Mike Dixon

The plane landed and taxied to the cement apron beside
the control shed. The pilot was the first to emerge. He was
followed by two men in business suits. One reached into the
plane, picked up a child and carried her through the pouring
rain to the Volvo. The three men and the child drove off. The
big man spent time securing the plane, tying it to anchor
points on the apron. Then, after a careful check that it was
properly tied down, he ran back to the control shed.
Janet returned her binoculars to their case.
„They‟ve received reinforcements and have divided their
forces …‟
She spoke in the precise, analytical voice she had learnt
in the Army Reserve. At first, it had impressed David. Now, it
irritated him. As far as he was concerned, Janet was halfbrilliant
and half-crazy. She was brilliant until her crazy side
took over then it was dangerous to be anywhere near her.
„Davo!‟
She always called him that when she was trying to get the
better of him.
„Yes, Janet.‟
„I propose we divide our forces.‟
„What, specifically, do you propose, Janet?‟
David had learnt the military language too. It hadn‟t been
difficult. He had sympathy with it. It was the language of
people who had to get things right at the operational level.
„I think we should mount two separate operations, Dave.‟
„What do you mean by that, Janet?‟
„I think we should mount a balanced offensive, David.‟
„What do you have in mind, Janet?‟
„I propose that Noelene and I remain here and that you
and Dr Hansen proceed to the farmhouse …‟
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