“Morning Trudy,” Terrance said.

“Another good one I see.”

“What did you do with that tree bark?”

“Come and see.”

When he entered the cabin, she walked over to the nearside wall and returned with a flat stone.

“I ground it down with this. We can give it as a stodge. Though because it’s much stronger than aspirin, I’ll have to reduce the dosage.”

“Sounds good to me. I’m taking Sammy on a little fishing trip.”

“Try to catch a few eh? I’ll take my team out to find that ruddy diuretic you keep nagging about.”

“You do that. See you later.”

He found the young boy waiting and equipped with a homemade hook and line, they walked out of the compound. They soon met a happy bunch of lads carrying a full bucket across a broad shoulder.

“What have you here?”

As he glanced inside, he saw the small, white crystals.

“Would you believe salt. We found a small hill mate that’s covered in the stuff. We only dug about a foot.”

“The news just keeps getting better. Take it to the storage area.”

The stroll north was quite a pleasant one. As the sun bore down the ground began to gently rise.

“Think you’ll catch anything?”

“Of course Sammy. Why did I get you to carry that bag?”

They soon reached the raging torrent, and as they followed upstream, a glorious waterfall came into view.

“Remember to remind me about that. We want none of our people to go
over in a barrel.”

Sammy laughed.

“I’ll remember.”

As Terrance gazed upon the spray, a memory came back.

“At least we know this world had its own ice age.”

“What do you mean?”

“You see young man, a wall of ice ground the rock away and cut the river off. Hence the fall.”

“Oh I see,” Sammy said half-heartedly.

“Come on, it’s fishing time.”

They reached the rocky bank and the guard uncurled the long line made from the tough long grass. He inspected the small hook and reached into the bag.

A squirming large worm soon appeared and he attached this to the hook before slinging it into the raging river. They sat down and watched, waiting for a hopeful bite.

Elsewhere, Trudy and her team were a little further north examining a field of small button toadstools.

“This looks promising.”

They knelt down and began the laborious job of scanning each one. After an hour of this, a loud growl made them look around.

From the trees, two very large brown bears stood upon their strong hind legs watching.

“Oh crumbs,” Trudy exclaimed.

“We should move,” her friend suggested.

“Come on then.”

As they retreated, the bears fell onto all fours and bounded after them.

“Now we are in trouble,” Trudy hissed.

As the bears roared, a team member tripped and yelled out. Trudy swung around as the bears reached him.

“Damn it!”

She grabbed the sonic blaster and fired but the animals ignored it.

She stood helpless as the victim was lifted from the ground, and savage teeth tore his neck open.

“Run for it.”

The animals dropped him, their claws ripping open his lower abdomen.
As the team fled, their snouts probed as teeth tore out the bloody viscera.

“We seem to be doing quite well,” Sammy commented looking down at their catch.

The fish were roughly a foot long with sharp forward teeth. A bright red tail was in sharp contrast to the lovely golden skin.

“Four so far Sammy. We could well have a feast.”

As the line tugged again, the young boy spotted something upstream.

“What do you think that is?”

Terrance pulled the struggling fish out and glanced in the indicated direction.

“I don’t know.”

A small brown hump appeared to be watching from behind a large boulder.

“Unhook the fish while I check it out.”

The guard removed his blaster and walked over gingerly. As he got closer, a large brown bear reared up and roared.

“Grab the fish and run!”

As Sammy obeyed, a long paw smashed Terrance to the ground. He coughed, half dazed as the animal completely ignored him.

He sat up as it entered the raging river, and was soon rewarded with a catch.

“I must be a damn lucky sod,” he muttered as Sammy reached him.

“Come on,” the boy said. “Time to go. Five is quite enough.”

“Hold it a second eh.”

He sat watching as the bear tore the head and tail off before tucking into the soft belly.

“Now we know what bits to avoid. Let’s go and do some cooking.”

The return trip was pretty uneventful, but when they entered the stockade, bad news arrived.

“We lost a man.”

“What do you mean by lost?” the guard demanded.

“Ask Trudy mate.”

When he arrived, the poor woman was quite upset.

“You made it back then?”

“We caught five...What happened?”

She glanced up.

“We ran into bear trouble.”

“You too?” Sammy said.

“We encountered one by the river. It gave me quite a wallop.”

“We tried to run but they came after us. Michel fell and...”

“He’s dead you mean?”

Trudy nodded.

“The blaster was ineffective.”

“They must have some natural immunity. No joy on the diuretic?”

“We were still checking when the attack came in.”

“Come on Sammy. Food’s up eh?”

The fish were slowly roasted upon a good fire and once cooked; Terrance took the precaution of removing the tail and head. He then sliced up the flesh and passed it around. Upon another fire, the tree potatoes were roasted to make a lovely meal.

When the meal was over, everyone returned to their homes and had a peaceful sleep.
...
Terrance did not feel at all himself as he woke from a pleasant dream. His stomach ached for a start. As for the throbbing head?

“I feel as though a truck has hit me,” he moaned.

“What’s the problem?” Moira asked.

“A little under the weather. I wanted another fishing trip.”

“After the bear? You must be mad.”

“I happen to enjoy fishing. Never got a chance on the ship you know.”

He stepped outside and stared up at the dazzling sun.

“No sign of rain yet.”

A figure was dashing toward him.

“Hey Terrance, you better come quick.”

“What’s up Trudy?”

She led him to a cabin where the five residents lay upon the floor
looking quite ill.

“What’s up with them?”

Trudy glanced at him.

“I checked the logs. This looks like food poisoning.”

“From that fish?”

“Seems like it. Lucky we all didn’t have it.”

“I ate that.”

“I know that you did. How do you feel?”

Terrance sat down.

“Lousy as a matter of fact.”

“They all have temps of over a hundred. I’ve given them the
painkiller. We need a diuretic though.”

“You know we don’t have one,” Terrance said.

“We could try vomiting?”

“Will that work?”

“At least it will clear out the system.”

The guard was suddenly struck with terrible abdominal pains, and he keeled over.

“I’ll get you the stodge mate.”

As she fed some by spoon, Sammy wandered in.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s seriously ill. We need salt now.”

“I’ll get it,” he said dashing to the stores.

When he returned, Trudy placed some in a cup and added water to create a brine. She lifted his head and he drank slowly.

“Now lay upon your side.”

As he did this, he wretched violently. Trudy applied the same treatment to the five others and watched the violent reaction.

“Is that all we can do?” Sammy asked.

“That and clearing up the mess.”

For two days, the patients remained in a poor state, but on the third signs of recovery appeared.

When Terrance sat up Trudy was smiling.

“No more losses my friend. A good hearty potato meal is the order of the day.”

“I still don’t understand it Trudy. I sat and watched the bear feed.
The fish was safe.”

She shook her head.

“Obviously the bears have a natural tolerance to the poison. It damned near killed you lot.”

“Why did the scanner fail to detect it then?”

“I really don’t know the answer to that one. What it does mean is that a taster will have to be employed from now on.”

“Like in the old days?” Sammy asked.

“Just like in the old days,” she replied.

On the fifth day, everyone was back on duty and fish was definitely off the menu.

“I see that Trudy and her bunch are out again,” Terrance commented.

Moira nodded sadly.

“They want to check those fungi again and retrieve Michel. Or perhaps what’s left of him.”

The group returned rather heavyhearted. When Terrance had a word, there was at least some good news.

“We found the diuretic and brought a few back for grinding.”

“What about Michel?”

Trudy shook her head sadly.

“There was nothing but a bloody patch left. Even the clothes had gone.”

“Probably dragged the body off,” Terrance commented.

“From now on we will all have to be careful.”

“I agree. If the blasters won’t work other means will have to be deployed.”

“What about that chap’s bow and arrow?”

“I’ve ordered a dozen. He’s making them now.”

“It looks as if paradise has a sting in the tail.”

The guard smiled.

“Paradise usually has my dear.”

Sammy was your typical twelve-year-old boy. Self centred at times and determined to rebel once or twice. He was a natural boxer too, but one thing was very wrong.

He had been born upon a great generation starship that had so recently been destroyed. Only two hundred of the thousand souls had escaped its death throws, and now the real struggle for survival was underway.

The huge grassy plain was dotted with the four evac craft that had brought them here. Each craft holding fifty more or less. Each craft with enough food, water, and equipment to last a month or so. Just beyond, lay the pet pod that had jettisoned automatically before their ship had vanished in that searing, silent fireball.

Upon landing, the exit had slid open and the happy cats had peeked out at their new home. As they trotted off, the survivors gathered to hear the guard speak.

“As you know by now, I am the only ranking officer who survived the holocaust. As far as I can tell, none of the bridge crew survived.”

He paused and gazed upon the sea of worried faces.

“I suppose that puts me in charge then. So, we have to start thinking for ourselves now. Forget about food replicators and everything you knew before. The hard graft starts here.”

From the rear of the crowd, a gruff voice spoke out.

“We don’t mind work but how about food? That is our main priority.”

The guard raised his hands for quiet.

“Staying warm and dry must be our first concern here. So, half of you will break out the tents whilst the second group get’s the scanners. I want information on the fauna and flora. We need to know about water sources, and if it is safe to bathe and of course drink.”

The crowd murmured.

“As for animal life. Stay clear for now. We need to locate rivers and lakes where fish may exist. So that is today’s agenda.”

Sammy pulled his arm.

“Do you think they will listen Terrance?”

“They better son.”

A woman came up to them.

“How about protection?”

“Get the sonic blasters out and distribute them to as many adults as possible.”

As the crowd moved away the guard shouted, “When everything has been done, I’ll need a census carried out.”

They watched as the tents began to appear, and others broke away to check out the means of long-term survival.

“What good will a census do?” Sammy asked.

“We need to know the ratio between the sexes. I’m thinking a generation ahead.”

“We can still have kids then?”

Terrance laughed.

“Let me put it this way Sammy. If we don’t, it’s extinction for us. I don’t think our late commodore would agree to that.”

The day passed leisurely enough. As the teams returned, the picture looked positive. A great river had been discovered a mile to the north, and fish had been spotted jumping. Another team had discovered fruits that had tested safe for consumption.

The really strange find was the tree potatoes. Similar to those grown on old Earth, these hung from the branches like apples.

As for the census, the result was not to the guard’s liking.

“We only have forty females. Luckily all within child bearing age.”

“Is that enough?” Sammy asked.

“To prevent inbreeding you mean?”

“Of course.”

“It’s barely borderline. It’ll have to do I suppose.”

As darkness fell on that first new day, the air was filled with music from the only two guitars that they had. Beyond the fire, strange animal sounds joined in the chorus as the new sun set at last.
...
When the yellow star rose, Terrance crawled out of his tent and found Sammy and the dark haired woman waiting for him.

“Morning Moira.”

“What are the plans today?”

Terrance stretched as white fluffy clouds drifted overhead. He gazed around at the open plain and scratched his head.

“We are in a pretty open position here. It is certainly not conducive to defence.”

“You expect an attack?” Sammy asked.

“We don’t know anything about this world son. Those who did are gone now. So we need a ruddy large stockade in which to build our first settlement.”

“That makes sense,” Sammy said happily.

“It’ll take a month you know,” Moira warned.

“I figure you are right, but it is the best option.”

“Will you be making all the decisions from now on?”

Terrance gave her a strange look.

“For the moment at least.”

“Just as long as it doesn’t turn into a dictatorship.”

The guard smiled.

“I would make a lousy dictator. Tell them about the stockade idea.
We need to start now. Twelve hour shifts. Let’s see how far we can knock that month down to eh?”

The day was spent cutting down many of the trees, and then cutting the logs to size. When darkness fell once more, everyone was exhausted.

“Some day eh?” Moira asked.

“Pretty good I’d say.”

“I had a chat during the day about your leadership.”

“What do they think?”

“They are content for now but eventually some may want to break away.”

“You mean form their own communities?”

“That’s right.”

“I won’t stop that. However, for the present we stick together. Call it safety in numbers.”

Moira was a little concerned.

“There is one other thing.”

“Go ahead then.”

“We lost the droid when the ship went up. So what do we do for a doctor?”

Terrance thought this over carefully.

“The evac craft still have power to drive the internal logs. We can find medical info inside them. We need to select ten folks for that job.”

“You mean train them on the computer manuals?”

“Why not? All the knowledge is there just for the taking.”

“I’ll pass the word around then. What about pain killers and that sort of thing?”

Terrance shook his head.

“The craft won’t have those. Somewhere on this planet, a natural substitute may exist. A team will have to track that down. As well as diuretics.”

“Sure is a lot to think about,” Sammy commented.

“Far too much my lad,” the guard said.

Throughout the day, teams hammered the posts into position, but it still took a week for the outer wall to be completed. When it was, Terrance announced a break.

“Everyone has done their best at great speed. A month of labour was reduced to seven days. So tomorrow we rest.”

“What about a well?” a voice asked.

Terrance shook his weary head.

“We still have the water ration but I take your point. Two days hence, we can dig for the water table over by the right rear wall. We also need to locate a source of salt. As for our buildings, any suggestions?”

The crowd murmured for a bit before voices spoke up.

“None of us know how to construct a slanted roof so why not build flat topped log cabins. We can bolt the logs together with wooden pins. As for windows well. A few square holes will let air inside.”

“What about the smoke from the fire?” someone asked.

“That’s simple,” the first voice said. “We block it in with a tall rectangular construction leading to the roof. If we construct these, I reckon we could build two a day.”

Terrance did a quick calculation.

“That is a great idea. If they sleep five each, we could get away with forty. That’s what? Twenty days work.”

As people smiled, another voice piped up.

“What do we call this place?”

This unexpected question threw the guard off a little. After five minutes of thought, he smiled.

“For now, let’s just call it home.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

“That’s a great name Moira whispered.

“It’ll have to do for now. Earth 2 sounds so corny.”

The following day everyone sat about talking, and two lucky souls plucked away at the guitar strings. When sunrise arrived once more, the slog resumed.

At first light five members went out hunting for natural remedies, as the cabin building got underway. Terrance supervised the well construction like an expert.

