The Raggedy Man's Revenge

Extracts from the Personal Diary of Dr Elisa Jamieson MD

 

Sunday August 6th 2006

So in the early hours of the 6th of August the Treadle creature is finally sent packing on its way back to the Thames and from there back to whence it came hopefully when we get rid of it this time hopefully it won’t come back. We spend most of the day attempting to clean the detritus from the slaughtered chickens out of Barbara Smythe’s walls floor and ceiling. Despite our best efforts however certain stains just won’t scrub out. (Even with rubber gloves this can’t be doing my hands any good.)

 

Belinda, Adam and I are called in to M.I.13 later in the day and we are told that we are to attend a personal debriefing from Ursula head of the department. God I hate being in her office; the woman is a chain smoker and the smell impregnates everything. I don’t know which smell I hate the most, the smell of Ursula’s cigarettes or the smell of the Treadle creature. Anyway I digress; it appears that Ursula wants us down at Silbury Hill by the evening of the 8th despite the fact that the creature couldn’t possibly have got back that quickly. She also appears to be being extremely secretive about what we are doing, instructing us not to tell anyone of what we are up to. Ursula also emphasises that we should not tell the press what is going on - as if I ever would.

 

Monday August 7th 2006

We knew that we needed to get into Silbury to ensure everything was in position so Belinda contacted Barbara Smythe to obtain the cap key. Before we set off we also got certain supplies we felt would be needed if we are going to be going down into Silbury Hill again namely head lamps and climbing gear. Barbara also suggested that we might also require a small hand powered winch so that we could lift the plate.

 

Tuesday August 8th 2006

We decided to travel down in two groups with Adam and Belinda travelling in Belinda’s Range Rover while I would take my bike. We had got approximately half way to Avebury when my phone went off; I let it ring, deciding that I could answer whoever it was once I got there.

 

Upon arriving in Avebury we are to discover that our previous visit has attracted some attention from the local press. Too whit the shooting of Rodriguez appears to be headline news; well I suppose they don’t often get bullet ridden corpses in the local pub car park but the story appears to be total speculation on the part of the journalist. The story is mostly supposition as the victim is not named and no exact details are revealed, however he does state that it appeared as if it were a gangland hit. Fortunately there was no reference to Moynahan’s recent disappearance but the house in which he had held Jules prisoner had been mysteriously burnt to the ground.

 

After reading this I suddenly remembered that someone had phoned my mobile and went on to check whom it was. Strangely it was a phone number I did not recognise and the person leaving the message claimed to be someone named Jimmy Wainwright. Strange, as I am quiet sure I knew no one of that name. I rang him back, partially expecting that it was a wrong number. However, when I rang the number, the phone was picked up very quickly as if he was waiting for my call. The man on the other end had a notable Birmingham accent and he stated that he was a colleague who knew me from M.I.13 and that he had some information for me he did not wish to discuss over a mobile and asked me to contact him from a landline stating that he would be at his desk for another few hours.

 

I then had to make my way to the Red Lion and phone him from there. Jimmy picked up the phone on the first ring and oddly he appeared to be aware that I was in Avebury; odd as I thought it was supposed to be a secret and also he appeared to know why we were there. Even more worrying than that, however, was the information that he then imparted, to whit he was sure that there appeared to be a leak inside M.I.13 and that someone or something was planning an intervention in our attempts to get rid ourselves of the Treadle creature. Jimmy stated that we might suffer 'an intervention from Yuggoth'. As far as I knew there is no such place as Yuggoth. I initially assumed wrongly, as I was later to discover, that this was group hiding inside the Children of light that had affiliated itself to the recently deceased Rodriguez.

 

I returned to the car park at Silbury and informed Adam and Belinda of what had transpired but none of us had a clue as to what 'Yuggoth' meant. Adam suggested that maybe we should phone M.I.13 to discover what it meant but I suggested another source. I decided to phone Lionel in hope that he may be able to enlighten us as to what Yuggoth could mean. He stated initially that he had heard of the word but he needed to look it up. This he did and the answer he supplied only left us with more questions. Lionel stated that the word Yuggoth was in fact a Mythos name for the planet Pluto. Belinda added that Pluto was also god of the underworld in roman mythology but this would not help our investigation.

