Pegasus (Part 27)

An hour later we entered the habitat, It was unlike anything that I had previously experienced. The sheer scale and magnificence. It even seemed to have an atmosphere at its unenclosed entrance. One moment we were free-floating in space and the next propellors appeared at the side of the ship and there were clouds that we quickly descended below which revealed a thick, lush sea of green rainforest and a blue sky. Still, our journey was far from complete. The rainforest gradually gave way to savannah, becoming less dense at first before the trees became isolated from one another. Immense creatures were visible below.

“See, I wasn’t messing with you,” Tabitha shouted from her seat.

“No, you weren’t. I can see that.”

“Don’t worry. I will look after you,” she replied smiling back to me. It was surprisingly reassuring.

A few minutes later she confirmed that they were approaching the landing strip. A large warehouse came into view first before it appeared right beside it. The landing was unexpectedly soft.

“What now?” I asked.

“The cargo will be taken off by droids. There are no humans here. But the droids could send out an alert if we are spotted. However, they operate in a very predictable manner,” she replied as she took off her chair straps and stood up.

Galway Girls (Part 3)

The traffic grew as we approached our destination. Galway is full of quaint, narrow streets. They give it a sense of place and improve walkability. But, they can get gridlocked during busier times.

It’s now that we start looking out for a parking spot, preferably a wheelchair spot but we’ll take what we can get. We’ve done this journey a few times previously so we know where to look. Incredibly, the rain stops and a parking space is free just as we approach the hotel. I hope this is a good omen for the night.

We are staying in the Imperial Hotel, its location is ideal for someone with limited mobility, with everything of importance close by. It is also the only hotel in a central location with a lift where wheelchair users can stay. The reception area is rather plain and dull, with just non-descript chairs for people who wish to sit. We are met by a smiling receptionist who says, that she hopes we will enjoy our stay in a strong Galway accent.

We head up to our room, which is very spacious but clammy. I tell Ronan that I call dibs on the double bed. Part of me wants to lie down for a while but Ronan is anxious because we running late for the comedy gig so it’s just a quick trip to the toilet and spruce up for me.

Galway Girls (Part 2)

The drive to Galway from my hometown takes about an hour and a half. All via a motorway through an Autumnal landscape. Some leaves cling to existence on now mostly barren branches. I was sitting in my electric wheelchair, which was clamped to the bottom of the van in close proximity to my driver Ronan.

On the way, we discussed what was happening in our lives. With me, nothing much. My life in my thirties had become somewhat stale – get up, work, watch TV, repeat. For me, this trip was a chance to refresh my mind and break up the monotony. Ronan’s life was progressing at least. His second child was on the way, and he was a firefighter. For God’s sake, a hero. Not that I was jealous or anything, more that it was inspiration for what my life should be like. And, anyway coming across car crashes, drownings, and suicides, not my kind of thing.

About half an hour into the trip, our conversation had quietened somewhat and the radio went on. There’s nothing quite like driving and rocking away especially when you have done it for a while. A bit of Queen there and then some Prodigy.

It was raining heavily on the way up but the forecast said that it would clear. I hoped they were right. Nothing worse than being in wet clothes and in a wheelchair for getting a cold.

As we approached the city, Ronan turned on his satnav. Galway’s a maze of one-way streets for those who don’t know it intimately. Our destination was called the Imperial Hotel on Eyre Square right in the beating heart of the city.

Galway Girls (Romance)

There was always something about getting out of Mullingar that would get me somewhat excited. Not that there is anything wrong with Mullingar. It’s just good to see and do something different now and again.

You see my name is Paul and I have a condition called cerebral palsy. My speech is unaffected but if I stand, I can only take a few steps at best. Hence, I use an electric wheelchair. It really is a lifesaver. I have good coordination in my arms but they lack strength. So, I wouldn’t be the best of bricklayers. Yes, I have a job and work full-time in an office selling stationery. Most of the time, it’s pretty boring unless something goes wrong with the system. That’s never good.

Well anyway, a few months ago, I and my besties Ronan and Sean made plans for a night away in Galway on the fifteenth of October. This was something we had done a few times previously taking in a comedy gig and then going for a few drinks. Ronan also lives in Mullingar and he will be my chauffeur. Sean lives on a boat. More about that later.

That was last Friday and it turned into a night to remember.

Wheelchair Wars Part 2 (20)

Days turned into nights and nights into days. And he waited along with every other human on the hellish planet for the enemy to attack. What were they waiting for? A certain bloodlust had overcome him. They had won in the first round, but that would not happen again. This sickly world wouldn’t die. Not on his watch.

He had spent the time learning all about the planet’s defenses, its troop numbers, and their location. There were extensive tunnels underneath the planet due to the mining. He had many of them booby-trapped. A major plus was that many of the commanders had fought previously for the emperor against a planet nearby where blasphemy had taken hold. The Emperor’s divinity had been questioned. They had all been slaughtered. A fitting end to treachery.

Lazarus, one of the loyal troopers who saved him previously rushed into his room panting in the noxious gasses that constituted the air on the planet.

“They are entering into orbit,” he sputtered.

“Finally,” Timothy replied turning his wheelchair and heading to the control center down the corridor.

