“I understand that,” said the Prime Minister, “but there could be another view.” Whether from disbelief, anxiety or caution, the PM set out to play the matter down. “You see, you often find that technical people... scientists and others... they can be carried away by their own theories. That’s a common thing. They get an idea and
22 Pieter Lawrence “The will sniff it out,” said Bill, “they would love to get their hands on this stuff Imagine the dramatic headlines. There’s no way we can allow Hurst to announce his discovery” He looked through a further batch of papers. “I’ve had a report on this person.” He studied his notes for a moment and continued. “Apparently, he’s a bachelor aged 58 living on his own in a large house in Southsea. He inherited a fortune made in property and now devotes his time to astronomy He is secretary of the local Astronomical Society and has his own small observatory I imagine that’s why he lives in Southsea... clearer skies.” “Southsea?” asked in disbelief. “He does his serious work from an observatory in Mexico, which he pays for.” Bill Charman outlined the plan to offer Hurst time on government facilities, provided he first signed the Official Secrets Act and agreed not to make his work public. “I understand he is a great egotist,” he said. “Well, we may be able to flatter him. We’ll appreciate the brilliance of his achievements and promise him public recognition. He may find that hard to resist.” “Suppose he does resist,” Blake. “What then?” “Then it gets more difficult,” said Bill, “We’ll have to keep him by some other means.” “Abu mean well have to arrest him?” Bill thought for a moment. “I wouldn’t put it quite like that. We’ll keep him talking.... in a secure place.” “It takes two to talk. Suppose he doesn’t want to. No violence, I hope?” “I don’t see it coming to that.” The Minister became increasingly concerned. At first doubtful, he was now anxious about what could be the political trial
The Last Conflict 25 5 An unlit car coasted into Edward Hurst’s drive and came to a stop inside the front gates. Its occupants were four Special Branch agents led by Senior Officer Border. For some hours this team had kept the house under surveillance and were satisfied that Hurst was on his own and working in a study at the front of the building. Border stepped from the vehicle, squeezed the door shut and made last minute adjustments to the receiver he kept hidden under his coat. Although the house and its grounds were surrounded by a high wall, for premises that included a small observatory, Border was surprised at the lack of security Avoiding the gravel drive, he walked quietly over a lawn towards the large front door and rang its bell. After some time, the door opened. Against the background of light, the figure of Hurst was framed in the doorway. Border noted a tall man, well over six feet, with an athletic build, and giving an impression of fitness. In spite of Hurst’s age, it was clear to Border that if it came to an arrest, Hurst would be capable of strong resistance. “Mr, Border asked. “Yes.” “I hope you’ll forgive the intrusion, sir, and my unexpected visit, but I was hoping we could have a chat.” ‘A chat,” said Hurst, “what about?” ‘About your work...” “What work do you mean?”
The Last Conflict 43 “Don’t we won’t let these lunatics win. If it comes to it we’ll find you a more congenial seat.” “That’s most reassuring,” ‘And I’m sure we’re all pleased to see the hospitals back to normal working.” “Naturally,” Blake agreed, “but the demonstrations seem to be spreading.” “They’ll soon get tired of it. They’ve got nowhere to go except back to work. "You might remind them of that.” “I might let them come to their own conclusions.” “Well, I don’t care if they do or not. We can run the hospitals without them. Frankly, I’d be glad to see the back of all those damned troublemakers, ” The Prime Minister left as abruptly as he had arrived. Blake looked towards Bill Charman. “He gets nastier by the day.” Bill thought about the Prime Minister’s increasing behaviour. “"Yes, but only in private...” “"You didn’t tell me we were meeting Sandra Dale,” said Blake. “No, I couldn’t mention it on the She’s keen to update us.” Bill paused. “By the way,” he said, “she might refer to Hurst. For the time being I suggest we know nothing of his whereabouts. She wouldn’t like what’s happened.” He looked at his watch. “It’s time to go.
