Oreus 2 (iii)

Soldiers in combat-ready wheelchairs strategizing around a holographic table in a wasteland bunker.

Oreus’ eyebrows raised on seeing them. Both suffered from some sort of paralysis or at least that was what they claimed.

The Mangans embraced the color red, sporting in on their chairs, jackets, and even dying their hair.

The Rangers were despised by all the other teams, as they took delight in torturing their victims slowly.

A stench entered the room. Oreus’ face twitched.

Roisin grinned. “He’ll doon be here.”

The Governor entered the room. He looked like death. “Ah, good, most of you are here.”

“You never informed me that this would be a Gathering!” The anger in Oreus’ voice was palpable.

“None of us were informed,” Brigid replied, staring right into his eyes.

“Stop it!” The Governor shouted. “There is no time for your squabbles. You will be quiet and your grievances aside for now.

He took a large breath. “There is an issue with the supply of grain to the planet. Prices are about to rise by fifteen percent. A percentage of the population, relatively small will starve. However, that concerns me not. There must be no disorder. A new enemy has entered the quadrant, and production must not be affected.”

After rubbing his nose, he continued, “That’s where the Wheelchair Wars come in.”

Oreus 2 (ii)

Soldiers in combat-ready wheelchairs strategizing around a holographic table in a wasteland bunker.

He was from the O’Neill clan. To date, they have had the most exalted history with the most warriors going on to serve in the Emperor’s legions. They claimed a genetic history to the first colonizer ship.

Then, there was Helen from the Cruthin. Her long, blonde hair resting on one of the machine guns mounted on her wheelchairs’ sides. Her disability was caused by a genetic disorder of the muscles. Normally bombastic, she was quiet, her face sullen. The youngest of the team leaders, her position at the helm was still considered unstable.

Oreus’ mind was constantly assessing the threat level.

She may feel aggrieved over what had happened on the mountain. I’m safe at an official meeting, but perhaps afterwards, on my way back to base, she will seek revenge.

Oisin from the O’Kelly clan was next. He had a severe facial deformity, one half of it drooping down. His left leg was also swollen, much larger than usual. Of all in the room, he had the most ferocious reputation. His legendary sword was resting behind his seat,

The others in attendance were O Murchu from the Rangers and Roisin from the Mangans. These were newer time teams, less than thirty orbits old.

Oreus 2 (i)

Soldiers in combat-ready wheelchairs strategizing around a holographic table in a wasteland bunker.

Oreus felt sweat dropping from his brow. Two hours ago, he had been summoned to the Shelbo Hotel, the height of luxury for this layer, despite the damp walls, for a meeting with the Governor.

But now he was face-to-face with Bidget, her eyes bulging. She was at the opposite end of a round table in a large rectangular room. And worse, his battle chair was only lightly armed.

All he had to do was move his head a little to the left, and the battle would begin.

A sound of chatter, and the motors of battle chairs came from the four entrances. He knew them; they were the leaders of the other teams.

Brigid spoke, her voice full of venom. “It is a Gathering. Do not fire.”

Oreus nodded his agreement. A Gathering of the various teams was rare, and they were only held in the most extenuating of circumstances. Usually, though, they are held with much fanfare. Not in secret, and not like this.

Sure enough, the other team or tribal leaders appeared.

Auros, with a long white beard, went to Oreus’ left. He was short an ear that he had lost in battle a long time ago. He had clasped hands, and a curved spine like Timothy’s.

A Westmeath Man (Comedy)

A wooden rowing boat moored at a stone jetty on a calm, misty lake.

My dear readers, I was given the most terrible insult the other day, that I wasn’t a proper Westmeath man. Why, you may wonder? Well, I didn’t watch the Westmeath v Wexford match on TV about two weeks ago. Apparently, if I had then, maybe I could have willed Westmeath to victory with my special powers.

We’ll forget for now that I was born in Dublin, my parents grew up in Offaly, and a grandparent from Cork. Important facts when one of those counties is in with a chance of an All-Ireland.

And this grave insult came from my friend, who is known by the moniker BobDTraitor. Only on my phone, mind you. I’m not evil. How did he get such a name? Well, ladies and gentlemen, think back to that glorious day in 2004, when Westmeath won Leinster for the first and only time. Surely, you would want to celebrate with your people, not off at some random party with Dublin people. Poor life decisions, I’d say. And treachery.

What is it about Westmeath I love so much? Is it the people? The people from Kinnegad with their funny accents, those squinting windows in Delvin, or even people from Athlone, who lack souls according to the good people of Mullingar.

This is about pride of place, I reckon. I’ll be friends with people from all over the world, even from far-off places like Nigeria, Meath, Poland, and Monaghan. We’re all humans.

So maybe it’s the great wilderness in the County, you know, out there by Castlepollard. Or what we call the Great Lakes, midlands, and Irish style.

Maybe to be a Westmeath man, you have to be just like me.

