
                        Midwinter II - Flames of Freedom

                             Complete Documentation


                        MIDWINTER II - FLAMES OF FREEDOM
                        --------------------------------

     PRE-HISTORY:
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     CHAPTER 1 - THE YEAR 2099

     Chill blew the wind.

     The tiny figure on the makeshift bed wrapped his goose-pimpled arms
     tight around his torso. As he used his chin to inch the blanket closer
     to his neck, he shivered. And winced. The instinctive motion of
     bringing his knees to his chest only brought searing pain from his
     knee.
        He drew in his breath slowly, slowly. Alone in the single roomed
     shack,he knew that he was close to death. Whether the cold took its
     toll before they found him, and took more, no longer mattered.
        His eyelids fell. A normally vivid imagination struggled to conjure
     up the most familiar of scenes; the grey-haired man with the pointed
     finger, loaded and ready to fire another pearl of wisdom.

     "Davy, you are but a boy of twelve summers."

     "But Grampa, I....."

     "I know, little thing. You've not seen a summer yet. But be patient.
      Embers can be rekindled. Be patient. Just be patient."

     Patience was all Davy had left.

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        He couldn't dream in greens, just greys. No voices in his head,
     just the crack of a rifle in a distant valley.
        He slipped and fell and was awake.

     "David, David, it's me, its Ginny." A gloved hand stroked his
     forehead.

     Peering through sore, cracked eyes he distinguished a golden curl and
     a bloody face. He jerked up and rocked back with the pain.

     "Easy David. Its over. You're safe. We're all safe". The comfort in
      the voice which normally made his heartskip a beat was strained
      almost beyond recognition. But it was her.

     "Hello chappie. We're come to take you home." John Stark, his hero.

     "And your Grampa's here. He's..... he's going to be alright."

     Davy's eyes flicked from Stark back to Virginia, and then past them
     both to where his grandfather stood, leaning against the doorway,
     staring in to space, muttering.
        Davy tried to speak but his lips froze. Another glance through the
     grown-ups failed to answer his questions. Virginia's face was cut and
     bruised. Captain Stark had his arm in a makeshift sling. His
     grandfather stood motionless, expressionless, save his mumbling.
        Davy wept. Frompain, from cold, from hunger, from relief. He sobbed
     long and hard. And he sobbed loudest of all as he realised that his
     childhood was over.

     "Welcome to Verde".

     A white uniform filled the patient's vision.

     "How do you feel?" asked the young nurse.

     De Falco blinked. He parted his lips to expel a barely audiable breath.

     "Where?"

     A frown sent pain from his skull through his neck and down his back.

     "Your craft. It was washed up here on Verde. What happened? You're in
      a right state".

     Her calming tones mixed statement with question, but De Falco only
     heard her prying.
        He remained silent. His evil provided the high-power fuel for his
     racing mind. Already he'd remembered the fine detail of defeat.
     Already he knew the source of his mistakes. He would speak only to
     the highest authority on whichever god-forsaken island he'd been
     dumped, and he told her so.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

     The dozen men inthe bar of the Marianbad Inn sat silently, tears
     welling and chests bursting.

     "Come on, John", whispered the nearest to the radio set.

     "..and the battle of Shining Hollow was won..... The invading forces
      surrendered on the death of their leader and his generals. Our island
      is ours again. Fellow fighters, we have been through worse before..."

     Stark held his hand over the microphone to hide the release of another
     lachrymal sigh, and continued.
     "..and I fear we will encounter worse again. We must steel ourselves
      for the future. We have more discoveries to make. We have more to
      learn and more to teach our children.The coast of the Midwinter Island
      is not the edge of the world. It provides little defence from our
      enemies or the elements. A new day is dawning. A new fight must be
      fought. It will be long. It will be hard. And.... and it will be won".

     Drinks gently frothed as hands trembled. No man met another's eyes.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

     "Quite frankly, Mr. De Falco, I find it hard to believe. Thousands of
      soldiers, and buggies, gliders, mortar shells - against a handful of
      troops, no matter how well trained. I suggest to you, candidly, that
      you need longer stay in our infirmary".

     President Blanco opened his palms as he spoke, exasperated at the
     wild-eyed visitor's outrageous claims.
        De Falco pursed his lips, and hissed;

     "Then perhaps you are lucky that we did not reach your island first.
      You would have provided easy pickings. The Midwinter Isle exists;
      it is there. It could be yours, with my help. Do you not need
     resources, do you not covet land?"

     The President grew impatient.

     "Look, De Falco, from whence you came I neither know nor care. You
      obviously know little of me or my people. We struggle for freedom
      everyday. East of us lie islands threatened by a brutal regime.
      South of us warfare abounds. The inexorable spread of the Saharan
      Empire will,one day, reach our shores. We are not interested in
      causing conflict. We seek only alliance and trade with neighbours.
      War is neither desirable nor affordable. If you are not suffering a
      reaction to your ordeal, I suggest that you seem to be the most
      injudicious of men. I am afraid that, if you will not accept
      treatment, I must you to leave Verde at your earliest convenience".

     De Falco clenched his teeth. His eyes burned. He focussed them on
     Blanco, who held his piercing stare for a moment.

     "Farewell, Mr De Falco", bade the President.

