Too Little, Too Late

Preface: The Federal Republic of Atlantica

Dearest Reader,

It gives me great joy to tell you about the Federal Republic of Atlantica where this tale is set. Don't worry, I won't bore you with too much history. I'll provide the important details and leave you to imagine the rest.

As at the time the countries in Africa began to gain independence from their colonial masters, it was discovered that seven islands sat close to each other on the Gulf of Guinea, a part of the North Atlantic Ocean. If that is too much for you, imagine six islands sitting around a smaller island some miles away from the Nigerian coast of Lagos.

At that time, the islands didn't matter. They were inhabited, unclaimed and left alone. That did not mean some African leaders (especially those in West Africa) didn't want the islands for themselves. After all, every country wants to get bigger; particularly when they no longer had to be at the beck and call of the colonial masters.

One year of Nigeria's independence turned into two and then into three. Suddenly, those islands weren't unclaimed anymore. They were no longer inhabited. No one, not even me, knows who the first people there were but somehow tens turned to hundreds and then the population hit its first thousand. Seeing how much potential these islands had, African leaders and the former colonial masters got ready to fight dirty.

Dear reader, please do not think this was an easy battle for the settlers on these islands were also ready to shed blood and loose lives if need be. They were adamant on not being part of any country; they wanted to be a country on their own. It was a long battle and for a little settlement, those on the island fought hard. Not once did they back down, even when it felt like all hope was going to be lost.

Then, in the 1980s, the battle was won and the islands were grouped as one country; a sovereign state. They named it the Federal Republic of Atlantica, in honour of the ocean they sat on and then they made one of the islands the country's capital. They named the capital Aomi.

You may think it was all sunshine and rainbows from then on. No, gentle reader, it wasn't. You see, the world leaders thought Atlantica wouldn't be able to stand on their own two feet and the African leaders were more than ready to step in and seize whatever they could when the opportunity presented itself. However, to their greatest surprise, the new country developed slowly but surely and the first official leaders made a vow to not allow Atlantica be like the other African countries where corruption had begun to seep deep into the soils, ruining them little by little.

The African countries felt insecure and the western countries felt threatened. After all, a country that's working well wouldn't be easy to exploit. So they used every trick in their book but every attempt they made to thwart Atlantica got thrown back in their faces, hurting them instead and doing nothing except promoting this new country.

Bridges were constructed to link the seven islands together and one after the other, these islands got their names and identities that complimented the overall image the leaders wanted. Atlantica attracted a lot of investors who were ready to work and gain without any ulterior motives. The judiciary system was established and the legal consequences for crimes were grave. The economy, slowly but surely, stabilised and there were enough checks and balances to ensure no one (especially those in power) tried to go astray. Infrastructure popped up one after the other, all in good quality and then there were the security bases that put many African countries to shame.

Since then, Atlantica has thrived and I can tell you it is the only African country that's doing well today. Six out of seven islands are states (including the capital, Aomi) while the smallest island sits in the very middle, housing the country's international airport which is a wonder in itself.

Atlantica houses a variety of cultures and has people from every race. English is the official language and the second most popular language is French. Spanish, Arabic, and Hausa are popular in certain areas too. The country's currency is the Litrin and $1 is equals to 1.5 Litrins (Ł). The currency has five notes: Ł1, Ł5, Ł10, Ł50, and Ł100. If you visit Atlantica, you should know that you are allowed to transact in Dollars too.

In terms of cuisines, the country takes pride in its seafood centred dishes as well as those made from grains and fruits. The economy? Dear reader, it's beautifully stable. The public and private sectors work seamlessly well and the consumer price index is as favourable as it can get. There are high income levels too. The social class is divided into three; the elite, the middle class, and the lower class which barely exists. The minimum wage of every Atlantican per month is Ł1,575. If you decide to convert that to Dollars, an Atlantican earns $1,050 per month. The country exports natural minerals, foodstuff, and armoury. And let me tell you, dear reader, do not joke about Atlantica's armoury for they are better than many you're going to see.

Is there anything else I am yet to say? Ah, yes...I almost forgot. Atlantica is not a place for corrupt individuals to try to seek refuge because culprits who go too far are not forgiven so believe me when I tell you that a lot of politicians do not like to visit for they know there are so many things they get to go free with in their country that they cannot dare try when on Atlantica's soil. They would regret it.

In summary, dear reader, Atlantica is a country that actually works. It has six islands that sit around a smaller one which houses the country's airport. The capital of the country is Aomi and the presidential house is located in the very middle (Monwict). The other islands are named Okina Bay (home to mini replicated towns from countries all around the world), Nerina (the industrial state which houses the security bases), Nohea (the state of arts and crafts, often referred to as the creative heart of Atlantica), Costa Casa (home to the most beautiful beaches and resorts), Etsumi (the historical home of the country) and finally, Raven Isle which houses the country's airport.

Trust me, dear reader, you will get familiar with these names in due time. For now, I'll leave you with a simple map of the country so you can visualise better.

Now, dear reader, please turn your page over...I have a story to tell you, and I have very little time.