Tag: books

Pegasus (Part 90)

Previously, I read about entering Earth’s atmosphere but to experience it is another. The shaking grew larger, and I could see the heat shield at the front glowing red.

Then, everything was still again. Tabitha shouted out her approval. We were coasting now in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The sky was beautiful blue. The toxic grey clouds that covered most of the planet were like a carpet below us. We were going to try and avoid them altogether.

That carpet gradually faded, then disappeared giving us our first opportunity to see the tainted purple sea. Tabitha was thrilled. “Do you think there is anything alive down there?”

I didn’t want to crush her dreams.

“Yes, I’m sure there must be something. What exactly, I don’t know.”

And maybe there was. I had serious doubts though.

A few minutes later, the sea turned to sand.

“We must be close,” Tabitha said.

“Another ten minutes or so.

The ruins of London were something else. They became visible as jagged pieces sticking out of the land in the distance. They drew closer and what were a few pieces, grew into a sea of its own. Tabitha scanned the vicinity for movement.

“Nothing, apart from some rats.”

We are Legion (We are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor

Hello readers, I do hope you are all in good form. The cold weather is really settling now, at least in Ireland. Let’s hope it doesn’t last too long for the sake of my sanity. On much more positive notice, I have just finished reading We are Legion (We are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor.

This is the best sci-fi novel I’ve read in quite some time. Thoroughly original and engaging throughout, it was impossible to stop reading.

Bob is the main character or is that characters? In the current time, Bob has come to riches through the sale of his software company. One of the first things he does with his newfound wealth is sign up for a life extension company. He is an atheist, so he wants to live as long as possible. Upon his death, his head will be removed from his body in the hope that in the future with advancements in technology, he can be brought back to life.

Of course, he thinks this is something that is the far future.

But it’s not.

He dies in a car crash.

The next thing he is awakened over a hundred years from now. But, not all is as he would have hoped. He quickly realizes he no longer has a body but is now computer code. Due, to political changes, he has also lost all of his wealth and his body has been incinerated. He is now private property, belonging to the Ministry of Truth, and is what is called a replicant.

Most replicants quickly have psychotic breaks and don’t make it even with their mood qualifiers. But, Bob sees it as a chance at immortality and realizes he is in the running for an important task.

That task is integral to a Von Neumann probe seeking new habitable worlds for humans. A self-replicating probe to cover the galaxy will necessitate more copies of Bob being created. But, other probes are being sent by other political entities, and some will be armed.

Bob just about manages to take off before missiles strike. This ultimately leads to a nuclear conflict on Earth.

What follows is a tale of exploration, kinship, and what it means to be human.

This gets five stars out of five for me. Highly recommended.

Have you read this novel? What did you think? Let me know in the comments.

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Pagasus (Part 84)

Seeing that the food was similar to my home habitat was a pleasant surprise. I ordered turkey and ham for myself, whereas Tabitha ordered some salmon.

“Why salmon?” I asked.

“Actually, I’ve never tried it before. But I’ve heard about it. Might as well give it a try.”

I felt an urge to say more.

“It was a wild fish that once roamed the seas of earth before being wiped out by the change in climatic conditions. But fortunately for them, and us there are specifically built habitats just to breed them for our palates.”

“Oh, they are so lucky,” Tabitha replied smiling.

“Oh yes, so very lucky.”

It took some time for the food to arrive and our conversation turned to more pressing matters. Top of the list was that we were already running short of money and were nowhere close to accomplishing our end goal.

“We need to work or do something,” Tabitha said, looking down at the table.

“There might be work with artifacts that we can do here. There are so many people here, some of them must want something.

The meals finally arrived after nearly an hour.

“So, sorry,” the waitress nervously blurted out.

Tabitha took one bite of the salmon before her facial muscles tensed up.

“You don’t like it, do you?”

We quickly swapped dishes.

Review of “War Bodies” by Neal Asher

First of all, one very big Happy Christmas to all my readers! I just love this time of year and hope you got lots of presents. If you haven’t already done so, please don’t forget to subscribe.

This novel is a real gem for sci-fi lovers. It is set in the Polity Universe. Piper has grown up in Founder’s World. It was created by a faction that rejected AI and left the rest of humanity many thousands of years ago. Still, they idolize machines and like to replace their body parts with machine parts. Many of them have only a few human parts left. They are ruled by a despot called Castron and as a people, they have somewhat stagnated having a much lower level of advancement and population than would otherwise be expected.

However, recently the Polity have made contact. They are made up of the humans who remained on Earth. AI was totally embraced, and now they even count AIs among their citizens. They are much more advanced and numerous in the Universe. They are also fighting against a great enemy called the Prador who threatens all of humanity.

Piper suffers a work accident that almost costs him his life. However, it unleashes a series of events that come thick and fast. You see, Piper has been created as a weapon using technology beyond even that of the Polity. He never knew but his parents were rebels. What follows is great science fiction and a journey through the entire Polity Universe. The story unfolds beautifully and you’re never really sure who can truly trusted until right up near the end.

The descriptions of space and land battles playing out are brilliant. It also makes you ask interesting questions like whether should AIs be counted as war dead. I’d strongly recommend you give this a read with four stars out of five.

Have you read anything by this author?

Let me know in the comments section below.

Pegasus (Part 74)

I slowly opened my eyes. At first, I struggled to understand what I was looking at. It was the ruins of a city obscured by a thick white mist. I looked backward to see what state my companions were in.

Our newest companion’s eyes were set wide open. Rivers of blood flowed from her gashed head. I reached out to touch her but her body had already gone cold. I could just about look past her to see Tabitha who was slouched back.

Impulsively, I called out “Tabitha, Tabitha.”

