Far below there, hidden by night and dark and mist, Gabriel knew a hundred thousand comrades, of the Fighting Sections, were lying hidden, waiting for the signal to advance.
"And it's time, now!" he said aloud, thrilled by a wondrous sense of vast responsibility--a sense that on this moment hung the fate of the world.

"It's time for the signal.

Now then, up and at them!" Taking the rocket--a powerful affair, capable of casting an intense, calcium light--he touched the fuse to a bit of smouldering punk fastened in a metal cup at his right hand.

Then, as it flared, he launched the rocket far into the void.
Below, came a quick spurt of radiance, in a long, vivid streak that shot away with incredible rapidity.

Gabriel followed it a moment, with his gaze, then smiled.
"The Rubicon is crossed," said he.