'Well, as you know Piers, I work for Air-Ice, and I was on my way to Iceland, a trip I regularly do. I was delivering some new equipment for our scientists, and you honestly won't believe what I'm about to tell you. I was attacked by,' he hesitated, 'warriors. There were about twenty of them. God knows how they got on the plane. Anyway, the leader told me he had thrown my co-pilot out of the plane, and I was next. He then called one of his soldiers to step forward, and I kid you not, he was my double. He said that a soldier was going to take my place at home. Next thing, I woke up in a luxurious room with a beautiful woman.'
'What beautiful woman?' Steve asked.
'I don't know, and when I didn't do what she wanted, I ended up here.'
'Well, we won't ask what she wanted you to do right now. What we do need is a plan,' Steve said. ' It's a bit like a movie I once made, it was about three men lost in the snow.'
'Really? What did they do?' Piers asked, all ears.
'They went out one at a time to try and get rescued.'
'And?' said Hamish.
'From memory, they all perished.'
'Thanks Steve.' Hamish got up, demolished a chair and threw the wood on the fire. 'That cheered me up.' They all laughed, and Steve mumbled it was in bad taste. 'Anyway, what we should do now is sleep and decide what to do when it gets light.'
'Best idea yet,' said Piers. They re-shared the blankets, huddled round the fire and were fast asleep in seconds.
Freeflyers to the rescue
Miles was decidedly worried. Where was Piers? It had been two nights since anyone had heard from him. Miles phoned Lord Knightly. His secretary said he was away and asked Miles if he would like to call back in a few days. Miles then remembered when he'd left Byzantine Crescent with Sreip and Selim, they said if he needed them, to leave a message with Lily at the Brown Sugar Café and they would get in touch immediately. That seemed like a good option, and as it was only a short walk away, he decided to take a stroll to Brown Sugar. Grabbing his wallet and keys, he left the flat and walked out into the bright sunshine. Ten minutes later, the door to the café tinkled, and Lily looked up to greet Miles with a smile.
'Hi Miles, lovely to see you. Heard from Piers?' Lily said. She threw her arms round him and kissed him on both cheeks.
'Not a word, Lily, and it's so unlike him. He walked out of Polly's cottage and hasn't been seen or heard of since. Lord Knightly is away, so if Piers doesn't come home tomorrow, I'm going to the police. Frankly, I'm worried sick. Mr Sreip told me to leave a message here, so that's what I'm doing, only in person.'
'I'm sure they will be able to help, Miles. Come and sit down. I'll make us a cup of coffee, and I happen to have your favourite cake.'
'You are such a love, Lily. I'd marry you if you would have me.'
'Right Miles,' Lily said as she walked back into the kitchen. 'Just name the day, kiddo.'
Before Miles could reply, the doorbell tinkled again, and in walked Sreip and Selim.
'That was quick,' Miles said, as he stood and shook their hands. 'How did you know I wanted to see you?'
'No big deal Miles. We were on our way here, so it's just coincidence we arrived here when you wanted to see us. So what's it all about? Have you heard from Piers?'
'No, and that's the trouble. He has never stayed away before without letting me or his dad know where he is. I asked Polly as she was the last person to see him, and she hasn't a clue where he is either.'
'Can I join in?' Lily cut across Sreip as she arrived at the table, laden down with coffee pots and cakes.
'No. Sod off Lily,' said Miles. 'You're always gate-crashing my parties.'
Lily clipped him round the ear, pushed her chair close to his and warned him she would make him marry her if he spoke out of line again. Miles grovelled with apologies as laughter ran round the table. It was some time before they all settled down sufficiently to talk seriously.
'Right, as I was saying before you rudely interrupted us Lily,' more giggles. 'Selim can go and make some inquiries while Miles and I enjoy this fantastic feast.' Sreip said, his eyes on the delicious cakes.
'We can all tell who thinks they are the boss here,' said Selim. 'Once again, I have to do all the dirty work. Miles, save me a cake, please.'
'You're on,' Miles said, 'if there's any left once I've eaten my favourites.'
'That'll be right. No ones on my side. I'll be back with Piers, so save enough for two.' And with a smile and wave of the hand, he was gone.
