Fan Fic: Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?

A Katanga Cross is a cast copper cross once used as currency in parts of what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They varied in size, but were typically about 8 inches across and weighed about two pounds. Their name derives from Katanga, a copper mining region in the southeastern portion of the country. These cross-shaped ingots were cast by local coppersmiths by pouring molten copper into sand molds. A Katanga Cross would buy about 22 pounds of flour, five or six chickens, or six axes. Two would buy a gun.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo went by the name of Zaire from 1971 to 1997, and to this day many people still know it by that name. Congo, or Kongo, is a name the people of the area have called it since ancient times. Colonized by Belgium in the 19th century, the Democratic Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960.

You walk around and chat with the locals, at times bringing up the subject of Connor Tist and O'Hare Airport.

"Sorry. I don't remember that person being here," says the cobalt miner.

"No, I haven't seen that person or that object around here," the clothing vendor replies.

"Haven't seen him. You might want to try Tanzania, Sudan, or Somalia though," says the musician.