Things just cease to exist when you stop believing in them.
Anonymous.
Chapter 2
embassy
Sudan Khartoum last week of July, 2003
Two days after being provisioned for the trip, the three reporters in the capital continued, making it possible to stay attentive to what appears & iacuyou, to take shape before the blind eyes of officials. The weariness that Kirk had been due in part to the slow pace of negotiations, but tambiéna their ignorance of the real situation, had vanished completely, with the expectation that held by can be a very good story.
That day was also found to the surprise of seeing the two men who started the commotion in the embassy, not invading the place, but as guests to present their points of view their comments and views on recent developments to the body of national and international diplomats. Butor, the biggest surprise found him in the afternoon, just finishing the round of talks officials.
observer who knew the young man two days earlier, Mr. Spock, he reached the door of the conference room.
"Mr. Kirk, I see you still with us.
"Well, yes, smiled as they walked to the American runners. I think I'm expecting some kind of signal or something like that to go elsewhere.
- Any interesting news?
"We could say that s & amp; iacute;. There are some rumors about actions the government is doing in Darfur, and I'm just waiting to confirm our departure there. Spock
up a bit one of her thin eyebrows, letting him know that he was intrigued by what he said.
- Darfur? It is a dangerous place.
"I know. I have commented on some people, but they are just rumors.
"I see, the diplomat stopped when they were in a wide area, with almost no people around, making the journalist also imitated. His eyes had a sparklement stranger. Mr. Kirk, if I remember correctly, I think we agreed on an interview this week. I am free from now and wonder if you could go with a drink in the hotel bar where I stayed. I am in the Hilton.
Kirk's smile was drawing slowly nodding.
"I'll be happy to accompany you, Mr. Spock. I have some questions about the international community and what they are working in this area.
Both left the headquarters, heading one of the cars used by foreign diplomats. Kirk thoughtI was too wasted to address both luxury back seat of the Mercedes, but did not comment. However, it was the diplomat who spoke for him when he left behind the building.
I do not know what you think of this, Mr. Kirk, but I have not gotten used to these unnecessary luxuries. Prefer to manage myself a boksi, but unfortunately not let us.
- A boksi?
"I mean, one of those cars compact SUV," said the American view that was not very familiar with the names in local language. I think I would m & aacute, s comfortable.
"I fear we think the same way, Mr. Spock, smiled slightly, while the driver of the car watched the rearview mirror. SUVs are more practical, especially if you manage it.
His host turned to the front, nodding motion without adding further comment. Then they came to the hotel, and already there, it did follow the bar. They chose a remote and distant from the customers he had.
"I recommend the shai bi-nana, mint tea . It better than black tea, the diplomat suggested sitting, before the waiter to come see them approached the table . now ... Want to start with questions, or would you prefer to relate my views?
- How would you feel most comfortable? Might assume that you like doing things for yourself, as with the SUV-Spock laughed at the quick thinking of Kirk, and nodded.
"You're too intuitive, very observant. I like that, but your ambition to get storiesdifferent from the rest. It is a huge advantage that you take over others, the young man ordered a drink, a gesture that mimicked his companion. Then, settling into his chair, began with a low voice. Well, as you can imagine, Mr. Kirk, the diplomat will be given certain privileges to get information that nobody else would know.
"Well, that's not a secret pocket, pulled out the recorder, showing it and leaving it on the table occupied. "I can record our conversation?
-Nothing tand tell you a secret, of course not, "Spock said, nodding with a nod to her question. However, there are times when not all the diplomats obtain the full facts. I have the privilege of having people who trust me and I get the information firsthand. I share this privilege with you, by the qualities I see in you, and because I have a hunch that this will not tell you as a holder of two weeks and then will forget.
kept his eyes on the diplomat, putting all his attention to every word he heard, while activating the controls de grabacióny gave room for the interview. Could observe their movements, insurance and studied, her poise and diplomacy, as would require the work performed. However, we also saw in his face, his eyes, even in his words, a budding shade of bitterness and disappointment.
"he told me to go Darfur.
"Yes, at any time could tell me that everything is ready, or perhaps even within one or two weeks. Do not know yet.
"Well, let me tell you a little of that place. There are three geographical divisions in the regionN Darfur, but there is one more that is known for geographical laws. There are many ethnic groups and peoples, Africans and Arabs who occupy the land. After the devastating civil wars that have happened, the division of which I speak has grown by leaps and bounds, and is giving rise to the threat of a tragedy.