'If anyone can find him, he can, so stop worrying, Miles.'
'Thanks, Mr Sreip.'
'Forget the Mr, just Sreip is fine, Miles.'
'Thanks Sreip. I wonder how long we will have to wait.'
'Don't worry about that. Let's have a bite to eat,' Sreip said, 'and if he's not back within the hour, you go home and wait Miles and I'll go and look. We will have Piers back before the day ends. That's a promise!'
Polly in danger
Polly was fed up to the teeth. Things were getting out of hand in Byzantine Crescent. The movie and Mr Rekrap were totally taking over. Steve was gone, totally off the air, and Brad was being a bloody nuisance.
'I'm going for a walk!' Polly yelled to Alison, and she slammed the front door before Alison could ask her where she was going and if she could come.
Polly debated whether to go to Brown Sugar and decided not to, she was not in the mood to talk to anyone - not even her best friend, Lily. All she could think was, where was Piers?
She walked to the docks and sat on the sea wall outside a workman's café, drinking warm, tasteless coffee feeling desperate.
'Well, you are the last person I would have expected to see here.' Polly looked up into a face she had come to love.
'Piers!' she cried. But she was so wrong - it was Zack.
Harry the Hand had been sitting in the tree outside Byzantine Crescent spying and had seen Polly leave home. He'd immediately transmitted the fact that Polly had gone out for a walk on her own, and Zack had followed her. I have to be very careful, Zack thought. Polly is smart, I have to fool her she has to believe I'm Piers, my stupid pretend twin.
'Polly, I'm so sorry, I had to go away to sort my head out. Zack is getting on my nerves.' He sat, took her hand and kissed it.
Polly immediately pulled it away. 'Piers, it's not good enough. I did not know there was someone in the cottage that night, and you didn't give me a chance to explain, you just stormed off.'
'I know that now Polly. I was totally wrong and, I might add, very jealous.'
Zack was delighted with his performance. He was so good, even he was starting to believe he was the moron Piers.
'Polly, I have something very serious to ask you.'
Polly looked at who she thought was Piers, love pouring out of her eyes. Zack could hardly stop from laughing, but now was the time to get Polly in his clutches.
'Polly, let's put that all aside. It's just us now.' He stood, went down on one knee and, to Polly's utter amazement he said. 'Will you marry me, Polly?' And out of his pocket, he took the most magnificent diamond Polly had ever seen.
'Piers, I hardly know you. How can I say yes?'
'Because you know you want to. You do love me, I know you do.'
Polly was confused. She thought she loved Piers, but she was young, and getting married was another matter. 'I need time, and I have to consider the movie. Sorry Piers.'
'Well, Miss Polly, you had your chance. So now its time to move on, you're not the only girl on the block.' His face was black as he turned on his heel and walked away.
Polly watched him go. How Piers had changed. But was it Piers? She thought. Or was it his dreadful twin Zack? I wouldn't put it past him to pretend he was Piers. Tears filled her eyes as she watched the ships come and go. She sighed and seriously thought about smuggling herself aboard and going as far away as the ship was going.
Turning the knife
Knox was waiting for Zack to return home, and he was not happy.
'Any luck w
ith Polly?' Knox said as Zack walked in.
'No, the bloody bitch turned me down, and I'm sick of waiting for Rekrap to get his priorities in order. All he thinks about now is the movie.
'It's time to finish this fiasco. Read this.' Knox handed Zack a document.
'What is it?'
'It's from one of our warriors. While we are sitting here like idiots, they have just about destroyed America.'
Zack started to read.
There is no communication - no TV, no radio, no phones. We have neutralised the energy. People are in the streets, all scared and most looking for trouble. Fighting has broken out, and thousands have locked themselves in their houses. Many have been killed by anyone looking for food. Screams constantly fill the air, and the gangs, formed by look alone, have joined together. Of course, no one knows we started it, or what it was all about, but the fighting spread like wildfire. Within a week, thousands were dead, shops were looted and water, being the most valuable commodity, was hidden in cellars and cupboards. It was unbelievable.
