PACO Calling TACO - 9
A followup to Andrew's arrest & Board of Peace meeting
This conversation happened on February 20, 2026, one day after the formerly prince Andrew was arrested in the UK and Trump held the inauguration meeting of this Board of Peace in Washington, DC.
"Hello, Donnie?"
"Hi, Vlad. What's up?"
"What do you mean, what's up? There's so much up I don't even know where to start."
"What do you mean, Vlad?"
"Just everything that is going on. First of all, remember our conversation yesterday? Do you still want me to do it?"
"To do what?"
"C'mon, Donnie, don't you remember? You asked me to take care of our friend prince, or formerly prince, Andrew so that he doesn't expose us."
"Really? I asked you to do that???" [horrified]
"Really, Donnie? Sometimes, I wonder if you are acting like this because of plausible deniability or because you really don't remember."
"I really don't remember asking you anything about Andrew. Must be long COVID. COVID is a bitch, Vlad. I really don't remember a lot of things recently."
"Oh, wow, you've noticed that, Donnie? And you really think it's long COVID?" [to the side, "or dementia?"]
"What else can it be? I used to have excellent memory and now I forget a lot of things. Must be long COVID, what else can it be? But don't tell anyone, or they'll eat me alive."
"Who?"
"The media, if they get the snuff of this. They are my enemies, Vlad, always trying to get anything and everything against me."
"Oh, I see."
"Did you ever have COVID, Vlad? COVID is a bitch. Makes you forget things. And all those headaches! Did you ever have it, Vlad?"
"I can't confirm or deny that I've had. Anyway, do you want my help with Andrew or not?"
"Let's wait and see. We'll see what happens. So, you didn't have COVID? I'm not surprised, as you are always so careful about your health." [dreamily]
"I'm doing alright." [pretend humble]. "So, how was your Peace Council meeting yesterday?"
"Piece what?"
"Oh, c'mon Donnie, your Peace alliance, whatever you are calling it these days."
"Ah, the Board of Peace you mean. It's like a corporate board of directors, but for peace. Board of Peace. It went fine, really. I wish you joined it, didn't you get my invitation?"
"I did and replied to it immediately."
"Yeah? I must have missed it. What did you say?"
"Officially, that we need clearer goals for this new venture and how we might fit in."
"U-hm, and unofficially?"
"Unofficially, I didn't like the goals, Donnie. I talked with Lukashenka yesterday and he also didn't like them. So it's a no from both of us. I also didn't like the membership fee, Donnie."
"Oh, really? What's a million bucks for you, especially for the good goal of rebuilding Gaza?"
"You'd have to pay ME a couple of billion to join your Board, Donnie."
"Oh, really? You understand that it's an investment opportunity, don't you, Vlad? I made Jared the president, he knows how to make money out of those things."
"Exactly! I don't need another corruption scandal, Donnie. It's bad optics for all of us. Besides, my people will never forgive me that I am spending a billion dollars on something frivolous during the time of war."
"Rebuilding Gaza is not frivolous, Vlad. It's peace building, Nobel-Prize-worthy peace building. Besides, it's an investment opportunity. All your friends joined. I liked that Tokayev guy, he is a good guy."
"Because he suggested the Board to be named after you?"
"Yes, and because he supported it by joining. Isn't he your friend too?"
"Not really. He acts like he is. But he is a tough cookie, and I'll never forgive him for what he said to me about Ukraine in public a couple of times."
"Oh, really? What did he say, Vlad?"
"Don't wanna be a gossip girl here. I need to go for a meeting now, but let's stay talking, Ok, Donnie?"
"You know I'd love that."
"Bye, Donnie."
"Bye, Vlad."
After hanging up, pushing the speaker call button to his assistant, "Please find out what president Tokayev of A-ber, oh no, Ka-zakh-stan told Vladimir Putin about Ukraine that could have offended Putin."
The previous story is here:
About the Creator
Lana V Lynx
Avid reader and occasional writer of satire and short fiction. For my own sanity and security, I write under a pen name. My books: Moscow Calling - 2017 and President & Psychiatrist
@lanalynx.bsky.social
Keep reading
More stories from Lana V Lynx and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Ditched - Index
This index is just for my subscribers. I finished and published this long story or short novella of 6,000 words recently. I tried to link all previous parts of the story in the next one, so if you went along you shouldn't have been lost. This index is just put everything in one place.
