6th November 2024 Writings

 

6^th

 

Excerpt from: Memorial Dance Incident

Trent opened it. “Hey, Brittany, Janie is waiting up in her room.”

 

“Thanks, Trent.”

 

“But, she’s rather absorbed in her new painting. I would knock first.”

 

“Got it.”

 

 

Jane heard the knocking and knew Brittany would be there. She opened the door. “Hey Brit.”

 

“I see that you’re already planning it out,” Brittany said.

 

“Yes. You know how it is when inspiration hits.”

 

Words: 63

 

 

Excerpt from: An Ordinary Adventure

Clara Oswald heard it. The TARDIS was arriving! She turned and watched the ship materialize.

 

The Doctor stepped out. “Hey, Clara!”

 

“You’re late!”

 

“I’m not. It’s Wednesday isn’t it?”

 

“You weren’t here last Wednesday,” Clara said.

 

“You know how fickle the TARDIS can be.”

 

“So, you intended to go to last week?”

 

“Yes, but she brought me forward to now instead,” the Doctor said.

 

“So, you think that the TARDIS thinks that I didn’t need an adventure last week?”

 

“There must be a reason why she decided to skip over it.”

 

“Or might there be something this week?” Clara asked.

 

Words: 100

 

 

Excerpt from: Secrets of Lawndale

“There are other cafes but this is my favorite,” Jane said.

 

 

Quinn and Jane entered the café. Quinn could see that it looked much like an ordinary café. She could see what looked like a map of Lawndale Below on one of the walls. ‘I’ll have a closer look later,’ she decided. She turned to Jane. “So, it’s called Lawndale Below?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Because it’s below Lawndale, or part of it…”

 

“It’s Lawndale, but not Lawndale at the same time,” Jane said. “Some of the people here are also in the so called ordinary Lawndale, but most aren’t.”

 

“A little confusing.”

 

“I’ll tell you more after we order.”

 

 

They ordered and then sat near a window. Quinn looked at the, ceiling? Sky? Sky ceiling? ‘If Lawndale has this place, then other places would places like it? Certainly it would be known.’ She wondered how much Jane knew.

 

“It already has you thinking, I see,” Jane said.

 

“I think more than you and Daria think I do,” Quinn retorted.

 

“It’s just that you usually think about shallow stuff.”

 

“You know what I said in that video you made a few weeks ago.”

 

“And that is one reason why I brought you down here,” Jane said. “To help broaden your horizons.”

 

“Somehow, I think it would take more than discovering a hidden underground suburb. Like I am thinking about whether other places would have underground counterparts, but I’m also curious about the fashions down here.”

 

“They would be what you call alternative. The magazines they sell down here are all local, for instance.”

 

“As in, more than one?” Quinn asked.

 

“There are a half dozen.”

 

Words: 272

 

 

Excerpt from: Mysteries of Aurora

“Course materials are available in audio format if you need it.”

 

“Thanks. There are times when it’s too difficult.”

 

“But you are good with the pattern recognition, right?” Brynjarson asked.

 

“Absolutely. That is why I wanted to learn history, specifically Auroran history.”

 

“You have certainly come to the right place.”

 

“Is that all?”

 

 

Olivia found that Flavia had been waiting for her. “Oh,” she said, in surprise.

 

“I wanted to talk to you more,” Flavia responded.

 

“That’s OK.”

 

“Where are we headed now?”

 

“The Main Library,” Olivia responded. “I’d like to dig further into the Nordic Era on my own.”

 

“I like someone who shows initiative.”

 

 

After talking to Ingurman, Freya had headed to the Library herself, where she found Alexia looking at a directory in the Grand Atrium.

 

Words: 129

 

 

Excerpt from: Choice of the Cheerleader

“I’m not sure why! It’s like she’s gone crazy.”

 

“Crazy?”

 

“Yes!” Daria answered.

 

“Why do you think it’s crazy? Jane has always been fast.”

 

“She has always told me she didn’t want to join in.”

 

“She can change her mind, you know,” Brittany said.

 

“You don’t understand! It’s hypocrisy!”

 

“Is it?”

 

“Yes!” Daria exclaimed.

 

Words: 54

 

 

Excerpt from: Spider Quinn

Kevin looked around after he had got his lunch. Most of the students were as usual. He had heard about what had happened the previous night and hoped that Jane would be found soon. He looked around again and didn’t see who he wanted to see. He knew that something was going to change soon, but Brit had been a constant since they had started going out.

 

 

Mack saw Kevin sit across from him. “Hey, Mack Daddy, do you know where Brit is?”

 

“I don’t, and how many times I have I said not to call me that?”

 

“She’s probably preparing for the play,” Robert said.

 

“Oh yeah, that’s tonight,” Kevin responded.

 

“But I have seen her today. She is at school,” Mack said.

 

“But where in the school?” Kevin asked.

 

“You know where she will be,” Robert said.

 

“But Mom and I won’t see the play until tomorrow,” Kevin said.

 

 

Quinn caught up with Gerald after leaving the cafeteria. “Gerald!”

 

“Quinn?” Gerald asked as he approached the cafeteria himself.

 

“We need to do the mentoring at the Historia today,” Quinn said, and then explained as she did to Anna and Ben.