Families were leaving the cities in droves but with nowhere to go. There are no means of transport, and hostile gangs met them. They were killing those who did not answer the criteria of colour, race or creed. Food soon ran out, and when people could not get what they needed, they killed and burned. As far as the eyes could see, bodies and vehicles lined the streets. Even the most revered and famous were on the run. No one was safe. Money had no value and was being burned to keep the people warm at night.
Even raping had lost its interest for those who had raped, and valuables that had been stolen and hoarded were offloaded. Vicious gangs foraged near and far for the smallest amount of water or food. As the food got harder to find, fights broke out, even among gang members. Animals that had been locked up had broken free and wandered. There was plenty of food for the grass eaters - those that did not get caught and killed for food. Dogs formed packs and were shot and eaten till ammunition ran out, then they ran wild. Soon it will all fall our way, when there is nothing left to eat and no law and order. Only in the most remote areas is there some form of law. But the numbers are few and can be worried about later.
We have also been informed that the Middle East's back has been broken. It's simple, but drastic, we just neutralise the energy.
Stay in touch,
Commander Seymour.
~
'Whew,' Zack said. 'And we sit around waiting for Commander Rekrap to finish with a stupid movie. I think we should forget about Byzantine Crescent, the twins and the girls. There are much more exciting things to do, so let's head to the U.S. of A.'
The cavalry arrives
Xavier, Event and Salute were just about to rescue the boys when the surprise attack by the Rebels left them on the losing end. They fought long and hard, the battle covering hundreds of miles. Several times, the Rebels surrounded one of the Freeflyers, and each time the Freeflyer either fought his way out, or one of the other Freeflyers came to the rescue. Now the three Freeflyers were back-to-back, waiting for the moment of capture.
'It is time for you to fold your wings, Commander Xavier, Event, Salute.' The Rebel Warrior spoke kindly but with a hard edge to his voice.
The flurry of wings from behind was not heard till a loud voice cut in. 'I think not, Commander Pope. Not this time anyway.'
The Rebel Warrior Commander and all the Rebels turned to see Commander Rhettnor and his Freeflyers had surrounded them.
'Not this time anyway,' Rhettnor repeated.
It was no point continuing the fight. The Rebels were now outnumbered.
'We arrived just in time,' Rhettnor said, his relief showing, as he grabbed the three Freeflyers Xavier, Event and Salute. 'That was close. I thought we had lost you to the Rebels.'
'Sir, could we speak? It's important.' Xavier told Rhettnor that Event and Salute had not betrayed them.
'I knew that. I had to go along with the plan so no one would be put in danger.'
'Well, you fooled me, Sir,' Xavier said. 'But can we go back and find the snow shack and rescue Piers and Hamish?'
Rhettnor had a serious decision to make - whom to send to save two uninitiated Freeflyers from the snow shack that could be anywhere, as the battle had covered many hundreds of miles. He knew the shack belonged to the Rebels and would be camouflaged, or by now invisible and all sorts of traps could be around. 'Event, Salute, you have a vague idea where the shack is. Go back there and rescue the boys. I am sorry Xavier, but I need you and I wouldn't take you with me if I wasn't sure Event and Salute could rescue them.'
Event and Salute were already on their way. It wouldn't be easy, the Rebels had a habit of either hiding things or moving them.
Commander Rhettnor left with Xavier, knowing he had left the boys' rescue in the capable hands of Event and Salute.
Shack in the snow
The three men woke the following morning, unaware of what had gone on outside the shack the night before. Heavy snow was falling, and visibility was nil - so no exploring today. Luckily, the shack was proving to be a pretty good shelter. It had many treasures, food and hidden cupboards under the bed, in an alcove in the roof and under the floorboards.
'If we had three of those beautiful women you met here, I could stay here forever,' Piers said over breakfast.
'Well, I couldn't. Christ knows what they are doing to the movie without me there,' Steve replied.
'Well, so long as that poncy Brad Capriole stays away from my sister, I don't give a rat's bottom. I needed a holiday, so I will enjoy this.' Hamish buttered a fourth piece of toast, leaned into the fire and warmed his hands. He picked up a book he found and read, 'The Lost Boys.'
'Now that's funny. But all jokes apart, I'm not even sure how long I've been gone. You can bet my family will be worried sick,' said Piers, as he looked out of the window and tried to see through the thickly falling snow. 'Hamish you're familiar with the terrain. Any guesses as to where we are?'