By Lana V LynxExclusive • 5 months ago
The Saddest Thing - The Billionaires Who Rule America Aren't Even Enjoying Themselves
This single post says more about our ruling class than a thousand policy papers. The saddest thing about today's system is that the men robbing the rest of us - sabotaging our economic prospects, our pensions, our access to affordable healthcare - are not even happy.
By Scott Christenson🌴14 days ago in The Swamp
German Population Set to Shrink 5% by 2050
Germany’s population is projected to decline by nearly five percent by 2050, according to new demographic forecasts that underscore the country’s growing challenges with aging, labor shortages, and long-term economic sustainability. The findings highlight the urgent need for policy reforms in immigration, family support, and workforce participation as Europe’s largest economy confronts a shrinking and older population. The report, released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), estimates that Germany’s population will fall from roughly 84 million today to about 80 million by mid-century if current trends persist. The decline is driven primarily by low birth rates and rising life expectancy, which together are reshaping the country’s demographic profile. Aging Nation, Fewer Workers Germany has one of the lowest fertility rates in Europe, averaging around 1.4 children per woman—well below the replacement level of 2.1. At the same time, advances in healthcare mean that people are living longer, increasing the proportion of elderly citizens. By 2050, nearly one-third of Germany’s population is expected to be over the age of 65. The number of people of working age, between 20 and 64, is forecast to shrink significantly, placing strain on pension systems, healthcare services, and public finances. Economists warn that a smaller workforce could slow economic growth and weaken Germany’s global competitiveness. Industries already facing labor shortages—such as manufacturing, healthcare, and technology—may struggle to fill positions, even as demand for skilled workers continues to rise. “This is not just a population issue, it’s an economic and social transformation,” said a Berlin-based demographic analyst. “Without intervention, the imbalance between retirees and workers will become increasingly difficult to manage.” Role of Immigration Immigration remains the main factor capable of moderating Germany’s population decline. The country has relied heavily on foreign workers over the past decade, particularly following the influx of refugees in 2015 and expanded labor migration from Eastern Europe. However, the new projections suggest that even sustained immigration at current levels may not be enough to prevent an overall population decrease. Officials say higher and more targeted migration will be necessary, especially for sectors experiencing acute skill shortages. Germany has already introduced reforms to attract skilled workers from abroad, including simplified visa procedures and recognition of foreign qualifications. Policymakers are also debating further measures to make the country more attractive to international talent amid competition from other European nations and North America. Regional Imbalances The demographic decline will not be evenly distributed across the country. Rural areas and parts of eastern Germany are expected to experience sharper population losses, while major cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg may continue to grow due to internal migration and international arrivals. This uneven trend raises concerns about infrastructure, housing, and public services. Schools and hospitals in shrinking regions could face closures, while urban centers may struggle with housing shortages and rising living costs. Local governments are already planning for these shifts by consolidating services in rural areas and investing in urban transport and housing projects. Policy Challenges Germany’s demographic outlook is forcing leaders to rethink long-term policy priorities. Pension reform has become a central issue, as fewer workers will be supporting a growing number of retirees. Healthcare spending is also expected to rise sharply as the population ages. Family policies are another focus area. The government has expanded childcare services and parental benefits in an effort to encourage higher birth rates, but results so far have been modest. Analysts argue that no single policy will reverse the trend. Instead, a combination of higher workforce participation among women and older workers, increased immigration, and productivity gains through automation will be required. A Broader European Trend Germany is not alone in facing demographic decline. Many European countries, including Italy and Spain, are experiencing similar patterns of low fertility and aging populations. However, Germany’s size and economic influence make its situation particularly significant for the European Union as a whole. A shrinking German population could have ripple effects across the bloc, affecting labor mobility, fiscal stability, and political influence. Looking Ahead While a five percent decline may appear modest, experts stress that the deeper impact lies in the changing age structure of the population. Fewer young people and more elderly citizens will reshape everything from the labor market to education systems and healthcare planning. The Destatis projections serve as a warning that demographic change is no longer a distant concern but an imminent reality. How Germany responds over the next decade will determine whether the country can adapt successfully to a smaller, older population—or face mounting social and economic pressures by mid-century.
By Fiaz Ahmed 3 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (3)
I saw clips of that meeting where Trump was allegedly asleep, lol. But was he really?
Now I had to figure out what that guy said. It is shameful that we are helping Ukraine and his Saudi connected son-in-law is involved.
Ah, keep your frenemies close! The ending is so Trump - and Putin. Continued prayers for the situation in the Ukraine to be solved.