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…
Calan Gaeaf
“Trajectory termination?” “South Pacific, Commander, grid reference O-Blue-12-08, sir!” Keith Ford turned to his commanding officer, eyeing him warily. Ever since that girl had died under such atrocious circumstances the commander had not been his usual acerbic, but at least calm and fair self. Instead he had been irascible on top of caustic, and he had taken it out more than once on his staff. While Ford could well…
On Marriage, the Military Mind and Straker
I get sick of romance stories, and the what seems to me fairly desperate attempts to marry Straker off again and again does pall. I used to read some of those stories – now I don’t. The more he is tied up in romance, the less like the real Straker he seems IMO… …Glad I’m not alone in the please-don’t marry-Straker-off-again club. After I read a few of them I…
First Assignment
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…