‘It is done!’
‘Dai has taken the diaketamine? That’s great! We’ve won!’
South seemed uncertain, then alarmed.
‘Come, quickly!’ South descended the steps that led to the garret and then broke into a sprint. Brock and I followed. We arrived at the nearest balcony and gazed at the antenna; from this new vantage I saw that it possessed no ceiling mounting, it simply floated freely in the cavernous space of the main hall. South leaned forward and studied its form more closely, searching...
‘Nothing is happening,’ I remarked.
‘No,’ confirmed South, through gritted teeth.
‘Are you sure Dai took the drug?’
‘I’m sure Alex thinks he did, but now – I sense doubt.’ South studied the antenna again. ‘Something is wrong. We have failed.’ She suddenly turned to me and handed over a file: ‘This contains the terms of the deal you’ve just hammered out. Contact the general and tell him his forces can now safely enter the house.’ She placed a hand on my shoulder: ‘Thank you so much for your help, Geoff, I’m sorry it all came to nothing.’ South then turned to face Brock: ‘You have been a true and faithful friend, Brock, but it is now time for you to wake up.’
‘Wo–!’
Brock promptly vanished before he had a chance to complain. And before I had a chance to complain, South did likewise. I was alone on the balcony, alone in the house, and staring up forlornly at what seemed to be an unchanged antenna.
I signalled the general on the walkie-talkie and he instructed me to meet him near the front door.
26