After every ten foot, wooden boards were hammered into position to reinforce the walls. After thirty, a rope ladder taken from their equipment was gradually rolled down.

When they reached fifty feet, the lower sidewall collapsed, and a torrent of water roared in.

The diggers scrambled up the ladder grinning.

“We hit an underground river mate.”

As they reached safety Terrance said, “Go get a bucket and rope. I’ll test it.”

Everyone watched as the first water rose from below. Terrance scanned it and muttered, "Tut, tut."

“Well?”

“It’s safe.”

As a cheer went up Sammy nudged him.

“You’re a right old Robinson Crusoe you know.”

Just before sunset, the team returned and saw that two homes had been completed.

“I prefer those to the tent,” the woman said.

When they entered the stockade, Terrance spoke to them.

“How did it go?”

He recognised the look at once.

“No joy then?”

“We checked over a hundred plants and none fitted the bill. Some are downright poisonous.”

“How about tree bark?” Sammy suggested.

“What about it?” Terrance asked.

“You get aspirin from that.”

The woman nodded slowly.

“We’ll check again tomorrow. Also fungoid's.”

“Do your best eh.”

A bloke walked over clutching his home made bow and arrow.

“Look what I made?”

Terrance shook his head.

“I made the string from the tall grass over there. It’s perfect.”

He placed the arrow in place and fired at the stockade wall. When it struck, the guard was more than surprised.

“What do you intend to use it for?”

“We need meat pal,” he said removing it.

“Just make sure that you only kill what we need. We are custodians remember.”

“You worry too much.”

“I’m supposed too.”

The following day, more good news arrived.

“We found a forest of small trees and the bark is perfect as a painkiller. It’s stronger than aspirin too.”

“That’s wonderful news,” the guard said. “How about diuretics?”

“No go so far. None of the fungi we checked is safe.”

“We must keep looking,” he said. “Some of us are bound to get the runs sooner than later.”

“We’ll go out again in the morning.”

Despite constant searches, nothing seemed suitable for the job and weeks began to pass rapidly. At month’s end, Terrance watched as the last cabin was completed.

As everyone cheered, the guard choked up.

“That is a lovely thing to behold.”

“We are creating a new society here,” Moira added. “Hopefully a better one.”

Terrance gazed around at their new settlement with well-earned satisfaction. As the sun went down and he sat within his home, he gazed at the four other residents. Sammy and Moira had been joined by Dudley, a well built fellow who had been a weightlifter and Larry, the ship’s poet.

“So far so good eh?” Dudley said.

Terrance smiled as smoke drifted into the chimney.

“A little too well for my liking.”

“That is what we needed,” Moira said. “Someone to take charge.
Another commodore if you like.”

“I’m no commodore my dear. Never wanted to be. We have been given a time of grace, that’s all. Who knows what lies ahead when that time ends...?”

As the severely damaged ship approached the expected planet, grumbling began in the evac pod.

“We have been here for ruddy weeks now. Food replicators at ration levels as well. How long will we have to wait?”

Upon the bridge, the commodore asked, “What do the scans say?”

“It’s an E1 sir. Temperature between sixty-five and eighty Fahrenheit.”

“Any sign of life?”

“Nothing intelligent sir. Only animal as far as we can tell.”

“As we are on minimum power we can’t even go down for a look.”

“What are your plans?” Mike asked.

“Stay up here until the power drain forces us to evacuate of course. No other option. End of the line.”

“The gravity well is giving us a tug sir.”

“Standard orbit then.”

“Aye sir.”

The intercom buzzed and the engineer spoke.

“We can stay in orbit six hours before terminal decay begins sir. I can’t do much more.”

“I understand chief.”

Within the evac pod, an eighteen-year-old woman had had quite enough. She stood and marched toward the guard.

“I need to return to my cabin.”

“You can’t do that miss. The corridors are still full of toxic fumes from the fires.”

“You tell the commodore to sort it out right now!”

As she spoke, other voices joined her.

“Or else we’ll deal with you.”

Upon the bridge, the call came through.

“That’s all we need,” the commodore said.

“Well the fires are out but the smoke remains,” Mike reminded him.

The commodore turned to his crew.

“Vent the smoke into the auxiliary air conditioning and expel it into space.”

“Aye sir.”

“Will you allow them to return?”

The commodore thought it over.

“The apartments only have minimal oxygen levels. I suppose two hours would be okay.”

Mike faced the bridge crew.

“Transmit the order. Two hours only and they are not to collect personal baggage.”

When the instructions came through, the mob streamed towards their former happy abodes. Upon the bridge, the leader glanced at his security guard.

“I always knew you were command material. You can return to your own cabin for a short while. Say goodbye eh?”

Mike smiled and headed off towards the vacant lift. As he stepped out onto his deck, a familiar face appeared.

“Hello Candy. Forgot where you live?”

The good looking twenty-eight year old smiled.

“I just needed a familiar face.”

“Where is Sammy by the way?”

“I told him to stay in the evac pod. For once in his life he agreed.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Fancy coming in?”

When the door slid open, they noted the dark interior.

“Not even emergency lighting I see.”

Mike tried to laugh.

“I must have forgotten to pay the bill.”

Candy pushed herself against him.

“I’ve always fancied you.”

“Come on my dear we should head back now.”

“You are not escaping that easy chum. If we are to die today, I want you.”

Her fumbling fingers tore his silver trousers open and plunged underneath.

“You’re a big boy then.”

Despite the dark, she soon excited him and tearing off her clothes, she led him towards the wall. As he pressed against her, she threw up her legs.

“Now screw me Mike!”

As he penetrated that soaking orifice, she squealed with pleasure.
...
Elsewhere, the eighteen year old had at last reached her own darkened cabin.

“How do I find it in this gloom?”

She felt along the walls, until she reached the cabinet and opened the top drawer. Feeling inside she soon found the totem that she had been experimenting with this last year.

“If you are going to ruddy well work, now would be a good time.”
She knelt whilst holding the ancient artefact and prayed an occult call for assistance.

“Harmen...Yoko senslat...Tonerra nico...Sonlat assad!”

As she waited, a being appeared before her. The trembling woman gazed up at the image.

“You have come at last.”

“You summoned me.”

“We are in terrible danger lord. I need your supreme power to save
our people.”

The being simply smiled.

“You shall have the power, but only to destroy life.”

“That was not the deal.”

The being laughed cruelly.

“My will is now your will sister.”

As the apparition vanished, she smiled an evil smile.
...
“Come on Mike, push ruddy harder!”

His supple hips thrust mightily against her willing frame as he gasped.

“I’m ruddy well trying.”

She reached down, gently squeezing his testicles.

“See if this helps.”

“Oh crikey!”

She lunged forward, pulling him even deeper as his seed flooded the crevasse.

“You were worth waiting for,” she said with a smile.

“Come on Candy, back to the pod eh. Not much point sticking around here now.

As other civilians looked around their apartments for the final time, a devilish woman stepped into the pet pod.

As she gazed around, a figure was kneeling whilst stroking the cats.
“Is that you Esmay?”

The seventeen-year-old sister of Frazer glanced back.

“Do you think the cats will be okay?”

The woman laughed.

“This entire pod can be jettisoned my dear. To soft-land somewhere safe. Don’t worry, the original designers thought of everything.”

The young woman stood as her old friend approached.

“You look different today,” Esmay commented.

“Perhaps I’m scared of death my dear.”

“It’s an emotion we are all feeling today. Who would have thought it could end like this?”

“I know the feeling Esmay.”

The woman took her hand and playfully pulled her onto the warm grass.

“Remember those stories we used to tell?”

Esmay’s cheeks blushed.

“We were only young then.”

The woman laughed.

“Young, free, and sexed up to the nine’s you mean.”

“Why bring those up now?”

“No reason, except one of course.”

“Which is?”

The woman embraced her.

“Let’s do it.”

Esmay shook her off.

“I can’t you know. Not enough guts for that.”

The woman was persistent.

“I’ll do it first then.”

Esmay was rather astonished as her friend drew the skirt to waist
level. As she gazed upon the bushy thighs, the rampant hussy began to pleasure herself.

“Come on Esmay, get it out.”

Esmay saw the pleasure upon her friend’s face, and unzipped the trousers quickly.

The friends were soon at it but when Esmay neared climax her friend suddenly stopped.

“That’s it now, go on my love.”

As Esmay stroked, her friend suddenly pulled a kitchen knife from under her top and plunged it into her surprised forehead. As she went down the killer withdrew the tip and carefully gouged her eyes out.

As she ate the squashy feast, the friend licked her bloody fingers.

“Not bad at all really.”

As she headed for the lift, the being appeared once more.

“We need a head to fulfil the plan. Find one!”

Catrina smiled and nodded coldly.
...

Danny had been squash champion two years running, and as he stood in the darkened court he muttered, “What a damn waste.”

When the lift door opened, he swung around.

“You startled me.”

“Sorry Danny. Just saying goodbye too.”

“I wonder if I’ll ever play again.”

She smiled, arms curling around him in the darkness.

“I don’t know about that...”

Danny knew the signal and turned to embrace her.

“Fancy a night cap?”

Catrina shook her head.

“How about this?”

Powerful hands pushed him onto his knees, and the dress was raised.

“Now lick me!”

The security guard needed no second telling and the woman soon surrendered to his erotic charms. As the muscles throbbed with rising pleasure, she smiled down.

“Pity about the head...”
...
Catrina had returned to her empty apartment as the head dripped at her side. As the being appeared it smiled with pleasure.

“Now place it upon your breasts!”

“With pleasure.”

She stripped once more and lay down with the ghoulish totem upon her soft flesh.

“Now say the mighty words Catrina!”

She smiled.

“Totameh...Selafim...Sulamorte...”

A blazing light flashed from the bloody head, and a tunnel appeared above her. As she stared, ghoulish green figures began to emerge and pass into the empty corridor.

“Your task is now complete my child,” the apparition said with a grin.

The woman was about to rise when the head opened its eyes and dark tentacles lunged from within the open mouth.

“What’s going on?”

The tentacles wrapped around her throat as others slid between her recently willing thighs. As she choked, the tendrils slid inside that warm place and ripping out the unprotected womb.

As Catrina cried in agony, those around the throat tightened even more. Her last vision was of her mouth being forced open, and the bloody womb being thrust inside her slim throat.
...
Mike and Candy had reached the evac pod when his intercom buzzed.

“Hi there.”

He listened grimly as the report came in.

“What’s up?”

“Esmay was found mutilated in the pet pod. Hang on a moment.”

He tapped the com and barked, “All security units report in.”

As they responded, he became a little annoyed.

“Danny has gone quiet.”

“The squash player?”

“That’s the one.”

Candy smiled.

“We both know where he’ll be then.”

As Mike smiled, she followed him back to the lift.

“Are you here Danny?”

When no response came, Mike stepped further onto the court. A sudden scream from Candy made him glance toward the floor.

“You must be joking!”

He ran to the com and shouted, “Mike to bridge, we have an emergency!”

The call surprised the commodore immensely.

“I know that Mike. What’s up?”

“Esmay and Danny have been murdered sir.”

“That’s all we need. I’m cancelling the home visit.”

Moments later the commodore’s voice ripped through the air.

“All civilians return to the evac pods at once. Repeat, at once.
Security guards report to the evac pods code red. Mike to the bridge.”

The problem was of course, it was already too damn late!
...
“What’s the point of sending everyone there?” Candy asked. “The killer will go with them.”

Mike smiled.

“He knows that my dear. Then we’ll get him.”

“What do you mean by him?”

Mike pointed to the headless corpse.

“You don’t think a woman did that I hope?”

He grabbed her shaking hand and pulled her toward the waiting lift. As it slid open, a group of green ghouls stepped into view.

“How the hell did you get on board?” he exclaimed.

He pushed Candy back and fired with his blaster to no effect.

“Well that didn’t work!”

He grabbed her by the arm and fled to the rear wall, where he notified the startled bridge.

“Intruders within squash court. Immediate assistance required!”

Upon the bridge the commodore whispered, “Where did they come from?”

As the creatures advanced, the sonic blaster fired twice more. At last, the grim faced Mike stared at his terrified companion.

“My duty is to the ship and its passengers. Sorry about this.”

He swung his weapon toward the porthole and fired. As the glass shattered, the air rushed toward the gaping hole.

The combined pressure caused the entire wall to give way with a sickening crunch.

As Mike was sucked out his last thought was this.

“I did my duty.”
...
Upon the bridge, alarm klaxons were going off.

“Hull breach squash court!”

“Seal it off.”

“Already have sir.”

The commodore hit the intercom.

“Are you there Mike?”

He waited, but only static could be heard.
...
As the passengers made their way back to the evac pods, the hull breach caused the ship to lurch suddenly. As they got up from the floors, panic ensued.

One group reached a corridor and found it blocked by lethal green entities. As they tried to turn, sharpened claws tore their flesh apart.

Within the drive pod, the chief engineer watched the power levels fall further.

“Not much time left I see.”

He turned as a horde of creatures appeared from the lift. He pulled the blaster and fired. The creatures ignored this as he hit the intercom.

“Bridge...We have intruders in engineering...”

The commodore’s face turned dark as the report came through.

“Evacuation pods...How many have you got?”

As the numbers came through, he made the only decision possible.

“This is the commodore. Abandon ship.”

“Don’t panic,” the guard warned as people surged toward the automated craft. As one was loaded it was dropped, and a second slid into view. Each craft had enough food, water, and equipment to last for a month. After that, they were on their own.

Within engineering, the battle had been lost.

“Grab a hammer men. Let’s go down fighting.”

With hammers drawn, they rushed the fiends. Their bodies were quickly reduced to mush by the vicious claws of their attackers.

Elsewhere on that doomed ship, Sammy was tossed into one of the survival craft under protest. He did not know that his mom was very dead.

Upon deck ‘C’, a group of kids had managed to barricade themselves within a cabin as the abandon ship order came through.

“They’ll leave without us.”

“No they won’t. Once they know we are missing, someone will come calling.”

