Return of the Blob - Chapter One

    Alpha Tracking Station in Alaska was the first tracking station set up by the United Federation of Planets on Earth. It’s main task was to monitor occurrences such as meteor showers and the like. On this day they were doing just that.

    In the main control room the station’s commanding officer Commander Adam DeSoto was overseeing the monitoring of a meteor shower that was hitting the ground only a few miles away from them. The science officer, the Vulcan Lieutenant Torak, was very intrigued.

    “Most meteor storms have a set pattern.” he reported. “This one seems to be very random, except for it’s landing pattern.

    DeSoto sat next to him and watched the screen intently.

    “Look at this.” he said. “One of them seems to be breaking away from the others.”
    The whole building then shook as the meteor hit the ground just outside the main building.
    “That was close!” said DeSoto. “Get your thermals on Torak. We’re going to take a look.”

Future Tense - Chapter Six

    The atmosphere could be cut with a knight in the sky-jet as Watt, Magus, White Knight, Red Sun, McCloud, Colossus, Fire-Master, Reid and Moriarty contemplated what they were about to do. Watt’s thoughts were on the future of the team. They were, after all, about to attack a government plant. Then White Knight, in the pilot’s chair, turned round to the others.
    “We’re coming up on the Cyberdine plant.”
    The sky-jet swooped in low over the plant. Everything looked dead.
    “I don’t like it.” said Moriarty. “It’s too quiet.”
    “For once I agree with you.” said Watt. “Arthur, take us down.”
    White Knight landed the jet in a nearby clearing, and they disembarked to find everything quiet.
    “It’s still too quiet.” said Moriarty.
    The quietness was soon broken by the sound of a hatchway in the ground opening. Suddenly ten Sentinel robots appeared out of nowhere.
    “Heads up!” said Watt. “This is where the fun starts!”

Future Tense - Chapter Five

    Simon Kennedy began to come around. The last thing he remembered was being put under at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London. Now the first thing he saw was a large light bulb, a large disused light bulb. His vision was still blurred however. Then he heard footsteps. Slowly his raised his head and he could see a hazy red figure walking towards him. Although he couldn’t recognise the face he definitely could recognise the voice.
    “Ah, Mister Kennedy. I see you are regaining your senses!”
    “Cornelius Moriarty! I should have known you would have done this. Why have you brought me here?”
    “I have kidnapped you as a form of protest.” said Moriarty. “For years now I have fought for the rights of those of us who are ‘gifted’, mutants and the like. I have brought you here to this old lighthouse to show that no one is beyond my grasp!”
    “And you think I’m against mutants? I’ve been championing their cause for God’s sake! The only ones I’m against are the ones like you who break the law!”
    Before Moriarty could reply the ground began to shake, then the whole lighthouse did as the roof was suddenly wrenched off by an enormous force. Moriarty and Kennedy then looked towards the open sky as a Sentinel robot peered in. The huge machine then reached in with one of it’s arms and fired at Moriarty with an energy blast. Moriarty only just managed to raise his shield in time. Then with it’s other hand the Sentinel fired a metal rope which wrapped itself around Moriarty’s ankle. He then hoisted the villain into the air and then swung him down onto the floor. Moriarty tried to fight back by throwing a stun grenade but this had no effect on the huge machine. Then with another massive energy blast he knocked Moriarty out. The attack then stopped. Kennedy crawled over to Moriarty and checked his heartbeat. It was very weak. Then the Sentinel reached into the lighthouse and scooped up Kennedy. It then took to the sky and flew away.

Future Tense - Chapter Four

    The gathered VIPs began to sit down at the massive table. Simon Kennedy sat at the head of the table and was about to tuck into his starter when a waiter came over to him.
    “Mister Kennedy, there’s a telephone call for you.”
    “Thank you.”
    With the aid of his crutches Kennedy got to his feet. The waiter showed him into a nearby room. Kennedy soon saw the phone and picked up the receiver.
    “Simon Kennedy…”
    There was no reply.
    “Hello, is anyone there?”
    Again there was no reply. The phone was dead. Kennedy then turned around when he heard the door slam shut. He turned around to see White Knight standing up against the door.
    “Arthur! I didn’t know you’d been invited! What are you doing here?”
    “I’m here to kill you!”

Future Tense - Chapter Three

    After managing to calm Space Ghost again and appraising Pendragon of the situation Watt and Magus began to discuss the situation.

