The Logic BombThe Logic Bomb

bybyPaul WordsworthPaul Wordsworth

Amsterdam 2054: Damen van Hool is working on just another job: directing the vid storyAmsterdam 2054: Damen van Hool is working on just another job: directing the vid story of how, three decades before, gravity wave signals were detected from anotherof how, three decades before, gravity wave signals were detected from another intelligence. His work takes him inside the datasystems of Kittcorps, the internationalintelligence. His work takes him inside the datasystems of Kittcorps, the international corporation set up to exploit the new science and technologies arising from the aliencorporation set up to exploit the new science and technologies arising from the alien contact. But he stumbles across something that Kittcorps would rather keep secret;contact. But he stumbles across something that Kittcorps would rather keep secret; something which puts him in mortal peril...something which puts him in mortal peril...

to Jeanetteto Jeanette

© Paul Wordsworth 2011© Paul Wordsworth 2011rebis@rebis.co.ukrebis@rebis.co.uk

1120 October 205420 October 2054

Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland

Damen rested a moment, breathing heavily. Trudi sighed and held him closely,Damen rested a moment, breathing heavily. Trudi sighed and held him closely, possessively, for a minute before he rolled to the side and lay on his back in the softpossessively, for a minute before he rolled to the side and lay on his back in the soft comfortable double bed. A gentle amber autumnal light filtered in past the greencomfortable double bed. A gentle amber autumnal light filtered in past the green foliage of the houseplants in the window. After a whileTrudi spoke.foliage of the houseplants in the window. After a whileTrudi spoke.

'It's gone eight, Damen. I've got to be in by nine thirty. Time we were getting up.'It's gone eight, Damen. I've got to be in by nine thirty. Time we were getting up. Didn't you say you had a meeting this morning?'Didn't you say you had a meeting this morning?'

'Oh hell, yes,' Damen yawned, 'The Kittcorps job. With their head of publicity. I'Oh hell, yes,' Damen yawned, 'The Kittcorps job. With their head of publicity. I connect at ten, I think. Suppose you're right. Still, nice start to the day. 'connect at ten, I think. Suppose you're right. Still, nice start to the day. '

'Yes it was,' Trudi replied, leaning over to kiss him quickly before throwing back the'Yes it was,' Trudi replied, leaning over to kiss him quickly before throwing back the cover. 'It's nice in the morning sometimes. Trouble is, I'm always looking at the timecover. 'It's nice in the morning sometimes. Trouble is, I'm always looking at the time if I 've got to be somewhere. 'if I 've got to be somewhere. '

She sat on the edge of the bed, stretched out her arms and got up to go to theShe sat on the edge of the bed, stretched out her arms and got up to go to the bathroom. Damen pulled the cover back over himself, unwilling to leave the warmthbathroom. Damen pulled the cover back over himself, unwilling to leave the warmth of the bed just yet. He looked at her as she stretched and yawned, her curly brownof the bed just yet. He looked at her as she stretched and yawned, her curly brown hair falling down over her shoulders, her arched back, her sensuous curves. Shehair falling down over her shoulders, her arched back, her sensuous curves. She quietly and gracefully left the room; then he lapsed into thinking about the dayquietly and gracefully left the room; then he lapsed into thinking about the day ahead. First a long breakfast to wake him up, then the linkup with his client. Heahead. First a long breakfast to wake him up, then the linkup with his client. He hated business linkups. It was the people he had to deal with; corporate types withhated business linkups. It was the people he had to deal with; corporate types with no art, no imagination, all business and money and hassle and agendas. Still,no art, no imagination, all business and money and hassle and agendas. Still, without them there was no business, no money, no nice luxury apartment inwithout them there was no business, no money, no nice luxury apartment in Amsterdam, no work. He resolved to be a bit firmer with Kittcorps' publicity headAmsterdam, no work. He resolved to be a bit firmer with Kittcorps' publicity head today. He was well-known now after all, critically acclaimed, even a minor celebritytoday. He was well-known now after all, critically acclaimed, even a minor celebrity after the string of well-received infodramas and TVD shows he had composed andafter the string of well-received infodramas and TVD shows he had composed and directed over the last five years, so he no longer needed to kowtow to thesedirected over the last five years, so he no longer needed to kowtow to these corporate types. He yawned, heaved himself out of bed, pulled on his trousers, wentcorporate types. He yawned, heaved himself out of bed, pulled on his trousers, went over to the window, and opened it. over to the window, and opened it.

The air was crisp, still, and sharp; the view across the canal tranquil and picturesque.The air was crisp, still, and sharp; the view across the canal tranquil and picturesque. The trees with the last of their golden leaves were reflected in the limpid water.The trees with the last of their golden leaves were reflected in the limpid water. Barges and water buses glided along, their electric engines purring almost inaudibly.Barges and water buses glided along, their electric engines purring almost inaudibly. There were the sounds of street trams, the occasional voices, and the backgroundThere were the sounds of street trams, the occasional voices, and the background bustle of the busy city. The tall ancient houses, tastefully presented, carefullybustle of the busy city. The tall ancient houses, tastefully presented, carefully modernised and perfectly maintained, curved away along the canal banks in eithermodernised and perfectly maintained, curved away along the canal banks in either direction. He had been here with Trudi just over two years but on mornings like thisdirection. He had been here with Trudi just over two years but on mornings like this he still felt the exhilaration he had first experienced when they moved to one of thehe still felt the exhilaration he had first experienced when they moved to one of the most beautiful and expensive areas of one of the most beautiful and expensive citiesmost beautiful and expensive areas of one of the most beautiful and expensive cities in the world. Thirty four, fit and healthy, successful, and the world was his for thein the world. Thirty four, fit and healthy, successful, and the world was his for the taking. taking.

He went to the kitchen to get breakfast, speaking as he entered. He went to the kitchen to get breakfast, speaking as he entered.

'Coffee, breakfast mix, white. Croissants with parma ham. Orange conserve after.''Coffee, breakfast mix, white. Croissants with parma ham. Orange conserve after.'

The housecom responded in a low, gentle male voice. The housecom responded in a low, gentle male voice. 'Order confirmed. Eight minutes. ''Order confirmed. Eight minutes. '

'Music medium low vol,' Damen continued, 'Monteverdi or Scarlatti will be fine. 'Music medium low vol,' Damen continued, 'Monteverdi or Scarlatti will be fine.

The disembodied voice again replied, 'Confirmed. Extracts from Il Ballo Della IngrateThe disembodied voice again replied, 'Confirmed. Extracts from Il Ballo Della Ingrate by Monteverdi. 'by Monteverdi. '

The gentle operatic music filled the kitchen and a few minutes later the coffee andThe gentle operatic music filled the kitchen and a few minutes later the coffee and breakfast arrived. A panel in the wall units slid open and Damen took out thebreakfast arrived. A panel in the wall units slid open and Damen took out the contents. As he was halfway through his first coffee, Trudi came in, now dressed forcontents. As he was halfway through his first coffee, Trudi came in, now dressed for work in a blouse and business suit. She ordered her breakfast; camomile tea, softwork in a blouse and business suit. She ordered her breakfast; camomile tea, soft scrambled eggs, toast and marmalade; and sat down to complete her dressing andscrambled eggs, toast and marmalade; and sat down to complete her dressing and makeup until it arrived. makeup until it arrived.

'Will you be at the Health Centre all day,' Damen asked. 'Will you be at the Health Centre all day,' Damen asked.

'No. Until three or so. ' Trudi replied as she carefully applied just a little eye makeup.'No. Until three or so. ' Trudi replied as she carefully applied just a little eye makeup.

'Interviews for two new doctors today, then the equipment budget predictions to two'Interviews for two new doctors today, then the equipment budget predictions to two thousand fifty eight. Louis Gaston, he’s the regional manager now, he’ll be there so Ithousand fifty eight. Louis Gaston, he’s the regional manager now, he’ll be there so I don't want to be late. Do you need the car today?'don't want to be late. Do you need the car today?'

'Yes, I want to go to Hilversum. I can always do my linkup by Pcom. ''Yes, I want to go to Hilversum. I can always do my linkup by Pcom. '

'Oh no, not really,' Trudi looked sternly up at him over her mirror. 'You can't use your'Oh no, not really,' Trudi looked sternly up at him over her mirror. 'You can't use your portable for such an important client, can you? It would look insulting. Whateverportable for such an important client, can you? It would look insulting. Whatever would they think of you?'would they think of you?'

'Then I 'll drop by the cafe and use their room,' Damen replied, irked. 'I also want to'Then I 'll drop by the cafe and use their room,' Damen replied, irked. 'I also want to talk to Karl about rowing tomorrow. He’s usually there first thing. Then I suppose Italk to Karl about rowing tomorrow. He’s usually there first thing. Then I suppose I better earn some money and do some composing this afternoon. 'better earn some money and do some composing this afternoon. '

'Don't forget we're going to Francis and Jan's tonight for dinner. It'll take us at least'Don't forget we're going to Francis and Jan's tonight for dinner. It'll take us at least an hour to get there at that time in the evening' Trudi said, finishing her makeup.an hour to get there at that time in the evening' Trudi said, finishing her makeup. 'Must go in ten minutes. You going to get dressed now, dear?''Must go in ten minutes. You going to get dressed now, dear?'

Damen rose and went to the bathroom. The light turned on and brightened as heDamen rose and went to the bathroom. The light turned on and brightened as he entered. He looked into the mirror. Need a haircut soon, he thought, looking at hisentered. He looked into the mirror. Need a haircut soon, he thought, looking at his straight brown hair hanging lankly at collar length. The top right corner of the mirrorstraight brown hair hanging lankly at collar length. The top right corner of the mirror displayed a number in glowing green letters: his weight today. Eighty five kilos. Justdisplayed a number in glowing green letters: his weight today. Eighty five kilos. Just right for his height of a little over one metre nine hundred. Steady for three weeks.right for his height of a little over one metre nine hundred. Steady for three weeks. Just as well with the rowing competition in a week's time; must be at the optimumJust as well with the rowing competition in a week's time; must be at the optimum weight for that. He brushed his teeth with the electric brush, shaved, and steppedweight for that. He brushed his teeth with the electric brush, shaved, and stepped into the shower. A fine mist of soapy water sprayed on to him from the neck down.into the shower. A fine mist of soapy water sprayed on to him from the neck down. 'Five degrees colder,' he called out. 'Five degrees colder,' he called out.

'Confirmed. Cooling now,' the housecom's voice replied, and the shower spray'Confirmed. Cooling now,' the housecom's voice replied, and the shower spray temperature dropped accordingly.temperature dropped accordingly. By the time he was dressed and ready Trudi was getting impatient, and they left theBy the time he was dressed and ready Trudi was getting impatient, and they left the apartment with her leading the way briskly to the lift. Outside, their car came to lifeapartment with her leading the way briskly to the lift. Outside, their car came to life as they approached, the whine of the electric motors rising to the operating levelas they approached, the whine of the electric motors rising to the operating level hum as they got in. It was a small model, since there was a strict size restriction onhum as they got in. It was a small model, since there was a strict size restriction on those cars allowed into central Amsterdam; indeed they were fortunate to have athose cars allowed into central Amsterdam; indeed they were fortunate to have a permit for one at all. About one and a half metres long, one and a half high, with thepermit for one at all. About one and a half metres long, one and a half high, with the streamlined plasmetal body finished in a one-off retro deco design in green, gold andstreamlined plasmetal body finished in a one-off retro deco design in green, gold and white. Trudi spoke the destination and the autonav flashed the least-congestedwhite. Trudi spoke the destination and the autonav flashed the least-congested route. They set off into the morning traffic to the Health Centre where Trudi worked.route. They set off into the morning traffic to the Health Centre where Trudi worked. Damen as he drove along had his mind on which of the three TVDs he was workingDamen as he drove along had his mind on which of the three TVDs he was working on at present was the most urgent and which could wait. His reverie was interruptedon at present was the most urgent and which could wait. His reverie was interrupted by Trudi turning on the car's newsvid. by Trudi turning on the car's newsvid.

' . .and there has been a further restructuring of the Asean debt by the World Bank' . .and there has been a further restructuring of the Asean debt by the World Bank which should result in the stabilisation of the far east economy within three years.which should result in the stabilisation of the far east economy within three years. President Ricci of the UAS has announced a fifty trillion dollar investment program inPresident Ricci of the UAS has announced a fifty trillion dollar investment program in the new hydrokinetic power storage technology. Speaking at the Convention of thethe new hydrokinetic power storage technology. Speaking at the Convention of the four major economic powers in Lvov yesterday, President Ricci said that HPS wasfour major economic powers in Lvov yesterday, President Ricci said that HPS was one of the most important new developments so far to come from the Kralienone of the most important new developments so far to come from the Kralien initiative. It promised to revolutionise the technology of energy storage and revitaliseinitiative. It promised to revolutionise the technology of energy storage and revitalise the world economy. Local news now, and in Den Haag a man was killed followingthe world economy. Local news now, and in Den Haag a man was killed following an attempted raid on the Allied com production facility earlier today. Marty van denan attempted raid on the Allied com production facility earlier today. Marty van den Hoegarten has the details. . . 'Hoegarten has the details. . . '

After dropping Trudi at work Damen returned to central Amsterdam and stopped atAfter dropping Trudi at work Damen returned to central Amsterdam and stopped at his usual cafe, the Rialto. About ten or so people were inside reading, talking andhis usual cafe, the Rialto. About ten or so people were inside reading, talking and drinking coffee. Norbert the manager greeted him as he entered.drinking coffee. Norbert the manager greeted him as he entered. 'Good morning, Damen. Anna dropped in earlier looking for you. Nothing urgent,'Good morning, Damen. Anna dropped in earlier looking for you. Nothing urgent, just a hello. Karl's over there making a call.'just a hello. Karl's over there making a call.'

Damen thanked him, ordered a coffee, and went to sit down near the window. HeDamen thanked him, ordered a coffee, and went to sit down near the window. He knew why Anna didn't like to call him at home: she hated Trudi. And with goodknew why Anna didn't like to call him at home: she hated Trudi. And with good reason, because three years ago it was with Anna and not Trudi he was consideringreason, because three years ago it was with Anna and not Trudi he was considering setting up home. He still felt bad about that even now, but he told himself it was allsetting up home. He still felt bad about that even now, but he told himself it was all for the best, and he and Anna remained good friends. But however well he got onfor the best, and he and Anna remained good friends. But however well he got on with Anna, the chemistry wasn't quite there, and it had taken Trudi's arrival on thewith Anna, the chemistry wasn't quite there, and it had taken Trudi's arrival on the scene to make him realise this. He wished Anna had found someone else since,scene to make him realise this. He wished Anna had found someone else since, though.though. A tall bronzed blond man, good looking and well-dressed with cropped hair, andA tall bronzed blond man, good looking and well-dressed with cropped hair, and aquiline nose and a square protruding jaw interrupted Damen's musing by sittingaquiline nose and a square protruding jaw interrupted Damen's musing by sitting next to him. next to him.

'Good morning, Damen,' he said with a slight German accent, 'You still allright to 'Good morning, Damen,' he said with a slight German accent, 'You still allright to row tomorrow morning?'row tomorrow morning?'

'Ah, hello Karl,' Damen looked up. 'Yes, sure. About a couple of hours OK? I think'Ah, hello Karl,' Damen looked up. 'Yes, sure. About a couple of hours OK? I think we should make this our last long session before the race next week. By the way,we should make this our last long session before the race next week. By the way, are you going to Jan and Frances' tonight?'are you going to Jan and Frances' tonight?'

'No we're not. That'll leave you free to talk shop with Jan about vids and backdrops'No we're not. That'll leave you free to talk shop with Jan about vids and backdrops and comstudios and so forth,' Karl replied. 'About ten tomorrow at the boathouse?and comstudios and so forth,' Karl replied. 'About ten tomorrow at the boathouse? Yes, I think we need one good workout, then maybe a few light sessions next week.Yes, I think we need one good workout, then maybe a few light sessions next week. I 'll have to go now though. I'm on duty this morning. See you tomorrow. 'I 'll have to go now though. I'm on duty this morning. See you tomorrow. '

He got up and left, heading in the direction of Central Station. Deputy Inspector KarlHe got up and left, heading in the direction of Central Station. Deputy Inspector Karl Landmann - why on earth had he joined the police? At University twelve years agoLandmann - why on earth had he joined the police? At University twelve years ago he was the one always drinking, dropping, fornicating, getting into scrapes with thehe was the one always drinking, dropping, fornicating, getting into scrapes with the authorities. It had been Damen who had worked and studied the harder. Mind you,authorities. It had been Damen who had worked and studied the harder. Mind you, he had had to. A double doctorate in Cultural History and Computing Technologyhe had had to. A double doctorate in Cultural History and Computing Technology was a difficult mix, but the only one possible for Damen. But he just loved makingwas a difficult mix, but the only one possible for Damen. But he just loved making vids, and that’s what it took to do it properly.vids, and that’s what it took to do it properly.

Damen finished his coffee and went to the cafe's small private communications roomDamen finished his coffee and went to the cafe's small private communications room for his linkup with Kittcorps' publicity head, who was in Seattle. He was making anfor his linkup with Kittcorps' publicity head, who was in Seattle. He was making an edudoc for them about the Kralien contact. The meeting opened with a few formaledudoc for them about the Kralien contact. The meeting opened with a few formal pleasanteries, then moved quickly on to the usual stuff: When would the work bepleasanteries, then moved quickly on to the usual stuff: When would the work be ready for the first edit deadline? Was Friday possible, because they wanted to reviewready for the first edit deadline? Was Friday possible, because they wanted to review it at a board meeting on Saturday? Was the TVD positive enough? Would it appealit at a board meeting on Saturday? Was the TVD positive enough? Would it appeal to schoolkids? Did it stress the excitement of the contact sufficiently? Did it putto schoolkids? Did it stress the excitement of the contact sufficiently? Did it put forward the benefits of Kittcorps' work strongly enough? Damen responded with aforward the benefits of Kittcorps' work strongly enough? Damen responded with a few queries of his own. Where was the fee instalment he was due? What about thefew queries of his own. Where was the fee instalment he was due? What about the access code to the Kittcorps' databank he had so as to include some of their newaccess code to the Kittcorps' databank he had so as to include some of their new products in the spiel - when did it expire? What about the copyright split- had theyproducts in the spiel - when did it expire? What about the copyright split- had they spoken to his lawyer yet? Was the distribution deal european or global? Were Foxspoken to his lawyer yet? Was the distribution deal european or global? Were Fox involved – he wouldn’t work with them on ethical grounds – it was in his contract withinvolved – he wouldn’t work with them on ethical grounds – it was in his contract with them, he pointed out. them, he pointed out. After about twenty minutes the tedious conference was over and Damen returned toAfter about twenty minutes the tedious conference was over and Damen returned to the cafe properthe cafe proper. He decided to have an early lunch there before returning to the flat. He decided to have an early lunch there before returning to the flat to work. Lambert was there - Lambert Spookje, the cafe layabout; small, dark, andto work. Lambert was there - Lambert Spookje, the cafe layabout; small, dark, and fast-talking. Not well off, he earned what little money he had in various occasionalfast-talking. Not well off, he earned what little money he had in various occasional casual and even illegal activities; but he was educated and interesting, with thecasual and even illegal activities; but he was educated and interesting, with the offbeat view on life and events which comes to those with only a marginaloffbeat view on life and events which comes to those with only a marginal involvement in such mundane activities as working or making money. Dameninvolvement in such mundane activities as working or making money. Damen bought him lunch and they talked about old film stars, Lambert's special area ofbought him lunch and they talked about old film stars, Lambert's special area of interest which Damen also shared. Afterwards Damen returned to the flat. He hadinterest which Damen also shared. Afterwards Damen returned to the flat. He had work to do now - the Kittcorps TVD wouldn't wait. Just an afternoon's work, Damenwork to do now - the Kittcorps TVD wouldn't wait. Just an afternoon's work, Damen thought. But one that would change his life and change the world. thought. But one that would change his life and change the world.