J4 Pieter Lawrence Committee decided to organise voluntary work. Chris Lawson and Clive Poole were amongst those given the job of preparing plans. As the meeting broke up, Blake went out of his way to approach those who had been so hostile. They were still reserved, feeling that he had skilfully out-manoeuvred them by exploiting the fact that no one wanted a by-election. Even so, Blake felt that he had created a more constructive outlook. Throughout the evening he had also been mindful of the approaching dangers. As Bill Charman had earlier pointed out, the thought that the country couldn’t afford to survive was absurd. With this echoing in his mind he looked ahead; perhaps voluntary work could play a part in the construction of deep shelters. If so, the initiatives now being taken in his local party could be the beginning of a nationwide effort that would not depend on government money Blake left the Town Hall with Clive Poole and was surprised to be confronted by a crowd of newsmen. The event had been arranged as a private meeting but had obviously been leaked to the press. The reporters pressed close. “Have you lost support?” they shouted. “Was there a vote to drop you?” “No one proposed it.” “Then what was the meeting for?” “Routine business.” “What is your position now?” “I’m standing upright. I’m tired and you’re blocking my
The Last Conflict 55 Clive was surprised at the outcome of the meeting. “Offering your resignation was risky,” he said. “I thought you’d gone mad, Still, it came off. You kept your nerve.” “Clive, it wasn’t a manoeuvre,” said Blake. “Really?” “X want you to believe that. I was to walk away I’ve been too boxed in... by my job, by the lack of money and never ending arguments with the Treasury Boxed in by the unions, the Cabinet and now my own local Party; boxed in by the whole damned impossible situation. I don’t need it. I can do without it.” Clive persisted. “Even so, I’m relieved. It’s a very good result.” “ You still think the idea of voluntary work is a ploy don’t you? A tactic...? “I’m not saying that.” “But that’s what you’re thinking.” “It’s what others will think. Everyone has got so cynical. They’ll think it’s a diversion from the real problems.” “Well they’re wrong. I’ll tell you the real problem. People are so used to depending on useless governments, they’ve forgotten what they can do for themselves.”
The Last Conflict 6? IO Blake returned to his office and began sifting through figures on national labour resources. His Department head had arranged them on a regional basis but Blake had not disclosed the reason for the work. He told Brightwell it was merely to bring a civil defence review up-to-date. As he worked on, he realised the enormity of the task that lay ahead and the difficulty of keeping it secret before the approaching dangers were announced. If plans for the construction of deep shelters were to make progress, secrecy would be impossible. Planning would require the skills of a wide range of specialist people who would all have to know the object of the plans. With the numbers involved, it was likely that some would make their own judgments on whether secrecy was in the public interest. A few would say “no” and would speak out. Despite loyalty to the government, Blake was increasingly embarrassed by his situation. Feeling a sense of guilt he was tempted to make his own public statement on the matter and knew that others would be much less reluctant to do so. working late he returned home to find Rachel slumped on a couch waiting for the news on television. He poured himself a drink and noticed a newspaper with the Hurst story at her feet. She asked him about his meeting with his local party and he explained the outcome. She was surprised at the plans to use voluntary workers. “I thought they were hostile to all that,” she said. “^es, well, they are,” he replied, “but how can you tell what motivates people? My resignation from the seat would have caused them difficulties. They didn’t want that. Whatever the reasons, I’m a bit more hopeful now.” “You don’t seem all that happy” she said.
66 Pieter Lawrence He about her hospital. “It’s working,” she said, “but the demonstrations are a lot worse. There’s been fighting with the police. We’re now treating the casualties of our own dispute. That’s not what hospitals are for.” Blake shrugged. “There’s nothing I can do. We’ve got the same crowds outside the Department. I can’t use my own front door.” He switched on the television news and they listened as it reported on the build-up of demonstrations. It then came to an item on Hurst. “Following the apparent disappearance of the astronomer, Edward the Home Office this afternoon issued a statement. It said that he has been held for questioning in connection with an alleged offence against a government observation and listening station. As a result of further enquiries, he will be released tomorrow: According to the Home Office, the offence, at first thought to be serious, does not justify the further holding of Mr. Hurst who is described as an over-enthusiastic amateur whose activities have brought him in breach of the law.” Rachel picked up the newspaper. “This is the man who claims we’re being approached by a deadly comet,” she said. Blake took the paper and looked again at the photograph of Hurst with its accusing stare. “Yes,” he said, “the same person.” He switched off the television and replenished his drink. “Did you know that item was being broadcast?” she asked. He felt unable to lie. “Ifes,” he said.
