We arrived at a point in our history where we neglect the value of
our lives to achieve our objectives, not realizing that life disappeared, disappear
also objectives. The ability to achieve has been with her.
Rudy Spillman.
Chapter 1
Herald Central Iowa, Iowa
9:37 a.m.. First week of July, 2003.
- You're a damn thief, Kirk!
The din of things that fell from a desk and crashed to the floor, while the angry complaint was heard, made all who were in the area of the newspaper editorial doctor turned to see what happened.
Thomas Paris, a former star reporter of the news, stood in front of a fallen aggressive young. Just the same to take away the title of best writer, James T. Kirk.
- What the hell is going on here? Jean-Luc Pickard, the director general of the newspaper, alongWill Riker, editor in chief, also came attracted by the noise of the fight that was brewing at the site. Paris, stop right now!
"I will, sir," replied the aforementioned, while trying to leave again Kirk over fist. Several men stopped him before he got his goal. When this unfortunate admit that I stole my place in the diplomatic corps! Kirk
rose, helped by Riker and other partners, with the back of his right hand on the left jaw, right where he received the first blow. Hadtorn shirt front.
"I did not steal anything, Paris," he said calmly, while all eyes focused on him. Only proved to be better than you, and that place belongs to me. It is I who should be there, in the negotiations of the conflict. Pickard
watched with a raised eyebrow and disgust marked on the forehead. While acknowledging that the ability of both young and journalists was excellent, had the strong impression that Kirk competed to be the best of all, everything. And most of the time could prove just did it for megiven as arbitrary actions, unusual and vile, that might be considered illegal if journalism had domestic laws that would allow jail. Not surprised at all that he has made of their own to win the place in Paris as a correspondent, manage to cover the trail of twisted arrangements and prevent anyone could complain.
The worst of it, he thought, was that even if witnesses who saw him do and undo, no one would dare place. Had already been a nasty incident with a person who had the courage to confront him. This farewell was over the newspaper, sohumiliating, he had to leave town.
Several employees said they had some deal with the devil. Many others, he was the devil incarnate. And while Pickard knew that all these talk supernatural were hoaxes, what little I knew about him was a little scary.
son of a former state congressman and a school principal, both divorced, the boy had, in addition to influences, a high level of intelligence that many would be killed. Was recently graduated from Kent, but had gone only graduated as one of the best journalists of his generation & oacutee, n, both in the information as a graph. Apparently, all the tricks of the medium, most dishonest, also had learned at the foot of the letter. The guy was a sly fox, a real artist to achieve what he wanted, no matter who trampled in the process.
deep breath, turned his attention to Paris to try to calm him down.
-Thomas-would be easier to offer him a possible distraccióny find another place as a correspondent with one or two weeks apart, to try to convince Kirk that ceded the place in a good way & amp; mdash;. I need a special agent in planning conferences in Washington. Go to my office and give you the details.
expression of bewilderment and something unrecognizable in the face of Paris broke his heart, but could do nothing better.
"B-but sir ...
"Now, Thomas. It is urgent news.
journalist sniffed, defeated, while abiding by the order. Before leaving, he threatened her rival.
"I have not finished with you, Kirk. I'll have my chance. The other lustful
only opened his arms, while a c & iacute, unique little smile on his face was installed. It was a clear provocation, and it was fun to feel protected by the circumstances. A heavy silence settled between all these while Paris was retiring. Until I tried to say something.
-Go ...
- Not a word, Kirk! "He threatened the chief director before moving on to another young man. I will not follow tolerándote these little scenes, or your irritating behavior against your own colleagues! If you're going to leave, do it once! I do not see here the rest of the day!
Riker did not returnThe smile when he turned to him in his attitude of justification, while the site returned to an uneasy normalcy.
I do not know what you've done to get the place, James, but I do not forgive you this time Pickard.
"Oh, do not worry. When you bring the Pulitzer, surely forget all this mess.
- Does the Pulitzer? She smiled sarcastically. Strips too high, child. Also, I'm not sure what you just said about the director.
"Everyone has a price, Will. Surely that is to & eacute; l. And just give me the day I'm going because I pack a few things. See you in a few months when I have the prize.
hurriedly walked to the elevator of the paper, followed by the glances between angry and very upset for several journalists and writers there. Cocky Bastard
-Riker muttered while folded his arms, snorting with that sour feeling that he always kept trying to be peacemaker and mediator in such fights, especially those Kirk was involved.