 

While in Avebury we thought it best to make contact with St John as we had heard nothing since the clean up at Barbara’s. We were aware of course that Forbush was going to have a word with him regarding recruitment. We initially tried the Henge shop and were informed that they have not seen him in several days in fact they stated that the last time they saw him must have been when Belinda picked him up back before we went to rescue Jules. They also told Belinda that they have some money for him, as they have been able to sell some of their jewellery. We thought that he would most likely be back at the caravan and this assumption was to prove correct. I was one who knocked and was quietly surprised to see that Jules was also there. I thought that she may have been reluctant to return for a few days and would have stayed elsewhere but she appeared to be untroubled by the incidents of the last few days.

 

I think that she may be bottling up her emotions here, which could be very dangerous for her future welfare. She claimed that she was sleeping with her crystals and they were helping her to come to terms but in my own medical opinion, regardless of what she says, crystals cannot drain what Moynahan did to this young woman. I took her at her word, however I also requested samples from her to send to the laboratory, as there is no end of infections that she could have obtained during her imprisonment. Jules also said that Forbush is the reason why they are back as he was generous enough to give them train tickets back home. I suspect that he had also given St John something else and that we would find that he too was on the payroll at M.I.13. We inform them that we visited the Henge Shop on our way over and that they had some money for them to collect. St John said that he had better go and collect it so that they will be able to buy groceries so we all excused ourselves and left.

 

On the way to the Henge Shop St John confirmed that he is on retainer and that Forbush had given him an advance. We informed him that we intended to take the plate out of Silbury so that the creature will be able to enter. St John said that he would like to accompany us but first he would need to leave the Henge money with Jules and collect his dowsing instruments from the caravan. We understood that he was going to give Jules some cock and bull story about getting a dowsing commission that would justify him being out and that this story would also account for the two hundred pounds Forbush had given him. Strangely enough she seemed to believe what he told her, or so he believed. Somehow I don’t quiet believe that she fell for it, as Jules seems far too smart believe such an obviously transparent lie.

 

As St John went off to talk to Jules I headed off to the Red Lion to get changed into my climbing gear. It had been decided that it was either going to be me or Barbara to go down the ladder as we appeared to be the most physically fit members of the group. It was decided that while Barbara was bigger and stronger that I was the primary choice, because I was lighter and had better muscle tone. Barbara was to be my back up. We all agreed to meet again at the Silbury Hill car park. I left my bike in the Red Lion car park and made my own way down in a cab.

 

Fortunately Barbara was waiting for us when we all arrived and she had the key with her so off up the hill we went. Being August, the light was still reasonable at 8pm so we could still see. The weather was overcast but it wasn’t too cold; the forecast had been for rain, however, and we weren’t to be disappointed. The moon was also full, not that we could see it, however.

 

When we get to the top of the hill St John got his dowsing tools out and claimed that the readings were very odd as it appeared that the hill is leeching power from the local ley-lines, despite the fact that the nearest ley-line is at least a hundred yards away. Barbara opened the door in the dome and I was the first to enter, after an initial look around.

 

It then began to rain, as forecast. Strange how rain always seems heavier when you can hear it beating against something. It is quite crowded under the cap with us all inside but I quickly attached my harness and set off down the hole. Adam guided my line as I made my way down and the others set up the winch at the top so we can get the plate out; the plan being that I tie the end of the rope to the plate then make my way out followed by them winching the plate.

 

The climb down was completely uneventful and I had no trouble attaching the winch rope to the plate. However I did note some changes while at the bottom of the hole for one sound does not appear to travel very well down the hole and it was quite odd that the only sounds I could hear were a quiet skittering as if the there was something falling down the back of the polystyrene – it was probably only dirt moving, or maybe water. I could, however, hear whispering but I was unable to define what was being said.

 

Anyway after tying the plate to the end of the rope I began my ascent. I then noted that the skittering had suddenly become more agitated and that I appeared to be becoming slightly paranoid as I felt there was someone or something in there with me.

 

Maybe it was this that made me take a misstep for I was virtually at the top when my right foot slipped in such a way that I lost my grip and fell from the ladder. Obviously this also surprised Adam as the rope pulled from his grasp, fortunately St John was alert and he was able to halt my descent. I am thankful for my harness, however I note to myself that it will most likely leave a bruise. Fortunately I did not crash into the ladder on my way down but the fall did unsettle me and it took a few moments before I was composed enough to finish the climb. Not surprisingly I found it very stuffy when I reached the top and I decided to go and sit outside while the others pulled the plate out.

