Evening all. Well it looks as if, in an attempt to prevent me from inflicting any further poetry on the world, Mr Grounds has let the cat out of the bag and confirmed a certain cast member for season two. It is really great news and I can't wait to see what the future brings for our favourite captain and his troops. In terms of this rather inferior alternative account of their subsequent adventures, please find below the penultimate chapter of this current story. Thank you all for your kind comments on the last chapter. Your support never ceases to amaze me!
"All right you lot settle down" called James as he entered the meeting room. The clammer of voices quickly subsided as his troops turned to face forward and opened their note books. The major strode towards the front of the room with a new confidence. Since the previous day when Molly had returned to their ranks, James had found his focus and belief again. He was now determined to make the most of this mission, however pointless it seemed, and ensure that the SZS undertook a thorough and professional job.
There was a spring in his step as he passed the assembled ranks of soldiers although it was short lived as he caught his foot on the strap of a large bag which lay in his path and went sprawling. His momentum propelled him forward some distance, his flailing arms sending several chairs and a small occasional table skittering across the floor with him, the whole assemblage finally ending in a pile against the far wall.
Lieutenant Samuels and Sergeant Kinders lept from their seats to help James to disentangle himself from the debris while the rest of the unit looked at each other as initial surprise and concern turned to bearly suppressed mirth. James eventually managed to free himself and straighten his fatigues before glaring at the room in general, his good humour suddenly gone.
"Who the bloody hell put that there?" James exclaimed pointing to the offending bag
"Sorry sir, thats me" called Mansfield Mike, as he dragged the large hold all, with some difficulty, under a nearby table.
"What have you got in there, it looks like it weighs a ton?" Asked James advancing towards the Corporal with a frown.
"Its just...stuff" replied Mansfield Mike evasively
"Stuff?" Pressed James
"More like loot" muttered Fingers
James folded his arms and looked pointedly at Mansfield Mike "Let's have a look inside Corporal"
Mansfield grimaced "Now would that be a direct order sir or a polite enquiry which I can fob off with an excuse about the zip being stuck?"
"What do you think?" Replied the officer with a hint of menace
Mansfield bit his lip "I best open it then" he said, bending down slowly and dragging the bag into the middle of the room
"Indeed" agreed James and looked on in interest as the hold all fell open to reveal an interior stuffed with various articles including assorted toiletries, towels, bath robes, cups, plates and glasses, all displaying the hotel logo.
James crouched and rummaged through the contents before looking across at Mansfield Mike.
"And you're explanation for this Corporal?" He asked
"Well its all for the use of the guests isn't it sir?" Explained Mansfield Mike
"Yes, but only while they are staying in the actual hotel Corporal" countered James
"OK, that's technically true sir, but if they're just going to chuck it when we leave, what's the harm?" Pursued Mansfield Mike
"Corporal, they don't throw everything away. Most of this stuff they will reuse" said James " I mean, you've got a dozen coat hangers in here man. They don't even work on their own, look, they've got no hooks."
"I noticed that sir" admitted Mansfield Mike "That's why I took the rail as well" revealed the soldier holding up a metal rod with a series of hanger attachments on it.
James shook his head in disbelief while the others gathered around to take a look.
Georgie picked up one of the hangers with her uninjured hand and stared at it thoughtfully "Useful things these" she offered "I used to keep one on the back seat of the car in case I locked my keys inside"
Molly frowned at her fellow Medic "In the back seat? But wouldn't it..."
"Get locked in as well?" Said Georgie "Yep, I worked that out in the end, so I keep it in the boot now instead"
Molly opened her mouth to speak again but thought better of it and nodded instead.
James blew out a breath "OK everyone back to your seats" Then to Mansfield Mike "I want all this stuff back where it belongs straight after the briefing"
Just then the door to the meeting room flew open and a serious looking man in a hotel uniform strode in. He glanced around briefly then, spotting James, advanced towards the officer in a determined manner. Stopping in front of James, he glanced from the Major to the open bag of loot and back again before saying "Major James, I think we need to talk"...
