Intruders: Blog the Book 6.3

This week Captain Darrow goes to see Stefan Kozlik about what he saw. To read from the beginning go here. Captain Joseph Darrow looks like Michael Sheen.

Intruders chapter 6 scene 3

Before Darrow went outside he wanted to talk to Stefan Kozlik.  At his apartment, Kozlik’s wife opened the door.  She recognised Darrow's uniform.

‘You must be the Captain from the rescue ship.’

‘Yes, Mrs Kozlik, Captain Joseph Darrow.  May I speak to your husband?’

The Good Lawmaker (Welsh History)

Throughout Welsh history the separate Welsh kingdoms came together only rarely. Most of the time they were too busy fighting each other.
In the second half of the ninth century Rhodri Mawr (Rhodri the Great) united large portions of Wales for several years. When he died his lands were divided, as was Welsh custom, between his six sons. They were unable to survive alone, so, along with rulers of other small territories, they gave homage to the English kings.

Intruders: Blog the Book 6.2

This week, Captain Darrow starts his investigations. To read from the beginning, go here. My idea of Joseph Darrow is the actor Michael Sheen.

Intruders chapter 6 scene 2

Captain Darrow went to see Sean Parry, the Stock Controller, in his office adjacent to the pithead.  He was not welcomed.

‘Wil Jones asked me to help you, but I don’t have to like it.  There’s none of us thieving here, Captain.’

Darrow withdrew his outstretched hand, since Parry was ignoring it.

The Celtic Saints (Welsh History)

Christianity was brought to Britain by the Romans, and when they left, it was preserved in Wales by the monks and reclusive holy men, even under attacks from pagan Anglo-Saxons.

Intruders:Blog the Book 6.1

This week we join the Kestrel’s Medical Officer Dr Robinson as he meets with the base doctor. To read from the beginning, go here. I found a photo of Stephen Fry, which reminds me of Quentin Robinson.

Intruders chapter 6, scene 1

Following directions to the medical centre, Robinson introduced himself to a young man and asked for the doctor.

‘I am the doctor!' the man laughed. 'Maybe I should grow a beard! I’m Dr Simon Thomas, and I’m really glad you’re here.’

They shook hands.

When the explosion went off, I rushed down to the pit, but they ordered everyone into suits in case the dome ruptured.  Only then could I do anything for the injured, and it’s hard in a suit.  I’ve treated the two miners from Level Two - they only had minor injuries, and we had two casualties outside the mine - little Rhi fell down the stairs in the rush, and landed on her Mum.  Rhi broke her arm, and Mum has concussion.  But then they got Elwyn out and he was badly hurt.  Really pushed me to my limits treating him.  I had to get creative, which is why I’d be grateful for your advice.  Come and see him, and I’ll explain on the way.’

Making History Fun With Lego

One of the main aims of my history books is to make history fun and more accessible to ordinary people. I’ve found a book that does that in a new way.

 

Intruders: Blog the Book 5.2

This week we follow Tabitha and Hoy as they work in the mine on Level Three. To read from the beginning, go here. I imagine Hoy would be played by a youngish Jackie Chan.

Intruders chapter 5 scene 3

As Hoy and Tabitha prepared to go down the shaft to Level Three, Hoy kept up a running commentary of advice.

‘Don’t make any sudden or extreme moves.  Do everything gently, and ensure you are braced before you push or lift anything.  Otherwise you’ll just push yourself backwards.’

Arwel Hughes, the miner they were with, grabbed one of the maintenance robots in one hand and stepped over the edge.  The other machines were fixed to the hoist and sent down. Tabitha was grateful that Hoy opted for using the rungs as a ladder. She followed him down, praying that she wouldn't make a fool of herself on her first mission. Despite there being fans drawing the air through filters, the dust hung in the air, reducing visibility.

The Power of the Druids (Welsh History)

When Rev Rowan Williams was the Archbishop of Canterbury he became a Druid at the Welsh National Eisteddfod. Our Christian friends were astounded and horrified that a leader in the Christian Church would become part of a group dedicated to pagan worship. They couldn't understand it at all.

Intruders: Blog the Book 5.1

This week, Reuel and Stubbs are on duty on the Kestrel, while Ryan and Chambers start work on Level Two in the mine. To read from the beginning, go here. I picture Stubbs as a young Nicholas Lyndhurst.

Intruders chapter 5 scenes 1 & 2

Once the rescue team had left the Kestrel, Reuel and Stubbs settled down together on the bridge, watching the external cameras. Reuel turned to the communications console.

Stubbs reached out and stopped him.  ‘What are you doing?’

‘I must have news of Balitoth.’  Reuel’s cranial spines quivered with his distress.  ‘I thought I would contact the Alphan medical facility myself to find out how he is.’

‘You’ll only get yourself into trouble.  Do you think Dr Robinson is hiding something?’

‘Oh no.  The doctor has been kind to me, but I cannot bear the waiting.’