    “If memory serves Simon is due to attend the Lord Mayor’s Banquet tomorrow night.” said Watt.
    “Which is well known to everyone.” said Magus. “The assassination attempt would probably take place there.”
    Then they noticed that the sky outside began to get very dark.
    “Odd.” said Magus. “There shouldn’t be any storms today.”
    There was then a bright flash as what looked like bolts of electricity flashed across the sky above the mansion. Magus and Watt went into the monitor room where they found Space Ghost.
    “We have trouble.” he said. “I recognise those bolts. Something else is coming through time from the future.”

Future Tense - Chapter Two

    At the government research facility in Buckinghamshire a meeting of top government officials and military top brass was taking place. Also present were several executives from the American Cyberdine Corporation. They all sat down as General Billiar of the British Army entered and took the podium.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. Three years ago, a few months after the end of the Eugenics War the government awarded a contract to Cyberdine to build a new form of protection for our country. Ladies and gentlemen, today I  am about to unveil the final product.”
    Billiar pushed a button on the podium and the screen behind hi began to move. The crowd gasped as two huge robots were now visible.
    “I give you this country’s new means of protection.” said Billiar. “The Sentinel!”
    “Didn’t the Sentinel program in the States go wrong?” asked one.
    “That was the old model.” said Billiar. “This is the new Terminator series. They have a fail safe. They will not go wrong.”
    Then the Home Secretary, Simon Kennedy, stepped forward from his front row seat.
    “With all respect to Cyberdine I don’t think these things are needed. Anglo-Force can protect this country and for a fraction of the cost.”
    “Then why didn’t you try to stop this program Mr. Kennedy?” asked Billiar.
    “You know the answer to that question.” Kennedy replied. “The contract was awarded three years ago by my predecessor. Two years later Anglo-Force were formed. If I had stopped the contract it would have cost the country millions!”
    “I would rather be protected by these machines than by a bunch of genetic misfits.” said Billiar. “To e there’s not much difference between those in Anglo-Force and those created for the Eugenics Program.”
    “Mutants didn’t have death and destruction programmed into their minds.” Kennedy retaliated. “These machines could go wrong.”
    “They won’t!” said Billiar.

Future Tense - Chapter One

    The mid-21st century. The war with the machines had been going on for years, all over the world, including the ruined and almost dead city of London.

   Many people in the various resistance movements speculated on how, or why, this war happened. Many say it was because mutants were outlawed, and many say that the super-powered beings could have stopped this way. Perhaps they could have, but that will never be known. And to two young mutants currently walking through the streets of dead London that was the last thing on their minds. Their first priority was survival.
    The young man, Peter Watt, is also known as Super Nova, because of his mutant power, inherited from his father and mother. The young woman is known only as Clone.
    Slowly they walked through the deserted streets looking for anything, any piece of machinery they could use. Nova suddenly stopped and picked up a small piece of metal. He called over to Clone.
    “How about this?”
    Clone walked over to him and looked at what Nova held.
    “It’s useless.” she said. “Too rusty!”
    Suddenly two laser blasts shot over their heads. They looked back to see two T1000 droids approaching them, firing their blasters.
    “I’ll handle them!” said Nova.
    “No. We’ve got to get out of here!”
    Clone then grabbed Nova by the arm and pulled him out of the way as they started to run down the street. The Terminators continued to follow them. Then they turned a corner and they thought they had got away from them when they found two more Terminators standing in front of them. Nova raised his hand but his blast just went straight through them. He followed up with another blast but this had the same effect. Clone was about to replicate herself when she found herself grabbed around the throat by one of the machines. It looked as if they were heading for defeat.
    Then, suddenly, one of the androids was hoisted up into the air and thrown away as if it was yesterday’s rubbish. Then another was smashed into hundreds of pieces by a mighty fist. The final two were thrown into each other causing them to explode.
    Stunned and kneeling on the ground Nova looked up to see the man who had saved them. He smiled as he saw his father, James Watt, holding out his hand. He helped Nova to his feet and then did the same with Clone soon afterwards.
    “Come on.” he said. “We’d better get out of there. This place will be full of Terminators soon.”
    Suddenly more energy blasts rained in over their heads.
    “Looks like you spoke too soon.” said Clone.
    Then two blasts knocked Nova and Clone out of action. Watt looked up and he expected to see some more Terminators. He was wrong.
    “Space Ghost!”
    Before he could do anything Space Ghost pressed a button on his power bands, and Watt was hit by a massive burst of energy. He didn’t stand a chance.

