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Post by dave on Feb 22, 2018 1:24:45 GMT
Generations
Prologue:
Time: September 13th, 1918
Place: Lafayette Airfield France
Major Phillip Wayne was searching the sky for the patrol he sent out this morning, a patrol he would have been leading if not for his wounded leg. He had gotten into an air duel with the Hammer of Hell, the Enemy Ace, the German pilot Hans Von Hammer and like all allied fighters before him lost. But unlike so many before him Phillip Wayne survived his encounter last June. His wound did permanently ground him however. He was promoted and place in charge of a group of fliers for the duration.
The men on he overdue patrol were his best. Each man was an ace and they called themselves the Four Aces. Captain Charles Desmo, the so-called Ace of Spades was the youngest and best pilot of the four, he was also the senior officer. First Lieutenant Gunner Bill was by far the best man with a gun, hence his name was the Ace of Diamonds. Bill was an orphan. He had no sir name as he rejected the one the foundling home had given him. Second Lieutenant Whistler Will Saunders, he Ace of Hearts, was a orphan as well but he was raised by a rich rancher in Arizona. Second Lieutenant Fog Fortune was the Ace Clubs Fog came from money and had a speech impediment that didn't harm his skill as an aviator.
Wayne spotted his missing squad off in the distance. A trained eye saw one of his planes was in trouble. He quickly barked orders to have emergency and medical personnel ready on the field. He heard the phone calls made to the necessary places even as he left the air tower to go to the field. He still needed a cane to walk and his pace was intolerably slow as he made his way down the stairs and into his automobile. The driver took of immediately to the air field.
Wayne watched helplessly as he saw fire erupt from the plane with spade insignia on the wing. Desmo! He thought, the kid's in trouble. That smoke is right in his face he won't be able to land safely. Momentarily he glances and saw the ground emergency vehicles form around the field even as Captain Desmo began his decent.
Wayne marveled how Desmo guided his wounded plane down to a perfect landing. Phillip who had always considered himself one of the best pilots the Allies had shook his head as he now knew that Desmo was a far, far better pilot that he could ever be.
Captain Desmo climbed out his burning plane and fell to the ground unconscious. He hands were burned, his chest was bleeding from multiple gunshots. The stretcher bearers rushed to him and quickly loaded him into the ambulance. Wayne wanted to follow but instead he waited for the others to land. This was the part of his new job he hated as he had to hear from his pilots what happened on the mission.
The three remaining ace were debriefed and Major Wayne slowly gained an idea what had happened in the skies over the battlefield. The patrol ran into the Enemy Ace and his squadron. Desmo took on the Hammer of Hell. Each one of his men said Desmo got the better of the duel as each reported that the Enemy Ace had been forced to ground his plane. They stated Captain Desmo's plane was obviously badly shot up but that somehow it kept flying. Each said that Desmo signaled he was all right as they headed back to the field. It was only when Desmo's engine caught fire that they became worried, Each man was stunned when hey learned he had been shot.
Major Wayne and the three aces headed over to the hospital t find out Desmo's condition. The young captain was still in surgery. They waited another eight hours before the airbase's chief surgeon came out. Into the waiting rooms.
Cheer rose from the men when they were told that Desmo would recover. The three aces headed over to the bar for a celebration but Major Wayne waited for a more detailed report from the doctor. He was shocked at what the doctor told him. Desmo's hands and arms suffered second degree burns. He had been shot twice once in the right shoulder and another in his right lung. But worst of all Desmo was blind. The magazine in his machine gun blew up when his engine caught fire and the young pilot was blinded in the blast.
Wayne looked long and hard at the doctor who saw the quizzical look on the major's face. “Yes Major, captain Desmo landed his plane perfectly when he couldn't see.”
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Post by dave on Feb 24, 2018 20:02:18 GMT
Book 1 Reunions Chapter 1 Landing Time June 16th, 1941 Place: Floyd Bennett Airport, Brooklyn New York
Gabby McGuire couldn't remember ever wanting to get out of an airplane as badly as he did right now as his friend Captain Desmo taxied his plane to a park place on the field. Once that was done Captain Desmo had to remind Gabby that he had to stay in the plane until Desmo shut the engine off. This was the United States and they had to follow the rules now, unlike when they were in the wilds of Asia, or acting as British agents. Here they were civilians.
Gabby was out of the plane within ten seconds of engine shutdown. He jumped on to the ground of home – Brooklyn, and took in a deep breath of the air. According to Gabby nothing in the world smelled better that Brooklyn, or taste, looked, or felt better; even the sounds of the city were better than anywhere else on the planet. Gabby considered himself an expert on the fact as he had spent more than the last dozen years traveling the globe. The last three at the side of Captain Desmo.