'None whatsoever,' Hamish said. 'However, if we wanted to chance it, I did notice some snowshoes in that back cupboard, so when the snowfall eases, we could have a look together, you in Steve.'
Piers went to the back of the shack and pulled out three pairs of snowshoes. There were also some heavy coats, warm hats and mittens. 'When do you think the snow will ease, Hamish?'
Hamish was standing, looking out of the window and suddenly stood stock-still. 'Shhh,' he said. 'Shhhh! Can you hear that?'
'Piers tiptoed to the window and looked out. Seeing nothing, he strained his ears. Like Hamish, he heard a faint sound. 'I wish Xavier were still here with us,' Piers whispered, he was more than worried, he was scared to death. He would have been even more than scared had he known the secret of the shack in the snow.
~
Commander Pope, surrounded by his most powerful and favourite Rebels, was complacent. Even with Rekrap putting off the 'Capturing the World' agenda, things could not be better. In any case, he was more of a hindrance than help. Pope was secretly pleased the movie had wrapped itself round Rekrap, it kept him out of his hair.
He lay back in his favourite chair. 'We should leave them in the shack for a while, it keeps them out of the way, and it's three less to worry about. Besides which, the shack will take care of them when the time comes,' Commander Pope said. 'They will never find a way out,' he laughed, and they will end up freezing to death. The hut will get it's sacrifice no matter what.'
'Right, and I'll tell you what. Rekrap is good at the ole 'transforming,' the captain said.
'Well, he should be, he has the transformer tucked away somewhere. The devil help anyone who upsets him, he continually forgets to switch it off.'
'One wonders who else will fall foul of him,' the captain said.
'Maybe we should have a quick look at what he's doing now and try and get all the weapons off him. We should also try and find out where Event and Salute are. And I wonder if Rekrap knows where he zapped Piers and Steve, probably not, but lucky we do. Are you ready to go, C
aptain?'
'Yes Sir. I'm ready and willing Commander. Let's go and find old Krappy,' came the reply, and in the twinkling of an eye, they were gone.
Polly throws a tush
Brown Sugar Café was unusually full that day. Freeflyers and Rebels alike, all incognito, were trying to listen in to what each other was saying or plotting. Polly was in her element. Mr Rekrap and Brad were sitting on each side of her, asking her opinion about the movie and who else should star in it. Polly was seeing less and less of Alison, and she had just about forgotten about Piers, and his ridiculous proposal of marriage, if that was him.
Alison had confided how worried she was to Miles, who was also worried sick as to where Piers was. They decided to combine forces, and linking arms they walked into the café as if they did not have a care in the world.
'Hi, Polly, Brad, Mr Rekrap, how are you? Nice to see you here.' Alison stopped to say hello.
Only Polly looked up. She gave a weak smile. 'Oh hi,' she said indifferently. 'We're having an informal meeting. I'll see you at home later,' she said and looked away.
Feeling she had been dismissed - and she had been- Alison walked over to the far side of the café and sat down next to Miles. She told him about Piers proposal of marriage to Polly the day before.
'That can't have been Piers. There is no way he would have spoken to Polly like that. And where is his twin… and mine, come to that?'
'Polly said she had a feeling it was Zack pretending to be Piers.'
'She's probably right, and I think we should have a meeting. Now who have we? Lily and Lucy and…' Miles stopped.
Alison giggled. 'That's about it, Miles. You the twins and me. Anyway, I'm dying for a cup of coffee, and one of Lily's special cakes.'
'You're on, Alison.' Miles got up and walked towards the counter. As he did, he accidentally brushed against Mr Rekrap's cape. And that was all it needed. Miles disappeared, and so quickly no one saw it happen. Mr Rekrap had once again left the transporter on.
'So, are you totally happy with Brad as your leading man, Polly? I think maybe I could do a better job.' Mr Rekrap was just about sitting on Polly's lap.
Brad looked at Mr Rekrap in horror, and before Polly could answer he said, 'would you like another coffee or cake, Mr Rekrap?'
Polly Pippin and The Tunnel of Death Page 11