     The saliva struck just below his left eye.

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     CHAPTER 2 - THREE YEARS LATER

     Brightly shone the sun.

     Professor Kristiansen read the thermometer and scurried insideto plot
     the last of the month's readings on his charts. Hypothesis,
     observation, conclusion. Greenhouse, greyer outlook.
        Davy peered over his shoulder.

     "Well grampa, are you going to tell them yet?" sneered the gangly
     youth, his voice ranging from falsetto to bass within a sentence.

     Kristiansen quelled his gathering desire to put the boy in his place.
     There was so much of the old man in the new man. It never failed to
     sting him to the core.

     "Davy, how can I tell them? How do you explain that our homes, their
      lives and the whole damn adventure is threatened. It's not like
      three years ago. It's not an extinguishable force this time".

     "So its even more important to warn them. John knows we're worried.
      People can see that Harper's Lake has grown to threaten the village.
      People know, grampa, people know".

     The pleading tones of youth, the flooding memories of the old man, the
     pain of the knowledge and the fear of the unknown. The bonds between
     them began to stretch.

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     "Gentleme, we now turn to item 6.1 on todays agenda, 'Project Atlantic
      Explorer'. Dr. Grainger will speak tothe attatched paper".

     John Stark's voice boomed with increased authority.
        The twelve men of the Midwinter Security Council shuffled their
     documents nervously and turned towards the three newcomers.

     "May I introduce myself as Dr. Mark Grainger, Chair of the 'Atlantic
      Explorer' project, and my two assistants, Mr. Iwamoto and Miss Tambo.
      Nearly two years ago, we were charged with investigating the
      feasibility of the launch of an expedition to explore the Atlantic
      seas to the south-east of Midwinter. The project was initiated at
      your request after the events of three years ago, with two main aims.
      Firstly, to investigate the possibility of colonising any landfalls
      within easy travelling distance, in the hope of easing the pressure
      of the increasing population, forecast for our island within the next
      decade, and then to attempt to pinpoint the source of the erractic
      radio messages heard at that time. You have, of course, since been
      made aware that these broadcasts have discontinued ".

     "My two colleagues here today have been instrumental in facilitating
      the formulation of the proposed action outlined in the report.
      Mr Iwamoto has co-ordinated the development of the water-borne
      transport experiments, utilising much of the hardware abandoned by
      the invasion force, and has been liaising closely with the team
      concurrently investigating powered aerial transport".

     "Miss Tambo arrived on the Midwinter Isle some eighteen months ago
      following the sinking of a ship from the African port of Dakar.
      From Miss Tambo's condition on arrival, our medical staff believe
      that she had been drifting on a raft for several weeks. Miss Tambo
      has assured us that the ship was within sight of land when it went
      down. Examination of all available evidence has led us to the
      conclusion that it was not the Midwinter Isle which they had sighted.
      Miss Tambo has further presented us with detailed accounts of life
      in Africa, and has, like Mr.Iwamoto, valuable and interesting
      information to relay to you today".

     "Gentlemen, if you could turn to page 4 of the report, I will begin
      our presentation in detail."

     John Stark flicked through his papers. It was a detailed report. But
     he knew that however long Grainger spoke for, the arguments would rage
     much longer. He drummed his pencil on the table, determined to resist
     the calls for exploration.

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     The stench in the streets of Dakar was a heady cocktail of decay and
     disease, despite the teeming rain. Field-Marshall Franklin Ngcobo was
     soaked through to his skin. At the end of his 1500 mile journey, it
     had taken a bare half mile walk through the streets to complete his
     discomfort. Now, standing on the dockside, he gazed across the water;
     from the ships laden with troops in the foreground, to the waiting
     adventure beyond the horizon.
        A voice behind him jolted his mind back to reality.

     "Franklin, its good to see you. Pleasant journey?"

     "Good evening, General. No it was not. Over one thousand miles to wave
      goodbye to you is not, with all respect, what I would call pleasant."

     Realising that that sounded Harsh, Ngcobo forced a grin.

     "Everything is set, sir. The forward party have weakened resistance on
      Ghazal, and have, this afternoon, regrouped to set sail for Beni
      Mazar. I am sure that our leaders in Tamanrasset will be pleased."

     The General's pompous air further clouded Ngcobo's skies.

     "General, for a man who has been with the Saharan Empire only two
      years, you carry much responsibility. You have your orders. Ghazal
      is rich in minerals. It is the ore we are going to exploit, not her
      people. Ensure that it is so".

     Ngocobo paused for a second, assessing the impact of his instructions
     on the twitching man.

     "Report back every two hours".

     His impatient subordinate grinned.

     "Of course, sir". He knew that he had his power back, the energy
     driving the lies which tumbled freely from his lips.

     A young sergeant hailed them from fifty yards.

     "General De Falco, we are waiting for orders".

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     "They agreed to it Olaf. They damn well agreed to it". Stark's
     exasperation made the professor's task all more difficult.

     "Well, John, it may be for the best in the long run. We can't predict
     the future,after all, we can only make judgements based on all the
     available evidence".

     Kristiansen trod a fine line, placating Stark's anger whilst paving
     the way for his own bombshell.

