The helicopter landed near a long, windowless concrete building which lay in the shadow of an old control-tower's skeleton. The tower was twisted awry, and the concrete was pock-marked by shrapnel or bullets dating back to one of the peace-efforts. The President, two Stand-ins, and the pilot climbed from the helicopter. A small detachment of troops presented arms. The cadre commander, a major general, approached the delegation formally, gave it a salute, and took the President's hand.
"The Peoplesfriend is already in the conference hall, Sir, with several of his aides. Do you wish to enter now, or—"
"Where are their troops?"
"Over there, Sir. As you know, we could not agree to completely disarm the site. Only inside the building itself."
"Any unpleasantness?"
"No, sir. Their men are well-disciplined."
"Then let's go and get started. I assume that you're in constant contact with the capitol?"
"Yes, Sir. Televiewphone relay chain all the way up."
John looked around. The Peoplesfriend's helicopter was parked not far away, and beyond it stood a platoon of the Peoplesfriend's troops, lightly armed as his own.
An Asian and a Western guard flanked the entrance to the building, but their only weapons were police-clubs. The party entered slowly and stood for a moment just inside the heavy door that swung closed behind them. John Smith removed his mask.