The door suddenly caved in as the evil horde burst through. As the kids screamed, the hideous mob fell upon them...
...
By now, reports were flooding in from all decks. To the commodore only the evac pods and the bridge remained safe.

“Evac pods...How many away?”

He heard the grim reply and cursed.

“Only two hundred, damn!”

He was about to discontinue when terrified voices broke through.

“They are here sir!”

“Get the emergency craft away man!”

As the creatures swarmed onto the evac pods, the last of the craft departed, and those many left behind faced a terrible fate.

As the com went silent, the grim faced commodore glanced at the shocked bridge crew.

“We seem to have lost the battle men. I need the drive control transferred to here.”

Upon the screen, the emergency craft were seen to enter the atmosphere of their new home.

“So few escaped,” the commodore muttered.

“Drive control ready sir.”

The commodore reached the console and shut off the coolant before increasing the injection rate to ninety percent. As he did this, the core temperature hurtled skywards. The commodore looked toward the welcoming planet as the overload turned his world white.

Upon a green plain, a group of survivors gazed up from outside their craft.

“What’s that glowing ball?” Sammy asked.

The grim faced guard shook his head sadly and said, “That was our home son. All gone now.”

The great starship at last arrived at their destination. As the commodore gazed upon the screen, the bridge crew carried out the required scans.

“What did you find?”

“Mostly ice sir. Seems they are locked into an ice age.”

“We cannot go there then. How about its moon?”

“Rather strange sir.”

“What do you mean by strange?”

“It’s an E1 sir. Mostly ocean though. It has a single land mass that is not much larger than old France.”

“We had better check it out. Turn to port.”

As the generation ship changed course, other eyes were watching closely.

“This is the monitor. Inform Councillor Gant that the ship is heading our way.”

When the diminutive figure arrived, the monitor saluted.

“How far are they?”

“Pretty close sir. They seemed determined to look us over.”

The councillor smiled.

“We can’t have that. Have the captain transferred to the holding cell. I’ll chat to him there.”

The commodore was watching the strange moon growing larger upon his screen when the bridge crew detected a pulse.

“Signs of high technology sir.”

“Pin it down then. We don’t want to upset anyone.”

Moments later, he found himself standing within a small rocky alcove.

“Where the hell am I?”

He saw the thick metal bars and winced.

“Seems as though I have been kidnapped.”

“You certainly have captain.”

He stared at the strange creature with the look of a brown bear.

“That’s commodore to you.”

“Whatever. May I ask what you are doing here?”

The commodore sighed loudly.

“Investigating this planetary system if you must know.”

“Only investigating? Our scans show that you have around a thousand souls aboard.”

“Give or take.”

“We suspect that you are searching for a new home.”

“What if we are?”

“You will not find it here.”

“We can move on you know. The next planet is roughly a month away at half thrust.”

“That would be wise indeed. As for that world, it is uninhabited. We
would not interfere if you settled there.”

The commodore cheered up.

“That is good news. We have been travelling for countless centuries
now.”

“So we assumed. Rest assured this new world will be more to your liking. Perhaps within a hundred years trade will have been established.”

“I don’t see why not.”

“I don’t see any reason to delay this. I will have you sent back with good grace.”

As this conversation was ongoing, aboard ship other councils were well underway.

Mike was in the briefing room listening to the tale.

“Anyone who abducts our leader is not to be trusted. We have to go and get him.”

“That means armed assault,” a team member pointed out. “They seem far more advanced than ourselves.”

Mike turned to the senior bridge officer.

“Have you found where the commodore is?”

“The latest scan suggests some underground complex sir. A small team may be able to break him out.”

“That settles it then. A six-man squad will take the shuttle and land nearby. Leslie, you can lead.”

The young woman had waited all her life for this opportunity.

“I’ll bring him back sir.”

As Mike stood upon the bridge, the shuttle slowly departed from the landing pod.

“We are clear sir,” the pilot said.

“Proceed as planned.”

Deep below the surface, the councillor was about to depart when the news came through.

“We have detected a craft leaving your ship. Is this some kind of rescue attempt?”

“I can call it off,” the commodore replied.

The councillor waived the suggestion away.

“No need, we have different means of reinforcing a message.”

As the small craft pulled away, a beam of light struck it amidships.
Upon the bridge, the frantic calls came in.

“Exterior hull overheating rapidly. We are under attack.”

“Return to ship immediately.”

“Systems not responding. Hull breach imminent!”

Upon the bridge, Mike watched the shuttle disintegrate before his shocked eyes.

“That was an act of aggression. Without weaponry, we cannot respond.”

He thought quickly.

“Shields to maximum. Code red.”

As the bridge crew responded, the shocked commodore had listened to the councillor’s report.

“There was no need to do that. We are defenceless.”

The councillor pointed to his sonic blaster.

“Not quite eh? You carry side arms. Yours has been deactivated.”

“Only for our personal protection. I assure you of that.”

“I think another demonstration is needed to persuade your people commodore.”

As he marched off, the terrified leader screamed, “Please don’t hurt them!”

Upon the bridge, the new signal was quickly detected.

“Another series of beams sir. I think we are being scanned.”

“Let’s hope that is all they are doing.”

Within the engineering pod however, it was an entirely different story.

“The couplings are melting!” the chief engineer said.

“We can reroute sir.”

“Then do it!”

As they ran to the console, the couplings severed suddenly.

“Everyone out now!”

Elsewhere the beams went straight through the supposedly impregnable shields.

Those watching from the observation pod go quite a shock when the thick glass shattered, sucking them into the vacuum of space.

The beams triggered overloads throughout the ship and those in playing the slot machines in the entertainment pod had to flee from the resulting fire.

As the great ship reeled, only the pet pod seemed immune.

“We have fires and breaches all over the ship sir!”

“Try to contain,” Mike said. “Engineering, what’s your status?”

“Power couplings are fried sir! We can only manage half thrust and that will only last four weeks.”

“It’s that bad?”

The engineer shook his head.

“Actually it’s worse sir. Unless life support is reduced by a third, none of us will make it that far.”

The shocked security officer cut the link. As the bridge crew looked on, he tapped the intercom.

“All civilians proceed to evac pods one through six. This is not a drill.”

As the people carried out the grim order, the commodore waited for his captor to return. As he appeared he barked, “What the hell have you done?”

The councillor smiled.

“Minimal damage commodore. Your people are quite safe.”

“We can’t sustain much damage. What do you mean by minimal?”

The councillor stepped forward.

“We induced a multiple overload along certain lines.”

“That sounds more than minimal to me.”

“Whatever. Now you may colonise the world. Your craft will last long enough.”

“We have no option now.”

“No you don’t.”

Mike was waiting when his leader suddenly reappeared.

“What’s the damage?”

The report was a rather grim one.

“We lost forty in the observation pod sir. We have multiple fires that are being suppressed and the couplings are severed,” Mike said carefully.

The commodore blanched.

“That means we are dead in the water a month from now.”

“I’ve sent our people to the evac pods sir.”

“At least they will be safe there for a while. Those people who held me simply wanted us out of their hair. We paid a heavy price.”

“Yes we did,” Mike replied.

The commodore stared at the bridge crew and said, “All ahead half thrust. We have one chance left...”

When Ep 10 arrives, please don't read if you are easily offended..I'm pulling out the stops for the grande finale...

The commodore lay peacefully within his cabin, thinking about his ship and the residents that were his responsibility. As his mind meandered, he felt a pull to port and decided to check the bridge.

“Anything the matter?”

“We don’t know sir. Thrusters appear ineffective at present.”

Upon the immense screen, a brightly coloured whirlpool suddenly appeared from nowhere.

“Crikey! Hard a starboard.”

“We are trying sir.”

As the ship lurched, the crewman called out.

“We can’t pull free sir.”

“Increase the stabilisers by fifty percent.”

He tapped the intercom and barked, “All stations, prepare for impact!”

As crewmembers dashed to their quarters, the great ship lurched violently.

“Stabilisers failing sir!”

“We can’t lose those,” the commodore hissed. “The ship will be torn apart.”

“We are being pulled in sir!”

The great ship heaved and began to list at an alarming angle.

“We have no choice now. Thrusters to full and point the bow directly at the centre.”

“But sir?”

“Just do it crewman. It’s now or never.”

The bridge crew snapped to carry out the command, as the starship swung into the whirling pool.

It seemed only moments that the sickening ride lasted. Those who failed to reach their cabins were tossed against the walls and in the pool, the water smashed against the port wall. Thankfully, the swimmers made it out in time.

As emergency lights clicked on, the commodore picked himself up from the floor.

“I need full damage and casualty reports now.”

“Aye sir.”

“Any power for the viewer?”

“The mains are down sir.”

The commodore shook his head.

“Engineering?”

After a few minutes, the new chief came through.

“We just got back sir. Battery power only I’m afraid.”

“How long will that last?”

“Approximately twelve hour’s sir. Don’t worry though. We’ll have the drive system up and running by then.”

The commodore was rather relieved.

“We can still use thrusters at least.”

He gazed at the blank screen in consternation.

“Strip every ounce of emergency power and divert it to the viewer.”

Moments later the screen flickered into life.

“That is a surprise.”

He found himself gazing at a series of large planets circling a distant sun.

“Seems as though we have crossed the galaxy. Can we scan?”

“Trying sir.”

Moments passed and the report came in.

“You are looking at an E1 sir. We are close enough to take a look.”

“At least it is Earth like. What about life?”

“Readings indicate animal life and thick forests sir. The north hemisphere is covered in deserts.”

“Looks like we’ll be checking out the forests then. What about those damn reports?”

“All stations read no serious damage sir. The pool has been trashed though.”

“Casualties?”

The crewman looked grim.

“Two hundred with cuts, bruises, and broken bones sir. We got off lucky. What was that thing?”

“A rip in space son. Summon a team to the landing pod. I’m going down.”

The bridge crew were shocked.

“That’s against protocol sir.”

As he headed for the lift he quipped, “Then arrest me.”

When he stepped onto the pod, the four-man team were waiting.

“Coming along Mike?”

“I fancy a change of scenery sir. Surprised to see you here.”

“If we are to settle here I need to see it for myself.”

He paused a moment.

“Please don’t quote regulations either.”

Mike smiled.

“As if I would sir.”

The pods were soon falling through the atmosphere before the thrusters cut in. As they soft-landed, the team stepped outside.

“I hate those things,” the commodore admitted.

“Looks friendly so far sir.”

“Yes it does Mike. Check for signs of toxins.”

“You heard the commodore. Snap to it.”

As the team dispersed with their scanners, the commodore and Mike gazed upon the huge, lush trees.

“Reminds me of the old tropics sir.”

“Me too. After a hundred generations who would have predicted this?”

“It had to happen eventually sir. After all, this was the mission plan.”

The commodore smiled.

“Our ancestors were hustled aboard my boy and this ship was fired into the abyss. A huge blank bit without stars. The scientists of the day thought it would be safer that way.”

“Some plan. Why did they leave? We all know about Earth being doomed of course.”

The commodore smiled.

“That information is still classified. Has been since we left.”

“You have not read it?”

The commodore shook his head.

“Not allowed to. At least not until we reach landfall.”

“Seems daft to me sir.”

“Me too I’m afraid.”

A call from the wild drew their attention. When they responded, they found a team member staring at a vast lake.

“Sorry sir, just a huge fish.”

“What’s the salinity level like?” the commodore asked.

“Slightly above normal but it is safe to swim.”

Mike nudged him.

“Unless of course the fish bite.”

As they laughed the remaining member returned carrying a large fruit.

“I don’t know what it is sir, but readings indicate that it is safe.”

“Looks like paradise,” a crewman muttered.

“Sometimes paradise can be deceptive,” the commodore
whispered. “We’ll stay the night to make sure. It’s time to make a camp.”

As they sat around the roaring fire at the centre of a large clearing, hoots and calls came from the deep forest.

“I wonder where the birds are sir?”

“They may not have evolved here Mike. It would be nice to see a parrot again though.”

A sudden swish was followed by a scream and a crewmen keeled over.

“He’s got a spear in his back!” the commodore hissed. “Draw your weapons now and put out that damn fire!”

As the three survivors pulled their sonic blasters, Mike spotted a dark shape nearby. Taking careful aim, he fired.

The target screamed and he dashed forward.

“Reminds me of an American Indian sir.”

Lying prone was a naked individual wearing a brightly coloured headdress.

“Obviously the inhabitants are hostile Mike. Let’s not end up like Custer eh?”

“Back to the ship?”

“Not until daylight. We’ll hold our position till then.”

They returned to their dead comrade and lay still as darkness continued. When the sun rose, they breathed a collective sigh of
relief.

“Come on,” the commodore hissed. “We can’t live here.”

As they approached the landing tubes once more, a sudden squawk brought them to a halt. From the thick undergrowth, a large ground feeding bird stalked into view.

The sharp beak and intelligent eyes were complimented by savage claws.

“It’s around seven foot sir,” a crewman warned.

“Reminds me of a Moa. Note the black head feathers,” the commodore replied.

“It’s between us and the tubes sir.”

The commodore shook his head.

“I really don’t want to harm it. Our remote ancestors wiped the Moa out.”

“Let me try something sir.”

“Go on then Mike but be ruddy careful.”

The security guard looked around and spotted the rotting lizard like animal by the trees. He dashed forward and picked it up. As he did so, the fearsome predator watched with interest.

“Go and get it.”

He tossed it across to their right and the bird sprinted in pursuit.

“Now move it!” the commodore shouted and they reached their tubes safely. Moments later the thrusters activated and the return trip began.

As they stepped onto the landing pod once more, the commodore tapped the intercom.

“How is the repair going?”

The engineer quickly responded.

“You have full power sir.”

“That’s great. Bridge, ahead half thrust.”

A surprised crewman replied.

“That’ll take a week sir.”

The commodore glanced at Mike smiling.

“What’s a week out here?”

“Aye sir.”

I feel terribly honoured my dear..Deep Space is back again..Now working on no 8. This short series approaching its climax...

Glad you did...Keep an eye out...Salini of Rome is really where it starts you know...