     "But it's madness. They're dreaming of a pot of gold at the end of a
      rainbow. Fool's gold won't buy food!" Stark was not in a mood to be
     reasoned with.

     Kristiansen scratched his forehead and folded his arms. The giveaway.
     John Stark had known Olaf Kristiansen for thirty years and, despite
     the ups and downs, he could read the old man like a book.

     "Olaf, do you have something to tell me?: asked Stark gently.

     "Tes, Yes, I do, John. Sit down".

     For a fleeting moment, John perceived a sense of deja vu.
     It chilled him.

     "Go on", he croaked.

     "You know that I have been monitoring the climatic changes which we
      have all witnessed over the past three years. The physical
      manifestations are clear. Our lakes have risen and fallen seasonally.
      Now they flood regularly. The lowland snowfalls have melted quickly.
      Even compacted icewalls have begun to crumble in places".

     Stark nodded.

     "Tellme something new, professor".

     "Its not good, John. Its warming up. Its pace is accelerating.
      Drastically. For an island such as ours, there is only one way to
      go, and that is back from where it came. Back into the Ocean."

     Stark laughed nervously.

     "Get to the point", he pleaded.

     'The expedition is not an unaffortable luxury. It is a lifeline, John."

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     CHAPTER 3 - THREE YEARS LATER

     The rap of knuckles on the bedroom door brought him awake. The sound of
     the voice made him jump.

     "Davy, its gone eight. You're late". The teasing tones of Robbie Parris
     showed nosigns of suffering the hangover which beset his slumbering
     colleague.

     Davy formed a scathing reply, but before it could be delivered, he
     realised that he was not alone in his bed. His first nighton Verde had
     been a good one.
        He eased back the duvet and crept to the door. He opened it an inch
     and whispered,

     "Five minutes, mate. I'll see you downstairs".

     "Get a move on, lover boy. We've got a lot to do today".

     Davy shut the door and cringed. He was going to have to face a lot
     more of Robbie's sarcasm before last night was forgotten.
        As he dressed, he gathered his thoughts. The thoughts of a nineteen
     year old youth, on his first trip away from Midwinter. He'd heard so
     much about Verde from his grandfather, but he was not sure that the
     life he'd sampled here sofar was not the one which so excited the
     ailing geriatric.
        Davy had been sent by the Midwinter Trade Council, of which he was
     the rising star, to put the seal of approval on export and import
     agreements thrashed out over the past fourteen months. Robbie's role
     was to oversee similar talks on the relocation of the first thousand
     settlers. The two men were well briefed and eager.
        Having collected yesterday's quickly discarded clothes, he flipped
     open his briefcase to check that he had all the necessary documents
     for the day's business. His eyes fell on the note from John Stark,
     wishing him luck for the trip. Good old John, he had taken the last
     few years well, despite his initial judgements having been proved so
     drastically wrong. Davy thought it unfair that the man whom he had
     worshipped for so long now found that his wisdom met with scepticism
     more often than approval.
        But this was not the time for sentiment, it was the hour of action.
     All the negotiations had been smoothly talked to the verge of
     completion, all the well laid plans were about to come to fruition.
     The Midwinter Isle had found a much needed partner, and the future
     matched the weather. Brighter each day.

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     The leather strap fizzed through the air before cracking against bare
     flesh.
        Convulsing against the stone slab to which he was tethered, the
     young man yelped. His wealds glistened in the rays of light piercing
     the gloom from the high window.
        Administering the final blowswas De Falco's privilege.

     "You are a lucky man", he hissed at the twitching body.

     "Other Dhafrans will find out how lucky in years to come."

     Another lash smacked home, splattering blood across the tiled floor.
     The prisoner's tortured body lay motionless.His luck had expired.
        De Falco turned to hand his instrument of torture to the waiting
     subordinate, who stood nervously nearthe door.

     "Clean up the mess in here and put the body on display. Make it clear
     that the Saharan Empire cannot be resisted. I want the last few
     renegades rounded up by nightfall".

     The soldier wiped his browand nodded obediently.

     "Then send notice to Tamanrasset that Dhafrahas fallen. Remind them
     that half the islands are now under our rule, and inform them of my
     recommendation that this island should be used to make firm our grip
     by the construction of a large militarybase."

     De Falco rubbed his stubbled chin thoughtfully.

     "And invite a delegation from Tamanrasset to the city of Quida in the
     north. Its timefor our leaders  to witness our efforts."

     He spun on his heels and left with a thundering laugh.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

     The huge oak doors swung open and President Blanco strode purposefully
     forward, hand outstretched.
        Davy was, for a moment, more in awe of his surroundingsthan at the
     mountain of a man who was pumping his arm in greeting.

     "Mr.Hart, it is good to meet you. How is your grandfather?"

     "Good morning, sir. Theprofessor is, as always, stronger in mind than
      in body. He sends his regards."

     Good, good. Well, shall we sit? I am not as young as you, after all."

     Davy grimaced. He hated people remarking upon his lack of years. They
     always equated it with a lack of experience, not knowing that he'd been
     through more trauma before his teens than most witness in a lifetime.
        The President noticed Davy's discomfort.

     "Well, this is a long way to come to merely sign a piece of paper.
      What news do you bring from Midwinter?"

