Page 150 of The Examiner

Thanks, Gela, but you won’t have to worry about that.

Royal Hastings, University of London Multimedia Art MA *Final Project*

Candidate name: Jonathan Danners

Candidate number: 0883482

The final event:

The voice stopped. I tried everything to tune in again. Nothing. If only it hadn’t stopped immediately after I’d attempted a break in the circuit. We’ve lost the wavelength or something. But we couldn’t go on like that – the voice talking, us listening. Communication is, by definition, interactive. I can’t believe anyone, let alone the likes of Edison or Tesla, would develop a machine of this nature and not ensure it was two-way.

What did Jem and Patrick do to the unit when they tinkered with it? Earlier I wondered if they’d unwittingly opened the door to its secrets, but now I think they severed a delicate link and disabled a vital component. I kept thinking back to the way RD8 stored the unit. In its own room, a controlled environment. Had we let it get too warm or too cold? Was humidity to blame? Dust?

We finished the installation a day or so before the event. After RD8’s feedback, panic helped us make up the time we lost – so the tunnel and the centrepiece were ready early. On another level, time is running out. The event is our chance to move on. Sell this technology to someone with the expertise, vision and resources to do what, in all the years they could have tried, RD8 clearly never did.

To: MMAM(FTP); cc: Gela Nathaniel

From: Jonathan Danners

Date: 30 May 2024

Subject: Logistics

So the final event is here. We pack up the installation, transport it to RD8, rebuild it in their event space and introduce their guests to the experiential tunnel. The company will deliver their own presentation and, once everything is over, we’ll break up the materials and carry them to the incinerator.

Ludya and Jem will liaise with the tech team on-site to set up the screen presentation and soundscape. I’ll be there to oversee lighting. Patrick and I will help load the installation and are responsible for repairs and reassembly, assisted by Jem and Ludya once our tech is sorted.

This is it!

Jonathan

Doodle message group [Private] Gela and Jonathan, 30 May 2024:

Gela Nathaniel

Why are you so keen to destroy the work?

Jonathan Danners

Because it’s over. We incinerate everything. That’s an order.

WhatsApp chat between Jem Badhuri and an unknown number, 30 May 2024:

Unknown number

Is this Jemisha Badhuri?

Jem

Who is this?

Unknown number

I’m the external examiner for Royal Hastings’ Multimedia Art MA. I’ve just been handed all the coursework, plus your student profiles. I understand you wanted to contact me.

Jem

Did Hannah give you my number?