Anatoly opened the door to his hotel room a crack and peered down the hallway.
"Is he still there?" Asked Vasily nervously behind him
"Yes, damn him" replied Anatoly before carefully closing the door and walking back into the room. "Its obvious Glukov doesn't trust us to stay put. As soon as we try to leave that goon will be straight onto his boss"
"If you want to speak to this SZS then why not call them Mr Alexandrov?" Asked the boy indicating the phone which was mounted to the wall near the bed.
Anatoly shook his head "Glukov may have bugged it. We just can't take the chance"
Vasily slumbed onto the bed in resignation then idoly picked up the the room service menu and started to flick through it.
Anatoly watched him thoughtfully then suddenly started towards the boy and took the booklet from him
Vasily looked at the older man in surprise "What is it?"
The television executive looked at one of the pages then slowly smiled "Pass me the phone will you Vasily? I have an idea"
Twenty minutes later there was a knock at the door. Anatoly glanced through the peep hole before opening the door to reveal a hotel steward with a large serving trolley upon which sat a number of covered food platters.
Anatoly nodded the man through then closed the door behind him.
The waiter brought the trolley to a stop in the middle of the room then turned to Anatoly "Would sir like me to set the table?"
"Yes please" he replied then looked on as the man arranged the plates and cutlery on the small table by the window. When he had finished he turned once more to the older Russian. "Will there be anything else sir?"
Anatoly swallowed nervously "Actually yes" he said then paused
The waiter smiled expectantly.
The Russian made to speak, then hesitated again, searching for the right words.
The waiter shifted his position and looked on encouragingly
"I would like..." Began Anatoly then stopped for a third time
The waiter leaned forward, hanging on the next word, ready to move into action instantly
"I would like you to errr...take your clothes off" mumbled Anatoly
The smile faultered slightly "I'm sorry I didn't quite catch..."
"I'd like you to take your clothes off" blurted Anatoly at last
The man's smile disappeared and he looked from Anatoly to Vasily and back again several times before eventually saying "I don't understand sir"
Anatoly licked his lips and spoke more distinctly "I would like to pay you to take your clothes off"
The waiter stepped back apprehensively then looked at the two Russians suspiciously "I'm sorry sir, but we don't offer that type of service in this hotel. I may be able to suggest some establishments in the red light district..."
Anatoly flapped his hands about frantically "No, no, no. I'm not talking about anything like that. For goodness sake, why does everybody want to make me out to be some kind of pervert?"
"I can't imagine sir" muttered the waiter
"Look" said Anatoly earnestly to the man "We are trying to leave this room unnoticed by...someone. You're our best chance of doing that. All I'm asking is to borrow your uniform for a bit and I'll pay you handsomely to do it" Here Anatoly took out his wallet and plucket out a wad of bank notes "That's all, nothing else"
The waiter looked at the money intently "No...funny business?"
"None" confirmed the Russian emphatically
The man pursed his lips "And I get to eat the food?" He asked looking over at the ladened table.
Anatoly followed his gaze "Help yourself"
The waiter nodded "OK, I'll do it. But I'm off as soon as I've finished eating"
Anatoly shrugged "That's all the time we need"
The waiter headed off to the bathroom to disrobe while the television executive started to unbutton his shirt.
Vasily, who had been listening silently to the negotiation, cleared his throat "What about me Mr Alexandrov? We'll only have one uniform"
Anatoly stopped and bit his lip then smiled and advanced towards the food trolley that still stood in the middle of the room. When he reached it he raised the white cloth which covered its upper surface to reveal a lower storage section just large enough for the boy to squeeze into. "Your carriage awaits" he said with a smile.