“Tell the Emperor’s Representative that now is the time to address the planet.”

“He has left the planet,” Lazarus replied.

The wheelchair came to an abrupt halt.

“What?”

“He reportedly left a few hours ago. He said it was on urgent business of the Emperor.”

Timothy’s heart quickened, his hands clenched, “I will do it myself so.”

Pegasus (Part 26)

The habitat only becomes increasingly impressive as it draws. It is cylindrical in nature just like my home one but this one is larger.

Tabitha then speaks –

“This habitat has a larger surface area than the entire earth containing vast oceans, mountain ranges, and forests. It harbors life that last existed on Earth over sixty-six million years ago before it was wiped out by a huge asteroid, or at least, that’s what I’ve heard. You will not believe your eyes. Some of these are like gigantic monsters that will you to shreds in an instant. Others, are much smaller but hunt in packs and are even more dangerous. Most only eat plants but even with them, it would be wise to keep your distance. The most fearsome of them all is called Tyrannosaurus Rex. You need to prepare yourself mentally for what you are about to face.”

“Then why are we going there, Tabitha? Are you crazy?”

“Because that is where we have a base. Very few people live in the habitat, even though it could house all of the Earth’s population. Nature is allowed to thrive, and there is far less surveillance. It’s dangerous but safer than most places.”

Without even thinking I responded, “I will follow wherever you go.”

It was true. There was no turning back now.

Wheelchair Wars Part 2 (19)

“For the Emperor!” Timothy roared.

“For the Emperor,” they roared back.

Timothy continued –

“Together, we can repulse this evil. I promise you that I will either defend this planet or I will die.

And if I die, my death will be glorious as will the deaths of all those who fighting this menace. They will forever be remembered.”

The atmosphere in the large, cavernous room was now solemn.

Timothy opened a 3D holographic display of the planet. Blue lights from each top corner coalesce to create the display.

Most of the planet was already devoid of life except for pockets here and there. Fortunately, there was a fortification in each due to the constant threat of a pirate attack.

A commander was put in charge of each one. Timothy would be taking command in his current location. This world was draining and he had no wish to see more of it. There was too little time for him to carry out inspections in any event.

So he warned them what was coming –

“First, some of your people will turn to monsters. They must be slaughtered for they are already dead. Then you will be bombarded from the sky. Make sure your shields are raised.

This is the arrival of your enemy. Then the battle begins. This is do or die. Any troops who leave their post including you are to be shot.

You are dismissed.”

Timothy then went to rest.

Pegasus (Part 25)

This is the first time that I have experienced weightlessness. The ship does not rotate like most do these days. For the first time in my life, I can see Earth through the transparent array. It is almost completely covered by an array of habitats. Some appear small but others are massive. Still, I can make out the blue and white of humanity’s homeworld.

“You’ve never seen it before, have you?” Tabitha asked.

“No, I have not,” I replied, “and it is so beautiful.”

“Pity more people didn’t agree, eh. Life is now almost inhospitable at the surface. All because of corporate greed. That is part of what my faction is fighting against. That planet can still return to its former glory. The people can be free,” Tabitha said more loudly, her eyes wide and face stern.

“Are you really sure that can be done though? I know we thrashed the place but can it really be undone?” I replied.

“Yes, it can. You’ll see it the next when we meet my crew. Lush vegetation and creatures you’ve never even dreamed of. Whether or not you’ll be happy is another thing.”

“Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

“You’ll see,” she laughed sheepishly and then looked away.

Suddenly there was another bolt and the ship’s direction changed away from Earth and towards a giant green habitat.

Wheelchair Wars Part 2 (18)

It took some time for the Commanders to appear and the Representative had made his excuses about an urgent bureaucratic problem and left. There were six of them in total each responsible for the defending forces in their area. They were all middle-aged and immaculately dressed in the blue uniform of their rank.

Timothy could sense their fear. None of them looked at him directly, they were sweaty and fidgety.

He knew that they needed motivation and a belief that victory was at least possible. It was the time for him to speak.

“The great menace facing us overwhelmed the last planet that I was on. All humans, animals, plants, and microbial life were wiped from its surface, leaving a thriving world of billions just a dead rock floating through the void that is space.

I should have died then too but the Emperor still had plans for me. He brought me here to help defend your world, and together we will. I believe that this world will not be as amenable to our enemy. That, despite our low numbers, we can stop them right here and right now. For the Emperor.”

“For the Emperor,” came the half-hearted reply.

“Tell me your names. So that I can have them written for posterity.”

A quick writing update 30/10/23

Hello readers. Just a quick update. My blog is approaching 1600 views for 2023, which is the same as all of last year with two months still to go. So, it’s looking like a record year and I’m quite happy with that.

I’m really enjoying writing Pegasus and Wheelchair Wars, and I hope you enjoy reading them. Do let me know in the comments section below. There’s still a long way to go in each and I’m hoping to bring you on some fantastical adventures and brutal battles. I’m back in the mood to start writing a few romance stories too. If only I had more time.

It’s still in my plans to publish some new materials. Been a few years at this stage. Knowing me, I’ll probably release a few books all in one year lol

I got a recent promotion so have been busy, busy in my day job but hoping to take a good few weeks off over Christmas to get some writing done.