The Philippine archipelago held its breath as the American delegation arrived under heavy guard, the Stars and Stripes fluttering beside the blue and red of the Civic Front.
For the first time in years, there was something close to hope, something resembling peace.
Inside the fortified hall in Manila, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, tired, thinner than his portraits, but still sharp-eyed, met with the leaders of the Civic Front.
Around them, aides and translators whispered, typed, and recorded.
"We will agree to a ceasefire," said Secretary Jaime Bautista, head of the Civic Front. "But only if the transition plan guarantees a full vote on constitutional independence within twelve months."
Roosevelt's jaw tightened. "We'll guarantee the vote. But we'll also reserve the right to keep a small advisory force on Luzon, strictly non-combat. We're not walking out blind."
Tense silence followed.