Five minutes later Anatoly opened the door of the hotel room and pushed the trolley into the hallway. He then turned quickly away from the silent sentinel at the far end of the corridor and walked rapidly in the opposite direction keeping his eyes caste down at his feet the whole time. He made straight for the service lift at the opposite end of the hallway and pushed the button. As Anatoly waited nervously for the lift to arrive he heard a door open close by and the sound of voices talking in Russian. One of them then called out "Waiter!" and Anatoly stopped breathing. It was Bogdan, one of Glukov's minders. "Waiter, come here man I need to order something"
Anatoly considered making a run for it but realised that the only open route led him back towards the man posted at the end of the corridor. He therefore grabbed a pad and pencil from his pocket and, hiding behind them as best he could, turned and walked towards Bogdan.
Luckily, at the same moment the minder was called back into the hotel room causing him to turn and retreat through the doorway once more with an irritated "Wait there" to the advancing Anatoly. The television man hovered by the door nervously as Bogdan spoke to another of the minders just inside the room.
"No, Glukov ordered a lower dose this morning and nothing this afternoon" he said.
At the mention of the government man's name Anatoly drew nearer the door to listen.
"But that's going to make them hard to control, you know how they get when they're not completely wasted" said the other minder
"The boss thinks they sing better when they're less drugged, and it is the final after all" replied Bogdan
At that moment the service lift arrived with a faint 'ping' and the sliding doors opened.
Anatoly saw his chance and ran towards the opening, giving the food trolley a hard shove which sent it shooting into the lift just ahead of him. As the doors shut Anatoly spun around and pressed the ground floor button on the control panel which sent them descending to safety.
After a few moments Vasily peered out from behind the white cloth which covered his hiding place. "Are we clear?" He asked nervously
"For now" replied the older man
"What do we do now?" Went on Vasily
"We find Major James" said Anatoly
When the lift reached the ground floor Anatoly pushed the trolley through to the reception area and approached a concierge.
"Sorry, I'm new here" he apologised "I have a breakfast order for Major James but can't find him anywhere. Do you know how I find out where he is?"
The concierge looked him and and down haughtily then nodded towards a set of swing doors at the far end of the reception space "Meeting room 3" he said curtly then turned away.
Anatoly thanked the man and pushed the trolley away in the direction indicated. He quickly found the room then whispered to the hidden Vasily "Wait here" before opening the door and striding in.
Anatoly recognised the famous Major almost immediately, standing at the far end of the room with a number of other soldiers, looking at a large bag on the floor at his feet. The Russian walked over to the handsome soldier hurriedly while the latter started to glance from Anatoly to the hold all with a somewhat troubled expression. When Anatoly eventually reached James, such was the other man's obvious agitation at the presence of the bag that the television executive could not help but pause and look at it as well, before saying "Major James, I think we need to talk"...
James stared at the hotel worker in consternation for a moment before spluttering "But its nothing to do with me. Its my bloody Corporal here who can't keep his hands off your stuff."
The man looked utterly confused at James' response "I am sorry, what stuff?" He asked in a heavy accent.
James hesitated for a moment then said "Errr...nothing" whilst at the same time geticulating frantically to Mansfield to move the bag out of the way.
The corporal stepped swiftly between the men with a polite "Excuse me gents" before hurriedly zipping up the hold all and dragging it under a nearby table.
James looked sidelong at Mansfield then switched his attention back to the new arrival "Sorry, you wanted a word?" He asked
Jonathan, who had been watching the scene unfold from the back of the room with some amusement suddenly approached James and stared at the hotel worker with a frown.
"You're Anatoly Alexandrov" he eventually said with some surprise.
James looked from Jonathan to the hotel worker and back
"Who?" He said
"The Russian head of delegation, dear" replied Jonathan "Very well known in Eurovision circles. Had great success the last few years"
Anatoly nodded at the compliment while James looked the man up and down suspiciously "Yes" he said after a moment "I recognise you now from the civic reception. What do you want to talk to me about Mr...Alexandrov"
The man went to answer but suddenly stopped himself "Vasily!" he exclaimed "He's still on the trolley. One moment" and walked out of the room.