 

This was our first good look at the plate, as up to now only St John had seen the underside. We grouped together and turned the plate over and there appeared to be a five pointed star engraved on it with strange lettering in each of the five points. Most of us assumed that this is what is referred to in the books as an Elder sign. However St John appears to be convinced that it is something much more sinister, a symbol he calls a 'Voorish' sign, supposedly a sign that is a booster for Mythos curses and the like. He also stated that this symbol will bring doom in the form of more of the Mythos creatures as, rather than a seal, it is more an open gateway. Has Rodriguez and his cronies found a way into the hill and replaced the original plate we have to ask ourselves?

 

As we observed the plate we noted a few odd occurrences: first, St John and Barbara claimed that they could hear an odd buzzing sound, they say like the sounds you hear when near high power electricity pylons  - but there are no electricity pylons for miles. Perhaps it’s just the wax in their ears as neither Adam, Belinda or myself could hear anything. It also seemed that none of our phones could get a signal, odd because I could believe this if we were all on the same network but it appears that all networks are affected. St John states that he wants to contact M.I.13 about the Voorish sign and sets off down the hill, Belinda accompanies him. The rest of us chose to stay at the top of the hill just in case the Treadle creature appeared, however unlikely that may be.

 

We were informed upon their return that they had to travel quite a distance before they were able to acquire a signal. They also stated that the duty officer was initially of the belief that the symbol was an Elder sign but became unsure when St John suggested that it could possibly be a Voorish sign. More worrying, however, was the fact that he appeared to be unaware that we were not only in the vicinity of Silbury Hill but that we had actually gone inside as he stated that they had no records of an operation occurring and as far as he was aware the hill was sealed. Could this mean that the leak is actually at the very highest level, to whit was the leak in M.I.13 from Ursula herself? All very worrying developments. I will need to phone Jimmy Wainwright and look into this further but that is job for tomorrow.

 

Anyway we continued to wait for the appearance of the Treadle creature. We noted, however, a strange, slightly translucent mist developing over the Kennet. Oddly though, the mist was not rising from the Kennet itself and instead formed on top of the nearby hill, flowing down in an almost waterfall effect, only pooling at the river. I am no meteorologist so have no real advanced knowledge of mists and fogs but I always thought that mists formed in hollows and not on hills, but maybe I’m wrong.

 

Oddly, I too could now hear an odd buzzing sound but it seemed to almost be moving, it also came and went. I was quite sure that I had heard a similar effect but it escaped me as to where until Adam said it sounded similar to the noises we heard some evenings at Mavis’. I agreed with Adam’s assessment of the noise and this was very disconcerting, for might it be the reason why Mavis always ensured that we were gone before sunset?

 

St John thought that the sounds might be coming from the mist and wanted to go and investigate further. Barbara and I decided to go with him. As we entered the mist we noted that it appeared to be more of a fog. Barbara and I put on our torches but the fog seemed to be absorbing the light. With this knowledge we decided that St John should go in the middle of our little group and that Barbara and I should flank him. I took the left flank while Barbara the right.

 

As we proceeded into the mist I noted that the buzzing sound appeared to be getting louder. I then caught my foot on something but was unable to see what I tripped over.

 

Other incidents then took precedence: first I heard a loud scream to my right; looking up, I saw St John disappearing into the mist as if the very devil was in pursuit. I also saw Barbara’s lamp fall to the floor but as I began to move over I saw what it was that St John was fleeing from - a creature that seemed to be the mosquito from hell!

 

The creature was almost my size with large diaphanous wings, a long tail and four arms, but the head seemed to be a mess of fungus! I saw the creature's head turn in my direction so I decided to make myself scarce. The creature then decided to pursue me through the mist. Odd that I missed it on first glance but I then found the creature was armed with some kind of silver box that fired lightning! Fortunately its aim was not very good as it missed. I swiftly realise that the creature was probably much quicker than I, despite my running background, and if it can throw lightning then my fate was sealed. My only hope of getting away from this thing appears to be if I stood and fought the creature, hopefully then thing won’t be that strong.

 

Drawing my pistol, I flipped the safety and, remembering my training, took a deep breath and, hoping this would cut down on the shaking, squeezed the trigger. Fortunately either my training is better than I initially thought or more likely my luck was really in. I hit the creature squarely in the area that my brain had designated the creature's 'head' thus causing it to fall to the ground and lose its lightning gun but not before it again shot wild.