The Last Conflict 101 Blake became nervous as Bill Charman looked at Sandra Dale directly. “So, you’re saying you’ve actually joined this Campaign?” Her voice took on a sharper note “Mr. Charman, I’ve just told you that,” “But this Campaign is in effect a political movement in opposition to the government.” “I disagree,” she said. “It’s a movement of ordinary people whose only concern is the protection of the population. It’s not a political party I’m not interested in politics.” “I should be frank with you,” said Bill. ‘A person in your position, an important government employee in charge of highly secret information, information that carries the most serious implications; you must surely see that you cannot be a member of this Campaign - even granted your good intentions?” “I’m afraid I don’t see it that way, Home Secretary,” she said firmly “In fact I’ve been very disturbed at the treatment of Mr. Hurst. It was outrageous that he was arrested, and then to see it justified by the feeble lies put out by the government.” “But you gave us to believe you recognised the importance of security” he said, “that it’s in the interests of the public. We hope that’s still your view Have you disclosed any information to the Campaign?” “I’ve been considering the question of what is government information and the answer is not clear. What we know about this danger comes from a broad background
The Last Conflict 107 Back at Downing Street they returned to the small room where the secret Cabinet Committee held its meetings. The Prime Minister joined them and the two Ministers knew at once that events had done nothing to lighten his mood. He threw a pile of security reports onto the table and began to scan through them. “Where have you two been?” he snarled. “I’ve been waiting.” Bill Charman apologised. “Our last meeting with Dr. Dale couldn’t be rushed,” “I’ll come to her in good time.” The Minister paused over one document. “I’m concerned about this young reporter, Janice Fearn. I see she’s still prying into Hurst’s arrest. I’ve asked you before, Bill, how far can she get? "You’ve seen the press. They’re suggesting I lied to the House.” “"Yes. They do suggest that.” “There are going to be more questions.” “That’s inevitable,” said Bill. Blake and Bill Charman sagged wearily in their seats as the Prime Minister launched into yet another tirade, “We’ve got Hurst still capturing the headlines. He’s now got a campaign around him. My integrity is being questioned and now I see that one of our leading scientists has joined this campaign.” He turned to Bill Charman. “Have you confronted her with this?” “I’m afraid it’s even worse,” said Bill, “She’s not only joined the campaign, she’s threatening to reveal details of the government’s work.”
148 Pieter Lawrence that can be done at little cost. The Prime Minister will broadcast tonight and he will announce the government’s programme of action. However, if you walk out of this meeting it could only be because you are turning your backs on the positive steps the government is taking. I’m sure that’s not what your supporters would want. On the other hand you may agree that we are taking action which has been more carefully worked out. So, how do you react to this? Do you accept that we are ahead of you and proceeding in a more practical way?” The delegation was now in a difficulty. They were inexperienced bargainers and they had no answer to the question of costs. Their main strength had been in their threat to walk out but Blake had forestalled this, warning that if they did so, he would use it against them amongst their supporters. Momentarily uncertain, Laurie turned to Hurst and Betty Stevens. “What do you think?” he asked. “I think we should discuss it on our own,” replied Betty Stevens. Laurie faced Bill Charman. “We need to talk in private,” he said. Bill Charman stood up. “By all means,” he said. “Please do. Just say when you’d like us back.” The two Ministers left an official outside the room and went through to Bill Charman’s office. “I thought all their business was open,” said Bill, “They say they have no secrets, but they’re talking in private now.” “But they know the room is bugged,” said Blake. “Yes, but it still makes them hypocrites.” “Hurst let it slip that they know Olivers’ real name.” “I that,” said Bill. “We believe he’s taken up with Janice Fearn and defected to the Campaign. That’s why he’s
202 Pieter Lawrence Champney smiled. “I think you’ll find they’re bluffing, Minister,” he said. “But you won’t mind if I don’t take the risk. Tour coffee isn’t worth it.” “Sorry about that,” said the Colonel. “The coffee has been a problem for years. We’ve never solved it.” A signals shouted across to Champney 'A serious incident reported, sir. 'You’re wanted.” Champney hurried over to the clerk. “What’s the problem?” ‘A man has been shot, sir, in the basement of the Town Hall.” “Shot? How Is he dead?” “They’re not sure, sir.” Champney grabbed the receiver and shouted into it. “Say no more over the air. Stay where you are and do what you can.” He returned to the monitors where he switched to the scene in front of the Town Hall, Troops and police were in full control. He strode back to the signals clerk, “Get an ambulance to the Town Hall. Get that person to hospital, fast.” He waited as the clerk sent out instructions and then asked, <fWas that report picked up by the Campaign?” “It’s very likely, sir. They are in tune with all our frequencies.” “Dammit,” said the Colonel. “How do they do it? Where’s Fraser?” As Fraser joined him, Champney looked grim. “You see what’s happened, Fraser. Those men you sent to the Town Hall basement. They’ve shot a campaigner.”