"What did he say?" Asked James
"I think he said he needed to get some Vaseline from the trolley" said Jonathan with a frown
"What could he possibly want that for?" Asked James in bemusement
"Well he did say he wanted a word sir" Offered Mansfield Mike
"So?" Queried James
"Maybe he wants to slip something into the conversation" replied the Corporal with a smirk
"Shut up you knob head" ordered Kinders "He's coming back in"
They all turned to find the Russian entering the room accompanied by a youth in his mid to late teens.
"Apologies" said Anatoly "This is my associate, Vasily"
"Oh, Vasily" replied James "We thought you said errr...never mind. You wanted to speak to us sir"
Anatoly looked steadily at James "Yes. I must tell you that we...that is all the competitors...are in very great danger"
James bit his lip and rolled his tongue around his mouth before saying "From the Zombies?"
Anatoly nodded slowly.
James let out a breath then gestured at a nearby chair "Tell us what you know"
The Russian sat down and told the room everything he knew, from his initial suspicions to the incident at St Petersburg, from Vasily's revelation about the origin of the zombies, to the uncovering of the evidence and its subsequent loss. He finished by describing the conversation he had heard shortly before, regarding the drugging of the zombies and the reduced dosage proposed for that evening.
When he had finished James ran a hand through his thick, wavey brown hair. "Well that explains a number of things" he said "I had seriously started to doubt that our initial fears were justified"
Anatoly took a deep breath then leaned forward in his chair "Can you help us expose this scandal Major?"
James paused for a long moment, his thumbs tapping rhythmically on the table top "Nobody will beleive us without evidence" he mused "We need to find something irrefutable, something that can't be covered up or explained away"
Anatoly shook his head sadly "The DVD was all we had. The only other link to their previous life is Vasily's testimony but Glukov has made it very clear what will happen if we try that"
Molly cleared her throat "Maybe don't have to prove anything about what they used to be" she said "Maybe we just have to probe what they really are now"
James looked at his wife for a moment then laughed "God, its good to have you back" Then in response to quizical looks from others in the room he said "We know that the only reason they have not attacked anyone so far is because they are drugged most of the time, right?"
This statement was met with several nods.
"We also know that the dosage is going to be reduced for the final so that their performance is more... lively" James continued
Again general assent.
"So we just need to provoke them into attacking someone in front of independent witnesses and we'll be able to prove they're not what they seem. The rest of the truth will then inevitably follow"
"Good gracious" exclaimed Jonathan "That would be running a big risk. What if someone got hurt?"
"We would have to be careful" James admitted "Contriving a situation where the zombies would be induced to show their violent natures whilst ensuring we were ready to deal with the danger quickly"
Smurf, who had been sitting listening quietly to the discussion, then let out a series of grunts and groans.
Mansfield Mike listened carefully then translated "He said raw steak would probably be the best way of getting them riled up"
James nodded "That makes sense" he said then noticed the two Russians looking over at Smurf in annoyance.
"Surely that joke is wearing a little thin by now, Major?" said Anatoly "It was barely funny at the press conference the other day"
James frowned "I assure you, Mr Alexandrov, we do not find zombies remotely humourous"
"Then why do your men insist on mimicking them in such an absurd way?" Asked the Russian
"They don't" replied James simply "No one in this room is pretending to be a zombie"
Anatoly laughed in disbelief but then caught James' serous expression and stuttered to a halt before swallowing nervously and glancing uncomfortably at Smurf. A few muttered words in Russian between him and Vasily also had the boy edging away from the zombie slowly.
"Don't worry mate" said Mansfield Mike to them both "He doesn't like foreign food so you should be OK"
"But how...?" Began Anotoly
"Its a long story" said James "And one for another time. Suffice to say you are completely safe. Now, how are we going to get raw steak anywhere near our zombies?"