- Why is there this division? It is assumed that all belong to this nation, and that the government would be responsible for making a kind of amnesty.
"Unfortunately, there is a tendency in the thinking of the leaders of the" amnesty "thatcould be achieved will be effective only through military force. This is not only a justification for the excessive ambition that the new president has shown. Leans powerful minority that believes in this case, the Arabs over Africans.
- Is land, then?
-Full. His war is over natural resources that this land offers you: grazing, broad valleys for expansion of villages, and the strongest, the type of oil that exists only in this region . Have started ethnic cleansing, attacking the townI Africans, while leaving those who are Arabs, although they are just a few miles from each other. Like I said before, the Sudanese government is supporting the Arab population, and instead of finding practical solutions, has joined the violent action. The problem we face in this conflict is not to try to establish peace between the races, but to convince the government to withdraw from the war, and focus on seeing all the inhabitants of the country as a force potential as the main working structure, to undo all the years of disaster that drag due to previous wars, but no luck. CH
TMLXC Kirk nodded, remembering the words that tell Scotty days ago. Silent when the waiter brought them drinks they had asked, and only when they were alone, he resumed the conversation.He speaks of genocide.
-Officially a rumor, but I can not deny. The conflict began when those considered insurgents, the rebels attacked military and government positions. They just attacked the government's sights. It took reprisals against the insurgents are of concern. Not limited to fittingsrebels attacked towns and villages that had nothing to do with the conflict, only to be African. This is the company that brought us to this land as spokespersons for the International Community.
"And the government has ignored them, I guess.
"Yes." But not just them. The most serious problem is that the UN did not want to see reality in the figures and statistics that have been sent. Argues that there are relevant data, there are many gaps in information, we are only basing our reports on rumors and there is nothing to prove the allegation of genocide. That's what has us baffled and DeSilusionados, Mr. Kirk.
"I see, took a small sip of his drink and continued. His companion did not touch his glass. So is the interest of some of you and these groups called "liberation" in the press. They are trying to raise their voices through the media.
"More than that, Mr. Kirk-Spock interrupted with a slight tinge of annoyance in his voice. We are trying to stop this slaughter. We are in the progress of the twenty-first century, and the threat of an event like this is just a sample of our negligence in such situations. No pokeremos make a fuss to draw attention to ourselves. We raise awareness to those who can help us do something, for this to stop. The Government has acquired weapons and military vehicles to regions of the former Soviet Union, and is with them in the culprits of attacks on its own citizens. I do not know if at this point in our conversation you can see the magnitude of this situation.
correspondent nodded thoughtfully. Definitely, there was a great story behind the whole affair. A massive civil coup by a military, totalitarian government, based on their economic interests and blindthe ambition of the leaders.
"I'm taken in, but yeah. This leads me to wonder what they really want to achieve by giving me this information. I have a job to do for the newspaper that sent me. And thanks to the attack suffered at the hands of this man who turned out to be the President of the Sudan Liberation Party, now I find I have to give a firm diplomatic. What else should I expect?
-IRAs of refugee camps. That motivates me to believe that they will write a story, aeditorial either, but you show the real need that exists here, Mr. Kirk. I believe I have you as a partner to get to convince UN members that there should be something.
Kirk stared at Spock's, and then smiled with a slight hint of irony.
"I'll see what I can do. But if the government sudanésy the UN itself have been ignored, I do not to pay attention a correspondent of the hundreds that must pass through here. And like I said, Mr. Spock, I have a job to do, and that means a deadline. I will strive to make this historyria as relevant as possible, but I can not promise anything at the end of time I have.
The aforementioned nodded, hiding his thoughts upon hearing the cold words of the correspondent. Maybe he had the wrong person. Maybe it was a waste of time, but it was better to risk and expect some results, which remain static, without doing something.
saying "I understand that, practically reached its glass and emptied it in one gulp, getting up immediately afterwards, ready to go. Anyway, thank you for your interest in my conversation, Mr. Kirk. Now if you'll excuse me, I preto another report and send it to my superiors. Do not worry about your drink, run by myself.
Kirk was left alone at the table, with the bitter feeling of guilt in the conscience. Thinking about it, put the recorder and finished his drink, getting up and leaving also the building in minutes.