Pegasus: The Beginning - Chapter Three

    Pendragon stood looking out of the window of the Operations Room. He watched as the Eldar cruiser began to approach the station.
    “Red alert!” he ordered. “Shields up!”
The shields came up just in time as several phaser blasts from the Eldar cruiser hit the shields.
    “Shield strength down ten per cent.” reported Larin.
    The Eldar fired another blast, this time followed by three photo torpedoes.
    “Shield strength down to sixty-eight per cent.” said Larin. “I’m diverting power from other areas.”
    The Eldar cruiser then stopped firing as one of the hatchways on the side of the ship began to open. Then three Eldar fighters began to emerge from the larger cruiser. Pendragon pressed a button on the communications console in front of him.
    “Ops to fighter bay. Are your men ready yet Archer?”
    “As ready as ever Captain. These fighters haven’t had a proper test yet.”

Pegasus: The Beginning - Chapter Two

    Pendragon sat in his office taking in his new surroundings. The office looked very bare. He had yet to make it “his” and he was considering what to decorate his office with, what personal belongings to bring in. While he was undertaking this contemplation his communicator sounded.
    “Greenleaf to Pendragon.”
    “Go ahead Colonel.”
    “The Enterprise has just docked. Lieutenant Plato and Doctor Pulaski have just arrived.”
    “Good. Ask them to come to my office.”
    A few minutes later Dr. Pulaski and Lieutenant Plato arrived at the office. Pendragon was taken aback slightly by Plato’s appearance. He was tall with blue skin and white hair. Pendragon greeted him warmly but he was taken aback by the young Socratian’s approach.

Pegasus: The Beginning - Chapter One

     The clothes he was wearing did not look right in the setting of this ancient castle, but it bad been a long time since Arthur Pendragon had engaged in a sword fight. With the magical sword Excalibur in his hand he slowly walked through the empty halls of this strange castle. Then suddenly he was attacked. He only just had time to bring his sword up in front of him. The man who was attacking him was wearing bright shiny silver armour.

    The battle began in earnest. The sound of clanging swords rang out throughout the hallways. Thrust and parry was met by thrust and parry as Pendragon showed his might sword skills. Then Pendragon gained the upper hand. Soon his opponent was on his knees.
    “Please, spare my life!” he said. “I yield!”
    Pendragon raised his sword high above his head, and he was about to bring it down upon his opponent when he heard someone behind him.
    “Computer, freeze program. End.”
    The surroundings began to shimmer, they were soon replaced by the walls of the holodeck. Pendragon turned around to see Ambassador Magus standing behind him.
    “You did well Captain Pendragon.” he said.
    Pendragon smiled.
    “How long have you been standing there?” he asked.
    “Long enough.” Magus replied. “Captain Spalding asked me to tell you that we are approaching the Time of Legends. We should be docking with the Pegasus in ten minutes.”
    Pendragon reached down for his towel and wiped the sweat from his brow.
    “I’d better go take a shower. I don’t want to step into my new command smelling like this!”

A Time of Change - Chapter Two

    Shortly afterwards Watt beamed aboard the Valkyrie to see how the repair work was going. He was greeted in the transporter room by Lom.

    “Commander, how are the repairs going?”
    “On time, as always. But with me keeping an eye on them they’ll have to stay on track!”
    Lom escorted Watt into the corridor.
    “There were two communications just before you beamed aboard, one from Babylon 5 and one from an approaching shuttle craft. The shuttle will be here in ten minutes.”
    “A shuttle? From where?”
    “The Enterprise.”

    A few minutes later Watt sat in his ready room. The image of Commander Jeffrey Sinclair, commanding officer of the Babylon 5 station, was on the screen in front of him.