2220 October 205420 October 2054

Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland

'Switch on,' Damen spoke to the wall in his studio as he entered. The screens which'Switch on,' Damen spoke to the wall in his studio as he entered. The screens which comprised all of the walls and the ceiling came alive with his current favouritecomprised all of the walls and the ceiling came alive with his current favourite backdrop: the south pole. It was so clean and bright, spacious and minimal. It wasbackdrop: the south pole. It was so clean and bright, spacious and minimal. It was also one of the last places on earth with natural snowcover. He was surrounded byalso one of the last places on earth with natural snowcover. He was surrounded by an intense blue whiteness as the polar scene was imaged around him and thean intense blue whiteness as the polar scene was imaged around him and the moaning of the antarctic wind filled the small room. The temperature in the studiomoaning of the antarctic wind filled the small room. The temperature in the studio dropped a refreshing five degrees.dropped a refreshing five degrees.

'Open diary,' he said and a part of the central wall imaged a frame about a metre'Open diary,' he said and a part of the central wall imaged a frame about a metre square in which various icons and information could be read in clear distinct print. square in which various icons and information could be read in clear distinct print.

Tuesday 20 October 2054. Current engagements: Dinner with Jan and FrancisTuesday 20 October 2054. Current engagements: Dinner with Jan and Francis tonight. He entered the rowing appointment at ten with Karl tomorrow at thetonight. He entered the rowing appointment at ten with Karl tomorrow at the boathouse on the Ij. Wednesday: Linkup with Philson entertainment tendering groupboathouse on the Ij. Wednesday: Linkup with Philson entertainment tendering group about the development of the docudrama on the far east financial crash of 2036 andabout the development of the docudrama on the far east financial crash of 2036 and the riots that followed: ‘The Taipei Meltdown’. Thursday, meeting with Laura aboutthe riots that followed: ‘The Taipei Meltdown’. Thursday, meeting with Laura about backscenes for the TVD crime series; 'Wicked World.' And so down to Friday: hebackscenes for the TVD crime series; 'Wicked World.' And so down to Friday: he entered the first edit deadline for 'The Kralien Contact'. That was the one he had toentered the first edit deadline for 'The Kralien Contact'. That was the one he had to spend most of his time working on; that was what he had to get on with today. Hespend most of his time working on; that was what he had to get on with today. He needed to make progress. He would watch the news, then get on with an edit of theneeded to make progress. He would watch the news, then get on with an edit of the first part, now almost complete.first part, now almost complete. 'News,' he said and the screen displayed an intricately-structured menu of news'News,' he said and the screen displayed an intricately-structured menu of news items, tailored to his interests and disposition. He selected four items and watcheditems, tailored to his interests and disposition. He selected four items and watched their previews.their previews. 'From Katanga we have the latest on the Central African War. Fierce fighting has 'From Katanga we have the latest on the Central African War. Fierce fighting has again broken out. . . . . . 'again broken out. . . . . . '

'The Central European Bank announced a reduction in interest rates to two point two'The Central European Bank announced a reduction in interest rates to two point two five percent earlier today. . . . 'five percent earlier today. . . . '

'. .and in sport, Feyenoord were relegated to the second division after a defeat by'. .and in sport, Feyenoord were relegated to the second division after a defeat by Ajax ... ' Ajax ... '

'. . . . .and leading com composer Harry Won died peacefully at his home in San'. . . . .and leading com composer Harry Won died peacefully at his home in San Fransisco earlier today. Best known for his pioneering work in combining new actingFransisco earlier today. Best known for his pioneering work in combining new acting with sophisticated com remodelling, he developed. . . 'with sophisticated com remodelling, he developed. . . '

After a few minutes Damen paused the newscast.After a few minutes Damen paused the newscast.

'Ah well, this isn't paying the rent. To work I suppose. Close cast. Kittcorps'Ah well, this isn't paying the rent. To work I suppose. Close cast. Kittcorps Adverdoc folder,' Damen said distinctly, and the screen box dissolved and changedAdverdoc folder,' Damen said distinctly, and the screen box dissolved and changed to show a list of titles and commentary. to show a list of titles and commentary. 'Open file 'The Kralien Contact'. Latest version. Review mode, real time. Run. ''Open file 'The Kralien Contact'. Latest version. Review mode, real time. Run. '

The screen dissolved into a neutral grey, then to a vast star-studded blackness. AThe screen dissolved into a neutral grey, then to a vast star-studded blackness. A large animated fiery title grew slowly and elaborately from a central dot until it filledlarge animated fiery title grew slowly and elaborately from a central dot until it filled the centre screen. It read: 'The Kralien Story. First Contact. 2026' and wasthe centre screen. It read: 'The Kralien Story. First Contact. 2026' and was accompanied by stirring orchestral music which rose to a crescendo and thenaccompanied by stirring orchestral music which rose to a crescendo and then subsided into a background accompaniment to a warm and sultry female voiceover.subsided into a background accompaniment to a warm and sultry female voiceover. The commentary began as the image panned slowly across the starscape until aThe commentary began as the image panned slowly across the starscape until a large full moon came into view. It zoomed in, then panned out again to show a hugelarge full moon came into view. It zoomed in, then panned out again to show a huge and intricate space platform in close orbit around the moon, consisting of anand intricate space platform in close orbit around the moon, consisting of an enormous latticework dish twinned with a huge bulbous structure: an immenseenormous latticework dish twinned with a huge bulbous structure: an immense nuclear reactor shell. The two were joined by an intricate web of solid and latticenuclear reactor shell. The two were joined by an intricate web of solid and lattice steelwork. The whole platform slowly and majestically swept over the bleak, brightsteelwork. The whole platform slowly and majestically swept over the bleak, bright lunar surface whilst the dish remained locked on some fixed point in the firmament.lunar surface whilst the dish remained locked on some fixed point in the firmament. 'The story of the Kralien contact starts back in the early years of the millenium in'The story of the Kralien contact starts back in the early years of the millenium in Britain at Cambridge University. The Hawking-Saunders gravity wave theory of twoBritain at Cambridge University. The Hawking-Saunders gravity wave theory of two thousand eighteen took the scientific world by storm by predicting that a type ofthousand eighteen took the scientific world by storm by predicting that a type of gravity wave known as a gravitrino should travel almost instantaneously across vastgravity wave known as a gravitrino should travel almost instantaneously across vast distances,’ the voiceover purred mellifluously. ‘It does this by travelling through thedistances,’ the voiceover purred mellifluously. ‘It does this by travelling through the curled up dimensions defined in M String Theory, in which the entire universe is onlycurled up dimensions defined in M String Theory, in which the entire universe is only a few light minutes across, rather than the eighty billion light years it is in our threea few light minutes across, rather than the eighty billion light years it is in our three expanded dimensions. The tiny size of the universe in these curled dimensions wasexpanded dimensions. The tiny size of the universe in these curled dimensions was also found to account for the gravitational effect which had been known as darkalso found to account for the gravitational effect which had been known as dark matter and dark energy, since in these dimensions, which are known as Mspace,matter and dark energy, since in these dimensions, which are known as Mspace, everything is so close to everything else that it casts a gravitational shadow on oureverything is so close to everything else that it casts a gravitational shadow on our own world by means of these gravitrinos.own world by means of these gravitrinos.

But it was not until two thousand and twenty three that the European SchengenBut it was not until two thousand and twenty three that the European Schengen States, the Central Asian Federation and the United American States set up aStates, the Central Asian Federation and the United American States set up a modest joint research project to map the heavens for gravitrinos. During this projectmodest joint research project to map the heavens for gravitrinos. During this project in two thousand twenty six an astonishing discovery was made by Doctor Deanin two thousand twenty six an astonishing discovery was made by Doctor Dean Raynerman of the research team at Palo Alto. 'Raynerman of the research team at Palo Alto. '

The image faded to one of a middleaged bearded man in a cluttered and untidyThe image faded to one of a middleaged bearded man in a cluttered and untidy library piled with coms, screens, prints, disks and even some old books, who spokelibrary piled with coms, screens, prints, disks and even some old books, who spoke in a strong southern american accent.in a strong southern american accent. 'I was analysing the latest gravitrino data from the Reticulum constellation in the'I was analysing the latest gravitrino data from the Reticulum constellation in the southern hemisphere when I noticed something very odd. There appeared to be asouthern hemisphere when I noticed something very odd. There appeared to be a very faint but regular pulsed signal. It was coming in a specific direction from whatvery faint but regular pulsed signal. It was coming in a specific direction from what seemed like empty space near to the star Kappa Reticulum. Now we had neverseemed like empty space near to the star Kappa Reticulum. Now we had never encountered anything quite like this before. We’d detected regular gravitrino pulsesencountered anything quite like this before. We’d detected regular gravitrino pulses before from pulsars and collapsars, but this was completely different. It came inbefore from pulsars and collapsars, but this was completely different. It came in short very small pulses with different time intervals between them. Well, we just keptshort very small pulses with different time intervals between them. Well, we just kept our dish on this source but we couldn't make out what was making it at all. So weour dish on this source but we couldn't make out what was making it at all. So we passed the results over to Professor Timmerman at Leyden to see what she couldpassed the results over to Professor Timmerman at Leyden to see what she could make of them. 'make of them. ' The image faded and cut to an angular white-haired woman seated in a universityThe image faded and cut to an angular white-haired woman seated in a university comroom. She spoke animatedly. comroom. She spoke animatedly.

'I analysed the Kappa Reticulum pattern and found the most amazing thing I could'I analysed the Kappa Reticulum pattern and found the most amazing thing I could ever have imagined. The pattern resembled a very complex binary code of someever have imagined. The pattern resembled a very complex binary code of some sort, which repeated over a period of ninety four minutes. It seemed to carry ansort, which repeated over a period of ninety four minutes. It seemed to carry an awful lot of information. When this was analysed we could make no sense of any of itawful lot of information. When this was analysed we could make no sense of any of it except for two very small segments. One appeared to give all the Fibonnacci Seriesexcept for two very small segments. One appeared to give all the Fibonnacci Series numbers in correct ascending order. Another appeared to give the number ofnumbers in correct ascending order. Another appeared to give the number of protons and neutrons in each shell of all the elements and known isotopes of theprotons and neutrons in each shell of all the elements and known isotopes of the periodic table. We were very excited by the discovery. It could not be a naturalperiodic table. We were very excited by the discovery. It could not be a natural source. So we were left with only one conclusion. It had to be a message from ansource. So we were left with only one conclusion. It had to be a message from an intelligence of some kind. 'intelligence of some kind. '

The scene faded again and cut to a vast galactic starscape, then zoomed to a smallThe scene faded again and cut to a vast galactic starscape, then zoomed to a small insignificant star. A superimposition appeared showing the binary code patterninsignificant star. A superimposition appeared showing the binary code pattern pulses as an animated red and green bar graph. The commentary continued.pulses as an animated red and green bar graph. The commentary continued. 'For two years the transmission was monitored whilst the scientific world debated.'For two years the transmission was monitored whilst the scientific world debated. The world media at first hailed this as the biggest event in history: first contact withThe world media at first hailed this as the biggest event in history: first contact with an alien intelligence. The intelligence was named the Kappa Reticulum Alienan alien intelligence. The intelligence was named the Kappa Reticulum Alien Source, which rapidly became shortened to the 'Kraliens'. Newsvids reacted bySource, which rapidly became shortened to the 'Kraliens'. Newsvids reacted by giving extensive coverage to what the Kraliens would be like, although of course thisgiving extensive coverage to what the Kraliens would be like, although of course this was pure speculation at this stage, and based more on old scifi dramas than onwas pure speculation at this stage, and based more on old scifi dramas than on modern science. ' modern science. '

Cut to newsvid extracts flying towards the viewer, with headlines such as, 'AlienCut to newsvid extracts flying towards the viewer, with headlines such as, 'Alien Intelligence Confirmed!', 'Martians Really Do Exist', and, 'Kralien Invasion Not Likely,Intelligence Confirmed!', 'Martians Really Do Exist', and, 'Kralien Invasion Not Likely, Say Boffins', and even, 'What Do YOU Think The Kraliens Look Like? Enter OurSay Boffins', and even, 'What Do YOU Think The Kraliens Look Like? Enter Our Monster Competition!' Cut back to view of stars in empty space.Monster Competition!' Cut back to view of stars in empty space. 'But when there was no further news or pictures the story rapidly died out in the'But when there was no further news or pictures the story rapidly died out in the popular imagination. Only in the scientific community was there discussion aboutpopular imagination. Only in the scientific community was there discussion about what the next steps should be. Could we reply? Should we reply?' what the next steps should be. Could we reply? Should we reply?'

The image faded and cut to large hall in which scientific conference is taking place.The image faded and cut to large hall in which scientific conference is taking place. Delegates huddle in knots in heated discussions. The commentary continued evenly.Delegates huddle in knots in heated discussions. The commentary continued evenly. 'The possibility of any physical contact with whoever or whatever was sending out'The possibility of any physical contact with whoever or whatever was sending out the signal was rapidly discounted by the scientists. The source of the signalthe signal was rapidly discounted by the scientists. The source of the signal appeared to be over seven hundred light years away from earth for one thing, andappeared to be over seven hundred light years away from earth for one thing, and the laws of science as we understand them mean that to send even one very smallthe laws of science as we understand them mean that to send even one very small spacecraft would take thousands of years and require enormous amounts of energyspacecraft would take thousands of years and require enormous amounts of energy and material. 'and material. ' An image of a small intricate spacecraft hurtling through empty space towards aAn image of a small intricate spacecraft hurtling through empty space towards a distant nebula appeared. distant nebula appeared.

'Popular science fiction, or more accurately science fantasy, has often supposed'Popular science fiction, or more accurately science fantasy, has often supposed some sort of fancy hyperdrive capable of taking us to the stars within a humansome sort of fancy hyperdrive capable of taking us to the stars within a human lifespan, either through space itself or via a black hole or M string dimensionlifespan, either through space itself or via a black hole or M string dimension shortcut. But this theory has never had any justification whatsoever in the laws ofshortcut. But this theory has never had any justification whatsoever in the laws of physics. In fact, on the contrary, these laws specifically forbid the possibility of fasterphysics. In fact, on the contrary, these laws specifically forbid the possibility of faster

than light travel for any kind of material object, or travel through a black hole, orthan light travel for any kind of material object, or travel through a black hole, or indeed any way of getting to the stars within any kind of feasible timescale. 'indeed any way of getting to the stars within any kind of feasible timescale. '

Fade to image of vast sun with luminous trail of matter being sucked out andFade to image of vast sun with luminous trail of matter being sucked out and spiralling into a nearby black hole. spiralling into a nearby black hole. 'So the reality is that the unimaginably vast distances between the stars, and the'So the reality is that the unimaginably vast distances between the stars, and the consequent problems of the massive accelerations, endless timespans, and hugeconsequent problems of the massive accelerations, endless timespans, and huge gravitational forces that would have to be overcome to get to even the nearest stars,gravitational forces that would have to be overcome to get to even the nearest stars, has led scientists to wholly discount interstellar travel as a serious scientifichas led scientists to wholly discount interstellar travel as a serious scientific proposition. So any meaningful two way contact between intelligent lifeforms acrossproposition. So any meaningful two way contact between intelligent lifeforms across the gulfs of space could only be achieved by using gravitrino pulses through the Mthe gulfs of space could only be achieved by using gravitrino pulses through the M string dimensions like those of the signals from Kappa Reticulum. Professorstring dimensions like those of the signals from Kappa Reticulum. Professor Raynerman explains how. 'Raynerman explains how. ' Cut back to the American professor's head, this time backed by schematic of starsCut back to the American professor's head, this time backed by schematic of stars and planets connected by visualised gravitrino pulses. The backdrop animates toand planets connected by visualised gravitrino pulses. The backdrop animates to illustrate the points he makes. illustrate the points he makes. 'Now all bodies with mass such as stars and planets generate, or more accurately'Now all bodies with mass such as stars and planets generate, or more accurately have as a property, a gravity gradient in space. Usually this is a static field whichhave as a property, a gravity gradient in space. Usually this is a static field which diminishes rapidly as you move away from the body itself. But sometimes thisdiminishes rapidly as you move away from the body itself. But sometimes this steady gravity field can pulse; for example in a large, uneven and rapidly-rotatingsteady gravity field can pulse; for example in a large, uneven and rapidly-rotating body such as a pulsar, which is an unstable collapsing star, or a black hole for thatbody such as a pulsar, which is an unstable collapsing star, or a black hole for that matter. Now these Gravitrino Pulses as they are known are not like normalmatter. Now these Gravitrino Pulses as they are known are not like normal electromagnetic waves like visible light or X rays. They don't travel through space inelectromagnetic waves like visible light or X rays. They don't travel through space in the same way at all. More accurately, they alternately stretch and compress thethe same way at all. More accurately, they alternately stretch and compress the fabric of space itself by a very very small amount, often only by a few thousandths offabric of space itself by a very very small amount, often only by a few thousandths of a micromillimetre. But, - and this is important - it is almost instantaneous accordinga micromillimetre. But, - and this is important - it is almost instantaneous according to the theory, and as we now know by observation, because it also acts through theto the theory, and as we now know by observation, because it also acts through the curled M string dimensions of Mspace, as well as the three space dimensions thatcurled M string dimensions of Mspace, as well as the three space dimensions that light moves in. That means that although the light from the Kappa Reticulum systemlight moves in. That means that although the light from the Kappa Reticulum system has taken over seven hundred years to get here, and remember that light can travelhas taken over seven hundred years to get here, and remember that light can travel the equivalent of seven times the earth's circumference in a single second, thethe equivalent of seven times the earth's circumference in a single second, the gravitrino pulse is transmitted and received in a fraction of a second or so across thegravitrino pulse is transmitted and received in a fraction of a second or so across the tiny amount of Mspace between us and the aliens. ' tiny amount of Mspace between us and the aliens. '

The head of the professor faded out and was replaced by a picture of a starfield inThe head of the professor faded out and was replaced by a picture of a starfield in space: the image zoomed to a particular star, and a point in space nearby wasspace: the image zoomed to a particular star, and a point in space nearby was shown by a glowing yellow arrow. The professor's head reappeared superimposedshown by a glowing yellow arrow. The professor's head reappeared superimposed on the backdrop and spoke. on the backdrop and spoke.

'That explained to us why the Kralien pulse appeared to originate in empty space. It'That explained to us why the Kralien pulse appeared to originate in empty space. It was not from where we could see the star Kappa Reticulum, because we can onlywas not from where we could see the star Kappa Reticulum, because we can only see where it was seven hundred years ago when the light set out on its long journey.see where it was seven hundred years ago when the light set out on its long journey. It was where that star would be now, if we could see it so. But there was one thingIt was where that star would be now, if we could see it so. But there was one thing which still bothered us. It was the strength of the gravitrino signal. To transmit suchwhich still bothered us. It was the strength of the gravitrino signal. To transmit such a signal suggested either a vast amount of energy was being used, or that we hada signal suggested either a vast amount of energy was being used, or that we had been targeted by a narrow gravitrino pulse, rather like a laser beam. In either case itbeen targeted by a narrow gravitrino pulse, rather like a laser beam. In either case it suggested very strongly that we were dealing with an intelligence moresuggested very strongly that we were dealing with an intelligence more technologically advanced than we are; maybe by thousands, even millions of years. 'technologically advanced than we are; maybe by thousands, even millions of years. '

The whole image dissolved to a picture of old United Nations building, then to aThe whole image dissolved to a picture of old United Nations building, then to a meeting within. The commentary continued. meeting within. The commentary continued.