He went to his hotel on foot, reflecting on all that Spock had said about the conflict that existed at the site at the time, considering how it could build a story that interested Só no ; what his readers in the whole affair, but taking it further, auna possible denunciation of the negligence of the leading global organization with regard to what happened there. Scotty
caught him as he crossed the front door of the hotel. She looked excited.
"Hey, where do we missed you, Mr. Kirk?
"I had an informal meeting with one of the diplomats. An interview. At last we have some time for that. Is something wrong? The newcomer
practically pushed him to guide you to your room, yet an air of mystery in the way they behaved. Kirk sensedsomething was wrong.
"I received a call today, my friend. But I can not tell you here.
"Okay. The room has a small fridge and drinks. I invite you something.
climbed without talking about the matter, but on arrival was Scotty who closed the door, making sure no one will follow or spy. Then, let out that emotion to show him just before the other American.
"My contact called, telling me that you have everything ready. All we need to collect the documents and make a couple of fixes. Then prStaying within acetic we are here.
- When would that be?
"This very night, Jim. Take advantage of the storm is predicted for this day. We could leave a half early, but I need to confirm with the delegation of Amnesty International. We'll go with them, the Red Cross convoy.
Kirk took two cans of juice from the small refrigerator, and showing them, complained a little of that.
"I prefer a beer, but failing that ...
Scotty smiled knowingly, buscando something in an inside pocket of his waistcoat. He took a can of beer, opening with an astonished novice.
"With the contacts and the right incentives, you find what you want. Do you have a glass?
After sharing the drink, took up the conversation, while Kirk was almost with gratitude how bitter and refreshing taste of beer filled his throat.
- So, diplomats from Amnesty International? And they would accept a couple of strangers?
-I do not think you understand. They hoped that I would get whats diplomatic passes, and in return, Chekov and I would accompany them.
- Does it mean that you were your ticket? Scotty, I never said that!
- Did not I tell you? Oh, well ... He fiddled with the can and took a sip, amused. Say you forgot to mention to the little details. The important thing is that we're in, so be prepared. We buy the rolls for the cameras and tape recorders for. Do you have your luggage ready?
"Since you mentioned.
-Bien. So health-Scotty drank the rest of the beer almost at a gulp, crushing the can and putting it back inside his waistcoat. I recommend that if you call someone, your family, your girlfriend, your editor, your lawyer, whoever, do it once, because we are a long time in solitary confinement. See you in an hour, and to confirm the exit.
Moments later, Kirk was left alone in the room, still thoughtfully. Reviewed the material he had brought with him, and realizing that would be insufficient, he decided to leave also to stock up on more rolls of film and cinTAS recording, and to follow the advice of another journalist and make a few phone calls.
While in one of the facilities, met with the news that there even satellite phones were not banned, they were widely used in inhospitable areas of the medical brigades and hunters. He thought then that would be a great help for his personal business, because not much convinced by the idea of being held incommunicado for days with the civilized world. Luckily I had some influence on the embassy, thanks to his father. So they hurried to reach the normal diplomaticteamericanos and get one of those gadgets. Surely, those Amnistíay Red Cross would be appreciated.
Hotel Lobby Burj Al-Fate. 10:13 pm.
Khartoum last week of July, 2003
When he considered he had everything he needed for the trip, Kirk returned to his hotel and packed without loss of what little time was out of their suitcases. He went down to the reception with all their baggage, and before settling your stay in place, made only one call to America.
felt a twinge of anxiety at the tone of the link, and within seconds, the voice of young receipt of the report was heard.
"Hello, darling. James Kirk speaking from Khartoum. Get me the director Pickard.
Without dilaci & oacute; No, she transferred the call, and within seconds, the director general of the Herald responded in a clear and strong.
-
Kirk! What about the story that is, we were going to send? Do not pay for you're vacationing with elephants in Africa!
- Hey, boss! Precisely what he wanted to talk. I go to Darfur and you may be held incommunicado for several days.-
What are you going to where?!
"In a few minutes will send the first report and what has orelapsed here in the embassy. After that, we will perhaps in an hour and a half.-
can not leave the embassy! That was the deal! Also, do not have permission to get into the region! I will suspend you! Come back tomorrow, first thing!