"Here's something sir" called Brains from the far side of the room where he had been tapping away on his laptop
James went over to the private and glanced over his shoulder "Oh that is handy" said the Major after scanning the screen. "This hotel is providing the catering for the competitors at the competition venue. It looks as if your disguise may be of further assistance Mr Alexandrov"
Anatoly nodded "Whatever I can do to help"
James then turned back to Brains. "Can you call up a floorplan of tonight's venue?"
"Yes boss" replied the private and tapped away at the keyboard few a few moments. "There we go sir" he said eventually.
"OK, we need the back stage area...that's it. Can we get this up on the big screen?" He asked
"No problem" confirmed Brains and connected the computer to an overhead projector. A large blue square appeared on the white washed wall of the meeting room which after a few seconds was replaced by a digitised plan of the Ericsson Globe.
James then turned to Jonathan "I assume these are the dressing rooms where the competitors will prepare?" He said pointing to a series of rooms off of a long corridor
The head of delegation nodded "Yes, you stay there until five minutes before you're due to perform then you get called into here" Jonathan pointed to a large space adjacent to the stage area "to get mic'ed up and wait for them to alter the set for you"
"So, how many people are likely to be in that area at any one time?" Went on James
Jonathan frowned "You'll have a couple of acts waiting to go on,the one that's just come off, the assistant stage manager, a sound technician...say ten to fifteen people?" He glanced over at Anatoly questioningly and received a nod of agreement.
James smiled "That's the place then. We strike as they're preping to go on. Mr Alexandrov, posing as one of the catering staff will walk through the area and drop the food near the zombies. As they go into a feeding frenzy in front of a number of witnesses we can be on hand to contain the threat"
"I expect you'll want antidote wands issued sir" said Lieutenant Samuels
James thought for a moment "No, we dont want to draw attention to ourselves, let's stick with the Doctor's pens, that should be enough." Then to Anatoly "Do we know when the Z Factor are likely to be called on stage?"
The Russian nodded "They have been drawn second to last so are likely to be summoned around 9.30pm"
"OK" said James "We're eighth on so we'll have to rendezvous back at our dressing room after we've performed and deploy from there"
James then ran through a number of remaining details before dismissing the troops to prepare for the evening. As the soldiers filed out he gestured to Anatoly and Vasily to stay behind with him and Jonathan. "We have this room booked throughout the day so please feel free to use it as your base until this evening" said James once the door had shut "I'll get one of the men to bring you some food in a while and then send someone for you when it's time to leave for the venue"
Anatoly thanked him then after a pause said "I know you and your people have been vilified over the last few weeks for your seeming prejudice and intolerance of these creatures. I can see that you know alot more about them than any of us and that your motives for being here are honourable. I just wanted to say that whatever happens this evening I will make it my business to ensure the truth is told."
"I appreciate that" said James "But let's just focus on the job in hand. We can worry about tomorrow soon enough"
Anatoly nodded then turned to Jonathan, his expression lightening somewhat "Can I also say, Mr Beck, that my wife and I are big fans of your shops"
"Oh how wonderful!" Exclaimed Jonathan beaming "I always like to meet satisfied customers"
"We are particularly fond of your Russian Doll range" went on Anatoly with a shy grin.
"Ah yes" Jonathan smiled "It's been a particular hit in our Moscow and St Petersburg stores"
"Russian Doll range?" Queried James with a frown
"Oh come now" scolded Jonathan "Surely you must have heard of it?" When James shrugged he continued "Its a set of underwear in descending sizes which you wear all at once. You put it on smallest first and take it off in reverse order starting with a rather ample pair of pants or knickers and ending up with the tiniest thong. They're great fun"
"Gives you wonderful insulation through the cold winter days" offered Anatoly "...and something to do through the cold winter nights" he added with a mischievous chuckle.