The generation starship continued its voyage through the eternal darkness of space, as the commodore sat within his cabin catching up on his log. Much had happened recently and this duty had been somewhat neglected.

When the buzzer went off, he shook his head.

“I never get any piece around here.”

He punched the button and bawled, “What is it?”

“Sorry sir but I think you should see this.”

He replaced the logbook in its safe and stepped onto the bridge once more. As soon as he did this, he saw the object upon the immense scanner.

“Do we know what it is?”

“It’s definitely a craft of some sort sir. Looks unarmed too.”

As he spoke, the craft became rapidly larger.

The commodore walked to the console and barked, “Engineering.
Reverse the drive system at once.”

As they slewed to a halt, the mysterious craft finally stopped growing larger.

“Scan for life.”

The bridge crew did so and moments later, a light flashed.

“We have an incoming communication sir.”

“Let’s see it then,” the commodore replied.

The screen cleared and a humanoid figure with three brow eyes stared back. As the translator cut in, the message became plaintive.

“We need your immediate assistance. The CO2 levels are approaching
lethality. Can you assist?”

“I’ll send an engineering team.”

The commodore contacted them and a four-man squad was quickly assembled.

As the shuttle drifted from the landing pod, its automatic guidance system aligned the nose with the mystery craft and achieved the required soft dock.

Tamar was the team leader and when they entered the craft’s senior officer greeted him.

“I will take you to the air cleaning system.”

“Are you all so tall?” Tamar asked.

“It is the way with us.”

When he saw the system, Tamar shook his head. A series of pipes and chambers were crisscrossed by brightly coloured wires.

“It’s done up like a chicken. What a mess.”

“You can repair it?”

“Where is your own engineers?”

The officer shook his head.

“We all participate in repairs. There is no need for such personnel.”

“That figures. Come on chaps. Let’s sort out this crazy mess.”

They began checking over the wiring looms when Tamar was called over.

“That explains a lot then.”

He watched as sparks flew from the junction box.

“Cut the power,” he ordered.

Once this was done, the box was duly opened and seared wiring was quickly revealed.

“Okay. We will remove this lot and rewire for you. The CO2 extractor simply overloaded.”

Turning to his crew he said, “Find out what these other wires do, and if necessary use them as a replacement loom. Talk about amateurs.”

The job took over two hours but when the power at last came on the extractors hummed nicely.

“There you are mate. In future train up some decent work parties otherwise it’ll happen again.”

As the shuttle docked, the commodore came over the tannoy.

“Any problems?”

Tamar smiled.

“It was pretty straight forward sir. If we hadn’t arrived, the whole damn ship would have caught fire.”

“Well done.”

As the strange craft moved off, the starship resumed its endless voyage.

Tooey finished his shift in engineering and returned to his cabin. A day had gone by since the encounter and as he lay upon his bunk, he noted that his forehead was covered in a thick sweat.

“Probably my cooler needs adjusting. I need to get some sleep.”

He turned over and slept fitfully as a severe cough gradually took hold.

“Where is Tooey this morning?” Tamar asked.

“Perhaps his alarm failed to go off sir.”

The chief engineer shook his head.

“I’ll go and get him.”

When he reached the cabin, he knocked politely.

“Hey Tooey, time to go.”

He waited a few moments but only silence continued.

“This is damn strange. Security override.”

The door slid open and Tamar stepped inside. His friend and colleague lay upon the bunk deadly silent.

“You alright mate?” he asked shaking him roughly.

“Better call the medics at once. This looks damn serious.”

When his friend was carried into the medical pod and placed upon the table, the android scanned and shook his head.

“My assistance is not required here.”

“What do you mean not required?” Tamar asked. “He’s ill.”

“You obviously do not understand. This man is dead. I will of course carry out a full autopsy. You may return to your duties now.”

As the shocked crewman left, the droid assembled his equipment and the gruesome autopsy got under way.

For the commodore, losing a crewmember was bad enough but far more serious news was about to strike.

“Sorry to disturb sir but I have completed an exam of crewman Tooey.”

“Go ahead doc.”

“His bloodstream was heavily contaminated with an alien virus. I recommend quarantine procedure for the remaining team.”

The shocked officer could not quite believe it.

“What type of virus are we dealing with?”

“It seems to be related to the common cold sir. We need to stop a major outbreak.”

The commodore agreed at once.

“Engineer Tamar...”

Moments later the hard-pressed engineer came through.

“Take the remainder of your team to quarantine zone 1.”

“Of course sir.”

The quarantine zones were located on every deck and had never been used until today. When they entered, a security guard was posted outside.

“What do you think it is?” an engineer asked.

“Beats me,” Tamar replied. “Obviously the doc is worried.”

As the day progressed, a second team member began coughing violently.

“Tamar to doc. We need you down here fast.”

When the droid arrived, the crewman was in a bad way.

“Initial scan indicates lack of oxygen hence the blue colour. He removed a mask from the wall and placed it over the man’s face.

“This should relieve his distress.”

As the crewman gasped for air Tamar asked quietly, “What have we got doc?”

“For the moment I really have no idea.”

The ill crewman suddenly convulsed and lay still.

“He has ceased to function. I shall return him to the lab for tests. Please remain here.”

Soon after, two medics now dressed in decon suits carried the corpse away as the terrified crewmen simply looked on.

“What do you think our chances are?”

Tamar looked at his alarmed colleague.

“I really can’t say mate. This thing seems pretty virulent.”

When the report came through to the bridge, the commodore was not too pleased.

“Can you tell me anything more about it?”

“Only that it attacks the lungs sir. Contamination probably happened aboard the alien craft. This virus would not harm them though.”

“What do you recommend doc?”

“Only isolation sir. My tests are quite unable to diagnose a remedy at present.”

Within twelve hours, only Tamar was left in the quarantine area. Every member of his ill-fated team had passed on horribly. As he gazed out of the thick porthole he muttered, “I’m damn well not staying here to die. I need to see the stars.”

He thought quickly and suddenly started coughing. As he keeled over the door slid open and the guard looked in.

“Oh my. Security to medical pod. We have another man down.”

Tamar suddenly sprang and threw the guard against the bunk. He dashed along the corridor and into the lift. As the doors slid shut,
a smooth electronic voice asked, “Where too?”

“Observation pod.”

“Commodore,” the frantic voice said. “Tamar has escaped his quarters.”

“Damn it. “Security teams to station red. Mike to the bridge.”

Station red was an order to locate and neutralise the threat. As Mike reached the bridge, the commodore gazed at him.

“You know Tamar and the threat, where would he go if he knew that he was dying?”

Mike mulled this over.

“Same place I would go sir. The observation pod.”

“Have a look there. If unsuccessful join the general search.”

Mike saluted and headed for the lift.

As he stepped out, he spotted the ill crewman gazing up at the bright twinkling stars.

“Hello Mike. You know me far too well mate.”

The guard nodded.

“How do you feel mate?”

“Alright I suppose. How about you?”

“Never felt better.”

Tamar turned to face him.

“I heard the station red command. Is that for me?”

“I’m afraid it is mate.”

“Fits the bill I suppose.”

He spread his arms and half joked.

“Make damn sure that you shoot straight.”

The commodore was back inside his cabin completing the log after what had been an awful day.

“Aid memoire. In future all shuttle crew will wear decon suits.”

His cruel buzzer sounded once more.

“Yes?” he said sadly.

“Doc here sir. My autopsy of crewman Tamar is now complete.”

“What did you find?”

“No sign of the virus sir. He appears to have been immune. I’ve started collecting his blood so that a serum can be developed quickly.”

The shocked leader shut the tannoy off.

“I ordered his death and he was fit and healthy. What the hell have I done?”

Ta...

The young couple’s flat had looked over the coliseum for years and tonight was no different. They stood naked watching the constant traffic as it negotiated the endless roundabout.

“Fancy a pizza?”

“I would love one,” she said happily. “Remember to put your clothes on.”

He quickly pulled the top and jeans on, before collecting the cash and heading out to buy the lovely snack. As he reached the bottom stair, a bloke in prison uniform approached.

“Hello.”

The prisoner simply smiled before striking. A well paced blow knocked the young man off his feet and when he hit the floor, his attacker was upon him.

Holding his head in a grip of iron he whispered, “Blood gives me strength.”

His teeth slashed at the artery and he swallowed as much as he could before lurching up the unguarded stairs. The young man was left to bleed to death upon the floor, as he reached the unlocked door.

Noting that it was ajar, he smiled.

“So much these petty pawns don’t realise.”

He pushed the door open and entered the long hall.

“You are back early. Forget something?”

He remained silent as he crept into the warm lounge.

“I can hear you.”

He smiled as he reached the open bedroom where she stood in her birthday suit.

“Who the hell are you?”

“Your salvation miss.”

She tried to scream as he struck. As he throttled her, his bloody teeth sank into the living flesh as he drank greedily.

“Oh this is too good,” he muttered standing up again. “Two in one night is delicious.”

He gazed upon the still corpse and smiled.

“Thanks for the drink. I should be going now. I have a safe resting place.”

He made his way out casually, ignoring the carnage and shattered lives that he had so brutally created.

The squad car had nearly reached the station when the call came through.

“That’s the governor of the prison sir. Some kind of breakout.”

Salini sighed heavily.

“As if tonight has been bad enough. Okay let’s go and see sergeant.

The governor was not a happy chap as he led them to the broken cell. As the detective gazed inside, he shook his head.

“How the hell did he manage that?”

An embarrassed guard picked up the nail file.

“He weathered the stone with this. After that, only a pull was
needed.”

Salini took the object and stared.

“He got out under your very nose man. How incompetent can you get? What was he in for anyway?”

“Trallino is what we call a lifer sir. He was convicted ten years ago for six murders.”

“Did you say six?” the sergeant asked.

“That’s right.”

Salini stared hard at the governor.

“How did he do it?”

The governor thought back.

“Apparently he ripped their throats with his teeth, and drank some of their blood sir.”

“Sounds like a vampire,” the sergeant commented.

“In court he made that claim,” the governor said.

“Now he is out and about,” Salini said angrily. “I should throw the damn book at you!”

The embarrassed official shuffled his feet.

“Come on sergeant. We better catch him before he strikes again.”

When they reached the car, the sergeant issued the APB as the detective sat fuming.

“It is those two who should be behind bars sergeant. How the hell do we catch him?”

“Unfortunately that may have to wait sir. Our patrols will be looking for him now.”

Salini shook his head.

“Take me home eh? I need to clear my head of all this.”

At eight the following morning, the officers found themselves at an apartment block near the Roman amphitheatre. As they entered, they spotted the covered body of the young man.

Salini pulled back the sheet and stared at the awful wound.

“Be careful where you stand sir,” an officer warned. “The blood is pretty thick.”

“Thanks for the tip. Where is the pathologist?”

“Upstairs with the other one sir.”

“We have two victims?” the sergeant asked.

“A young woman sir.”

“Do we know much about them?” Salini asked.

“They moved in two years ago sir. We moved the residents out.”

“Come on Giovani. Let’s see what the doc has to say.”

They found him upstairs examining the second victim.

“Morning Salini. Another bad start I see.”

“Cause of death?”

“Both had their throats torn by a strong individual. There is evidence of sucking too.”

“Sounds just like our man sir.”

“It certainly does. How about prints?”

The forensic officer smiled.

“All over the place.”

“That will keep the court happy then. Our problem though is how to
stop a bloodbath.”

“Catch him,” the doctor suggested.

Salini just sneered.

“Follow me Giovani. We need to see a man about a stake.”

The surprised officer dashed after his boss as the detective dashed out.

“Did you say stake sir?”

“I certainly did sergeant. He thinks that he is a vampire so we should treat him as one.”

When they reached the car, the detective thought quickly.

“I seem to remember an old film prop store somewhere.”

The sergeant smiled.

“I know where it is sir. Just hang on.”

The squad car took off and around twenty minutes later, drew up outside the squalid little shop front.

“Shall we take a look?” the detective suggested.

As they entered, a gent who was dressed in grey monk clothes smiled.

“Can I help by any chance?”

The detective showed his card and his face fell.

“I was hoping for customers.”

As the detective glanced around, he spotted the crosses and
sharpened stakes.

“Sell many of those?”

“Only a few. Diehard fans love them.”

“So you know lots about vampires then,” the sergeant commented.

Their host raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve waited all my life to hear a cop ask me that.”

“It’s your lucky day then mate,” Salini said. “Tell us what you know.”

“Well, most come from Romania, named after us by the way. I’ve traced them all the way back to ancient Israel you know. They tend to feed on virgins mainly.”

“Why virgins?” the sergeant asked.

“It’s to do with corrupting purity you see.”

“They abhor Christian symbols I understand,” Salini muttered.

“That’s right sir. You looking for one then?”

The sergeant remained silent. After a moment the detective said, “As a matter of fact we are. Where would one be found?”

Their host cheered up.

“In an old cemetery man. They sleep by day in their coffins only rising to feed at sunset.”

The detective thought this over.

“I’ll take a cross and stake. Giovani will pay you.”

When they reached the car, Giovani stared at the equipment.

“What are we really doing sir?”

“Just get inside and I’ll explain.”

Once they were seated, Salini unburdened himself.

“If he truly believes that he is a vampire, that cross will push him away. Then we can nab him.”

“How about the stake?”

“Call it a last resort shall we?”

He paused as his agile mind whirred.

“There is an old cemetery off the south ring road. Let’s try there.”

When they stepped out at the gate, a field of smashed stones met their gaze.

“He won’t be in here sir.”

Salini smiled.

“It looks a perfect location to me sergeant. Here, give me that stake.”

Carrying the weapon, Salini went first as his officer followed with the small wooden cross.

“Keep a look out for any smashed tombs,” Salini suggested.
As they picked their way through the stones and rubble, Giovani spotted a ruined family enclosure.

“How about there sir?”

“Let’s take a look and be on your guard.”

The detective drew out his handgun and crept slowly forward.
The great stone tomb was indeed badly damaged, and a large hole defaced the north wall. As the detective peered inside, he hissed and pointed.

“The damn sarcophagus is open sergeant.”