-Chief, I believe communication is faulty.not hear it -
Kirk, piece of fool! Kirk! If you go away, consider yourself fired!
- I can not escucharlo, boss! I call it later!Before your partner could rant some more, hung up the phone, ignoring the threat of being suspended, punished, even fired. Do not change your mind, because its goal was to get a story that shocked and hit, and there was emerging a very large.
Without delay, he told one of the youths who attended the reception that I needed to send a document by fax. Just send them the report of ten pages, and each week try to communicate with someone of writing, more quand nothing to keep Pickard interested in history. Riker could perhaps help with that.
made no more calls. In fact, no use whatever teníaa not call in to warn that America would be a company that could be dangerous. Had a little startled to recognize that there was a certain feeling of nostalgia, emptiness, when Scotty had told him to call his family or his girlfriend. He
years he had severed all relations with their parents, almost never spoke to his brother, and had left no romantic anchor in North America. Pr & aacute, CTIC, most of the time in college, only became a Casanova killer, with its many achievements of one night, or even hours. He was a typical jerk who was trying to take someone to bed, without discrimination or exclusion, and as soon get it, poof!, The idyllic time spent on history.
The only relationship that had been holding for several weeks, was with one of his professors in the last semester of college. Practically, the only one who remembered his name: Christopher Pike. But he had done with a view to achievingbest result in its average for certification. After that, without much circumspection, threw him out of his life. Pike had the dignity not to hate and to keep what happened between them as a matter of just two.
stifled the feeling of nostalgia when the brief memory of Pike, smiling from the desk in the classroom, making sure that nobody saw them, flashed through his mind. Kirk felt pathetic, but dismissed it thinking I should get everything ready for when he had to go. Was justified once again said to himself that he had no time to waste on relationshipshad no benefits of any other species, rather than sentimental.
After their outstanding issues, liquidated habitacióny went to the bar that was next to the building, carrying their luggage. It was there where he met Scotty, about an hour later.
"I see you're ready, Jim.
"Every good journalist should be so cautious, am I right?
"Absolutely. Time to go.
She helped with the luggage, leading to the ATV. The young assistant greeted him when he came up to vehicle.
During the trip, noted last time the buildings and the buildings that stood in its path, thinking that it wanted to leave that place, for he was locked up. Only by the wind that had that night, he assumed that the climate would have an interesting change from scorching hot to hot humid and suffocating.
"We will not go in this car," said unsafe, remembering the enormous ambiguity of the territory, since there were frequent sand storms and flooding from nearby rivers, "or yes?
& mdash, Oh, no. We will go to the meeting place to accommodate your luggage in bokazi, and prepare the convoy while the rest comes.
- What time do we leave?
-If possible, after midnight. The roads are patrolled by the change in time, so we are going to pass without being seen or followed.
- Ray! Starting to feel like James Bond.
The young wizard laughed when he heard, followed by the smile funny Scotty.
"Well," Jim Bond American version, "we come. The AI should already be there.
Somewhat surprisingly, Kirk realized that Hilton is heading to Khartoum, precisely, the hotel I was staying Spock. They reached the parking area, meeting a small group with three larger SUVs for small cars that Toyota rented in the city.
When parking on one side of the uproar of foreigners, down and prepared to carry luggage to the vehicle that they would take, along with a member of other organizations. Kirk up your bags to the back of one of the jeeps, when a familiar voice beside him disconcerted him.
-Welcome to the convoy of Amnesty International, Mr. Kirk.
- Mr. Spock! What are you doing here?
The aforementioned only shrugged his shoulders a bit, seeing with an innocent expression.
"I'm part of the organization. In fact, I am part of the International Crisis Group, which also belongs to Amnesty International.
"B-but ... Why do not you tell me you were going with us? I mean ... "You knew he would travel with us?
- Ah, goor already know! -Scotty came to them, bowing amicably to the diplomat, while he gave a lot of papers. Check them out, Spock. I do not think missing one. "Thank
promptly reviewed each of the papers to be delivered, and continued talking. I did not know that travel with you, but with Mr. Scotty and Chekov. Thanks to them, we have passes to get to camp much earlier than the government had promised. Want to meet other members of the team?
The American nodded apresurándosea leave their belongings in the car. There followed Spock, who took him with the other members of the convoy.
