‘Once you’ve created these “plasmoids”, what then?’

‘They are passed through a thunderstorm electron generator. The plasmoids become loaded up with electrons and protons, and therefore become bigger and negatively charged. The fatter plasmoids are then hit with a burst of plasma from spark plugs.’

‘You’ll have to explain “plasma”.’

‘It’s one of the four natural states of matter. The other three—solid, liquid and gas—exist freely on the Earth’s surface. Plasma is artificially generated by heating or subjecting a neutral gas to a strong electromagnetic field. This all happens in a combustion chamber.’

‘Okay, so the plasma hits the plasmoids. Then what?’

‘The plasma injection causes the plasmoids to separate the water vapour into its elements.’

‘Two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen.’

‘Correct. This then burns and creates H2O—water—again.’

Cavalier paused and looked at his notes. He frowned.

‘Are you saying that energy in the water is recycled?’

‘Right. It never dissipates. Imagine what that means for everything from cars to space travel!’

Cavalier stroked his chin.

‘What about advanced weaponry?’

Haut glanced at Donnelly, who smiled.

‘Something we shouldn’t discuss,’ Haut said enigmatically.

Donnelly added, ‘I think it’s fair to say that any industry that uses “engines” as we have known them will need this breakthrough high tech.’

‘I take it you’ve already done a lot of work on this?’

Haut nodded. He seemed reluctant to add more.

‘I should imagine that many countries would be interested in what you are doing.’

Haut nodded again, glanced at Donnelly, and remarked, ‘I’ve already done some collaborative work with the Chinese.’

‘Wombat told me about you and the Golden Brain. It didn’t end well?’

‘I realised that they were using me, and I got out.’

‘I’d like to pursue that later. But let’s continue on the technology. Did you work with any other nations apart from China?’

‘Best not to discuss this now.’

‘I guess it means that if you get this technology developed, pollution will reduce?’

‘Vehicle pollution will be almost eradicated. Today’s engine efficiency is less than forty-five per cent. I will make it ninety per cent.’

‘Your lovely mates at Conquer won’t be too thrilled with you for this.’

Haut pulled a cunning look without answering. But Donnelly proffered, ‘They are the most dangerous operators on Earth. I want to see Al screw ’em good and proper.’

‘What is your ultimate aim with this?’ Cavalier asked Haut.

‘To save the living planet from extinction. It lives and breathes. I communicate with it. I know when it is troubled.’

Cavalier was reflective for several seconds.

‘I don’t think I can touch on all this in an oil and gas magazine,’ he said. ‘Needs a bigger feature. Can we take a step back? Where did the inspiration for all this come from?’