Wheelchair Wars 2 (iv)

“II iinstruucted theem too doo soo,” Oreus said matter-of-factly, and without any sense of regret.

Oreus drove in front of the two women, his two henchmen at either side.

“Staand doown.”

The two female warriors deactivated their weapons. “Why Oreus, I don’t understand.”

“Beecaause tooday yoouu foought aas a teeam.”

Then another voice spoke from behind them. It was Timothy. “He was testing the two of you. To see if you fight as a team. I told him I had no doubts, but he must have decided to test the two of you all the same.”

“Yees,” Oreus responded. He nodded for his men to remove the crying warrior from the floor. “Aand I haave noo reegrets. The Fiiaana aare aall that maatters.”

With that, he used his chin to control his battle chair and drove away.

Audrey felt a drop of sweat from her brow. The onlookers were wide-eyed now. She turned her battle chair and saw that the team was all there. Her eyes met Timothy, who gave her a little smile.

They were already all decked out in their armor and weapons.

Timothy spoke with intensity, a chainsaw affixed to his chair, “Okay, everybody, this is how we’re going to approach the next battle.

Wheelchair Wars 2 (iii)

Timothy would say they are slower. Take advantage of that. Separate them and take them off one by one.

“Come on, Jessica, let’s show them what we’ve got,” Audrey roared.

Those watching cheered.

Audrey activated her wheelchair toppling device and began a large arc around the arena. Jessica did likewise. Cian took the bait, charging after her. “I’m going to cut you up, bitch!”

Those in the centre were laughing with each other, oblivious to the danger they now faced.

Audrey now veered towards the centre. One of her opponent’s hadn`’t even moved. She careered into the back of his chair without slowing, flipping it to cries of pain.

Thrills of excitement flowed through her body.

Seconds later, more cries of pain. Jessica’s stabbing device had made contact.

All, apart from Cian, now retreated apart from his comrade, crying on the stone surface.

“Have you something else you wish to say, Cian?” Their two battlechairs were now approaching his. His clenched jaw and crimson face were replaced by wide eyes and pulled together eyebrows.

“Stoop thhiiss noow!” It was Oreus.

“He started this. We deserve our chance to finish it,” Jessica shouted out, full of invective. Audrey looked at her, nodding her approval.”

Distant Love (Part 67)

Derek felt queasy. He should have known that Diane would have been aware of his cousin. His cousin, Aoife, lives in Zone B. She is the only family he has, and she always makes a big effort to stay in touch. Her baby, Lucas, is just six months old. He recoils at the thought of something happening to them.

“You wouldn’t!” he snarls.

“You know I would.” She lets out a little laugh to herself.

Derek shakes his head. “How do I know where Maeve is going to be?”

“Already sent to you in an encrypted email. Time to show me what you got.” She stands up and walks out. There is still coffee left in her cup.

Derek goes to the robotic waiter and pays, before heading back to his apartment. The guns are all laid out as she stated. Derek feels his heart racing as he checks his incoming messages on the desktop,

There it is. Maeve will be at lift 12B in under one hour.

No time to waste. I have no option, and at least Maeve will be safe for now.

He lifted one of the guns up.

It’s time to fix some of these to the wheelchair. They’ll never know what hit them.

Wheelchair Wars 2 (ii)

The next morning, they rose early. No words were exchanged between them. Audrey was first in the wheelchair. She looked at her roommate, struggling to catch up, sweat dripping from her brow. The sound of chanting from the main hall was audible. Audrey’s mouth opened, but then closed again.

A few minutes later, Jessica was also ready.

“Ready?” Audrey asked.

Jessica nodded, but did not meet her eyes.

When they reached the main hall, their battle chairs were already waiting for them. Audrey felt elated. The others from their group were still to appear.

As Audrey transferred into the battlechair, she could hear jeering.

“You two, think you’re special, do ya?” As Audrey took control of the chair, she surveyed her surroundings. The comment came from Cian. His jaw was clenched, his face crimson. There were two more, on either side of him, of similar disposition.

They were in Falcon B chairs and armed with long swords.

Shouts of “Fight, fight” went out over the great hallway. The others stopped what they were doing, clearing the arena.

“We don’t want to fight,” Jessica implored.

Audrey’s hand was shaking. She thought of what Timothy would say.

The Falcon X was faster and more versatile. She knew what she needed to do.

Review of Join or Die (2023): A Powerful and Hopeful Call for Community

This is an interesting documentary that I came across recently. As we all know, American democracy is looking fairly shaky at the moment. But why? Well, this posits that it’s about diminishing social capital.

Join or Die is a 2023 American documentary film regarding community connections and club participation, based on the work of political scientist Robert Putnam.

The film includes interviews with Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker.