20 8 Pieter Lawrence What harm could it do? We’ll still keep control of the bunker. In the meantime we could use the truce to discuss how we can all get out of this mess.” Fraser leapt at the idea. “With the main crowd dispersed and just a few of them left, we could easily deal with them.” Champney glared at him. “Fraser,” he said, “I want you out of here on the next transport. For one man you’ve done too much damage.” Fraser went pale. “But Champney,” he protested, “you don’t even know the facts. You'll see that my men were justified. You were on the point of using firearms yourself.” Champney replied with icy calm. “I’m not arguing. I want you out of here!” Blake realised at once that Champney had proposed the right course of action but he also foresaw a giant obstacle; the recalcitrance of Erica Field. He took her file from his brief case and tossed it on to Champney’s desk. “Read that,” he said. Champney glanced at it. “We all know about Erica,” he said. “There’s no doubt, she can be a very difficult lady.” “Some say, impossible,” said Blake. “Yes,” agreed Champney, “but they also say they don’t have leaders. Others be more reasonable. It’s worth a try. There’s a lot to gain and nothing to lose.” “I’ll have to clear it with Whitehall,” said Blake. Fraser had sat grim faced and silent. He suddenly got up. “I won’t be a party to any of this,” he said, as he left the office. “It’s a surrender.” Champney watched him go and then turned to Blake. “I wish you’d contact Whitehall now;” he said. ‘And while you are at it, I want a replacement for Fraser.”
210 Pieter Lawrence “Bill,” Blake insisted, “we can’t decide this without the Prime Minister.” “Don’t about it. I’ll put him in the picture. I’ll take full responsibility You go ahead, Blake.” “Alright, I will. one other thing,” Blake added, “our police chief, Fraser, Champney wants him replaced.” “Fraser? Sacked?” “Call it what you like but Champney wants him out of here.” “I hope he knows what he’s doing,” said Bill. “I think he does.” Blake put down the receiver, concerned that the Prime Minister had not been consulted. Both he and Bill Charman would need some very good reasons for making the decision on their own. He rejoined the Colonel and told him the result. Champney explained that without direct telephone contact it would be necessary to get a man with a radio into the Campaign’s headquarters. “If you need to bring pressure,” he said, “you could emphasise our determination to clear the area regardless, and if it helps, you could also mention that Fraser has been sacked. That will give them something.” “Is he your sacrificial lamb?” Blake asked. “So, what are we left with? The usual blend of intimidation and persuasion?” “I’m sure you don’t need my advice, Minister.” waited as contact was made with the Campaign’s headquarters and was disappointed to find that he was again speaking with Erica Field. “You’re lucky to get me,” she said. “I’m just back from the Town Hall. You’re not just a traitor, Blake Evans, you’re
234 Pieter Lawrence demands on the Department’s communication systems and its facilities for processing information. As they worked on, Blake was conscious of the time. He should get to the House of Commons. It was important to keep the All Party Group fully informed but as the evening closed in and Janet left the office he abandoned any idea of getting to the House. Eventually he called a halt, ‘All right, Jack,” he said, “we’re not going to settle all the problems at once.” Brightwell’s enthusiasm was undiminished. “Yes. there’s always another day,” he said. “Minister, I believe you were up all night, so why don’t you go home and get some rest. I’ll carry on.” looked at him, “Jack, I sometimes think you live in this Department.” “I’ll continue to clarify the problems. Once we’ve done that, things should go smoothly.” “I don’t believe it,” said “Nothing ever goes smoothly” He stood up and put on his coat, leaving Brightwell surrounded by paper. It was clear that his senior bureaucrat was intent on keeping a close grip on every new development. As he left, Blake was suddenly aware of being engaged in useful work. There was a great deal to do and the frustrating barriers which normally prevented action seemed to be falling away. Accompanied by bodyguards, his car took him to the edge of the security zone groups of demonstrators still remained in Trafalgar Square. He was disappointed. It had been some time since Laurie had agreed to disperse the crowds. He found a police inspector. “What’s happening?” he asked. “I’m expecting these people to leave.” “They’re gradually sir. The square was packed after the violence of last night. They seem reluctant but they are moving