Khartoum, capital of Sudan II s
emanates from July, 2003
James T. Kirk could see for himself that all descriptions that do not listen to Africa doing justice to this land of wonders.
From the air, while going through some major countries, saw its blue seas, the contrast of deserts, savannas and forests. But it was much more shocking to him the enormous diversity of folklore found in the plane went down in Khartoum was amazed at the extension of the three cities together and divided by simultaneously extraordinary legend representing the junction of the White Nile andBlue Nile throughout its banks, all that and more by far exceeded what had previously only seen on TV or heard from their peers.
Best of all was the diversity of people, thoughts, the enormous complexity of the world so other than the one he knew in America. Many children's salute to watch them go in transportation to the center of the city, and saw that not all women wore the Islamic style as orthodox as was believed in the West. Completely absorbed
inadvertently miss a single detail of what he had before his eyes, took cients of photographs and recorded every sound, every language he heard, from Ely the group that was as a correspondent left the airport and arrived at the Burj Al-Fate, the hotel they would stay.
However, the idyllic trip he had dreamed it soon became a totally different reality. From the first day there were problems, as when he was not allowed out for walks in the city after nine o'clock at night, time was not so hot, since there was a temporary curfew caused by an incident in one part of the shopping area. So disappointed and bored, Kirk tUVO to stay in the hotel's facilities, ruminating on his misfortune.
The next day was received with the view of the city's more relaxed. He seemed deplorable and somewhat depressing: there was trash and stones in the ruined streets, many cars have been broken up street, and people who saw him strangely. In addition, the heat of the day was nothing comparable to the night. It was overwhelming, dry, and the environment, filled with sand that was brought to the throat. To add to their woes, alcohol was prohibited. So do not even think about go get a beer or a glass of something strong to cool. DECE feltptions. Next thing
suffered since the start of the days of meetings was the lack of freedom that was supposed to have each correspondent inside and outside the official venue of negotiations. For four days, it came down to strenuous conferences, and from the beginning, Kirk realized that there would be no progress between the Sudanese political group and neighboring countries. Moreover, European and American diplomats who came, stayed for a few hours there, and suddenly left without achieving a solution.
In short, the place offered the least to be able to writea good story in a column, and that disappointed him terribly.
Before sunset on the fifth day, Kirk was more boring than an oyster at low tide, and could not hide it, even make efforts to prevent their continued yawning.
To unwind, he had to leave the small room that was taking place another demagogic and useless conference, and go find something to drink that was not just water. Need caffeine as soon as possible, or fall asleep in the middle of any party to sit back down.
found a vending machine for cans of babygone, and a couple of minutes he was struggling with it, until another reporter, possibly American, leaned to one side of the machine with his arms crossed, watching fun.
- trouble getting something to drink?
Kirk smiled wryly, trying to deny what was obvious.
"No, no. It's just that I have a little trouble with the language.
"That is in several languages, including yours, the other man stood up and stood in front of the machine, putting aside the boy. He hit her twice on one side, and shook & oacute, a little, they heard a noise extrañoy one can fall into the receiver tank. Unless you do not know speak farsi, French English, but the cokes are unmistakable. By the way, I am Montgomery Scott. Scotty for my friends.
-James Kirk, was filed after collecting tin. Thanks. We see that the little machine and you are old friends.
"Oh, well. When you spend here a month of boring lectures and situations that do not lead anywhere, "said Scotty while earning two cans quickly," of course any thing thatcan you entertain is a great friend.
Kirk laughed, thinking about having this man as an ally. Decided to stay a few minutes chatting with him to return to the conference.
Thanks. Are you the press, or TV?
"Both. I am independent. Sometimes I work for National Geographic. Now I'm covering the graphics for CBS along with a rookie-he pointed to the corridor that llevaríaa conference rooms, showing a young man trying to get pictures of the place- . Pavel Chekov Andreievich. It's great, but still has a lot tolearn in this difficult environment. It's Russian, but tries to pass for an American.
They walked with slow steps as they went.
"It's rare that someone wants to bring in a newbie to this kind of place.
"Not for us. We have lost several good cameramen and photographers in this whole mess, especially when we cover the exciting parts.
Kirk stopped to hear that. His instinct told him it could be something important.
"Wait. When you say "the exciting parts," are you talking about going to the conflict regions? Scotty smiled
of a wolf. Reconocíaa born journalist who was asking only for what.
"Indeed, Mr. Kirk. Incognito visit the villages attacked, hospitals full of wounded and huge cities where military movements are beginning to be seen. We are about to enter one of the largest refugee camps that have occurred throughout the conflict.