 

“I don’t think trying to mentor and do job interviews at the same time is a good idea,” Gerald said.

 

“I know, but I didn’t want to cancel, and besides the play is starting tonight.”

 

“Is that a good idea?”

 

“There will be police, and the FBI there, and maybe one or two of the vigilantes,” Quinn said. “Besides, Jane wouldn’t want the play to not go ahead on her account.”

 

“I suppose. I’ll be there.”

 

“Great. It’ll be in the bookshop.”

 

 

Quinn caught up with Brittany between classes. “What did Andrea say?” she asked after they ducked into a bathroom and made sure that the stalls were unoccupied.

 

“That she will be able to do it with Tania’s brother,” Brittany answered.

 

“That is, Tania Ashworth?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Interesting. But does she know when?” Quinn asked.

 

“Tania hadn’t got back to her yet.”

 

“She’ll probably get back to her this afternoon.”

 

“I’ll try to find out before school finishes,” Brittany said.

 

“You’ll know where I’ll be.”

 

Brittany nodded and headed out.

 

 

As school finished, Andrea caught up with Tania. “I told Ninja Talon that you would call your brother,” she said.

 

“I did,” Tania responded. “He said that he would get back to me before the play starts tonight.”

 

“Got it. I guess I’ll be waiting at the Historia, then.”

 

“That’s probably a good idea.”

 

 

Daria came to the Lexus to find not only Quinn, but also, Anna, Ben and Gerald waiting. “Just as well there aren’t more people,” she said.

 

“True,” Quinn said with a giggle.

 

“Let’s just get there,” Gerald said.

 

“Don’t worry, I’ll be driving safely,” Daria said as she opened the driver side door.

 

“You should have seen her on the way to Freemont,” Quinn said.

 

Daria sighed. “I never imagined that a crime I’ll be trying to solve would be Jane’s abduction.”

 

“Same,” Quinn said.

 

“Any clues?” Anna asked as she got in after Ben.

 

“Other than the stormwater system, none,” Daria answered as she turned on the engine.

 

“What did Ms. Li want to talk about earlier?” Quinn asked.

 

“Offering Mrs. Manson’s services.”

 

Words: 540

 

 

Excerpt from: The Youngest Barksdale

“So, what are these rumors?” Daria asked.

 

“That you had sabotaged Andrea’s chances,” Sandi said.

 

“And how would I have done that?” Daria asked.

 

Sandi shrugged and looked at her pedicured nails.

 

“Well?” Daria asked.

 

“Like, I’m not sure how, but that’s what I heard,” Sandi answered.

 

“Or are you spreading them yourself?” Daria asked.

 

“Dar-i-a!” Quinn exclaimed.

 

Words: 58

 

 

Total: 1216

Mysteries of Aurora - Thursday, September 5th, 2024; Early Morning

Thursday, September 5th, 2024

Freya emerged from her room, ready for the day. She took out the schedule. “Let’s see, first Music intro lecture at 10:00.” There was plenty of time to have breakfast and to sketch a western view before heading out.

 

 

Janara woke to find that Olivia was ready to head out, as she had been the previous two days. “You seem to be an early riser,” she said, sleepily.

 

“Usually,” Olivia said as she turned to the door.

 

“Could you wait?”

 

“Sure.”

 

 

Freya entered the Dining Hall. She saw Dana with several others at a table near one of the windows. ‘There!’ she decided. She went to get breakfast.

 

 

“Hey,” Freya said as she bounded over.

 

“What are you doing today?” Dana asked.

 

“Introduction lectures,” Freya answered.

 

“You don’t sound enthused.”

 

“I am happy to start classes.”

 

“But?” Dana asked.

 

“Like, It wasn’t always easy, having ADHD and going to school…”

 

“So, you think there’ll be problems?

 

“The University got the information and there will be accommodations,” Freya said. “But I don’t know how adaptable the lecturers will be.”

 

“So, you’re a little anxious about that?”

 

Freya nodded.

 

 

Dana wasn’t sure what to say. Other than… “Well, you’re here, aren’t you?”

 

Freya nodded again. “And that is quite reassuring. I could have ended up at any other University in Aurora. But AAUA has the best Creative Arts programs.”

 

“Then I’m sure you’ll do great.”

 

“At the practical aspects, absolutely. It’s the theoretical aspects that I might struggle with, especially if it’s presented in a bland manner. I know that my focus will wander in that case.”

 

“But I’m sure you’re confident enough to ask for help?” Dana asked.

 

‘But I don’t want to have to, if that makes sense.”

 

“It does.”

 

“Thanks,” Freya said. “I’m sure that when I get there, that at least some of the content will be presented in an engaging manner.”

 

 

On the other side of campus, Olivia and Janara entered the dining hall. “So, you have introduction lectures today?” Janara asked.

 

“Yes,” Olivia answered. “Introduction to the Nordic Era, covering the situation in Aurora at the beginning of the Ninth Century.”

 

“Sounds like a good start.”

 

“And you?”

 

“Intro to Auroran computer languages,” Janara answered.

 

“There wouldn’t be that many, right?”

