In an imaginary country, Nianga, the military boys have struck, seizing power from civilians. The leaders of some sections of the country are targeted and assassinated.

A countercoup is organized with advice and instigation from Bature. Callous and indiscriminate slaughter of people from a section of the country occurs.  The former colonial master had earlier been pressured into transfer of power. He had relinquished power and had granted independence reluctantly to Nianga. His interest persisted in his former colony but only from the economic and selfish angles.

The crisis offers a good opportunity for Bature to once again dictate the tune. He throws his weight squarely behind a side in the conflict. He rallies a coalition that includes a world power to the East, in support of Nianga.

The secessionist side, Biamfrah, is mauled from land, sea, and air. Two million lives are lost by mob-engineered slaughter, starvation and disease Bombing and strafing of civilian populations by Bature-arranged coalition collaborates. Colossal human tragedy that could easily be averted is glossed over, courtesy of Bature. With success in his brokerage venture, Bature claims his prize with economic control.

The defeat of Biamfrah leads to annulment of the letter B, by military decree. Paranoia over Biamfrah makes mention of the letter B a treasonable offense. Unfortunately, Bature also starts with the letter B. A dilemma develops.  An ineffective and cosmetic declaration of “no victor and no vanquished” is declared.

It is suddenly realized that the words Nota Bene exist in Bature’s lexicon. The letter B is spared, but only as a component of Bature, NB, or Nota Bene. Any other use of the letter B is outlawed, worse still if Biamfrah is connoted. 

The vanquished lick their wounds and suffer in silence. Bature and the victors in his sponsored war bask in the sun and glory in the oil windfall.