She jostled slightly before responding “I am here, you okay?”

My heart which had been beating ferociously calmed.

“We need to get out of here,” I shouted.

I struggled left and right but was strapped in. I looked closely at the bright visual display. I knew there must be some button that I needed to press to get out of this predicament. It was just a matter of finding it. I thought I had it but merely and very briefly turned on some sort of alarm. Still, I persisted.

I pressed this option and then that one. Finally, the straps recoiled in place and the overhead hatch opened up.

Immediately, I was hit by a rotten smell. Myself and Tabitha gingerly made our way out of the ship. I could hear a motoring sound in the distance.

Tabitha looked at me, concern etched across her face.

Never Know Your Place

Well readers, fear not I am back again. It has been a while. I had an interview and stuff. Didn’t qualify, I apparently failed the Working Through People question. Which is ridiculous because I’m great at getting others to do stuff. I hate actually having to do things myself.

So, the above is the memoir of Martin Naughton. My last post was a review of a play about his life. First things first, the Kindle price was way too high, almost the same as the printed version. Like I purchased it, but I’m a fanatic. The price really needs to be reduced.

The book is much more thorough than the play. In fairness to the playwright he has to tell the whole story over a short time frame but it contains inaccuracies I find frustrating. This is a pivotal character and to me, his life must be detailed correctly. Likewise, the play mentioned occurrences the memoir may have left out. For instance, Martin decides not to go to America to live in the play but it omits the importance of a few visits that he did make. Also, the girlfriend goes to move to America without him in the play but this is not mentioned in the memoir. However, I feel that the incident in the play where the porter wouldn’t help Martin toilet, which is not mentioned in the book is the kind of thing that probably really did happen.

Although it is a memoir, certain aspects and periods of his life are almost completely omitted. It details his first romance, who becomes a lifelong friend but no other. In the notes at the end, it states that there were others but they are not included to protect the privacy of the women. This is somewhat disappointing for a memoir. He could have provided insight into why they didn’t work out or how his disability impacted them.

It starts with his early life in Spiddal. From an early age, he was a good organizer and he made many of the decisions during the construction of the new family home. Unfortunately, signs of his progressive disability were already clear. It appears that it ran in the family, with older sister Mairead, and younger sister Barbara also affected.

He was sent across the country to Baldoyle Hospital with his sister Barbara ostensibly to be rehabilitated but in truth to be institutionalized. This also meant moving from what would have been a very strong Gaeltacht at the time to an English-speaking world. Two major adjustments for any nine-year-old and he is clear about his nights of anguish.

Life in the institution was highly regimented and repetitive, and they were forced to be in their beds long before night had fallen. It was run by an order of nuns. These must have been very dark times for him psychologically. At least there are no allegations of sexual abuse though. Terrible things were happening to children in other institutions at the time.

Gradually his English improved and fortunately, some good volunteers came to the hospital. Two characters, Kitt and Dermot were to play a crucial role in his life. Dermot managed to get the Celtic European Cup-winning team to visit the hospital. This was to have a huge ripple effect leading Martin and others to create a soccer club.

Martin became the chief organizer. It was never really about the sport for him. It was about giving the children in the hospital a better life and their integration with the nondisabled children living in the wider community.

Gradually, his role becomes a paid role and he resides in the hospital as a staff member.

It is clear from the book that Martin has a keen intellect. He leaves that job and takes on a role in the “outside”. This necessitates organizing 24-hour volunteer support. A very formidable task that he managed to do.

His new job led him to pay for his own Assistant after some time.

During a visit to his sister in the States, he comes into contact with the Independent Living Movement. They explain the philosophy to Martin and he spreads it back to Ireland helping to create, although not officially a founder of the first Center for Independent Living in Ireland. He wanted to be free as an independent actor. They apply for European funding to employ Personal Assistants and after a well-run campaign the Irish Government rows in behind it to provide permanent funding. This is what he is justly renowned for.

But what of the movement now?

He admits that there are still problems. Too many are in institutional settings against their wishes. It’s about choice. Some may wish to remain. The likes of Cheshire Homes have changed significantly over the years and now allow more freedom. But many will want the freedom to choose their own lives and that was what Martin Naughton was about.

He stands out as a beacon, not just to those with a disability but to all Irish people.

The disability community now needs future leaders to step up.

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No Magic Pill

Ladies and gentlemen, you shouldn’t be reading this because well I’m supposed to be studying. I have a real problem with my mind jumping from place to place. And apparently, this is where it’s at, at the moment. Really I should be thinking about majestic topics such as the difference between revenue and capital accounts. Please give an example of each. Tell me about a time you should initiative. And no chasing skirt is not what they are thinking of.

I have an important interview coming up. All part of Project Mark. The Masterplan. Except my plans tend to be more meandering in nature. Anyways back to “No Magic Pill”.

It’s a play I went to yesterday in Longford in thick fog and down some very narrow roads. I think Google Maps wanted to build the suspense. Mr R and some mates accompanied me.

It tells the story of Martin Naughton, institutionalized from a young age, and the part he played in creating the first CIL or Centre for Independent Living. This was the first time Personal Assistants (PAs) were provided to people with disabilities. This is very pertinent to me as PAs have greatly helped me in my life. I consider him, and the others in those early days to be heroes. So, this post may be somewhat partisan.

Firstly the venue. The staff were courteous and pleasant. There were some drawbacks, lack of delineated wheelchair parking (I know Mr R, I know) and I had to go around the back and use temporary ramps. Not full marks for inclusion. More pointers for future improvements rather than criticism. Let’s call it a post-event review. I hate those things.