 

“You’d be surprised. Aurora was one of the pioneers of computing from the 1950’s onward.”

 

“Really?” Olivia asked. “That’s something I hadn’t heard about.”

 

“It isn’t that widely known. I found it in some obscure sites and books. But the languages themselves are known.”

 

“But it makes me wonder what else about Aurora isn’t widely known.”

 

 

Freya headed towards the Music and Art Building along relatively shaded areas of the elevated walkways. She did want to have her eyes open during the start of the lecture. She hoped that the lecturer wouldn’t flick through the slides too quickly, as that would trigger her overwhelm like nearly nothing else.

 

 

She approached the lecture theater and saw that a large number of other students were waiting. ‘I didn’t think there would be this many.’ She looked at her tablet and saw that there was still more than five minutes before it would start. One of the other students came over to her.

 

“Hi, I’m Alexia.”

 

“Freya.”

 

“I see that you’re quite artistic.”

 

“It runs in the family,” Freya responded. She looked more closely at Alexia. She seemed to be much more conventional, albeit with subtle highlights in her long brown hair. ‘But that’s just the surface.’ She knew that there would be a lot more to her. ‘Like Daniela yesterday.’ She didn’t want to be hypocritical.

 

“I’m the first in the family to go to AAUA,” Alexia said. “They expected it to be for something practical.”

 

“Art can be practical,” Freya said. “It depends on the attitude.”

 

“I suppose so,” Alexia said, with a thoughtful expression on her face. “But I am studying Architecture as well.”

 

“That’s certainly practical, but also can be artistic,” Freya responded.

 

Alexia nodded. “That is why I chose it.”

 

The doors were then opened. “Time to go in,” Freya said.

 

 

“Welcome to Introduction to Advanced Music Theory. I am Professor Iona Ingurman, the coordinator for this course.”

 

As the lecture started, Freya found that it was engaging and that Ingurman wasn’t going through the slides too fast.

 

 

When the lecture finished, Ingurman called Freya. ‘Of course,’ she thought. She turned to Alexia. “I’ll catch you later.”

 

“Sure,” Alexia said.

 

Freya went down to the Professor. “You want to talk?” she asked after the lecture theater had emptied.

 

“Yes, I wanted to know the person behind the boring data.”

 

“I’m certainly a lot more interesting in person,” Freya said with a slight nervousness that she didn’t usually display. She sat in the chair next to the desk.

 

“It says several things.”

 

“I’m sure it does.”

 

“That you have ADHD and are a synaesthete,” Ingurman said.

 

“That’s right,” Freya said. “I have difficulty focusing if the material isn’t interesting or engaging.”

 

“That makes sense. The university often has many students with ADHD. Anyway, it also says that you suffer from sensory overload and get visually overwhelmed?”

 

“Bright or flickering lights or strong colours can be a problem, but I have adapted.”

 

“A tendency to keep her eyes closed as a result,” Ingurman said, with a tone of interest.

 

“Yes, but when that happens, I can record stuff and it has helped me improve my listening skills.”

 

“I’m sure they’re very good.”

 

 

At the same time, Olivia arrived at her lecture and almost panicked when she saw the large number of other students. ‘I’ll sit at the edge,’ she decided.

 

“Hi.”

 

Olivia turned and saw a short haired girl there. “Olivia,” she said.

 

“Flavia. I noticed that you seemed, anxious.”

 

“I’m an introvert. I don’t like crowds,” Olivia explained.

 

“You probably didn’t like yesterday then.”

 

“I figured out a way. But when classes are large, it’s hard to avoid.”

 

“Well, you could find an isolated spot in there,” Flavia suggested.

 

“I was going to.”

 

The doors then opened.

5th November 2024 Writings

 

5^th

 

Excerpt from: Adventures of Space Station Armidale

“Too similar,” Zara groused.

 

“But not identical,” Allen said.

 

“I know it isn’t,” Zara said.

 

“I’ll show you some of the differences,” Allen said.

 

“That would be good,” Robina said.

 

Words: 30

 

 

Excerpt from: Convergence on Lawndale

“Yes,” Quinn answered. “She reacted to the flicker in an unusual way.”

 

“What way?” the Doctor asked.

 

“Like she had felt something,” Quinn responded.

 

“I see,” Kaelyn said.

 

“She said that it wasn’t an ordinary flicker.”

 

“That could mean anything,” Kim said.

 

“True, but I can tell that she did pick something up,” Quinn said. “I probably woudn’t have noticed it if I hadn’t been travelling with the Doctor.”

 

“Did something happen?” Daria asked.

 

“Yes, but I’ll tell you later,” Quinn responded.

 

“Of course,” Daria said.

 

“So, we need to find Stacy,” Kim said. “So, where could she be?”

 

“She’s either in one of the bathrooms, or hiding somewhere in a courtyard,” Quinn answered.

 

“Either way, it would take a while to find her,” Daria said.

 

Words: 126

 

 

Excerpt from: Merry and Estella

Merry was silent.

 

“I’ll take that a yes. You’ll still have time for that. But we need to prepare for the succession. All of Buckland expects the Brandybucks to lead well.”

 

 

“Of course,” Merry said.

 

“And I’ll still be here for a while yet.”