“You think that he’s inside there?”

“I would bet your life on it mate. It’s certainly time to nab him.”

As they crept forward however, the sergeant’s boot struck a small stone. As it skated across the floor, a figure rose from the grave and glared.

“How dare you enter and disturb my rest.”

“Just stay where you are,” Salini demanded. “Cover him with the cross sergeant.”

Giovani raised the emblem and the suspect leered.

“As if that will protect you now!”

With these words, he leapt upon the startled sergeant. As teeth zeroed in, the cross was swiped across his evil face.

The killer rolled as the detective pumped four bullets into him at point blank range.

“Are you alright?”

I think so sir. Sometimes I wish your hunches would fail.”

A sudden groan took their attention.

“The sod’s still alive!” Salini gasped.

They watched as he stood and turned toward them. Fresh blood smeared his full red lips.

“You really think that bullets can stop me?”

He threw himself at Salini who went down upon his back. Giovani saw the stake tip suddenly appear from the killer’s back, as he groaned and went limp.

Salini turned him over and scrambled up.

“He ruddy well did that himself.”

They gazed down at the bloody stake now rammed through his evil dark heart.

Judith, the final story has been posted....

Daddy has bought me lots
of toys.
A whole boxful I have.
More than all the other cats.

I play with them from
time to time.
Throw my mice across the floor.
It’s daddy I like playing with.

I wait until his arm drops
before striking.
Dashing across the floor and
sinking my sharp teeth.

Daddy just grins.
“Play again daddy.”
“Go on then.”
I dash back and lay down flat.

As his fingers crawl across the floor
I strike quickly.
Sometimes daddy pulls away.
Other times I catch him.

Holding his arm within my
strong paws and gnawing the
knuckles.
“Hey that hurts.”

I sit back and grin.
“Want to play hide-and-seek?”
I run back and the game begins.
“Peek-a-bo”

I know where daddy hides and
I find him.
He responds and I dash off once more.
Until I’m tired and yawning.

I’m off to bed now, daddy’s chair.
Daddy can sit somewhere else.
Plenty of choices.
Until we play again.

Next time.

Rome had more than a few bridges over the Tiber and Cesar was one of them. Two stone lions guarded the approach and not far off stood a small square home. Doctor Nante lived here of course. A dedicated though suppressed individual, his line of current research was desire. As he examined his copious notes within the pleasant interior, he gazed upon the flickering candle light.
He well remembered the argument with his mentor.

“You simply cannot separate desire from conscience my boy. We all want to do things but thankfully our self control restrains us.”

“Imagine what would happen,” Nante had said, “Creativity would flow without interruption.”

“What about our dark desires though? Release them and it is a one way ticket to hell.”

“I don’t agree. My experiments don’t show that in mice.”

His mentor laughed.

“We are not mice my friend. You should end this here, before you go too far.”

He winced at the memory.

“He could at least have supported my theory. Now let me see. If I decrease ‘B’ and double the ‘A’ compound that should do it.”

He stood and entered his rear lab. As he mixed the psychotropic drugs into a mash, he chuckled.

“My mentor is about to see that his concerns were built on wet sand.”

After twenty minutes, the concoction was ready and he took his spoon from the table.

“Here we go then.”

He ate the bitter creation until it was finished and waited for the effects to kick in. His eyes looked at his watch carefully.

“One minute, two, three, hmm.”

He scratched his head and returned to the sitting room.

“I wonder where I went wrong? It worked on my mice.”

He sat down and a heavy languor fell upon him swiftly. His eyelids closed and he found himself vanishing into oblivion.

Detective Salini and his trusty sergeant stood over the mangled corpse of the young woman in shocked silence. The pathologist stood as the forensic team continued their investigation.

“She’s a damn mess sir.”

“Are we looking for a bloke doc?”

“I would say so. A damn brute if you ask me.”

“How long has she been dead?” the sergeant asked.

“About two hours. Though it is the bite marks that worry me.”

“Animal you mean?” the detective asked. “Like a dog perhaps?”

The pathologist shook his head.

“I only wish that they were sir. The right leg was savaged and the teeth pattern is definitely human.”

Salini shook his head.

“Sounds like a cannibal to me.”

“There are certainly signs of that sir.”

“I’ll read your report later doc.”

He glanced over at the dog walker who found the body, as he stretched his legs along the riverbank.

“Did you see anyone?” Salini asked.

“I only saw her,” he stammered.

“You regularly walk your mutt along here then?” Giovani asked.

“Every night sir without fail. How could he have done that too her?”

“It’s almost beyond belief,” the detective replied.

“You had better see this sir,” a forensic officer called.

“What have you got?”

“An imprint of feet sir. We’re making a cast now.”

“When it hardens I need to see it. Do they look human to you?”

“Very human sir.”

“Okay then. We will head back to the station then. I want reports by
dawn remember.”

The forensic officer smiled.

“You will have them sir.”

As the sun rose, the officers were looking over the current evidence.

“The feet are definitely a size ten sergeant. What does the report say?”

The sergeant flicked through the pages.

“Autopsy confirms human saliva and the DNA profile indicates a small individual sir.”

“At least that is something. Any matches?”

The sergeant shook his head.

“So we are dealing with someone new then.”

“That would make sense sir.”

“You realise that our task will be a difficult one this time?”

The sergeant smiled.

“When is it easy sir?”

“One fact stands out though. His attempt to consume part of the victim. It takes more than a madman to do that.”

“Could it be some kind of ritual sir?”

“I don’t think so. It’s almost animalistic sergeant.”

The officer glanced at the wall clock and muttered.

“Time for our kip sergeant. I’ll see you back here at noon. Then we
shall go into the victim’s background.”

It was a little after one when they called upon the grieving parents. A couple in their fifties, they had obviously dotted upon their only child.

“She was a good kid. Always done well at college.”

“What was she studying mam?”

“History sergeant. Would have done very well too.”

“Did she have many friends?” Salini asked.

“She was a loner. Preferred study to clubbing shall we say.”

“Why do you think she went down to the river bank?” the sergeant asked.

“That’s the bit I don’t understand,” the mother said. “It was the one part she would never go near.”

“Thanks for your time mam. I promise that we will cage this brute. Come on sergeant.”

As they sat in the squad car, the detective mulled things over.

“He probably grabbed her elsewhere.”

“Sounds like it sir.”

“The more that I consider this; the more I’m convinced that we are dealing with a split personality. Respectable by day but a monster at night.”

“We could talk to that professor of psychology sir.”

“You mean Cline sergeant. I tend to agree. Take us there.”

The sergeant gunned the engine and they trundled off towards the city university.

They found the elderly professor in his room preparing for a lecture.

“Mind if we have a word sir?” Salini asked.

“Not at all detective. What can an old codger like myself do for you.”

The detective told him about the case.

“He tried to eat the leg of his victim you say?”

“That’s correct sir.”

“Your idea of a split personality could well be correct. You see detective, a normal person has a censor that will not allow them to pass a central line of behaviour. Those with such disorders have no such break.”

“I see professor. So by day they could be as normal as your good self?”

“I should think so. You should be talking to Doctor Nante though.”

“Who’s he?” the sergeant asked.

“One of my former students. This would be right down his line. He has spent the last five years working on something similar.”

“Has he indeed,” the detective said. “You wouldn’t happen to know his address?”

The old gent smiled.

“I’ll get it for you. You will find him a great help in this investigation.”

When they drew up outside the home near Cesar bridge, the detective smiled.

“Not too far from the crime scene I see. Let’s go and have a word with him.”

Nante was rather surprised when the knock came, and even more surprised that it was the police. He led them inside the quaint sitting room and waited.

After the detective gave him the details, he nodded.

“You have come to the right place. The chap that you are looking for certainly has no morals sir.”

“What would drive someone to attempted cannibalism?” the sergeant asked.

“A belief that it will vitalise them sir. This myth goes back to the very dawn of history.”

“Professor Cline suggested that he would have no internal brake,” the detective said.

“I tend not to agree sir. We all have brakes, even the insane.”

“Is our man insane sir?” the sergeant asked.

“To a degree yes. However to others around him perhaps not.”

“The professor also mentioned your research,” the detective prodded.

“Did he now? Would you like to see?”

“We would be thrilled,” Salini replied.

They entered the rear lab and saw the latest concoction.

“What are you working on?” Giovani asked.

“A way to free the human creative impulse sergeant. Eh, how can I explain?”

He glanced across and saw the maze.

“I think this will do.”

When they reached it, they saw a small white mouse apparently quite lost within the high walls.

“Now watch what happens when I add my mixture.”

The doctor picked up the furry animal and injected it once.

“Now you will see the change.”

As they watched, the mouse made its way across the maze without mishap.

“Don’t worry detective. The concoction has no side effects.”

“Quite a powerful demo sir,” Salini commented. “Have you tested it upon people yet?”

“Not at the moment.”

“What would happen if you gave this to a killer?” the sergeant asked.

The doctor beamed.

“For a start I would not advise such a course of action. He would become a lot more cunning you see.”

The officers nodded.

“Thanks for your time sir.”

“No problem detective. Call again.”

When they got outside Salini had a hunch.

“I think he is crazy sir.”

“Not at all sergeant. Just dedicated. However I did not his large
feet.”

The sergeant glanced at him.

“He can’t be our man sir.”

“Perhaps not but tonight we shall keep an eye eh?”

As the moon rose, a dark taxi was parked nearby with two watching officers hiding in the rear.

“No sign of movement yet sir. Perhaps your hunch has not paid off.”

“He sits by candlelight and is following a project directly linked to our case Giovani. He’s our man alright.”

After an hour, the driver was becoming impatient.

“I do have my round sir.”

“Not now,” the detective snarled. “Ah there he is.”

A darkly clad man emerged and began walking briskly down the badly lit street.

“Follow him discreetly now,” the detective urged.

The taxi trundled off as their suspect gathered pace.

“I swear that he is heading for the park sir.”

“We need to get there first,” Salini said. “Take a short cut.”

The taxi veered off and within five minutes dropped the officers off. Drawing their weapons, they dashed toward a large rose bush and hid.

“Plenty of people about sergeant. There he is.”

The good doctor had slowed down and was obviously thinking. When he spied an elderly man upon a bench, he suddenly dashed toward him.

“Come on!” Salini shouted dashing into the open.

The gent screamed as the doctor pounced upon him.

“Hold it right there!” the detective screamed.

The suspect snarled and made to dash off once more.

Salini fired twice and ran forward as their man went down.

“Check the victim sergeant.”

When Salini reached the still figure, he noted the fingers pushed into the soft grass. He gently turned him over and reeled back.

The soft features had been replaced by a vicious look that he would never forget.

“The gent is alright sir. How about Nante?”

“He is dead sergeant. Cold, stone dead.”

As the forces of law and order tidied up the scene, a prison officer was joking with one of his colleagues.

“Watch this one by the way. He thinks that he is a vampire. Why they did not put him in the nut house I don’t know.”

As they continued their rounds, the prisoner sneered.

“What do they know? I am a vampire.”

He hauled his bed below the weakened window frame and took hold of the bars.

“Just one more pull ought to do it.”

He pulled with all his brute strength and the bars came free.

“Freedom at last. Now the hunt for carrion begins.”

He climbed onto the ledge and jumped into the waiting darkness...

On a grim morning in September 1940, two German gunners sat watching the air armada heading across the Pas de Calais en-route to beleaguered England.

Within less than a year, the victorious Wehrmacht had taken Poland and most of Western Europe and now seemed poised to land in the kingdom of knights and heroes.

As the armada droned overhead, Stine made a comment.

“Just look at that Yohann. Heinkel 111’s, Dornier 17’s and Stukas all protected by our fighters,the ME 109’s. The damned English don’t stand a chance.”

His friend chuckled.

“I hear that Goering has been at it again.”

“What has he been saying then?”

“That when Britain fell, he would invite Churchill to his country home for a drink and cigar.”

Stine laughed.

“That would be worth seeing my friend. Do you think our invasion is imminent then?”

Yohann pointed to the nearby port.

“See those barges and the troop tents?”

“What about them?”

“They get more numerous by the day my friend. That can only mean one thing. That Sealion is pretty damn close.”

Over the channel, Spitfires and Hurricanes rose to do battle as a squadron of Whitley and Wellington bombers began their approach. As sirens warbled their alarm, the two gunners cursed.

“Here we ruddy well go again. Obviously the RAF are still in the fight.”

Yohann nodded.

“Why don’t they simply surrender? Enemy at twelve o’clock.”

The anti-aircraft gun was raised by its wheel to the new position, and soon after began spitting out its deadly shells.

The bombers were a bit too high for that. They roared overhead, as their cargo’s whistled down upon the invasion port. As the gunners fired furiously, the barges and tents took a terrible pounding.
“Watch out!” Stine yelled suddenly.

Two Spits had broken off and were swinging in their direction. The two gunners ranged their targets and let off a lethal volley. One aircraft’s wing was blown off completely, sending it corkscrewing into the port.

The second fighter was struck amidships and blew apart, as the gunners cheered with undoubted relief.

“One to us mate,” Yohann said calmly.

As the fierce battle continued, all was peaceful in the Reich capital of Berlin.

Himmler, the former chicken farmer now Reichsfuhrer SS, sat behind his magnificent desk reading the latest security report when his door was unexpectedly rapped.

He glanced up through his small glasses and said, “Enter.”

Standartenfuhrer Gluck marched in wearing the gleaming black uniform of the SS. As he gave the salute, the Reichsfuhrer smiled.

“What can I do for you Gluck?”

The officer approached and handed over a sheath of papers.

“Naval intelligence has come up with a plan to end the war quickly sir. Admiral Raeder thinks you should take a look at it.”

Himmler opened the document and began reading as the officer watched with interest.

“He wants to land a squad near Dover by U-boat?”

“Yes sir. They picked up a secret message from London. Churchill plans to visit on Wednesday.”

“Two days hence. That’s a damn tight schedule.”

“They need the Luftwaffe to strike Dover hard so that the defenders will have something else to think about sir.”

The humourless SS leader actually grinned.

