Endgame Page #3

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Welcome to our world.

The board get wind we're jumping into

bed...

with a bunch of Kalashnikov

carrying terrorists...

we'll both be out on our ears.

You realise that?

They can't ignore reality.

Every day Botha gets more isolated,

the country more ungovernable.

Something doesn't give, and soon

the company will go down with it.

You see your role in this as what?

To create a neutral arena

and step aside.

Hope that they can see each other

as men, rather than as enemies.

A risky strategy.

Others are risking more than that.

Heroics don't cut much ice with

shareholders.

A 'need to know' basis. Only.

Trust no-one. Confide in no-one.

I'll bury the costs under Research

and Development, or some such.

Arrangements for my personal affairs

should anything happen to me.

- You think that's likely?

- A precaution.

Michael?

If this ever gets out...

I shall have to deny all knowledge

of it and, disown you.

And, I'll be nothing,

if not convincing.

Passport? Ticket?

Taxi.

It's okay.

Professor.

In the nick of time.

May I come in?

In public, Botha's still holding

the party line...

that you must defeat terrorists before

you can negotiate with them.

Privately, he wants you to continue

the dialogue for as long as possible.

The more we know about the ANC's

fault lines in their power structure...

the better we are equipped

to control the end game.

So, I am to act as your spy?

A go between is more what

we had in mind.

Have you thought why you were chosen

to lead these talks, Professor?

You're a soft target.

They think your reputation as an

advocate for social justice...

gives them a way in.

Play along.

Mbeki must think you are just a...

respected academic on

a fact-finding mission.

A soft target is not

a soft touch, Doctor.

I'm going to that meeting to hear

what they have to say.

As importantly for them to hear

what I have to say.

The whole process

is futile otherwise.

Ja, but the thing is,

you see, Professor.

You don't co-operate...

your participation in

the process will be terminated.

My direct line. Call me.

You need to be vigilant

about incendiary devices now.

Always check under your

car before using it.

I'll send my people over

to show you how.

And your ticket?

Don't forget to ring Albi Sachs.

Hello?

This is Thabo Mbeki.

I need a quick word.

He's just left for the airport.

I'll try and catch him, hold on.

Albi!

Albi!

- Get another line.

- Another line, please!

Background checks on staff. And

they know that security is an issue?

I briefed them this morning.

Brief them every morning.

Just keep hammering it home.

- This is Mr Mambenki's room.

- Mbeki.

- All the rooms are ensuite.

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