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leave. Next, they’d contacted all the local wardens and volunteers throughout the rest of the country who’d been organized to ensure everyone was in the loop and received the latest warnings. If things did end up spiraling out of control, the next step would be to recommend all Americans— who were mainly humanitarian workers, missionaries, and a handful of tourists — leave the country. A task that could end up involving the U.S. military and miles of red tape on his end.
“Anything else you need me to do, sir?”
“Get your people to tell you what’s going on while I run through a few contacts of my own. And I’ll want hourly updates on what’s happening out there.”
“What happens if this conflict spreads beyond the northern region?”
Paul shook his head. “Let’s pray it doesn’t get to that.”

SEVEN
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2:58 P.M.
REBEL BASE CAMP
… In other news from the African continent, talks continue in the capital of the Republic of Dhambizao between the government and spokesmen for the rebel leaders, but many fear that the resolution to the three-week-long standoff is nowhere in sight. Rumors continue to spread that villagers are being butchered in their beds by rebel soldiers, giving way to fears by some of a possible genocide. President Tau insists that his army is in control of the region and denies that the rebels are gaining any ground, despite their threats. He also denied rumors that the RD is heading toward a civil war.
On the other side of the controversy, rebels maintain that they now control over seventy-five percent of the Mponi region, where their camp is believed to be located. It is also estimated that in the past week another five thousand have fled to escape the heart of the conflict, leaving aid organizations overwhelmed with high numbers of refugees and few resources.
To assure his people, Tau addressed the country yesterday from his home in the capital and told those listening that the army is still in control, and that despite the rebels’ demands no group would be able to coerce the government.
Later, a spokesman for President Tau even went so far as to say that the RD is willing to offer amnesty to the leaders of the Ghost Soldiers in exchange for an end to their reign of terror. But the International Criminal Court says that their organization will not withdraw the international arrest warrants they issued last month.
Because of this, many fear President Tau’s assurance that everything is under control is simply not true. An American aid worker was shot and killed earlier this morning, fueling fears for foreigners living inside the country and forcing the president to implement a forced evacuation of all foreigners in the Mponi region.
Washington has repeatedly said that it will not intervene in the conflict, though a spokesman from the State Department did say that marine expeditionary units have been alerted to prepare for a potential rescue mission to pick up evacuees if necessary …
Jonas tossed the cigarette butt onto the ground and watched the orange tip smolder for a few seconds before it turned into a pile of pale ashes. His own heart had been extinguished years ago, making revenge far more palatable. But even the numbness couldn’t completely hide the raging anger inside. Or the guilt.
A mosquito buzzed in his ear. He swatted at the nuisance, wishing the late afternoon held more of a breeze. The shaded compound held little relief from the sun’s fury, for him or the dozens of other soldiers and their women who made up the newly formed camp. The success of the past few days hadn’t been enough to sway the outcome of the situation. They were going to need to do more to convince Tau and his army they had no intention of backing down until their commanders — including his brother — were released. He’d worry about the next step after that.
Ngozi slid into the wooden seat beside him, a bottle of beer nestled between his fingers. “I am worried.”
Jonas