- That's great! When will they go?
"Even we do not know. Probably my contact us achieve counterfeit passes at the end of the week. Kirk
bit her lip, thinking about it. CHTMInfiltrating
LXC a refugee camp, taking pictures at first hand, and striking testimony to achieve a complete story, that really was the dream cherished from the moment he had begun with investigation of what happened there.- Damn! Do not know how I would go with them. Scotty
not lost his smile, considering his offer.
"Well, Mr. Kirk, you might say you're in luck. One of the correspondents that supposedly go with us, ill with malariatwo days ago, so their roles are vacant. And I am of the idea that the more hands we have at work, much better results could be obtained. Kirk
held with enormous effort not to scream and dance with joy to hear.
- Really? I would be eternally grateful!
not exaggerate-turned-walking, seeing fun. Consider a business partnership. You will join us, we combine efforts, share stories. It would be fair, right?
"I just, of courseto.
reached then the young cameraman, and while Scotty handed him the can, finalized details with Kirk.
"Well, buddy. Then we will be in touch. Keep your gear packed and your camera ready. And could take a couple of weeks, we could also leave tomorrow at dawn.
-Aware, however, before leaving to go to her place again, rapid practicality did ask something else. Ah, Scotty. I do not know how difficult the situation gets when we leave. Tal time may need some things, like some inputs, or camping equipment, you know ...
nodded, understanding what he was saying.
-Búscame
morning until five in the bar. I'll take you know some parts very "folk" in the city. Oh, and bring some cash. Say, a big two. That says enough. Kirkalso nodded with a slight gesture of his head, saying goodbye. Scotty was then removed, followed by his young assistant.
Returning to the conference room, he noticed a slight change among diplomats. Hid you know two people with the whole image of rebels or guerrillas, who spoke at that time with enough passion to two of the officers while they attempted to reassure them. A white man, possibly a British diplomat observer, watched in silence the development of the discussion.
American correspondent approached him in a careful manner, and quietly asked what was happening, they did not understand the language spoken by newcomers.
-Problems, "answered the same way, visibly distraught. These two men just lbequeath. Are people of the Sudan Liberation Party, and they are talking about a conspiracy against the people of the provinces of South Darfur. I'm not sure, but it seems that talk of attacks on camps and violent looting of villages that were still intact, especially by military and paramilitary forces in Sudan.
"But ... if they are their own people ...
"Unfortunately they do not believe so. There is a turf war between Arabs and Africans, and this seems to be even tougher. Although rumors, but this place is very likely to turn into real rumorsd soon.
both silent when one of the newcomers raised his voice, visibly excited. He said something again and again and again Kirk asked, while preparing your camera being careful not to be seen.
- What you are saying?
- 'Murderers', the Observer covered it, allowing you to take some pictures while listening to the man, calling them murderers to officials. Are left cursing the purchase by the government. Said ...
The sudden silence alarmed and astonished expressionKirk.
- What? What else does? "He says
destroyed an entire village for two days in the region of Shamal Darfur, near the border with Chad. The victimized everyone, not just men. They also killed children, old people, women.
lowered his camera to hear that, watching the angry face of the man who denounced those acts. For a moment, the eyes of both were found to be reason enough for him to take the native over into violent behavior. View while the American back until it meets a wall, dropping the cAmara, which fortunately, was hanging from his neck by the belt. The strap metal hook got caught in the fabric of his shirt, ripping it open to receive the violent push.
Man hit him. Only cornered him against the wall, shouting in their language and gesturing with extremely violent movements for fear of the reporter. The official who spoke responded, speaking in the native language of the exalted, trying to calm him.
However, instead of leaving the U.S., he began to speak to both, Kirk only managed to see them turn, while some officials calling for the presenceCIA security officers and the place became a mess. Then, the diplomat spoke to him again.
"Hey, you're in the press, right?
-ISS ...
"I ask if you can make international community aware of what happens here, and what has not been done to save his people," he agreed, turning for a moment with the guerrilla. He went back to see another foreigner, who kept translating what he said. Requires not only write a story as does the other journalists. He asks you to report the atrocities est & aacute n happening in their country, to be his voice.
A little more calm to listen, his blue eyes stared deep into the guerrilla, and nodded determined.
"I will. Tell him I will, that's part of my job.
translating the latter, the Sudanese was relieved almost completely. At that time, several men of the security forces reached them, arresting the alleged perpetrator and his companion, forcing them to leave. Kirk
still breathing a little agitated, when the young man who translated for him was presented.