And to the Westmeath football and hurling teams – I’ll try better next time.

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Wheelchair Wars Oreus (iii)

“That is fine, Mefus. Leave me.”

Expressionless, he walked out of the room.

Above Oreus were screens of Timothy and Audrey practicing. Their faces contorting as they gave maximum effort at all times.

They have cunning, guile and intelligence but is it too soon?

Oreus thought back to all the hundreds of warriors he had seen over the innumerable time cycles. Most died quickly, roaring in agony long before he tried remembering their names. Some though, he had grown fond of, even admired. It had made it all the more difficult to watch them being ripped apart in the various arenas. And mostly, by the Fionn.

He recalled his first meeting with what was then a young Brigid. Back then, the Fionn feared the Fianna, but not her. She stared right back at him, no fear. Then the results began to change. The stream of bloody bodies became a flood, that still continues.

Maybe, this time would be different. There was something about this latest crop.

Oreus bellowed, “Sean, call Brigid.”

The woman reappeared scowling. “So, are you a go?”

Oreus spoke with defiance. “Yes, we are a go.”

“Oh, the Governor will be happy. And my warriors even more so.”

Distant Love (Part 69)

A rustic kitchen with sleeping pets and giant breakfast food floating in the landscape.

Derek smiles. “It sounds and smells lovely but what’s a rasher?”

Jessica laughs. “Oh, that be bacon to the likes of you.”

“Smashing, where’s Maeve?” Derek asks.

“Ah, she went out walking. To clear the head. Have you any plans for the day? I’m sure you have plenty of thinking to do.”

Nodding, Derek replied, “Yes, I have a lot to think about. I’m going to head over to the ship, make sure it is fully operational. And then, how to make some money?”

She places her hands on the table. “Remember, the two of you are not alone. You have support here. Don’t forget.”

Satiated, Derek later heads outside. For a moment, he pauses. It is a totally different sensory experience to being on the moon. The clouds drifting in the sky, the wind blowing through the grass and the smell of the sea in the air. Maeve was nowhere to be seen.

He drives his wheelchair forward over the stony surface down the winding lanes to the ship. It looks totally out of place.

The ramp deploys as he approaches. He looks around before heading straight to the control panel.

His presence turns on all the lights and computer analysis.

Wheelchair Wars Oreus (ii)

Uniformed officers examine a large holographic projection of a planet on a futuristic bridge.

Oreus shook his head. “Yoou neever chaange, Saaooirse. Eeveen aafter aall thiis tiime.”

“And you are still a fool. So, have you another team lined up for the slaughter?”

Oreus turned his chair and looked down at his fighters. Timothy and Audrey were engaged in what looked like deep discussion. “Thheey arre noot reaady yet.”

“You would turn your back on me! I can sense your weakness even from here.”

Oreus grimmiced. “I haave thhe maakings oof aa teeam buut its too sooon.”

She was angry now. “The Governor will not be happy. There is an edict that the people are to be entertained. He has senses that the forces of Chaos grow strong on this planet”

With that, the transmission ended.

“Mefus,” Orpheus shouted.

One of the large men that were always at his side entered the room, lifted him up and placed him on the bed. For a moment, Oreus looked at the long scar on the back of the man’s head. It reminded him on the first time they met.

I would apologize but the brute would not be able to comprehend the immensity of the injury I had done. No way to explain that he had mangled his brain to induce servitude.

Wheelchair Wars 4 (i)

A person in a hooded jacket standing under a running shower in a metallic communal bathroom.

Audrey’s heart was thumping, her hands shaking. Body parts of her teammates were strewn on the ground. She wanted to scream, but nothing would come out. Instead, the vast crowd continued to cheer.

The bloodied, hole-laden Gargantuan lay motionless on the ground, its immense body still memorizing.

A pale, sullen Timothy soaked up the crowd’s adulation.

She pressed her joystick forward unthinkingly and began the journey back to base. No words passed them.

The corridors were still full of people carrying the Fianna emblem. Their smiles disappeared on seeing her.

She went straight to her room and locked the even though she sensed a gathering was expected. The shower was turned on, and she undressed.

The water flowed over her body, cleansing it of the small pieces of flesh jung on,

She held her hands up to her eyes and cried uncontrollably, so hard at times that she struggled to breathe.

Memories of those lost flooded her mind. Jack’s smile, gossiping with the girls, and even Olsen teasing her about Timothy. Then, older memories of all the girl’s that died at the convent. Harriet’s screams as one of the sister’s beat her one too many times.

You can do this Audrey. You’ve been through too much to just give up.

Wheelchair Wars 3 (iii)

Man in tank-treaded wheelchair facing a giant robot in a smoky hallway.

One of the Zeplins tapped Audrey’s arm and nodded, before walking away.

Audrey turned her wheelchair. The difference was apparent. The chair was no longer nimble and fast. It was slow and cumbersome, the centre of gravity was all wrong. .