'Whether we should try to construct our own gravitrino transmitter to reply was'Whether we should try to construct our own gravitrino transmitter to reply was discussed at length around the world and at the United Nations. Politicians argued,discussed at length around the world and at the United Nations. Politicians argued, and religious leaders stated their positions. The Pope said it was essential to takeand religious leaders stated their positions. The Pope said it was essential to take the message of the Gospel to the Kraliens. The Islamic world was split betweenthe message of the Gospel to the Kraliens. The Islamic world was split between those who thought that it was Allah's will and that they had therefore nothing to fearthose who thought that it was Allah's will and that they had therefore nothing to fear by the contact, and those who considered it could pollute the message of Islam in anby the contact, and those who considered it could pollute the message of Islam in an already divided world. The Dalai Lama thought that if we made the contact only outalready divided world. The Dalai Lama thought that if we made the contact only out of desire for the material benefits, we could be seduced and enslaved by evil karmicof desire for the material benefits, we could be seduced and enslaved by evil karmic spirits. The United Protestants wanted to find out if the Kraliens had a Saviour too.spirits. The United Protestants wanted to find out if the Kraliens had a Saviour too. Others such as some ultra-orthodox Hindus predicted that the end of the world; theOthers such as some ultra-orthodox Hindus predicted that the end of the world; the end of time and progress as we know it, would ensue from contact.'end of time and progress as we know it, would ensue from contact.'

Damen blinked and formed a thought in his mind; and a red marker reading, 'Edit 1'Damen blinked and formed a thought in his mind; and a red marker reading, 'Edit 1' appeared on the screen for three seconds. The commentary continued. appeared on the screen for three seconds. The commentary continued.

'But in the end it was the political reality of a divided world which led to the decision'But in the end it was the political reality of a divided world which led to the decision to try to establish contact. Military leaders advised the politicians that a successfulto try to establish contact. Military leaders advised the politicians that a successful contact could eventually lead to the transfer of entirely new technologies with widecontact could eventually lead to the transfer of entirely new technologies with wide military and security implications. The temptation to be the first to establish contactmilitary and security implications. The temptation to be the first to establish contact and benefit from the new technologies would be irresistible to many blocs' political-and benefit from the new technologies would be irresistible to many blocs' political-economic-military establishments. The threat of being left behind and dominated byeconomic-military establishments. The threat of being left behind and dominated by other blocs' new technologies would be so great they would feel forced to developother blocs' new technologies would be so great they would feel forced to develop their own strategies for contact. It would be virtually impossible for the worldtheir own strategies for contact. It would be virtually impossible for the world agencies or governments to effectively enforce an embargo on making contact withagencies or governments to effectively enforce an embargo on making contact with the Kraliens. Therefore we had to make contact, worldwide and collectively. So thethe Kraliens. Therefore we had to make contact, worldwide and collectively. So the biggest irony of whether we should contact the Kraliens was that it had nothing to dobiggest irony of whether we should contact the Kraliens was that it had nothing to do with humanity acting as a whole and everything to do with humanity still beingwith humanity acting as a whole and everything to do with humanity still being divided in competing political, economic, and cultural groups. 'divided in competing political, economic, and cultural groups. '

Damen formed a thought again. 'Edit 2' appeared in red for three seconds on theDamen formed a thought again. 'Edit 2' appeared in red for three seconds on the screen. The scene faded and cut to space again. Orbiting around the moon, thescreen. The scene faded and cut to space again. Orbiting around the moon, the vast space station seen earlier is under construction. Spacecraft come and go,vast space station seen earlier is under construction. Spacecraft come and go, bringing components and materials both from the earth and the moon. Thebringing components and materials both from the earth and the moon. The commentary started again. commentary started again.

'And so Kittcorps came into being; an international corporation answerable to the'And so Kittcorps came into being; an international corporation answerable to the United Nations and owned equally by the four superstates who provided the hugeUnited Nations and owned equally by the four superstates who provided the huge resources needed to build and run it. Kittcorps: the Kralien Information andresources needed to build and run it. Kittcorps: the Kralien Information and Technology Transfer Corporation. The European Schengen States, the UnitedTechnology Transfer Corporation. The European Schengen States, the United American States, the Central Asian Federation, and the Asean Co-prosperity GroupAmerican States, the Central Asian Federation, and the Asean Co-prosperity Group together set up a large team of top scientists, technologists, linguists, logicians, andtogether set up a large team of top scientists, technologists, linguists, logicians, and military strategists to establish and develop two way contact with the Kraliens. 'military strategists to establish and develop two way contact with the Kraliens. '

The image zoomed in to the Kittcorps logo of two blue globes joined by a redThe image zoomed in to the Kittcorps logo of two blue globes joined by a red lightning bolt, on the side of the space platform, then panned to the large bulbouslightning bolt, on the side of the space platform, then panned to the large bulbous

structure of the space platform, then resolved as a graphic illustrating its componentsstructure of the space platform, then resolved as a graphic illustrating its components and how they work. The commentary continued. and how they work. The commentary continued.

'The basis for the contact would be the experimental ProFission energy generator'The basis for the contact would be the experimental ProFission energy generator already developed by the UAS and built in lunar orbit, which alone was capable ofalready developed by the UAS and built in lunar orbit, which alone was capable of generating the huge amount of energy necessary to make even a very tiny gravitrinogenerating the huge amount of energy necessary to make even a very tiny gravitrino pulse. ProFission antimatter generators had been banned from earth or earth orbitpulse. ProFission antimatter generators had been banned from earth or earth orbit after the cataclysmic Sao Paolo Disaster of two thousand twenty eight where overafter the cataclysmic Sao Paolo Disaster of two thousand twenty eight where over three thousand square miles was laid waste by the explosion of this volatile yetthree thousand square miles was laid waste by the explosion of this volatile yet enormously-powerful energy source. Even so, there was doubt whether ourenormously-powerful energy source. Even so, there was doubt whether our gravitrino signal, less than one thousandth of the estimated power of the Kraliengravitrino signal, less than one thousandth of the estimated power of the Kralien beacon, would be anything like strong enough to be detectable even by a verybeacon, would be anything like strong enough to be detectable even by a very advanced civilisation. advanced civilisation.

The transmitter itself works using a small singularity or black hole. A singularity isThe transmitter itself works using a small singularity or black hole. A singularity is made of matter compressed to the point of almost infinite density and occupying onlymade of matter compressed to the point of almost infinite density and occupying only a point in space. It generates its own small but intense gravity well which distorts thea point in space. It generates its own small but intense gravity well which distorts the fabric of space. It is held in position by very strong magnetic fields. By directingfabric of space. It is held in position by very strong magnetic fields. By directing huge pulses of pure energy towards and into the singularity, the gravity field can behuge pulses of pure energy towards and into the singularity, the gravity field can be made to pulse very slightly. So to transmit a gravitrino signal, a normal binarymade to pulse very slightly. So to transmit a gravitrino signal, a normal binary electromagnetic signal like that used in coms and TVDs is amplified and boosted to aelectromagnetic signal like that used in coms and TVDs is amplified and boosted to a massive energy level and then blasted into the singularity, which then creates amassive energy level and then blasted into the singularity, which then creates a microscopic gravitrino pulse.microscopic gravitrino pulse. In two thousand thirty three, after an intense four year construction period, theIn two thousand thirty three, after an intense four year construction period, the transmitter was ready to be switched on. The Kittcorps linguistic and logic team hadtransmitter was ready to be switched on. The Kittcorps linguistic and logic team had come up with a binary code sequence four minutes long which they hoped would become up with a binary code sequence four minutes long which they hoped would be understood by the Kraliens. On April the fourth two thousand thirty four, the signalunderstood by the Kraliens. On April the fourth two thousand thirty four, the signal was beamed out towards Kappa Reticulum. 'was beamed out towards Kappa Reticulum. '

Fade to picture of transmitter control room with spacesuited staff moving around,Fade to picture of transmitter control room with spacesuited staff moving around, reading dials and screens and setting controls. They wait tensely. Then scenes ofreading dials and screens and setting controls. They wait tensely. Then scenes of astonishment, then wild excitement. The commentary continues.astonishment, then wild excitement. The commentary continues. 'The earth signal had been transmitted for only eight minutes before the most'The earth signal had been transmitted for only eight minutes before the most remarkable event of all occurred. The Kralien signal abruptly stopped. After theremarkable event of all occurred. The Kralien signal abruptly stopped. After the second repeat of our signal the Kralien signal resumed, much more powerfully andsecond repeat of our signal the Kralien signal resumed, much more powerfully and with a different pattern. Recognition by an alien intelligence was finally andwith a different pattern. Recognition by an alien intelligence was finally and incontrovertibly established. The Golden Age of Earth - Kralien dialogue had begun’.incontrovertibly established. The Golden Age of Earth - Kralien dialogue had begun’.

The sound of heroic orchestral music rose to a climax. The Kittcorps logo of twinThe sound of heroic orchestral music rose to a climax. The Kittcorps logo of twin blue globes linked by a red lightning bolt grew from a dot in space until it filled theblue globes linked by a red lightning bolt grew from a dot in space until it filled the screen. The commentary voice changed to a low, resonant male bass. screen. The commentary voice changed to a low, resonant male bass.

'It was over ten years since that first historic contact before we worked out a'It was over ten years since that first historic contact before we worked out a language to talk with the Kraliens. Communicating at first only in binary code, basiclanguage to talk with the Kraliens. Communicating at first only in binary code, basic scientific concepts were transmitted and received until we understood each other ascientific concepts were transmitted and received until we understood each other a little. Then the language based on mathematics and physics was slowly, ever solittle. Then the language based on mathematics and physics was slowly, ever so slowly developed as Man and Kralien learned to talk together. Then new concepts,slowly developed as Man and Kralien learned to talk together. Then new concepts, new philosophies, new sciences were first glimpsed, then understood and applied asnew philosophies, new sciences were first glimpsed, then understood and applied as

they flowed across the void between worlds. And still the new wonder technologiesthey flowed across the void between worlds. And still the new wonder technologies come thick and fast. Molecular data memory. Cold fusion. Multilayer processors.come thick and fast. Molecular data memory. Cold fusion. Multilayer processors. Herculaneum. Genetic rejuvenation. And strangest and most marvellous of all,Herculaneum. Genetic rejuvenation. And strangest and most marvellous of all, atomic water engineering. The most dramatic Informational and Technologicalatomic water engineering. The most dramatic Informational and Technological advances in the history of Man. And Kittcorps has been working ceaselessly everadvances in the history of Man. And Kittcorps has been working ceaselessly ever since to bring these I .T . benefits to everyone, everywhere, throughout the world. ' since to bring these I .T . benefits to everyone, everywhere, throughout the world. ' A pause, the logo reappeared, then the deep voice rolled, 'Kittcorps. All the I T you’llA pause, the logo reappeared, then the deep voice rolled, 'Kittcorps. All the I T you’ll ever need!'ever need!'

The music swelled to a crescendo of baroque magnificence then faded to theThe music swelled to a crescendo of baroque magnificence then faded to the background as title credits rolled across the screen. The final credit rolled:background as title credits rolled across the screen. The final credit rolled: 'Composed and Directed by Damen van Hool'.'Composed and Directed by Damen van Hool'. Damen sat back as the credits ended.Damen sat back as the credits ended. 'Coffee. ' he called; and in thirty seconds a panel in the wall behind him opened.'Coffee. ' he called; and in thirty seconds a panel in the wall behind him opened. There was in it a plastic cup of coffee and a small biscuit. He swivelled round in hisThere was in it a plastic cup of coffee and a small biscuit. He swivelled round in his chair, picked up the coffee, drunk a little of it, and spoke again. chair, picked up the coffee, drunk a little of it, and spoke again. 'Go to Edit one'. The screen lit up with the United Nations discussion and the'Go to Edit one'. The screen lit up with the United Nations discussion and the voiceover saying, '. . .with humanity still being divided in competing political andvoiceover saying, '. . .with humanity still being divided in competing political and military organisations. ' military organisations. '

Damen spoke. 'Back ten. Stop. Indicate source for following. ' Damen spoke. 'Back ten. Stop. Indicate source for following. '

A box appeared beside the main screen with 'Doctor Herzog Rosenfeld. ProfessorA box appeared beside the main screen with 'Doctor Herzog Rosenfeld. Professor of History University of Tel Aviv 2032 - 2053'. of History University of Tel Aviv 2032 - 2053'. 'Image of professor,' Damen ordered. A picture of a young-looking man dressed in a'Image of professor,' Damen ordered. A picture of a young-looking man dressed in a gaudy printed shirt appeared.gaudy printed shirt appeared.

'Too loud. No gravitas. More sober,' Damen muttered, then spoke loudly,'Too loud. No gravitas. More sober,' Damen muttered, then spoke loudly, 'Wardrobe. ' 'Wardrobe. '

A succession of clothing images appeared and a list accompanied. With a thoughtA succession of clothing images appeared and a list accompanied. With a thought Damen selected a suit and tie from the list. The professor appeared again, this timeDamen selected a suit and tie from the list. The professor appeared again, this time dressed in the suit. dressed in the suit.

'Too young. More authority,' Damen muttered again and with a few more rapid'Too young. More authority,' Damen muttered again and with a few more rapid menus, flashes of grey appeared at the professor's temples, the face became a littlemenus, flashes of grey appeared at the professor's temples, the face became a little more lined.more lined. 'Yes. That's about it,' Damen muttered again. 'These neural transmitters sure are'Yes. That's about it,' Damen muttered again. 'These neural transmitters sure are worth it. Save hours with these menu choices. Now where were we? Professorworth it. Save hours with these menu choices. Now where were we? Professor speaks. Continue from edit stop. 'speaks. Continue from edit stop. '

Instead of the commentary, this time the professor's purposefully-aged head spokeInstead of the commentary, this time the professor's purposefully-aged head spoke atop his reclad body. 'In the end it was pragmatism which led to. . . ' atop his reclad body. 'In the end it was pragmatism which led to. . . '

'Stop! ' Damen called again. 'Edit voice. Age timbre up three. Accent Amerisraeli'Stop! ' Damen called again. 'Edit voice. Age timbre up three. Accent Amerisraeli point four. Back three. Reconfigure to new. Run. 'point four. Back three. Reconfigure to new. Run. '

The professor now spoke with a slight shake in his voice and with a moreThe professor now spoke with a slight shake in his voice and with a more pronounced accent. 'In the end it was pragmatism which led. . 'pronounced accent. 'In the end it was pragmatism which led. . '

'Stop! New backdrop. Library, twentyfirst technomilitary. ' Images of armoured cars,'Stop! New backdrop. Library, twentyfirst technomilitary. ' Images of armoured cars, tanks, strangely-clad troopers, and aircraft. It took Damen more than twenty minutestanks, strangely-clad troopers, and aircraft. It took Damen more than twenty minutes to cycle through the almost endless video library and configure a thirty secondto cycle through the almost endless video library and configure a thirty second collage of military manoevres. Eventually he said, 'Reconfigure to new minus two.collage of military manoevres. Eventually he said, 'Reconfigure to new minus two. Run to Edit two then revert. Run. ' The voiceover began again. Run to Edit two then revert. Run. ' The voiceover began again.

'. . .and progress as we know it, would ensue from the contact. ' The United Nations'. . .and progress as we know it, would ensue from the contact. ' The United Nations scene faded and was replaced by the modified image of the Israeli professor againstscene faded and was replaced by the modified image of the Israeli professor against a backdrop of military machines on the move. The professor spoke, 'In the end ita backdrop of military machines on the move. The professor spoke, 'In the end it was the pragmatism. . . 'was the pragmatism. . . '

Damen continued for another hour until he was editing the final sequence. The deepDamen continued for another hour until he was editing the final sequence. The deep male voiceover was announcing the new wonder technologies. '.male voiceover was announcing the new wonder technologies. '.

Molecular data memory. Cold fusion. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Herculaneum. GeneticMolecular data memory. Cold fusion. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Herculaneum. Genetic rejuvenation. And strangest. . . . 'rejuvenation. And strangest. . . . '

'Stop!' Damen called out again in a tired voice. 'Back five. Run. 'Stop!' Damen called out again in a tired voice. 'Back five. Run. ''The burst of interference after ‘cold fusion’ was still there.The burst of interference after ‘cold fusion’ was still there.

'Stop. Back two. Show code. File information. Forward, stop!''Stop. Back two. Show code. File information. Forward, stop!'

There! An erasure? There was a whole section of null code in the middle of whatThere! An erasure? There was a whole section of null code in the middle of what should have been his list. What was it? He hadn't put it there he was sure.should have been his list. What was it? He hadn't put it there he was sure. 'Edit code. Time and origin,' he ordered, but he found there was no time and no'Edit code. Time and origin,' he ordered, but he found there was no time and no origination for the code. Very odd. Not impossible, just very odd. What was thereorigination for the code. Very odd. Not impossible, just very odd. What was there before the static? He sat and thought back to his first version. He called up thebefore the static? He sat and thought back to his first version. He called up the backup file. It was the same, just the buzz after cold fusion. He called up all the otherbackup file. It was the same, just the buzz after cold fusion. He called up all the other backups and archives made by his comsystem since he recorded it two daysbackups and archives made by his comsystem since he recorded it two days previously; the same. Only one memory bank left to check to solve the mystery, hispreviously; the same. Only one memory bank left to check to solve the mystery, his own mind’s. He thought back to when he was composing this piece. He had aown mind’s. He thought back to when he was composing this piece. He had a technique for these kinds of lists which he’d often use in adVDs. The cadence oftechnique for these kinds of lists which he’d often use in adVDs. The cadence of three, twice. Molecular data memory, cold fusion, something. Herculaneum, geneticthree, twice. Molecular data memory, cold fusion, something. Herculaneum, genetic rejuvenation, and so forth. Now what was the one which was missing? Yes!rejuvenation, and so forth. Now what was the one which was missing? Yes! Multilayer something or other, that was it. Yes, now he remembered. MultilayerMultilayer something or other, that was it. Yes, now he remembered. Multilayer processors. He had wanted some new technology in his list to whet the appertite forprocessors. He had wanted some new technology in his list to whet the appertite for what was still to come, not just a recap of what everyone already knew about. So hewhat was still to come, not just a recap of what everyone already knew about. So he had taken that one from the Kittcorps product database he had access to. But whathad taken that one from the Kittcorps product database he had access to. But what had happened to it? How had it been erased? Was it a fault? Who but he hadhad happened to it? How had it been erased? Was it a fault? Who but he had access to his own comstudio systems otherwise?access to his own comstudio systems otherwise?He was disturbed in his musing by the insistent buzzing of a small icon on theHe was disturbed in his musing by the insistent buzzing of a small icon on the screen, which grew steadily louder as the image grew and resolved itself into Trudi'sscreen, which grew steadily louder as the image grew and resolved itself into Trudi's picture. Annoyed at the interruption, he flashed a thought at the icon and Trudi'spicture. Annoyed at the interruption, he flashed a thought at the icon and Trudi's image appeared full size in front of him. image appeared full size in front of him.

'At last!,' she said, ' We'll be late for Jan and Francis unless you pack that in now and'At last!,' she said, ' We'll be late for Jan and Francis unless you pack that in now and get ready. Are you coming then?' get ready. Are you coming then?'

