The Steel Spring Read Online Free PDF Page B

the country. Here and in other foreign countries, they have accepted that theory.’
    ‘And is there any factual proof that the theory is correct?’
    ‘Yes. Before communications were broken off, the authorities requested medical help from abroad.’
    ‘And?’
    ‘Some personnel, mostly volunteer doctors and nurses from a number of foreign countries, immediately went on their own initiative. Soon after that, the message came through that the situation was under control and no further help was required.’
    ‘And then?’
    ‘Just after we had that message, communications were broken off.’
    ‘When was that?’
    ‘Five days ago. To be precise, I can tell you there has been no official contact for the past five days or nights.’
    ‘But unofficially?’
    ‘A few people have left the country. In groups of varying sizes. None of them we have been in touch with knows for sure what’s happened.’
    ‘Why did they leave the country?’
    ‘Fear and uncertainty drove them to it. But …’
    ‘Yes?’
    ‘There are various indications to support the theory that an epidemic has broken out there. A number of people have died in hospitals abroad.’
    ‘What of?’
    ‘It’s been impossible to establish the cause.’
    ‘Are the border controls still working?’
    ‘As you know, most of our borders are sea ones, and the land borders, as you also know, generally run through areas that are practically uninhabited. After much persuasion the police forces of neighbouring states agreed to reconnoitre outposts on our territory. Very unwillingly, I must say. Everyone’s scared of the epidemic.’
    ‘And?’
    ‘The outposts proved to be unmanned.’
    ‘What’s happened to the foreign embassies?’
    ‘A lot of them were evacuated during the disturbances. The police and army couldn’t, or wouldn’t, protect them.’
    ‘Sounds unlikely.’
    ‘It’s true, nonetheless. The remaining residences were closed when the rumours of an epidemic started to spread.’
    ‘What happened to the medical volunteer expeditions from other countries?’
    ‘They haven’t come back. And there’s been no word from them.’
    ‘Are the internal communications working?’
    ‘Evidently not. Three military aircraft and one from the civil aviation side have crashed in foreign territory. Nobody knows why.’
    Jensen sat in silence for a few moments. Then he said:
    ‘Is this information correct?’
    ‘Yes. Unfortunately.’
    Nobody said a word. Jensen did not move a muscle.
    ‘One more thing,’ he said.
    ‘What’s that?’
    ‘Could they all be dead?’
    ‘No. We know there’s considerable activity, particularly in the capital.’
    ‘How do you know that?’
    The Minister for Education glanced quickly at the senior minister, who gave a resigned shrug.
    ‘I can’t answer that question without giving away a military secret.’
    Jensen said nothing.
    ‘But I shall answer it, all the same. It so happens that a friendly superpower has been carrying out systematic, high-altitude surveillance operations over our country for a number of years. Its reconnaissance planes are fitted with comprehensive surveillance equipment. We have been able to share their observations through informal channels.’
    ‘And?’
    ‘As I say, there’s no shortage of activity.’
    ‘Military?’
    ‘Not in the capital. There is, however, evidence of some military deployment in the countryside.’
    ‘What’s happening in the capital?’
    ‘We don’t know. But we know something’s going on there.’
    ‘Something organised?’
    ‘Yes.’
    Jensen went back to his starting point.
    ‘Why are we here?’
    The politician’s reply was shockingly honest.
    ‘Because no one wants anything to do with us.’
    ‘Why don’t you try to get home?’
    ‘Because we daren’t.’

CHAPTER 8
    Jensen stood up and went over to the window. He stared out into the rain. Without turning round, he said:
    ‘What do you intend to do?’
    ‘Assign you the task of finding out as