A Time of Change - Chapter One

   For the first time in ages the U.S.S. Valkyrie neared it’s home base, the planet Earth, for a long awaited refit. On the bridge a very relieved Captain James Watt sat in his chair as his ship docked with the McKinley Repair Station. Next to Watt Commander Pendragon smiled.
    “It’ll be good to get some shore leave.” he said. “It’s been a while.”
    “It certainly will number one.” said Watt.
    Then Amarus noticed something on his panel.
    “Captain, I’m receiving a communication from Starfleet Security. Admiral McCarthy is ready to beam aboard.”
    Watt sighed and got to his feet.
    “You have the bridge Commander. Mr. Amarus, you’re with me.”
    Watt and Amarus soon stood in Transporter Room Three. Watt then gave the order for the transporter beam to be energised. Seconds later a rather stern-looking man dressed in the uniform of a Starfleet admiral beamed aboard. The man was Admiral Joseph McCarthy, the head of Starfleet Security.

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter Four

Magus still had that uneasy look on his face. Reid could tell something was wrong.

    “We should conclude our research here and return.” said Magus. “I definitely think something is wrong.”
    “Can you tell what yet?” asked Reid.
    “No, but I get a feeling we will find out when we return.
    Reid reached into his pocket and activate his transporter device.
    “The beam should be active in the alley we arrived in.” he said. “We’d better hurry.”

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter Three

   

The jet flew high over the countryside, circling many times. Inside Watt checked the instruments.
    “The energy reading is directly below us. I’ve never seen power like this before.”
    “I see it.” said Cabal. “We will land in the adjoining field.”
    Kurgen landed the aircraft, and soon they were standing in front of the strange energy.
    “What is it?” asked Ant.
    Before anyone could reply the energy began to change. A few seconds later a slightly hazy image began to appear.
    “What is that?” asked Mordred. “It looks like London.”
    Cabal closed his eyes and began to concentrate. A few seconds later his eyes were open.
    “It is what I have been looking for.” he said. “This, my friends, is the gateway to another world.”
    “Are you sure?” asked Kurgen. “It looks just like London.”
    “That is because it is what you would call a parallel world, much like our own. I believe it is there we will find the challenge we need.”
    “Are you saying we should go through that thing?” asked Ant. “You’re bloody mad!”
    Cabal turned and stared coldly at the size-changer.
    “You are either with me or against me. We enter the portal.”
    Cabal then stepped forward and stepping into the portal. He was soon followed by Kurgen, Watt, Mordred and Ant. A few seconds later they were gone from their world.

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter Two

Yetta was up early the next day. She made her way downstairs expecting to see devastation all around. As she entered the meeting room she closed her eyes. Then she thought she heard music. It was a full orchestra playing. She opened her eyes. The room was spotless. She then made her way through to the living quarters.
    There she found the source of the music. Magus had hired the Royal Philharmonic to play at the wedding later that day, and he had them playing “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” as he conducted. What really took her breath away was the vast array of cleaning implements all doing their own work. She embraced Magus fervently and then kissed him. Magus disentangled himself.
    “Mrs. Goldberg, please remember yourself.” he said jokingly. “I’m old enough to be a very distant ancestor!”
    At that moment Teddy entered.
    “How much did you finally have to drink?” he said disapprovingly.
    Magus looked down at him.
    “Not enough to get drunk. I haven’t been drunk since 1492 when I discovered America.”
    “That was Columbus Doctor.” said Yetta.
    “No, he got there a week after me.” replied Magus. “But I let him have the credit.”
    “If I were you I’d go to the kitchen and see Captain Watt.” said Teddy. “He’s suffering from last night.”
    Magus soon entered the kitchen to see Watt clasping his head. Magus smiled.
    “I have been shot down over Kuwait, been toe to toe with Smasher and Woodwose, and felt the full force of Darkmagus’ power, but that is nothing to compared to the pain I am feeling now!”
    “Maybe you should try my cure for hangovers.”
    Magus opened his hand and waved his other hand over it.  A glass of clear liquid appeared from out of nowhere. He handed it to Watt.
    “A concoction I last used hundreds of years ago. I think Connor McCloud was the last one I tried it on. It worked quite well.”
    Watt drank the drink. A few seconds later he perked up a bit.
    “That feels a lot better. Thanks Phineas.”
    Yetta then entered the kitchen.
    “No breakfast for me today Yetta. I’d better get ready.”
    Yetta looked surprised.
    “You cured his hangover? What did you give him?”
    “Water.”
    “Water? But water isn’t a cure for hangovers.”
    “I know. I merely planted the suggestion into his mind making him think the glass of water could cure his hangover. It worked quite well.”