The two guys looked at her.

Audrey bit her lip. “No, this won’t do. It’s far too slow. and targeting would be too difficult.”

Jack took a large breath. “Damn, that’s a pity. So what next?”

“Maybe, the flame thrower?” Olsen said, “It must burn just like everything else.”

Audrey frowned. “Timothy wasn’t too keen on that at all, remember? Too slow and might make the Gargantuan even more vicious.”

“True enough, I suppose. So, what next?” Olsen drove towards her. “We don’t have many time cycles left, and we’re going to have some time to practice.”

“We need to keep going?” Her jaw clenched.

Over the next hour, they took on and off weapons. Some overly impinged on the chair’s versatility; others inflicted too little damage.

“I think I have it!” Audrey roared. Machine guns were affixed on either side of her. Her chair rocked back and forth as she fired at the distant target.

“You go, girl!” Jack whupped.

Olsen grinned.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Review – Cillian Murphy Delivers His Greatest Performance Yet

I still remember seeing Peaky Blinders for the first time. Cillian Murphy, sitting on a majestic horse with a flat cap trotting down a muddy street. It hit with a bang straight away. I’d strongly recommend you watch the series if you haven’t already done so.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a 2026 British crime drama film directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight. It is a continuation of the British television series Peaky Blinders (2013–2022), and stars Cillian Murphy alongside an ensemble cast including Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, and Stephen Graham reprising their roles, alongside new additions Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Jay Lycurgo, and Barry Keoghan.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is gripping, stylish, and emotionally resonant return to the world of Tommy Shelby that feels both like a worthy evolution of the beloved series and a powerful standalone story. .At the heart of it all is Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, delivering what might be his most layered and haunting performance yet. Years after the events of the series, Tommy is in self-imposed exile, a haunted man grappling with his past demons, family fractures, and the weight of his legacy.

When his estranged son becomes entangled in a dangerous Nazi plot amid the Blitz of 1940, Tommy is dragged back to a bombed-out Birmingham. Murphy’s portrayal is mesmerizing—those piercing blue eyes convey volumes of quiet intensity, regret, and unyielding determination. He doesn’t just reprise the role; he deepens it, showing a Tommy who’s older, wearier, but no less formidable.

The title “The Immortal Man” feels earned: Tommy isn’t superhuman, but his spirit, cunning, and refusal to break make him larger than life. Murphy carries the film with effortless charisma, blending vulnerability with that signature Shelby steel. It’s a performance destined for awards consideration and one that cements Tommy as one of modern television-to-film’s greatest anti-heroes.

The supporting cast is stellar across the board. Returning favorites like Sophie Rundle (Ada), Stephen Graham, Packy Lee, and Ned Dennehy slip back into their roles with seamless familiarity, bringing warmth, loyalty, and the raw family dynamics that made the series so addictive. New additions elevate the tension brilliantly: Rebecca Ferguson brings sharp intelligence and complexity to her character, Tim Roth adds a menacing, calculating edge as a formidable antagonist, Barry Keoghan injects unpredictable energy and menace, and Jay Lycurgo makes a strong impression as the younger generation stepping into dangerous shoes. The ensemble crackles with chemistry—whether in tense confrontations, quiet moments of reflection, or explosive action, every interaction feels lived-in and authentic.

What immediately stands out is the film’s atmosphere. It retains the gritty, smoky intensity that defined the original series but enhances it with stunning cinematography and a more expansive visual palette. Every frame feels deliberate, from the shadowy interiors to the sweeping landscapes, creating a sense that this is not just a continuation—but a culmination.

The storytelling is sharp and confident. Rather than relying purely on nostalgia, the narrative pushes forward, exploring themes of legacy, consequence, and identity. It respects the intelligence of its audience, weaving political intrigue with emotional depth in a way that keeps you fully engaged throughout. The pacing is particularly impressive, balancing quiet, introspective moments with bursts of tension and action that feel earned rather than excessive.

isually and atmospherically, the film is impeccable. Tom Harper’s direction captures the smoky, rain-slicked streets of wartime Birmingham with a cinematic grandeur that elevates the TV roots—think sweeping shots of bombed ruins contrasted with intimate, shadowy interiors lit like classic noir. The production design is flawless: period-accurate costumes (those suits and caps!), sets that ooze authenticity, and a color palette of deep blues, grays, and fiery oranges that mirrors the emotional tone. The soundtrack is another standout—blending original score with a killer selection of tracks (including contributions inspired by artists like Nick Cave, Fontaines D.C., and more), it pulses with the same raw, anthemic energy that defined the series. Those slow-motion walks and razor-sharp edits? Pure Peaky perfection.

On a more negative note, there is no Arthur. Arthur was ever present throughout the series, and his contribution is missed. Tommy killed him in a rage many years before leading to Tommy’s mental deterioration at the start of the film.

A must watch, I give it four stars out of five.

Do you agree?

Let me know in the comments.