Evensong

A VSTOL landed on the pad at the end of the Pier. For the first time, Anwar thought, a VSTOL comes without Arden. Another detail, changed. It contained people from UN Intelligence. Also some doctors, in case any one was watching. Carne’s body was stretchered aboard, an IV bag attached to his arm, busily and uselessly pumping fluid into a dead man.

Anwar watched the VSTOL lift off silently and flicker into the dusk, then he returned to his suite. He walked out onto the balcony, and for the second time saw the sun setting over the Cathedral complex. September was about to become October, with the summit only two weeks away. He cried out for Asika, and for his friend Levin.

A floor above, Olivia heard him. She too was crying, but silently, and for a reason of her own. It was a quite specific reason, almost a detail, but if she told Anwar now it would change everything. She would tell him after the summit, if they were both alive then. 

SIX: SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2060

1

On the last day of September, the weather over southern England was pleasant. It was a warm autumn evening in Brighton when Anwar cried out over the deaths of Asika and Levin; and also in Rochester, as an Evensong service began in the Cathedral.

For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunter.

He shall defend thee under his wings,

And thou shalt be safe…

The congregation was small, and mostly elderly. The service took place in the Nave, the part of the Cathedral where the West Door opened out onto College Yard.

The Nave was divided from the rest of the Cathedral by the organ, and to either side of it by the Pilgrim Steps and the stairs to the Crypt. A small altar stood in front of the organ. This divison was known as the Crossing.

Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night…

For he shall give his angels charge over thee,

To keep thee in all thy ways.

There was traffic noise outside. Rochester had become down at heel now that the southeast coast and Thames Estuary areas had seen massive new developments. The main road from the new bridges over the River Medway ran parallel to the old High Street, taking traffic past Rochester on the way to and from the new retail centres and business parks, some of them financed by the New Anglicans. They were places as alien to, and as different from, an old conventional town like Rochester as the New Anglicans were to the Old Anglicans. Rochester was dwarfed by them, and left in their wake.

There were only seven people in the choir, and less than fifty in the congregation. The Nave had enough space for many more, but they were almost huddled together in a few pews close to the front. The service was conducted by Michael Taber, Dean of the Cathedral. The Bishop of Rochester was not present.

The service moved on. After Psalm 91, the choir sang the Magnificat.

For he that is mighty hath magnified me,

And holy is his name.

He hath showed strength with his arm:

He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

At the back of the Nave, the opposite end from the organ and altar, was the West Door. Walled off from the Nave, to the right of the organ and altar, was the Lady Chapel. Two other doors, the North and South Doors, were behind the altar, the other side of the Crossing.

On the organ pipes there were painted Gothic patterns, making them look like the spines of books on a Victorian bookshelf. The ceiling was vaulted and groined, made of dark carved wood, with stone Gothic arches supporting it. The pews were also dark wood, glowing with evening sunlight that accentuated the swirl of their grain.

The five figures who, by now, had completed several circuits of the outside of the Cathedral, moved to the West, North, and South doors. At a prearranged time they entered simultaneously, leaving large packages inside each door as they closed it. They bent to make adjustments to control panels on the packages. They unslung their weapons, but kept them concealed, and waited for the next prearranged time to come round.

Those who entered by the West Door made almost no noise, despite the heavy weaponry and packages they were lugging. A couple of the congregation glanced round, but the people who had entered looked official. There was a uniformity about their clothing, and they wore identity badges.

There was a short Bible reading by Michael Taber, then the congregation stood as the choir sung the Nunc Dimittis.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,

According to thy word…