"Oh behave" laughed Jonathan giving Anatoly a playful pat on the shoulder.
"It also extends foreplay substantially" confided Anatoly "Which at my age isn't a bad thing you know"
"Amen to that" agreed Jonathan
"Anyway..." interjected James rather uncomfortably whilst Vasily looked at his countryman in bemusement, having tried and failed to follow the thread of the conversation.
"Yes" said Jonathan suddenly remembering something "I must be away, I have a business meeting with the people from IKEA. I've been developing a range of flat packed negligees which they're rather interested in"
"Really?" Asked James
"Yes dear, and you can do all sorts of interesting things with the allen key when you've finished putting the thing together. Anyway ta ta for now" Jonathan then departed with a cheerful wave leaving James shaking his head.
The Major turned to the Russians "Until tonight then" he said "When we'll see if we can't reveal the Z Factor for what they really are"...
James, Molly and the band walked into their dressing room to be met by clapping and wolf whistles from Jonathan and the rest of the detachment. They had left the stage after performing their song in the live final a short time before and the sound of rapturous applause from the huge audience still rang their ears.
"Oh well done, well done" called Jonathan excitedly "That couldn't have gone better"
"Yes it did go rather well" agreed James with a smile "I was a bit worried at the start though; was that booing I heard from elements of the crowd?"
"It definitely was sir" confirmed Mansfield Mike "I was getting ready to leg it if it got ugly"
"Yer, the school kids that were making the noise were pretty frightening" mocked Fingers "Specially when they started to wave those flags and shake those cuddly toys"
Mansfield grimaced "You can do a lot of damage with a teddy bear" he said defensively
"Anyway" Noted Dangleberries "Brains' girl friend and her mates made enough noise to drown them out"
Brians frowned "She's not..."
"...my girlfriend" intoned the rest of the detachment causing Brains to fold his arms in annoyance.
"Well she's not" he muttered
"Setting aside Mansfield's childhood trauma and Brains' relationship denial I'm pretty sure that by the end of the performance you had won the whole crowd over" opined Jonathan
"Thanks to Molly" added James, looking fondly at his wife
"As Jonathan said, it just works better as a duet" she replied modestly.
James smiled then looked at his watch "OK so we have about an hour til we can expect the Russians to be called. Samuels how are we looking?"
The Lieutenant ran through the mission status. Nude Nut had been posted lookout in the back stage area and would contact them when the Z Factor left their dressing room. Anatoly and Vasily had infiltrated the catering area and secured the raw steak. They were currently hiding out in a store room nearby and were also in radio contact with Nude Nut. When the time came they would move into position and deliver the bait.
James nodded "OK. What about post immersion care Corporal Lane?"
"All set up sir" she replied "I've got the kit over there" and indicated the position of the first aid equipment by swinging her injured wrist ,complete with plaster cast, in a wide arc. In doing so she caught Mansfield Mike full on the chin and send him sprawling into the pile of bags and boxes which went flying in all directions.
"Ouch" said Georgie holding her wrist
"Steady Mansfield" smiled Fingers "You dont want to make her injury worse do you?"
Mansfield struggled up from the floor holding his chin and glaring at the Medic.
"You'd think she'd have enough first aid to do later on without having to drum up business now" me muttered before accepting some ice wrapped in a napkin from a grinning Molly.
"Ok let's focus up" ordered James "I want that kit cleared away and final equipment checks before we head out. I don't want to leave anything to chance."...
Anatoly shifted uncomfortably in the cramped store room then checked his watch. It shouldn't be much longer, he thought then looked across at Vasily who was sitting on the serving trolley they had secured earlier in the day.
"Are you sure you want to get involved in this?" he asked "It could be dangerous"
The boy nodded assertively "I want to help" he confirmed
"I can understand your need to see this through, to be vindicated" said Anatoly
Vasily shook his head "Its not that" he corrected "Its just..."