 

Merry smiled.

 

“And you can tell Miss Bolger that too.”

 

 

“So, he wants you to be more involved in running Buckland?” Estella asked after he found her and explained.

 

“Yes.”

 

“But you knew it would be coming.”

 

 

Words: 81

 

 

Excerpt from: Spider Quinn

“Good, I’ll be off,” Andrea said.

 

“You don’t have to.”

 

“We’re still too different.”

 

“I’m in the play because I want to change,” Brittany said in a vulnerable tone.

 

“So, you’re a cheerleader and an actor, as well as a vigilante, not the imaginative girl you were.”

 

“I guess so,” Brittany said with a twirl of a pigtail. “But small steps?”

 

“Yes,” Andrea said with a slight smile as Brittany went back to reading her book.

 

 

Daria and Sandi entered the cafeteria at the same time. “How are you after last night?” Daria asked.

 

“I just needed to rest,” Sandi answered. “I’m fine now. Mother says that when she had overextended herself that way, it took overnight for her.”

 

“Does she usually search for people like that?” Daria asked.

 

“Not often. But she was active in Boston before I was born.”

 

“Meaning…”

 

“Exactly,” Sandi confirmed.

 

‘That’s something. I think Boston does have hero vigilantes occasionally. It happens more often in New York.’

 

 

They came to the usual table to find only Harry and Tania waiting.

 

 

“So, any clue as to where Jane is?” Tania asked, hoping that she get some clue to tell Andrea and Scott later.”

 

“No clue, but probably near the lake,” Daria answered. “Also, the FBI are now involved in the investigation.”

 

“Not surprising,” Sandi commented between bites.

 

“But the play is going ahead?” Harry asked.

 

“Of course,” Daria answered. “The show must go on. It’s what Jane would want, and tonight is sold out.”

 

“That’s good,” Tania said.

 

“Are you ready?” Daria asked.

 

“I am,” Tania said. “Last night was a bit scary, but I’m ready.”

 

“You’re in the play?” Harry asked. “You haven’t said.”

 

“Yes, I’m playing Ceres, one of the muses.” Tania answered.

 

“But what if something happens again?” Harry asked.

 

“Not only would Peterson be there, but the FBI agent as well,” Daria said. “Besides the theater has been checked over many times.”

 

“So, it won’t happen?” Harry asked.

 

“No,” Sandi answered.

 

 

Quinn joined Stacy, Tori and Tiffany for lunch. “What’s up, Tori?” she asked.

 

“I’m fine,” Tori said. “But now the paper has mentioned the play.”

 

“They did have to report that something happened last night,” Quinn pointed out.

 

“That’s true, but what if Mom is targeted, even it it’s not her byline. Like, I know that being a reporter can be dangerous, even a local one. But with everything going on in Lawndale…” Tori said before shedding a tear.

 

“I’m sure she’ll be safe,” Quinn said.

 

“Safer than the critics and Jane?” Tori asked.

 

“Yes,” Quinn said. She looked at Stacy, who was fretting as she usually did. She took her hand. “It’s going to be fine.”

 

“But, Jane? What if Mom’s in danger because she works there?”

 

“She hasn’t mentioned the play on radio,” Quinn said. “And I’m sure Jane will be found soon.”

 

“But she has been mentioning it in the café,” Stacy said.

 

“By SpiderGirl?” Tiffany asked.

 

Stacy looked at Tiffany. “Maybe. Or maybe Ninja Talon or this Dafoanairi.”

 

“Probably the fourth vigilante,” Quinn said. “Besides, I’m sure the vigilantes have been in the Historia as their secret identities.”

 

“Weren’t most of them there last night?” Tori asked.

 

“They were, but it seems that things happened too fast,” Quinn said. “But they will probably be prepared for tonight.”

 

“I hope so,” Stacy said.

 

Words: 555

 

 

Excerpt from: Mysteries of Aurora

The doors then opened.

 

 

“Welcome to Introduction to Nordic History of Aurora, where you’ll learn that the period is much more complex than just ‘Vikings take over most of Aurora and then the Unification happens.’ I Professor Erik Brynjarsson.”

 

 

“How are you holding up?” Flavia asked.

 

“Fine. I have my recorder going,” Olivia said.

 

“You usually record?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 

Olivia was called up when the lecture finished. ‘Of course,’ she thought.

 

“See you later,” Flavia said.

 

Olivia nodded.

 

 

“So, you have dyslexia,’ Professor Brynjarsson stated.

 

Olivia nodded, wondering what else he would say. She knew that the University had support services in place.

 

Words: 102

 

 

Excerpt from: Brittany

“That might mean something,” Daria said.

 

“That he’s forgetful?” Quinn asked.

 

“Yes” Daria answered. “But could be something deeper.”

 

“We also ran into DeMartino,” Donna added.

 

“How did he react?” Quinn asked.

 

“How do you think he reacted?” Daria asked.

 

Words: 40

 

 

Total: 934

Monday, 4th November 2024 Writings

 

Excerpt from: Bridge Buddies

“Who else?” Boimler asked.

 

“Go on then,” Barnes said with a bored tone.

 

“So, Mariner then jumps off the bridge, dragging me with her.”