The play is about how the movement for independent living began and has a love story as somewhat of a subplot. The acting was excellent, especially by the actor playing Naughton. It’s mostly played by actors who actually have disabilities or else they should get Oscars. Something is intoxicating about plays. So much better than television.

It shows how he ended up in an institution, the effect it had on people, and how he strived to improve things for both himself and others, against considerable odds. I knew quite a lot about this before going in and have met some of the people depicted. The subplot revolves around a girl who likes pushing his wheelchair from place to place and becomes one of his first PAs. Then they start a relationship.

I do have some criticisms of the play.

The general understanding is that Naughton learned about Independent Living while visiting the US. However, in the play he never does. Instead, it’s held out as a mythical place, kind of like disability heaven where he’s stuck in a conundrum about whether to pursue his dream or save his friends. It might be to make the play more dynamic but I’m a stickler.

It indicates that the independent living movement was created by Vietnam Vets who lost limbs. This is a myth and underplays the role that those born with disabilities played in the movement. It was actually started by students at a California University. I’d recommend you read the biography of Judith Heumann if you want to learn more. I think that the distinction is important.

I didn’t like the ending. It’s too abrupt. There is too much left up in the air. The last few lines leave open whether the romance works out or not. And, it stops before the Government agrees to continue financing the services. I think it’s even worse for those who wouldn’t know the story as well as me.

I’m still recommending you go see it and learn about a true freedom fighter.

Now back to those budgets and Maslows Hierarchy of Needs.

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The Secret Life of a World of Warcraft Gamer

This is a new documentary that has just dropped on Netflix. Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of 25. His parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated life when they started receiving messages from online friends around the world after posting a message about his death on his blog.

The secret life of the young World of Warcraft gamer is vividly reimagined using the actual conversations he had from the game where he role-played a character called Ibelin. The game was his sanctuary where he was free from his disability and felt that he could relate to people on an equal footing.

At his funeral, his father relates how his parent’s greatest sorrow was that he would never know love, never have friendships, or make a difference in another person’s life. But they were wrong, he had found a way through his own resourcefulness.

What follows is the story of his alternate life in this virtual told in his own words and by those who knew him. It is a life of ups and downs, with the black cloud of him physically getting weaker in the background.

I’m giving this documentary, a tale of success against adversity five stars and strongly recommend you watch it.

Galway Girls (Complete Story)

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, several years ago, I and my besties Ronan and Sean made plans for a night away in Galway in mid-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 was my chauffeur. Sean lived on a boat. More about that later.

It turned into a night to remember and one that would alter the course of my life.

The drive to Galway from my hometown took about an hour and a half. All via a motorway through an Autumnal landscape. Some leaves clung to existence on mostly barren branches. I was sitting in my electric wheelchair, which was clamped to the bottom of the van near 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, but more that it was an 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.

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.

We then start looking out for a parking spot, preferably a wheelchair spot but we’d take what we can get. We’ve done this journey a few times previously so we know where to look. Incredibly, the rain stopped and a parking space was free just as we approached the hotel. I hoped this is a good omen for the night.

We were 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 were met by a smiling receptionist who says, that she hopes we will enjoy our stay in a strong Galway accent.

We headed up to our room, which was very spacious but clammy. I told Ronan that I call dibs on the double bed. Part of me wanted to lie down for a while but Ronan was anxious for us to go because we were running late for the comedy gig. So was just a quick trip to the toilet and spruce up for me.

The first part of the night was to go and meet Sean in a pub called Roisin Dubh (Dark Little Rose) where we would see a comedian. It was a ten-minute walk from the hotel, mostly along pedestrian-only streets. Buskers lined the streets giving them a vibrant sense of festivities.

We had been to Roisin Dubh before and I wanted to use my brain to see if I remembered the route but Ronan had much more confidence in his phone. And let’s face it, when it came to the crunch there was always going to be one winner.

The Corrib was in full majestic flow as we crossed over it. It wouldn’t have wanted to rise any higher or it might take the bridge with it. We were getting close now and it wasn’t long till we reached the pub. There was a step up into it, so the barmen went to get a wooden ramp. Still, the footpath was narrow and it took some exquisite driving to get on the ramp to get up the step. But there was no way I would fail with the taste of vodka now so close.

There was no sign yet of Sean inside. The bar area was very small so there was nowhere for him to hide.

I tried my best to pull into one of the corners to avoid the surge of people while we waited for Sean to arrive.

“Do you want a vodka?” Ronan asked.

“I sure do.”

He knew the way I liked it, with an equal amount of orange thrown in as he took the few steps over to the bar to order.

A few moments later, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder. Instinctively, I know who it is.

“Hey Sean, you got here.”

He walked around in front of me.

“Indeed, that Ronan over there? Better tell him to order me a pint.”

With that, I was briefly alone again before they both came back.

These are the best of nights. Old friends and lively banter in a city I love.

After a few minutes, Sean pointed out that we should enter the gig area and get good seats. Always a good idea when one of the members of the group is in a wheelchair.

A tall dark-haired woman was checking the electronic tickets on people’s phones before stamping their wrists. She was at the narrow conjunction between the small bar area and the larger gig area where seats were already laid out in a much larger room with a higher area where comedians would enthrall their audiences.

However, I simply drove through.

Does she think like I do, that people in wheelchairs are invariably honest or is it that I don’t need to be stamped cause I stick out anyway?

Ah well, c’est la vie.

The warm-up act was an Australian woman with long blonde hair and a very strong accent. She regaled us with the stories of her love life. She had slept with men from all over the world and was somewhat upset that she might end up getting around to every country. She was middling, a few laughs and not much more.

