After the traitors Event and Salute arrived, the Commander invited them to sit. 'Gentlemen, so far, we have not had a great deal of success,' Event said.
'What are you talking about, Event? A good percentage of the world is in chaos without our help,' Commander Pope said.
'That does not do much good till we get access to Zenithal via Byzantine Crescent, and that seems to be nearly impossible.'
'You got in, Event.'
'Yes but as a Freeflyer. Now things have changed. However, there is good news. As we speak, Zack and Knox have infiltrated the Freeflyers' inner circle. But it could still take time.'
'How long is it going to take?' The Supreme Commander was getting a little impatient, to say the least. 'Shush,' he said, as he raised his hand for silence. 'What was that?'
Clank, clank! The noise that came from outside the cave was getting louder. Salute and Event jumped up, it could be Freeflyers, and the last thing they wanted was to be found by them in the company of Rebels. They rushed to the cave entrance to see Commander Rekrap, followed by Captain Bean laden down with bags and boxes noisily struggling up the hill.
'Bean!' Commander Rekrap shouted. 'It's your fault the camel threw me off and ran away. And if you fall over one more time or drop one of my boxes again, I will have you sent to the outer limits.' As he got to the Sacred Cave, he looked up. A bevy of Rebels was watching him with smiles on their faces. 'Oh for damnation's sake! Where are the chairs? I'm exhausted. Bean, get over here and find me a chair.'
Commander Rekrap sank into the most comfortable chair in the cave, and instructed Captain Bean to get everyone a drink. 'But get mine first.' He looked around beaming. 'Oh, sorry I'm late everybody. It's what happens when you have clumsy staff. Event, Salute, happy to see you, and you too, Nitty.'
The reply came back abruptly. 'Commander Rekrap, where have you been, do you realise you are late for a crucial meeting, and what have you been doing? I have heard some disturbing things about you. '
'Well Nitty, you will be pleased to know, I am the principal financier for Brad Capriole's new movie. I may even get a part in it.'
The Commanders looked at each other. 'So?'
'So, the movie is being made in Byzantine Crescent. See Commander? I am not as useless as you think I am. And I did not have to use any of your toys… Well, except one…'
Everyone in the cave was horrified and at the same time said, 'What did you use?'
'Tee hee,' laughed Rekrap. 'I used the love ray.'
'The Love Ray? On what?'
'Not what, but whom.'
'Rekrap, get to the point, what have you done?' Event and Salute panicked. 'Commander Rekrap, wait before you show us what you have done, I hope it does not involve us. It would not be a good idea for us to be exposed to Freeflyers' eyes at this time.'
Commander Rekrap patted his chest. 'Hang on Event. Now which pocket did I put it in Captain?'
'Do not touch a thing Rekrap,' Event ordered. 'Jump to it, Bean. Stop him.'
'Yes Sir, I have it here.' As Captain Bean took out the love ray, it spat out and hit Event and Salute, who disappeared in a puff of smoke. Commander Rekrap had left it on, once again.
'You had better get them back, you bloody fool Rekrap.' But before Commander Pope could say another word, Captain Bean and Commander Rekrap also disappeared.
'So what happened to the Rebels who are regrouping in the outback?' Pope said. 'What the hellfire has Rekrap done with them?'
The rehearsals
'Brad, this is becoming farcical. I can tell you Piers and Miles are becoming distinctly suspicious!' Steve Smith paced up and down as he raved and shouted.
'Oh, settle down Steve. They have been paid, and that's all they care about.'
'And are you stupid as well as blind Brad? No one can believe you picked Polly as your leading lady. You are either an actor or a Rebel. Make your choice. The High Commander is getting fed up with the delays.'
'Shut up Steve. An Honorary Rebel I may be. But - and it's a big but - I am an actor first and foremost. I will not compromise. The movie must take its normal course.'
'Brad, the movie was a means to an end. We are pretending to make the movie to get into Byzantine Crescent and find out what the invisible secret is. It will never be finished. It wasn't meant to be finished.'