“I’ll arrange that. Tell the boys that they can go ahead. Our glorious Fuhrer loves audacious plans. He won’t object.”

When Glucks saluted to leave, the Reichsfuhrer said quietly, “Go get me Churchill.”

As the moonlight glinted down upon the choppy channel, the U 34 finally surfaced one mile from the English coast. As the four troopers climbed into their rubber attack boat, German bombers pounded the fortified town.

“I wish you luck,” the captain said. “If any of you survive, send us the agreed message.”

“Don’t worry about us sir, we will get our target.”

He climbed into the small craft and his team started rowing frantically. As the sub vanished beneath the dark waves, weapons were checked.

“Now remember boys, when we hit the shingle beach make for the upper scrubland.”

Despite mines and barbed wire, the little craft hit the beach as planned and the special unit scrambled for the bluff.

The commander gazed ahead at the small farmhouse across the way.

“At least the recon photos were accurate for a change. I think the coast is clear.”

As he made to move, a cyclist rattled into view and he froze.
“Ruddy LDV’s. He better keep going.”

The local defence volunteers, or dad’s army, had been formed as a last ditch defence unit. Mainly consisting of the over fifties, these brave souls never expected to meet the actual enemy.

The cyclist stopped and unfastened his rifle. He turned a torch upon the deserted beach and began humming to himself.

Just a few feet off, the commander was getting jittery.

“Wolfgang, deal with him eh?”

The squaddy grinned and moved to the right. As the torchlight swung overhead, he dashed out and gripped a palm over the startled Brit’s mouth. Almost at once, a knife was plunged into his kidney.

Lowering him quietly to the ground, his comrades dragged it toward the waterline as another grabbed the cycle.

“Now for the damn farmhouse,” the commander hissed.

He led his men across the gravel spit until they almost crashed into the rear wall. He gingerly checked for the rear doorknob and found it unlocked.

Placing a finger to his lips, he levelled the machine gun and burst through. Automatic fire briefly sounded, as the elderly couple were cut down whilst listening to the radio.

The commander now paused.

“Okay, stuff their corpses in one of the bedrooms and we’ll check the map again.”

By the time his men returned, the small map had been rolled out upon the small coffee table.

“We are here,” he said pointing. “As you know the town is protected on three sides by anti-aircraft batteries and machine gun nests. Therefore if we take this path here, we should break through from the south.”

“Sounds like a foolproof plan,” Wolfgang noted.

“The fool Churchill plans to stay at the Golden Arms pub located here and that is our next target.”

“If I was him,” Spitz chuckled. “I would stay at the Citadel.”
The commander smiled.

“I sometimes admire him you know. The castle would certainly be safer. This is one bit of Bulldog bravado that he will quickly regret.”

“How many are you taking?” Spitz asked.

“Just Wolfgang and myself. “You two can hold on here until we return. Then it’s back to the beach where Sparky can contact the sub.”

“In broad daylight?” Sparky asked. “The RAF will pounce.”

“There is no other way.”

Spitz shook his head.

“After killing their PM, you’ll never get out alive.”

The commander smiled.

“When I was in Norway, I found myself surrounded by twenty British Tommies. Only I walked away. This requires nerve and daring. With luck and the Fuhrer’s wishes, we shall return.”

As the team gazed upon their brave leader with some admiration, a lone dog walker had ignored the warnings by breaking onto the barbed wire beach.

“Go on Larky and get the stick.”

As the poodle dashed along the shingle, a paw struck one of the landmines and was blown to smithereens. As the sound reverberated across Dover, the squad dashed to the window.

“Probably some fool with a shotgun,” the commander whispered. “You know what these English are like.”

His team chuckled as he and Wolfgang headed for the front door.
Dashing south across the level ground in a southerly direction, they expected to meet no resistance to their dastardly plan.

The explosion had attracted the attention of the town garrison and as the terrified dog walker waited in abject terror, a small squad soon spotted him.

“What the hell are you doing there,” the captain demanded.

“My pooch needed the loo.”

The captain glanced across the gravel.

“I see no mutt.”

The poor civilian pointed to bits of tattered flesh as the captain cursed.

“Serves you bloody right mate. Don’t you know what minefield means?”
As he nodded, the captain shook his head.

“Find me a ruddy branch. I’ll have to get this idiot out.”

With the branch, the brave trooper prodded his way towards the petrified man. When he reached him, he cuffed his ear.

“I’ve got a damn good mind to push you onto one of those. Now follow me.”

The rescue operation had gone quite well with the grateful civilian promising never to be as foolish again. They were about to leave when the eagle-eyed corporal spotted something.

“Shine your light over there.”

As the torch beam swept the beach, the cycle and body came into view.
“Ruddy Nora,” the captain exclaimed.

“What do we do sir?”

The captain thought quickly.

“The blighters must be ashore mate. We need to call the Citadel quickly.”

The corporal pointed to the nearby farm cottage.

“Right you lot follow me,” the captain ordered. “The castle boys will have to clear this up.”

Within the farmhouse, the two enemy troops were unaware that danger was hurtling toward them. They were sitting upon the floor by the kitchen hearth, when the knock came.

“We need to use your phone. Ruddy Jerries landed!”

The troopers glanced at each other.

When a fist banged loudly, the men stood and levelled their weapons. Spitz gripped the handle tightly as Sparky prepared.

“Now!”

When the kitchen door swung open, a wall of lead cut the soldiers down.

“Now pull them inside,” Spitz ordered and the bodies were hauled into the sitting room.

As soon as their weapons were retrieved, the door was quickly locked.
“They will be missed,” Sparky warned.

“I know but, we had no choice. We just have to hope that the commander returns before the Home Guard finds out.”

His colleagues however had a few problems of their own.

As they made their frantic way to the south side of Dover, a passing patrol had spotted their running forms.

“What else can go wrong?” the commander hissed. “How many are there?”

As Wolfgang looked, he ducked back down.

“Six sir. Not Home Guard either.”

The suspicious Tommies had taken up the standard defence position.
“We know you are there. Come out with your hands up.”

“What the hell will we do sir?”

“Find a way out of this Wolfgang of course. Let me try something.”

The commander knew some English and gave it his best shot.

“Just been out mate. We had a bit too much to drink that’s all.”

The troopers laughed.

“Come on then and we will give you both a lift.”

The commander removed two grenades and primed them. As he stood, he threw them at once. As he ducked back down, the explosives detonated.

“Now come on!”

The commander dashed past the mutilated bodies and made it safely to the southern road. As they scampered into town, a lone policeman turned the corner.

“Hello there.”

Wolfgang lashed out with his fist and the copper crashed onto the pavement.

“Drag him into this alley,” the commander ordered.

Once dumped, they sprinted along the road until the Golden Arms came into view.

“Nearly there,” the commander gasped.

As they reached the front door, they found it bolted. Wolfgang rapped loudly, and the landlord was heard coming down the stairs.

“When it opens, cosh him.”

As Wolfgang nodded, the landlord called out.

“Who’s there? Don’t you know that we are closed?”

“Sorry mate, Home Guard.”

“Hold on then.”

When the door opened, a fist sent him reeling. As he gazed up from the floor, he recognised the battle clothes.

“Ruddy hell!”

“Keep quiet and get upstairs. One sound and it is curtains mate.”

Wolfgang led the startled man upstairs as the commander locked the door. When his comrade returned he said, “He’ll make no trouble. Thinks the invasion has arrived.”

The commander smiled.

“I wish that it had. So, we have almost made it. When Churchill arrives he is in for one hell of a shock.”

That Tuesday night, a lone vehicle was trundling through the gloom heading for Dover. Within the back seat, their target was chuckling with his security officer.

“The general thinks we are arriving tomorrow sir. He will be none too pleased.”

“I like to take people by surprise Dawson. This’ll shake them up.”

“What if the pub is closed?”

Churchill just gleamed.

“Then you sir will wake them up.”

As the car drew up, the elderly but fit PM stepped out as Dawson
knocked softly.

“Try harder man!”

Dawson fairly banged until an unfamiliar voice called, “What do you want?”

The PM suddenly became livid.

“That’s a fine way to treat me sir. Open the damn door!”

They heard it being unlocked, and a gun barrel suddenly confronted them.

“Inside now!”

The PM glanced at his guard.

“Seems the rats are here Dawson.”

They were shoved into the back room and ordered to sit, as the commander smiled.

“Where is the landlord?” Churchill asked.

“Upstairs,” the commander said. “He is unharmed.”

“Glad to hear it,” the PM muttered. “Do you mind if I smoke?”

Wolfgang smiled.

“Go ahead. It will be your last.”

The PM pulled out the cigar and calmly lit it. As his guard watched, he started blowing smoke rings.

“Welcome to Britain young man.”

The commander smiled.

“Thanks.”

He watched as his comrade said, “We should get it over with sir. That sub captain is a rather nervous type.”

“Let him smoke for a moment. The poor geezer deserves it.”

Remembering some of his English he said quietly, “You should have retired Winnie.”

Churchill shook his head.

“I love the bustle of politics too much.”

Then he glanced at his worried guard.

“This reminds me of my escape from that Boer camp years back.”

“I read your account,” the commander said happily. “Was a bestseller
in my country.”

Churchill smiled back.

“In Britain too,” he said winking to Dawson.

As the cigar neared the last puff, the PM suddenly groaned and fell off his chair clutching at his chest. As Dawson went to his assistance the Jerry asked, “What’s up with him?”

“He’s having a ruddy heart attack mate!”

Wolfgang was not that fooled by these antics.

“We finish now!”

As Dawson watched, he cocked his weapon and pointed.

“We don’t shoot ill men soldier. Go get a glass of water.”

Wolfgang hissed and dashed toward the kitchen. As he entered, the PM
groaned loudly. Dawson understood and slipped him his handgun.

“I need to sit up Dawson.”

The commander gazed toward the kitchen where his colleague was taking his time.

“What the hell are you up to?”

“Coming sir.”

As Wolfgang walked into the room, two shots rang out. As he fell Churchill hissed, “Drop the carbine now.”

The startled commander stared at the sitting figure.

“That was a rouse.”

“When you read my account you obviously missed a page. Get the weapon Dawson.”

The relieved guard did so and the German raised his arms high.

“Now my friend,” the happy leader said. “What is this about a sub?”

The commander replied by stating his name, rank, and serial number.

“Tie him up Dawson. I need to make a call.”

When Winnie found the phone, he called the town castle.

“This is Churchill from the Golden Arms. Issue Cromwell.”

This codeword was the command to respond to imminent invasion. The PM knew what havoc it would cause.

Within ten minutes of the invasion alert, church bells rang across England and the army and Home Guard rushed to their deployment areas.
Within the Citadel, General Ramsey was also active.

“I need thirty men to accompany me to the Golden Arms at once. The PM must be in trouble. Bring the ruddy armoured car too.”

“What if Jerry lands sir?” the sergeant asked.

Ramsey shrugged his shoulders.

“Invite him in for a pint man.”

The convoy streamed out of the ancient castle as the machine gun nests looked skyward for the expected paratroops. As it reached the pub, the door opened.

“Hello Ramsey. You took your time.”

Ramsey blushed and stammered, “Sorry Prime Minister.”

When his men entered, they found the surviving enemy tied against
the banister.

As Churchill fingered his handgun he said, “Sorry for the alert but
I needed some attention.”

“I understand sir. You dealt with them nicely I see.”

The PM grinned.
“We had an absolutely lovely time general. He spoke off a sub though. That tells me there is another group in the area.”

The general turned to the prisoner.

“Is he right?”

The commander kept silent.

“We’ll never get it out of him general,” Churchill said.

“So what do you suggest sir?”

“I used to be head of the admiralty as you know. Dover shoals protect this area, which means the sub’s movements are restricted to
a certain area.”

“I see what you mean sir. The shoal ends not far from here. Around two miles I’d say.”

The PM smiled.

“Shall we take a look?”

“What about the prisoner sir?” Dawson asked.

Churchill shook his head.

“Leave him to rot. We’ll collect him later.”

The convoy set off north toward the coast as Churchill contacted the RAF.

“A squadron of Spits are on their way general. As for his accomplices, what do you think?”

The general thought quickly.

“I would look for an out of the way place sir.”

The PM agreed.

As they approached the spit, the general spotted the farmhouse.

“How about there sir?”

“Stop the car!”

The convoy halted as Churchill gazed upon the blacked out building.

“For all we know innocent civilians may live there. Tell your gunner
to target the outhouse.”

The armoured car swung around and lined its muzzle up. When it fired, the chicken coop went up in flames.

For those inside the home, this was bad news indeed.

Scrambling to the window, they spotted the armoured vehicle and the convoy.

“Oh ****!” Sparky hissed.

Spitz smashed a window and opened up.

Within his car, Churchill was unperturbed by this response.

“I want them alive General. Tell your men!”

“I’ll try sir.”

As the rearguard deployed, the worried General joined them.

“He wants them intact.”

Another volley of fire pummelled the ground.

“I don’t think Jerry agrees sir,” the sergeant said.

“Send half your men to the left. We’ll cover you.”

The sergeant smiled.

“A pincer movement sir?”

“Naturally.”

As they dashed, the general’s men opened up at once. The intensity
forced the enemy to duck down.

“We should try to run for it,” Sparky suggested.

“Never. We fight till we win!”

He heard the shooting cease and crouching once more, fired again.

“I think we have got them,” the general hissed. “Right, cover me.”

He dashed forward towards the wall as the first group joined him.

“Ready sir.”

“Great. Now after three. One, two...”

His boot smashed the door open and he dived inside. Rolling over he
levelled his weapon.

“Drop it!”

The startled enemy promptly did so, and were hauled up. Moments
later a beaming Churchill walked inside.

“You’re still alive,” Sparky groaned.

“Of course I am. This Bulldog has teeth yet you know. Find the radio
sergeant.”

The satchel was soon located and handed over.

“You’ll never work it,” Spitz boasted.

The smiling PM grinned.

“I know enough German to bluff my friend.”

He turned it on and set the frequency. As he did so he quipped
offhandedly, “This should be fun.”