z$6 Pieter Lawrence compensation, how could any system of compulsory requisition work?” “Well, I don’t know much about economics,” said Champney quietly “I only pointed out how useful those powers have been in the past. It would be a pity if some fine point of economics were to prevent the country from protecting itself, that’s all I’m saying. It seems to me that no one else has suggested away forward.” Again, Erica intervened. “I agree with the Colonel but with one difference. We’ve already got the powers of requisition. We’ve got more than enough people to shift those materials to the sites. Is this a production board or are we powerless to act? Are we going to move this stuff or not?” “It’s obvious,” Buckfast insisted, “we can’t act against the law.” Erica turned on him. “It is within the law. It’s the law of what must be done.” Buckfast raised his own voice. “And who decides what has to be done?” “It’s bloody obvious what has to be done,” Erica shouted. “What sort of law are you talking about?” “ You can’t put yourself above the law” The meeting sat helpless as Erica Field and Buckfast continued their shouting match. By now Erica was completely enraged. She stood up and turned on the meeting. “This production board is useless. Our Campaign will shift the materials, not just here, but everywhere.” As she stormed out looked across the table towards Champney They both realised that renewed confrontation between the security forces and the Campaign would result
296 Pieter Lawrence Champney noticed that a convoy of three lorries loaded with concrete blocks had been stopped against a barrier, and asked the pilot if he could land. The helicopter was eased down. The party clambered out and approached the police who were arguing with one of the drivers. “What’s happening?” asked Hume. One of the police explained. “We think these materials have been stolen, sir.” Champney thrust himself forward and spoke to the driver across the barrier. “Where did you get this stuff?” “It’s all legal,” the driver replied. “"We want to deliver it but the police won’t let us through.” “If it’s legal show us the invoices.” The driver produced his licence and various receipts. Champney took them. “We’ll just check these papers,” he said, and passed them to a police sergeant. The driver became more aggressive. “We’re to deliver these goods.” He pointed at the few police and troops. “It’ll take more than this little lot to stop us. We can get thousands down here.” “Shut up,” snapped Hume. “You’ve stolen these goods.” The driver turned to walk away “If that’s your attitude we’ll go, but we’ll be back.” “Stand where you are,” shouted Hume. He barked orders to the police, who moved quickly through the barriers and surrounded the lorries. Four marksmen stood apart, with their weapons aimed at the driver. “Stand still and shut your mouth,” Hume shouted again. Champney, Blake and Hume walked a few yards to where they could talk amongst themselves. “If the papers are in order,” said Champney, “we should let them through. Legality is the only argument we’ve got and we’re bound to encourage it. In any case, I
ji8 Pieter Lawrence “If we don’t arrest her now she’ll be back tomorrow with the same crowd.” “We’ll see.” “You’re creating more trouble. That’s all we’ll get if you leave that woman free.” “We’ll face it when it comes. Look around, Hume. You’re the only one who isn’t calm. You won’t be needed here tonight, so why not go home and get some sleep?” j “That’s if I’ve got a home to go to. They’ve probably burned it | down. I’m telling you, Champney, I’m submitting my own report on j everything that’s happened. You can’t stop that.” j I “You’re lucky to have the time, Commissioner.” f £ r f Hume turned his back and stalked off. Champney watched him j go and shook his head. “There goes a one man conspiracy to incite a I riot,” he said wearily. “Where do you find them, Minister? I get rid j of one and you give me a carbon copy” I i “He’s not my Department,” said “Maybe it’s hard to find j one that’s different.” f t Champney caught the attention of a nearby soldier. “Get me -’j Sergeant Cummings.” j They walked amongst the campaigners in the direction of a I canteen. A sheet of canvas was stretched over several steaming urns •? and two soldiers were handing out mugs of tea. | “Is there plenty?” asked Champney. “Got a spare The soldier handed him a mug. “It’s a bit like feeding the five 7 thousand, sir.” i
