Polly Pippin and The Tunnel of Death by Sarah Godwin Winter Page A

Warrior. He smiled
encouragingly. 'However, that's not what I want. You are much more
use to us alive.'
    'I will do nothing to help you. You are
nothing but murderers.'
    'My dear man, we don't need your help. We
can help ourselves. We have already changed the coordinates and are
heading for a cute little place we have made our own.'
    Hamish made to lunge at Commander Pope, but
he took only one step before he felt like he had been poleaxed and
collapsed on the deck, pain running through his body.
    'This is getting tiresome.' The Commander
turned his back on Hamish and looked at his troopers. 'Now, who
would like to take Hamish's place on Earth?'
    Every Rebel stepped forward. This pleased
the Commander. 'You see how united we are?' he said. Captain Swan,
step forward.'
    The man did as he was bid, throwing off his
cloak as he did. Hamish was shocked at what he saw. The warrior was
his exact double.
    'Surprised? Perfect, isn't he? Even your
mother couldn't tell you apart.' The Supreme Commander beamed, and
laughed so much Hamish thought he would burst. 'Hamish come and
meet the new you.' Hamish didn't move an inch. 'I think we should
show Hamish just how great life is for Freeflyers who join us.'
    And then for Hamish, everything went
black.
    ~
    Hamish woke, and for a moment, he was
disorientated. He looked round and had no idea where he was. It
certainly wasn't the cockpit of the plane, nor the North Pole. He
tried to figure out what had transpired earlier but couldn't
remember a thing. He had absolutely no idea what had happened.
Gingerly he got off the bed and walked to the window. There was a
knock at the door, and in walked the most beautiful woman he had
ever seen. Following her was a pageboy, pushing a trolley loaded
with food and drink.
    'Good afternoon, Hamish,' she said her voice
was warm and loving.
    Hamish was immediately on his guard and did
not answer.
    'Hamish talk to me. We're going to be
companions for quite some time. Come on Hamish, be nice.'
    'Okay, that's enough. Back off. I'm not here
to be nice,' he growled. 'Where am I? And how did I get here?'
    'I'm Athena,' the soft voice continued, 'and
I'm here to ensure you get everything you want or need.'
    'Oh, come on! This is ridiculous. I want to
go home.'
    'We'll talk about that later Captain Pippin.
Right now, I am your only friend.'
    Back at the film studio
    Piers and Miles had been told Hamish was no
longer objecting to making the movie in Byzantine Crescent, so it
was on. Brad seemed very happy. He had not been kidnapped of
course, but was relaxing in the Bahamas. The press release stated:
'Brad Capriole took a much-needed rest. He will soon be back on
board for his new blockbuster. The movie is about a war of the
universes and is set in a possessed house in London. It seems Brad
has chosen his leading lady, and she is an unknown. No folks, we do
not know her name but are waiting with baited breath.'
    'What time are we meeting the girls at Brown
Sugar Piers?' a voice echoed from the bathroom.
    'In ten minutes, so hurry up Miles. You've
been in there for ages. I'll go on and grab a table. I don't think
we should both be late.'
    'Okay, don't panic. I'm nearly ready.'
Bloody dictator, Miles thought. Still, I should get a move on. He
got out of the bath, dried his curly locks, scrubbed on a T-shirt
and board shorts and rushed out.
    Piers kicked on the bike stand, took off his
crash helmet, and walked into Brown Sugar. 'Hi Lily. I'm first, I
see. Look sharp and bring me a coffee,' he ordered, 'or off with
your head.'
    'Yes, at once, Your Majesty,' Lily said and
curtseyed low. 'And how many of your entourage will be here
today?'
    'Probably all of them, so you had better get
a move on, or I will throw you in my deepest dungeon or feed you to
my crocodiles.'
    Lily bowed and walked out backwards,
laughing as she did. 'Well, of course Your Majesty. Anything you
say Your Majesty.' And within two seconds, a cup of the best
steaming-hot coffee you could buy anywhere was