Fiction

Scorpion Archipelago October 31st 1997 12.20am “I don’t think we could catch them even if we tried,” said Pete, looking through the night vision goggles. “They must be incredibly strong; they’ve nearly reached the island. Maybe they’re on some other sort of drugs.” He said the last sentence under his breath. Cobus risked a quick … Read more

Scorpion Archipelago Base Camp October 31st 1997 12.20am Once again, as the inflatable had whined off in pursuit of the other boat, looking as fragile as their hopes when it bounced on the waves, the Professor had been close to giving in to despair. He saw now that the loss of his daughter would succeed … Read more

Scorpion Archipelago – Temple Island – 31st October 1997 He had forgotten many things over the course of several millennia. Memory had become a soup; a sludge into which everything was stirred. From time to time, the odd thing bubbled to the surface. All that really mattered in the dark brew of his life was … Read more

Perth, Western Australia, October 31st 1997, 6 am Western Pacific Time It brought indescribable comfort to hear a voice – even a disjointed, crackling one – from civilisation. “Who’s that? Is that you, Catalina?” For a moment the girl could imagine how people in countries that had been overrun by the Nazis must have felt … Read more

Scorpion Archipelago Base Camp, October 31st 1997 4am For a moment he had drawn strength from the rising column of black smoke above Temple Island. Had they done it; stormed the enemy stronghold and rescued his daughter? The return of his Jane was all that mattered. And if it meant that Cobus and Jim, and … Read more

Off the coast of Temple Island, October 31st 1997 He knew that the k’ib was still there on the other island, and his strength had not yet failed him. After millennia taking the water of life, its effect would not fade so soon. Now, the nearer he drew, the more he could feel the dust … Read more

The Southern Ocean, 6 miles north west of the Scorpion Archipelago October 31st 1997 c. 2pm “Look, we’ve gotta get him away from here; he’s lost a lot of blood!” She had to shout above the noise of the engines and the pounding of the sea, which had grown quite a bit rougher in the … Read more

Over the Southern Ocean, November 5th, late p.m.   “It’s so tempting.” “Mmm?” She didn’t even break off from kissing his stomach. “I just want to test it.” “Me too.” Her mouth continued its odyssey. “Put it in water and see if this arm heals any quicker.” Now Catalina did stop and looked up in frustration. … Read more

Over the Southern Ocean, November 5th, late p.m. Dirk had pulled a few strings, and the plane, with its brace of unwilling passengers, plus a couple of steroid-enhanced cabin crew to ensure their in-flight comfort, had been able to take off in the early hours of the morning, avoiding any prying eyes. Jim’s mood wasn’t … Read more

Over the Scorpion Archipelago, November 5th, late p.m. When Dirk bellowed his instructions about the parachutes down the plane, revealing the determination of the judge to pass sentence, Pete decided to weigh up his options. It appeared to be a rather lob-sided set of scales. The two heavies stepped forward to enforce the instructions. One … Read more