The afternoon sun shone down into Revolution Square, reflecting from the whitewashed buildings that bordered the space. Despite the heat, a great crowd had gathered there to see the coming spectacle. Colonel Almovar had been one of the heroes of the country, but he had resigned his commission because of what he called, "Counter-revolutionaries and moral cowards!" Today he would address the people.

Colonel Almovar, his bearing that of a man used to command, stood on the platform and faced the crowd. "It is necessary!" he shouted. "Necessary! Our country has been led by traitors and weaklings for far too long! Have you not seen what they have done?" He was greeted by jeers and catcalls, people pointing and laughing. The colonel scanned the faces before him, looking for anyone who appeared sympathetic or interested. there had to be someone who would listen.

"Do we no longer have pride? Do we now prostrate ourselves before those who have no understanding of what it is to be a man? I know that I have been accused of being one of the uncaring rulers of this country, but that could not be any further from the truth. My family helped found this country. My family has suffered for this country. Ask any of the men who have followed me into battle. Have I not made the same sacrifices as they have?"

More catcalls came from the crowd, but this time they were met with shouts of approval and nodding heads. Colonel Almovar felt hope and pride stir within him. Perhaps he would win this day after all? He pressed the little advantage he had.

"We can still win! We can still defeat those who have betrayed us! It is not too late." He leaned forward and raised a clenched fist. "Today, we can overthrow the old order. Together, we can install a new order - one that will respect you!"

A ragged cheer rose from the people in the square.

"One that will honour you!"

A fight broke out between a group of earnest-looking, young men - Intellectuals! Almovar decided - and some burly workers. Soldiers moved in from the edges of the crowd to stop it.

"One that you can be proud of!"

Another cheer rent the air, then died away as the clock in the tower above the square began to chime the hour. An air of expectation settled on the crowd.

A man dressed in black took Colonel Almovar by the elbow. "Excuse me, colonel. But you have an appointment."

Almovar let himself be led to the scaffold. "I understand. You only follow your orders. Like any soldier." Then, he bowed his head so the executioner could place the noose around his neck. When this had been done, Almovar stood stiffly to attention.

"Follow your orders!" His voice rang out over the square. "Do what you must!"

The executioner pulled the lever to open the trapdoor beneath the colonel's feet.