Dear Dr. Jackson, I would like to become a SHADO secretary, preferably in the stead of Ms. Ealand. Unfortunately all my requests were turned down so far. Can you help me? Dear Writer, I do understand your frustration. I also had to struggle to achieve my goal of working for the Commander. However, I do wonder if your wish to become his secretary stems more from your innermost hidden…
One of the joys of writing fan-fiction is that we are presented with a series of ready-made characters, backgrounds and scenarios that, if combined with care, will result in a very appetising end product. Remove outer packaging, pierce film and place in a pre-heated oven (Gas Mk 5) for 40 minutes. Ensure contents are piping hot before serving. We have the ingredients prepared and ready for us to use. All…
Friday Dec 17th 2010 19.46 hours: ‘I’ve finished.’ Ed Straker put his pen down and looked up at Freeman who had been standing there in the corner for the last few minutes. ‘Yes. Finally.’ ‘Well it’s taken you long enough. I was beginning to wonder if you were actually part of the furniture, you’ve been sitting there so long. Coffee?’ The SHADO Commander grimaced, as he tidied away the folders…
Prologue July 1980 He enjoyed wandering on the beach in the early morning. No-one else was about, and that meant no one to question him, or make demands. And it was good to get away, to get out and roam free in the welcome silence, with bare feet sliding in the thick soft sand. There were always interesting things to be found, intricate pieces of worn and twisted driftwood, small,…
I’ve never been to a convention before. Ever. And at one stage I wasn’t going to go to the TV21 one either. But I was persuaded to change my mind, and found myself on the Friday morning waiting at the railway station for the Glasgow to Bristol train, loaded with suitcases and some trepidation. At least it was a day off work! I arrived at Bristol on time, and found…
This is probably one of my favourite images of Ed Straker, and one I have done in a variety of ways, from simple pencil sketches to pastels. I like the profile, although I find it hard to get the eyes right. This drawing was a trial one in A4 size (30 cm x 20 cm) as I wanted to see how it would work out before attempting it in acrylics…
SHADO control was quieter than normal, due to the fact that alien activity had noticeably decreased during the past couple of weeks, but an air of unease permeated the vast complex. Lieutenant Commander Leo nodded a slightly distracted welcome to Miss Ealand and then entered Straker’s office. She had absolutely no intention of sitting down in the Commander’s chair. Oh no. The mere thought made her scared, particularly on a…
