As 1973 winds down, Francisco Franco is still governing Spain with an iron hand. Opposition parties are forbidden, labor movements are repressed, and Basque nationalists are mercilessly hunted down. The caudillo is aging, though, and the continuity of the régime is in question. One man has the trust of Franco, enough authority and experience to assume the leadership, and an impeccable track record of dealing with enemies of the State: admiral Luis Carrero Blanco. For the embattled clandestine Basque organization ETA, Carrero Blanco must be brought down. Daring plans are made, requiring a meticulous execution.—Eduardo Casais <[email protected]>