'Allright, allright I'm coming now,' Damen replied. He was tired anyway: time to stop.'Allright, allright I'm coming now,' Damen replied. He was tired anyway: time to stop. He would have to sort out the mystery of the vanishing menu item tomorrow.He would have to sort out the mystery of the vanishing menu item tomorrow.

'Switch off. ' he said, going to the door and leaving the studio. The screens'Switch off. ' he said, going to the door and leaving the studio. The screens darkened and the door locked as he left the room. darkened and the door locked as he left the room.

3320 October 205420 October 2054

Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland

There were six at Jan and Francis' dinner party; the other two were a couple DamenThere were six at Jan and Francis' dinner party; the other two were a couple Damen and Trudi casually knew called Thomas and Elaine who had driven up fromand Trudi casually knew called Thomas and Elaine who had driven up from Europoort. The conversation was informed but predictable, and Damen contributedEuropoort. The conversation was informed but predictable, and Damen contributed little. Work, investments, current affairs, music, fashion, food; the usual gamut oflittle. Work, investments, current affairs, music, fashion, food; the usual gamut of affluent urban middle class dinner talk. Thomas and Elaine left at ten as they hadaffluent urban middle class dinner talk. Thomas and Elaine left at ten as they had babysitters to relieve. Over a late coffee, whilst Trudi chatted with Frances, Damenbabysitters to relieve. Over a late coffee, whilst Trudi chatted with Frances, Damen told Jan about his edit problem earlier in the day.told Jan about his edit problem earlier in the day. Damen and Jan had originally met about eight years previously in the course ofDamen and Jan had originally met about eight years previously in the course of business and had struck up a lasting friendship. Jan was a small, round, fast-talkingbusiness and had struck up a lasting friendship. Jan was a small, round, fast-talking man in his late forties; who earned his living as a com technology securityman in his late forties; who earned his living as a com technology security consultant. He had installed Damen's first comstudio facility, and they had workedconsultant. He had installed Damen's first comstudio facility, and they had worked and socialised together ever since. Jan was professionally intrigued by the glitch inand socialised together ever since. Jan was professionally intrigued by the glitch in Damen's program, and after a few minutes they had left the women and had gone offDamen's program, and after a few minutes they had left the women and had gone off to Jan's own lavishly-equipped comstudio to try and find out what the problem couldto Jan's own lavishly-equipped comstudio to try and find out what the problem could be. In any case Jan always relished the opportunity of demonstrating his fine combe. In any case Jan always relished the opportunity of demonstrating his fine com equipment to anyone with the patience or interest. First Jan connected through toequipment to anyone with the patience or interest. First Jan connected through to Damen's comstudio and Damen downloaded his Kralien contact file to Jan's system;Damen's comstudio and Damen downloaded his Kralien contact file to Jan's system; then they analysed the code together.then they analysed the code together.

'Where did you get the original data for that bit from then,' Jan asked, And can you'Where did you get the original data for that bit from then,' Jan asked, And can you get it again now?'get it again now?'

'Kittcorps product databank. I've got an access code,' Damen replied. 'I can connect'Kittcorps product databank. I've got an access code,' Damen replied. 'I can connect now if you want.' now if you want.'

'Oo! Yes please!' Jan replied, 'Never been in Kittcorps' product bank before. Often'Oo! Yes please!' Jan replied, 'Never been in Kittcorps' product bank before. Often wanted to though. You can really get us in there? They must think what you’rewanted to though. You can really get us in there? They must think what you’re doing’s important to let you in there. Any restrictions?'doing’s important to let you in there. Any restrictions?'

‘Just the usual confidentiality stuff. But don’t tell anyone you were here too or they’ll‘Just the usual confidentiality stuff. But don’t tell anyone you were here too or they’ll sue me, knowing Kittcorps. Humourless bunch of bastards.’sue me, knowing Kittcorps. Humourless bunch of bastards.’

Damen connected with Kittcorps and opened their databank on new technology.Damen connected with Kittcorps and opened their databank on new technology. Scanning down the menu list, Damen soon found what he was looking for.Scanning down the menu list, Damen soon found what he was looking for. 'There. As I told you. Multilayer processors. Want to see what it's about? I'm not'There. As I told you. Multilayer processors. Want to see what it's about? I'm not really supposed to go any further in but I don't see why not. You say you haven’treally supposed to go any further in but I don't see why not. You say you haven’t heard about this then Jan?'heard about this then Jan?'

'Not as such, but I have heard that Kittcorps are working on something very big and'Not as such, but I have heard that Kittcorps are working on something very big and very secret to do with a new processor chip. Maybe this is it. What is it exactly? Whatvery secret to do with a new processor chip. Maybe this is it. What is it exactly? What does it do?' said Jan, intrigued, as they opened the file, 'Look. It's not available yetdoes it do?' said Jan, intrigued, as they opened the file, 'Look. It's not available yet commercially; it's still under beta evaluation. That means Kittcorps themselves arecommercially; it's still under beta evaluation. That means Kittcorps themselves are probably using them. Look, here’s the outline spec.’probably using them. Look, here’s the outline spec.’

A moment’s silence whilst they scan-read the specification on the screen before JanA moment’s silence whilst they scan-read the specification on the screen before Jan spoke again.spoke again.

‘Can’t be right. It’s either a misprint or it’s a really fantastic piece of kit. A single‘Can’t be right. It’s either a misprint or it’s a really fantastic piece of kit. A single cluster can take three thousand gigabytes and get to any item within a nanosecond?cluster can take three thousand gigabytes and get to any item within a nanosecond? Planck time processing speeds? They’re kidding. This file isn’t dated April the first isPlanck time processing speeds? They’re kidding. This file isn’t dated April the first is it Damen? it Damen?

‘No, it’s a new product they’re working on, that’s all I know,’ Damen replied, ‘besides‘No, it’s a new product they’re working on, that’s all I know,’ Damen replied, ‘besides which Kittcorps don’t have any sense of humour, so it can’t be a prank. They takewhich Kittcorps don’t have any sense of humour, so it can’t be a prank. They take themselves too seriously.’themselves too seriously.’

'Look at the structure!' Jan exclaimed, 'That's fantastic. It'll revolutionise everything in'Look at the structure!' Jan exclaimed, 'That's fantastic. It'll revolutionise everything in data handling. Everything else will be instantly obsolete. You see, the data's mobile,data handling. Everything else will be instantly obsolete. You see, the data's mobile, it moves around, and the routes are mapped at these points here. So at any oneit moves around, and the routes are mapped at these points here. So at any one time all the points' route maps are within a tenth of a nanosecond of access to theirtime all the points' route maps are within a tenth of a nanosecond of access to their particular bits. Then these route maps are configured in the same way...'particular bits. Then these route maps are configured in the same way...'

'You've lost me there, Jan,' Damen said. 'And I still don't understand how its name'You've lost me there, Jan,' Damen said. 'And I still don't understand how its name disappeared from my program code.'disappeared from my program code.'

'Well, if it is a water silicon valency gell which is what it looks like it may be, it acts a'Well, if it is a water silicon valency gell which is what it looks like it may be, it acts a bit like human memory does,' Jan replied, 'But cubed, if you follow. It's much muchbit like human memory does,' Jan replied, 'But cubed, if you follow. It's much much faster. As for your code loss I suppose it's so sensitive they've put a security lock onfaster. As for your code loss I suppose it's so sensitive they've put a security lock on it for now. As I said, I heard rumours that Kittcorps were going to reveal someit for now. As I said, I heard rumours that Kittcorps were going to reveal some fantastic new gizmo and start selling it as a new year publicity stunt. I can seefantastic new gizmo and start selling it as a new year publicity stunt. I can see why...'why...'

'But Jan, explain to me how they can erase it from my program,' Damen interrupted.'But Jan, explain to me how they can erase it from my program,' Damen interrupted.

'Oh, some kind of viruscode I suppose, linked in with the name,' Jan replied easily.'Oh, some kind of viruscode I suppose, linked in with the name,' Jan replied easily. 'You download the name and take the viruscode as well as a sort of uninvited guest,'You download the name and take the viruscode as well as a sort of uninvited guest, which erases the name, then itself. I didn't know they were that good, or thatwhich erases the name, then itself. I didn't know they were that good, or that paranoid.'paranoid.'

'Can't be. I've got a viruslock on all the time. You installed it, remember? State of the'Can't be. I've got a viruslock on all the time. You installed it, remember? State of the art you told me. Are you telling me now they've got round your lock?' Damenart you told me. Are you telling me now they've got round your lock?' Damen snapped back. 'Anyway, it didn't just erase the name on the current copy. It cut outsnapped back. 'Anyway, it didn't just erase the name on the current copy. It cut out every iteration of the name in every archive and backup too.'every iteration of the name in every archive and backup too.'

Yeah, I must admit that's pretty damn good,' Jan replied, still concentrating on theYeah, I must admit that's pretty damn good,' Jan replied, still concentrating on the screen, 'But not impossible. You must have taken a whole linked file with you whenscreen, 'But not impossible. You must have taken a whole linked file with you when you downloaded the name for it to do all that.'you downloaded the name for it to do all that.'

'No, I didn't, I'm sure,' Damen replied, 'I would have noticed the length...''No, I didn't, I'm sure,' Damen replied, 'I would have noticed the length...'

Another part of the screen lit up with the images of Frances and Trudi. Another part of the screen lit up with the images of Frances and Trudi.

'There you both are!' Frances exclaimed in mock surprise. 'Whatever are you up to?'There you both are!' Frances exclaimed in mock surprise. 'Whatever are you up to? Working during a dinner party?' Working during a dinner party?'

Trudi spoke. 'Time to go soon Damen. I've got an early start tomorow I'm afraidTrudi spoke. 'Time to go soon Damen. I've got an early start tomorow I'm afraid dear.'dear.'

Damen and Jan looked wearily at each other.Damen and Jan looked wearily at each other. 'We'll talk about this tomorrow then,' Damen said, 'So now I've got to break contact'We'll talk about this tomorrow then,' Damen said, 'So now I've got to break contact with Kittcorps databank I'm afraid, Jan. There. Tell me more about this tomorrow.'with Kittcorps databank I'm afraid, Jan. There. Tell me more about this tomorrow.'

Damen and Trudi left soon after, and drove back through the quiet AmsterdamDamen and Trudi left soon after, and drove back through the quiet Amsterdam suburbs. Trudi was not at all interested when Damen started to tell her what he andsuburbs. Trudi was not at all interested when Damen started to tell her what he and Jan had been up to, so he dropped the subject and they drove in silence. It wasJan had been up to, so he dropped the subject and they drove in silence. It was nearly midnight when they got back, and they went to bed almost immediately.nearly midnight when they got back, and they went to bed almost immediately.

20 October 205420 October 2054Seattle, UASSeattle, UAS

Half a world away in Seattle, Hara Green sat in her executive penthouse officeHalf a world away in Seattle, Hara Green sat in her executive penthouse office behind an enormous lacquered desk. Mid forties, very chic, with short dark hair,behind an enormous lacquered desk. Mid forties, very chic, with short dark hair, beautiful but with a brusque, somewhat cold manner. Outside the late afternoon sunbeautiful but with a brusque, somewhat cold manner. Outside the late afternoon sun glinted on the ocean beyond. But Hara wasn’t contemplating the view, magnificentglinted on the ocean beyond. But Hara wasn’t contemplating the view, magnificent though it was. A message on her comscreen was what held her attention, as shethough it was. A message on her comscreen was what held her attention, as she regarded it with pursed lips. Presently she spoke.regarded it with pursed lips. Presently she spoke.

‘Instruction to executive Captain Howard, europe security. Investigate and remedy‘Instruction to executive Captain Howard, europe security. Investigate and remedy level zee data breach, two instances, Holland, traced to subcontractor van Hool.level zee data breach, two instances, Holland, traced to subcontractor van Hool. Priority over other current activities until concluded. End.’Priority over other current activities until concluded. End.’

The comscreen acknowledged the message sent as Hara got up to go to her threeThe comscreen acknowledged the message sent as Hara got up to go to her three o’clock board meeting.o’clock board meeting.

21 October 205421 October 2054 Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland

The following morning both Damen and Trudi got up about eight. Damen went for hisThe following morning both Damen and Trudi got up about eight. Damen went for his customary early morning look out of the window. The weather was blustery, with bluecustomary early morning look out of the window. The weather was blustery, with blue sky flecked with high white cirrus and heavier cumulus clouds with ragged edges.sky flecked with high white cirrus and heavier cumulus clouds with ragged edges. Not ideal for rowing, he thought; too much wind would make the water choppy.Not ideal for rowing, he thought; too much wind would make the water choppy. Around was the usual bustle of a city waking up and getting to work. Down on theAround was the usual bustle of a city waking up and getting to work. Down on the roadway next to the canal there was a telcomm van with three men unloadingroadway next to the canal there was a telcomm van with three men unloading equipment. The van had fenced Damen's car in, so he called down to them to moveequipment. The van had fenced Damen's car in, so he called down to them to move it. They looked up, startled, then one of them acknowledged and moved the vanit. They looked up, startled, then one of them acknowledged and moved the van along a few metres.along a few metres.

Breakfast was soon over and Damen drove Trudi to work before going on to theBreakfast was soon over and Damen drove Trudi to work before going on to the rowing club on the banks of the Ij. He would be early so he could have a leisurelyrowing club on the banks of the Ij. He would be early so he could have a leisurely coffee there, then a light workout before he and Karl were due to take to the water.coffee there, then a light workout before he and Karl were due to take to the water. When he had dropped off Trudi he turned on the car's newsvid as usual.When he had dropped off Trudi he turned on the car's newsvid as usual.

'..was going to make a strong recovery. Local news just in, and there has been an'..was going to make a strong recovery. Local news just in, and there has been an horrific double murder in Haarlem last night according to a report just in. Police werehorrific double murder in Haarlem last night according to a report just in. Police were called to affluent Groenstrasse at six o'clock this morning after neighbours heard acalled to affluent Groenstrasse at six o'clock this morning after neighbours heard a disturbance and screaming coming from one of the houses. Police officers broke indisturbance and screaming coming from one of the houses. Police officers broke in and found the mutilated bodies of the occupants, believed to be Mr Jan Timmermanand found the mutilated bodies of the occupants, believed to be Mr Jan Timmerman and his wife Francis. Police are investigating but there appears to have been noand his wife Francis. Police are investigating but there appears to have been no robbery and no obvious motive for the attack...'robbery and no obvious motive for the attack...'

Damen became aware of car horns sounding. He had stopped in the middle of theDamen became aware of car horns sounding. He had stopped in the middle of the carriageway, stunned by the news item. He collected himself and drove off to thecarriageway, stunned by the news item. He collected himself and drove off to the rowing club which was only a little further on. In the car park he sat for a whilerowing club which was only a little further on. In the car park he sat for a while thinking furiously, then called Trudi at her work.thinking furiously, then called Trudi at her work.

'Trudi, are you alone? Can you talk? It's serious,' Damen began when he was'Trudi, are you alone? Can you talk? It's serious,' Damen began when he was connected. No she couldn't; she was in a meeting now and couldn't it wait? Damenconnected. No she couldn't; she was in a meeting now and couldn't it wait? Damen insisted and she left to find a private office.insisted and she left to find a private office. 'This had better be good...' she started but Damen broke in.'This had better be good...' she started but Damen broke in. 'It's Jan and Francis. They've been murdered. Yes, murdered! Yes I am sure. It was'It's Jan and Francis. They've been murdered. Yes, murdered! Yes I am sure. It was on the news just now. About six this morning they said. No they don't know who did iton the news just now. About six this morning they said. No they don't know who did it or why. Mutilated bodies they said. Perhaps you can find out something from theor why. Mutilated bodies they said. Perhaps you can find out something from the path lab at Haarlem. I'll talk to Karl to see whether we should go to the police. Wepath lab at Haarlem. I'll talk to Karl to see whether we should go to the police. We may have been the last people to see them alive. No I know we're not suspects. Themay have been the last people to see them alive. No I know we're not suspects. The security cameras in the lobby to our flats will have had us coming in at midnight. Yessecurity cameras in the lobby to our flats will have had us coming in at midnight. Yes I'll call you again when I've spoken to Karl.'I'll call you again when I've spoken to Karl.'

He went into the clubhouse, agitated, and drank several cups of coffee waiting forHe went into the clubhouse, agitated, and drank several cups of coffee waiting for Karl to arrive. When he did, Damen hurriedly explained to him what had happened.Karl to arrive. When he did, Damen hurriedly explained to him what had happened. Karl was concerned but reassuring. He put on his best professional police manner.Karl was concerned but reassuring. He put on his best professional police manner.

'Yes, there have been several such incidents over the last year,' Karl said. 'But you'Yes, there have been several such incidents over the last year,' Karl said. 'But you should tell the police what you know, and when you left. Were they arguing? No?should tell the police what you know, and when you left. Were they arguing? No? Then it is probably a break-in gone wrong. I know this must be most distressing forThen it is probably a break-in gone wrong. I know this must be most distressing for you. Do you still want to row or should we call it off for today?'you. Do you still want to row or should we call it off for today?'

'No, I'd still like to row,' Damen said, calming down a little. 'I think the exercise would'No, I'd still like to row,' Damen said, calming down a little. 'I think the exercise would settle me down a bit and give me a chance to take it in. You're probably right, it's justsettle me down a bit and give me a chance to take it in. You're probably right, it's just a bad coincidence that we were there last night. But it's such a shock. Jan anda bad coincidence that we were there last night. But it's such a shock. Jan and Francis, murdered. I can't believe it. I really can't take it in.... Francis, murdered. I can't believe it. I really can't take it in....

Yeah, OK, shall we get ready now?'Yeah, OK, shall we get ready now?'

They got changed, did a few warm up exercises, and lifted their coxless pair boatThey got changed, did a few warm up exercises, and lifted their coxless pair boat from its cradle in the boathouse. It was a light and graceful craft, about five metresfrom its cradle in the boathouse. It was a light and graceful craft, about five metres long, very slim, and hand-built. Its frame was made out of plywood covered by a thinlong, very slim, and hand-built. Its frame was made out of plywood covered by a thin layer of plasmetal, coated on the outer surface with teflon. The riggers which heldlayer of plasmetal, coated on the outer surface with teflon. The riggers which held the oars were of tubular aluminium alloy. It weighed only a few kilograms, and whenthe oars were of tubular aluminium alloy. It weighed only a few kilograms, and when they had lifted it into the water at the landing stage it bobbed lightly on the water,they had lifted it into the water at the landing stage it bobbed lightly on the water, drawing hardly any draught at all. The oars were four metres long and of carbondrawing hardly any draught at all. The oars were four metres long and of carbon

steel and plasmetal, with big scoop blades. The boat was beautiful, Damen thought,steel and plasmetal, with big scoop blades. The boat was beautiful, Damen thought, because it was so simple, so minimal. Apart from some of the materials used, therebecause it was so simple, so minimal. Apart from some of the materials used, there was no com control, no hi-tech gadgets, nothing but the sleek physical essentials ofwas no com control, no hi-tech gadgets, nothing but the sleek physical essentials of a racing rowing boat. It was far removed from the normal twentyfirst century world ina racing rowing boat. It was far removed from the normal twentyfirst century world in which he lived and worked. Neither of them ever took their PComs boating withwhich he lived and worked. Neither of them ever took their PComs boating with them. When they were on the water they were out of touch with the world of otherthem. When they were on the water they were out of touch with the world of other people but completely in touch with their own physical bodies and with the naturalpeople but completely in touch with their own physical bodies and with the natural world around them. world around them.