Captain Desmo was still in the cockpit finishing shutting down his plane when Gabby yelled “I'll see you in a couple of days Cap.”
Captain Desmo looked up from his instrument panel and said “Right we have a suite at the Ritz. Your key will be at the front desk.”
“Right!” said Gabby before turning toward the terminal, where upon he started jogging to the airport's taxicab area. He quickly found a cab and ordered the driver to take him to 826Wheeler Ave. Gabby was looking out the cab's window with enthusiastic nostalgia. As they passed Ebbets Field he asked the Dodgers where doing this year. He winced when he was told the bums were awful, same as every year. He sighed and thought well some things never change.
Soon, but not soon enough for Gabby the cab came to Wheeler Street. Gabby jump out of the cab, paid the driver and bounded up the stairs. He stopped to looked at the apartment directory. This was where he grew up, but Gabby had earned a lot of money in his travels and he sent it home. He had instructed his mother to buy the apartment building. He knew she had, but didn't know if she had moved to the ground floor like he wanted her to do. She had not, she still lived on he fifth floor.
He smiled and shook his head. He should have known his mother would never leave their old apartment. He entered the foyer and saw new paint on the walls, the place looked a lot better than when he had left. Gabby began a race up the stairs to the fifth floor but was forced to slow down by the time her reach the fourth as he was huffing and puffing by then. I guess I'm not a kid anymore he thought as he stopped to take off his derby hat and wiped his sweated brow. He took out a cigar from his jacket pocket, but put it back when he remembered how Ma hated to see him smoking. She didn't care for any of Gabby's vices. Gabby continued his brief rest before once again going up the stairs, but not as fast as before.
When he reached the fifth floor he walked over to the apartment where he grew up he could smell the corn beef his mother was making. Tears came to his eyes as he knocked on the door. He heard his mother's voice say “Who is it?” Gabby knocked again.
“For lands sakes! I said who is it. ” he heard her say as he also listened to the sound of her approaching footsteps. “I you're one of Bill Grogan's hoodlums I'm gonna give you a face full of buckshot.” Gabby's smile turned to a monetary frown as he wondered who Bill Grogan was.
All that was erased when his mother opened the door. She stood in the doorway and stared in amazement at her only child – home at long last. Tears of joy came to her eyes as Gabby hugged her and said softly “I'm home Ma.”
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Post by DocQuantum on Feb 25, 2018 22:12:18 GMT
Good beginning! I like the character building you're doing here; it's so important, given how obscure some of these characters are.
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Post by dave on Feb 26, 2018 5:55:55 GMT
Chapter 2 For the Want of a License Time June 16th, 1941 Place: The McNider Residence NY NY
Myra Mason was busy fixing lunch for the man she worked for, the mystery writer Charles McNider, once he was a famous surgeon and medical researcher, but now he was a blind best selling author. She smile again for maybe the millionth time when she thought of Charles cheerful nature and how he refused to take his infirmity and rancor or bitterness of how one horrible explosion could destroy both his career and sight. She was just cutting the crust off the sandwiches when she heard the phone ring.
Charles was in his study typing away. He preferred her not to disturb him during his bursts of creativity. She answered the phone “Dr Charles McNider's residence” (Charles refused to stop using his hard worked for title,)
“May I speak to the doctor. This police detective Art Monahan.” said the voice on the other end after the operator told him to go ahead.
“Dr. McNider is quite busy at the moment and doesn't want to be disturbed” replied Myra.
“Yeah,I'm sure. But I have his uncle...a Charles Desmo in the Brooklyn jail. He's being held by the feds. This guy Desmo asked me to call you.”
Myra frowned. She knew Charles had an Uncle Charles and that he was some sort of world traveling adventurer. “Can you hold on for just a minute Officer Monahan.”
“Yeah, but its DETECTIVE Monahan, not officer.”
“Yes, sorry detective. Wait one minute please.” Myra put the phone down and went to Charles's study. She knock and told her why she was bothering him. She heard his go to the phone in the study and speak with the officer. She was tempted to listen in on the conversation but instead she respected the privacy of the man she admired most.
Fifteen minutes Charles came out of his study with a mirthful smile and asked Myra to order him a cab as he sat down for lunch.
“Charles, I know it's none of my business, but I don't think having an uncle in jail is any reason to smile'” she gently admonished.
Charles nodded in agreement as he ate the egg salad sandwich Myra had made. After he swallowed he said, “Your right of coarse Myra. But his offense is really silly.”
“What...what did he do?” she asked.