 

Barnes winced. “That must have hurt!”

 

“Oh it did! We fell onto what appeared to be ordinary Earth grass, but was actually something akin to stinging nettle…”

 

Words: 51

 

Excerpt from: Astrid and the Mystery

It was an ordinary day on Berk. Astrid was flying above the island on Stormfly. She found it allowed her to relax after a long day of training. It also allowed her to take her mind off of the chief’s son and how handsome he had grown to be.

 

‘Why did I think that?’ Astrid wondered as she looked down at Berk.

 

Stormfly screeched a little, sensing her rider’s discomfort.

 

“Sorry, girl. Just thinking,” Astrid said before she noticed something in the forest near the village. It was something unexpected, but also totally expected. “What are they up to now?”

 

 

By the time Stormfly had landed, the culprits had made themselves scarce. But Astrid knew what she had seen.

 

Words: 119

 

 

Excerpt from: Berk in Time

“Don’t listen to him,” the other said. “He’s just being mean because we captured him.”

 

“They’re arguing amongst themselves,” Spitelout said. “We can take them.”

 

“Wait!” Snotlout said a he saw another dragon approach.

 

“Wait, it’s a Rumblehorn,” Hiccup said as he held out his hand as he usually did when he tried to gain a dragon’s trust.

 

“Those can still be dangerous,” Snotlout responded.

 

Words: 65

 

 

Excerpt from: Secrets of the Archipelago

Nothing was out of the ordinary. But he knew that could change quickly.

 

As Toothless changed direction, he saw something. There was a ship approaching Berk from the south.

 

Toothless warbled.

 

“I see it too, bud.”

 

They flew down to have a closer look.

 

Words: 44

 

 

Excerpt from: Mysteries of Aurora

At the same time, Olivia arrived at her lecture and almost panicked when she saw the large number of other students. ‘I’ll sit at the edge,’ she decided.

 

“Hi.”

 

Olivia turned and saw a short haired girl there. “Olivia,” she said.

 

“Flavia. I noticed that you seemed, anxious.”

 

“I’m an introvert. I don’t like crowds,” Olivia explained.

 

“You probably didn’t like yesterday then.”

 

“I figured out a way. But when classes are large, it’s hard to avoid.”

 

Words: 77

 

 

Excerpt from: Spider Quinn

“Yes, Andrea?”

 

“Your brother is at Lawndale State, right?”

 

“He is,” Tania answered. “What is this about?”

 

“Ninja Talon and SpiderGirl asked me to help search for Jane.”

 

“And how would my brother be able to help with that?”

 

“He could give me access to one of the computer labs,” Andrea answered.

 

“I see, you want to access camera footage,” Tania surmised.

 

“Yes, I still have dial up at home.”

 

“I’ll if I can contact him at lunch.”

 

“Then that is what I’ll tell Ninja Talon later,” Andrea said as she left.

 

 

“Wait…” Tania said as Andrea disappeared into the distance. ‘Does she know who Ninja Talon is?’

 

She thought about it more. ‘Quite likely, but I’ll keep it to myself. Besides, I need to focus on the play tonight.’

 

 

Agent Leung returned to the Lawndale Field Office, where he typed up his notes and started writing on the whiteboard in the office. He started with the timeline. “Quentin Beck. Arrived in Lawndale on Saturday, 17^th February, whereupon he goes to the Historia and is immediately hired by Quinn Morgendorffer as the theater’s special effects person.” There wasn’t anything suspicious there.

 

“Anything on the four business partners?” One of his fellow agents asked.

 

“Daria and Quinn Morgendorffer, sisters who have recently lost their father,” Leung said as he put up recent photos of the two, reflecting their changes in appearance. “Their mother, Helen, is associate in Vitale, et al.”

 

That brought about a silence. Jim Vitale’s reputation was well known in the field office.

 

“Daria is Jane’s close friend,” Leung added. “Thus she has no motive.”

 

“And the other two?” the other agent asked.

 

“Joseph Green and Robert Allen, cousins who are also nephews of the Historia’s former owner. All four are students at Lawndale High.”

 

“Could Angela Li be a suspect?”

 

“Unlikely. There is no impact on the school from the Historia opening. The Morgendorffers grades appear to be unaffected by their involvement in the theater. Quinn won the spelling bee, the day before the theater opened,” Leung said.

 

“And the cousin’s grades?”

 

“Steady,” Leung said as he turned back to the timeline. “Sunday, February 18th. The first rehearsal for Tempest. And later, Kalina Ondrovick says it’s amateurish on radio and Daria calls in to argue with her. That’s the first time the play is mentioned on the radio. That’s the main connection. That the play was mentioned on the radio.”

 

He continued through the timeline up to Jane’s abduction.

 

 

“But one thing is eluding me,” Leung said when he was finished. “And Peterson too. Motive. What reason does Quentin Beck have to disrupt the play.”

 

“Jealousy?”

 

“Quinn said that he was condescending of her age.”

 

“Which is?” the other asked.

 

“She turns 16 next week,” Leung said, and wrote her birthdate in late February of 1985 beneath her photo.

 

“And Daria?”