The documentary Join or Die, directed by Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis, is an insightful and deeply inspiring exploration of one of the most urgent social questions of our time: why are people becoming increasingly disconnected from one another, and what can be done to rebuild a sense of community? Centered on the research and life work of renowned political scientist Robert D. Putnam, the film delivers a compelling blend of history, social science, and human storytelling that makes a powerful case for the importance of civic engagement.

t the heart of the documentary is Putnam’s groundbreaking concept of social capital—the networks of trust and cooperation that bind communities together. His influential book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community argued that Americans have become increasingly isolated since the mid-20th century, with declining participation in clubs, associations, and civic groups. Join or Die takes this idea and transforms it into a vibrant cinematic narrative, showing how the erosion of these social ties has profound consequences not only for individual well-being but also for democracy itself.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Rather than presenting Putnam’s research in a dry academic format, the filmmakers weave together archival footage, animated visuals, and personal stories from communities across the United States. This creative storytelling approach brings complex sociological ideas to life, making them both understandable and emotionally resonant. The pacing is energetic and engaging, ensuring that the film remains both informative and entertaining.

Beyond its intellectual depth, Join or Die is ultimately an optimistic film. While it acknowledges the troubling decline in civic participation and trust in institutions over recent decades, it does not dwell on pessimism. Instead, it offers a hopeful and practical vision of renewal. By highlighting grassroots groups, neighborhood initiatives, and local organizations that are rebuilding community bonds, the documentary demonstrates that the solution may be surprisingly simple: people coming together in real life.

Emotionally, the film resonates because it speaks to a universal human need—the desire to belong. In an era defined by digital interaction, loneliness, and social fragmentation, Join or Die reminds viewers that meaningful connections are essential for both personal happiness and collective prosperity. The film suggests that joining a club, volunteering, or participating in community groups can have transformative effects not only on individuals but on society as a whole.

I found it quite interesting, and it gets three stars out of five from me. Hey, no sex or violence.

But what did you think? Let me know in the comments.

The Dinosaurs Series Review: A Thrilling Journey into Prehistoric Times

There is something about the T. rex that brings out my inner child. So it was with great excitement that I started watching The Dinosaurs on Netflix.

The Dinosaurs is an American television nature documentary miniseries produced by Amblin Documentaries and Silverback Films. Executive-produced by Steven Spielberg and narrated by Morgan Freeman, the four-part series focuses on the history of dinosaurs from their appearance in the Triassic period until their demise in the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.

First, Morgan Freeman adds so much to the series with his unforgettable accent -ddinossaursss. But it also has so much more to offer.

The Dinosaurs is one of those rare shows that manages to be both wildly entertaining, educational and surprisingly meaningful at the same time. From the very first episode, it pulls you into a colorful prehistoric world that feels playful, imaginative, and full of personality.

What immediately stands out is the show’s charm. The characters are lovable, expressive, and memorable, each bringing a different kind of humor and heart to the story. The family dynamic is especially engaging—full of funny misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and the kind of everyday situations that viewers of all ages can relate to. Even though the setting is prehistoric, the themes feel very modern and relatable.

The humor is another major strength. The show strikes a balance between slapstick comedy and clever jokes, offering situational humor that appeals to both younger viewers and adults.

The series consists of four episodes: Rise, Fall, Empire, and Fall.

Fall, of course, is the saddest one. Watching all those poor dinos being cooked brought a tear to my eye.

Go on, it’s a good watch. Four stars out of five from me.

Netflix’s War Machine Review: Big Action, Bigger Robot, Great Results

Alan Ritchson as Ranger 81 in War Machine 2026 Netflix film

Ladies and gentlemen, you know how I love a good sci-fi. And a sci-fi with plenty of action is even better. Well, a proper gem has just been released on Netflix!

War Machine is a 2026 science fiction action film directed, co-produced, and co-written by Patrick Hughes. It stars Alan Ritchson, Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Jai Courtney, Esai Morales, Keiynan Lonsdale and Daniel Webber.

In Afghanistan, an unnamed Staff Sergeant arrives to help his brother’s broken down convoy. His brother tries to convince him that they should apply to become Army Rangers, when they are attacked by Taliban insurgents. Everyone is killed except the Staff Sergeant, who suffers a knee injury. The Staff Sergeant tries to carry his mortally wounded brother back to base but passes out before making it. When he wakes up in the hospital, he learns that his brother had already died, but he is awarded the Silver Star. This is one part of the film where the visuals could have been better. The background was out of focus. The scenery of Afghanistan was worth getting right.

