re The Martian
a/n: this is inspired by Book'em Again's out of this world adventure, "The Martian", which was written for the 2015 SSSWC. I really do recommend reading the original tale…the descriptions and dialogue work so well, and all the main POW characters have a significant part to play:-)
The Stalag tunnels echo with tap-tapping sounds; morse code.
A hushed and hidden audience hears tapping sounds; morse code;
An urgent message heralding the strangest episode…
~0~
A Martian has been kidnapped; not as crazy as it seems.
The interstellar code name's not as crazy as it seems;
And sparks what might be viewed as one of Hogan's wilder schemes…
~0~
So…Carter's out there, fixing bombs and sacrificing trees.
Protecting folk in Hamelburg, means sacrificing trees;
A lot of wood is needed for distractions such as these.
~0~
LeBeau is close at hand, to check his timing, watch his back.
This feisty little Frenchman's just the one to watch his back;
No better friend to help him stage an alien attack…
~0~
A battered and abandoned barn holds Carter's work of art.
A kick, a curse; a generator runs this work of art…
A 'flying disc', a searchlight aimed on high; both play a part.
~0~
In Hamelburg, two comrades man the local radio.
Kinch and Newkirk broadcast on the local radio,
They've counted down the minutes, now the news will start their show…
~0~
The news is interrupted as the building starts to shake.
Explosions in the distance as the building starts to shake;
The noise that an invasion close to Hamelburg might make…
~0~
A break, Marlene Dietrich sings, a welcome brief respite,
As two announcers slake their thirst; a welcome brief respite.
The music stops abruptly…not an Allied bombing flight…
~0~
An elderly eye witness speaks, it's Newkirk at his best;
"Red smoke! Large discs! Huge laser guns!"…he's truly at his best.
A piercing wail…dead silence…as the listeners guess the rest.
~0~
An alien invasion is discussed on air; dismissed,
But rumours and reactions swiftly spread; in vain dismissed.
The maddest speculation isn't easy to resist…
~0~
Hogan views the chaos, as he slowly sips his beer;
Delighted at the panic and disorder, sips his beer.
"A secret Allied weapon!" and "The aliens are here!"
~0~
Olsen sidles in, he's heard the target's moving out.
They have to act quite quickly if the target's moving out.
The perfect time to strike, while folk rush breathlessly about.
~0~
He leaves his beer, they fell the guard and driver, grab the truck,
The Major doesn't notice that two strangers drive the truck.
He flees the scene at gunpoint; perfect timing, nerve and luck.
~0~
A high heel's used as weapon, to the rescuers' surprise;
Their Martian, their code breaker, is a girl, to their surprise.
No time to talk it through; a rapid exodus is wise…
~0~
The Hamelburg contingent knows just how the broadcast ends;
"Red smoke!"… "It burns!"…a gasp…a thud…is how the broadcast ends.
They drop their 'borrowed' microphone; it's time to join their friends.
~0~
The others, in the forest, find that things are far too hot;
A bomber's sent to raze the 'flying disc', it's far too hot.
They make it through unscathed; alas their work of art does not…
~0~
Reunion in the tunnels, and an unexpected sight;
A young and lovely female, such a rare and welcome sight.
Their Mars-related chat up lines don't flatter or delight.
~0~
The Martian leaves for London; Hogan gets a farewell kiss;
The others stare, disgruntled; Hogan always gets the kiss…
It seems like every episode contains a scene like this.
~0~
And thus, this tale's concluded… unsung heroes, brave and bold;
There's so much more to tell about those heroes, brave and bold.
Yes…many mad, inventive, crazy stories to be told.
~0~
The facts beat science fiction every time, if truth be told…
~0~
a/n 2: according to Book'em's notes, the Martians were a Regent Street branch of the Allied code breakers, most famously base at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. More detail is to be found in her notes, including sources of the information.
The original work was also inspired by a "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast, when science fiction was not universally distinguished from fact.
The verse pattern used here is a variation on blues stanzas…the themes of these are usually more sober.