 

“Seventeen and half,” Leung added, writing her birthdate in late July of 1983 beneath her picture. “The cousins are 16, born in late 1984.”

 

They continued their brainstorming.

 

 

Between classes, Quinn caught up with Anna and Ben. “We have to do the mentoring at the Historia, rather than the Library,” she said.

 

“Any reason?” Ben asked.

 

“I’ll also be re-interviewing the previous applicants for the special effects position.”

 

“Because of what happened to Jane?” Anna asked.

 

“That’s part of it,” Quinn answered.

 

“Because Quentin Beck is responsible,” Anna surmised.

 

Quinn nodded.

 

“We’ll be there,” Anna said. “But what about Gerald? He won’t like it.”

 

“I know,” Quinn said. “He’ll be difficult to convince.”

 

 

At lunch, Tania went to one of the school’s payphones straight out of class. “I hope his in his room,” Tania murmured as she put in a couple of quarters. She then dialled the number.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Scott! It’s Tania.”

 

“Why are you calling me in the middle of the day? I have a class in twenty minutes.”

 

“Sorry about that. I have a favour to ask of you.”

 

“I’m already seeing the play.”

 

“That’s good but that’s not what this is about.”

 

“What is this about then?”

 

Tania then began explaining what Andrea had asked her about.

 

“You want me to allow this Andrea to use my account to try to find this Jane? Because of SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon?”

 

“Yes,” Tania said.

 

“I’ll have to think about it,” Scott said.

 

“Let me know before the play starts tonight.”

 

“I shall, bye.”

 

 

In the library, Andrea found Brittany hiding somewhere near the back. ‘She looks 100% the cheerleader she has been the past few years,’ she thought. ‘Apart from that time in the Zon when she had her hair dyed dark.’ She shook her head. That wasn’t what she wanted to think about. She saw that she was reading a book on the history of Lawndale. “Brit?” she asked.

 

Brittany looked up. “Hey, Andy,” she said with a slight smile.

 

She almost ignored the nickname. Brittany was the only one who could get away with calling her that. ‘Still is, it seems,’ Andrea thought. “I found Tania Ashworth. She said she would talk to her brother.”

 

“Tania. She’s in the play too,” Brittany acknowledged.

 

“I had heard about that.”

 

“I’ll let Spidey know, later.”

 

Words: 860

 

 

Total: 1216

2nd, 3rd November 2024 Writings

 

2nd

 

Excerpt from: Unseen Warrior

But that was before “Shadow” appeared. Shadow was a superhero with power cloak themself in darkness. Then two other vigilantes had appeared. Then Bolt, a young man able to harness electricity, who had emerged three months after Shadow had as a rival. But the most unusual was Anya, for she, for some reason known only to herself, had started fighting crime with a quarterstaff and her eyes closed.

 

Words: 68

 

 

Excerpt from: Reflections

Quinn smiled. She then added. “And purple swirls, for flair. They certainly do add flair.”

 

Jane stepped closer. “I think they say, ‘Quinn Morgendorffer is dealing with something in a new way’.”

 

“You think so?”

 

“From the way you talked to us afterwards, I think so.”

 

Quinn thought about that. She wouldn’t have talked as openly with the frenemies, or Daria. “I guess so.” She looked at the clock. There was still some time left. ‘You wouldn’t have any unused sketch books I could doodle in?’

 

“Being creative already? That’s good. There should be something around here, even if I don’t,” Jane responded with slight surprise.

 

Words: 106

 

 

Excerpt from: Mysteries of Neverwinter

“Thanks,” the boy said.

 

 

It wasn’t that long before they arrived at the Moonstone Mask.

 

“Here we are, miss,” the boy said as he opened the door.

 

Illiana stepped inside and the sounds of the tavern enveloped her.

 

 

The clientele of the Moonstone Mask had seen many things. But none of them had seen a bard with her eyes closed walk confidently through a tavern before. Despite her eyes being closed, Illiana could feel the stares. ‘Let them stare,’ she thought as she took another step and listened to the echoes.

 

 

The bartender, Sylvia, knew the bard was no ordinary bard as soon as she saw her walk through the door. It didn’t matter to her that the new customer’s eyes were closed. She seemed to have a confidence. She also saw the alley boy who must have given her directions follow her inside. He was welcome too.

 

Words: 148

 

 

Excerpt from: The Struggles of the Ranroel

“Ugh,” Nyssa said.

 

“Maybe we need to go around another way,” the Doctor said. “Back to the TARDIS.”

 

 

They returned to the TARDIS and the Doctor turned on the scanner. “High concentrations of pungent odors,” he said.

 

“But is there another way?” Nyssa asked.

 

The Doctor switched to a map. “It would be the long way around.”

 

Words: 57

 

 

Excerpt from: Spider Quinn

“Then I’ll see you later.”

 

 

The two heroes didn’t leave immediately, rather they then swung up from Andrea’s window onto the roof. “A little more complex,” SpiderGirl said.

 

“I know, but I’m not sure what else we could do.”

 

“True.”

 

“I’ll make sure no one else is around as we usually do,” Ninja Talon said in a reassuring tone.

 

SpiderGirl nodded, and then yawned. “I need to get going. Daria and I will be talking to Joey and Robert. And I need to find a new special effects person before the play opens.”