"I was wondering if I can call you by name, as we will be traveling companions for several days," the diplomat questioned the short trip. "Jim is right?
"Yes, no problem," replied the American. Although I feel at a disadvantage. I do not know your name. You would not tell me.
"Call me only Spock. I'm used to that way-to reach the group proceeded to presentarlos immediately. Jim, is Mr. Jonathan Archer, director general of the International Crisis Group. Miss T'Pol, general assistant and coordinator of logistics. Charles Tucker and Malcolm Reed, engineers comunicacióny volunteers in the organization.
"Mr. Kirk, welcome," Archer shook hands amicably, while T'Pol smiled a shy little curve in her lips.
- Engineers? Do they do any infrastructure work in these places? He asked as he shook hands with both engineers.
-La iNFRASTRUCTURE is not important, sir, "replied one of them. We carry parts for the equipment that was destroyed in one of the recent attacks, and the basis for an independent satellite communications Sudanese.
"If they were not reported, the camp did not survive long," concluded the second volunteer with a solemn gesture.
Kirk would say something, but stopped listening to the chatter of those who were there when a taxi approached the scene.
- Hey, have arrived!
Spock smiled slightly, turning for a moment looked to where the veh & iacute, ass. He then returned his eyes to Kirk only to make a small comment.
-reinforcement of the Red Cross. We leave in fifteen minutes at best, Jim. Get ready.
Without another word, Archer reached and made to walk with him, pausing beside the place where the taxi stopped. Kirk could see that warmly received at a very attractive black woman, and two other passengers.
-Linda, right? -Heard the comment to his side of Scotty. Turned his head slightly and nodded with a gesture.
-; Who is it?
"The director general of the African Union in Europe, Dr. Nyota Uhura. It also comes as support for Red Cross branches. It is also engaged to Spock, so I recommend that you take your eyes off him.
Kirk laughed at the witty comments, and decided to return the car to occupy.
quickly, after the usual greetings between acquaintances, members of the convoy were distributed in three cars and prepared to depart. Spock and Archer agreed to go with Scotty, Chekov and Kirk. The other way is also accommodated equitative in the other cars.
few minutes before midnight, the convoy of three large SUV with a team of thirteen people and food supplies, medical and communication equipment, left the Khartoum Hilton Hotel parking, other than due to roads officers, to the town of Al-Fasher, the closest to the camp they were headed.
As they advanced, a gray cloud appeared on the horizon they left behind, slowly covering the city of Khartoum. The road was dusty and unreliable, and progress slow.
"We left just in time," he said while Chekovas it rested in the passenger seat, ready to sleep. His mentor just smiled, nodding. I did not think the dust storm was going to raise today, but it has helped a lot. Spock
handed him a tablet Kirk seeds as a gesture of courtesy, as he spoke a little of where we were going, as he had been there.
"I suppose you have any questions regarding this incursion of Amnesty International, Jim.
"A couple of hundreds. I thought you were just one of the diplomats who are getting together & iacutee; an there for coffee and tea, and make some comments, and then disappear, as the majority.
"Sorry to disappoint you," she replied with one eyebrow slightly raised, but with the trace of a smile on her expression. We are one of the most active groups in this situation, even though we are just a few. Do not leave any of our missions, unless you drive us out of where we are.
-As with the NGO close to the first village "said Archer, biting its own seed tablet in her hand. That's the only wayyou can get rid of us.
-or killed, do not forget, Scotty chimed with irony.
"Well, yes," the diplomat said by way of apology. But those cases have been too extreme. Hopefully it will not happen this time.
"I remember that we are in Africa, Mr. Spock-sleepy refuted the rookie from the passenger seat. Whoooole here is extreme. Scotty
guffawed only fun to listen to his disciple.
- Hey! Itsee that you're teaching very well to this guy, "said Archer also fun. And answers just like you.
continued another stretch in a talk a little more trivial, while the road in front of them could only be seen by shadows and the light flashes of the headlights of vehicles between the vegetation No, more and more scarce. When the conversation was only topics Archer's personal life and Spock, very superficial, Kirk leaned back in his seat, turning to the outside, watching the stars that were outlined in the clouds and dust storms. not know at what moment he fell asleep, dreaming of water and sand storms, and among them, and needed an exotic land.
His dream was restless.
--------------------------------------- CONTINUE ...
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