Still, I was content with the lads ensuring that I had a constant supply of liquor, which made even simple jokes sound hilarious. Every chair was taken giving the place a cramped, jovial atmosphere. The smell of Guinness pervaded the room. I couldn’t but help notice all the pretty women around. There was definitely a higher percentage than my hometown where you would be lucky to spot more than one on any given day.

After half an hour, her act came to an end to much applause. Some, like Sean got up off their seats to look for a refill.

“Well Ronan, what did you think of the of the act Ronan?”

“A bit crude, what did you think?”

“Ah, it was okay,” I replied.

Then I noticed a woman staring at me out of the corner of my eye. Now that wasn’t something that happened to me every day. I looked over and gave her a smile, which was reciprocated. She had short curly blonde hair, with a somewhat heavy build dressed in a black jacket and dress.

“Here’s another one.”

Our brief eye contact was broken as Sean handed me a drink. Damn, I thought to myself.

A few moments later, the main act appeared on the stage. He was a thirtyish Irish bloke from Cavan of all places. It didn’t take him long to get the crowd going. He interacted much more with them, asking them where they were from and what their jobs were; hitting the jackpot somewhat when he came across some nurses. They had fascinating tales about body parts getting stuck in very strange places, which the crowd found very amusing.

All the time, the drinks kept flowing After about 40 minutes, the gig came to an end.

“Well, what did ya think of that Sean?” I asked. They had gotten up from their seats and were standing in front of me now.

“Yeah it was good,” he replied.

“Where now?” asked Ronan,

Sean was the guy from the area, so we were following him with the expectation that he would bring us to the best spots that the city had to offer. He had yet to let us down.

After glancing at his watch he said, “Well, there is an alternative type spot quite close to here. It can be very packed but we should be able to get in if we leave now.”

Alternative, I thought to myself. I wasn’t really sure what he meant exactly but it did sound like somewhere I should be going to. 

“Yeah, let’s go there. It sounds cool.”

With that Ronan concurred and off we went.

Just as well, Sean was with us because I would have no idea where I was going with all the side streets. Turn left, turn right there, like a maze in a labyrinth of possibilities.

“Just across the road now. Can you get up that path?”

I looked across the road, and I saw an aging, degraded footpath with only a small bump required to get up onto it.

“Yeah, I’ll be grand,” I replied.

A few moments later Sean was pointed down a narrow laneway, which led to a relatively large but narrow smoking area. I found a suitable spot to park. It was a beautiful sight to behold, more women than lads in what felt like a crowded, raucous outside garden with hanging flowers here and there. Sean really knew the best places to go.

I also gathered what he meant by “alternative”. There were all colours of hair and piercings. All very exotic for the likes of me. Most were smoking away on their vapes and in boisterous, jovial form.

But priorities, priorities. We had our priorities and drink was top of the list. This time Ronan was entrusted with the responsibility. Sean said he would check if there was any space inside as it was at a premium where we were.

This gave me a minute or two to collect my thoughts and survey my surroundings. The place was electric with everybody seemingly in good spirits. There also seemed to be a great sense of camaraderie, with some of the women going from group to group chatting away.

A few moments later the two lads had returned. With a quick shake of Sean’s head, I was informed that there was no space for a wheelchair inside. Not that I minded.

“A lot of talent around here,” I said loudly to Sean over the din of music.

Sean was somewhat of a connoisseur.

“Yeah,” he replied, “it’s all the universities, tourists and the like. It’s unbelievable around here. You can just be walking down the street and see so many good-looking women.”

I took another slug of my vodka and took in the atmosphere the two lads talked for a while.

Then while I got lost in my thoughts.

“Say hello to Irene,” Sean said to me.

She was one of the girls that had been going from group to group earlier.

“Hi, lovely to meet you,” I replied.

“Hi,” she replied with a warm smile.

“She’s a musician, very good too.” Sean continued.

She had shoulder-length brown hair and was wearing a black jacket.

“And Paul is a writer,” Sean said somewhat proudly.

“Yeah, what do you write?”

Of course, I’m not one of those who like to boast but for pretty girls ten years younger than me I could always make an exception.

“Yeah, have you read or heard of Anderson’s Quest?”

“I have, are you the author?”

“Indeed, I am.”

“No way, and are you rich now?”

I briefly thought about trying to explain that it wasn’t about the money for me. But about the joy of writing, that it was a release and a form of self-expression. After, a few drinks though, I decided it’s better just to go with the flow.

“Not yet, it was big in Ireland but not much outside. Hopefully, next time.”

It was then that I noticed how she was glancing at Sean. Not that I blamed her. He was well built, muscular but not overly so, with a square jaw. And he was charming too.

It was just that I wished a woman would look at me like that. It had been years since I had last been with a woman and it was something that I wished to explore further.

Then Ronan began to speak and my focus switched back to the present.

The drinks were flowing freely now but I knew the importance of pacing oneself after many nights of overindulgence down the years. It was important to be still able to talk to people at the end of the night or so my friends would tell me.

There were other ladies I got to chat with too. I always loved female company even if it was to just try and get a laugh out of them. Rachel, in her mid-twenties, was a fashionista, owning her own brands. She had blonde hair and was wearing a black jacket. She was affable and easy to talk to. Not the kind of girl that you would get chatting to in Mullingar.

And then there was purple-colored hair Rose, with a large ring on her nose. She knew everybody including myself by the end of the night. I would describe her as eccentric and presumed she must have been snorting some cocaine at some point. If anything, she was a bit too chatty and I was relieved when the lads told me it was nightclub time.

“Where are you from?”

“What do you do?”

And she told me all about herself. An Arts student wanted to be a social worker. My voice had gone hoarse.

“So, where to now Sean?” I asked enthusiastically on getting outside.

“Back to Roisin Dubh.”

