PORTENT

It is the near future and signs of an impending global disaster aremultiplying. Earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions sweep the earth.As the storms and tempests rage, a series of ominous events signal theemergence of a new and terrifying force. While scuba-diving on the GreatBarrier Reef, a diver watches fascinated as a tiny light floats past himtowards the surface. Moments later, he is torn to pieces as the reeferupts with colossal power. On the banks of the Ganges, a young boy pausesfrom his back-breaking labours, transfixed by the play of a mysteriouslight amidst the monsoon rains, before a towering geyser of boiling waterbursts from beneath the streets, scalding him to death. In the Chinesecity of Kashi, travellers bring back reports of a strange light seenshining above the endless dunes of the Taklimakan Desert. And as thecity's inhabitants watch for its return, the desert rises up to engulfthem in a tidal wave of sand. All have seen a portent. A sign ofunimaginable powers is about to be unleashed. A sign that somethingincredible is about to begin...