Chapter Eighty-One

Sunlight poured through the tall windows of the Oval Office, illuminating the iconic Resolute Desk with a warm glow. Donald Trump, newly sworn in as President of the United States, sat confidently behind the desk. A sleek laptop sat open in front of him, displaying the interface of the Nightengale Link.

His Chief of Staff, Kelly, stood nearby, her tablet synced to the session. She briefed him on the historic significance of the moment.

'Mr President, this will be the first time in history that a leader has hosted a live virtual meeting with every president and prime minister worldwide. Nightengale Link is ready to go. Once you initiate the call, their holograms will appear on your laptop and around this room through the connected projection system.'

Trump adjusted his tie, a confident grin spreading across his face. 'Tremendous. Let's show them how America leads… not just with words but with action.'

He tapped the 'Connect' icon on the Nightengale Link interface. 'Nightengale Link, initiate global call with all world leaders.'

The Link's AI responded in a calm, commanding tone. 'Initiating global connection. Verifying participants... all leaders confirmed. Establishing holographic presence.'

The laptop screen glowed, and a soft hum filled the room as the connected projectors embedded in the walls and ceiling activated. In an instant, life-sized holograms of world leaders appeared in a semi-circle around the Resolute Desk. The virtual presence felt almost physical—Angela Merkel adjusted her glasses, Vladimir Putin clasped his hands, Emmanuel Macron gave a polite nod, and Xi Jinping smiled slightly.

'Good afternoon, everyone,' Trump began, leaning back slightly. 'Or good evening, depending on where you are. I'm thrilled to welcome you to this first-of-its-kind meeting. Thanks to Nightengale Link, it feels like you're right here in the Oval Office with me.'

The leaders murmured their agreement, impressed by the clarity and realism of the holographic system.

'This technology is impressive,' remarked Justin Trudeau, gesturing to the projection surrounding him. 'It's like we're truly here.'

Trump grinned. 'Believe me, it's the best… just like America. But today isn't about technology. It's about something far more important: world peace. For too long, we've allowed our differences to divide us. But think of what we could accomplish if we united our strengths instead.'

The leaders leaned in, clearly intrigued.

Angela Merkel was the first to speak. 'President Trump, achieving world peace is a monumental task. It demands trust, compromise, and ongoing collaboration. How do you propose we address current global tensions?'

Trump rested his hands on the desk, his tone deliberate. 'Great question, Angela. Open communication is the starting point. This Link ensures no leader is out of reach. Misunderstandings often lead to conflict… this technology helps us prevent that by talking first, shooting later. Hopefully never shooting at all.'

Vladimir Putin's hologram leaned forward. 'Dialogue is a tool, but trust is earned. How will we ensure that commitments made here are followed through?'

Trump met Putin's gaze, his tone steady. 'Through accountability and transparency. That's why I'm proposing a Global Peace Council. A permanent forum where disputes are aired and resolved openly—no backdoor deals, no secrets. Every nation has a seat and an equal voice.'

Jacinda Ardern chimed in. 'That's a strong idea. The council could also tackle global challenges like poverty, pandemics, and climate change… issues that don't stop at borders.'

Xi Jinping nodded slightly, adding, 'Cooperation is the key. But equality must be the foundation. No single country can dominate decisions.'

Trump nodded. 'Exactly. It's about fairness. We'll work as equals. Think of this as a round table… every leader gets the same weight in decision-making.'

For the next hour, leaders from every continent discussed pressing issues, offering solutions and commitments. The conversation was productive, with a shared determination to make history.

As the meeting wrapped up, Trump leaned forward, his tone resolute.

'Ladies and gentlemen, today we've taken the first step towards something historic. Peace won't happen overnight, but this meeting shows it's possible. Let's commit to regular summits… monthly, if necessary… to keep these conversations alive.'

The leaders nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting a shared commitment to the proposal.

'Until next time,' Trump concluded, 'let's work together to make this world a safer, better place for everyone. And remember…. this is just the beginning.'

As the holograms faded, Trump turned to Kelly. She smiled. 'That was remarkable, Mr President. The world has seen a true leader in action today.'

Trump adjusted his tie, the screen of the laptop displaying the meeting's summary. 'It was tremendous,' he said, his tone firm. 'But now, the real work begins.'

***