 

I swiftly moved in and delivered the coup de grace to its head area and the creature stopped moving. I then procured the strange silver box; maybe I can find a use for this? But as I did, I noted a dreadful smell and I saw the creature rotting down virtually before my eyes! Obviously this is how they hide their presence here, for once they die they begin to disintegrate; they will rot away to nothing in mere hours!

 

Another figure approached through the mist; once again my pistol was open and ready to fire when I note the lamp on the figure's head and was able to reign back. Barbara came out of the mist and I noted, other than a few spots of mud, she seemed devoid of injury. She told me she was able to see the creature approaching and had thrown herself to the floor in the hope that it would ignore her. Fortunate for her that it had decided to pursue me for if it had indeed chosen to stay then I am quite sure that I Barbara would not have talked again!

 

We were still able to hear the sounds of St John’s screams, however, and we both decided that we had better try and find him. We began to move off when I heard the sound of screeching brakes followed by a loud thump and the tinkling of glass. I also heard St John's screaming suddenly cut off - followed a couple of moments later by another scream of a slightly higher pitch. We thus decided to approach with a little more alacrity.

 

We emerged from the mist into an obvious road accident as I saw a car slewed towards the verge with notable damage to the nearside wing bonnet and windscreen. I also noted two figures lying in the road. Thinking quickly, I advised Barbara to move the car to block the road while I dealt with the casualties.

 

On cursory inspection, both casualties were quiet so both could be in possible danger. Assessing the situation, I noted that St John as priority one so gave him the once-over. I noted he appeared to have suffered head injuries but was breathing and his final position was virtually already in the recovery position. Checking his airway is clear, I then moved onto the second casualty, the woman, who appeared to be the driver of the car, was also unconscious but appeared to have suffered no visible injuries.

 

I placed her too in the recovery position and moved back to deal with St John. By this time several more cars had arrived and I asked Barbara to instruct one of the drivers to contact the police, as it appeared our phones were still unable to achieve a signal, and arrange for an ambulance telling her the symptoms. Several of the drivers who had stopped were not helpful, complaining that we were in their way, but one young man was very helpful and I assigned him to deal with the female casualty. It took ten minutes for the police to arrive and a policeman and policewoman emerged. I quickly handed my pistol to Barbara and she disappeared in the direction of the car park. I then note that she also appeared to have picked up the silver box from where I left it –well, thankfully, at least I didn’t have to explain those two items to the police.

 

I reported the accident, stating that I was there on a walk when I heard the accident so responded to help the casualties. The woman had come round at this time and gave her own story, stating that St John had just run out in front of her and that she could not miss him. She was breathalysed, of course, as that appears to be standard these days but the test was negative.

 

The police appeared to believe her story and my story seemed to back it up. The ambulance arrived as I was talking to the police and I excused myself to give the paramedics a quick run down of events plus my own analysis. I noted when I finished giving my statement, that the policeman recognised me and while he already knows I am a doctor he appeared to be slightly suspicious of me and my attachment to the security services.

 

St John was whisked off in the ambulance to Swindon while the woman, after being checked out, was driven home by the policewoman with the policeman following in her car.

 

Strange how I hadn’t noticed it before but St John was carrying his attaché case containing his dowsing tools when he entered the mist, yet they were not with him when we loaded him in the ambulance. It appears he must have dropped them when he fled through the mist well. I’m afraid that they had to wait until the mist had cleared before we could go looking for them because I was not overly keen to meet another one of those creatures.

 

Suddenly I noticed that I was all alone and that the buzzing sound was coming back; time to get out of here, I thought. I set off at a jog towards the car park but was quite pleased to meet Barbara on the way. Barbara handed me back my pistol and the strange silver box.

 

We decided to rejoin the others at the top of the hill. On the way up we had a difference of opinion regarding the reporting of St John's accident as Barbara was curious as to why I had not gone out of my way to ensure that St Johns’ accident was reported to whatever government agency I reported to, as I was so insistent after Belinda’s incident with the Neolithic spear. But I informed her that it would be quite unnecessary as it was merely a road traffic accident so therefore of no real consequence, and I also pointed out that there was quite a bit of difference between a 2004 Fiat Panda and a Neolithic flint spear. Barbara seemed unconvinced and stormed off in a huff.