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter One

    A small funeral service was taking place in Highgate Cemetery. The service was being conducted by the holy man Godbold. Also present were Paul Solo and his nephew, Steven, James Watt, Katrina Velichev, Arthur Pendragon and Phineas Magus. The funeral was for their friend James Solo, Star Man, who had died during the New Age campaign.
    “Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live.” said Godbold.
    No one at the service was listening to Godbold. Each were deep in thought, thinking about their list friend and comrade, each had their own thoughts.
    The service finished a short time later. The two Solos went up to Godbold.
    “Thank you.” said Steven. “My father would have been proud of this service.”
    “It’s the least I could do.” Godbold replied. “Even though I didn’t know your father long I came to respect him.”
    Slowly Watt and Katrina walked towards the car that was waiting for them.    “It doesn’t seem right somehow.” said Watt. “Phineas told me this would happen, but it seems that now I’m immortal I’ll be losing a lot of friends.”
    Magus soon caught up with them.
    “Good, I wanted to speak with you.” said Watt. “Kate and I have talked it over and we think we should postpone the wedding. It’s not in good taste to get married shortly after we’ve attended two funerals.”
    Watt did not realise that young Steven had overheard them. He suddenly went rushing after him.
    “Mister Watt, wait!”
    They turned round as Steven ran towards them.
    “I overheard what you said about the wedding. Postponing it would have been the last thing my father would have wanted.”
    They were soon joined by Paul Solo.
    “Steve’s right.” he said. “I think you should go ahead. You’ve been planning this day for months now.”
    “If you’re sure.” said Watt. “What do you think Phineas?”
    “The decision is not mine to make.” said Magus.
    Watt looked at Katrina.
    “We should go ahead. It’s what everyone wants.”

The Passing of The New Age - Chapter Four

    The Valkyrie crew were pushing the engines to the limit and beyond in pursuit of the stolen shuttle. In the conference room Watt sat with Magus to his right and Pendragon to his left. Watt had some questions that needed answering.
    “How long have you known about Hogan’s connection to Darkmagus?” Watt asked.
    “I suspected something when he first came aboard.” Magus replied.
    “Then why the hell didn’t you say something?” snapped Pendragon. “I’ve heard all the old stories about Darkmagus. If they’re true we could be headed towards a full-scale war here.”
    “They are all true, Commander, but there is something that you don’t know about. I believe Tompkins is safe, and he will be back with us when we reach the Procyn system.”
    “Why there?” asked Watt.
    “Because Darkmagus is there.”

The Passing of the New Age - Chapter Three

      Early the next morning Singh carried out a full examination of Hogan. The doctor seemed very happy.
    “Mr. Hogan, I am proud to announce that you are in perfect health, for someone of your age anyway.”
    “Does that mean I can leave sickbay?”
    “It certainly does. I see no reason for you to remain if you’re healthy.”
    Singh activate his communicator.
    “Singh to Watt. Captain, our patient is fit and well and ready to leave sickbay.”
    Watt, who was on the bridge, responded.
    “Understood Doctor.”
    Watt turned to Tompkins at the helm.
    “Mister Tompkins, please show our guest to his quarters.”
    A few minutes later Tompkins arrived in sickbay. He saw Hogan sitting on the examination table.
    “Good morning Mister Hogan. I’m Lieutenant Mark Tompkins. I’m here to show you to your quarters.”
    Upon hearing Tompkins’ name he perked up a bit.
    “Tompkins? Very pleased to meet you.”
    Tompkins showed Hogan out of sickbay. They made their way to the living quarters.
    “It certainly is a remarkable ship you have here Lieutenant.”
    “Please, call me Mark.”
    “Well, Mark, tell me something of your ship.”
    “The Valkyrie is a Wagner-class starship, currently the only one of it’s class in service. It was commissioned ten years ago. Her first commander was Captain Connor McCloud. Captain Watt was first officer then, and was promoted when Captain McCloud was promoted to Admiral.”
    “Why does the name Connor McCloud sound familiar?”
    “Probably because he is an Immortal, born eight hundred years ago, give or take a year or so.”
    They stopped when they came to a door.
    “Here we are.”
    They entered the guest quarters. Hogan looked around. Tompkins walked over to the replicator.
    “This is the food replicator. It will provide any food or drink you want.”
    After gazing around Hogan looked at Tompkins.
    “Would it be possible to take a tour of this ship?”
    “I would have to ask the Captain first, but I don’t see why not. If you wish to contact me press this button on the panel.”
    Tompkins soon left the quarters. Hogan seemed very happy at his surroundings.

