1949 an alternative history of our planet. Sir Robert Bruce is tasked with finding contact with Idarat and finding out who they are and who they work for. He was appointed station manager in Shuk Abdullah to replace the deceased Woods. Sir Robert finds a connection with the local Wahhabis for help - these are British accomplices. They give a tip, but an attempt at contact results in a brutal massacre on the streets of Shuk Abdallah.