 

“Good luck.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

 

Lawndale Sun-Herald

Friday, February 23, 2001

Abduction from Historia in the midst of illusions. Is Tempest Cursed?

… 17 year old Jane Lane is the latest victim in the serial abductions related to Tempest being mentioned on radio.

 

Tori Jericho took the paper inside. “Mom!”

 

“What is it?” her mother, Penelope, asked. “That was entirely on Melinda. I don’t think the play is cursed.”

 

“No, but now the paper has mentioned the play…”

 

“Don’t worry. The paper has security.”

 

 

Daria was also reading the paper. “A curse?” she asked herself incredulously.

 

“What’s that?” Quinn asked as she entered the kitchen.

 

“Speculation that my play is cursed!”

 

“Of course there isn’t. It’s just one person out to get it.”

 

“Or more than one person,” Daria responded.

 

“Still, not a curse.”

 

“True.”

 

“Besides, ticket sales are still going up,” Quinn said as she grabbed some cereal.

 

“Or they were last night.”

 

“That’s true.”

 

 

After a quick breakfast, Daria and Quinn arrived at the Historia, where they found Robert and Joey waiting, along with Peterson and another man.

 

“Daria, Quinn, this is Agent Leung from the FBI,” Peterson said.

 

“Of course,” Daria said.

 

“Peterson has told me everything the LDPD has about the case.”

 

“So, the critics and Jane and what the vigilantes had found?” Daria asked.

 

“Yes. I will need to make my own search of the Historia of course.”

 

The four looked at each other and found they were in agreement.

 

“Go right ahead,” Joey said.

 

 

“Some good news,” Joey said after Leung and Peterson had gone on their search. “Tonight is sold out, and Saturday has 243.”

 

“That’s great!” Quinn said. “But we still need a special effects person, given that Beck has gone off.”

 

“He’s missing?” Robert asked.

 

“He hasn’t been seen here since Tuesday, when we talked to him about his backstage measurements,” Daria answered. “Although he was sighted here just before the rehearsal.”

 

“So that’s why he’s a suspect in Jane’s abduction?” Joey asked.

 

“Yes,” Daria answered.

 

“So, you’re just going to call the previous applicants?” Robert asked.

 

“Yes, I will be back here as soon as school lets out,” Quinn answered. “It’s going to be a long day.”

 

 

“Amazing,” Agent Leung said as he looked around the theater. “I thought it was crazy that teens were running this place after they convinced Osborn with a business plan.”

 

“The business plan was Daria’s,” Peterson said.

 

“I had heard that.”

 

“And what do you think now?”

 

“That they seem to be doing very well,” Leung answered. He then came to the end of a row. “You say that he used projectors for the illusions?”

 

“That’s what I saw when the power was interrupted last night.”

 

“There seem to be a lot of them.”

 

Words: 551

 

 

Excerpt from: Mysteries of Aurora

“Welcome to Introduction to Advanced Music Theory. I am Professor Iona Ingurman, the coordinator for this course.”

 

As the lecture started, Freya found that it was engaging and that Ingurman wasn’t going through the slides too fast.

 

 

When the lecture finished, Ingurman called Freya. ‘Of course,’ she thought. She turned to Alexia. “I’ll catch you later.”

 

“Sure,” Alexia said.

 

Freya went down to the Professor. “You want to talk?” she asked after the lecture theater had emptied.

 

“Yes, I wanted to know the person behind the boring data.”

 

Words: 88

 

Total: 1038

 

 

3^rd

 

Excerpt from: Brennan and the Mystery

“More like a few things,” Gina clarified.

 

“Which are?”

 

“A pattern of strange break ins in Armidale.”

 

That piqued Daniel’s interest. “What kind of pattern.”

 

Gina then explained that there had been break ins in various places around Armidale, but few things were taken from each place.

 

Words: 47

 

 

Excerpt from: Mysteries of Aurora

“I’m certainly a lot more interesting in person,” Freya said with a slight nervousness that she didn’t usually display. She sat in the chair next to the desk.

 

“It says several things.”

 

“I’m sure it does.”

 

“That you have ADHD and are a synaesthete,” Ingurman said.

 

“That’s right,” Freya said. “I have difficulty focusing if the material isn’t interesting or engaging.”

 

“That makes sense. The university often has many students with ADHD. Anyway, it also says that you suffer from sensory overload and get visually overwhelmed?”

 

“Bright or flickering lights or strong colours can be a problem, but I have adapted.”

 

“A tendency to keep her eyes closed as a result,” Ingurman said, with a tone of interest.

 

“Yes, but when that happens I can record stuff and it has helped me improve my listening skills.”

 

Words: 136

 

 

Excerpt from: First Future Encounter

Danielle and Jesse looked at each other. Would Caleb believe them? “We’re time travellers,” Danielle said.

 

“Time Travellers?” Caleb asked incredulously.

 

“From the past.” Jesse said.

 

“Wouldn’t it be the future?” Caleb asked.

 

“No, it’s the past,” Danielle said. “2019.”

 

“2019?” Caleb asked.

 

“Yes,” Danielle answered.

 

“Who are you really?” Caleb asked.

