57

You phone the police, dialing the emergency number. After a few rings a female operator in a clipped accent answers. “Please state your emergency.”

As you are about to speak, the engines start with a roar, drowning out your voice. You protect the phone and start shouting into the receiver. By the time you have given the full story to the operator, the plane is in the air. You watch the plane intently, trying to spot any identifying features. However, the plane is devoid of any markings or even a registration number. All you can give the operator is the make of the aircraft.

Ten minutes later, you receive another call. “This is agent Jones from the Military Intelligence Agency. Please tell me all you know.”

For the second time, you repeat your story, feeling powerless while Emily is getting further and further away by the second.

“I’m sorry, son,” Jones tells you as you finish. But without any idea identification on the plane, it is extremely unlikely that we will ever trace it before it is in enemy territory.

You blame yourself for hesitating and not making even a small attempt to rescue Emily. Not only have you lost your friend, but the technology that could have helped the planet is now in the hands of a foreign government who has the ability to turn it against humanity.

The end.