This was somewhat of a novelty. Heading back to somewhere I had already been and it was right back into the same room too. In fairness, they made a good effort to transform the place. All the chairs had been removed leaving a good-sized dance floor. It was now dark with strobe lighting. By this time I had enough drink and instead just enjoyed the music, which was a mix of modern songs and some classics. The loud songs vibrated through me.

We took up a position beside one of the walls and I took in the atmosphere. It felt alive like anything in the world was possible. As I watched the elegant dancing, part of me wished I could just stand up and join them.

It was getting towards the end of the night now and I had run out of things to say to my friends. Then there she was. The woman whose eyes I met during the comedy gig and they were meeting again. She was staring right at me from across the dance floor. Then she started to walk towards me. Suddenly, my heart started to race and I felt wide awake once again.

She leaned down and said something to me but it was too hard to make out. She smelled of perfume and Guinness. I remember thinking – you only live once and I kissed her cheek.

She looked at me and grinned. She leaned towards me, putting her arms around my back, and kissed me on the lips. It was gentle at first but quickly escalated to her moving around my mouth.

I felt like heaven and never wanted it to end. It was like there was nobody else on the dance floor – just me and her. All thoughts of my two friends quickly went out of my head.

Then the background music stopped. This was not good news. A few moments later all the lights were on. The nightclub was over. Just like that and all too soon.

We broke off our kiss. She had such beautiful blue eyes.

“So, where to now?” she whispered.

“My hotel room is close by,” I replied trying to feign confidence.

“Oh, you are sure of yourself. Come on so, let’s go.”

Everything was going to plan except, of course, it wasn’t, I hadn’t planned for this event whatsoever. For, a second I even had to think about whether or not I had the key to the room. Phew, I had. Time to just run with the flow and hope for the best.

So, off we went.

“Hey horse, where are ya going? Running off without your mates. You were telling us you loved us only an hour ago.”

It’s true, I had. A drunken tendency to tell my friends I loved them. And I did. But things change. I had a woman and my reptilian brain was telling me to lose the friends and fast.

“Oh, you don’t want us now. Forgotten about for some woman,”

It was Sean and he loved it, grinning with a wide smile across his face.

“Are you even going to introduce us?”

Fuck no, I thought to myself.

But then I realized I needed help getting down the step.

She took the initiative.

“It’s Leslie.”

Remember Leslie, Leslie is her name.

“Sean.”

“Ronan.”

And with that, they shook hands.

“And what am I to do with Ronan,” Sean asked as he helped me down the step.

“He’ll be grand. Shur, he can stay on the boat.”

That’s right, Sean had a boat and would occasionally stay the night.

“Oh, thanks. The two of us in a little boat.”

With that, we went in different directions. Myself and Leslie going in one direction and them in the other.

“Nice friends.”

“Yeah.”

“No really, I can see they really care about you.”

She must still be drunk.

It took us only a few minutes to reach the hotel. It was starting to feel cold.

I knocked on the door of the hotel and waited. A few moments later the door opened.

The valet looked at me and then at her.

“Residents?”

Fuck, he’s not going to let her in. This can’t be happening.

“I am and she needs to help me get to bed.”

There was a moment of silence, well apart from the drunks shouting at each other in the distance.

“Otherwise, someone in the hotel will have to help me.”

That did the job.

“Come on in.”

As I went down to the lift I was relieved to feel her holding onto the back of the wheelchair. I quickly pressed the button in case the valet had a change of heart.

Once safely inside the lift, we both started to laugh.

“So, I’m your carer now, am I?”

“I think assistant is the more pc term for it these days. It was quick thinking though, wasn’t it?”

“It sure was, not just a pretty face.”

The lift opened and we continued down the narrow corridor to my room. A quick turn of the keys and we were in.

Now came the challenging part, transfer onto the toilet, then back on the wheelchair, and then into the bed. All the time hoping she didn’t fall asleep waiting.

As I made my way to the bed, I was happy that she hadn’t fallen asleep in the darkened room. I drove my wheelchair up parallel to the bed, pulled back the sheets, and using my hands and arms stood up. Suddenly, I felt nervous, realizing I had to pull down my pants in front of her but what the hell. Then I swiveled and fell back into the bed.

“God, I thought you were never going to get in here.”

For a few seconds, nothing happened.

“Guess it’s up to me,” she whispered.

Then she got on top of me and started to rub my firm chest with her soft hands. She opened her top and then her bra leaving her breasts dangling in front of me. Slowly, I move my hand up and touch them. They were soft and tender.

She is in total control. I feel strangely vulnerable, an unexpected feeling.

She begins to lick my nipples before sucking them, sending me into ecstasy. My pulls down her pants, and my heart races. Then I enter her. She grinds back and forth as I close my eyes. I feel her sweat drip onto me.

Then I climax and a few seconds later she falls off me. There is so much I want to say and yet nothing comes out.

The next thing I know I felt something shuffling beside me. I was sure it would pass and tried to stay asleep. Then I felt a larger movement and slowly opened my eyes. A woman was sitting on the side of my bed.

For a second I wondered where I was. Then the night before started coming back – all the drinking, music, and sex. No wonder I felt terrible. My mouth was parched and my stomach was telling me not to make any rapid movements.

“Hope I didn’t wake you but there are places I have to be.”

It was very early morning and still not quite bright.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to respond. This was a very novel situation for me. Should I play it cool or tell her I have eyes for her only?”

“Had a great night. Hope I get to see you again.” Well, at least I made a decision.

“Aww, you’re so sweet. You probably say that to all the girls. I’ll write my name and number over there and if I hear from you, you never know.”

With that, she went over to the table and I heard a scribbling. After, a quick wave, I heard the sound of the door opening and closing.

