Disaster in Augo- Part I

It was a hot and sunny afternoon. And it wasn't helped by the fact that the temperatures were being above normal during this year. The occasion of the unique art exhibition, marked by display of some of the best works of the leading artists of the world, was being attended by the rich and famous in the hope of adding to their collection. There would also be the who's who of art connoisseurs savoring the feast for their eyes. And as a footnote, the event was organised as a noble deed of charity for the underdeveloped nation of Argoan. Imprudent thought on the part of the organisers meant that the event was held in the nation of Argoan, which to say the least was politically fragile.

Hectic organisation were on in the community hall of the capital city of Augo, a spacious two storey building, with an excellent view of the city from the rooftop. The perimeter of the building was adorned with a ten foot high wall with entrance on either side of the building. The government had assured full support and had agreed to provide security for the event. Select few from the military were trained by the security organisation employed by the organizers.

The head of the agency was a war veteran who had served in some of the sensitive parts of the world as a part of the UN Peacekeeping Force, and was well versed with the situation at hand. He had a well toned physique maintained by regular workouts despite working behind a desk these days. It did not require the expertise of his level, and an apprentice in the field of security would have observed it, to notice that the arrangements for a catastrophe were minimal. Still, he gave his best shot within the provided resources.

Finally the D-day dawned. Distinguished guests and luminaries were arriving by flight in the morning. And to the shock and dismay of the organisers, the junta who had been trained all these days failed to show up at the venue. Any attempt to contact them also ended in a failure. He realized that the personnel available with him were not enough to manage even a minor distortion in the planned events. Stifled by any other choice, he deployed the available men under him and personally was circling the building in the lookout for any odd occurrences.

And then it happened..........

(To be continued.....)