The extraction is real. A British-led team has pulled the first survivor from a flooded cave system in Laos. Four more remain trapped.
Time is not on their side. The operation is a masterpiece of logistics, using specialist divers from the UK Cave Rescue Organisation. They have been quietly working with local authorities for 72 hours.
The water level is rising. Monsoon season is coming. The team knows the maths.
They have done this before in Thailand. But this is different. The cave is narrower.
The currents are stronger. Politically, it is delicate. Laos is not Thailand.
The government is sensitive. They want the glory, but they need the expertise. Whitehall is playing it cool.
Diplomatic cables are flying. Defence sources say military assets are on standby if needed. But for now, it is civilian.
The extraction of the first survivor is a victory. But the lobby knows the game. One success does not mean the end.
The backbench whispers are about the optics. If it goes wrong, who takes the blame? If it goes right, who gets the credit?
The team does not care. They are focused on the next dive. The clock ticks.
The water rises. Four more souls.