Charles shook his head, “It's more what he didn't do. My Uncle Charles was an ace in the Great War. He's spent more that twenty years flying all over the world. He's quite famous in the Far and Near East as both a pilot and adventurer; but he doesn't have a pilot's license. He left the country well before they started issuing them back in twenty-seven. He was arrested at the airport and his plane's been impounded because he doesn't have a pilots license. The World Famous Captain Desmo has been arrested for flying a plane without a license.
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Post by dave on Feb 28, 2018 18:15:32 GMT
Chapter 3 Time June 16th, 1941 Place: 826 Wheeler Ave. Brooklyn
Margaret McGuire listened to her eldest child as he regaled her of his adventures across the world. She did not approve of the idea of her son working for the British. The McGuire's were Irish, proud supporters on the Irish Republican Army. Sean told her that if he had the choice of working for the British or the heathen natives – he'd choose the British every time as he then gave what she knew to be a very sanitized report on the natives of the countries he visited and the natives uprisings he helped quell. Grudgingly, she sighed and agreed he was probably right. She was glad to have him home and did not want have an argument with him.
Sean McGuire was as talkative as ever she noted. His healthy appetite was also the same as it ever was. He looked good as she was glad to have him home. “How long to you intend to stay Sean?” she inquired.
Gabby smiled at his Ma, who would only call him by his given name. “I don't know what Captain Desmo's going to do. I may or may not keep working with him. That depends on how things are around here Ma.” He pushed his empty plate away from him and went to get one of his cigars before he remembered his mother's intolerance for smoking.
She took his plate over to he kitchen as she asked “What about around here do yo mean?”
“Well... how's me brothers and sisters?”
Margaret turned on the hot water as she said “Well you're not the only McGuire with the wanderlust, Danny joined the merchant marine five years ago and is sea.”
“God” said Gabby as he crossed himself, “I hears there all sorts of German submarines out the there.”
“Aye,” she affirmed, “He's already had one ship sunk on him last year. I pray for him every day.” I prayed for you too Sean when you were gone she thought.
“What about Mickey” asked Gabby.
Margaret smiled at the thought of Mickey, “Mickey's a priest. He has a parish on Long Island.”
Gabby noted the pride in his mother's voice when he spoke of Mickey. “Before you ask I'll tell you that Michael's a policeman over in the Bronx. He and his family comes to see me ever Sunday.”
Tommy was his youngest brother and the thought of him having a family took him by complete surprise. “Mickey's married” he said in a stunned voice.
“Yes and e has a fine brood of his own - Tommy Jr, Patrick, and little Lucy. You'll be here this Sunday when then come here.”
That last sentence was nether a question nor a request, it was an order. Gabby meekly said “Yes Ma.”
As for your sisters Mary became nurse and joined the navy. She in Hawaii right now, been there for the last three years now; but her last letter said she requested a transfer to the Philippines. And Maureen's working over at the library in Manhattan. She has an apartment over there and she is also here every Sunday.”
Gabby took in all the familial information with a smile before he asked about the people he was pals with when he was growing up. It was a mixed bag, most were married with families and good jobs, a couple were dead, a few she lost track of, one became a cop while another two spent time in jail. Ma did not mention two names he really wanted to know about. One he really wanted to know about when his mother thought his was a hoodlum working for Bill Grogan as he had known Aloysius Grogan and Gabby remembered he had a younger brother named Willie. The other, more important name could wait.
“What about Aloysius Grogan Ma?” He asked.
“That no good gangster's been dead half a dozen years now. They say is own brother Bill killed his over a girl” she replied.
“That the same Bill Grogan that's been giving you trouble. What's his racket?” asked Gabby.
She turned to look at her eldest before saying “Aye Sean, he wants half my rent money. I don't need it but he threatens. He knows Tommy's a cop so all he does is threaten me, but he's gouging the other landlords. Their building are damaged if they don't pay his insurance Old man Meyer's building burned to the ground last April. Please don't bother with the likes of him Sean. He's a killer.” Gabby just nodded as he took in the information, but he thought it looks like Captain Desmo in me will have some unexpected fun after all.
“Ma, you told about everyone I wanted to know about, except Fiona, Fiona O'Brien, she's the one I really want to know about. Is she married? She knew I had to see the world...but I told her I'd marry her when came home...if she's still have me” said Gabby.
Margaret McGuire put her hand to her mouth and whispered “Mother of God!” Sean, son... Fiona's father threw her out of house a few months after you left because she was in the family way. Father Murphy helped her move to a home for wayward girls. He later told me Fiona died in childbirth.