The next time I woke up the room was considerably brighter. Damn it, time to get up. My head was pounding and I had an acrid taste of alcohol in my mouth. Each movement of my body took so much more effort than normal. My body was sweaty and was starting to smell.

I looked around at the room and wondered how I had managed to get in the bed with such artistry while intoxicated. Having a woman in the bed had been a great motivator. I was really pleased with myself. Slowly, I began the arduous task of getting dressed using a system I had developed over the years. Slide to the left, pull up the pants, and slide to the right. You get the drift, very exciting stuff

Painstakingly, I continued to get dressed and finally managed to sit back in my electric chair. Good lad. The hard part was done. I went to the table. She had left me her name and number as promised. I put it on my phone and checked the time. It was only 10am. I’d message her later.

A quick wash of the teeth and some deodorant to give a nice refreshed smell was then in order. I decided that shaving wasn’t worth the hassle with the way I was feeling at the time.

And out the door of my hotel room, I went. I knew what I really needed now – a nice Irish breakfast with lots of tea. I knew something was missing though. Oh yeah, my mates. I knew it would be prudent to give them a call, they were my only way of getting home after all.

I stopped my electric wheelchair and reached for my phone. Now which one to ring. I decided on Ronan. He promptly answered.

“Hey.”

He sounded alert.

“Hey Ronan, just heading downstairs for a bite to eat. What are you up to?”

“I’m down here with Sean already. Sure we’ll see you in a min.”

“Excellent, see you then.”

I wasn’t sure it was but I had to say it. I knew a ribbing was coming.

I switched on the chair and made my way down. Sure enough, they were there waiting for me just inside the bar area. It was quiet. Wry smiles were etched on their faces.

Sean led the charge.

“Oh look who wants our company now. Are you sure we’re good enough? You couldn’t lose us quick enough last night.”

“That was different.” That was the best half-hearted defense I could muster.

“Oh, women before friends is it? Poor Ronan didn’t get a moment’s kip last night. From telling us you love us to dumping us cos of some skirt. At least tell us you got laid.”

“I did.”

“I guess it’s okay so. You could have brushed your hair though.”

They both laughed at my expense. Not that I minded once I knew some sausages and rashers were on the way.

Once I had quenched my thirst and filled my stomach, thoughts turned to what we would do next. Sean said that he had to head back to work but that myself and Ronan should have a walk around the town.

“Yeah, that would be a good idea Paul,” Ronan interjected, “I’d like to wait another hour or two to make sure I’m under the limit.”

I nodded in agreement.

Sean headed off and we made our way through the bustling city. Galway is a mixture of the old and the new with the sound of music coming from the many buskers on the streets that are pedestrianized.

We pass over the mighty Corrib. It has a fast flow and I pause and admire its rapids. The sweet smell of the sea entered my nostrils.

But all the time my mind kept drifting back to the previous night. The thought of her on top of me, her soft breasts. Then Ronan snapped me back to reality pointing out we were close to where we’d been the previous night.

After a while, we stopped to have a coffee in one of the many coffee shops that dotted the place. They are mostly small and quaint, with smiling staff.

As Ronan went to the counter, I finally opened the note that had been left for me that morning –

Message me Leslie Xxx 087-65XXXXX

Now, what should my first message be?

  • Hi Leslie, gr8 to see u last nite. Hopefully see you soon xx

I pondered for a second before I hit the send button. Was I sending it too quickly? Too eager? She seemed nice as well as hot. The kind of woman I could do with in my life. Damn it, just go for it. And I did.

Immediately, I felt flushed. The dreaded wait for a reply had begun.

Ronan appeared with the cups of coffee. Mine was a cappuccino. By now, I was feeling quite overwhelmed by the night before. I was feeling tired and hungover. Ronan looked like he felt much the same, his hair uncombed and his eyes red.

I looked out the window and watched the pedestrians walking up and down the narrow medievalesque street wondering if they had ever experienced a night as good as mine. First savoring the smell, I took my first sup. Some of the chocolate rested on my tongue before dissipating away in my mouth.

“Will you be seeing her again?” Ronan asked.

“Hope so, I sent her a text there. Will see how it goes. Nothing back yet.”

“Ah, she might be sleeping or something. Give it time yet.”

“Plenty of fish in the sea,” I replied. I didn’t mean it. Leslie was special.

We spent another ten minutes catching up as a throng of people passed by. A mixture of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Normally my brain would be sizzling, thinking of all their different stories. But not this time. My mind was still foggy from the night before and Ronan seemed only marginally better.

Then we decided it was time to head back home to Mullingar.

A shower was just starting as the lift raised me and my electric wheelchair up into the back of the van. Briefly, I got the smell of wet grass.

The journey home took an hour and a half. It gave us plenty of time to chat.

Mostly it was reminiscing about our previous trips and the different sporting occasions that were coming up.

Then just as we were driving off the motorway and into Mullingar, I felt the buzzing sensation of my mobile. Instinctively, I knew it was her –

I wasn’t sure if you would message but I’m glad you did. Are you still in Galway? x

Of course, I did. No, nearly home now.

Where’s that again?

Mullingar.

Oh, that’s where my Gran lives. I actually go and see her quite often. She is in a nursing home.

My heart skipped a beat. She regularly came to Mullingar. What were the chances?

I immediately sent her a text back

You must know the town well so? I live in a flat near the County Buildings. Do you know Mount Street?

No, I don’t really know the town that well. She’s in a nursing home on the outskirts.

Oh right, guess I’ll have to show you one of the days lol

Yeah, I’d like that.

That ended the texting for the day. My dinner was due to arrive at my flat and the hunger was taking over.

