Smoke rising from a street cauldron of morning stew. Evil-smelling and nourishing. Each ragged member shuffling forward...taking a wooden bowl of steaming gruel. Roll up, roll up, step right in and spy the Crystal Grotto, linger by the Marionette Theatre...steal a visit to the Hermit's Cave...glorious wonders and excitement...dazzling delights and secrets of the Orient. ..high above the illuminated gardens you can see a balloon descent twinkling out of the dark, starry night sky...tiers and tiers of supper and pleasure boxes...costumed waiters and bawdy wenches serving the rich and famous......

The day ahead awaits and framed thoughts are gaining concentrated attention in Valentine Bone's brain. Gradually forcing the inner screen clear of the myriads of flooding images, begging and pleading for his urgent attention. The Director-General and the upcoming mission are being hard-wired into the mind...Steeling himself to be catapulted out from the sanctity of this apartment. The order of unbroken chaos beckons.....