They each slipped their oar into the rigger, climbed gingerly but expertly into theThey each slipped their oar into the rigger, climbed gingerly but expertly into the boat, and adjusted their stretcher settings before securing their feet in them andboat, and adjusted their stretcher settings before securing their feet in them and testing the smooth even action of their sliding seats. The boat gently bobbed out intotesting the smooth even action of their sliding seats. The boat gently bobbed out into the river as they were completing their adjustments. Then, when they were ready,the river as they were completing their adjustments. Then, when they were ready, Karl gave the word to commence rowing; a gentle row known as a paddle just toKarl gave the word to commence rowing; a gentle row known as a paddle just to warm up. As they moved out into the broad expanse of the Ij estuary Damen couldwarm up. As they moved out into the broad expanse of the Ij estuary Damen could feel himself becoming more calm and collected despite the morning's awful news.feel himself becoming more calm and collected despite the morning's awful news. That could wait for now.That could wait for now.

Karl and Damen had rowed together since university, and they hardly needed toKarl and Damen had rowed together since university, and they hardly needed to speak at all when on the water. This was one of the attractions of rowing to Damen.speak at all when on the water. This was one of the attractions of rowing to Damen. Rowing well with another person was in itself a form of physical communication. TheRowing well with another person was in itself a form of physical communication. The balance and run of the boat through the water was only achieved by a harmony ofbalance and run of the boat through the water was only achieved by a harmony of action, a perfect physical co-ordination between them. Karl rowed stroke, which wasaction, a perfect physical co-ordination between them. Karl rowed stroke, which was the position at the back of the boat; and Damen rowed bow; but because both facedthe position at the back of the boat; and Damen rowed bow; but because both faced the rear, Damen was behind Karl and Karl steered by means of one of the footthe rear, Damen was behind Karl and Karl steered by means of one of the foot stretchers which when moved to the left or right moved the rudder correspondingly.stretchers which when moved to the left or right moved the rudder correspondingly. Steering a boat when you couldn't see where you were going was an art in itself. ItSteering a boat when you couldn't see where you were going was an art in itself. It was done by knowing the waterway, with its bends, currents and obstructions; andwas done by knowing the waterway, with its bends, currents and obstructions; and by watching the line of the boat's wake. by watching the line of the boat's wake.

They struck out into the middle of the estuary, firming up their strokes and pullingThey struck out into the middle of the estuary, firming up their strokes and pulling harder. The bank with its line of buildings receded and the water grew a little choppyharder. The bank with its line of buildings receded and the water grew a little choppy in the brisk blustery autumn wind. Above them was the vast dome of sky filling up thein the brisk blustery autumn wind. Above them was the vast dome of sky filling up the field of vision like the skies in a seventeenth century Dutch master's painting. Thefield of vision like the skies in a seventeenth century Dutch master's painting. The sky dwarfed the human structures which bobbed along the horizon on either side ofsky dwarfed the human structures which bobbed along the horizon on either side of them, and the various barges and ships which slid past them as they rowed. Bluethem, and the various barges and ships which slid past them as they rowed. Blue sky with huge billowing clouds in every shade of white, blue-grey, and ochre. Scudsky with huge billowing clouds in every shade of white, blue-grey, and ochre. Scud flitted across their dark bases. The sun broke through, its rays lighting up the waterflitted across their dark bases. The sun broke through, its rays lighting up the water beside them with glistening shards of piercing bright silver; then it went in again forbeside them with glistening shards of piercing bright silver; then it went in again for an indeterminate while. The water, stretching around and away, lapping and flowingan indeterminate while. The water, stretching around and away, lapping and flowing by, sometimes limpid and yielding; sometimes choppy and slapping at the side of theby, sometimes limpid and yielding; sometimes choppy and slapping at the side of the boat. Damen loved being out on the water. There wasn't another sport like rowing,boat. Damen loved being out on the water. There wasn't another sport like rowing, apart perhaps from sailing or skiing, where the environment was everything - it wasapart perhaps from sailing or skiing, where the environment was everything - it was where you did your sport which mattered as much as what the sport itself was. It waswhere you did your sport which mattered as much as what the sport itself was. It was the sky, the water, your boat, your partner, you; in harmony and in motion; that wasthe sky, the water, your boat, your partner, you; in harmony and in motion; that was all.all. The rowing itself was invigorating and soothing. The even rhythm, the pull on all theThe rowing itself was invigorating and soothing. The even rhythm, the pull on all the body's muscles as the oar went crisply into the water and you took the strain, haulingbody's muscles as the oar went crisply into the water and you took the strain, hauling the boat through and over the water, pushing and stretching out the arms and thethe boat through and over the water, pushing and stretching out the arms and the

legs through to the end of the stroke. Then the release as the oar blade lifted out;legs through to the end of the stroke. Then the release as the oar blade lifted out; then that delicious moment of flying as the boat ran through the water under its ownthen that delicious moment of flying as the boat ran through the water under its own momentum as you coiled and tensed the body like a spring once more before themomentum as you coiled and tensed the body like a spring once more before the next stroke. At that moment if you listened closely there was the sibilant hiss of thenext stroke. At that moment if you listened closely there was the sibilant hiss of the water rushing along the gunwhales of the boat. Then the next stroke, then the next,water rushing along the gunwhales of the boat. Then the next stroke, then the next, smooth and even as the boat sliced through the water. Karl stepped up the rating tosmooth and even as the boat sliced through the water. Karl stepped up the rating to thirty five strokes a minute and they started to run at full speed - about sixteen knotsthirty five strokes a minute and they started to run at full speed - about sixteen knots or so. Damen felt his body loosen as he got into the rhythm, and he felt his mindor so. Damen felt his body loosen as he got into the rhythm, and he felt his mind relax and start to work more rationally too. The thought entered his head that Janrelax and start to work more rationally too. The thought entered his head that Jan and Francis' murder may not have been random. Was it connected with what theyand Francis' murder may not have been random. Was it connected with what they had been doing in Jan's comstudio earlier? What had Jan said about Kittcorps? Thathad been doing in Jan's comstudio earlier? What had Jan said about Kittcorps? That he didn't know they were so paranoid? No, surely not. They were a respectablehe didn't know they were so paranoid? No, surely not. They were a respectable worldwide corporation, supported by the four superstates. Surely just coincidence.worldwide corporation, supported by the four superstates. Surely just coincidence. But an odd one nonetheless. But an odd one nonetheless.

His musings were interrupted by the gathering whine of a boat's electric motorHis musings were interrupted by the gathering whine of a boat's electric motor approaching ahead. Karl heard it too and they both slowed and glanced over theirapproaching ahead. Karl heard it too and they both slowed and glanced over their shoulders. A large motor cruiser was bearing down upon them directly ahead, aboutshoulders. A large motor cruiser was bearing down upon them directly ahead, about thirty metres away. Karl moved his foot and hence the rudder and they picked up thethirty metres away. Karl moved his foot and hence the rudder and they picked up the rate and rowed off to the right. Damen glanced over his left shoulder as they movedrate and rowed off to the right. Damen glanced over his left shoulder as they moved away. The motorboat had steered to the left and was once more heading for them. Itaway. The motorboat had steered to the left and was once more heading for them. It was very close, now almost on top of them. He shouted to Karl but it was too late aswas very close, now almost on top of them. He shouted to Karl but it was too late as the prow of the motorboat crashed into their stern, submerging it and throwing theirthe prow of the motorboat crashed into their stern, submerging it and throwing their oars violently into their chests. The motorboat powered by right alongside as theyoars violently into their chests. The motorboat powered by right alongside as they were thrown overboard and into the water. The alarming thrash of its screws next towere thrown overboard and into the water. The alarming thrash of its screws next to them, then it was moving away from them. Karl had surfaced and was shouting atthem, then it was moving away from them. Karl had surfaced and was shouting at the receding motorboat.the receding motorboat.

'Idiots! Don't you look? I will find you and report you! You could have killed us!''Idiots! Don't you look? I will find you and report you! You could have killed us!'

The boat was a large expensive modern ocean-going cruiser, low at the stern andThe boat was a large expensive modern ocean-going cruiser, low at the stern and with a high bridge carrying many aerials. Its white wake spewed up from behind it.with a high bridge carrying many aerials. Its white wake spewed up from behind it. They could not see who was steering it or anyone else on board. Occasionally thisThey could not see who was steering it or anyone else on board. Occasionally this sort of incident happened. Some arrogant rich kid who couldn't handle such asort of incident happened. Some arrogant rich kid who couldn't handle such a powerful boat and who didn't understand or care for the rules of the river or forpowerful boat and who didn't understand or care for the rules of the river or for anyone else on it would come tearing by, wreaking havoc. They saw the motorboatanyone else on it would come tearing by, wreaking havoc. They saw the motorboat ahead had slowed and was turning back to come to their assistance, the driverahead had slowed and was turning back to come to their assistance, the driver having seen what he had done, and they treaded water, waiting, thinking what theyhaving seen what he had done, and they treaded water, waiting, thinking what they would say to him. But as it approached once more the boat speeded up rather thanwould say to him. But as it approached once more the boat speeded up rather than slowed, and they both saw with mounting alarm the prow cutting towards them. slowed, and they both saw with mounting alarm the prow cutting towards them. 'Keep away from the screws! Dive!' Karl yelled in the last moments before the boat'Keep away from the screws! Dive!' Karl yelled in the last moments before the boat was on them again. Damen took a gulp of air and with the energy of desperationwas on them again. Damen took a gulp of air and with the energy of desperation dived down and away from the boat. The water was a boiling confusion of noise anddived down and away from the boat. The water was a boiling confusion of noise and foam and he struggled to swim forward as he was buffetted and tumbled in thefoam and he struggled to swim forward as he was buffetted and tumbled in the maelstrom. He felt an oar hit against his leg as it was churned around in the water.maelstrom. He felt an oar hit against his leg as it was churned around in the water. Then as he struggled to regain his balance and swim upwards it became quiet againThen as he struggled to regain his balance and swim upwards it became quiet again and he surfaced, spluttering. Karl was gasping with his mouth open about threeand he surfaced, spluttering. Karl was gasping with his mouth open about three metres away. The boat was receding again. Their oars were floating in the water.metres away. The boat was receding again. Their oars were floating in the water. They caught their breath and swam towards each other.They caught their breath and swam towards each other.

'Swim for the bank.' Karl spluttered, and they struck out together towards the'Swim for the bank.' Karl spluttered, and they struck out together towards the Amsterdam bank about twenty metres away. After they had swum about ten DamenAmsterdam bank about twenty metres away. After they had swum about ten Damen stopped and looked back. stopped and looked back.

'Look out!' he cried as he caught sight of the motorboat's prow nearly on top of them'Look out!' he cried as he caught sight of the motorboat's prow nearly on top of them again.They dived as the water boiled and frothed in the boat's passing. Damenagain.They dived as the water boiled and frothed in the boat's passing. Damen heard three watery hisses beside him as he surfaced, and he caught a glimpse of aheard three watery hisses beside him as he surfaced, and he caught a glimpse of a figure on the stern of the boat pointing what may have been a handgun in hisfigure on the stern of the boat pointing what may have been a handgun in his direction. He dived again on reflex as the water beside him hissed once more asdirection. He dived again on reflex as the water beside him hissed once more as bullets struck. He stayed down for about twenty seconds then surfaced. Karl wasbullets struck. He stayed down for about twenty seconds then surfaced. Karl was further towards the shore then he was, so he started swimming as strongly as hefurther towards the shore then he was, so he started swimming as strongly as he could to catch up with him to warn him. This was deliberate, no doubt of that now.could to catch up with him to warn him. This was deliberate, no doubt of that now.

The motorboat swung round once again but then slowed down as the occupantsThe motorboat swung round once again but then slowed down as the occupants searched the water for the two swimmers. Karl was just about at the bank now, butsearched the water for the two swimmers. Karl was just about at the bank now, but this consisted of a timber jetty which was impossible to climb. He held on and waitedthis consisted of a timber jetty which was impossible to climb. He held on and waited for Damen to join him as the motorboat suddenly picked up speed and surgedfor Damen to join him as the motorboat suddenly picked up speed and surged menacingly towards them once again. Damen caught onto Karl, and struggled to findmenacingly towards them once again. Damen caught onto Karl, and struggled to find breath to speakbreath to speak..'Dive! It's deliberate! They shot at me! Dive for God's sake!''Dive! It's deliberate! They shot at me! Dive for God's sake!'

He pulled Karl under as the boat roared alongside where they were holding on; andHe pulled Karl under as the boat roared alongside where they were holding on; and a spang! and a hiss! told Karl too that they were being shot at. They came up undera spang! and a hiss! told Karl too that they were being shot at. They came up under the jetty and fortunately in a heavy shadow which hid them from the searching gazethe jetty and fortunately in a heavy shadow which hid them from the searching gaze of the gunman on the rear of the now idling motorboat ten metres away. Karl wasof the gunman on the rear of the now idling motorboat ten metres away. Karl was astonished and angry, but he retained his professional presence of mind. astonished and angry, but he retained his professional presence of mind.

'Dive again gently,' he said softly to Damen beside him, 'Work your way along the'Dive again gently,' he said softly to Damen beside him, 'Work your way along the jetty in that direction. Surface as gently as you can. Go!'jetty in that direction. Surface as gently as you can. Go!'

They quietly slipped beneath the water and struck out, feeling the jetty wall on oneThey quietly slipped beneath the water and struck out, feeling the jetty wall on one side. After a lung-bursting twenty metres they surfaced as quietly as they could andside. After a lung-bursting twenty metres they surfaced as quietly as they could and looked back. The motorboat was turning round again and standing off the jetty, nowlooked back. The motorboat was turning round again and standing off the jetty, now pointing in their direction.pointing in their direction.

'Again, dive!' Karl said, and they swum another twenty metres submerged. When'Again, dive!' Karl said, and they swum another twenty metres submerged. When they broke the surface the motorboat was where it had been previously. They divedthey broke the surface the motorboat was where it had been previously. They dived three times more, each time getting further away from the motorboat, but on the thirdthree times more, each time getting further away from the motorboat, but on the third time they saw the boat roaring away back into the estuary. Swimming eventually to atime they saw the boat roaring away back into the estuary. Swimming eventually to a ladder built into the jetty wall, they hauled their dripping exhausted bodies up andladder built into the jetty wall, they hauled their dripping exhausted bodies up and onto the quay, which was deserted. They both lay there for a while, too tired toonto the quay, which was deserted. They both lay there for a while, too tired to speak.speak.

4421 October 205421 October 2054

Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland

When they had recovered sufficiently, Damen and Karl left the jetty and Karl called inWhen they had recovered sufficiently, Damen and Karl left the jetty and Karl called in his report from a harbour office. A patrol car arrived shortly afterwards to take themhis report from a harbour office. A patrol car arrived shortly afterwards to take them back to the clubhouse to change and dry out. In the car Damen told Karl about theback to the clubhouse to change and dry out. In the car Damen told Karl about the Kittcorps data file he and Jan had been examining the previous night before Jan'sKittcorps data file he and Jan had been examining the previous night before Jan's murder. Karl received this information coolly and advised him to make formalmurder. Karl received this information coolly and advised him to make formal statement to the police as soon as possible. Karl was in little doubt that the attack onstatement to the police as soon as possible. Karl was in little doubt that the attack on them by the motorboat had been deliberate but he thought on balance it was mostthem by the motorboat had been deliberate but he thought on balance it was most likely to be some criminal trying to settle a score with himself.likely to be some criminal trying to settle a score with himself.

Back at the clubhouse Karl got changed at once and left in the patrol car, saying heBack at the clubhouse Karl got changed at once and left in the patrol car, saying he would let Damen know if they found out anything about the motorboat. Damen foundwould let Damen know if they found out anything about the motorboat. Damen found several urgent messages from Trudi had been left on his PCom and also at theseveral urgent messages from Trudi had been left on his PCom and also at the clubhouse bar. He called her back as soon as he was changed. She was wound upclubhouse bar. He called her back as soon as he was changed. She was wound up and angry when he got through.and angry when he got through.

'Where have you been? I've been trying for an hour to get in touch and they told me'Where have you been? I've been trying for an hour to get in touch and they told me you'd gone out rowing. At a time like this! Really, Damen you are the limityou'd gone out rowing. At a time like this! Really, Damen you are the limit sometimes! Haven't you got any consideration at all?'sometimes! Haven't you got any consideration at all?'

'Listen, Trudi, shut up for a moment and listen will you?' Damen cut in, 'Karl and I'Listen, Trudi, shut up for a moment and listen will you?' Damen cut in, 'Karl and I were attacked when we were out. A motorboat ran us down, then we were shot at.were attacked when we were out. A motorboat ran us down, then we were shot at. Yes, shot at! Karl thinks they may have been after him but I don't know, it may haveYes, shot at! Karl thinks they may have been after him but I don't know, it may have been me they were after.'been me they were after.'

'What do you mean, after you? Just what have you been up to? Why should anyone'What do you mean, after you? Just what have you been up to? Why should anyone shoot you for God's sake, Damen?'shoot you for God's sake, Damen?'

'I don't know. Why should anyone murder Jan and Francis? Maybe it was to do with'I don't know. Why should anyone murder Jan and Francis? Maybe it was to do with what Jan and I were doing in his comstudio last night. You remember I told you that Iwhat Jan and I were doing in his comstudio last night. You remember I told you that I was having trouble with a program I was working on?...'was having trouble with a program I was working on?...'

'Oh, shut up about your wretched coms and programs for a second will you!' Trudi'Oh, shut up about your wretched coms and programs for a second will you!' Trudi snapped, 'Can't you think of anything but your flaming coms and your bloody rowing?snapped, 'Can't you think of anything but your flaming coms and your bloody rowing? Can't you think of anything or anyone but yourself? If you'd bothered to ask me I'dCan't you think of anything or anyone but yourself? If you'd bothered to ask me I'd tell you I got through to the Haarlem path lab. They'd been tortured. Francis had burntell you I got through to the Haarlem path lab. They'd been tortured. Francis had burn marks all over her, and..bits of her had been cut off...Jan too but worse...' Shemarks all over her, and..bits of her had been cut off...Jan too but worse...' She stopped and cried a while before continuing, 'They were in a dreadful state,stopped and cried a while before continuing, 'They were in a dreadful state, evidently. And all you can talk about is some fool in a boat when you're out rowing!evidently. And all you can talk about is some fool in a boat when you're out rowing! Who would want to do such an awful thing?'Who would want to do such an awful thing?'

Damen was silent for a moment, then he calmed himself and said evenly, 'Karl hasDamen was silent for a moment, then he calmed himself and said evenly, 'Karl has advised that we go and make a statement about last night as soon as possible. I'lladvised that we go and make a statement about last night as soon as possible. I'll call for you in fifteen minutes and we'll do it now. Then we'll get away fromcall for you in fifteen minutes and we'll do it now. Then we'll get away from Amsterdam for a day or two I think.'Amsterdam for a day or two I think.'

'Oh, run away, that's it is it? That'll solve everything! What about your deadlines'Oh, run away, that's it is it? That'll solve everything! What about your deadlines Damen? What about my work? And who's going to help Jan and Francis' parents toDamen? What about my work? And who's going to help Jan and Francis' parents to arrange the funeral? You just never think do you?'arrange the funeral? You just never think do you?'

'I'll see you in fifteen minutes. We'll talk then.''I'll see you in fifteen minutes. We'll talk then.'

