The Prime Minister closed his eyes, leaning against the back of the chair, as fatigue engulfed him like a tide.
"Thank you both for visiting." The Prime Minister finally spoke, his voice fraught with endless weariness, "My Foreign Minister will continue discussions with your party regarding the specifics."
After sending off the two envoys, the Prime Minister sat alone in the dimly lit office. Outside, night had fallen upon London, but what once was a dazzling array of lights now resembled the window lights of a luxury liner drifting on a dark ocean, about to sink.
He picked up the red secure phone, hesitated for a long time, and dialed a number.
"Graham," he said in a low voice, "'Backup plan,' start preparing it. Approach... that 'friend' of ours from the North American Trustee Committee. The attitude can be more 'flexible.'"
On the other end, Graham was silent for a few seconds before a heavy sigh was heard: "Understood, Prime Minister. I... will arrange it immediately."