The word's it Gabby like a gunshot to the chest. He had always figured Fiona was married by now, but he ad always hoped that she was still waiting for him, even after more that a dozen years. “I wrote her Ma, every time I wrote you, I wrote to her. I moved around too much to get a reply.... but I loved her.”he said as the tears rolled down his cheeks.
Margaret McGuire felt her son's pain, but Fiona's death was years old to her and she realized her eldest son had possibly shirked his most important responsibility as a man. “Sean, Fiona is gone, but according to Father Murphy she had a son who'd be twelve or so by now. I'll ask you once: are yuo the father of Fiona's boy.”
Gabby wiped away the tears from his eyes and looked his mother in the eyes before saying “Yeah Ma, I have a son. A son I need to find” he said quietly.
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Post by DocQuantum on Mar 2, 2018 0:54:30 GMT
Interesting! And really good character piece, here. I wonder how this will end up playing out, given that Jim Harper ended up his guardian in more ways than one, in January 1942. The time of the first Newsboy Legion story was fixed to that month in All-Star Squadron Annual #1.
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Post by dave on Mar 10, 2018 4:08:28 GMT
Chapter 4 Time June 16th, 1941 Place: New York City Police Brooklyn District Headquarters
Dr Charles McNider exited the cab in front of the Police Brooklyn District Headquarters. It was an old building dating back to when Brooklyn was an independent city, and not a mere borough of New York City. Charles walked up the stairs with his blind man's cane telling all the world that he couldn't see. He could actually see in the daytime thanks to the special glasses of his own invention; while in the dark he could see perfectly with or without the glasses. That along with his specially created blackout bombs allowed him to recently become the costume mystery man known as Dr Mid-Nite.
Charles was afforded every courtesy from the police; he was told that his uncle was meeting with Detective Monahan, a man from the federal government, and an official from the British consulate. Charles smiled at the news, saying to the desk sergeant “I believe my uncle has caused an international incident.”
“Nah, merely a misunderstanding. That fed that brought him in here was one of those fussy types that always stick to the letter of the law. He could of given Captain Desmo a warning, but he went overboard' said the man Behind the high desk. “Them Krauts are like that you know.” Charles nodded as he was escorted to a desk in the detective rooms. “This is Detective Monahan's, he'll see you here Dr McNider” said the officer the desk sergeant ordered to bring Charles upstairs. The policeman said Charles sir name loud enough that several detective looked over to see the famous criminal writer. Slowly but surely they went over to talk to the author. Some to stump him with a particularly tough case they already solved others in hope that Charles would use their story in his next book.
A half an hour Captain Desmo came in to the detective area with Detective Monahan. “What is all this!” the big burly detective cried out when he saw all of his fellow detectives around his desk.
The lieutenant turned to his and “You've got a celebratory at your desk Monahan.”
“Yeah, well according the British, I have one at me side as well” said Monahan.
The lieutenant gave Monahan a momentary blank stare before he looked at Captain Desmo. “No Moanhan, what you got is a genuine war hero at your side. Charles McNider is a the celebrity. He's a famous author. No offense Desmo.”
“None taken” said Captain Desmo. “But I would like to see my nephew if you don't mind.”
The lieutenant in his best authoritative voice boomed “Alright men! Break it up. You've got work to do and Dr McNider's ready to leave.”
Slowly the men parted as Captain Desmo went to his nephew. “My God! It's good to see you Chuck!”
Charles McNider beamed a broad smile at his Uncle Charles, the man he was named after and the only person who always called him Chuck. “Are you free to leave Uncle Charles? I'll call a cab if you are.”
“I am Chuck, but there's no need. There's a British diplomat in a limousine waiting outside for us. Thanks for calling them.” Together the pair left and went to the waiting Rolls Royce.
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Post by dave on Mar 10, 2018 21:08:10 GMT
Chapter 5 Time June 16th, 1941 Place: Bill's Billiards Brooklyn NY
Gabby McGuire left his mother's apartment and headed for Saint Augustine's Catholic Church to talk with Father Murphy. On the way he passed a pool hall with the sign that read in large print Bill's Billiards, followed underneath in much smaller letters Bill Grogan, proprietor. Gabby smiled a devilishly mean smile when he read the smaller print.
Gabby was whistling a tune he picked up in Madagascar when entered the pool hall. He scanned the room nonchalantly as he took a cue after paying for the privilege. The place was empty except for the fellow behind the counter and two other men playing at another table. Gabby recognized Bill Grogan even though he was only a boy the last time Gabby saw him. He did resemble his brother Aloysius, except Bill's nose wasn't broken yet.
Gabby's whistling got louder and off key every time Bill took a shot. Finally he said to Gabby “Will you stop that!”