Then as I lay in bed later that night, my phone suddenly lit up.

I quickly picked it up and tried to see who it was. It took a few seconds for my eyes to readjust to the bright screen. To my surprise, it was her.

Hey, are you still up?

I wasn’t but told her I was. My sleep could wait.

We messaged back and forth. Then things gradually turned sexual.

You have such beautiful eyes.

I can’t wait to see you again babes.

I want to kiss you and so much more.

Tell me more.

Eventually, my hand got tired from pressing the small buttons and I told her that we would talk the next day.

And we did and the day after.

The days were getting longer, the bleak winter was just a horrid afterthought. I could now feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I admired the lush, green trees that were dotted around my urban landscape and the plethora of birds in the sky.

These were the best of days. The warm weather. A decent job but most importantly Leslie. She was my first and last thought of each day. We discussed everything about each other.

Our favorite films – “Gattaca” for me, and “Die Hard” for her.

Music – Eminem for me, Coldplay for her.

Location – Galway for me, Dublin for her.

The list would just go on and on. There was nothing I didn’t want to know about her.

Then it happened. She was coming to see her Gran and would meet me afterward. It was set for a Saturday. It was to be a flying visit but would help us plan her next longer stay. We arranged to meet at 7pm in an accessible pub close to my apartment called The Court.

All that day, the anticipation built. She sent messages telling me she was on her way. I decided to get over to the pub at 6pm to get a bite to eat before she arrived. It was largely empty apart from the odd staff member and one or two people watching the horse racing that was blaring in the corner. The dinners provided there were always delicious and I went for the Chicken Supreme with a vodka and coke.

A young chubby barwoman took my order and delivered it to my table twenty minutes later. The smell of the freshly cooked chicken whetted my appetite and I quickly tore into it.

The days were getting longer, the bleak winter was just a horrid afterthought. I could now feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I admired the lush, green trees that were dotted around my urban landscape and the plethora of birds in the sky.

These were the best of days. The warm weather. A decent job but most importantly Leslie. She was my first and last thought of each day. We discussed everything about each other.

Our favorite films – “Gattaca” for me, and “Die Hard” for her.

Music – Eminem for me, Coldplay for her.

Location – Galway for me, Dublin for her.

The list would just go on and on. There was nothing I didn’t want to know about her.

Then it happened. She was coming to see her Gran and would meet me afterward. It was set for a Saturday. It was to be a flying visit but would help us plan her next longer stay. We arranged to meet at 7pm in an accessible pub close to my apartment called The Court.

All that day, the anticipation built. She sent messages telling me she was on her way. I decided to get over to the pub at 6pm to get a bite to eat before she arrived. It was largely empty apart from the odd staff member and one or two people watching the horse racing that was blaring in the corner. The dinners provided there were always delicious and I went for the Chicken Supreme with a vodka and coke.

A young chubby barwoman took my order and delivered it to my table twenty minutes later. The smell of the freshly cooked chicken whetted my appetite and I quickly tore into it.

I woke up the next day with a hangover. That wouldn’t have bothered me if it hadn’t been a work day. It took some self-talk to convince myself to leave my comfortable soft pillow and bed. My head was pounding and my throat almost painfully dry.

I made a mental note to myself to have greater discipline next time, hoping I hadn’t let myself down the night before. Even though, I knew there wasn’t much point. I went out to my kitchen and prepared myself some toast and tea. My stomach wasn’t in a mood to tolerate much else.

I ordered Alexa to turn on Midlands Radio 3. Music immediately blared out but it was throbbing through my skull,

Alexa – Volume 6.

That was much better. As the song ended, the presenter said that a scorcher had been forecast for that.

I slowly ate my breakfast and headed out the door.

My apartment was only two streets away from where I worked. It was a simple journey on mostly wide footpaths along commercial streets of terraced shops and restaurants with overhead apartments.

I felt the buzz of my phone as I passed the smell of burgers from a fast food outlet. I decided to keep going and look at it work as I was nearly.

A few moments later I had arrived and turned on the computer.

I had a little routine that I religiously, albeit subconsciously followed at work and the first thing was to check my email on Outlook. The good news, there were only ten new ones. I loved my job as an accountant technician. Always a new challenge to face.

Then I remembered to check my text messages. As I had hoped, it was from her.

  • Sorry about last night. My Grandma really was unwell. I’ll be down to see just you soon xx
  • I can’t wait xx

It immediately put me in good form.

“What are you so happy about?”

It was Bianca, my fellow co-worker and good friend.

“I’ll tell you at tea,” was my quick response.

That was another part of my daily routine. Going to meet Bianca and Tony who worked upstairs for the elevenses. Everything was always up for discussion, especially our sex lives.

Time flew and before I knew it was break time. We always went to the same spot. A place, not too close that we would be bumping into clients but also not so far away that we wouldn’t have time to actually chat.

“So, she was late and barely met you at all because of her sick Grandma,” Bianca said as she sat down beside me with our order.

“Yes.”

“Are you in love?” Tony asked me cheekily.

“Are you serious? I only just met her!”

But, inside I thought yes I am.

“Just be careful,” Bianca said quietly, “I wouldn’t like to see you getting hurt.”

The conversation was getting all too serious now so I mischievously brought up her Garda guy. He was older and usually only met her late at night..

“So, what about your Garda fella? Still on the radar?”

“Oh, the less said about that, the better.”

Tony couldn’t help but chip in.

“No booty call so?”

“Would you fuck off?” she replied to our laughter.

With our cappuccinos and scones finished it was time to make the short trip back to the office.

It did give me pause for thought. Was I just setting up myself for a world of pain?

What sort of life could I offer her anyway?

