The Fight for Coffee | A Deal With The Devil

Traveling a safe distance ten miles from the center of town, the small, black van turned left and pulled into the dimly-lit alley. Orders relayed, the driver turned off the ignition and waited. Ten minutes later, the exchange took place. At the end of the alley, General Trattior stood in the shadows. He nodded to the driver. The package, as promised two months ago, was on its way across the border.

Curtains drawn, President Ciero of Yesmay, sat impatiently behind the grand Mahagony desk waiting for General Trattior to return.

"Completed? Let's move on." The President's practiced, deep voice was now indistinguishable.

General Trattior locked the door. Both men strode over to the wall safe. The envelope from their neighboring country, Ogra, was quickly deposited. The General was awarded with the remaining key. Dealing with authoritarian governments was their expertise.

They shook hands. The final piece of the puzzle lay asleep in the presidential suite. Trattior's task confirmed the President's suspicions. His wife was gravely ill.

President Ciero returned to his desk to prepare his Yesmanian countrymen for the sad news and difficult task ahead.

The next morning, General Trattior, head of the President's army, stood in salute. His forces were readied in anticipation of the planned speech.

President Ciero stepped onto the balcony. His deep voice roared over the crowd's thunderous applause.

"My fellow citizens. It's with sadness that I impart difficult news for our country, Yesmay.

First, your beloved first Lady is gravely ill. I dare say she may not survive the week;

Second, and the most devastating, is the widespread disease more severe than I first suspected, has befallen our coffee production. Hemileia vastratrix (also known as coffee leaf rust) has ruined our natural resource.

Beginning today, I've issued a decree. All coffee production has ceased. Trading and coffee consumption is outlawed and will be considered contraband. The production plant is off limits. Anyone breaking these laws faces severe punishment. No exceptions!

These measures I've put in place to ensure Yesmay's future. A major setback; however, we'll survive. I'm working on alternatives. All I ask is that you have confidence in me during this difficult period. Now, return to your homes."

Widespread hush fell over the crowd. Moments later, panic ensued from those who dared to voice their displeasure over common concerns. "Our jobs; our families? We've heard nothing about coffee disease. Contraband. Prison. This is outrageous!"

Dominique frowned under his helmet. His hands shook. His family was among the crowd. However, he held his weapon in place. He'd no choice but to obey General Trattior.

The decree was clear. Devastated, citizens also had no choice but return home.

Ogra's leader, Krausz, watched the chaos in Yesmay via satellite. With a wicked grin, he summoned his top aide.

"Better than expected. Didn't realize how useful General Trattior would be. Operations to divert their coffee to Ogra can proceed. Disposing of their First Lady was primary. His double would've been difficult to disguise. His face, definitely, but not his body; and Yesmanians, they're clueless! Go check on our package."

The aide saluted Krausz, then left to ensure President Ciero was alive. Barely.

With cooperation from General Trattior, Krausz's plans to rule from across the border was imminent. Two countries under his control. Transforming Yesmay militarily and politically had been his lifelong dream.

Loyalists placed in strategic positions helped.

Success depended, however, on how quickly his President Ciero could divert coffee to Ogra.

Disgusted, that night Dominique confided in Pascal, his fellow officer, about his suspicions. Pascal confirmed several other comrades also harbored doubts of the disease. None, however, suspected their President. His wife succumbed to her mysterious illness. He was in mourning.

"Others reported nothing troubling at the factory. If the coffee is diseased, why hasn't production ceased? Work takes place at night. I feel Trattior's the key. He's been promoted. The President consults him before acting."

Dominique had already formulated a plan. Trattior's weakness was his ace.

Within three days, a satisfactory interlude between Trattior and an acquaintance of Dominique produced the safe key. Dominique was shocked, but thrilled at the revelations. He duplicated the key. With it and a plan, he formed and led a unit of twenty faithful.

Later that night, five of his comrades hid in the wooded area near the factory. Careful of the flood lights, they documented the truck convoy heading toward the harbor. They had the evidence needed to expose the lie.

Meanwhile, by word of mouth and evidence, Dominique gained support of half the country's army. Their battle plan was set. Countrymen willing to listen agreed to support the cause.

It was time.

Two days later before the holiday, half the troops subdued the remaining army. The other half positioned themselves outside the presidential grounds. Ready to storm the residence.

Gaining access, they burst through the door and confronted both men. Soldiers held Ciero at gunpoint. Dominique leaped in Trattior's direction. In the ensuing struggle, the General was no match for Dominique's strength. Overpowering him, the butt of his weapon bashed his former commander's face. Spit mixed with blood, then landed the final contempt.

Dominique handcuffed Ciero. Realizing defeat, he pointed toward the safe.

Cheers could be heard outside in the square. Dominique marched Ciero to the balcony.

"This imposter isn't our President. Both he and the General are traitors." Dominique reached behind the man's head and removed his human-life mask.

The crowd gasped.

"Our true President Ciero is being held prisoner in Ogra by that mad dictator. He assassinated our First Lady.

"There's no leaf disease. It's a lie. Our General made a deal with the devil. All for control of our country and coffee. This letter's proof. The international community is watching. The citizens of Yesmay rescind the hostile agreement. We demand the release and return of our President!

Krausz, you have been warned!"