326 Pieter Lawrence Be assured that our security forces will deal with the present disruptions. The chaos we are now seeing has been caused by people who seek to exploit our difficulties for their own political ends. They are a direct threat to the historic authority of this House, Even at this moment, at the doorstep of the House, this so-called Campaign is attempting, illegally and with brute force, to seize power. Can any member doubt that we must stand firm against it? Are we to be browbeaten into a hasty action which will not have the effect being hoped for? The results of this amendment will concede victory to mob action. Worse than that, it will create chaos and disruption far more serious than we are seeing at present.” Dudney looked at Blake. “I don’t even know what we’re talking j about,” he said. “What is the proposal?” j Blake produced a copy of the amendment to the Emergency Acts . j and passed it to him. “Essentially it gives local councils powers to j requisition stocks of materials and production facilities. It will last J for the duration of the emergency” I f Dudney glanced through the text. j “What’s happened in the Midlands?” asked. | £ “Disaster,” said Dudney I “Casualties?” “Lots.” “Deaths?” “We don’t knowhow many Casualties were unavoidable.” “How come we in the avoided them?” You tell me.
328 Pieter Lawrence with a view to doing nothing. Our priority is to remove the threat which stands against us. We must not, and we will not, capitulate to the mob. Then we shall take the proper time to consider more carefully prepared steps. I speak positively I say we can resolve our difficulties, but not by being rushed into ill-fated measures which inevitably will only make our problems worse.” To a murmur of approval, Marjorie Tyler sat down. Unaware of his dishevelled appearance, Blake jumped to his feet and the Speaker indicated that he had the floor. “Mr. Speaker, I should explain the unusual absence of the Prime Minister and other members of the government Unit that has been operating with special responsibilities under the authority of this House. We have been detained at the head of the security forces, attempting to restore some order, and attempting to prevent our slide into irrecoverable chaos. I can tell you that the Prime Minister has carried a special burden. He has given everything of himself, day and night, and even now, his duties and those of the Home Secretary are preventing them from reporting to you from the front bench. We are now at a point when the responsibility for decisive action rests with you, the representatives of all our people. You are aware that as we debate this crucial amendment to our emergency powers, thousands of our security forces, police and troops, and thousands of our fellow citizens are suffering injury and even death. We do not know the numbers. All we know is that the list is not yet complete, and whether that final list will be numbered in many more thousands is being decided now by this House. I heard it said that the many people who are taking action on the streets and in other places are alien elements. Mr. Speaker, these are our fellow countrymen and women and we stand in great danger of being alienated from them. We are not here to serve ourselves, I know of no other reason for the existence of this House but to serve the interests of all our people. We have been urged not to rush into hasty measures, and to consider our actions carefully Mr. Speaker, I have read the carefully considered reports of our army commanders. I have participated
The Last Conflict 331 had finally come to success. Other members of the Group were engaged in self-congratulation. Blake came back to Dudney “We’d better get back to the bunker,” he said, “We’ve still got a war on our hands,” Dudney was relieved, “But, hopefully, we can now end it.” “yes,” said Blake. “Even this place comes to its senses, eventually”