Oh, I'm afraid I have to do that lad” said Gabby as he took a shot, sinking two balls in the corner pocket. “I might miss if I don't whistle.”
“Joey, throw this bum outta here,' Bill said to the man behind the counter.
Gabby smile “Oh, that's too bad. I wanted to speak to Bill Grogan.”
Grogan put up his hand, stopping Joe from moving any closer to Gabby. “What do you want with me? Mister...?”
“McGuire, Gabby McGuire, I was friends with your brother Aloysius, even though he was a crook.“
“You're old lady McGuires's kid,” said Grogan. Has she come to her senses and gonna start paying me insurance.”
“No, she not going to pay you one red cent. But you're going to stop charging anyone on Wheeler Street for your.. protect...pardon me, your insurance racket,”. said Gabby as he made another shot sinking a ball in the side pocket.
Grogan made an evil laugh and Gabby's pronouncement. “Why would I want to do that McGuire?”
“For the protection your person and property” said Gabby as the cue ripped through the felt covering the pool table. Grogan's mouth dropped open as he and the man he was playing pool with were stunned at Gabby's action.
Joe however picked up a baseball bat from behind the counter and was rushing towards Gabby, who calmly picked up the cue ball flung it at Joe. It caught the big man between the eyes and he went sown in a lump.
The man with Grogan was reaching in to his jacket when Gabby stepped forward and hit him over the head with the barrel end of the cue stick. This caused the man lose his balance , causing him to stop getting his gun as he tried to use his arms to steady himself. But gabby had closed in on him. Gabby gave the man two quick rabbit punches to his face with his left hand before hitting him in the breadbasket with his right. This knocked the wind out of the man and he fell to the ground in a heap.
Bill Grogan had recovered by now and almost had his gun out of his jacket when Gabby spun and side-kicked him in the face. Grogan flew across the pool table and on to the floor, his gun flying from his hand. Grogan was on his hand and knees when Gabby came around the table. Gabby McGuire was many things , but a fair fighter was not one of them. E smashed his heel down on to Grogan's right hand and heard the nauseating sound of breaking bones.
Grogan screamed in agony even as Gabby grabbed by his his tie. “Consider this your only warning. Bother anyone on Wheeler Street again an I'll be back with my partner. And he's much tougher than me.” Gabby dropped Grogan, who collapsed to the floor and walked away, once again whistling the tune he picked up in Madagascar.
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Post by dave on Mar 12, 2018 16:36:00 GMT
Chapter 6 Time June 16th, 1941 Place: Ritz Hotel Manhattan NY
Charles McNider's uncle told him that British diplomat probably wouldn't speak to much in the limousine because he was secretly working for the British and they considered his mission hush hush. But the Englishman surprised both of them when he said halfway to the hotel, “Captain Desmo, I really must insist that you take off that ridiculous Great War helmet and goggles. You need to be discreet here in New York, but that bloody headgear make you stand out like like that Superman chap in Metropolis. You're not one of those mystery men you know.”
Captain Desmo frowned at Lord Chatley comment. “Maybe not sir, but trust me. I have a very good reason for not taking these off.”
“Really, Captain Desmo, I don't see how you're going do your work here for His Majesty's Government with them on” said the Lord Chatley.
“How I do my assignment is my business my Lord. And I think we stop talking about this with an uncleared civilian listening. No offense Charles,” said Captain Desmo.
The British Diplomat was quiet after that as Captain Desmo had sufficiently reprimanded his for speaking out f turn. The chastened diplomat handed Captain Desmo two keys and said “You're in the presidential suite” as Charles and his uncle exited the Rolls Royce.
Charles pretended to be blind and was gently guided by his uncle to the elevators. He watched his uncle turn pale when he saw a sign in the lobby declaring “The Ritz welcomes the members of the 2nd Air Squadron for their 25th Anniversary Dinner.” Charles then remembered that was his uncles squadron during the war.
They hurried into the elevator, told the operator what floor they wanted and went directly to the presidential suite. Captain Desmo saw that his bags were already delivered. He went over to the bar and started fixing a drink. “I know you can see me perfectly well, despite your pretense in public,” as an explanation for his no longer guide. “Those glasses are the same as my goggles.”
“Which explains why you refused to take off your signature helmet and goggles, “replied Charles.
“Yes, quite, can I offer you drink?”
“Bourbon, neat, if you please.”
“I'm a scotch man myself” said Captain Desmo. “Charles why in the world do you pretend to be blind? You're a gifted surgeon and medical researcher. You should be continuing that work instead of writing crime stories.”