-One moment dem & amp; aacute; s embarrassing, right? Ruined your clothes.
"No need to say, but something like this is gold, 'said smiling as he surveyed the tear in your clothes. I rarely go these situations.
With a little drawn smile, his interlocutor was submitted.
"By the way, I am of the diplomatic corps of observers from the international community. You can call me Spock.
-James Kirk, the Herald-Central Iowa shook hands, smiling gratefully. "Spock is your surname? What's the name?
& mdash; Believe me that it would be nice to hear. For that alone I stand with my surname. Well, Mr. Kirk, as I fear that the conference has been canceled after this incident, I must make my report and send it to the agency.
- Wait! I guess you've been here a long time, by the way they have mastered the language, and French. Are you interested in being my translator?
extended his smile just visible, politely refusing.
"I have a job I do here, Mr. Kirk.
"Okay, I can not hire you as tradductor. Could I then ask you for an interview?
Spock a moment the light fell, as he seemed to consider their request.
"I think so," he said at last, clasping his hands over her back, again fixing his eyes on the reporter. But not today. I imagine next week will follow these directions.
"I'm afraid so.
"Well, then I'll see what day would be optimal to do so. With permission, Mr Kirk.
The American and did not stop him, seeing him walk through one ofcorridors to the business lounge of the place. There was something very strange, because for nearly a week had not had something interesting in hand, at the time the luck seemed to be about to change their boring and monotonous days in active situations giving first-hand material to find the coveted recognition to which he aspired.
Feeling that emotion like a breath of fresh air, also decided to return to the hotel where he stayed, settling and starting to write the story as a scoop to send Herald.
Souq Al-Arabi, central de Khartoum.
The day after the incident. 5:10 pm
As had been the day before, the two reporters were in the hotel bar ten minutes before, but took nothing. Scotty just did follow him outside the hotel, where Chekov waited for the jeep and renters.
- Mr Kirk! All colleagues are talking about you!
- do me? Am askederican.
not understand ... "It was because of what happened yesterday with the president of the Party of Liberation, said the veteran reporter. He said the national media and several correspondents who have a press spokesman, American.
Kirk did not say a word, seeing the surprise on his face marked.
"is famous, Mr. Kirk," resumed the young cameraman, with a strong emphasis on his words. The American smiled inertia.
"That puts you in the sights of government-stated Scotty, watching with a mixture ofconcern irony. If I were you, I should be careful from now on. In fact, Chekov and I are taking some precautions now that we are with you.
"But ... I'm not press spokesman of this type. It was just a strange incident, and what he said before all was just what he took. I do not think this a reason to consider me as someone who is on their side.
"It's Africa, remember? "I countered with a serious tone and look hard, while driving through one of the dirty, bustling streets that had emerged from the avMain enid. Nothing here is either fairly similar to how you know. You have to get used to having a pair of eyes behind your head if you want to survive as a correspondent, Jim.
"Hell ..." he muttered to himself to listen. That would then be quite a problem.
"Do not worry much now. We will go with a friend who sells "protection." Planned to leave this for last, but given the circumstances, we must accelerate our plans.
"Mr. Kirk, is it true that it is the best Central Iowa Herald reporter? He asked after m & aacute; s Chekov, momentarily distracting him. They say that unseated the star correspondent almost daily since he arrived.
"These are urban legends, my friend. I do not unseat "Kirk smiled again, no less worried, but still feeling safe to run no danger. Only proved to be more ready, able and better journalist than he is.
"Well, smart guy. We need our first talk influences Did you bring cash?
"Like I said. There are a couple and something else. Kirk handed & oacute, the money he had, nodding.
"Enough," said storing it in an inside pocket of the jacket to keep it in your hand, after reviewing it quickly.
few minutes later, they reached the end of the lane, found in a decaying and dusty, where the houses seemed to be made with almost anything you could serve as a building material. Scotty went first, while a dark-skinned man, wearing dirty clothes and loose, leaving one of those shacks.
was greeted warmly, crossing after a few words. Man asInti, entering the house, while the American beckoned his companions to get out of the vehicle and follow him.
The place was dark and smelly, and there were objects of any kind and goods scattered over what could have been the main room of the house, and an army of children, sitting or running around some corners. Chekov closed the door to a description of their partner, and the three venture into the center of the hut. The host then went in another room, talking to children with an authoritative tone. Thiss rushed out of place elsewhere in the house, leaving them alone. The man then approached, carrying two metal boxes of the type in which tools are kept, but closed with heavy padlocks. He put on the table and opened them, taking them several weapons of different calibers.