The Passing Of The New Age - Chapter Two

 Watt was soon joined by Trospheo in the corridor, and they entered sickbay together. The first thing they saw was the stranger sitting up on the examination table drinking a glass of water. Before they could approach him they themselves were approached by Singh.
    “How is he?” Watt asked.
    “In perfect health, and very hungry.” Singh replied. “I didn’t tell him anything about his current situation. I thought it best to wait for you.”
    “Very well Doctor.”
    Watt then walked over to the stranger, extending his hand as a token of friendship.
    “Hello, I’m Captain James Watt.”
    The stranger seemed very interested when he heard Watt’s name.
    “Hello. Are you THE James Watt?”
    “It depends on which one of us you mean.” said Watt. “Tell me, how did you come to be on that space vessel?”
    “To be perfectly honest Captain I don’t have any idea. All I know is that I was on my way back to Earth.”
    “Can you remember your name?”
    “That I can. Terrence Hogan.”
    “What was the year you made your journey in?”
    “Seems an odd question. It was 2000. Why did you ask that?”
    Watt began to rub his chin.
    “There’s no other way to tell you Mister Hogan, but I’m afraid you’ve been in hibernation for three hundred and seventy years.”
    Upon hearing this new Hogan dropped his glass of water.
    “Are you sure?”
    “By the old calendar this is 2370.” said Watt. “I’ll let you rest now. If you want to talk to anyone Counsellor Trospheo will be happy to help you.”
    Watt left sickbay a few minutes later. He bumped into Magus in the corridor.
    “How is our patient?” Magus asked.
    “Awake and somewhat confused.” Watt replied. “It seems that his sleeper ship was returning to Earth in the year 2000.”
    “Odd. I don’t remember any space missions returning to Earth in that year.”
    “Perhaps you can work with Lom and Sutek in examining that ship.
    “I’ll help them study the information when they bring it back, but I’d also like to keep an eye on our guest. I have a rather strange feeling about him.”

The Passing Of The New Age - Chapter One

    It was a lovely day at the Oval. The occasion was a very special match between an England eleven and a Rest of the World eleven. The England eleven were currently batting. Standing at the slips were Don Bradman, Viv Richards and Allan Border. Behind the stumps was the great West Indian Jeff Dujon, and about to start his run-up was the great Pakistani leg spinner Abdul Qadir, who was about to bowl from the pavilion end.
    The England opening batsmen were still at the crease, having made a stand of nearly one hundred and thirty. The non-striker was none other than Geoff Boycott himself, one of the most outspoken cricketers ever. About to take the strike was a relative newcomer to World cricket - Captain James Watt, commanding officer of the U.S.S. Valkyrie.
    Qadir started his run-up. He bowled. It was his famous googly. Watt made his stroke, a glorious effort that sent the ball through the covers. The crowd began to go wild as the ball went for four, brining Watt’s score to one hundred. Taking off his helmet Watt began to acknowledge the appreciation of the crowd. Boycott then came up to him. He had been stuck on forty for the past thirty minutes.
    “You did well there. Not as good as me though.”
    The drinks interval came straight after. Watt was surprised when he saw that the drinks tray was being carried by his first officer, Commander Pendragon.
    “What’s up number one?” asked Watt, taking a sip of orange squash.
    “The sensors have picked up a drifting vessel nearby. I thought you’d want to take a look.”
    “Vessel?” said Boycott. “What the bloody hell are you talking about?”
    Watt smiled.
    “Computer, save program at this time index.”
    The image began to change. Suddenly the holodeck looked empty as the program was saved in the computer’s memory.
    “Personally I would have picked Graham Gooch as my opening partner.” said Pendragon.
    “I’m beginning to agree with you Commander.”
    The two of them soon left the holodeck.
    “I wouldn’t mind trying that program myself.” said Pendragon. “It looks quite enjoyable.”
    “Personally I think test cricket lost it’s flavour when the Sudan were awarded test status in 2009. It was soon afterwards that records were easily broken. Men of limited ability were hailed as the new Bradman or Botham. Now about this craft.”
    “Yes sir. We picked it up ten minutes ago. There appear to be faint life signs but nothing more.”
    “Very well, I’ll take a quick shower and I’ll join you on the bridge in about fifteen minutes.”