Charles too his drink as he said “Uncle, my blindness is well known to the public. If I were to suddenly regain my sight I could do harm to millions of others who are blind by giving them the false hope that I found a cure for their condition. So I quietly continue to research on it.”
Captain Desmo asked “What have you learned so far?”
“Our blindness s do to trauma and our cure is these lenses which allow us to see during the day. It seem to be a family trait, but I can find no other explanation for it since we are the only two cases I've been able to discover.” said Charles.
“You are correct Charles. It has to do with our maternal Bulgarian ancestry.” Captain Desmo watched his nephew's face and saw a puzzled face before continuing. “ My mother and your grandmother was Bulgarian. Not quiet fifteen hundred years ago the Bulgarian people began warring with the old Byzantine Empire, a war that lasted off and on for close to five hundred years. Almost always the Bulgarians lost, were conquered and late rebelled again. Every time the Bulgarians were defeated the Byzantines blind nine out of every ten of their captives with the tenth only being blinded in one eye so he could lead the other helpless men home.”
“My God” said Charles, “And they called the Bulgarians barbarians.”
“Yes, well it seem our ancestors fought in those wars time and time again...”started Captain Desmo
“And some how developed a mutation that would allow them to see with corrective lenses” completed Charles McNider. “But how did you discover the right lenses. They have to be very exact.”
“Well I was very distraught after my injury during the last month of the war. They gave me the best care and ship. Your grandmother was very upset. She told me about a family legend about a famous warrior who wore strange dark glass around his eyes after being blinded. How he rebelled against the Byzantines and won freedom. for his people. Ivor the Just, he was called.'
“That got me to thinking and I went to Bulgaria with my mother back in 1922. We found our old ancestral village, Ivor has a statue in the square. We then research how his glasses were made. That led us to an old glassblower name Demtri. I contracted him to make me a set of lenses, but he died of a heart attack after making these over-sized goggles. I think he planned on paring them down but he never had the chance. He had no known apprentice and his art was lost. I fitted the lenses into the goggles of this old Russian aviator helmet and could see again.”
“Yes I remember how you constantly wore them when you and Grandma came back to the states. I thought it was strange. Then Grandma died and you bought a plane and left” said Charles.
Captain Desmo said “Yeah I couldn't stay, not with me having to wear this all the time. Plus I have to admit I craved the action and adventure I experienced I the war. I tried to write you and your mother at least once a month.”
“So yo did, and continued to right up until today” said Charles. As he reached into his jacket.
“But Charles, how and why did have your glasses fashioned?” asked Captain Desmo.
With his hand still inside his jacket Charles said “Well remembered how you left America blind and returned being able to see. Realizing that you, like myself, were blinded by an explosion I reasoned the lenses might have been the reason why. So I made them.”
“But Charles, you're blind without the glasses. How were you ever able to make them with out seeing?” said an astonished Captain Desmo
Charles took out an eyeglass case as he asked “Uncle, can yo see in the dark?”
“No, I have always had better than average night vision, but I can't see in the dark,” said Captain Desmo.
Charles hesitated for a moment before saying “I've never told anyone this, but can. That's how I was able to make my glasses. And these as well Uncle Charles, ” as he handed the glass case to Captain Desmo.
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Post by dave on Mar 16, 2018 1:28:00 GMT
I've had to rewrite Chapter six as Captain Desmo first appeared with out his helmet and goggles in Central America in June in 1941 on his way back to the United States. Dave
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Post by dave on Mar 16, 2018 1:31:26 GMT
Chapter 6 Time June 16th, 1941 Place: Ritz Hotel Manhattan NY
Charles McNider's uncle told him that British diplomat probably wouldn't speak to much in the limousine because he was secretly working for the British and they considered his mission hush hush. But the Englishman surprised both of them when he said halfway to the hotel, “Captain Desmo, I really must insist that you take off that ridiculous Great War helmet and goggles. You need to be discreet here in New York, but that bloody headgear make you stand out like like that Superman chap in Metropolis. You're not one of those mystery men you know.”
Captain Desmo frowned at Lord Chatley comment. “Maybe not sir, but trust me. I have a very good reason for not taking these off.”
“Really, Captain Desmo, I don't see how you're going do your work here for His Majesty's Government with them on” said the Lord Chatley.
“How I do my assignment is my business my Lord. And I think we stop talking about this with an uncleared civilian listening. No offense Charles,” said Captain Desmo.
The British Diplomat was quiet after that as Captain Desmo had sufficiently reprimanded his for speaking out f turn. The chastened diplomat handed Captain Desmo two keys and said “You're in the presidential suite” as Charles and his uncle exited the Rolls Royce.