As it crackled into life, he thought quickly.

“Of course, a code.”

Spitz smiled.

“You’ll never guess it.”

The PM pressed the button and said in perfect German, “The cigar is finished.”

As everyone waited, a reply came through.

“Well done commander. See you at the shoal.”

The PM cut the signal and grinned.

“It had to be that you know. We’ll let the RAF deal with the sub.”

Staring at the soldiers and his bodyguard he suddenly hissed, “Not a word of tonight’s antics is ever to get out. You understand?”

“What about the invasion alert?” Dawson asked.

“Tell them some nuns were mistaken for paratroopers.”

As the enemy was led away at gunpoint, a silent bow broke surface.

“Hatch clear sir.”

The captain smiled.

“The Fuhrer will be pleased. I’ll go on deck and greet them.”

He only reached the conning tower in time to see twelve Spitfires
hurtling down with cannons blazing.

For the record of this event, none exists. Churchill it seems had his way.

However, the press and radio did report his visit to the heavily bombed port, and the successful attack upon an enemy U-boat. The general public remained ignorant of how close they came to losing their leader, and the war.

“Read him his rights,” the detective said as he pushed the criminal against the desk.

“Hey, do you mind?”

“Actually no,” Salini muttered. “Rome is a little safer with you off the damn streets.”

The sergeant glanced at his watch as the thief was checked in.

“It’s gone ten sir.”

“That’s the end of our day then Giovani. See you in the morning.”

Elsewhere that night, a young man was frantically dancing at Nero’s nightclub with two friends of his.

“Fancy another short?”

“No thanks. I’ve had quite a few ta.”

The eighteen year old was a well-known kid who had everything to live for really. As his dancing became frenetic, he suddenly keeled over and went into a series of violent convulsions.

“Someone call an ambulance.”

By the time the medics arrived, the young man was quite dead.

The following morning, the two officers found themselves at the city morgue as the pathologist carried out his routine autopsy.

The detective disliked this part of his job, but managed to put up with it.

“Find anything doc?”

“He certainly took speed Salini. However it’s of a type that I’m quite unaware of.”

“That drug is common enough,” the sergeant pointed out.

“This is far more potent,” the pathologist said. “It’s as if it is supposed to kill.”

“That’s rather disturbing,” the detective said.

“Whatever this is, the quicker it’s off the streets the better.”

“Okay doc, we’ll see about that. Come on sergeant.”

“Where to now sir?”

The detective thought things over.

“Let’s speak to that friend of his eh? We might just learn something there.”

They found the modern home easily enough and the youth was more than willing to talk.

“I was with him all night sir. There is no way that he could have got hold of speed.”

“Perhaps he took it before you met him,” the sergeant suggested.

“He could have done I suppose. Though I find that difficult to believe. He wasn’t into that.”

As they sat inside the squad car, Salini had a thought.

“Obviously his mate has been kept in the dark.”

“Which means he bought the drug from a dealer sir.”

“You know this city Giovani. Who’s the local supplier?”

“A chap by the name of Pedro sir. I know where to find him.”

“Let’s do that then.”

The creep had long dirty hair and had just concluded a deal when the car drew up.

“Morning Pedro,” the sergeant said stepping out.

“What do you want?”

“Just a word son,” Salini said. “Search him sergeant.”

The officer pushed him against the wall and patted him down. He
quickly pulled out a small bag of white powder.

“Heroine sir.”

“Oh dear me,” the detective muttered. “You’re nicked son.”

As they tossed him into the rear, the car set off towards the station.

“What can you tell us about a new drug on the streets?” the sergeant asked.

“What new drug?”

“Let’s call it super speed shall we?” the detective suggested.

“I don’t touch that man. My clients trust me.”

“So you were approached?” the sergeant asked.

“Yeah, by some African geezer.”

After booking him in, he was tossed into the interview room. As he sat waiting, the questions continued.

“So who was he?” Salini asked.

“I don’t know man. Not from around here anyway.”

“When was that?” the sergeant asked.

“About two days ago. When do I my phone call?”

The officer slammed a clenched fist down upon the desk.

“When I say so.”

“Possession with intent to supply has a four year term,” the sergeant reminded him.

“Who says that I supplied anyone?”

“Your pouch was too full to get away with that one,” Salini said.

“What do you want?” he said at last.

“As much info as you can remember,” the sergeant replied.

“At least we got a description,” the detective said.

“It’ll be like finding a needle in a haystack though,” the sergeant said. “Rome is full of such low life.”

“What we need is a sting operation sergeant. I think we know who can help there.”

As they entered the strip joint on Berto Street, the proprietor smiled at them.

“A drink on the house.”

“No thanks we are on duty,” the detective said.

“Is this official business?”

“Kind of,” Salini said. “A new and lethal drug has already claimed
one kid and I’m desperate to stop a second.”

Don Juin smiled.

“You need my help of course.”

“On an unofficial basis,” the sergeant added.

“Of course. What do you have in mind?”

Salini smiled.

“I rather think a sting operation would do the trick. Could you let it be known that you want to buy a hundred worth of speed?”

The boss smiled.

“I can certainly do that. I don’t like drugs either. So I’ll be happy to help.”

“Let us know eh?” Salini said as he went to leave.

“Pop in anytime detective. Life time membership of course.”

Back inside the squad car, the detective hissed.

“Never thought I’d need his help.”

“He has his uses.”

The detective grinned.

“One day Geovani I’ll pin something on him.”

As they drove off the sergeant smiled.

“I wish you luck sir.”

As night fell across the city, the new drug claimed two more young lives. Around noon, the detective received the waited call.

“We’ll be there.”

“It’s arranged sir?”

“Yes Giovani. Near the airport of all places. I’ll arrange the back up. We collect at ten tonight.”

The two officers sat in a blacked out vehicle, watching the warehouse closely through binoculars.

“It’s been over an hour sergeant and nothing seems to be happening.
Don Juin had better not be leading us up the garden path.

“He may be a crook sir, but on this occasion I thought that he was sincere.”

The detective hissed.

“Hold it a moment, a car is drawing up.”

A long estate car had indeed pulled up outside the darkened building, and two gents stepped out. As the officers watched, the warehouse doors were pulled open and they stepped inside.

“At long last.”

Salini took his radio and barked, “All stations, go!”

From trucks parked nearby, armed officers crept out and advanced toward the suspects. The two officers drew their weapons and joined them.

Salini saw the half moon deployment and was handed a megaphone.

“Come out, you are surrounded.”

At first there was silence followed by the door sliding open once more. Then the deadly rattle of automatic fire filled the air.

“Damn it!” the detective shouted.

The armed officers returned fire as Salini scanned the enemy.

“This was the last thing that I wanted.”

Two officers dashed behind some barrels and sprayed the front entrance. A criminal yelled and went down, as the second group of officers ran across the tarmac firing continuously. Once they reached the entrance, stun grenades were tossed inside before they dashed inside.

A volley of fire rent the air until silence fell once more.

“Come on sergeant.”

They dashed into the building and surveyed the scene. Two riddled bodies lay upon the floor and the gang were lined up against the wall.

A number of crates had been stacked in the centre of the warehouse and to these the detective marched over.

Peering inside, he saw the deadly cargo.

“We got them banged to rights. Take them to the station, we’ll speak there.”

Back inside the interview room, one of the gang sat nervously.

“So how long have you been importing drugs?”

The African suspect leered at Salini.

“Longer than I care to remember.”

Salini smiled back.

“Three have died because of your actions. Were you aware of their potency?”

“Our South American clients simply said that they were a new batch.”

“You didn’t test them?” the sergeant asked.

“Of course not. I’m not responsible for that.”

“Who is?” Salini asked quietly.

“We do have a chemist.”

“He tested them?” the sergeant asked.

“I was there mate. He gave the all clear.”

Salini slammed the desk.

“Some chemist. He must have known how deadly they were.”

“He has never made such a mistake before,” the suspect replied.

“Where can we find him?” the detective asked.

“Pello Street. He runs that pharmacy.”

“How much of the drug is on the streets?” the sergeant asked.

The suspect smiled.

“About two grand worth.”

The detective hissed.

“Damn it! Come with me sergeant.”

Once in the corridor, the detective leant against the wall.

“I want public warnings issued and this chemist picked up tonight.”

“I’ll do that sir. Do you think we got the entire consignment?”

“I just hope so mate.”

The detective led the team to the pharmacy and the suspect was rudely tossed out of bed. The detective pushed him against the wall roughly.

“We are closing down your operation mate. If you can’t even grade speed, you are unfit to practice. Take him away.”

By the break of dawn, the newspapers and media were running warnings in connection with the new drug. As the detective headed home to his pad, the sergeant was smiling.

“Only three deaths sir. We caught this in time.”

“We both know how it works sergeant. By next month, another consignment will arrive through other channels. We can only hope they are weaker in strength.”

As the moon rose above
that lonely graveyard,
a dark figure walked with
purpose toward a headstone.

Dark suited and grim faced.
He stalked this place.
Gazing down nightly upon
his own name.

“Nice place this. A bit
quiet though.”
A tread from behind
startled this being.

Swinging around he watched
as the dark haired creature
advanced upon him.
“Thought I’d find you here.”

The figure ignored it.
“Come to gloat have we?”
“Not at all.”
The figure sneered.

“Happy life, happy death
I suppose?”
“Something like that.”
The figure sneered again.

“Go on, dance on my ruddy
grave. You danced all over me.”
“Past times,” she whispered.
“Only yesterday to me.”

She shook her head.
“Let bygones be bygones.”
“Go to hell!”
She stepped back, fading.

He turned once more to
gaze upon himself.
“Eternity eh? It’s worse
than ruddy life!”

A squall blew up
from nowhere.
The figure watched leaves
rolling across the faded grass.

“Who’s there?”
Only a dreadful silence.
He saw the moon overhead
and chuckled.

“My only companion eh?”
The figure turned at last,
walking towards nowhere in
particular.

As the moon began to set,
the figure faded at last.
The stone still stands today.
Covered in moss and weeds.

Unattended and forgotton
by the living.
The figure remembers though.
So do the dead.

Battle for the bed

I sleep sometimes
upon daddy’s real bed.
I sleep and dream
until he too is ready.

I wake with a yawn
as he coaxes me
with loving words.
“Come on sweetheart.”

I just gaze up and
smile sweetly.
“It’s daddy’s bedtime.”
I shake my fluffy head.

“Go find your own bed daddy.
This is mine.”
Daddy simply grins
and starts moving the covers.

They approach slowly
as I watch suspiciously.
“Find your own.”
He ignores that.

I sit still as he watches.
Covers drawing closer.
At last I return to the chair
and the body warmer.

Daddy’s you know.
He puts it down every night.
For me.
The light goes off at last.

I used to sleep upon
his chest you know.
Until I nearly suffocated him.
Won’t do that again.

“Sorry daddy.”
Now I watch as he sleeps.
His poor broken body
struggling to breathe.

He sits up gasping
gone blue again I see.
Oh well.
Don’t worry daddy.

He lays and sleeps
at last.
I yawn and close my eyes.
He has the bed now.

For the moment.
... 
A haunting we will go

I hear them as I sleep.
My fluffy pricked ears
monitoring the knocks.
As daddy sleeps soundly.

I watch the cat’s only
we can see using my loo.

Only two days ago,
as daddy sat typing, I
spied another in the hall.
So I growled, chasing it away.

It will return of course.
They always do.
Daddy wakes with a start,
looking around.

“No worries daddy.”
He shakes his head
typing once more.
Noticing people.

He makes a note and
continues.
As I simply stare.
Thinking.

One day two more ghosts
will haunt here.
Daddy and me.
A haunting we shall go.

Woe betide people then.
My claws will scratch and
daddy will terrorise with
ghoulish noises.

We shall indeed have fun then.
Daddy and me.
The ghostly, gruesome,
two some.

Times that lay ahead
times that have passed.
Time without end.
A time that will surely come.

As the sun and moon
rise on the morrow.

I chase my daddy around the flat sometimes.
I gaze into his loving blue eyes
and whisper,
“Time to get off now daddy.”

He stares back smiling.
He knows, just playing a
funny bugger now.
He sighs deeply.

When he sits upon the
hall door chair I
grab my chance.
I leap on and curl up.

As my eyes grow heavy
daddy looks back.
“Love you sweetheart.”
I smile back and plunge into sleep.

Three men sat in their hideout discussing their latest operation. All around twenty, they expected a pretty good payoff for the risk that they were about to run.

“At this time of morning the bank Italia should be on the quiet side. Once we enter a simple threat will deal with the cashiers.”

The others nodded.

“We get the cash bags and return here,” their boss said. “Try to remember no shooting.”

“How long until we get rid of it?”

The boss smiled.

“Tomorrow at noon. Then we get a cut in about a month.”

“A month?”

“It’s guaranteed. Now, are we all ready?”

His gang nodded.

“Let’s go do it then. Our boss shall be pleased.”

As their armoured van drew out, across the ancient city, detective Salini and his sergeant stood before the coliseum.

“You know sergeant, when I was a kid I wanted to fight in there.”

He paused at the pleasant thought.

“As I got older though and learned of what really went on, I realised that I wouldn’t last five minutes.”

“So you became a copper instead.”

“I suppose so.”

Two armoured actors strolled past as the tourists entered the crumbling arena.

The armoured vehicle approached their target at a normal speed. The gang had now dressed in standard security uniform and calmly handled the firearms.

Their boss sat next to the driver.

“Now remember chaps. Straight in and out. No dilly-dallying.”

“We are here boss.”

The van drew up and the two accomplices climbed from the rear. Once they were together, they walked inside as calm as cucumbers.

They smiled at the cashier as a little old lady entered with her shopping trolley.

“You're a day early.”

“Blame it on our manager miss. We need the manager miss.”

She pressed a buzzer and the spectacled gent quickly entered.

“Security sir,” the cashier said.

The manager looked them up and down before saying, “Follow me.”

He led them to the rear and opened the main safe for them.

“Not a lot today.”

“Oh that’s okay. We could have done with a smaller van.”

