MOLASBA

M-O-L-A-S-B-A. This coded message, which of course is ABSALOM spelled backwards, is received by the only person who understands this desperate plea for immediate armes assistance. Time is of the essence, but so is tight security, and above all, secrecy.

Aboard a cargo ship off the Somali coast: "The first mate noted the 18 knots of speed, a following tide, choppy seas and quartering winds blowing out of the northwest toward the Somali coast. A relaxing draw on his cigarette and the contentment on the first mate's face was briefly illuminated by the tobacco's flash. Simultaneously, far below him. another flash, and the first mate slumped over. He never saw the stealthy pirate boat already within the ship's wake."

CIA Director Jason Sanbourne contemplated the events. "Why such public displays by terrorists off the African coast? Is it to draw the world's attention from other, more dangerous activities elsewhere in the world?" He had a feeling it would not be long before he found out.

Once again, those who would stifle freedom and install intolerant regimes are on the move. Seeking to unravel a complex, interwoven plot, the reader is taken from the marble halls of power in Washington to the battered walls of a failed African state, from the grimy shores of a secretive Iranian ship yard, to the crystalline beaches of a modern Sultan's palace, and from the back lots of Hollywood to the front lines of a real-life action in the guise of a film production.

What could be more topical than a recently elected president having to face new world economic realities, old world intransigence, and piracy brought to a new level? Not just piracy of a large vessel of riches, but possibly of a fabulously rich and friendly Muslim country, sinking under the weight of wealth, energy reserves, and ruling family intrigues. There may be a big surprise for the bad guys when, while filming a war film nearby, using old planes, and old pilots, and live ammunition, the director yells ACTION!

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