'Steve, we have an investor. The wheels are rolling. The movie will be finished and will break all box office expectations. And whilst I'm making the movie, the crew, which will be Rebels, of course, can do some sleuthing in the house.'
'I don't believe it. Brad you can talk with the film studio, they won't listen to my excuses and me anymore.
'Yes, you're right. No more excuses, let's get on with the film. And talking about the film, here comes my lovely leading lady.'
~
Polly heard the shouting and heard Steve and Brad arguing again. It was probably over her, she knew Steve didn't like her. Everything she did was either wrong or not good enough. Brad was over her like a rash, and as much as she was enamoured with him as an actor, she did not really like it. It wasn't much fun telling her how much he loved her while he was looking in a mirror.
'Polly my love,' Brad oozed, 'we were just talking about getting this show on the road. Steve thinks we should start at the end and work backwards. It works, you know. By the time we get to the beginning, it will be perfect.'
'How does it end?' Polly asked.
'That's a secret,' Steve butted in, he knew there was no end.
'That's ridiculous Steve. I'm in it,' Polly retorted. Steve started to speak, but Polly put up her hand for silence. 'Steve, I know you don't like me,' she said, ' and if you keep putting me down and being mean to me, I promise you, I'll pull the pin.'
'That's right! You tell him, sis.' The Rebel disguised as Hamish walked in. 'But I thought you were a professional Polly. Everyone in the business knows all stars perform the best when they hate the director.'
'That's true, and I'm sorry Polly.' Steve bit back his first response - to slap her down and say, 'Pull the pin, Polly, and I'll get you de-pneumaed.' However he mumbled, 'I was under a fair bit of pressure from the big boss. But, the best news ever we now have a sponsor, and he's loaded. The film studio is all systems go, and we will start filming again by the end of the week.' And that was all the grovelling Steve could manage before he felt physically sick. He turned on his heel, called Brad and left the room.
'I'll be back, Polly. Give me a tick. Steve is very temperamental, but he's the best. Steve, Steve, wait for me.' And the Rebel kissed Polly on the cheek. Nice touch, he thought, the sort of thing her brother Hamish would do. And he ran out after the filmmaker.
Chapter 6
Great Uncle Vee
Polly was looking for the Liddles while Alison and Barbara were in the kitchen making lunch.
'Have you ever met this long-lost uncle from Australia?' Barbara asked.
'No, and neither has Polly. Apparently, he is our great-uncle and is filthy rich. Apparently he owns half of Australia. He's also a famous actor, which could help Polly.'
'Why isn't he staying here?' Barbara asked.
'He said because of the time difference; he would disturb us. It will take him ages to get used to being awake when he should be sleeping.'
'Fair enough. Who else is coming?'
'Well, Hamish and Ape, Piers and Miles, Lily and Lucy and Brad and Steve have been invited. However, I think Brad is only coming to try and squeeze some money out of our uncle for the movie.'
'Will Piers come? Isn't he still upset with Polly?'
'I don't know. Miles is coming. Funnily enough, we haven't heard from Hamish for a while. He's either very busy at work or has a new girlfriend.'
'Well, if he doesn't come, more for us. I'm starving,' Barbara, who was always starving, declared.
Polly overheard what Alison and Barbara were saying, and tears filled her eyes. She was missing Piers more than she would admit. 'Sod him,' she said, a little more loudly than she meant.<
br />
'Sod who?' a chorus of voices came from the kitchen.
'Mind your own business,' Polly said, joining into the volley of laughter. 'Mmm… It smells good in here. How's it going? Great-Uncle Vee will be here soon.'
'What does the "V" stand for?' Barbara asked. 'Not that it matters. Ever since I learned he was your great-uncle, I stopped wondering if he could be my husband.'
'Victor? Vernon? I don't know. I didn't know we had a great-uncle until recently.' She glanced up at the clock. 'Oh God, it's nearly twelve. Come on, girls. Let's get ready to welcome Australia.'
And they had just enough time to take a final look in the mirror as someone pulled the doorbell.
~
'G'day,' said a tall, tanned man in a broad Australian accent, and in walked Xavier, posing as Great-Uncle Vee. He had a wide-brimmed hat on his head, with corks hanging from the brim, and a brightly coloured scarf tied round his neck.
