Fusion Rising

Fusion Rising, a modern day thriller in which an unlikely duo set out to solve a series of murders in the British Nuclear Industry, where a new technology promises to dramatically alter the fortunes of the UK economy with an alarming link to the past.

   The story begins in 1982, as the Argentine military engage the British on the sovereign islands of the Falklands.  For over 200 years, the search for unique minerals and oil means that both sides have a vested interest in the future of the region.  The discovery of an undisclosed chemical depository, rekindles the fight for the islands and the rights to deep mineral wealth.  An Argentinean, Emilio Rasul Masera is witness to an explosion on the small island of South Georgia that will haunt him for the rest of his life.  Living in jeopardy from Junta discrimination his family are murdered by Jinic Julius, a hit man working for the Junta who he would finally meet and amass his revenge.

   Back in the present, Tiberius, famed roman emperor and code name for the UK’s secret strategy for super efficient nuclear energy is back in action after being moth balled at the end of the cold war.  The team remain divided over the stability of Cold Fusion, an issue that uncorrected would have a catastrophic outcome. Without time to complete much needed research, project leader Alex Gallios proceeds to criticality with frightening consequences.  Scheduled talks between the UK and Argentine governments aim to quell tensions over the region.  This does little to resolve the real intentions of the murderer, the ambitions of Alex Gallios or some members of the team that wish to stay incognito.  With the brutal murder of one of the scientists, suspicions are alerted to outside interference and the challenge of solving the mystery is taken up by the central character, Paigey Hannah a scientist in mid life crisis.  Overlooked by her managerial elite she has been sidelined by the UKAEA (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Agency) to decommissioning at Dounreay in Northern Scotland.  Paigey’s life is turned upside down, when her long held views and morals on the industry are challenged by a local journalist, Dodd Caird who guides her to irregularities in the work and knowledge of the murders.

   Not knowing who to trust Paigey and Dodd leave Scotland to pursue the answers. The evidence leads them to a low level waste repository in Cumbria, a kidnap at a wedding in London and explosive consequences at the headquarters of the UKAEA in Culham, Oxfordshire.   Alex bullishly pushes on with the project regardless of the risks as Paigey attempts to bring sanity to the workplace and steer them all clear of catastrophe.