The Marching Season

the militaries of the Third World, and intelligence chiefs who faced shrinking budgets and diminishing power and influence in their capitals.
    For the next hour the Director guided a roundtable discussion on the state of global conflict. Indeed, it seemed the world was not cooperating with them. Yes, there was the odd civil war in West Africa, the Eritreans and Ethiopians were at it again, and South America continued to be ripe for exploitation. But the Middle East peace process, though strained, had failed to break down completely. The Iranians and Americans were talking about a rapprochement. Even the Protestants and Catholics of Northern Ireland seemed to be putting aside their differences.
    "Perhaps it's time for us to make a few investments," the Director said in conclusion, contemplating his hands as he spoke. "Perhaps it's time for us to plow some of our capital back into the business. I think it's incumbent on each and every one of us to look for opportunity wherever it can be found."
    Again, applause and the ring of silver utensils against glasses interrupted him. When it died away he threw open the meeting for discussion.
    Rembrandt, one of the world's principal manufacturers of small arms, cleared his throat and said, "Perhaps there's some way we can help fan the flames in Northern Ireland."
    The Marching Season 59
    The Director arched an eyebrow and picked at the seam of his trousers. He had dealt with Northern Ireland when he was with MI6. Like most members of the intelligence and security community, he considered the IRA a worthy opponent, a professional and disciplined guerrilla army. The Protestant paramilitaries had been something else altogether, mainly gangsters and thugs who waged a campaign of sheer terror against Catholics. But this new group, the Ulster Freedom Brigade, seemed different, and this intrigued him.
    "Northern Ireland was never a terribly lucrative conflict for people in my business," Rembrandt continued, "simply because it was so small. What concerns me, though, is the message that the peace agreement sends to the rest of the world. If the Protestants and Catholics of Northern Ireland can learn to live in peace after four hundred years of bloodshed—well, you understand my point, Director."
    "Actually, that message has already gone forth," said Rodin, a senior officer in the French intelligence service. "The Basque separatist group ETA has declared a cease-fire in Spain. They say they were inspired by the peace in Northern Ireland."
    "What are you suggesting, Rembrandt?" the Director asked.
    "Perhaps we could reach out to the Ulster Freedom Brigade, make an offer of assistance," Rembrandt said. "If the past is any guide, it is probably a very small group, with little money and only a small stockpile of guns and explosives. If they are to continue their campaign, they'll need a sponsor."
    "Actually, I believe we may already have an opening," said Monet.
    The Director and Monet had worked together against the Palestinian guerrillas who had turned London into a terrorist playground in the 1970s. Monet was Ari Shamron, chief of operations of the Israeli intelligence service, the Mossad.
    60 Daniel Silva
    "Last month our assets in Beirut filed a report on a man named Gavin Spencer, an Ulsterman who came to Lebanon to buy guns. In fact he actually met with one of our agents who was posing as an arms dealer."
    "Did your agent sell weaponry to Spencer?" the Director wondered mildly.
    "The talks are continuing, Director," said Monet.
    "Have you shared this information with your British counterparts?"
    Monet shook his head.
    "Perhaps you could see that a shipment of weapons finds its way into the hands of the Ulster Freedom Brigade," the Director said to Monet. "Perhaps you could use your contacts within the banking community to arrange financing for the package at generous terms."
    "I think that could be handled quite easily, Director," Monet said.
    "Very well," the Director said. "All in favor of exploring contacts with the Ulster Freedom Brigade, signify by saying aye."
    The vote was unanimous.
    "Any other matters before we move on to the rest of the agenda?"
    Once again it was Monet who spoke.
    "If you could update us on the progress of the Ahmed Hussein case, Director."
    Ahmed Hussein was a leader of the Muslim fundamentalist group Hamas and the mastermind behind a series of bombings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The Mossad wanted him dead, but Monet had not felt confident giving the