1 Chapter 1

'It's not everyday we get approached by a government.' Jonas West looked round severely at his staff to impress them with this salient fact. 'This is a commission, not some vaguely enquiry. The minister of culture is keen to get the opening of the dam on film and it's not just a whim on his part. With the opening of the Kambala Dam, Madembi will shoot into the present century. They'll have power! they'll have enough power to export some to less fortunate countries and they'll be all but self sufficient.'

Everyone listen dutifully and at the back of the room Natalie sat on the edge of the table, her lips twitching with amusement. This was the lecture her father gave each time they had a film to make. He called it 'getting people on their mettle.' He shot her a suspicious look and she straightened her face, looking back solemnly, loving the deep, gruff sound of his voice.

'This has been a huge undertaking,' he resumed. 'A vast hydro-electricity scheme that will make it possible for Madembi to use it's other resources. technology will transform the country and we're going to let the whole world see. We're going to put them on map! We show the dam, the country, the past and the future. Hospital, schools and factories will be built. This had better be good! Natalie flies out this week to do the ground work as usual. Be ready to follow her about two weeks later. Any questions?' He snapped out the enquiry, casting a rather fierce look around, just daring them.