be a wonderful thing ..."

Fatima could not conceal a big smile. And it was only because of their training that Saleem and Aafiya, members of the Khomeini Sharia Unification Movement for Preaching and Combat who were at a nearby table listening to the bugged conversation on what appeared to be iPods, were able to disguise their pleasure.

"... So it is my desire every day to be a good Muslim -- such a good Muslim that people of other faiths and even atheists will say, there must be something to that dude's religion, I think I'll ask him about it. In the Marines we call it leading by example."

"You are a good Muslim man, Baz. That's why I hope to one day be your wife. But in a man I also want a partner who will march with me for the glory of Islam."

"In this march, what is the next step?"

"Let me answer your first question," Fatima said. "How far am I willing to go? I am ready and willing to answer a call to service when it comes from a family member I love and respect."

"That call has come." Not a question.

"Yes." Fatima took a long, deep breath, her pale blue linen blouse rising with the heave of perfect breasts Baz knew could one day not far away be revealed to him, longing for that moment of marital bliss, yet fearing what she might say next. And how he would have to respond.

Fatima exhaled slowly, looked Baz directly in the eyes. "Your other question, about the next step. I have been asked to carry out a duty. It is one in which I believe you could be of great assistance. I hope ... No, I want and need your assistance. I am asking."

"My faith is true. So is my love."

Hooked him, Saleem and Aafiya thought, like a fish.