Washington, D.C.

In the Oval Office, three men were finishing a difficult meeting. They were relaxed because they knew each other well and also because a complex problem had been at least temporarily resolved. They had agreed on how to respond to a Middle Eastern ruler's increasingly brutal methods in suppressing a rising fundamentalist movement in his country.

"So we say that, while we will never condone terrorism, we also insist that the rights of innocent citizens must be respected."

Tom Potter, the White House Chief of Staff, summarized the discussion.

"And we hope that a new date for the elections will be announced soon. Unless he's completely lost it, he'll realize he had better play ball or he'll never get the jets and the other aid he wants."

Mike Berk, the CIA's Deputy Director for Intelligence, stated their conclusion.

"And you're sure if these fanatics get elected, they won't try to take over?"

The question came from Jack Sargent, President of the United States .

Mike shrugged.

"Not fanatics. Fundamentalists. Most of them are willing to work within the system. Even with free elections, they shouldn't gain a majority. But if no elections are held, then it gives the radicals an opening. Things are pretty desperate economically for a lot of people over there and they can be easily won over by the extremists if there's no other alternative."

"So we try to get them to hold the elections."

The Chief of Staff pressed Mike.

"That's my assessment."

Berk stood to leave and Sargent and Potter exchanged glances. Potter began.