Charles pretended to be blind and was gently guided by his uncle to the elevators. He watched his uncle turn pale when he saw a sign in the lobby declaring “The Ritz welcomes the members of the 2nd Air Squadron for their 25th Anniversary Dinner.” Charles then remembered that was his uncles squadron during the war.
They hurried into the elevator, told the operator what floor they wanted and went directly to the presidential suite. Captain Desmo saw that his bags were already delivered. He went over to the bar and started fixing a drink. “I know you can see me perfectly well, despite your pretense in public,” as an explanation for his no longer guide. “Those glasses are the same as my goggles and the pair you sent me in Panama.”
“So the glasses worked. I wondered when you refused to take off your signature helmet and goggles, replied Charles.
“Yes, quite, can I offer you drink?”
“Bourbon, neat, if you please. But why haven't you worn them in New York?”
“I'm on a mission for the British government and I'm afraid Lord Chatley is under suspicion of having German sympathies. A lot of the British aristocracy does.” said Captain Desmo. “Charles why in the world do you pretend to be blind? You're a gifted surgeon and medical researcher. You should be continuing that work instead of writing crime stories.”
Charles too his drink as he said “Uncle, my blindness is well known to the public. If I were to suddenly regain my sight I could do harm to millions of others who are blind by giving them the false hope that I found a cure for their condition. So I quietly continue to research on it.”
Captain Desmo asked “What have you learned so far?”
“Our blindness is do to trauma and our cure is these lenses which allow us to see during the day. It seem to be a family trait, but I can find no other explanation for it since we are the only two cases I've been able to discover.” said Charles.
“You are correct Charles about it being a family trait. It has to do with our maternal Bulgarian ancestry.” Captain Desmo watched his nephew's face and saw a puzzled face before continuing. “ My mother and your grandmother was Bulgarian. Not quiet fifteen hundred years ago the Bulgarian people began warring with the old Byzantine Empire, a war that lasted off and on for close to five hundred years. Almost always the Bulgarians lost, were conquered and late rebelled again. Every time the Bulgarians were defeated the Byzantines blind nine out of every ten of their captives with the tenth only being blinded in one eye so he could lead the other helpless men home.”
“My God” said Charles, “And they called the Bulgarians barbarians.”
“Yes, well it seem our ancestors fought in those wars time and time again...”started Captain Desmo
“And some how developed a mutation that would allow them to see with corrective lenses” completed Charles McNider. “But how did you discover the right lenses. They have to be very exact.”
“Well I was very distraught after my injury during the last month of the war. They gave me the best care and ship. Your grandmother was very upset. She told me about a family legend about a famous warrior who wore strange dark glass around his eyes after being blinded. How he rebelled against the Byzantines and won freedom. for his people. Ivor the Just, he was called.'
“That got me to thinking and I went to Bulgaria with my mother back in 1922. We found our old ancestral village, Ivor has a statue in the square. We then research how his glasses were made. That led us to an old glassblower name Demtri. I contracted him to make me a set of lenses, but he died of a heart attack after making these over-sized goggles. I think he planned on paring them down but he never had the chance. He had no known apprentice and his art was lost. I fitted the lenses into the goggles of this old Russian aviator helmet and could see again.”
“Yes I remember how you constantly wore them when you and Grandma came back to the states. I thought it was strange. Then Grandma died and you bought a plane and left” said Charles.
Captain Desmo said “Yeah I couldn't stay, not with me having to wear this all the time. Plus I have to admit I craved the action and adventure I experienced I the war. I tried to write you and your mother at least once a month.”
“So yo did, and continued to right up until today” said Charles. As he reached into his jacket.
“But Charles, how and why did have your glasses fashioned?” asked Captain Desmo.
With his hand still inside his jacket Charles said “Well remembered how you left America blind and returned being able to see. Realizing that you, like myself, were blinded by an explosion I reasoned the lenses might have been the reason why. So I made them.”
“But Charles, you're blind without the glasses. How were you ever able to make them with out seeing?” said an astonished Captain Desmo
Charles took out an eyeglass case as he asked “Uncle, can yo see in the dark?”
“No, I have always had better than average night vision, but I can't see in the dark,” said Captain Desmo.
Charles hesitated for a moment before saying “I've never told anyone this, but can. That's how I was able to make my glasses. And these as well Uncle Charles, ” as he handed the glass case to Captain Desmo. “Here's another pair. I always carry two, just in case anything happens to the first pair.”
