{fb1000000and Sonny eventually realised something had changed but didn't know exactly what. Once back in their reality these fact were instantly forgotten. They had planned to expose this phenomena, but a strange force never before seen by mere mortals kept it inside them.
McGraph thought back to how they had crash-landed on that planet, to begin another life...
After 2 days aimless, dark wandering, wildly off course, the computer decided it had got its revenge (after being molested at the hands of an irrational McGraph) and returned everything to normal. It didn't use or in fact {fb1904000need{fb1000000 much of the old technology still aboard the ship, such as physical wiring - nothing quite so primitive. No, its communication links were all directed through the airwaves. Using natural resources is much more friendly to the environment isn't it.
{fb1007000
Chapter 3
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Bomber didn't blame McGraph for the way she'd reacted. He deserved it. It was all his fault - something he'd have an eternity to regret.
Bomber had been delivering Uranium to the plant out at Urgest Ridge when he broke an axle. Tara appeared out of nowhere. Suddenly she was standing over him asking for a lift. He explained his dilemma with the axle and his non-social destination, but she said that was perfect. It was her destination too! Anyway, she was early and didn't mind the wait. Bomber half- suspected something strange, as the plant was quite isolated and industrial - not a place he'd expect to see such a beautiful young woman like Tara. Soon his thoughts turned to how he would pay for the damaged axle, and the fine for carrying too heavy a load in the first place. This was turning out to be quite a strange day.
The recovery vehicle arrived many hours later, by which time Bomber and Tara had got to know each other very well! The heat, the isolation, the attraction can do a lot in such a desolate place. He dropped her off at her chosen destination and they arranged to meet in town at 'McCaws' restaurant later that week.
It began innocently enough. Bomber was an honourable man. He was glad to protect Tara on that journey, and told her so. He told her how lucky she was to be picked up by him. Many of the other drivers wouldn't have hesitated on insisting on some type of payment for {fb1904000their{fb1000000 generosity and never be seen again!. Bomber would see her again - she was too good to be true. OK strange, but he felt drawn to her like a magnet.
Yes, she was grateful,
{fb1904000'very grateful'{fb1000000. She said.
That's why she had chosen him above the others.
{fb1904000 Isn't it!{fb1000000, she said.
{fb1904000"What others?"{fb1000000 he asked,
{fb1904000"There weren't any others to ask!"{fb1000000
{fb1904000"They passed earlier, but I hid from view".{fb1000000 Tara said.
{fb1904000"Wait a minute"{fb1000000 he said, lowering his voice,
{fb1904000"We're talking about a 50 mile stretch of flat desert, not a busy street in the city. Where did you hide?"
{fb1000000Bomber was insistent. Leaning across the table he put his elbow on the rim of Tara's discarded soup bowl, instantly tipping remnants into his lap.
The head waiter, Mr Stutts looked over with concern, but decided not to interfere. He sent one of the {fb1904000'new boys'{fb1000000 over to help Bomber clean up.
{fb1904000"We'll continue this conversation in just a moment"{fb1000000, said Bomber, jumping to his feet and heading for the washroom.
{fb1007000
Chapter 4
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McGraph climbed the stairs of her building where she was temporarily holed up. She noticed something unusual. There were no children playing on the stairs, or along the corridors. Some corridors were darker too - some had had their fluorescent tubes smashed. McGraph continued upwards cautiously.
As she reached the floor on which her apartment was situated, she pushed at the door at the top of the stairwell and stopped to catch her breath, {fb1904000 'I must cut down on the damned cigarettes'.{fb1000000 she thought. As she looked up she could see that, although it was now closed, the door to her apartment had been forced open at some point.
Automatically she took her gun from inside her coat, and slowly moved along the corridor towards her door, hugging the wall every inch of the way. As she got closer, she was aware of voices and noises inside. Erratic yet controlled noises. Noises with a sense of purpose. McGraph slowed, but continued her lone journey.
Should she burst in and surprise them? She thought. No, she'd wait and maybe follow them to find out what where they'd come from and what they wanted; though she had a pretty damned good idea what it was they were looking for.
She hurried quietly to the other end of the corridor, and crouched down behind some discarded