Damen answered brusquely and he cut the connection. The conversation hadDamen answered brusquely and he cut the connection. The conversation had surprised and angered him. He had never known Trudi to be so censorious, sosurprised and angered him. He had never known Trudi to be so censorious, so uptight. Yes, she was under stress too after the dreadful happenings, but she haduptight. Yes, she was under stress too after the dreadful happenings, but she had not even listened to him telling her about the boat incident.not even listened to him telling her about the boat incident. With a sigh he left the clubhouse and went to his car. As he approached it two menWith a sigh he left the clubhouse and went to his car. As he approached it two men wearing overalls and in a plain van parked in the space next to his pulled out andwearing overalls and in a plain van parked in the space next to his pulled out and drove away at speed. They were in a hurry to get somewhere, Damen thought as hedrove away at speed. They were in a hurry to get somewhere, Damen thought as he pulled out his keycard or why did they drive away so fast? He got into his own car,pulled out his keycard or why did they drive away so fast? He got into his own car, and then he paused, thinking. Had they been in a hurry to leave rather than to getand then he paused, thinking. Had they been in a hurry to leave rather than to get somewhere? Had they been tampering with his car? Was he getting paranoid? It hadsomewhere? Had they been tampering with his car? Was he getting paranoid? It had been a hell of a morning, but this was getting ridiculous. Nevertheless, he didn't startbeen a hell of a morning, but this was getting ridiculous. Nevertheless, he didn't start the car but sprung the bonnet catch instead. Getting out and opening it he lookedthe car but sprung the bonnet catch instead. Getting out and opening it he looked inside. the engine was a complicated mass of cabling and odd-shaped componentsinside. the engine was a complicated mass of cabling and odd-shaped components of metal and plastic but he did know something about their working. Nothingof metal and plastic but he did know something about their working. Nothing appeared out of place except for one small detail. Some of the cables were a littleappeared out of place except for one small detail. Some of the cables were a little too clean. All the others had a thin coating of oily grime, but these three didn't. Yet ittoo clean. All the others had a thin coating of oily grime, but these three didn't. Yet it was nearly a year since any work had been done to the car; he rememberedwas nearly a year since any work had been done to the car; he remembered because it was due for a service. Now where did the cables run from? Thebecause it was due for a service. Now where did the cables run from? The accumulators, yes, to the capacitators, and then to whatever that was. What was it?accumulators, yes, to the capacitators, and then to whatever that was. What was it? He had no idea what that component did, and no recollection of noticing such aHe had no idea what that component did, and no recollection of noticing such a component before. He stood back and scratched his head, feeling on the one handcomponent before. He stood back and scratched his head, feeling on the one hand very alarmed and on the other very foolish for even considering that his vehicle hadvery alarmed and on the other very foolish for even considering that his vehicle had been tampered with. How could he find out? Yes, that was it! Giulio at the clubhousebeen tampered with. How could he find out? Yes, that was it! Giulio at the clubhouse bar was a car enthusiast he remembered - he tuned them up and raced them in hisbar was a car enthusiast he remembered - he tuned them up and raced them in his spare time. He had helped him start his car on a previous occasion about threespare time. He had helped him start his car on a previous occasion about three years ago. Damen went back to the clubhouse, found the barman, and showed himyears ago. Damen went back to the clubhouse, found the barman, and showed him to the car, saying something about it being unreliable since he had it seen to by ato the car, saying something about it being unreliable since he had it seen to by a backstreet mechanic earlier in the week. Giulio looked under the bonnet for a fewbackstreet mechanic earlier in the week. Giulio looked under the bonnet for a few minutes with Damen peering over his shoulder.minutes with Damen peering over his shoulder. 'Don't know what your mechanic's been doing, but I wouldn't drive this,' Giulio said,'Don't know what your mechanic's been doing, but I wouldn't drive this,' Giulio said, standing back. 'You see that? That's an accumulator booster add-on. Use them onstanding back. 'You see that? That's an accumulator booster add-on. Use them on old bangers to keep up the charge. But not on a new high-charge motor like this. Andold bangers to keep up the charge. But not on a new high-charge motor like this. And not wired on like that either. Bloody dangerous if you ask me. That'll overload mostnot wired on like that either. Bloody dangerous if you ask me. That'll overload most likely. Causes the batteries to supercharge. They can blow up when they'relikely. Causes the batteries to supercharge. They can blow up when they're supercharged, you know. Bloke at the Hilversum rally killed himself last month bysupercharged, you know. Bloke at the Hilversum rally killed himself last month by doing that to his engine. Nah! Cowboy work if you ask me. Do you want me todoing that to his engine. Nah! Cowboy work if you ask me. Do you want me to disconnect it then? I would if I were you.'disconnect it then? I would if I were you.'

Damen said yes and Giulio cut through the three clean leads with his pocket knife.Damen said yes and Giulio cut through the three clean leads with his pocket knife. Then he got into Damen's car and started it. It ran perfectly.Then he got into Damen's car and started it. It ran perfectly.

'Don't know what the plonker put it on for in the first place,' he called through the'Don't know what the plonker put it on for in the first place,' he called through the window to Damen standing beside. 'Seems fine as it is to me. OK then, sir?'window to Damen standing beside. 'Seems fine as it is to me. OK then, sir?'

Giulio said as he got out. Damen gave him a five hundred euro note for his trouble,Giulio said as he got out. Damen gave him a five hundred euro note for his trouble, thanking Giulio for saving him from the danger. It was more than the barman earnedthanking Giulio for saving him from the danger. It was more than the barman earned in a day.in a day.

'Thank you. Very generous indeed sir. Glad to be of service. Thank you very much!''Thank you. Very generous indeed sir. Glad to be of service. Thank you very much!' he smiled as he went back to the clubhouse.he smiled as he went back to the clubhouse.

Damen drove straight to the Health Centre as fast as he dared. Trudi was waiting atDamen drove straight to the Health Centre as fast as he dared. Trudi was waiting at the entrance, and as he pulled up she strode across, flung open the door, sat downthe entrance, and as he pulled up she strode across, flung open the door, sat down abruptly, and slammed the door shut.abruptly, and slammed the door shut.

'Fifteen minutes you said. I've been waiting there nearly an hour for you. Where the'Fifteen minutes you said. I've been waiting there nearly an hour for you. Where the hell have you been?'hell have you been?'

'There was something wrong with the car. Someone has been tampering with it'There was something wrong with the car. Someone has been tampering with it whilst I was out rowing,' Damen replied, already doubting whether she would believewhilst I was out rowing,' Damen replied, already doubting whether she would believe it even though it was true. He was right; she didn't.it even though it was true. He was right; she didn't. 'What do you mean somebody tampered with the car? Why would anyone do a thing'What do you mean somebody tampered with the car? Why would anyone do a thing like that? What have you been up to, Damen? Or is this some kind of childish gamelike that? What have you been up to, Damen? Or is this some kind of childish game to you? Can't you cope with Francis' and Jan's death? Perhaps you should go toto you? Can't you cope with Francis' and Jan's death? Perhaps you should go to see a doctor. You're acting very oddly, Damen. Can't you see this is stressful for mesee a doctor. You're acting very oddly, Damen. Can't you see this is stressful for me too? How do you think I feel?...'too? How do you think I feel?...'

'Trudi, listen a minute!' Damen spoke firmly between gritted teeth. 'Just listen! Jan'Trudi, listen a minute!' Damen spoke firmly between gritted teeth. 'Just listen! Jan and I looked at a Kittcorps file last night. It may have been restricted. Four hoursand I looked at a Kittcorps file last night. It may have been restricted. Four hours later Jan and Francis are tortured and killed. Then a boat runs Karl and me downlater Jan and Francis are tortured and killed. Then a boat runs Karl and me down and someone starts shooting at us. Then someone tampers with the car and nearlyand someone starts shooting at us. Then someone tampers with the car and nearly blows it up, and me up with it! Now we go to the police and explain everything andblows it up, and me up with it! Now we go to the police and explain everything and put it in their hands. It is not a question of coping. Something is going on I tell you.put it in their hands. It is not a question of coping. Something is going on I tell you. Will you take this seriously?'Will you take this seriously?'

'Well if you've got yourself into trouble you can't blame me, Damen. I don't know'Well if you've got yourself into trouble you can't blame me, Damen. I don't know anything about your restricted file and Kittcorps. Don't be ridiculous! A biganything about your restricted file and Kittcorps. Don't be ridiculous! A big respectable company like Kittcorps wouldn't be involved in shootings and explosions.respectable company like Kittcorps wouldn't be involved in shootings and explosions. Honestly, Damen, I don't know what you've been up to or what kind of person you'veHonestly, Damen, I don't know what you've been up to or what kind of person you've been mixing with, but don't involve me. It's probably someone you met from thatbeen mixing with, but don't involve me. It's probably someone you met from that Rialto cafe you spend too much time at. And what about Jan and poor Francis?Rialto cafe you spend too much time at. And what about Jan and poor Francis? You'd no business getting them involved in whatever you've been up to. Am IYou'd no business getting them involved in whatever you've been up to. Am I involved in all this too then? Where does that leave me, Damen? Where does thatinvolved in all this too then? Where does that leave me, Damen? Where does that leave me?'leave me?'

Realising the futility of further argument Damen remained silent but fuming. This lastRealising the futility of further argument Damen remained silent but fuming. This last few hours had certainly been an eye-opener as far as Trudi was concerned. Shefew hours had certainly been an eye-opener as far as Trudi was concerned. She wasn't even prepared to listen. She would be no support at all, he realised. He waswasn't even prepared to listen. She would be no support at all, he realised. He was on his own as far as sorting this out was concerned.on his own as far as sorting this out was concerned.

They arrived at the police station and independently made full statements beforeThey arrived at the police station and independently made full statements before returning back to the flat in a stressed and tense silence. As soon as they got backreturning back to the flat in a stressed and tense silence. As soon as they got back Damen went straight into his comstudio and opened the Kittcorps file. HeDamen went straight into his comstudio and opened the Kittcorps file. He downloaded this to his PCom then accessed the Kittcorps database, reading out hisdownloaded this to his PCom then accessed the Kittcorps database, reading out his access code authorisation. There, he was into the database, but there was no sign ofaccess code authorisation. There, he was into the database, but there was no sign of the file he was looking for, the one he had accessed with Jan last night about thethe file he was looking for, the one he had accessed with Jan last night about the multilayer processor. He tried again, making sure he got the number correct, but themultilayer processor. He tried again, making sure he got the number correct, but the result was the same. Then he called up the Kittcorps assistant head of publicity forresult was the same. Then he called up the Kittcorps assistant head of publicity for Europe, but he wasn’t put through, he was just kept waiting. After a few minutesEurope, but he wasn’t put through, he was just kept waiting. After a few minutes Damen came offline feeling dissatisfied and uneasy. Damen came offline feeling dissatisfied and uneasy.

He stayed in the comstudio so that he could think in peace and quiet, glad to beHe stayed in the comstudio so that he could think in peace and quiet, glad to be away from Trudi's angst for the first time. He called up the wallpaper menu, andaway from Trudi's angst for the first time. He called up the wallpaper menu, and selected a realtime view of the coast in Brittany. At once he was surrounded by aselected a realtime view of the coast in Brittany. At once he was surrounded by a stunning image of black sea cliffs with gulls wheeling about, and huge rollersstunning image of black sea cliffs with gulls wheeling about, and huge rollers crashing against their rocky bases. The sky was overcast, almost gloomy, with thecrashing against their rocky bases. The sky was overcast, almost gloomy, with the cloud streaming from the sea bringing squalls of rain. The sound of the wind and thecloud streaming from the sea bringing squalls of rain. The sound of the wind and the waves rolled across the room; Damen softened the volume. The temperature in thewaves rolled across the room; Damen softened the volume. The temperature in the comstudio dropped in response to the cold wind it detected in Finisterre. He drank acomstudio dropped in response to the cold wind it detected in Finisterre. He drank a coffee and took stock of his position amidst the crash of the cold breakers and thecoffee and took stock of his position amidst the crash of the cold breakers and the plaintive cries of the gulls three hundred miles away. He was interrupted by anplaintive cries of the gulls three hundred miles away. He was interrupted by an insistent buzzing icon of a priority call coming in. He cut the wallpaper andinsistent buzzing icon of a priority call coming in. He cut the wallpaper and connected. The image of the police superintendent he had spoken to earlier came onconnected. The image of the police superintendent he had spoken to earlier came on the screen.the screen. 'Damen van Hool? Superintendent Steiger again. I have one or two important'Damen van Hool? Superintendent Steiger again. I have one or two important questions for you if you don’t mind. You said in your statement that you returned toquestions for you if you don’t mind. You said in your statement that you returned to your flat this morning about midnight, and you did not leave again until eight.'your flat this morning about midnight, and you did not leave again until eight.''Yes, that is correct,' Damen replied.'Yes, that is correct,' Damen replied.

'We now have accessed the security recording of your flat entrance lobby in'We now have accessed the security recording of your flat entrance lobby in accordance with the Evidence Verification Statute. Will you please look at this?'accordance with the Evidence Verification Statute. Will you please look at this?'The image changed to one of the lobby to Damen's block. The time indicated fourThe image changed to one of the lobby to Damen's block. The time indicated four am. A man which was clearly Damen could be seen exiting the front door. The sceneam. A man which was clearly Damen could be seen exiting the front door. The scene changed to seven am, when Damen returned. Damen was stunned.changed to seven am, when Damen returned. Damen was stunned.

'But, that was not this morning. I did not leave the flat this morning. There is a'But, that was not this morning. I did not leave the flat this morning. There is a mistake on the dater or timer,' Damen said to the superintendent, whose image hadmistake on the dater or timer,' Damen said to the superintendent, whose image had returned.returned.

'I'm afraid that's impossible Mr van Hool. The recorder is as we accessed it an hour'I'm afraid that's impossible Mr van Hool. The recorder is as we accessed it an hour ago. I must ask you to return to the station for a further interview in connection withago. I must ask you to return to the station for a further interview in connection with the murders of Jan and Francis Timmerman at approximately six fifteen thisthe murders of Jan and Francis Timmerman at approximately six fifteen this morning.'morning.'

'This is ridiculous. There must be some mistake,' was all Damen could think of'This is ridiculous. There must be some mistake,' was all Damen could think of saying. 'Yes I will come in three hours if that is convenient. I have an appointmentsaying. 'Yes I will come in three hours if that is convenient. I have an appointment first.'first.'

'That will be satisfactory Mr van Hool,' the superintendent replied, 'But please be no'That will be satisfactory Mr van Hool,' the superintendent replied, 'But please be no later. By that time we expect to have further evidence from the security imagers inlater. By that time we expect to have further evidence from the security imagers in Groenstrasse which may eliminate you from our enquiries.'Groenstrasse which may eliminate you from our enquiries.'

Damen cut the connection and stood up, pacing the small room in furiousDamen cut the connection and stood up, pacing the small room in furious concentration. What was happening? How had those images showing him leavingconcentration. What was happening? How had those images showing him leaving and entering been done? Or perhaps he really did have amnesia, or had beenand entering been done? Or perhaps he really did have amnesia, or had been sleepwalking or something? Perhaps he had returned to Haarlem and murdered Jansleepwalking or something? Perhaps he had returned to Haarlem and murdered Jan and Francis, and he had now blocked it out of his mind? Surely Trudi wouldand Francis, and he had now blocked it out of his mind? Surely Trudi would remember if he had gone out though? He left the comstudio and found her in theremember if he had gone out though? He left the comstudio and found her in the kitchen. She looked at him resentfully, angrily, as he walked in.kitchen. She looked at him resentfully, angrily, as he walked in.

'Trudi, That call was the police again. They think they have me leaving here at four'Trudi, That call was the police again. They think they have me leaving here at four this morning and coming back at seven, but of course I was here with you, wasn't I?'this morning and coming back at seven, but of course I was here with you, wasn't I?'

'I don't know. I was still wide awake so I took a sleeping pill when we got in you'I don't know. I was still wide awake so I took a sleeping pill when we got in you remember,’ Trudi replied indignantly, as if Damen had somehow challenged her rightremember,’ Trudi replied indignantly, as if Damen had somehow challenged her right to an unbroken night's sleep. ‘I was out from twelve thirty until eight this morning,'to an unbroken night's sleep. ‘I was out from twelve thirty until eight this morning,'

'But I didn't go out. I couldn't have gone out. I would have remembered. That means'But I didn't go out. I couldn't have gone out. I would have remembered. That means that the security imager was wrong..'that the security imager was wrong..'

'How could it be wrong, Damen? You must have gone out if it shows you, musn't'How could it be wrong, Damen? You must have gone out if it shows you, musn't you? I wouldn't have known. Just what's going on Damen? What have you been upyou? I wouldn't have known. Just what's going on Damen? What have you been up to? Where did you go last night?'to? Where did you go last night?'

'I went nowhere. That means the security system is wrong. It must have been faulty'I went nowhere. That means the security system is wrong. It must have been faulty or it must have been tampered with. That's it! The telcomm van this morning! Whator it must have been tampered with. That's it! The telcomm van this morning! What were they doing here?'were they doing here?'

'Oh Damen, don't be so childish! Tampered with indeed! I really am sick of all this, do'Oh Damen, don't be so childish! Tampered with indeed! I really am sick of all this, do you hear? Come back here...'you hear? Come back here...'

But Damen wasn't listening; he had dashed back into the comstudio and was puttingBut Damen wasn't listening; he had dashed back into the comstudio and was putting a call through to the Amsterdam telcomm company. Five minutes later he came outa call through to the Amsterdam telcomm company. Five minutes later he came out jubilant.jubilant.

'There you are then! There was no work carried out anywhere near here by Amtel'There you are then! There was no work carried out anywhere near here by Amtel today. The van which fenced me in must have belonged to imposters! They musttoday. The van which fenced me in must have belonged to imposters! They must have altered the security system to implicate me. Don't you see this ties in with thehave altered the security system to implicate me. Don't you see this ties in with the boat and the car?'boat and the car?'

'I think you're crazy Damen. You need your head looking at. This is ridiculous. You'I think you're crazy Damen. You need your head looking at. This is ridiculous. You have this stupid conspiracy theory now, all these things going on. Why don't youhave this stupid conspiracy theory now, all these things going on. Why don't you admit the truth? You must have gone out if the camera says you did. Where did youadmit the truth? You must have gone out if the camera says you did. Where did you go Damen? Surely not back to...'go Damen? Surely not back to...'

Trudi trailed off, shocked at where her train of thought was leading her.Trudi trailed off, shocked at where her train of thought was leading her.

'Now you're being ridiculous,' Damen told her, sitting down opposite. 'I went'Now you're being ridiculous,' Damen told her, sitting down opposite. 'I went nowhere. And Karl will tell you about the boat today. I wasn't just imagining it all. Andnowhere. And Karl will tell you about the boat today. I wasn't just imagining it all. And you can call Amtel yourself if you want..'you can call Amtel yourself if you want..'

'No I don't want!' Trudi cried. 'I saw no van anyway. Only you saw the van if there'No I don't want!' Trudi cried. 'I saw no van anyway. Only you saw the van if there was one. Damen, what have you done? 'was one. Damen, what have you done? '

Damen rose and backed off from where she was seated. It was no good, she didn'tDamen rose and backed off from where she was seated. It was no good, she didn't even believe him. And if she didn't, who would? He had to get out of here for a while,even believe him. And if she didn't, who would? He had to get out of here for a while, get somewhere he could think clearly. He was due back at the police station in a fewget somewhere he could think clearly. He was due back at the police station in a few hours anyway. Would they believe him?hours anyway. Would they believe him?