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Post by dave on Mar 24, 2018 17:00:55 GMT
Chapter 7 Time June 16th, 1941 Place: Saint Augustine's Catholic Church NY
Gabby saw the sign in front of Saint Augustine saying that confession would from five PM until seven PM this evening. He glanced at his watch and noted it was six-thirty. He entered the church and asked one of the now penitent parishioners Father Murphy was in the confessional. Gabby went to the pews and waited his turn when he was told that Father Murphy was the priest hearing confessions tonight.
Gabby waited for the rest of the evening until only he and the priest were in the sanctuary of Saint Augustine's; then he proceeded to give his first confession in over a decade. He told the priest of the lives he had taken, the women he had met in the coarse of his adventures both before and after meeting Captain Desmo. He spoke of all is sins before talking about Fiona and how he had just discovered he was a father.
“Ah Sean, what would a man like you know about being a father. From what you've confessed your not man enough t raise a son” said the priest.
Gabby grimaced at the rebuke before saying “Father, I have been remiss in my practice of confession and church going, but there weren't a lot of churches where I've been. But I'm home now and want to make things right.”
Father Murphy gave Gabby a long list of prayers to recite. He would be there for several hours. Gabby complied with his penitence once he left the confessional. Once he was done he looked at his watch and saw that it was just past eleven. He thought to himself I hope Father Murphy is still up as he stood.
“I didn't think you would actually do the whole penitence Sean” said Father Murphy from behind Gabby.
Gabby was smiling as he turned. “Oh, I meant what I said Father, especially about finding Fiona, and our child.”
Gabby saw the old priest now in the light instead of the shrouded darkness of he confessional. He was older that Gabby remembered, his hair was white now, his face was wrinkled; but he could see he still had the same restless energy from the way he moves and the same gentle soul from the kindness in bright blue eyes. “Well, walk with me Sean, walk with me to the rectory,” said Father Murphy.
They left the church in silence. Gabby had a loquacious nature, hence his nickname, but he bit his tongue and waited for the old priest to start the conversation. They walk out of Saint Augustine's, through the gardened courtyard to the rectory. Once there Father Murphy led Gabby to the library and offered him a chair before offering Gabby a glass of blackberry brandy as a nightcap. Gabby took the drink and waited for the priest to talk.
“Sean, I'm sure your mother told you Fiona's dead” said Father Murphy
Gabby nodded as he said “She did, but had to hear it from you Father. I'd like to visit her grave before...before I find my...our child.”
“Well, I can take to the grave easily enough, but as for finding Patrick, that won't be easy. He and three other boys ran away from he orphanage they were at” explained the priest.
Gabby heard Father Murphy but all he heard was his son's name. “Patrick...Patrick....my boy's name is Patrick” he exclaimed as he now sobbed. Father Murphy put his hand comfortingly on Gabby's shoulder until the younger man regained control. Gabby wiped away the tears from his face as he said “Father the way to find him is to back trace his life. If you're free tomorrow, I'd like to go to the foundling home where Patrick was born after visiting Fiona's grave. Then I'd like to go to the orphanage you say he ran away from.”
Father Murphy went over to his desk and scanned his calendar. “I'll meet you here in the afternoon at two o'clock Sean.”
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Post by DocQuantum on Mar 25, 2018 3:08:47 GMT
Really enjoying this story. I like the historical details of Charles McNider's family background and the Bulgarian connection. I'm hoping Gabby is able to reunite with Patrick, but I'm also kind of dreading it, knowing based on the Newsboy Legion stories he never ends up being a real father to him, at least before he grows up.
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Post by dave on Mar 25, 2018 13:37:36 GMT
Thank you. Until the last few months of Captain Desmo run he never took off his helmet and goggles, then he started wearing dark sun glasses more and more. This reminded me of Dr Mid-Nite, who never had a reason stated he could see. Ergo the ancestral/genetic explanation along with the history of the Bulgarian-Byzantine wars. This way Dr Mid-Nite's ability is a mutation of an already established genetic trait.
Remember though this is June 1941 and Captain Desmo and Gabby's last appearance was in October of 1941 and the Jim Harper became the Guardian of the Newsboy Legion in December 1942.
I'm just reestablishing our heroes and their connection with other Earth 2 heroes right now. Another now obscure team of fliers, the Three Aces will be reappearing soon, as will the first Flying Fox as they were all WWI airmen. Not to mention a man named after a flying mammal and his uncle.
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Post by reichsmark on Aug 10, 2018 0:33:13 GMT
Just doing some research on the JSA. A link lead me to Johnny Peril's Who's Who entry. Apparently he was a Lt. in the Army-Air Corps during WWII. I haven't seen enough of his adventures to know if he ever flew but I wouldn't be surprised if he did. It might be interesting if he made a cameo appearance at least if it doesn't screw up your story.
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