Choosers of the Slain

16

Antonio Sparza breakfasted alone in the small residential dining room of the Casa Rosada. Normally, this would be a sacrosanct time for the Argentine President, an hour to be shared with his wife and three children before taking up the duties of the day. However, prior to the beginning of the Conquistador South operation, he had sent his family out to their country home in his native Catamarca Province. It was an instinctive precaution given the traditional volatility of South American politics.

This morning, his only companions were the international fax editions of the Washington Post and the London Times. In addition, a small, portable television tuned to CNN's "America Sud" service played quietly in the corner, ignored except when key words such as "Argentina" or "Antarctica" were mentioned.

He had permitted himself a second cup of chocolate and was just lifting it to his lips when his Minister of State hesitantly appeared in the open archway that led into the room.

"Come in, Aldo," Sparza said amiably. "You appear not to be having a good morning."

"We may have a problem, Mr. President. The United States Embassy has contacted us. Their Secretary of State desires to see you at once."

"Our Norteamericano guests sound impatient. We'd best see about giving them an appointment this morning."

"You don't understand, sir. They did not ask for an appointment. Their Secretary of State has demanded to meet with you immediately. His motorcade has already left the U.S. Embassy."

A warning bell sounded in Sparza's mind. "Do we have anything else on this?"

"National Security reports that their sources within the North American media have been informed of a presidential press conference to be held at approximately ten-thirty this morning, Washington time. There is also to be a follow-up conference involving both State Department and Pentagon personnel."

Sparza nodded grimly and touched his mouth with his napkin.

"The Conquistador South supply convoy was scheduled to sail this morning. Contact the Naval Ministry and have them hold the departure until further orders. I think you are correct, Aldo. We may very well have a problem."