Kirk grabbed one of them, a Walther P99, Pequena striking. He was watching for a few seconds in detail, while the youngest browsed among the other resting on the table.
"That's good," said Scotty with a smile amid the chatter of native approving your choice —. Could I get you any trouble immediately.
"I do not like the idea ...
" I know, but it could get to save your life, Jim, "he said, while it took off and gave the seller, gesturing yes. This place is too unpredictable.
Kirk nodded, sighing loudly. Remained silent throughout the transaction, noting the ability of the reporter to communicate with locals, exchanging weapons for dollars while giving an occasional order to Chekov, who had reviewed the blades in another box, and someflashlights and tools.
Several minutes later, laden with what they had purchased, returned to the jeep and left as soon as they could from the place. Scotty
checked the rearview and side mirrors constantly, while maintaining his attention divided between the dusty road in front of them and they were dead. He looked uneasy.
- Is something wrong? Asked an American when they reached the main street, noticing her nervousness.
"Not exactly," replied the conductor in a vague, directed é foward a slight smile. It's just precautionary. We will now turn to the tourist area, to buy what we need equipment for the trek through the desert.
-Crossing ... in the desert ... "Kirk said in questioning tone. What Car?
Scotty turned to him, surprised to hear it.
-James Kirk, do not tell me you thought you go by plane.
-Wowow, time. I never said you would cross the desert.
awake and curious gaze of the Russian found his partner in the mirror to o & iacuI, r what Kirk complained. They laughed then, puzzled. Scotty looked for a suitable place and stopped the vehicle, ready to explain the situation in detail.
"You really is funny, sir," Chekov said, before returning to his gesture of seriousness, settling into the seat patiently. Kirk saw them both in amazement.
"Look, Jim," another reporter began to turn the car up. As you say, fear is your first time in a situation like this. I know you are an excellent journalist, maybe the best in your city, and seeksas being a great reporter, but again remember that you are not in the United States, and nothing here is even remotely similar to what lived there. This is Africa ...
"Yes, I know.
- No, you do not know! "This time, the correspondent sternly did remain silent. You know nothing about what is really going on here! You do not have even a clue as to what triggered that can reach in this conflict, perhaps in hours or days. There are rumors of the killings not only in several small towns and villages in the three provinces of Darfur. This is muchgreater than you imagine. Could become the next human race genocide experience, and no way to stop it.
- How can you tell? They are only guesses about how many foreign diplomats, and a lot of talk by the anti-government movements! How can you believe them?
Scotty leaned on the seat, removing the air from his lungs with a sort of frustrated huff. He lost his eyes in any part of the avenue, in front, ordering their ideas, while a heavy silence settled between the three.
"I have three to about girlse, I live in this place, Kirk said at last, a little calmer. I know the region, speak the language of various ethnic groups, and I opened up opportunities including freehand work and research. I have seen terrible things and lived experiences terrifying, and although I have threatened to extradite me, imprison and even murder, not leave this place for the world, because this is my job, and not afraid to meet him. Now James, believe me when I say I'm not the only one who thinks this situation is getting out of control, I do lightly. The massacres are increased diaa day, in places where there is no law. So fromBemos be careful, because if we are in those regions, if we are taking pictures, talking with people affected by documenting what the government "does" for its people, do not hesitate to shoot. Can you understand that? Kirk nodded
just with a flick of his head, without opening the light of Scotty. Chekov watched only two in silence.
"Well. Then go back to what we were. We buy supplies and camping equipment for the voyage. We may take four or five days to reach Ardimi refugee camp near Al-Fasher. That was
the beginning of the monologue of Scotty for the rest of the afternoon, while buying camping equipment and more tools they considered necessary. Kirk was limited only to follow, watching the people around you, realizing that there was something new in their perception, as to see what was happening there. It felt empty as he recalled his time in college, realizing that nothing he had seen, heard or learned in the classrooms of Kent, they would see reality as it is now presented.
Upon returning to the hotel I was staying, the first thing I did was search and destroy your notes, thinking and notran even half of what actually had to write.
Fatigue overcame him as the morning progressed toward the dawn, amid a sea of thoughts, questions and musings that had not been raised before.
------------------------------------- CONTINUE .. .
Go to Chapter 2
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