Two years later, the Staff Sergeant attends RASP to join the 75th Ranger Regiment, and is given the candidate number of 81. 81 excels at training but does not bond with his fellow recruits and refuses the role of team leader, despite his record. After he allows himself to nearly drown during an underwater exercise, regiment leaders Sergeant Major Sheridan and First Sergeant Torres question his mental state over his PTSD and insist he step down from the program to recuperate, but 81 refuses. Sheridan and Torres allow him to advance and assign him team leader for the final exercise, a simulated mission in the forest to destroy a classified aircraft and rescue its pilot. Around that time, reports come out of a suspected asteroid revolving around the planet breaking off in pieces.

During the exercise, the team is startled by an unknown blast in the sky, which knocks out communications, and finds a strange looking object by the creek, which the team believes is the classified aircraft. After detonating it with explosives, it remains undamaged and transforms into a walking machine that starts killing the team. Oh yeah baby! I love it.

War Machine (2026) is a high-octane sci-fi action film that delivers exactly what modern action cinema should: relentless tension, striking visuals, and a compelling hero at the center of a desperate fight for survival.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is the commanding presence of Alan Ritchson in the lead role. As the emotionally scarred but resilient soldier 81, he delivers a performance that balances physical power with vulnerability.

Ritchson brings credibility to the character through demanding stunt work and intense physical scenes, many of which were performed practically during filming. It makes it all the more compelling.

Where War Machine truly shines is in its action sequences. Director Patrick Hughes crafts battles that feel raw and immediate, with soldiers navigating forests, rivers, and rugged terrain while being pursued by an unstoppable alien machine.

The film’s use of practical stunts and real explosions adds authenticity rarely seen in streaming action films. Scenes such as rappelling over rapids or underwater endurance tests push the actors physically and create a visceral sense of danger.

My favorite part was the chase between the armored car and the machine. It was edge of the seat stuff.

The robotic antagonist is also a highlight. Its mechanical design and relentless pursuit give the film a thrilling “survival horror” edge, reminiscent of classic sci-fi action films where humans must outsmart a technologically superior enemy.

And the good news is that there are more aliens on the way, so there’s room for a sequel.

Have you seen it? Let me know what you think. Five stars out of five from me.

Distant Love (Part 66)

“What do you mean where I come in?” Derek gasps in exasperation.

Diane fidgets, looking this way and that before staring right at him. “You are going to break her out. Then you’re going to be a good little spy, and tell me the family’s secrets.”

Derek’s eyes bulge. “What the..”

Her face contorts and turns crimson. She interrupts him. “Listen now. You’ll do exactly as I say. Otherwise, she will face her remaining years behind bars. And you, my friend will have a little, but fatal accident.”

“Wow, you really are such a bitch. Honestly what made you so?” Derek sighs.

For a few moments, there is silence apart from the robotic waiter moving from table to table in the distance.

“I have no choice do I? Not really?” Derek glared at her.

“No, you don’t. And look, we don’t have much time.”

Derek nodded for her to continue speaking.

“When you come back from your next shift, multiple T-35 guns will be left in your apartment. Attach them to your chair and automate as you see fit. I know about the advanced training you received, and that a relative left you a ship. Go wherever she wants and report back.”

Diane smiles. “And no funny business. I know about your cousin.”

“You wouldn’t!”

Wheelchairs Wars 2 (i)

The Emperor is the saviour of humanity – Sister Paletine

“So, what do you think of Timothy?” Jessica whispered from her bed. Audrey had found having a room all to herself strange, so had volunteered for a roommate. Jessica moved in at the last time cycle.

Audrey looked at the triangle in the semi lit room hanging from the ceiling. “I like the way he thinks deeply about battles, the strategies, different formations.”

Jessica giggled. “Not like that. Would you like to know.. you are about the same age.”

“Are you serious? Our lives hang in the balance?”

Honestly, where did I find her?

Jessica continued. Audrey had to stay stillstill to hear. “Well some of us think he’s fit. Daire can’t stop thinking about him.”

Audrey felt her stomach ache. Daire is beautiful.

“Time for sleep.” Audrey’s voice was loud, her tons stern.

“Alright, alright Audrey,. I was only asking. No need to go all fire and brimstone.”

“I didn’t. We have a big few time cycles in front of us, and we need to rest.”

Doesn’t she realise her life hangs in the balance? And that the men have women sent to their room anyway. And she really needs to concentrate on her skills.

Wheelchair Wars (iv)

Once placed on the battle chair, Audrey activated it by pressing the top of her joystick. The flipper swung up in front of her.

Oreus grinned. “Splendid, isn’t it. The finest engineering went into it to ensure the maximum lift. The rest will be open to you.”

Audrey nodded and went back out to the main hall. Where once there was boisterous chatter, now there was silence. She looked around as all eyes fell on her. Then there were gasps of awe.

A group of them then approached. A male voice was the first to speak, but she was unsure of whom. “How did ya get that?”

Audrey spoke with a big smile on her face. The whole was listening. “I’m to test it for Oreus. Who wants to battle?”