"What?" Prompted Anatoly
"It could've been me" admitted the boy "I was out there, on the same streets trying to make a living. Its pure luck that I wasn't turned into one of those monsters as well"
Anatoly nodded thoughtfully.
"Although it would be good to stick it to that wanker Glukov as well" smiled Vasily
The older man chuckled "indeed" then growing more serious went on: "When this is over, let's have a talk about launching your career properly"
"You don't have to do that Mr Alexandrov" said the boy
"Oh yes I do" corrected Anatoly
Just then their radio crackled into life. "Zero one to meals on wheels, contact zombies, contact zombies"
Anatoly pressed a button and spoke into the handset "Acknowledged, we're rolling"
He then nodded to Vasily who climbed onto the lower part of the serving trolley and pulled the covering sheet down. The older man then opened the door to the store room and pushed the trolley out into the space beyond...
"Zero one to base, contact zombies, contact zombies"
"Acknowledged" replied James then turned to the rest of the detachment "We're up" he said "Advanced team follow me"
He then strode out into the hallway followed by Samuels, Kinders, Mansfield, Fingers and Brains. A quick glance to James' right revealed the zombies and their minders moving along the corridor just ahead of them whilst beyond, a number of figures could be seen waiting in the back stage area.
James signalled to his men and they started to slowly and cautiously follow the Russian group. The Major could see immediately a liveliness in the zombies which contrasted markedly from their previous behaviour. Their movements were quicker and much more assured whilst the minders were directing their progress rather than aiding it.
As the zombies entered the wider space beyond the corridor Anatoly appeared through an adjoining set of swing doors pushing the serving trolley. At the same time, a group of performers appeared from the stage having just completed their song.
James and his men edged around from behind the Z Factor and watched as Anatoly paused in front of the Russians. From the rear of the food trolley Vasily's hand briefly appeared as it deposited a large raw sirloin steak on the floor. The bait safely delivered, Anatoly then moved off again leaving the meat lying on the floor.
The effect on the zombies was instantaneous and they lurched forward as a group intent on seizing the carrion. Their minders, caught by surprise, scrambled to restrain their charges and a scuffle quickly ensued which drew worried glances from the technicians and the recently arrived performers.
James held up his hand as his men moved forward to intervene "Wait" he cautioned "Not yet" but drew his antidote pen in preparation. Just then one of the zombies managed to wrench free of its handler and descended on the steak. Burrying its face into the slab of meat, it started to chew noisily.
A member of the singing group, who had gathered in a corner to avoid the fracas, screamed at the sight of the zombie devouring the steak, causing the creature to suddenly look up and reveal a face full of carnivorous intent. Then, sensing further opportunities to feed, it staggered up and started to move towards the assembled singers.
James was about to give the order to intervene when a loud commotion from the corridor they had recently emerged from caused everyone to pause and look in that direction. Advancing down the hallway was the last act in the final, the Austrian entry headed by Conchita, who was wearing the strangest gown James had ever seen.
The singer beamed in triumph as she saw the crowd of people ahead "I see admirers are already gathering!" She called before stopping and striking a pose "Behold my keenly anticipated costume, inspired by Lady Gaga and cunningly wrought from a thousand premium Austrian sausages!"
James gaped as the nature of the unusual dress became clear then watched in horror as the zombies slowly turned to face the Austrian and started to move inexorably towards her, throwing off their struggling minders as they went.
Conchita's smile faded as the undead horde lurched towards her, then screamed as they fell upon her and her entourage.
James and his men desperately tried to reach the stricken performer but were impeded by the minders who where laying in a disguarded heap at the mouth of the hallway. By the time he had fought his way through the tangle of bodies the zombies and their newly transformed victims had moved down the hallway and through a set of swing doors beyond which screams could already be heard.
"What's through there?" He called as he started to sprint towards the noise.
"Its the green room sir" called Brains "Where all the other acts will be waiting for the results"
"Oh bugger" said James with feeling...