'Look at you. I would never have known you. My, you have grown into beautiful young ladies.'
'Come in, come in,' they said. 'Welcome.' Even Barbara joined in as they ushered him into the kitchen.
'Would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee? Or, as it's a special occasion, a glass of Champagne?'
'You know what girls a nice cuppa tea, milk and two lumps, would go down very nicely. And where is that erstwhile brother of yours? I expect he's grown into a big lad.'
'He should be here soon. And I hope you don't mind great uncle, we've invited some friends to a celebration lunch,' Polly said. 'In fact, why don't we adjourn to the dining room now? They should be here any minute.'
~
Lunch was a great success. Brad and Steve arrived first with the biggest bunch of flowers and a bottle of the best Champagne. And, as predicted by Alison, they swapped notes on filmmaking with Great-Uncle Vee. Lily and Lucy arrived, and Great-Uncle Vee said he remembered them from when they were little girls. He was looking forward to having a coffee and a cake in their café. Miles arrived with the sweetest little posies, one for each of the girls. He followed Polly into the lounge, and Great-Uncle Vee immediately recognised him as Selim's son. He grabbed Miles hand and pulled him into a bear hug. 'I know your family, young man,' he said.
'Really?' Alison said. 'I can't believe it. That's wonderful.'
Once all the excitement died down, Polly quietly asked Miles, 'Is Piers coming?'
They all looked first at Polly, and then expectantly at Miles.
Miles looked very embarrassed as he apologised for Piers. He couldn't make it he was busy, Miles said. Cutting his nose off to spite his face he thought, he knew Piers was dying to see Polly. Polly was pretending she didn't care, but everyone knew she really did.
Lily immediately changed the subject. 'Where are Hamish and Ape? It's not like them to miss a family get together.'
'They'll be here soon,' Polly said, pleased to get everyone's minds off Piers. 'So let's start lunch anyway, and they can catch up when they get here. He's usually late,' she added. But she was concerned, when it came to food Hamish was usually first in line.
The lunch was a great success and went on long into the afternoon.
After all the guests and Great-Uncle Vee left, Polly asked, 'what do you think of him?'
'I think he's really great, and I can't wait to see him again.'
'Me too. He wants us to go to Australia on holiday.'
The girls were looking forward to seeing Great-Uncle Vee again. But Xavier was very concerned. Where was Hamish?
Changes and misunderstandings
Xavier woke and was no longer with Polly and Alison posing as Great-Uncle Vee. He was lying flat on his back on a very comfortable bed in a darkened room. The relaxing music wafting through the room made him feel good, and he seemed to have lost the will to get up. As he lay drowsy and humming along with the music, the room started to slowly lighten. The curtains swept open, revealing a magnificent room. It overlooked mountains half hidden in a mist. It looks like China, the hazy thought crossed his mind.
'Good morning Commander Xavier. I see you are finally awake.' He looked in the direction of the voice and felt something like a warm breeze crossing over him. He knew he had been captured but did not know how, by whom, or where he was. He lay back. He could only assume he was in the hands of the Rebels. He closed his eyes tightly and desperately tried to think what had happened.
I left the main hall immediately after Rhett told me to go to Middle Universe to protect Byzantine Crescent and all the Freeflyers. After gathering together all the necessary gear and weapons, I got into the transference beam and hit Earth's atmosphere within five scannuls. Posing as Great-Uncle Vee, I had lunch with the girls. Miles was there, I remember. But where was Hamish? It was unlike him to miss a family get together. After a great afternoon, I got into a taxi. Then what happened?
He could not think, and the more he concentrated, the more indistinct his thoughts became. The persuasive voice spoke again. 'Come Xavier. Open your eyes. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.'
He could not recall anything, and now he was finding it hard to even remember his name. He lay still, trying to decide what to do next.
'Come Commander Xavier.' A hand touched his forehead, gently pushing back his long curls, and soft lips brushed over his own. Xavier's eyes opened slowly, and just as he started to enjoy the attention from this girl, his memory came flooding in. Xavier the Freeflyer Warrior was back in business.