 

“We can show you the time machine,” Jesse offered.

 

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Danielle said.

 

“This will go good,” Caleb murmured. “Sure.”

 

“It’s in the student workshop room.”

 

Words: 83

 

 

Excerpt from: The Quiet Ginger

Anya had arrived in the dorm earlier that day. She had started looking over her mathematics textbooks when she heard a soft knock. She turned to see the door flung open by a blonde with infectious laughter.

 

“Hey roomie!” the newcomer exclaimed. “I’m Chloe, by the way. You must be Anya, the quiet one.”

 

News spread fast. “That’s right,” Anya said with a faint smile.

 

“I’m studying history,” Chloe proclaimed as she took out a poster that was copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.

 

Words: 83

 

 

Excerpt from: Spider Quinn

The two heroes didn’t leave immediately, rather they then swung up from Andrea’s window onto the roof  “What was that about her mother?” SpiderGirl asked.

 

“She’s a professor of Ancient History,” Ninja Talon responded.

 

“I see,” SpiderGirl responded. “Anyway, it’s complex.”

 

…

 

Sandi awoke again and saw that it was the morning. She felt a lot better. “I better get ready for school,” she said.

 

“How are you feeling?” her mother asked, as she handed her a plate with bacon and eggs.

 

“A lot better,” Sandi answered as she took the plate.

 

“And what have you learned?”

 

“Not much, other than that Daria is becoming a friend, much like Harry Osborn.”

 

Her mother smirked. “Just don’t expect me to accept a dinner invitation by Helen.”

 

Sandi nearly spat out some egg. She swallowed and said, “Of course not, Quinn would be there!”

 

“Anyway, what else have you learned.”

 

“That I know my limits. My perception didn’t even reach the Lake. Jane is being held further out than that, maybe even at the Lake.”

 

“Or maybe in Oakwood or Middlebury,” her mother responded. “You can’t jump to conclusions.”

 

“Of course not.”

 

“And you’ll take your brothers to school again.”

 

‘Of course,’ Sandi thought. It seemed to be a way of teaching her responsibility as well as a punishment.

 

 

Back at the Historia, Agent Ken Leung had examined the entire building, including the various apartments. There was nothing to indicate that Quentin Beck had been there since the previous night’s incident. “Other than the projectors, it appears completely normal,” he said to Peterson and the four teens.

 

“So, we’re still at square one?” Quinn asked.

 

“Not necessarily,” Agent Leung said. “There is what the vigilantes said. That he took a boat southwards from the stormwater outlet.”

 

“That’s true,” Daria said. “But that would be a large area wouldn’t it?”

 

“True, but the Agency can concentrate their searches in the area downstream of Lawndale between the town and the Lake,” Leung said.

 

“I see,” Quinn said, appearing to be in thought.

 

 

The four then ordered breakfast and Quinn started calling the previous applicants.

 

 

“Done?” Daria asked Quinn as they left for school.

 

“Yes. They will meet here straight after school. Looks like I’ll be doing that at the same time as my usual session with Anna, Ben and Gerald.”

 

“I’m sure they’ll understand cancelling,” Daria said.

 

“True, but at this short notice?”

 

“Good point.”

 

“I can handle it,” Quinn said.

 

‘I hope so.’

 

 

“Daria Morgendorffer, please report to the principal’s office,” Ms. Li announced straight after Homeroom.

 

Daria sighed. She knew that was going to happen.

 

 

“How are you feeling?” Ms. Li asked when Daria had sat down.

 

“My best friend has been kidnapped! How do you think I’m feeling?”

 

“Mrs. Manson is ready to talk if you…”

 

“No!” Daria said. She didn’t want to deal with that quack of a school counsellor.

 

“Are you sure, Ms. Morgendorffer?”

 

“Of course I’m sure, Ms. Li. The best way for me to keep from thinking about what might be happening to Jane is for me to be in class doing schoolwork.”

 

“I see that you have made up your mind on that.”

 

“Yes,’ Daria said as she took the hall pass off the principal’s desk.

 

 

At the same time, as she went to her first class, Andrea looked for one of the students she knew had at least one sibling at Lawndale State.

 

She soon sighed one of them. “Tania!” she called out.

 

Tania Ashworth turned upon hearing her name.

 

 

Words: 584

 

 

Excerpt

“The Seniors have been sighted in Beverley Hills,” Wade reported.

 

“We’re on it,” Kim said. She went to where Ron had just ordered something.

 

“What’s up, KP?”

 

“We have a mission in California.”

 

“But I just ordered something,” Ron said.

 

 

Words: 40

 

 

Excerpt

“I’ll look for it between North Street and the Highway,” Shannon said. She then left the house.

 

 

Louise sat on the back porch, where she watched Abbey Whitely as she searched a garden bed.

 

 

Nicola Jefferies had figured out how to get Annie Moore, Hannah Farrell and Aliadine Sultanali out of the Macquarie. She then decided to tell them the plan so that they could get out.

“I have a plan to get you out” Nicola said, to Annie, Hannah and Aliadine, from the Serisier Bridge.

 

“What is it?” Aliadine asked.

 

She then told them her plan.

 

Words:

 

Total: 970