'Trudi, I'm going out, back to the police station,' Damen said. 'I'll be back later, don't'Trudi, I'm going out, back to the police station,' Damen said. 'I'll be back later, don't worry. And I've done nothing. Nothing at all. You have to believe me.'worry. And I've done nothing. Nothing at all. You have to believe me.'

'I don't know what to believe Damen, I really don't,' Trudi was crying now. Damen'I don't know what to believe Damen, I really don't,' Trudi was crying now. Damen started to speak then stopped; it would wait. He picked up his PCom and his wallet,started to speak then stopped; it would wait. He picked up his PCom and his wallet, put on a jacket and left. He decided to go to the Rialto, see who was there, see ifput on a jacket and left. He decided to go to the Rialto, see who was there, see if there was anyone he could talk to about this crazy situation. He would walk; he couldthere was anyone he could talk to about this crazy situation. He would walk; he could think whilst he was walking.think whilst he was walking. He left the flat and walked briskly along the canal in the direction of the Rialto, whichHe left the flat and walked briskly along the canal in the direction of the Rialto, which was about a kilometre away. The avenues were still busy. It was about three in thewas about a kilometre away. The avenues were still busy. It was about three in the afternoon as he strode along through the crowd. He was thinking as he walked.afternoon as he strode along through the crowd. He was thinking as he walked. Surely the tampering with the cameras would be verifiable? Surely the GroenstrasseSurely the tampering with the cameras would be verifiable? Surely the Groenstrasse security cameras would..... He stopped dead, and someone bumped into him with asecurity cameras would..... He stopped dead, and someone bumped into him with a curse. He apologised and walked on, deep in thought. If the lobby cameras could becurse. He apologised and walked on, deep in thought. If the lobby cameras could be so expertly doctored to frame him then the Groenstrasse cameras outside Jan andso expertly doctored to frame him then the Groenstrasse cameras outside Jan and Francis' could be too. But who would go to such lengths and why? It had to beFrancis' could be too. But who would go to such lengths and why? It had to be connected with the missing Kittcorps file on multilayer processors. In which case heconnected with the missing Kittcorps file on multilayer processors. In which case he was in serious trouble. But what had he done that Jan should be murdered, himselfwas in serious trouble. But what had he done that Jan should be murdered, himself framed, and attempts on his life made? He was beginning to get scared. The wholeframed, and attempts on his life made? He was beginning to get scared. The whole situation seemed to be spiralling rapidly out of his control.situation seemed to be spiralling rapidly out of his control. He arrived at the cafe and went in. It was very busy, crowded and bustling withHe arrived at the cafe and went in. It was very busy, crowded and bustling with shoppers and sightseers. Norbert was still behind the bar, and Damen ordered ashoppers and sightseers. Norbert was still behind the bar, and Damen ordered a coffee. Looking around whilst he was waiting for it, he caught sight of Lambert talkingcoffee. Looking around whilst he was waiting for it, he caught sight of Lambert talking to Marie in the corner. Egbert was in, talking to Duane the tall rangy Australian and,to Marie in the corner. Egbert was in, talking to Duane the tall rangy Australian and, he noted with relief, Anna. She was the same as ever: short, mid-brown long wavyhe noted with relief, Anna. She was the same as ever: short, mid-brown long wavy hair, an oval face which was pretty enough with large blue eyes and wearing one ofhair, an oval face which was pretty enough with large blue eyes and wearing one of her many combinations of brightly-coloured scarfs blouses and skirts. Black tightsher many combinations of brightly-coloured scarfs blouses and skirts. Black tights and shoes completed the outfit. She was talking animatedly to the others as he tookand shoes completed the outfit. She was talking animatedly to the others as he took his coffee and went over to join them. They looked up and welcomed him, movinghis coffee and went over to join them. They looked up and welcomed him, moving their chairs to make a space for him. Egbert, a bluff heavy red-faced farming typetheir chairs to make a space for him. Egbert, a bluff heavy red-faced farming type from the polders who was now rather incongrously a diamond trader, spoke first.from the polders who was now rather incongrously a diamond trader, spoke first.

'Damen, you have heard about Jan and Francis? It is terrible, is it not?''Damen, you have heard about Jan and Francis? It is terrible, is it not?'

Damen said not only had he heard but that he was with them both last night, andDamen said not only had he heard but that he was with them both last night, and there was much much more to the story. They leaned over the table, shocked at thethere was much much more to the story. They leaned over the table, shocked at the

murders and agog for news. Lambert and Marie, noticing the interest Damen wasmurders and agog for news. Lambert and Marie, noticing the interest Damen was generating with the regulars, moved over to their table. Damen talked for half angenerating with the regulars, moved over to their table. Damen talked for half an hour or more with hardly an interruption, telling them fully the events of last night andhour or more with hardly an interruption, telling them fully the events of last night and the day. These were his friends and he felt he could trust them with the truth.the day. These were his friends and he felt he could trust them with the truth. Whether they believed it or not was another matter.Whether they believed it or not was another matter.

When he had finished they all sat back, taking it all in. In the meantime the cafe hadWhen he had finished they all sat back, taking it all in. In the meantime the cafe had emptied and become much quieter. Duane signalled Norbert to bring them each theiremptied and become much quieter. Duane signalled Norbert to bring them each their preferred drink, then the questions began. All of his friends appeared to take hispreferred drink, then the questions began. All of his friends appeared to take his story at face value. Lambert in particular was ready to believe Kittcorps capable ofstory at face value. Lambert in particular was ready to believe Kittcorps capable of anything, and Damen's story seemed to support and justify his dim view of the ethicsanything, and Damen's story seemed to support and justify his dim view of the ethics of large corporations. Anna appeared to be the most concerned for Damen, whichof large corporations. Anna appeared to be the most concerned for Damen, which touched him considerably. He could see the trust and sympathy in her eyes, and hetouched him considerably. He could see the trust and sympathy in her eyes, and he contrast between her seemingly ready acceptance of his tale and that of Trudi'scontrast between her seemingly ready acceptance of his tale and that of Trudi's reaction was not lost on him. He had always regretted the manner in which he hadreaction was not lost on him. He had always regretted the manner in which he had dumped her for Trudi two years previously but for the first time he thought he maydumped her for Trudi two years previously but for the first time he thought he may have made the wrong decision.have made the wrong decision.

After another hour it was time for him to go to the police station. He took his leaveAfter another hour it was time for him to go to the police station. He took his leave amidst the good wishes of his friends and went out into the now-dark street. It wasamidst the good wishes of his friends and went out into the now-dark street. It was about five thirty as he strode out in the direction of the main police station, about twoabout five thirty as he strode out in the direction of the main police station, about two kilometers distant. He had gone a couple of hundred meters and was crossing akilometers distant. He had gone a couple of hundred meters and was crossing a bridge over the Herengracht when he saw a man coming towards him from thebridge over the Herengracht when he saw a man coming towards him from the opposite direction. They met at the far side of the bridge and the man spoke to him.opposite direction. They met at the far side of the bridge and the man spoke to him.

'Excuse me. You are Damen van Hool?''Excuse me. You are Damen van Hool?'

Damen nodded curtly, instantly becoming suspicious and apprehensive. Was this theDamen nodded curtly, instantly becoming suspicious and apprehensive. Was this the police come to find him? But there was no identification. If not the police then..police come to find him? But there was no identification. If not the police then.. Damen felt himself seized from behind by strong arms which pinned his own armsDamen felt himself seized from behind by strong arms which pinned his own arms behind his back. The man in front of him spoke again.behind his back. The man in front of him spoke again.

'Good, then I have something for you Mr van Hool.''Good, then I have something for you Mr van Hool.'

He produced a knife from under his coat and stabbed at Damen.He produced a knife from under his coat and stabbed at Damen.

5521 October 205421 October 2054

Amsterdam, Holland Amsterdam, Holland

Damen struggled and squirmed violently but in vain to escape the arm pin of theDamen struggled and squirmed violently but in vain to escape the arm pin of the hidden assailant behind him as the knifeman lunged at him. He was pushing hardhidden assailant behind him as the knifeman lunged at him. He was pushing hard with his feet, trying to unbalance the man holding him, then he suddenly lifted andwith his feet, trying to unbalance the man holding him, then he suddenly lifted and coiled his legs and kicked out horizontally with both feet at the knife wielder with thecoiled his legs and kicked out horizontally with both feet at the knife wielder with the force of berserk desperation. With all the power of leg muscles developed byforce of berserk desperation. With all the power of leg muscles developed by competitive rowing he struck his assailant in the chest just below the midriff even ascompetitive rowing he struck his assailant in the chest just below the midriff even as the knife blade was arcing towards him. The knifeman doubled up and reeledthe knife blade was arcing towards him. The knifeman doubled up and reeled backwards, caught completely unaware and winded by the force of the blow, and thebackwards, caught completely unaware and winded by the force of the blow, and the knife span out of his hands and clattered onto the cobbles. The reaction to the kickknife span out of his hands and clattered onto the cobbles. The reaction to the kick pushed Damen heavily into his rear assailant and they too staggered backwards andpushed Damen heavily into his rear assailant and they too staggered backwards and overbalanced, forcing the attacker to let go his grip on Damen's arms to break hisoverbalanced, forcing the attacker to let go his grip on Damen's arms to break his own fall. But the knifeman had been propelled back right to the edge of the canalown fall. But the knifeman had been propelled back right to the edge of the canal near the steps leading down by the side of the bridge, and losing his balance he fellnear the steps leading down by the side of the bridge, and losing his balance he fell backwards and down into the gloom below. There was a short cry, a sickening crackbackwards and down into the gloom below. There was a short cry, a sickening crack of breaking bone, and a loud splash.of breaking bone, and a loud splash.

Damen, in a heap and on top of his other assailant, rolled to one side and out of hisDamen, in a heap and on top of his other assailant, rolled to one side and out of his reach, then got up as quickly as he could. This attacker was already on his feet andreach, then got up as quickly as he could. This attacker was already on his feet and reaching down to pick up the fallen knife next to him. Damen could see him now inreaching down to pick up the fallen knife next to him. Damen could see him now in the light of an adjacent lamp: nearly two metres tall, short cropped black hair,the light of an adjacent lamp: nearly two metres tall, short cropped black hair, twenties, thick neck with square jaw and prominent bent nose, wearing army surplustwenties, thick neck with square jaw and prominent bent nose, wearing army surplus combat fatigues. He crouched forward, then came menacingly towards Damen withcombat fatigues. He crouched forward, then came menacingly towards Damen with the knife held pointing upwards in his right palm and his cold gaze fixed on him.the knife held pointing upwards in his right palm and his cold gaze fixed on him. Damen glanced round: his only hope against such an assailant was in running butDamen glanced round: his only hope against such an assailant was in running but the only place to run to was an alley behind him. He turned and ran, and heard thethe only place to run to was an alley behind him. He turned and ran, and heard the clump of his attacker's boots following.clump of his attacker's boots following. The alley ran between two old buildings through to the next canal, but was onlyThe alley ran between two old buildings through to the next canal, but was only occasionally lit by dim inadequate lamps fixed high to the sides of the buildings. Aoccasionally lit by dim inadequate lamps fixed high to the sides of the buildings. A few crates, bins, and plastic rubbish bags were strewn here and there. Damen peltedfew crates, bins, and plastic rubbish bags were strewn here and there. Damen pelted along as fast as he could but was brought to a sudden rattling halt by a fence or gatealong as fast as he could but was brought to a sudden rattling halt by a fence or gate of thin mesh across the alley. It was impossible to attempt to climb and Damenof thin mesh across the alley. It was impossible to attempt to climb and Damen whirled round to confront his assailant. Frantically he cast round for a weapon;whirled round to confront his assailant. Frantically he cast round for a weapon; anything, anything at all to counter the lethal blade wielded by his opponent. Thereanything, anything at all to counter the lethal blade wielded by his opponent. There was nothing lying around but a short jagged length of flimsy wood, an old brokenwas nothing lying around but a short jagged length of flimsy wood, an old broken piece of packing case about half a metre long by a hundred or so wide with a stencilpiece of packing case about half a metre long by a hundred or so wide with a stencil of a palm tree in green and orange visible on one face. Damen picked it up and heldof a palm tree in green and orange visible on one face. Damen picked it up and held it out before him in a futile gesture of defiance, all too conscious of its patheticit out before him in a futile gesture of defiance, all too conscious of its pathetic inadequacy. The man with the knife saw this feeble defence and laughed as heinadequacy. The man with the knife saw this feeble defence and laughed as he strutted forward to finish the job.strutted forward to finish the job.

Then the attacker lunged at Damen, sweeping the knife in a deadly arc in front ofThen the attacker lunged at Damen, sweeping the knife in a deadly arc in front of him. Damen leapt backwards with a crash into the mesh fence, then the knife arcedhim. Damen leapt backwards with a crash into the mesh fence, then the knife arced back. Damen bounced forward off the fence and lashed out, stabbing the piece ofback. Damen bounced forward off the fence and lashed out, stabbing the piece of

wood hard at his assailant's head. The wood splintered into pointed shards as itwood hard at his assailant's head. The wood splintered into pointed shards as it struck the thug in the face and he cried in sudden pain as blood gushed from his leftstruck the thug in the face and he cried in sudden pain as blood gushed from his left eye. As he raised his hand to his damaged face Damen kicked out at his legs in aeye. As he raised his hand to his damaged face Damen kicked out at his legs in a desperate flying tackle and he overbalanced and fell forward. This time Damen wasdesperate flying tackle and he overbalanced and fell forward. This time Damen was up first and he looked for the knife in the attacker's right hand. He stamped hard onup first and he looked for the knife in the attacker's right hand. He stamped hard on the hand and the knife went flying from it and skittered down the alley a few metres.the hand and the knife went flying from it and skittered down the alley a few metres. Damen went and picked it up and turned to face his assailant, who was groggilyDamen went and picked it up and turned to face his assailant, who was groggily getting to his feet, clutching his face. Damen hesitated. To run would be the mostgetting to his feet, clutching his face. Damen hesitated. To run would be the most sensible thing to do, because the assailant's partner might have got out of the canalsensible thing to do, because the assailant's partner might have got out of the canal by now. But he was fired up and angry now. The stress of the whole day becameby now. But he was fired up and angry now. The stress of the whole day became focused in his adrenalin-fuelled rage. Just who were these two, to accost and try tofocused in his adrenalin-fuelled rage. Just who were these two, to accost and try to kill him? He would find out right now. Damen went up behind and seized the attackerkill him? He would find out right now. Damen went up behind and seized the attacker by his hair whilst putting the blade at his neck. He pulled the head back and saw thatby his hair whilst putting the blade at his neck. He pulled the head back and saw that a splint of the wood had gone into his eye socket, which was bleeding profuselya splint of the wood had gone into his eye socket, which was bleeding profusely down his face and dripping onto the green and brown jacket. But Damen didn't caredown his face and dripping onto the green and brown jacket. But Damen didn't care for his attacker's injury; he had had enough. Right then he was mad enough to havefor his attacker's injury; he had had enough. Right then he was mad enough to have killed his assailant.killed his assailant. 'Who are you? How did you know my name? Why did you try to kill me?' Damen'Who are you? How did you know my name? Why did you try to kill me?' Damen hissed from between clenched teeth. The man didn't answer so Damen pressed thehissed from between clenched teeth. The man didn't answer so Damen pressed the knife harder against the neck and drew the edge along his flesh: a thin line of bloodknife harder against the neck and drew the edge along his flesh: a thin line of blood showed. showed.

'Who are you? Tell me or I’ll kill you right now!''Who are you? Tell me or I’ll kill you right now!'

'Just a job,' the other stuttered, 'We was paid to get you. Told where you'd be. Said'Just a job,' the other stuttered, 'We was paid to get you. Told where you'd be. Said you'd be no trouble; be easy money. My fucking eye! I've lost my bloody eye!' you'd be no trouble; be easy money. My fucking eye! I've lost my bloody eye!'

'You'll lose the other unless I get answers. Who sent you?''You'll lose the other unless I get answers. Who sent you?'

'Some old business geezer. Do a lot for him. Very big, can even fix things with the'Some old business geezer. Do a lot for him. Very big, can even fix things with the police, but I don't know who. I swear I don't know who!'police, but I don't know who. I swear I don't know who!'

'What did he say? Where did you meet him? Talk, dammit!''What did he say? Where did you meet him? Talk, dammit!'

'OK, OK! Called us voice only this morning, said he had an urgent job for us, top'OK, OK! Called us voice only this morning, said he had an urgent job for us, top priority, top money. Said you had to be shut up quick. Said the police knew about thepriority, top money. Said you had to be shut up quick. Said the police knew about the job so they'd not be around or give us any trouble later. Gave us a big creditjob so they'd not be around or give us any trouble later. Gave us a big credit downline to our cashcards there and then an’ told us to wait for his call. Then hedownline to our cashcards there and then an’ told us to wait for his call. Then he called us again at four and vidded your picture so’s we’d know it was you, and saidcalled us again at four and vidded your picture so’s we’d know it was you, and said you were in the Rialto Cafe and you'd be going to the main police station at five oryou were in the Rialto Cafe and you'd be going to the main police station at five or so. That’s all I swear! My eye! My fucking eye!'so. That’s all I swear! My eye! My fucking eye!'

Damen released his grip and pushed the attacker away from him. No point in stayingDamen released his grip and pushed the attacker away from him. No point in staying here any longer, so he turned and jogged back down the alley, looking back over hishere any longer, so he turned and jogged back down the alley, looking back over his shoulder once or twice. But the wounded knifeman wasn't following; he just stayedshoulder once or twice. But the wounded knifeman wasn't following; he just stayed there groaning.there groaning.

Back at the alley entrance Damen stopped and looked cautiously round: where wasBack at the alley entrance Damen stopped and looked cautiously round: where was the other knifeman? No sign of him, and only one or two other passers by about.the other knifeman? No sign of him, and only one or two other passers by about.

Damen pocketed the knife, straightened his clothes, and stepped out of the alley. HeDamen pocketed the knife, straightened his clothes, and stepped out of the alley. He went to the canal edge where the man had fallen, but there was still no sign. Hewent to the canal edge where the man had fallen, but there was still no sign. He walked onto the bridge and looked along the canal. About thirty metres away in thewalked onto the bridge and looked along the canal. About thirty metres away in the centre of the canal a dark shape floated motionless in the water. Was that him?centre of the canal a dark shape floated motionless in the water. Was that him? Damen peered through the darkness but couldn't be sure. Should he call for help?Damen peered through the darkness but couldn't be sure. Should he call for help? No, out of the question in the circumstances; in any case his colleague could do that.No, out of the question in the circumstances; in any case his colleague could do that. Better get away from here, start walking, not too fast now, but walk where? To theBetter get away from here, start walking, not too fast now, but walk where? To the police to report this of course; he should call them on his PCom now. But what hadpolice to report this of course; he should call them on his PCom now. But what had the other attacker just said about the police being in on it? Surely not, surely this wasthe other attacker just said about the police being in on it? Surely not, surely this was just a lie. But why would he risk such a lie with a knife at his throat?just a lie. But why would he risk such a lie with a knife at his throat?

