Nightcap

Phil still looked suspicious. "So, if it was all so effective, why did they stop using it, then? How come we've got the equipment and not the army?"

"Well, Mr Armstrong," replied the Major. "As I've said, certain elements within the senior command felt that it was morally questionable at best. They described it as brainwashing - although in reality, the device makes very specific changes, I understand - and decided it was to be discontinued.

"I also believe they were shitting themselves in case the media got hold of it, quite frankly. But then, I'm sure Mr Hewson has shared with you the dossier I provided him with? No? Ah well, perhaps he felt it would be a little over your head."

"Now look," interrupted Hewson.

"No, you look. Both of you. I've agreed to help you chaps in your endeavours, and I think we share many of the same beliefs - but I will not have the effectiveness of our technology questioned. Got that? I risked a great deal to acquire the blueprints for the equipment, not to mention the expense of having it constructed once I'd left the army."

Both the other men were now silent.

"You might think it was highly fortunate that I managed to do this. You might also think that I'm lucky that the only people who knew I had the information were killed during the conflict. Perhaps I have been lucky. But I also work hard at making my own luck. And terrible things do happen in war zones, unfortunately..."

His voice trailed off, but he maintained eye contact with the two men as he drained his drink.

"Anyway gentlemen, if you'll excuse me I think I'll get an early night. It's been a long day, and we have much to do tomorrow. Join me for breakfast, say at oh-seven-hundred-hours? We'll agree our next steps then, I think."



Story starts here.