     "Mixed, sir, to be honest. The refugee list is over subscribed by a
      factor of five. Rumours have spread like wildfire that the island
      has less than five years before she is reclaimed by the seas. This
      has not been helped by your reluctance to negotiate Trade Agreements
      beyond this time. But we have much to offer you, as I know you have
      us."

     Blanco allowed a feint smile to play on his lips.

     "Your grandfather told told me that you speak your mind. How
      refreshing it is to hear that borne  out."

     "When time is of the essence, it pays to get to the point. We are
      looking to extend our agreements, once those on the table today have
      been ratified."

     "My friend, you must understand my air of caution. Trade of commodities
      must be two way. We are already offering you much in addition to our
      hand of friendship."

     "Indeed you are. But bonds may be strengthened in other ways. I heard
      that Dhafra fell last night. Perhaps it would be prudent to cast our
      eyes east in tandem. Once the swelling wave breaks, it is too late
      to start building a sea wall."

     The President chuckled.

     "An analogy constructed from both hind and foresight, I imagine. To say
      that we are not worried by events in the east would be untrue. To
      admit that we are unaware that your Security Council have more
      advanced military hardware than we do would also be a lie. As you say,
      perhaps we could discuss a more formal alliance. Will you make my
      willingness to discuss such things known to your people?"

     Davy nodded his agreement.

     "Naturally, any military treaties would be be for deterrent purposes
      only. Midwinter is not an aggressive nation. Nor is Verde. But
      together, our forces would form a strong line of defence."

     The doors behind them opened amd a smartly dressed woman of Davy's age
     entered.
        As she handed Blanco a note, Davy thought that she looked familiar.

     "Thank you Jutta.This is Mr.Hart from the Midwinter Isle. Are the
      Trade papers ready for his signature?"

     "Yes, sir. I'll have them sent in."

     She turned to leave, ignoring Davy's embarrassed motions to a handshake.

     "Jetta", snapped the President, "Mr.Hart is being polite".

     As Davy's eyes met hers, he flushed crimson.

     "Yes, sir. Davy and I met last night. There is no need for formality
      this morning."

     CHAPTER 4 - THREE YEARS LATER

     Every time a thought began to form, the 'bleep' of the heart monitor
     stifled it. He began to wish that the monotonous confirmation of the
     old man's tenacity in clinging to life would cease.
        How could he even entertain the thought! Davylowered his head into
     his hands, peering through his fingers at the shrouded figure,
     surrounded by banks of equipment which he had designed throughout his
     now ending life.
        Davy's head was a maelstrom of emotion, impatience, ideas and sorrow.
        His decision making powers were deerting his mind, just as his
     grandfathers breath was deserting his body.
        His quandary was immense. The old man's last request was to die on
     Midwinter. His only hope was to leave with the last of his people for
     the safe haven of Verde.
        The authorities were closing the medi-centre in twenty-four hours.
     Davy prayed that nature would pull the plug before he was forced to
     himself.
        He hadn't heard the doctor's entrance.

     "I'm so sorry, Davy."

     Davy recoiled from his thoughts, leaping back to the present. The
     silence which at last filled the room flooded his ears and brought a
     trickle tear of relief.
        He rose, crossed to the bed, and gently kissed  the lips of his
     grandfather's body.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

     "You are dismissed, herewith. You will be taken back to Tamanrasset to
      await court martail. The catalogue of evil which you have perpetrated
      sickens me. What sort of man are you, De Falco?"

     De Falco widened the grin which he had fixed before the tirade from
     the Tuereg Prince had begun.

     "Sir, I am a man who has striven, over thirty years, to enable the
      creation of a new order which the predicament of our planet demands.
      There are those who's destiny it is to govern, and there are those
      only fit to be slaves. I am, admittedly, single-minded in my quest
      for power. I am on of the chosen few. I have facilitated the spread
      of your empire. I have enabled you to lay claim to forty islands,
      their people and their resources. I have dedicated myself to giving
      the Saharan Empire everything it covets. Now you betray me, Now you
      spurn me. Now you seek to undo all that I have done. We are but one
      step from taking Verde and Midwinter. What I am not, is lacking the
      moral fibre which you and your like are. Tamanrasset has its salves.
      Tamanrasset has its natural order. Now I have given order to the East
      Atlantic. I will be remembered as the greatest son of the Saharan
      Empire. Your epitaph will, I am sure, remember tou as one who
      hindered rather than helped."

     Prince Sendero, heir to the Tuereg throne, was caught in two minds.
     Should he have De Falco executed immediately, orwas heto follow his
     father's advice and send the maverick back to Tamanrasset to be
     killed?
     He pondered awhile, chiefly to allow himself time to choose his
     words carefully.

     "De Falco. You are correct in stating that a new order has to be
      imposed. However, you no longer have a part in our plans. We have
      used you to get ourselves into a position of strenght. We believe in
      an ordered society. We have our slaves. The islands will be nurtured
      as slave colonies. You will be amongst their number."

     "You have overstepped the mark time and time again. The blood of a
      thousand people stain your hands. Your actions mean that the coercing
      of our new colonies into working for us will be difficult.
      We cannot exploit corpses. There are many fine jewels which are now
      ours. We have the task of cutting them into priceless gems. Such a
      process requires skilled craftsmen, not sadists armed with
      sledgehammers. Your time as a leader of the Saharan Empire is over.
      I have reconsidered my decision to have you sent back to the mainland.
      I will have the necessary papers drawn up to enable you to begin your
      new duties as my personal slave tomorrow."