Damen walked through the streets and along the canals, heedless of where he wasDamen walked through the streets and along the canals, heedless of where he was going. He stopped at a small unfamiliar bar, went in and sat down. A large coffeegoing. He stopped at a small unfamiliar bar, went in and sat down. A large coffee was ordered and he picked up the evening newsvid and pretended to read it. But hiswas ordered and he picked up the evening newsvid and pretended to read it. But his mind was in ferment. He was still shaken, and shaking, following the murderousmind was in ferment. He was still shaken, and shaking, following the murderous attack. More than that he was surprised by his escape, and by the unexpectedattack. More than that he was surprised by his escape, and by the unexpected effectiveness of his own violence. He had shown them! First one, into the canal.effectiveness of his own violence. He had shown them! First one, into the canal. Then the other. Poked his eye out and took his knife away! Despite his predicamentThen the other. Poked his eye out and took his knife away! Despite his predicament Damen felt quietly exultant about how he had extricated himself, and he had alsoDamen felt quietly exultant about how he had extricated himself, and he had also found out something. He was wanted; so badly they, whoever they were, had madefound out something. He was wanted; so badly they, whoever they were, had made three attempts on his life. And just in case that wasn’t enough they were framing himthree attempts on his life. And just in case that wasn’t enough they were framing him for Jan's murder; probably quite successfully. And maybe the police were in on it too,for Jan's murder; probably quite successfully. And maybe the police were in on it too, so how could he go to them? He would have to find out whether he could still trust toso how could he go to them? He would have to find out whether he could still trust to ESS justice. He would call Karl now from here. He stood up and asked where theESS justice. He would call Karl now from here. He stood up and asked where the private combooth was, as he didn't want to use his own PCom - the police couldprivate combooth was, as he didn't want to use his own PCom - the police could track them anywhere if they were on, Karl had once told him. He put the call throughtrack them anywhere if they were on, Karl had once told him. He put the call through to Karl's home: he was there.to Karl's home: he was there.

'Karl this is Damen. Listen, I can't talk for long. Did you find out about the boat?''Karl this is Damen. Listen, I can't talk for long. Did you find out about the boat?'

'Where are you Damen? I hear from Steiger that he wants to talk to you urgently.'Where are you Damen? I hear from Steiger that he wants to talk to you urgently. There are some more questions to be answered about Jan and Francis’ deaths,There are some more questions to be answered about Jan and Francis’ deaths, some more evidence from the Groenstrasse security cameras. Where are you? Yousome more evidence from the Groenstrasse security cameras. Where are you? You must go to the police station at once.'must go to the police station at once.''Karl, I've done nothing. It's a frame up. A good one, but a frame up. The cameras'Karl, I've done nothing. It's a frame up. A good one, but a frame up. The cameras have been tampered with. There was a bogus Amtel van outside my flat thishave been tampered with. There was a bogus Amtel van outside my flat this morning: I checked with them. And there have been two more attempts to murdermorning: I checked with them. And there have been two more attempts to murder me. Once by tampering with my car at the clubhouse - ask Giulio if you don't believeme. Once by tampering with my car at the clubhouse - ask Giulio if you don't believe me. And just now. Two men attacked me with knives, but I got away.'me. And just now. Two men attacked me with knives, but I got away.'

'You must go to the police station, Damen. If you've done nothing you have nothing'You must go to the police station, Damen. If you've done nothing you have nothing to fear. There will be a warrant out if you do not turn up soon. Then there will beto fear. There will be a warrant out if you do not turn up soon. Then there will be nowhere for you to go. I have found out nothing about the boat. I think it was me theynowhere for you to go. I have found out nothing about the boat. I think it was me they were after.'were after.'

'One of the attackers told me that the police were in on this. It must be connected'One of the attackers told me that the police were in on this. It must be connected with the Kittcorps file I told you about. I daren't come in Karl. I think I'd be killed, orwith the Kittcorps file I told you about. I daren't come in Karl. I think I'd be killed, or found guilty of two murders I didn't do. Look, find out what you can, will you and I'llfound guilty of two murders I didn't do. Look, find out what you can, will you and I'll call you back. I can't come in yet. Find out how the cameras have been changed.call you back. I can't come in yet. Find out how the cameras have been changed. And let Trudi know I'm OK.'And let Trudi know I'm OK.'

'Damen, this is foolish. You must come in. You're making it worse by not doing this. I'Damen, this is foolish. You must come in. You're making it worse by not doing this. I should not be telling you this but Steiger has searched your car and flat thisshould not be telling you this but Steiger has searched your car and flat this afternoon, and he has found a knife and a bloodstained shirt. The forensic tests areafternoon, and he has found a knife and a bloodstained shirt. The forensic tests are being done now....'being done now....'

'What! That's impossible! There was no knife! Karl I'm being set up! You must'What! That's impossible! There was no knife! Karl I'm being set up! You must believe me Karl!'believe me Karl!'

'I believe you must turn yourself in, my friend. Perhaps you are ill and do not'I believe you must turn yourself in, my friend. Perhaps you are ill and do not remember. But you have no alternative. Where are you calling from? Wait there andremember. But you have no alternative. Where are you calling from? Wait there and I will...'I will...'

'No! If I turn myself in I am dead, or else in prison for a very long time at best. Karl, I'No! If I turn myself in I am dead, or else in prison for a very long time at best. Karl, I tell you I did not do these murders! Now I must go. I'll call you later.'tell you I did not do these murders! Now I must go. I'll call you later.'

He cut the connection and left the bar. As he walked he heard behind him the soundHe cut the connection and left the bar. As he walked he heard behind him the sound of police sirens coming closer. He walked more quickly, threading his way throughof police sirens coming closer. He walked more quickly, threading his way through side streets and alleys. What was he to do now? He was faced with a stark choice.side streets and alleys. What was he to do now? He was faced with a stark choice. He could turn himself in and trust to the police to protect him and to discover why heHe could turn himself in and trust to the police to protect him and to discover why he had been framed for murder. In view of the day's events, not an attractive option athad been framed for murder. In view of the day's events, not an attractive option at all. He would be completely at the mercy of events, and also at the mercy of hisall. He would be completely at the mercy of events, and also at the mercy of his powerful antagonists, whoever they were. No, that was definitely out. Or he could trypowerful antagonists, whoever they were. No, that was definitely out. Or he could try to stay at large and uncover what was happening and how Kittcorps were involved into stay at large and uncover what was happening and how Kittcorps were involved in all of this. Not attractive either, since as soon as the warrant for his arrest wasall of this. Not attractive either, since as soon as the warrant for his arrest was posted he would lose access to all his credit for one thing. And where would he go?posted he would lose access to all his credit for one thing. And where would he go? He couldn't stay in Holland for very long, or even anywhere in the ESS for that matterHe couldn't stay in Holland for very long, or even anywhere in the ESS for that matter with a warrant hanging over him and with no credit.with a warrant hanging over him and with no credit.

He sat down on a bench at the side of a pleasant tree-lined canal not unlike the oneHe sat down on a bench at the side of a pleasant tree-lined canal not unlike the one outside his own apartment; but now, he realised with some alarm, he was on theoutside his own apartment; but now, he realised with some alarm, he was on the outside, not the inside. He sat and thought furiously about his options, such as theyoutside, not the inside. He sat and thought furiously about his options, such as they were. In the end he didn’t like at all the conclusion he had to make. He couldn’t hidewere. In the end he didn’t like at all the conclusion he had to make. He couldn’t hide with any of his friends here in Holland. That would put them into too much danger,with any of his friends here in Holland. That would put them into too much danger, look what had happened to Jan, and almost to Karl, already. And without his friendslook what had happened to Jan, and almost to Karl, already. And without his friends he’d soon be run to ground, by the police first if he was lucky; Kittcorps if he wasn’t.he’d soon be run to ground, by the police first if he was lucky; Kittcorps if he wasn’t. No, he would have to go abroad, right away. But he couldn't fly out or take the usualNo, he would have to go abroad, right away. But he couldn't fly out or take the usual ferries: they would be watched. He would have to get to the docks at Rotterdam andferries: they would be watched. He would have to get to the docks at Rotterdam and stow away, but where to? He thought of the alternatives. The United Americanstow away, but where to? He thought of the alternatives. The United American States? A strong possibility. Asea? Too far, and there would be language and cultureStates? A strong possibility. Asea? Too far, and there would be language and culture problems, as there would also be for the rest of Asia and Africa. Nearer: Britain?problems, as there would also be for the rest of Asia and Africa. Nearer: Britain? Yes, possible. Not part of the ESS but with close links, so he could stay in touch. NoYes, possible. Not part of the ESS but with close links, so he could stay in touch. No language problems. He could maybe establish some kind of base there to carry outlanguage problems. He could maybe establish some kind of base there to carry out his investigations and clear his name. He didn't know any Brits well enough to callhis investigations and clear his name. He didn't know any Brits well enough to call but Lambert had lived there for quite a while and had many Brit friends. Perhaps hebut Lambert had lived there for quite a while and had many Brit friends. Perhaps he would help. Yes, find Lambert now! But first get some money before the warrant waswould help. Yes, find Lambert now! But first get some money before the warrant was issued.issued.

He walked to an automatic teller and put in his ID card. Nothing happened; noHe walked to an automatic teller and put in his ID card. Nothing happened; no screen display asking him for his pin number or anything. He waited for a minute withscreen display asking him for his pin number or anything. He waited for a minute with

increasing anxiety. Someone was next to him waiting to use the machine, beginningincreasing anxiety. Someone was next to him waiting to use the machine, beginning to get impatient. Damen tried to elicit a response by pressing all the keys but thereto get impatient. Damen tried to elicit a response by pressing all the keys but there was no response. He realised that the warrant for his arrest had probably beenwas no response. He realised that the warrant for his arrest had probably been issued and that the police had therefore been automatically notified he was usingissued and that the police had therefore been automatically notified he was using this machine. Abruptly he turned away and once more walked briskly down thethis machine. Abruptly he turned away and once more walked briskly down the street. He turned a corner after a couple of hundred metres and stopped to lookstreet. He turned a corner after a couple of hundred metres and stopped to look back. A police car had arrived on the scene and stopped next to the teller. Twoback. A police car had arrived on the scene and stopped next to the teller. Two officers jumped out. He could see the impatient man in the queue talking to the firstofficers jumped out. He could see the impatient man in the queue talking to the first officer and pointing down the road in his direction. He left the scene quickly.officer and pointing down the road in his direction. He left the scene quickly. Half an hour later he was lurking in the vicinity of the Rialto Cafe, as he dare not goHalf an hour later he was lurking in the vicinity of the Rialto Cafe, as he dare not go in - it was sure to be watched now. It was about seven thirty when the door openedin - it was sure to be watched now. It was about seven thirty when the door opened and two people came out: Lambert and Anna. They walked slowly along the canal.and two people came out: Lambert and Anna. They walked slowly along the canal. Damen guessed they would go to Anna’s first as it was on the way to Lambert’sDamen guessed they would go to Anna’s first as it was on the way to Lambert’s houseboat so he went ahead and found somewhere quiet on the route to await them.houseboat so he went ahead and found somewhere quiet on the route to await them. He concealed himself behind a parked van, and as they passed Damen called outHe concealed himself behind a parked van, and as they passed Damen called out their names in a quiet voice. They reacted with surprise because they had by thentheir names in a quiet voice. They reacted with surprise because they had by then heard the news.heard the news.

'There was a bit on the evening newsvid about you being wanted,' Anna said, her'There was a bit on the evening newsvid about you being wanted,' Anna said, her face a picture of anxiety and concern, 'And we wondered what had happened to you.face a picture of anxiety and concern, 'And we wondered what had happened to you. What are you going to do, Damen?'What are you going to do, Damen?'

'I must get away until I can sort this out,' Damen told them as he directed them into a'I must get away until I can sort this out,' Damen told them as he directed them into a quiet street. 'It really is all lies as I told you. And there was another attack on me afterquiet street. 'It really is all lies as I told you. And there was another attack on me after I left you. I hate to ask this but I need help to get away. If you don't want to beI left you. I hate to ask this but I need help to get away. If you don't want to be involved, I will understand. It is a serious thing I ask you to do.'involved, I will understand. It is a serious thing I ask you to do.'

'What can we do?' Anna asked. 'Surely you can't stay free for long. And what's the'What can we do?' Anna asked. 'Surely you can't stay free for long. And what's the point? You'll be caught in the end anyway.'point? You'll be caught in the end anyway.'

'I will go to Britain I think,' Damen replied, 'I'll try to find out what this is all about from'I will go to Britain I think,' Damen replied, 'I'll try to find out what this is all about from there. I need money and help to get me to Rotterdam though. Lambert, you've livedthere. I need money and help to get me to Rotterdam though. Lambert, you've lived in Britain for a while, you said. Can you tell me a little about it? Is there anyone youin Britain for a while, you said. Can you tell me a little about it? Is there anyone you know who might help me if I pay?'know who might help me if I pay?'

Lambert spoke. 'Yeah, I lived there for about two years, up in the northern hills withLambert spoke. 'Yeah, I lived there for about two years, up in the northern hills with my friends Frankie and Alan. I loved it but it's not to everyone's taste. For one thingmy friends Frankie and Alan. I loved it but it's not to everyone's taste. For one thing it's a bit primitive sometimes. Forget the transport – it’s dire. Hours of discomfort toit's a bit primitive sometimes. Forget the transport – it’s dire. Hours of discomfort to get anywhere. Most of the buildings are from the last century techwise. Food's awfulget anywhere. Most of the buildings are from the last century techwise. Food's awful and all GM if you eat in caffs and such like. No good com network outside the mainand all GM if you eat in caffs and such like. No good com network outside the main towns, and they're mainly for the foreign companies there. And not as well off astowns, and they're mainly for the foreign companies there. And not as well off as here by any means. Lot of unemployment, quite a lot of crime even though the policehere by any means. Lot of unemployment, quite a lot of crime even though the police are really heavy sometimes. But it's fine if you've money. They can be a bit parochialare really heavy sometimes. But it's fine if you've money. They can be a bit parochial though. Don't like foreigners much, I found. Usual thing: declining country still thinksthough. Don't like foreigners much, I found. Usual thing: declining country still thinks it's God's gift to civilisation. Bit pathetic really.'it's God's gift to civilisation. Bit pathetic really.'

'Weren't they in the ESS some time ago?' Anna asked. 'Don't I remember them being'Weren't they in the ESS some time ago?' Anna asked. 'Don't I remember them being in Europe for a while?'in Europe for a while?'

'Not the ESS, they didn't join that,' Lambert replied. 'Were sort of in until the early'Not the ESS, they didn't join that,' Lambert replied. 'Were sort of in until the early years of the century. Couldn't make up their minds whether they wanted to be in oryears of the century. Couldn't make up their minds whether they wanted to be in or out, so they got shut out in the end when the ESS was formed. Stayed on associateout, so they got shut out in the end when the ESS was formed. Stayed on associate status since but it doesn't really mean much any more. Just a small sad old islandstatus since but it doesn't really mean much any more. Just a small sad old island now. The south’s totally different from the north though, and then there’s Walesnow. The south’s totally different from the north though, and then there’s Wales and..'and..'

'Yes thank you for the geography lesson, but do you know anyone there, Lambert?''Yes thank you for the geography lesson, but do you know anyone there, Lambert?' Damen interrupted.Damen interrupted.

'Yeah, sure, loads of people. Frankie and Alan are my best mates and they live on'Yeah, sure, loads of people. Frankie and Alan are my best mates and they live on this hill farm in the northern hills. Place called Buckwell, or just outside. Really nicethis hill farm in the northern hills. Place called Buckwell, or just outside. Really nice there. You'd think you were back two hundred years. Farm's called Long John Farmthere. You'd think you were back two hundred years. Farm's called Long John Farm after some fictional pirate or other since they made the money to buy it out of piratingafter some fictional pirate or other since they made the money to buy it out of pirating software. There's some other joke in the name about it being cold there but I didn'tsoftware. There's some other joke in the name about it being cold there but I didn't get that. But they might be a bit alternative for you, Damen, though I'm sure you'd getget that. But they might be a bit alternative for you, Damen, though I'm sure you'd get on with them if you called there. Want me to give Frankie a call and say you mighton with them if you called there. Want me to give Frankie a call and say you might visit?'visit?'

'I would be very grateful if you would do that, Lambert,' Damen replied. 'I would be'I would be very grateful if you would do that, Lambert,' Damen replied. 'I would be most grateful. But don't use my name on the line in case there is a namesearcher formost grateful. But don't use my name on the line in case there is a namesearcher for me on the comm lines now. Please be very discreet so no-one will know I amme on the comm lines now. Please be very discreet so no-one will know I am planning to go there. I’m afraid you too may be being monitored by now since you ‘veplanning to go there. I’m afraid you too may be being monitored by now since you ‘ve been seen with me recently. Tell me, are they connected there? I’ve got to be able tobeen seen with me recently. Tell me, are they connected there? I’ve got to be able to connect to find out what the hell’s going on.'connect to find out what the hell’s going on.'

'Oh, sure. You’ll be fine there. Fact is, that's still their business, international pirating.''Oh, sure. You’ll be fine there. Fact is, that's still their business, international pirating.' Lambert said. 'They bring in so much money they keep nearly all the village going,Lambert said. 'They bring in so much money they keep nearly all the village going, because apart from a bit of tourism there's nothing else happening there. So they'rebecause apart from a bit of tourism there's nothing else happening there. So they're well-liked thereabouts. And Britain's a good base for that business anyway, beingwell-liked thereabouts. And Britain's a good base for that business anyway, being outside the main blocks but still connected.'outside the main blocks but still connected.'

'Yes, please let them know I may come,' Damen said to Lambert, then to Anna,'Yes, please let them know I may come,' Damen said to Lambert, then to Anna, 'Could you get some money for me? And take me to Europoort in your car now,'Could you get some money for me? And take me to Europoort in your car now, tonight? I will make my own way from there.'tonight? I will make my own way from there.'

'You're in no fit state to go anywhere tonight,' Anna replied. 'You can stay with me'You're in no fit state to go anywhere tonight,' Anna replied. 'You can stay with me and we'll go tomorrow morning.'and we'll go tomorrow morning.'

'No it's much too dangerous for you. They will look for me at all my friends' flats, I'No it's much too dangerous for you. They will look for me at all my friends' flats, I think. I must stay somewhere else tonight if we can't go now.'think. I must stay somewhere else tonight if we can't go now.'

'I know,' Lambert interjected, 'Stay with my mate Den on his boat. He owes me one'I know,' Lambert interjected, 'Stay with my mate Den on his boat. He owes me one and he won't mind. It's not far from here.'and he won't mind. It's not far from here.'

It was settled: Anna went to her own flat and arranged to meet Damen outside theIt was settled: Anna went to her own flat and arranged to meet Damen outside the Rijksmuseeum at ten the following morning with eighty thousand Euros on aRijksmuseeum at ten the following morning with eighty thousand Euros on a gencredit card; all she could afford from her meagre savings. Her work as a productgencredit card; all she could afford from her meagre savings. Her work as a product buyer for a TVD distribution company did not pay very well. Damen was againbuyer for a TVD distribution company did not pay very well. Damen was again touched by her sacrifice for him and promised he would make it up to her.touched by her sacrifice for him and promised he would make it up to her.

Damen went with Lambert to a brightly-painted houseboat moored on theDamen went with Lambert to a brightly-painted houseboat moored on the Keitzersgracht where he was introduced to Den, an easygoing and scruffy sort ofKeitzersgracht where he was introduced to Den, an easygoing and scruffy sort of bloke of about sixty who collected old books and worked as a plumber. After a largebloke of about sixty who collected old books and worked as a plumber. After a large impromptu meal of bread, cheese, mashed potatoes and assorted boiled vegetablesimpromptu meal of bread, cheese, mashed potatoes and assorted boiled vegetables washed down with beer Damen slumped exhausted in the spare bow cabin. It hadwashed down with beer Damen slumped exhausted in the spare bow cabin. It had been the longest day of his life.been the longest day of his life.