 

Belinda and Adam were waiting for us when we returned and asked for a report as they heard several noises and saw some of the action. I told them what had transpired and filled in the blanks but as we were talking, Barbara returned and both she and I observed the buzzing getting louder.

 

Glancing back towards the mist, I noticed nothing but Barbara claimed there were a number of the mosquito creatures approaching and that she could see several of the silver lightning boxes! I have already seen what these creatures can do and was in no mood for a repeat so I decided to follow Barbara as we moved to a more discrete distance. I thought that maybe they were after the plate and made to grab it but Adam took it from me.

 

After ten minutes Barbara and I returned again only to find that there had not been an attack and that Barbara had imagined the creatures and that the buzzing had died down. Barbara then suggested that we should at least inform Jules as to St John’s accident and that someone should help her get to the hospital (hope he isn’t in Kingfisher ward, that place does not hold good memories). That seemed to be a job she could deal with so we left her to it as I needed to remain to ensure the plate got back in the hill and Belinda and Adam needed to be there to get me out just in case. As it turns out I had no problem getting out of the hole under Silbury. But, while I was down the hole, I did note that the scratching noises were louder and there was a strong odour of the Treadle creature down there.

 

The rest of the night passed without incident and the Treadle creature did not return, as expected I might note. However we noted the mosquito creatures appeared to be congregating around where we suspect the Treadle creature will emerge from the Kennet. I wonder, could this be the interference Jimmy was talking about? I will have to check with him once I have had some sleep.

 

We all have rooms in the nearby motel but we stop off first a Little Chef for breakfast. I must have been tired as I don’t usually frequent this sort of establishment.

 

Wednesday August 9th 2006

When I got up I phoned Jimmy and he was not really all that helpful. He could only confirm the information we received from Lionel and he also informs me that the information he received regarding us was from a third party who did not want their presence known at the time. Jimmy said he will attempt to arrange a meeting between the mysterious person and myself after I get back from Avebury. Jimmy also appeared to have no knowledge regarding what the mosquito creatures could be. Barbara also rang to inform us that St John is okay and would be sent home that day. Good, because I think we may need his odd talents.

 

It was quickly decided that we would need to rid ourselves of the mosquito creatures as they could interfere with our plans for the Treadle creature. Unfortunately we did not really have much in the way of firepower as I don’t fancy taking on a swarm of those things with just one little pistol. I hoped we could get the SAS strike team with the flamethrower again but I was informed that they only had one operative available, our old friend, Mr Price, but he would be dispatched with some additional firepower. We agree to meet him at the Red Lion car park. Odd that we chose to meet him again where he killed Rodriguez. I also informed M.I.13 that we had acquired one of the creatures' lightning guns. Note to self: while I have informed them that we have acquired this item I am very reluctant to turn it in until I can ascertain who is trustworthy.

 

We decided that we had better try and find out where these creatures are hiding before he gets here so we began the search around the site of the mist, which now appears to have cleared away, thankfully. We were unable to find much trace of the creatures, barely a few marks on the ground where it appears one may have touched down. We were able to find St John’s dowsing tools and it was decided that we should give them back to him and see if we could once again enlist his help, as the dowsing tools might be able to track these odd creatures as they had done with the Treadle creature on earlier occasions. Upon studying the maps of the area we already had established certain areas we felt the creatures would find useful to hide, to whit two points on the top of the nearby hill noted as reservoirs, which is were we saw the waterfall effect.

 

We assessed that if we were to battle these creatures it would most likely be best if we found them during daylight hours when hopefully we would have the advantage. We decided, while we were waiting for Andy Price to arrive, to get something we could use against these creatures. We were able to purchase two cans of petrol to this end. Afterwards we decided to attempt to enlist St John as his talents may be able to confirm the locations of the creatures. However, whether or not he would wish to join us was questionable, as the last time he confronted these creatures he ran fearing for his life and got himself run over.

 

We decided we might need to butter him up by taking his dowsing tools back to him. They appeared undamaged from when he dropped them earlier. We all trooped out to St John’s caravan and were met by St John and Jules. As we handed his tools back to him he seemed extremely relieved. So as to not disconcert Jules more than necessary we stated that we only wished to talk to St John. I noted that when we initially raised the possibility of facing the mosquito creatures again, a look something akin to terror crossed his face but it was quickly replaced by a look of grim determination and the wish to see things through. In fact he was the first to move; coming to his feet, he kissed Jules on the cheek and stepped out, stating he has a job to do.

