Ian's Gang: A New Hope

By Ian Kidd

The Assessis Occupation of the universe continues, but now a new and powerful alien force has arrived on the scene, which could spell an end to Assessis domination... and all life on Earth.

"A New Hope" continues the dramatic story arc that began in "The End" and continued in "Conflict of Interests" and "Slaughter".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Kidd
• Release date: Aug 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476068145

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.

Book preview

IAN’S GANG - A NEW HOPE

BY

IAN KIDD

Ian’s Gang (c) Ian Kidd 2012

Published by Smashwords

IAN'S GANG

Are:

Ian Williams

Matthew Parker

Banix

Steve Botham

Robert Stevens

Philip Vasquez

Dean Jones

Charlotte Smith

Cody Frid

CHAPTER ONE

The elevator doors opened.

Richtar strolled almost casually down the corridors of the Maltby Control Station. He came to the quarters of the sector's Controller and entered, displaying for the first time a trace of impatience as he saw the Controller of Maltby, in person, stretched out on a reclining chair, sipping champagne. This had better be important, BloodButcher, Richtar scowled. I don't appreciate being summoned down to an unimportant sector of my Empire by one of my subordinates.

Calmly as ever, the BloodButcher placed the champagne on a small table and stood up. Indeed, Lord President. There have been some most interesting developments concerning the rebellion, and more specifically - Ian's Gang.

Richtar rolled his eyes. Oh, not this obsession of yours again.

Last week, there was a small, one could say unimportant raid on the food supply store. Nothing major, one might almost have dismissed it as some peasants getting a bit greedy.

Well? Richtar urged, irritated.

The rebels knew their stuff. The food supply in Maltby has two guards. At night, there is a small five minute window between the time they go off-shift and their replacements arrive. That was when the rebels made their assault.

That's lax security, BloodButcher, Richtar said coldly. I'm surprised by it, from you of all people.

Please, I haven't finished yet, the BloodButcher raised his hand in restraint. In that five minutes, the rebels obviously didn't know the hidden security cameras are activated. They were immediately identified.

So? Pick them up, shoot them and stop bothering me with such trivialities, Richtar snapped.

I thought you might want to see this yourself, with a cold smile, the BloodButcher leaned over and switched on a monitor.

The security camera footage began, showing two rebels in the store.

Richtar sighed. Ian and Cody. I might have known.

They're still in Maltby, Lord President, the BloodButcher informed him. They never left. I assumed they'd fled after they were rescued from the guillotine by those other rebels - but no, they played smart. They stayed. Right under my nose.

So what are you planning to do? Richtar inquired sarcastically. Guillotine half of Maltby until they give themselves up again?

I've been thinking, Richtar smiled. The television coverage of Ian and Cody's escape. There was an old man in the crowd, an old man who arrived moments after they did, and disappeared almost as soon as they had, the BloodButcher flicked a switch on the

monitor. The image of Ian and Cody was replaced by the face of an old man. "Arnold

Baker, the BloodButcher said crisply. A war veteran who lives in Maltby. I think he's

hiding them. I think their cleverness is at an end. I think we should pay Mr. Baker a visit."

Richtar began to smile. Irritated though I am by your presumptuousness, I must admit... I wouldn't mind a little sport.

The BloodButcher smiled graciously. I do my best to please, Lord President.

Ian and Cody were sitting in each other's arms on the sofa in Baker's front room, kissing passionately.

Arnold came in. Harrumph, he interrupted. Embarrassed, Ian and Cody disentangled

themselves. Arnold handed them each a cup of tea and sat down with his own. I'm glad you two finally got together, he smiled.

Ian and Cody smiled at each other and said in perfect unison, "Not as glad