As the bags were gently removed, the manager spotted something unusual.

“Where is your radios?”

The leader smiled before coshing him. Pulling his weapon free he said, “Damn fool manager. We have enough. Come on.”

As they dashed into the main room a guard shouted, “Hey you, stop!”

One of the gang turned and fired twice, taking the guard down. As they dashed outside, a lone officer was strolling his beat. He did not have time to grab his weapon before he too hit the hard pavement.

The armoured vehicle shot off at high speed as the alarm finally went off.

“What did you shoot them for?” the leader demanded.

“It was them or us mate.”

The leader shook his head.

“The damn boss ain’t going to like this mess.”

The squad car was slowly making its way back to the station when the radio crackled. As the sergeant took the message, he groaned.

“We had better head to the bank sir. Some crooks shot their way out.”

The detective activated the siren as they sped towards the crime scene.

When they arrived, other officers joined them as Salini took in the scene.

“What a mess. Are these the only two casualties?”

“Not quite sir,” the cashier replied. “Our manager may need stitches.”

“I need to see him now,” the detective demanded.

The manager was sitting inside his office, cradling a bleeding head.

“Nice of you to come.”

“How many are we dealing with?” the sergeant asked.

“Three sir. All wearing security uniforms too. If only I’d kept my mouth shut.”

“You became suspicious?”

The injured man nodded.

“They had no radios you see.”

“How much did they get?” the sergeant asked.

“Around twenty grand. A lucky break for us.”

“You had better get that seen to,” the detective said.

When they returned to the main building, the ambulance teams had arrived to remove the dead, and treat the shocked survivors.

An officer pointed to an old lady

“She saw the van sir.”

“Excuse me mam. What kind of van did it look like?”

She smiled at the detective and replied, “A large armoured one sir.
You know the type. The guys who handle cash deliveries.”

“I know what you mean,” the sergeant said. “Which way did they go?”

“Towards the outer ring road sir.”

The detective thought things over.

“We’ll check the tapes eh?”

As they viewed the footage, the officers grimaced.

“They are bloody ruthless.”

“We’ll take photos of them and hand them out sergeant. Do you have any snouts?”

His officer smiled.

“You want a word?”

“I certainly do. This raid was well planned and someone might know
about it.”

As they drew up outside a lock up, the sergeant pointed.

“That’s his pad sir. Goes by the name of Rico.

The door was open and when they entered, they noted a short, balding individual checking some crates.

“Can we have a word Rico?”

He turned and smiled at the familiar face.

“Giovani, long time no see. Got yourself a new boss?”

The detective showed his warrant card.

“Salini eh? A good old Italian name. What can I do for you?”

“There was a heist at the bank this morning,” Salini said. “Have you heard anything?”

Rico shook his head.

“Not a whisper.”

“Can you try and find out?” the detective asked.

Rico grinned.

“There is only one man who could carry that through.”

“Well?” the sergeant asked.

“Don Juin.”

The sergeant thought this over.

“It had to be.”

“You know him Giovani?”

“Yes sir. He’s the top city dog. He even has the mayor in his pocket.”

“Does he indeed? I don’t suppose you know where to find him?”

Rico interrupted.

“He runs a strip joint on Berto Street. Posh place too. I really do wish you luck.”

“Why is that the detective asked.

“He’s untouchable you see. Never gets his hands dirty.”

The detective nodded.

“Come on sergeant. Let’s go and see the dog shall we?”

Berto Street had more than one strip joint. The whole street was packed with them. When Salini saw them, he was genuinely shocked.

“I sometimes wonder what blokes use these.”

“The lonely and desperate sir. Our man owns them all.”

When they reached the third establishment, the squad car stopped.
Outside a sleazy but well kept entrance, two bouncers watched them carefully.

“Bodyguards?”

“Yes sir. They won’t stop us though.”

“Morning you two,” the sergeant said. “We need a word with the boss.”

The door was opened and they entered a cracking interior. The floor was covered in a lush red carpet and at the centre, a naked pole dancer practiced.

Don Juin stood at the empty bar watching her with interest.

“Hello sergeant,” he said pleasantly. “Who’s the mug?”

“Detective Salini,” the officer said.

“Oh I see. Want a drink?”

“No thanks sir. This is not a social call.”

“Please yourself then. What can I do for you?”

“We are investigating the bank job,” Salini replied. “Two people
were gunned down in cold blood.”

“The boss looked worried?”

“Gunned down you say?”

“They will get twenty years to life,” Salini said coldly. “So will
anyone withholding information. I’ll see to that.”

The boss poured himself a large brandy and downed it in one.

“The sergeant knows that my boys don’t carry shooters. I keep a clean house.”

The sergeant laughed.

“You have a finger in every pie Don Juin. So this job was done with at least your consent.”

“I could arrest you for that at least,” the detective said.

“Don’t you know that I’m protected? Tell him sergeant.”

“Sadly sir this is true. My former boss tried far too many times.

That’s why he was transferred to Milan.”

“To Milan eh,” the boss said with a happy smile. “I hear that it’s lovely there.”

“Less of the jokes,” the detective warned.

“So who did it?” the sergeant pressed.

“I heard about it around a week ago. Couple of crazy youngsters in town. They had a madcap scheme.”

“So you warned them off.”

“That’s right sergeant. Seems my friendly advice was ignored.”

“So where are they?” the detective demanded.

“Last I heard they were hiding out at the Via Metro.”

“Thanks.”

“Anytime sergeant. I’m only here to help.”

As they left, the boss made a call.

“Is he genuine?” Salini asked as the squad car trundled toward the hideout.

“As genuine as muck sir. They’ll be there though. That piece about his blokes being unarmed is true as well. He’s into gambling, girls, and protection rackets. Not armed robbery.”

The car sped on as others reached there first.

The young and foolish gang sat within their pad, staring at the stolen loot.

“Don is going to love this cash.”

The leader shook his head.

“You know the rules. No shooters.”

“So why carry them? You told us to?”

The leader grimaced.

“You were only to fire at the ceiling. Don’t worry though. I’ll
explain things to him.”

A loud knock came from the old door.

“Who is it?” the leader asked.

“Creo mate. We need a word.”

“Hold on a second.”

The leader padded over calmly and opened the door. A sudden burst of
automatic fire took him down as his friends tried to run.

The hit man stood tall and well built. As they cowered at the far wall he said, “No hard feelings eh?”


“Here we are sir.”

The officers stepped outside and saw the open garage door to the right of the run down building.

“Something’s wrong,” the detective hissed. “That’s far too obvious.”

He drew his weapon and knocked at the door.

“Police!”

When there was no answer, they burst inside and stopped.

“They were silenced,” the shocked officer muttered.

They ignored the bodies and walked over to the stolen cash.

“It looks all there sir.”

“Don Juin’s men?”

The sergeant nodded.

“They broke the rules sir. Rough justice eh?”

“I want this place dusted and the bullets examined.”

“I know how you feel sir but this was a professional hit. You won’t find any prints.”

The detective hissed at him.

“Murder is murder sergeant. We’ll match the bullets to the weapon if need be.”

He was amazed when Giovani shook his head again.

“You’ll find the bullets are standard army issue. We can’t arrest the whole army sir.”

“So nothing will tie this boss to the killings?”

“You got in one sir.”

The detective had a sudden gut wrenching feeling.

“How many coppers has he bought?”

“None that I’m aware of sir. He’s not stupid you see.”

The detective looked grim as the sergeant called it in.

“I don’t like dead ends mate!”

The sergeant shook his head sadly.

“You have no choice I’m afraid.”

The detective stood in the office of his supreme boss, the commissioner as he was looked over. He was tall and pleasant but his tantrums were legendary.

“You are probably wondering why I asked for you?”

The nervous officer nodded.

“I was fairly happy in Turin sir.”

“You are former special forces I understand?”

The detective smiled.

“I did ten years sir.”

“That is the kind of man we need here. “

“Don’t expect terrorists do you sir?”

The commissioner smiled.

“We expect anything here. Rome is a really special city. Your file indicates a love for wine and pizza. You should lose some of that weight.”

The detective smiled.

“My frame is no hindrance when I get on a trail sir.”

“So I understand. What did they call you?”

“Bloodhound sir.”

“Believe it or not Salini, that is precisely what Rome needs.”

The meeting was over and standing outside, the detective gazed around at his new job. He gazed upon the government buildings behind, and the commissioner's headquarters to the right.

“I better check into the office I suppose.”

He climbed inside his squad car and adjusted his grey trench coat.
As he headed for the station, his mind began clicking as usual.

The station was one of those modern buildings that looked out of sorts amongst the ancient buildings of the former empire. He reached the coliseum roundabout and took the directions of the traffic officer. Dressed in black with a peaked white cap, the white gloves pointed in the appropriate direction.

The squad car shot into the side street where the station was situated, and he was soon climbing the stairs.

“Morning sir,” the desk sergeant said.

“Morning. Where is my office?”

The sergeant pointed to the door to the right. When Salini opened it, he saw a short slim man with cropped hair looking at him.

“Sergeant Giovani sir. Welcome to Rome.”

“Nice to be here,” he said gazing around. “More modern than my last one.”

“Have you settled into your digs sir?”

“I certainly have. Now what’s the case load like?”

The sergeant smiled.

“Everything is rather quiet today sir.”

The detective smiled and sat behind his desk.

“After the last year sergeant, I could do with a rest.”

He was just starting to relax when the desk sergeant poked his head through.

“Sorry to disturb sir but there is a call on line one.”

The detective picked it up and listened. When he placed it down again he was smiling.

“Come on sergeant. We are off to north side.”

The sergeant guided the car through the busy streets as the detective filled him in.

“A young child was playing in the local park and simply failed to return home. The mom is frantic.”

When they reached north side, they saw the typical cracked walls of the complex.

An inside stair took them to the third floor where the woman lived.

“You took your time.”

“It was the traffic mam,” the sergeant explained.

They entered a squalid hovel, and the floor was littered with dog pooh. Trying not to hold their noses, the detective asked, “Which park was she playing in?”

“Trebonn of course.”

The sergeant smiled.

“Play there often does she?”

“Almost every day. My daughter is only six you know.”

The detective pricked his ears.

“A little young mam to be out on her own, don’t you think?”

“I prefer it like that,” the woman snapped back. “She gets under my feet.”

“What does she look like?”

The woman looked at him before dashing to the bedroom. When she returned, a photo was handed over.

“Quite lovely,” Salini said.

He was looking at a short but plump young lady, with a bright happy face.

“We shall certainly do our best mam. Come on sergeant.”

As they left, the detective looked grim faced.

“When we find her, she’s not going back there. I want social services to take up the case.”

“You don’t think she is a fit mom sir?”

“No I don’t sergeant. Not even a mutt should live there. Now where is this park?”

The smiling officer gunned the engine and they set off. Not that far away stood the park and stepping out they saw the coloured swings and the children playing.

“This is a bit of luck,” the detective muttered.

He walked over to a small group of dirty kids and smiled at them.

“We are looking for this girl. Have any of you seen here?”

A short but tough kid had his doubts.

“You don’t look like cops.”

As the sergeant smiled, the stunned detective asked, “What are we supposed to look like son?”

“You always carry guns.”

The smiling officer drew his trench coat to one side and displayed his side arm.

“Satisfied now?”

The kid nodded and gazed at the photo.

“I remember her. She went off with some geezer.”

The sergeant knelt down.

“Where did they go?”

The child thought deeply and pointed toward the old factory.

“He took her in there.”

As the officers glanced at each other the kid said, “We told her not to go.”

“That was good of you son,” the detective said before dashing off.

The factory had produced glass for over a century but today lay derelict and broken. As they reached it, Salini drew his weapon.

“Will that be necessary?”

“You just never know sergeant. I hope you carry one.”

Rather reluctantly, his sidekick drew his.

“I’ve never actually fired it sir.”

“I hope that you won’t have to mate. You take the left eh?”

As the sergeant crept off, the detective moved slowly right. Creeping over the tortured bricks, he continually scanned the surroundings.

Apart from large grey rats, there was neither sign nor sound of life. He heard a crack and knelt behind a rusted iron girder. Peeking around, he saw a dark figure sitting upon an old pile of bricks.

The detective cocked his firearm and crept forward slowly. As he skirted his way around to get a better view, he saw the child happily playing with a doll. The adult was talking slowly, obviously trying to explain something.

“At least you are alive,” Salini whispered.

He saw the sergeant and pointed slowly. He counted three before quickly dashing forward toward the startled suspect.

“No sudden moves!” the detective barked levelling his weapon.

The short and frightened man raised his arms as the girl just smiled.

“He brought me this dolly.”

The sergeant arrived and knelt beside her.

“You okay love.”

“Of course I am. That’s my daddy you know.”

Your daddy?” Salini asked.

“Of course I am. What did you think?”

Salini put the weapon away and groaned.

“You better explain yourself. The mom reported her missing.”

“That would be a first mate. She simply does not care. Have you been there?”

The officers nodded.

“Then you know how unfit she is. Look, I’m an ex con but I know what is wrong. I was released a month ago and used my time to track them down.”

“You want custody?” the sergeant asked.

“As soon as I can get it. I was about to explain to my daughter when you two interrupted.”

The detective nodded.

“I was going to hand her over to social services but if you really can take care of her.”

The father smiled.

“I live on a barge upon the Tiber. A lovely location.”

“Do you mind if we inspect it?” the detective asked.

“We could do with a lift.”

When they arrived after an hour’s drive, they spotted the old barge quite easily. After all, it was the only one. Stepping inside, they found the accommodation clean but Spartan.

“You have a lovely home here,” the sergeant muttered.

“Thanks. I suppose you’ll take her back now.”

Salini shook his head.

“You can keep her. We’ll inform social services and I’ll give them a positive report. You must go through proper channels though. No snatching eh?”

The grateful father smiled.

“As if I would sir.”

As the officers left the barge, Salini cheered up.

“I hope he gets custody sergeant. Come on, we have to inform the mom that she is being looked after and fill out the report.”

The young girl waived from a small porthole as the car sped away.