He smiled, which encouraged the owner of the hand to move closer. Suddenly, he shot up, grabbing a handful of hair belonging to one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen in his life.
'Xavier, please, you are hurting me.' Xavier immediately let go.
'Who are you? But, more importantly, where am I?' he said.
'All in good time, my love, all in good time.'
'You know who I am, and that puts me at a distinct disadvantage,' Xavier said, smiling as he smoothed down her hair and touched her cheek with his.
'Who would you like me to be? I have several visual codicil-memories you can choose from.'
'Visual codicil-memories?' Xavier questioned.
'I'm not sure I should tell you, but I rather like you. I'd rather go for a walk in the mountains with you.' She pointed out of the window.
'I too would love to roam in those mountains with you. But you must admit there's no point taking this romance further if I don't know your name.'
'Yes, you're right. Come with me, and I will tell you all.' She stood, pulled him to his feet and put her arms round his neck. But he was at the end of his 'being nice' persona.
He kissed her lightly on the head. 'Fun and games over, my sweet.' He towered over her as he picked her up, threw her over his shoulder, and headed to the door.
'Now let's find out where I am.'
He strode out of the door of the sumptuous room into a dark, dank, drafty corridor.
'It would be better for you if you go back into the room Xavier. It's not safe out here.'
'Really,' he said and opened a door directly opposite. As he did, the woman over his shoulder disappeared, and he felt himself falling at great speed. He hit the bottom with such speed, that if he hadn't landed on something soft, he would have broken all his bones. He sat up to see two eyes staring down at him, and they looked very frightened.
'Who are you?' the voice belonging to the eyes said, as the person or thing that owned them backed away.
This perplexed Xavier. It can't be a Rebel, otherwise he would know who I am. 'I'm Xavier, a Freeflyer from the First Universe.'
Hamish remembered what Ape had said about him being a Freeflyer, and it made him think this man could be a friend. 'My name is Hamish Pippin.' Hamish said, trying to sound brave. 'My sister is Polly Pippin and my best friend is Algernon Ponsenby Eagles.'
'So this is where you are, we were worried about you,' Xavier declared as he walked over to Hamish and took his hand. 'Do you have any idea how you got here?'
Hamish smiled
. 'No, and you arrived here a tad late.'
'A tad late?' Xavier said.
'Yesterday, I was in extreme luxury with a woman too beautiful to describe.'
'Oh, I've been there Hamish. I was waiting for her to turn into a snake and bite me or squeeze me to death.'
Although the situation they were in was obviously dire, they both started to laugh.
'Okay, you tell me your story, and we'll see if it matches mine. And then…' Xavier said.
'And then?' said Hamish.
'Then we will try and find a way out of here.’
Double trouble
Polly was busy learning her lines, and Alison and Barbara were still getting ready to go out to dinner at the best hotel in London.
'Where's my lipstick?'
'Have you got my red shoes?'
'Polly, you had my mascara last.'
But no one was listening. They rushed round various parts of the house, trying to find things that had been 'borrowed' not lost. The Liddles, in true tradition, took advantage of what was happening and miniaturised before jumping into Polly and Alison's bags. They had no intention of missing what was going to happen that day. The limousine called round at exactly six thirty, and the girls, dressed to the nines, clambered in. But not everyone was as excited about the dinner as the girls were.
~
'Come on Piers. Come to the dinner. Stop being stubborn. You know Polly wasn't to blame, and she's missing you.'
'It's not just Polly Miles,' Piers interjected. 'It's the way the film is progressing… or mostly not progressing. It's the most unprofessional job we have ever worked on. Day to day no one knows what's happening, and no deadlines are being kept.'
'Piers, shut up.' It was Miles turn to butt in. 'They have paid in full and up front. And the unprofessional behaviour is not exactly Polly's fault.'
'Yes it is. Where's her mind?' Piers started to shout. 'Who gets a part starring opposite Brad Bloody C. in an industry where she is totally unknown?'
'Steve wanted to film in the house,' Miles retaliated.
Polly Pippin and The Tunnel of Death Page 8
