Ian's Gang: House of Cards

By Ian Kidd

Ian's Gang prepare to make their move against the corrupt ruler of Matadon - unaware that time is running out. A conspiracy nearly a decade in the making is reaching its final apotheosis - and it may already be too late to prevent universal domination in the explosive conclusion to season 10 of Ian's Gang!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Kidd
• Release date: Jan 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311664327

Ian Kidd

I grew up in South Yorkshire, England, before emigrating to South Australia at the age of sixteen. My writing ambitions began as a child, when I became notorious in my class for writing short horror stories that would probably have them calling in the child psychologists nowadays! I have written everything from non-fiction ebooks to published short fiction, and served as script editor on two proposed horror feature film scripts for an LA based director. In terms of fiction I have written dozens of novellas, including more than 70 stories in the "Ian's Gang" sci-fi adventure series. I still live in Queensland, where I work as a freelance writer.

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IAN’S GANG - HOUSE OF CARDS

BY

IAN KIDD

Ian’s Gang (c) Ian Kidd 2016

Published by Smashwords

IAN’S GANG

Are:

Ian Williams

Matthew Parker

Steve Botham

Philip Vasquez

Sean O’Reilly

Commander Wilburts

Claire Braithwaite

CHAPTER ONE

Matadon. Nine years ago.

In the Great Hall of the Palace, a presentation was being made before a packed audience.

Young, handsome King William Inkamaya, barely thirty, addressed the masses. We all know why we are here tonight, he began confidently. The Goldstein Award is presented to very few Matadon citizens. Only those who have truly achieved greatness, who can honestly be said to have helped shape our entire world through their discoveries or their endeavours, are given this award. It was never even given out in my father’s lifetime, so it is a true honour to be King at such an auspicious time. For if ever there was a citizen of this planet who truly deserves this award, it is tonight’s recipient. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the first recipient of the Goldstein Medal in nearly seventy years - Doctor Xavier Banix!

Dr. Xavier Banix strode out onto the stage, flamboyantly dressed and every bit as confident - some might even say arrogant - as his reputation suggested. His wife and two children, Kristoff and Eleesha, stood to one side beaming as, smiling broadly, he accepted the award from King William and turned to address his audience. Thank you, your Majesty, Xavier grinned. ‘Though, if I may, I should like to take this opportunity to request that, in future, I be addressed solely as Dr. X Banix, he smiled. I feel it makes me seem more... enigmatic."

The audience laughed appreciatively.

Xavier’s smile slipped a little; he hadn’t, in fact, actually been joking. Still, never mind. He recovered himself, beaming widely again. "It would no doubt behove me to say how humbled I am to be given this award and by his Majesty’s flattering words - however, I cannot. I agree with every syllable. I truly deserve it."

The audience laughed again, applauding ferociously.

Xavier’s smile slipped slightly again in irritation. What was with this audience? Couldn’t they tell he was being serious?

In the back of the auditorium, standing slightly aside from the rest of the crowd, two young girls, barely adults at just fifteen, were watching the proceedings with interest.

He’s certainly full of himself, pretty, dark-haired Rebecka Liedeberg noted.

What did I tell you? Her best friend, the equally pretty but rather more blonde Elin Moodyson replied.

But still...

I’m telling you, he’s the one, Elin smiled, a tad ruthlessly. "We can’t keep running around blackmailing the odd loser for pocket change. We’re fugitives. We need money and respect, the latter most of all. And he’s how we’re going to get it."

You really think the stories we’ve heard about him are true? Rebecka asked. "I mean, look at the guy. Matadon’s most eminent and respected scientist. You really think he’s capable?"

I’m willing to bet on it, Elin eyed Xavier coldly. "Don’t worry, we’ll get the evidence. We don’t attack anyone without proof, we agreed on that. We don’t make this shit up, we just bring it to light. And this guy’s the one, Rebecka."

If you say so, Rebecka shrugged.

Oh, I do, Elin smiled. "Bringing down Dr. Xavier Banix is gonna be a joy. And he’s the one, alright. He’s the one who’s gonna make us legends."

****

Maltby, Earth.

Nine years later.

Commander Laura Inkamaya looked up from her desk in her office in Maltby Army Base as Steve Botham entered. Steve, Laura smiled in surprise. Lovely to see you. I was just thinking of calling you, actually.

Really? Oh, Steve seemed vaguely uncomfortable.

Laura frowned. Something wrong?

I...er...I’m here on an errand, Steve acknowledged. Ian wants to invite you - and William - around to Base tonight. For dinner and...erm ..stuff.

Laura leaned back in her chair, scrutinising him. Why do I get the feeling this is more than just a social invitation?

Steve’s discomfiture appeared to be increasing by the minute. Probably because it is. We - er - we need to talk. To both of you.

That sounds vaguely ominous, Laura noted. Steve responded with a facial expression that suggested he thought that was putting it mildly. Can’t you at least give me a hint?

No, Steve shook his head.

"Steve," Laura complained.

I’m sorry, I can’t, Steve said reluctantly. You and William both need to hear - and see - it together. As if I did tell you here and now, you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway.

I see, Laura shrugged, vaguely irritated. Well, okay, if you say so.

Right. We’ll - er - see you then, then, Steve turned to go.

Steve, Laura stood up.

Laura, I already told you, I can’t -

It’s not about that, Laura waved a hand dismissively. I told you I was planning to call you later anyway, remember?

Un-hunh.

"That’s because I need to talk - to you," Laura said.

Oh? Oddly, Steve seemed even more uncomfortable than ever now.

I’ve been in charge of Maltby Army Base for a couple of months now, Laura began. "It’s going pretty well, I think, but I’m not entirely happy. There’s not one other non-Earther officer in the Base. It’s a bit... isolating. Add to that the fact that most of the staff are still getting used to the idea of working someone other than Hawkins or even Wilburts still, plus the fact that half of these macho dinosaurs have never had to take orders from a woman before... it could be better, that’s all I’m saying. So I’m making a few changes. Transferring a few people out, bringing in some new faces. Making this my army base in other words, as opposed to Hawkins’ or Wilburts’. And frankly, my first and main priority is to get myself a new second in command. Someone I know I can trust and rely on, who knows they can trust me, preferably without a long getting to know you phase. Steve was just looking at her blankly. Laura rolled her eyes. I’m talking about you, Steve."

Steve blinked. What? You mean you want me to -

Yeah, Laura nodded. I’m asking you to leave Ian’s Gang and come work with me here at Maltby Army Base.

CHAPTER TWO

Elite Headquarters, Zakaria.

Nine years ago.