December 2012. There is global paranoia surrounding the predicted event described in the ancient scrolls recently discovered in the Sphinx: the resurrection of ancient malevolence in the form of Halford. His body has been preserved for 12 millennia in such condition that reanimation might be possible using the genesis procedure.

Halford’s advanced technical knowledge, twisted mind and capacity for evil are well documented in the scrolls. Dictators want him. Powerful crime syndicates want him. Scientists want him. But even if they find him, to exploit his curse from the past they first need someone who can communicate with him.
 

Only the three people who found and translated the scrolls have sufficient knowledge of the ancient language: a peculiar Guatemalan known as the Patient; Lord 'Ratty' Ballashiels, and archaeologist Ruby Towers.

As the competing nations battle to kidnap the translators and find Halford, a glitch in the genesis procedure becomes apparent, rendering their quest even more urgent...