The Last Conflict 357 There was a long pause as the Prime Minister realised that Lindsay was serious. “Is this your own idea, Chancellor?” he said eventually. “It’s been developed between myself and the Treasury,” replied Lindsay, “but it’s been dictated by the situation we are in. As I have said, there is no alternative.” “Yes, but I don’t think it’s practical,” said the Prime Minister. “It simply depends on everyone staying at jobs,” said Lindsay 'All they need do is continue working and I’m sure people will do it. We’ll maintain industry manufacture, agriculture, transport and every necessary service. Then, when the civil defences are complete, we’ll revert to our normal economic arrangements. We’ve already suspended many payments so the logic nowis to go the whole distance by suspending every use of money and providing for people’s needs as a free public service. What matters most is our survival, and we’ve already seen that people are willing to cooperate.” The Minister listened carefully as Lindsay pressed his arguments, and soon indicated that he was willing to accept them. “I must admit,” he said, “that what you suggest could be a way out.” He turned to Blake. “How far have we got with the civil defence work?” he asked. “That’s the point, Prime Minister,” Blake replied, “there’s still a long way to go and we dare not stop.” The Prime Minister turned next to Bill Charman. ‘What about you, Home Secretary, you haven’t said much?” “It’s not just a matter of getting the work completed,” said Bill. ‘As Lindsay has said, morale in the country is high but we should all be of how quickly this could change. We know from the space probe that we’re up against a tight deadline of danger and we can’t risk another break in the work. We’ve captured the initiative. The Campaign is falling away fast and we don’t want it brought back to life. We’ve got to stay in control, and for that we’ve got to keep up
364 Pieter Lawrence As once again the image of the Prime Minister was faded from the screen, Blake switched off the television. He poured fresh drinks, returned to the couch and looked across to Rachel. She sat still, obviously moved by the Prime Minister’s message. Her eyes were damp with emotion, Blake was also impressed. As ever, the Prime Minister had risen to the occasion. Whether his words had been sincere or had been conveyed with a cynical use of fine language was difficult to know and barely seemed to matter. He had spoken with warmth, said what was needed and what the country wanted to hear, 'And that was your draft?” asked Rachel. “Bits of it were mine,” he said. “The mention of war years was the Prime Minister’s. He now sees himself as a great war leader.” 'As for getting back to normal,” she said, “some of us prefer things as they are. I see it in the hospital. We can also monitor the mood of the country less stress and people are more confident.” “In spite of the dangers?” Blake asked. ‘‘Yes. In of the dangers there’s less anxiety Even you’ve changed, so why would you want to get back to all that argument and frustration? Who in their right mind would want to get back to normal?” “It’s the reason for the cashless economy Don’t you mind not getting your salary?” “Like a dutiful citizen, I’ll do what the Prime Minister says. I won’t desert my patients and so long as we get what we need, I can’t see much difference. But I can see why you bought all that wine. You took advantage of privileged information. That was unethical.” “I notice you’re drinking it,” he said. She smiled as she held up her glass up to the light. “I’m talking about your ethics, not mine.”
The Last Conflict 39$ The policeman became impatient. “How the bloody hell would we know that?” “I mean, like lightning,” the man persisted, “If it’s the same with these missiles, we should be in the clear now.” ‘Are you coming with us or not?” said the policeman. “No. Thanks again, but we’ll stay” With this, he closed the door. shrugged at his companion. “Let’s get back,” he said. They rejoined the rescue team, Blake reported the incident to the Chief. The fires were out and the injured were being taken to the medical centre at the area civil defence headquarters. As arc- lights were being dismantled, Blake looked for Rachel and found her sitting in the back of their ambulance. “We think there was another missile,” she said, “some distance away Did you see it?” “No.” He sat beside her. the wounded? Anything serious?” “The smoke was the worst thing. They were all badly shocked and that lady has a broken leg. Part of the cellar collapsed.” Without warning, a blinding flash lit the entire district and for a moment, Blake saw Rachel’s startled face in its light. The air was rent by a massive explosion, followed by a prolonged roar and a succession of crashes like thunder claps, which tailed off in a high- pitched scream. Flying debris battered the ambulance and the rear door slammed shut. Blake clutched at Rachel as they were both thrown to the floor. For a few shocked moments they lay together in a tangle. Blake became aware of shouts outside the ambulance and, still holding Rachel, he asked if she was alright.