     For the first time in years, De Falco's smile vanished.

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     Cheering crowds, vehicles bedecked with bunting and the beat of
     marching drums filled the teeming streets of Union.
        The carnival atmosphere floated through the first-floor window of
     President Blanco's office where he sat, in full uniform, putting the
     finishing touches to his soon to be delivered speech.
        Next door, in the government chamber,over one hundred dignitaries
     and officials from the former islands of Midwinter and Verde chattered
     excitedly, toasting the birth of a new beginning with fine wines.
        He ran through his text for the final time.

     "People of Agora, today we celebrate a landmark in time. The coming
      together of two tribes in peace, friendship and prosperity. Yesterday
      is history, tomorrow another day. Today, let us not ignore the
      lessons of the past, nor deny the uncertainty of the future. Let us
      celebrate, reflect, and plan."

     "Celebrate our freedom. Enjoy the mutual benefits which our former
      islands bring each other. Give thought to the opportunities afforded
      us."

     "Reflect on the struggles along the road to where we are. Remember the
      pain and suffering endured by our forefathers. Never forget that we
      can overcome everything bar the passage of time."

     "Plan carefully to maximise potential. Fear not what time has in store
      for us, but be mindful of the dangers we face. And prepare yourselves
      to be part of Agora's future."

     "Just over the horizon lies danger. The Saharan Empire show no mercy
      to the weak. Our economy must be developed, education and training
      must be advanced, and our defences must be strengthened."

     "It gives me great pleasure to announce to you the information of the
      Atlantic Federation. We aim to build from our base here on Agora,
      strengthening our trading links with the islands suffering at the
      hands of the Saharan Empire, and encouraging them in whatever ways
      possible. We will negotiate with the Saharan regime, in an attempt to
      bring peace and prosperity across the Atlantic.
      The Earth is, at long last, beginning to bear fruit again. Let us
      spread our harvest wide. May the Atlantic Federation be a vehicle of
      progress, a force for liberty, and a spark which lights the flames
      of freedom longing to melt the last of the ice away."

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

     Peering into the gloom, the guard blinked his eyes as he tried to focus
     on the bed in the corner of the cell. It was empty.

     As panic set in, the dull thud to his left set the guard's eyes turning.
     Stepping into the darkness, he looked up towards the sound.De Falco's
     body swung gently against the wall, hung high, sheets knotted to the
     air vent.

     It was the guard's turn to smile.

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                    S E C R E T  &  C O N F I D E N T I A L

     From: ..........................The Presidetial Offices, Union, Agora
     To: ............Commander Blair, Atlantic Federation Security Council

        Dear Joe,

          Further to your letter of the twenty-third of this month, The
     President has asked me to inform you that your paper entitled
     "Intelligence Gathering - A Plan for the Future, will be tabled at the
     next Grand Council meeting with his full approval.
        He would welcome the opportunity of a meeting with you and your team
     before the meeting, scheduled for the fifteenth of next month.
     I suggest that you telephone me to arrange a firm date.
        Once done, I will notify you of the areas contained in the report
     which are felt by The President to need additional clarification.
     He will, of cousr, require a full briefing under Security Notice B1.

                                  Yours ever,

                                  K. Svensson

                      Private Secretary to The President.

     P.S. Joe, this is a STRICTLY need to know basis as far as your guys
          are concerned.

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                              DAILY CORRESPONDENT

                           Agora's Leading Newspaper
                              -------------------

     SAHARAN COMMUNIQUE OFFERS PEACE HOPE

     Union, 1 January, 30

     The President of the Atlantic Federation today revealed that he has
     received a "New Year's Greeting" from the leader's of the Saharan
     Empire, in which they speak of "A new epoch of hope, peace and
     co-operation" over the coming years. It is believed to be the first
     direct communication from the Empire for eighteen months, and its
     tone and content have sent shock-waves through Government cicrles.
        Speaking at a hastily arranged briefing, President Blanco told
     waiting reporters that he was both "excited and amazed" at the
     apparent about-face detailed in the communique, coming as it does
     less than a month after reports of massive troop build-ups on Dhafra.
        The Empire have offered to build both Trade and Diplomatic links
     with the Federation, in the hope that "mutual understanding will lead
     to financial and military stability throughout the East Atlantic".
        In his announcement, The President said that he "welcomed the
     appearance of reason after far too much time spent eyeing each other
     as alien races", and that he would be replying to the message in "the
     most positive way possible".
        However, late last night in Townsville, it was becoming apparent
     that The President may be isolated in his views. The Security Council
     offered "no comment" to the suggestion that the Saharan Empire may be
     using this tactic to weaken resolve amongst the Agoran people, which
     was quickly followed by increased speculation that the predicted
     arguments over proposed increase defence spending from next month
     may be set to take a new turn.

     IS THE COLD WAR COMING TO AN END?