 

We began our search on top of the hill from the section furthest from where we suspected the creatures were hiding but during the whole search. Never once did St John’s dowsing equipment show so much as a flicker, maybe they had been damaged in some way when he dropped them.

 

We were just about to call time on the search when the reaction we been waiting for occurred. However what we found was something we had not even been looking for, a machine made of the same silvery metal as the lightning thrower hidden in a bush. Strangely it looked more technological than mystical; maybe this was the thing that was affecting our phones? We decided that we would mark the item but that we would not move it or attempt to interfere with it in any way as it may warn the creatures. We were able to also find the tops of the reservoirs and as we looked around we found evidence that they had been moved recently so our suspicions were confirmed, this was indeed the hiding place of the creatures. We knew that by now Andy Price would more than likely be waiting for us at the Red Lion so we made our way back into town.

 

Andy was in fact awaiting us when we arrived and assessed what we had planned. It appeared initially that it would be down to me and him to take the creatures down as we appeared to be the only people trained in the use of firearms. However Andy decided that he should be the one to deal with the petrol bombs, as he was the only one with demolitions training. He also decided that everyone should be armed, just to be on the safe side. He supplied Belinda with an automatic pistol and gave her a crash course in its use. He then gave both Barbara and St John rifles set to single shot. (Note: I had suggested supplying them with shotguns but he had vetoed the idea, maybe if we are in this kind of situation again he will heed my advice.)

 

One thing that struck me as odd however was that as he was handing out the weapons, St John said something very strange, that he had been in a shooting team while he was at school; odd because I thought that St John hated guns. I also noticed the way he appeared to be holding himself. He seemed to almost be standing at attention. I note this because I am from ten generations of military men and after a while you tend to notice these little things. This seemed totally out of character for St John, perhaps that blow to the head he took has not only given him concussion but has also shaken something loose? Perhaps I should schedule him for a brain scan? Andy also took two automatic pistols for himself.

 

We were split into three teams: Andy and Adam are in team one and their job was to open the caps and deploy the petrol bombs. St John and I were team two and we were lead team for the opening of the first reservoir while Belinda and Barbara made up the final team, which will be the lead team for the second reservoir. Of course, being the military man, we were all under Andy's orders. So just before dusk we headed up the hill to deal with the creatures. Oddly enough we now had a name for them supplied to us by St John he informed us that they were called 'Fungi of Yuggoth' (so that’s what Jimmie's informant meant).

 

St John said that the creatures were also called Mi-Go and, unlike the Shoggoth, they could handle direct sunlight. He also provided us with further information about the creatures, like the fact that they were not an animal and are, in fact, much nearer in composition to Earth fungi, but with an alien metabolism that would break down quickly when the outer layer of epidermis is punctured. The outer skin of the Mi-Go appears to be made of some form of alien cellulose so would most likely burn easily.

 

St John informed us that the Mi-Go could remain hidden until they wished to reveal themselves. St John also said they created the mist that we saw the previous evening and, while it may affect our vision, it has no effect on theirs and they can see through it easily, akin to us looking through a window.

 

It appears that they come to Earth only when they are seeking something or someone for there has been report of these things hunting humans. They are an extremely advanced species with very dextrous hands and incredibly advanced medical techniques. He went on further to imply that they had the technology to be able to transplant the brain of a living creature from its body to a metal capsule without it suffering any lasting harm and then transport them to their home world!

 

The final piece of information he gave us was about their equipment for it appeared at first glance that they used straight technology but on further inspection it was indeed not mechanical but mystical. The creatures are believed to worship a number of strangely named deities but two were recognisable to us as we heard their names before, one being Yog Sothoth (I am sure I had come across this name when I was looking into the Shoggoth earlier), the other name was Nyarlothotep, the name that seems to crop up on a regular basis throughout this mission. If I remember rightly, this was the name of the creature St John saw in his dream just before his hair turned white, the same creature that wants us to use the binoculars and mask.

