On Saturday 13th September 2014, the world is shaken to learn of the disastrous loss-with all hands-of the British Astute class nuclear attack submarine: HMS Armageddon off the West Coast of Scotland. With the vote for Scottish independence only days away, the Nationalists insist on the decommissioning of the naval facility at Faslane, thus calling the future of the United Kingdom independent nuclear deterrent into question and intensifying the debate for planetary disarmament. With so much at stake, the need is seen for fresh insights, for new ways of thinking. To this end, from around the world, a deeply committed group of people gathers for a residential-like no other-at Blenheim House on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest. Funded by a wealthy philanthropist, the property is equipped with specialized technology and staffed with instructors of the highest calibre. The intention is to take candidates to the very limit of their physical, psychological and spiritual endurance and beyond. Despite his initial misgivings, a senior student-Michael Stapleton-eventually agrees to represent the School of Consciousness Studies in a struggle towards the goal of what appears to be the most arduous of human undertakings-the attainment of enlightenment. Over a three week period, he comes to understand that the challenges, he must face, are also the key to unravelling the mystery of memory blackouts that threaten his engagement and future happiness. Nevertheless, as the enterprise unfolds, unexplained accidents add to his growing sense of unease as Michael comes to realize that he may well be the next target for those who have no intention of allowing the venture to succeed. The Beam of Interest is a fact based espionage thriller about the development of human consciousness and the phenomenon of amnesia due to the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. Careful research has been undertaken to ensure that the main and sub plot to 'The Beam of Interest' are both factually accurate and credible. In addition, the author has used personal experience, wherever possible, to gain the reader's trust that the varied action sequences, most especially in relation to scuba diving, are authentic. The story is narrated in the first person by Michael Stapleton who is the central character. It begins in the reception hall of the School of Consciousness Studies in Knightsbridge, London on Tuesday September 2014, few days before the crucial vote on Scottish Independence which threatens to break up the United Kingdom following the recent sinking of the British nuclear attack submarine: HMS Armageddon. Michael is a senior student of the SCS and has been invited-out of the blue and without explanation-to attend an interview with the School leader: the formidable Doctor Duncan Bennett. Their meeting turns out to be acrimonious but, nevertheless sets in motion a remarkable sequence of events over the following 12 months leading to Michael's attendance of an extraordinary gathering designed to lead to enlightenment. Other characters in the drama include: Iris Sheridan: who is Michael's fiancée and fellow student. She persuades him to attend the residential despite his initial reluctance to do so. Michael comes to realise how little he knows about her as a colourful past comes to light. Jill Frobisher: who becomes Michael's mentor in the techniques of espionage. Bradley Douglas: who is a former senior member of the SCS, ex SAS officer and lately CEO of Rapier International Ltd, an armaments and private military company. He is in charge of the security for the three week residential on the Blenheim Estate as well as its External Events Coordinator. However, he appears to have an agenda other than its successful outcome. Michael comes to regard Douglas as the most dangerous of adversaries. John Cassidy: an American who is on leave of absence from the Behavioural Analysis Unit of FBI after a controversial operation against domestic terrorists back in
About the Author: Chris Allen is a Technical Author with a degree in Physics and many years of experience working as a contractor throughout the United Kingdom in such industries as Avionics, Defence and Transport. He is also a Hypnotherapist and is a full member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He has a lifelong interest in military history and is a student of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. He is married and lives in Hampton, Middlesex on the outskirts of London. He is formerly a PADI trained rescue diver and a keen motorcyclist. He has previously published a mystery thriller: Call of the Void and an anthology of short stories: Hypnotic Tales 2013 both of which are available through Amazon. Web site: www.cach.co.uk E-mail: chris@cach.co.uk