     From Our Political Correspondent, Henri Lafayette

     "It had to happen. The strenght of the Atlantic Federation has grown
      and held its own in the face of all threats from the East.
      The Saharan Empire must know that their furthest flung outposts, our
      nearest neighbours such as Panao, Vicenza and Gamboa, are unmanagable
      without the financial input that trade with Agora offers."
        Such were the bullish tones of President Blanco yesterday. The
     questions now to be answered are even more numerous than those begging
     response before receipt of the communique. What exactly are the
     Saharans planning? How do they envisage Agora's position alongside
     the dictatorship imposed on the Slave Isle?
     And, perhaps the most pertinent question of all is to ask ourselves
     'Do we trust them?'.
        So deep is the resentment of the Empire buried in our society, so
     strong the feelings of revusion at their capture of the Slave Isles
     two decades ago, and so consistent the line of anti-Empire propaganda
     flowing from The President himself throughout his Premiership, it
     seems inconceivable that the past can be forgotten and new partnerships
     forged.
        But, if our leadership is to be believed, this is the opportunity
     of a lifetime, to be grasped with both hands. We must hope, for the
     sake of the Federation and all our people, that the hands which grasp
     are not severed at the wrist by an enemy which, in the past, has not
     found itself wanting in the dirty tricks department. Let us join
     The President in welcoming the initiative. But, as he once said
     himself, "Let us not ignore the lessons of the past, nor deny the
     uncertainty of the future".

     MALARIA SCARE RESURFACES ON PANAO

     The Daily Correspondent has learnt from an Agoran citizen in hiding on
     the Slave Isle of Panao, that fears are growing that the malaria
     epidemic of thity years ago may be set to take hold once more. Medical
     facilities on the island have, we understand, asked for immediate
     assistance from the Saharan authorities, in order to curb the rising
     danger. Its proximity to Agora led to all fishing wessels being banned
     from entering our waters during the last outbreak, which because of
     the intensity of the fighting against the Saharans on the island at
     the time, caused great consternation for our government.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                                 THE MESSENGER

                             "Telling it how it is"

                   DON'T TRUST THEM - Saharan Dogs Will Bite!
                   ------------------------------------------

     The Agoran leaders were plunged into a new fight with the barbaric
     Saharan regime yesterday as they sent us a "peace message"in an attempt
     to con us into becoming friends.

     Despite years of blopdy slaughtering and the maiming of innocent men,
     women and children, President Blanco last night said that he was ready
     to talk to the madmen of Tamanrasset!

     The message was the first time that Agora has officially heard from the
     Evil Empire in over a year, in which time they have continued to rule
     with an iron fist over the Slave Isles.

     Only last week, our intelligence in Dhafra spoke of a huge build up of
     soldiers, guns, and tanks. The Saharan Empire are completing their
     evil schemes to attack Agora, and have abviously used the "peace
     message" as a cover for their plans.

     The Messenger, speaking as it does on behalf of the citizens of Agora,
     is proud to tell President Blanco that we are ready to fight off the
     Evil Empire even if he is willing to be tricked into becoming their
     friends.

     TOP COP BRANDED TRAITOR

     A high ranking Federation Law Officer has defected to the Saharan
     Empire whilst engaged in undercover work on Iquitos. Agent Raj Nazir
     found the highlife enjoyed by wealthy Saharans too much to resist when
     offered a new house and job on the holiday haven. He is now spilling
     the beans to the local Saharan authorities in exchange for money and
     luxury goods. When we contacted the headquarters of the Federation
     Security Council in Union, we were allowed only to speak to the
     Personnel Officer, who told us that "Agent Nazir is no longer in our
     employment. His whereabouts are the subject of much speculation, but he
     knows nothing which could damage the Federation or its people". Nazir
     left behind his wife and two children, who were last night "resting
     with friends".

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                         Jibaile, Corozal, 8 January 30

     President Blanco,
     Atlantic Federation Government Buildings,
     Townsville,
     Agora.

               Mr.President,
                            I pray that this letter reaches you, for in
     writing it I endanger the lives of many. News has reached me of the
     Communique issued to your Government by the leaders of the Saharan
     Empire, and your apparent response. As the leader of the illegal
     Corozal Democratic Party, I beg you to set your face against the
     blantant untruthfulness of the message. On Corozal, we made the mistake
     of allowing the Saharan Empire to gain creedence when they first
     approached us nearly twenty years ago. They abused our trust, flouted
     all decency, and now impose the strictest denial of human rights on our
     people, backed by the threat of further military action if we do not
     comply with their every command.
          More of our people are transported back to the African mainland
     as slaves every day. The Empire is ruled by men who will go to any
     lenght to extend their domain. I know that they covet Agora as the
     jewel in their crown. Not only are the Atlantic Federation in control
     the last free island in the East Atlantic, they are also the only hope
     remaining for the millions of Slave Isles citizens who long for
     emancipation.
          With every breath in my body, I plead with you not to befriend the
     Empire. If you do so, Agora will fall. There are alternatives which do
     not involve full-scale military confrontation, although I understand
     that you feel it to be inevitable unless you reach compromise with the
     Empire.
          Corozal is lucky to be home to men and women who are never prepared
     tolay down in the face of injustice. We have cultivated and intricate
     network of undercover intelligence operatives whose task is to make
     life as difficult as possible for our oppressors. Instead of embarking
     upon a futile quest for intercourse with the desperate men of the
     Saharan Empire, I suggest to you that an alliance with the downtrodden,
     but not beaten, people suffering at their hands is the only course of
     action which will, in the long run, bring peace and prosperity to the
     East Atlantic, and, to be quite candid, is the only option which will
     save your island from befalling the same fate as Corozal.
          I am sure that, if you wish to enfafe in further dialogue, you
     will be able to contact me.