 

We got ourselves set up on the top of the hill. Adam flung open the cap and Andy threw in the first of his petrol bombs before they both threw themselves to the ground. Moments later there was a dull thump and a sheet of flame emerged from the hole. Unfortunately one of the Mi-Go also emerged, armed with a lightning gun. Unlike my earlier battle with these things my aim was no way up to scratch and it took several shots from all of us before it finally fell. I almost at one stage considered trying the Mi-Go lightning gun but realised that would be foolhardy for while I had assessed how they fired it I had no clue as to how to aim the thing so I ascertained that it would most likely do more harm than good. St John finally took the thing down with a solid shot to its thorax and it collapsed back into the fire. We had acquired a second lightning gun, which I think St John took. Oddly enough, when I tried to co-ordinate with St John I don’t think he heard me as I called his name a few times, maybe he could not hear me over the sound of the shots?

 

We were less fortunate, however, with the second cap as it took Adam several attempts before he was finally able to fling it aside. Unfortunately this alerted the Mi-Go so the bomb was ineffective. The two Mi-Go in this reservoir preferred a different approach to the two we had faced earlier. One attacked Barbara and Belinda in hand to hand while the other hung back. We did not know why initially, but were soon to find out.

 

Neither, I noted, had the silver boxes, however, both proved to be incredibly difficult to take down. While Andy, St John and myself pored fire into the hovering creature Barbara and Belinda fought hand to hand with their own opponent. Initially things were going well and then everything fell apart: first St John fell to the floor with a scream. I glanced across and saw that his skin was horribly blistered and he appeared to be weeping blood, all from a gesture from the hovering creature. Adam attempted to do what he could for him using his unique talents but these proved ineffective. He then tried standard medical techniques using my medical bag but they proved equally ineffective.

 

Barbara was the next to fall, struck in the head by the creature she was fighting. I saw her fall and go still, luckily she had just been rendered unconscious and nothing more serious developed as explaining this to her husband and children would have been extremely difficult. Belinda continued to fight on however.

 

I noted that despite the amount of times our shots had struck the creature facing us, many had passed through its wings leaving small holes but little overall damage. How I wished that Andy had supplied shotguns as the blasts would have imparted much more damage and would likely have brought the thing down.

As Barbara fell, my aim returned and my shot struck the creature in the head area, stunning it, appearing to bring it down. Andy saw this and left me alone in hope that I could finish it off while he went to assist Belinda. However the creature was far from finished; when my next shot again passed through its wing it appeared to regain its senses and gestured in my direction, this time crashing easily through whatever defences I had. My vision became a sea of red and my nerve endings felt like I had been dipped in boiling hot water. I collapsed to the floor and knew nothing further.

 

The next thing I knew was Adam was bending over me. Fortunately it seems that Andy and Belinda had succeeded in finishing off the two creatures but not without further injury, as Belinda’s right arm had been disabled. Barbara was moving about and Adam had bandaged her head.

 

To be perfectly honest I thought Barbara should really have gone to hospital as she did not look well and had obvious facial contusions. I suspected she might very well have been suffering from shock and might also have had concussion. I would have suggested tests to check if the blow had given her any more lasting damage as she might very well have suffered a fractured skull. I also felt that she had done what needed to be done and her continued presence was no longer required. She has family and needed to look out for them as well as herself. I was quite sure that we could now deal with the Treadle creature without her needing to risk herself further. She suggested that she protect herself using my helmet but Barbara is considerably larger than me so I strongly advised against it for if she did have a fractured skull then the helmet would only exaggerate the damage she may already have suffered. Adam appeared to have done a reasonable job on Belinda’s arm and when I checked, I noted that there did not appear to be fracture but she had suffered severe bruising. I thought it best to immobilize her arm, though, just to be on the safe side until we could get it x-rayed.

 

My eyes had stopped bleeding shortly after the Mi-Go’s had been taken down and the blistering was beginning to recede and would be gone completely in next few hours as was the case with St John.

 

It appeared that, by the time I had recovered, the Mi-Go had already begun to decompose. I am only thankful that I chose to wear the mask as the smell was hideous enough when it was only one, it is hard to imagine how foul it is when you have three, possibly more, plus the smell of burning gasoline doesn’t help.

 

Anyway it seemed that we had foiled the plans of the Mi-Go and also the plans of the traitor in M.I.13. Now we were in the clear, hopefully, to rid ourselves of the Treadle creature without any further complications.