I need not have worried, I still had a few hours of scrolling through spreadsheets to look forward to.

Later that evening as I relaxed in front of the television I texted Lizzie.

  • So what are you up to?
  • L: Working late. Hope you are good x
  • Yeah, I’m grand. What do you work as anyway?
  • L: Trainee solicitor.
  • What a clever girl. Better try to keep hold of you. Lots of dosh lol
  • L: I will probably be replaced by AI any day now lol
  • Thinking of you a lot xx
  • L: Coming to see you next Sat. Arrive at 2 pm. Meet at your house. That ok?
  • Excellent xxx

My heart throbbed. She was coming.

It seemed to take forever for Saturday to take an age for Friday to finally arrive. I was so looking forward to it, that I counted every minute. It couldn’t come fast enough. My nights were filled with late-night text messages and by thoughts of her being in bed with me. The passion that there would be.

Eventually, the day came. I made sure my dingey little apartment looked and smelled as good as possible. A hoovering here, some Febreze there. I just hoped that she liked Lasagna. All the time I could feel my heart beating a little bit faster. Then her voice crackled over the intercom.

I pressed on the button for the door to automatically open and there she was. She looked radiant. Her curly blonde hair was now draped over her bare shoulders, the black tank top showing off her ample cleavage. A large smile greeted me before she cane closer and kissed me on the lips. It felt like heaven.

“So, this is your gaffe?” she said peering in my eyes.

I tried to think of something funny, something to immortalize the moment but instead came out with the rather bland, “It is.”

“So are you going to show me around?” she asked still enthused.

“Well, this is my kitchen and dining area behind me. My bedroom is in to the right and sure, follow me into my sitting room.”

I decided it would be overly optimistic to go straight to the bedroom.

I had a nice long couch right in front of the TV. Always hoping that someday I’d have a nice, pretty woman who would want to sit beside me. That plan had hopefully finally panned out. The room itself was small, plain, and minimalistic. It was dark. The curtains had been left closed in a bid to create a better ambiance. The large 50-inch TV was probably the most impressive thing in the room though I doubt it made much of an impression on her.

“Want to watch a film? I have a nice romance one saved.”

“Yeah, sure put it on.”

I switched on the TV and drove my wheelchair perpendicular to the couch before transferring onto it. She sat down beside me.

“You look so sexy when you swing your bum around,” she teased.

My face grew crimson.

“Thanks,” I replied with a wide smile.

She smelled of cinnamon perfume. The film started.

I wondered what I should do. Should I make a move or stay quiet watching the film?

She rested her head on my shoulder. My heart started to beat faster. Then she licked my ear. I looked into her blue eyes and leaned forward into a passionate kiss.

For a few moments, I was in heaven. Her hands were all over me. Running her through my hair and then rubbing my chest under the shirt. I guessed that I could forget about the film.

Our tongues swirled around, first in my mouth and then hers.

She whispered in my ear.

“So, where’s your bedroom?”

“Great minds must think alike,” I replied with a wide grin.

She stood up and I transferred back into my wheelchair. Eager to get to my next destination before the moment was gone. Fortunately, at least I knew that my normally cluttered room was looking its best that day.

“Oh, you have a good bit of space in here.”

“Yeah, I need it with the wheelchair and everything.”

I drove up alongside the bed, lifted up the footplates, and then transferred onto the bed.

She helped me pull down my trousers.

“It’s really impressive how you manage everything.”

“Thanks”

She got on top of me and we embraced. She was everything that I had always wanted. Her soft skin, the smell of her perfume, her hair brushing against my face.

I closed my eyes as she kissed my body. Then I entered her. We grinded together in bliss and then as the euphoric moment hit, I roared “I love you.”

Then we collapsed exhausted into each other’s bodies.

Resting in her arms, up against her left breast, I knew that my life had changed forever. It all felt so natural. Like the way things were destined to be. The thought of ever kissing another woman no longer seemed like something I wanted. Looking into her eyes, I wondered what would lay in our future.

“I love you.”

I just blurted it out. It wasn’t something that I expected to say. I could feel my body tense up as I waited for her response. Was it too much, too soon?

She got on top straddling me, our sweaty bodies becoming one. She held my hands tightly. Her lips parted.

“I love you too.”

Nobody had said anything like that to me before. I was stunned and did nothing, except to return her gaze.

Then she leaned down and we kissed passionately again.

That was eight years ago now. We are married now and have a three-year-old. Leslie moved in with me a few months after that and then four years ago we bought our first house. It hasn’t been easy, there are constant challenges but when I look into those eyes I still feel that passion and immense love peering into my soul.

Pegasus (Part 51)

There was an anxious wait though before they came to a halt. I gripped Tabitha’s hand. It was sweaty. Then they waited in the silence.

A few minutes later, they heard the first rustling of sound. Then it grew louder. Amidst the sound of a girder lifting the boxes out, there was also what sounded like children talking and screeching.

The boxed crate they were in soon started to shake. They were on the move but didn’t know where. Minutes passed. This wasn’t part of the plan. They were supposed to remain in the same spot and board an adjoining ship.

They felt a large bang as they hit the floor. The machine operator obviously didn’t think there was anything valuable inside. That, or he just didn’t care. After a few moments, things fell silent once more.

It felt like the time to act.

“Come on Tabitha, it’s time to act.”

“Yes, yes let’s go.”

We pushed the top off of the metallic box. Our eyes winced closed from the light but gradually opened to reveal a cramped room full of containers and different parts of machines. The air was stale and smelled of oil.

“Where are we?”

Tabitha’s mouth opened but nothing came out. We both looked around in astonishment. Wires were hanging out everywhere – from the ceiling to the door control.