                      Yours truly in peace and friendship,

                                  Badzal Zola.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

       Extract from the minutes of the Atlantic Federation Grand Council
                            meeting, 15th January 30

           Item 5.0: "Intelligence Gathering - A Plan for the Future"

     The Council was addressed by Commander Blair, Deputy Chair of the
     Atlantic Federation Security Council, who spoke to his tabled paper.
     In outline, the paper proposed the formation of a new department
     within his organisation, charged with recruiting, training and
     utilising a squad of Agents for placement upon the Slave Islands, with
     the aim of soliciting and gathering information pertinent to Saharan
     Empire activities, and to seek out and liaise with known activists
     working to undermine the Saharan Empire's activities. Such a body of
     men and women would be answerable directly to the Grand Council via the
     Security Council Chair and Federation President, and their work would
     at all times be classified, confidential, secret, and subject to the
     highest security clearance.

     The paper received the full support of The President, who assured the
     Council that hisremarks of earlier in the month had been
     misinterpreted, and he in no way sought to forge alliances with the
     Saharan Empire.

     Points of enquiry were raised by several Council members, which
     focussed on the day to day proceedures to be adopted by such operatives
     whilst on assignment, and on the calibre of Agent available for such
     missions.

     Commander Blair explained that the Field Agents would be put in place
     on each of the islands, with the aim of preparing information for return
     to Agora, which would be disseminated by the Security Council. A top
     tier of Agents would be on constant alert on Agora, who would provide
     help and back-up to Field Agents as requested, travelling undercover
     to any of the Slave Islands requiring urgent assistance.

     The Agents were to be recruited carefully from existing Security
     Forces, and, in addition, from the limited number of Federation allies
     throughout the East Atlantic.

     With the proviso that Commander Blair return to the next meeting with
     detailed organisational structures for final approval, the document
     received assent by seventeen votes to nil, with two abstentions.

               Item 6.0: A vote of confidence in President Blanco

     Subsequent to the earlier discussions regarding President Blanco's
     statements about the Saharan Communique, it was accepted by the
     proposers that this item be dropped from the Agenda.

     President Blanco accepted the Council's warnings as to his future
     conduct in such matters.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                                    M E M O

     From: ................................. The P.S., Chair A.F.S.C.
     Date: ............................................. 21 June 30

     To: .................................. The P.S., President Blanco
     Ref: ................................................... HY65/B.1

     Subjext: .................................... Cobra Agent Reports

                     S E C R E T  &  C O N F I D E N T A L

     MESSAGE:

        Dear Ken,

          Please find enclosed the first batch of reportsfrom those COBRA
     agents who are now in place, for the President's attention. Usual rules
     apply.
        Any comments should be strictly saved for tomorrows meeting.
        The deadline for Grand Council papers is next Thursday, so we must
     move fast on 'tracing' the leaks. I couldn't spot the spoon-fed stuff
     myself!
                         All the best, fingers crossed,

                                      Sal

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                                    M E M O

     From: ................................. The P.S., Chair A.F.S.C.
     Date: ............................................. 25 June 30

     To: .................................. The P.S., President Blanco
     Ref: ................................................... HY69/B.1

     Subjext: .................................... Cobra Agent Reports

                     S E C R E T  &  C O N F I D E N T A L

     MESSAGE:

        Dear Ken,
          The bait was taken. The day after the first reports reached the
     President, the Airship base on Maji was stuffed with troopes, all
     heavily armed, and a five mile cordon was thrown around the base.
     The following day Professor Challenger was rooted out and is believed
     to have been killed. Having found the leak, Commander Blair wants it
     plugged a.s.a.p. The method is open to discussion, but it looks messy.
     Blanco is on his way out, that much is sure, but they are really
     baying for his blood over here. Show trials and extradition at best,
     the moment the 'hangers' have been waiting for at worst.

              Can you get in touch tonight to smooth things over?

                                      Sal

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                            COBRA Field Agent Report

     Agent:    Radovan Krajewski        Base:  Gamboa
     Date:     19.6.30                  Time of Transmission:  2330
     Taken by: DD                       Code:  Passed


     Report Filed:

        Progress delayed by heavy floods. Military base in W. not
        accesible. Low population, unable to make contacts but little
        Saharan prescence. Potential as staging post. More soon.
        R.K. ends.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                            COBRA Field Agent Report

     Agent:    Esther Glynn             Base:  Jerez
     Date:     19.6.30                  Time of Transmission:  2135
     Taken by: DD                       Code:  Passed


     Report Filed:

     Pop, main Portuguese/African. Main trade copper, becoming less. Jorges
     Tequise, resist leader in prison. No contact established. One military
     base. Recruit potential fair. More soon. E.G. ends.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                            COBRA Field Agent Report

     Agent:    Jack Eiseb               Base:  Maji
     Date:     19.6.30                  Time of Transmission:  1800
     Taken by: DD                       Code:  Passed