 

It appeared that we had acquired several new items from the Mi-Go. After the fight we acquired not only the second lightning gun but also a scroll tube containing a paper thin metal sheet of some kind on memory metal. (Yes I know that sounds very geeky.) The sheet appears to have lines etched on to one side and it doesn’t take a genius to work out what it is. I confirm it with St John but it is clearly a map showing the ley-lines in this area. It also has stars marking a few points of various sizes, the largest is Glastonbury, which seems be the largest concentration in the area, followed closely by Stonehenge and Avebury. Woodhenge, Wells and a few other points seem to marked with smaller stars, obviously each is marked regarding its significance to the creatures. There also is an eight-pointed star over Silbury Hill. We assume that this is the marker for the gateway under the hill and is obviously their primary target and probably the reason why they are so far away from the usual areas as Mi-Gos are almost exclusively seen in South Wales.

 

We also acquired an odd pale yellow stone, which is slightly translucent. The stone gives off a pale yellow light but we are, as of yet, unable to ascertain its purpose; surely this may require further study?

 

Anyway onward and upward; the time had come now to hopefully finish what we came here to do. We all made our way back up Silbury Hill, except off course for Andy who said that his job was done so leaves us to it.

 

We moved inside the hill and once again winched up the plate. Now all we needed was the creature. Belinda chose to stay inside the hill while the rest of us look out for the creature. However, after an hour or so she could no longer stand being in there, claiming the noises freaked her out, plus she was certain that she saw something in there, something that looked like the Treadle creature itself when she saw it in the hospital.

 

Barbara then chose to take her place, but again she couldn’t stand being in there for more than an hour. It was then left to St John to take his turn. He claimed the sounds were louder in there and he appeared to be convinced that something was burrowing up through the polystyrene but I think the gate was just playing with our minds and creating false illusions, in the hope that we would make mistakes.

 

Several hours passed before Barbara noticed what we had all been waiting for. Finally the guest of honour arrived in his long trench coat, emerging from the Kennet, it began to shamble towards the hill. He didn’t so much climb out as raise himself to full height, I suppose that is the advantage of not having any bones.

 

Belinda and St John positioned themselves hopefully out of the way of the creature but able to see when it entered Silbury Hill. Barbara, Adam and myself stationed ourselves on the far side of the hill with the plate, the idea being we bring it back up once the creature was in the hill.

 

It seemed to take an eternity for the creature to ascend the hill and for a worrying moment or two we were concerned that it was never going to turn up. But finally we saw it enter the dome, noting that the body of young Harvey Charlton was in a really dreadful state. It looked bad enough when we saw it at Barbara’s but it had had three days of being immersed in water and eaten away by the creature since then.

 

We swiftly made our way up after the creature. St John and myself stepped inside the dome as it appeared to be my duty once again to go down the hole. However, the creature once again showed its cunning. The creature seemed to have quite deliberately sloughed itself of its, hopefully final, disguise, leaving the sorry remains of poor Harvey at the top of the hole. This did not effect me but several of the others were slightly disconcerted by this. What did affect me, however, was the mess that the unsheathed creature had made of both the hole and the ladder, as it has left a not inconsiderable trail of its analeptic slime!

 

Well there is no way I could touch that so it looked like it was up to Barbara to pick up the baton but Barbara also seemed a little reluctant. However St John proved to be our knight in shining armour by volunteering himself for the duty, saving me from having to go down. It was decided, however, due to the effects of the slime, we should lower him with the plate.

 

As to what transpired under Silbury Hill I can only speculate but, according to what was later reported by St John, the creature descended into the hole and then, having fulfilled the instruction we gave it, attempted to climb out again. Fortunately the Elder sign forced it to retreat again but not without some final payment for as a last defiant act it fired out a single tendril in hopes of dragging St John with it down the hole but, while it inflicted quite severe injury, he was able to seal the gate, forcing the tendril to release it’s grip and disappear back into it’s hole.

 

Well we finally succeeded but not without cost for at least three of our group require hospital treatment. As to why the Mi-Go was sent and who the traitor could possibly be they are obviously stories for another day.

 

One final question that may require some work is this: why is it that St John, who until recently I thought was an odd yet ostensibly stable persona has changed so drastically? I have recently noted that he appears to be referring to himself as Cameron. Maybe this was some sort of thing he did occasionally to throw the police and social services off the track or maybe that blow on the head really has caused some serious damage. This will require some investigation.

 

Secondly, one thing is for sure, this Cameron persona appears to work with an almost military precision, a far cry from St John’s normal character. Exactly how Jules will feel about this has got to be put into question as St John and Jules seemed perfectly matched before this change.