     Report Filed:

     S. Emp. leader Col. Mendoza v. strong, loyal troops, local resistance
     active, much blood. Rebel leader Prof. Challenger, in N. plans raid on
     Airship field in W. soon. Industrial base strong in N., much export to
     Taman. Potential recruit high. Land fair, climate fair. More soon.
     J.E. ends.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                              DAILY CORRESPONDENT

                           Agora's Leading Newspaper
                              -------------------

                                BLANCO RESIGNS!
                        SPY SCANDAL ROCKS THE FEDERATION

     Henri Blanco has resigned as President of the Atlantic Federation, in
     cicumstances which are leading to incredible speculation that he is an
     agent of the Saharan Empire.
        The magnitude of his treachery is not yet clear, but to have a
     traitor as head of state certainly means that our nation state is in
     perilous danger of foreign intervention.
        Mr. Moshe Sarid, the deputy premier, revealed the worldshattering
     scandal with the words; "One man may have taken us to the brink of
     destruction". Such terms may appear to overstate the dire predicament
     of our nation, but, as President Blanco will have had access to every
     single piece of intelligence and Gouvernment information for over
     twenty years.
        How long he has been in the pocket of the Saharan Empire is unclear,
     but, in an effort to prevent widespread unrest amongst Agoran people,
     Mr. Sarid confirmed that he believe it to be "less than a six month
     period".
        The whereabouts of the President and his immediate family were kept
     a secret last night, but Security Council advisors and media
     representatives were calm, positive, and obviously well briefed.
        It may well be the case that the Security Council have been keeping
     close checks on the ex-President for some time, which would explain the
     apparent calm with which they are handling this devastating news.
        The problem over the coming months will no doubt be to ascertain
     just how much Blanco has fed to the Saharan Empire, and now Agora and
     the Atlantic Federation can restore confidence in their security and
     intelligence operations.
        Last january, Blanco caused uproar following his reaction to the
     "Peace Communique" from the Saharan Empire. His actions may now be seen
     in a different light following these amazing events. Blanco was a man
     with corrupted values and dishonest aims. If his point of view at that
     time had held sway, his discovery as a spy now would be all the more
     damaging. Luckily, the Atlantic Federation took the initiative away
     from Blanco by producing alternative policy decisions, forcing him to
     support them, which have led to a strenghening of Security Forces, and
     limiting his influence. It may indeed be the case, if rumours from
     Government circles are correct, that the heightened Security position
     finally led to Blanco's exposure for what he is - an enemy of the
     state, condemned by his own admissions to confinement for the rest of
     his life.

                              THE SECRET OF STATE
               From our Political Correspondent, Henri Lafayette

     The evidence against ex-President Balnco, gathered by the top Agents of
     the Security Council, will have been seen by very few people.
        The same will be true of the information passed by Blanco to the
     Saharan Empire. The knowledge of what has been leaked, and its
     political, economic and military importance, is the privilege of very
     few.
        The deputy premier's remarks that Blanco may bring Agora closer to
     suffering foregin intervention smacks of one without that privilege.
     The real power brokers behind the throne are unlikely to be members of
     the Government. They are the Chief Officers of the Security Council.
        This small band of hand-picked military and intelligence elite are
     mentally in the front-line of a war in which, as yet, no shots have
     been fired. Blanco's disclosures may well bring conflict into sharper
     focus in these men's mind, but the how, when,and where of war will have
     been their centre of attention throughout their careers.
        These men are the players in a massive underground Chess game, only
     brought to light when our side lost, let us pray, not their King, but
     their Queen.
        The number of lesser pieces left the Federation's disposal is
     unknown. But one thing is. The chance of stalemate in this game of
     Atlantic power-politics is virtually nil.

        -----------------------------------------------------------------

                             STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

     The Atlantic Federation Security Council,
     Central Offices,
     Command Island,
     Agora.

     Salvatore Bella.
     COBRA Agent j89/e

        Dear Agent Bella,
          It was most interesting to meet you yesterday. In the light of
     your information gathered regarding "Operation Scorpio", I have
     arranged for you to meet Commander Blair on Friday, here, at 1445
     hours.
          Since then, I have received corroborating information from an
     Agent on Ghazal and am currently seeking urgent contact with all
     Agents on assignments based on eastern islands. If, as it appears,
     the Saharans are preparing to launch an attack from the mainland,
     my soundings with strategists here at HQ are pointing to a minimum
     of one years delay in building sufficient troop levels from the
     Empire's current levels around Dakar.
          It is of no doubt in my ming that the Saharan Empire lust after
     our island. I believe that we may, thanks to your vigilance, have
     gained enough time to combat it. The Commander would welcome a
     discussion regarding potential strategic paths on Friday. We must
     tread a fine line between preparation for war and avoidance of its
     precipitation.
          Intelligence gathering is now at a premium. As such a valued
     agent, I am sure that you will appreciate that we need you in the
     field. Will you therefore prepare to leave Agora next Monday on
     assignment. You will be fully breifed after your meeting with
     Commander Blair on Friday.

                                Yours sincerely,
                                Stefan Lubovski
                         Director of Field Operations,
                                     COBRA.

