{"id":524,"date":"2023-01-27T08:38:58","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T08:38:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/?page_id=524"},"modified":"2023-03-23T06:26:08","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T06:26:08","slug":"week-3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/week-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

London under the Martians<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
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15-Jun 00:01 – Tuesday<\/div>

This is Wells and the curate\u2019s 7th day confined to their Sheen prison and we join Wells as he continues to observe the mining operation the Martians have set up in the pit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In London, Morant has pulled together a team to capture a heat ray. However, on their return they will be ambushed by a group of civilians who claim to be from the 4th<\/sup>\u00a0Coy. Coldstream Guards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Today, Toni\u2019s diary reminds us that even the strong have moments of fear. And once again, her writing foreshadows changes to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

East of London, Lieutenant Carver and his scratch unit arrive at Tilbury to find the Ferry tied up at the quay and covered with corpses. While further West, Lieutenant Dullanty (4th Coy. Coldstream Guards) arrives at Greenwich without having been spotted by the Martians.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 06:00 @BreakerMorant #WeWantAHeatRay<\/div>

Our operation to get a heat gun is ready. Men have been formed into two teams. Vogan is taking 5 artillery men to Weybridge to knock down a tripod.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 07:00 @BreakerMorant #WeWantAHeatRay<\/div>

No Martians were sighted. With in my team are 3 railway engineers, 2 cavalry soldiers and Pierre Curie. We all ride horses and the gun carriage to our assembly point.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 07:30 @BreakerMorant #WeWantAHeatRay<\/div>

We arrive with no incident. We go through our escape plans. All of us have taken a small amount of arsenic. Won\u2019t protect us from the heat-ray though.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 08:00 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Found @lizcadbury crying before breakfast. Her #children and #husband. She has no idea if they #gotout before #blacksmoke. So relieved my parents live so far north. #abovetheline #angry #thingswillchange<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 09:25 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@lizcadbury is such as #strongwoman #survivor #organiser<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 10:00 @LCMDCarver<\/div>
\"15-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 15 June 1897, 11:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

We arrived at Tilbury to find the Ferry tied up at the quay and covered with dead bodies: men, women and children all bundled together. They looked strangely peaceful. Every surface is covered with a fine black dust that clings uneasily to one\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All the men – Marines, Horse Guards, and infantry – worked as one to quickly remove the bodies before placing them in a single shallow grave. I spoke the simple words of commitment and promised resurrection. Words held back from those who had shot for desertion only 6 days before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Corporal Markinson, who served in the engine room before transferring to the marines, assures me the ferry should work once we have relit her boiler. With a pump and hose, we\u2019ve cleared much of the black dust off the boat. After the horrors of the past few days, this is welcome news.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 11:00 @HGWells #MartianMining<\/div>

Still imprisoned with the curate in the house in Sheen, Wells observes that the capsule’s Martian has been joined by the occupants of 3 other fighting-machines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The 3 tripods have brought with them fresh appliances. A second handling-machine has been completed, and busies itself in serving one of the contrivances a tripod had brought, and from which a stream of white powder flows into a circular basin below.
\nWells is suprised to realise the Martian’s are mining aluminium from clay in the pit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With 2 spatulate hands the machine digs out and flings clay into a pear-shaped receptacle above, before regularly opening a door and removing blackened clinkers from the middle of the machine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another steely tentacle then directs the powder from the basin along a ribbed channel towards some receiver hidden from Wells’ view by a mound of bluish dust. From this unseen receiver a little thread of green smoke rises vertically into the quiet air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then the handling-machine extends, telescopical fashion, a tentacle that a moment before was a mere blunt projection, until its end is hidden behind the mound of clay. In another second it lifts a bar of white aluminium into sight. #MartianAluminium<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The shining aluminium is deposited in a growing stack of bars standing beside the pit. Wells estimates the Martians will produce more than a hundred such bars out of the crude clay during daylight hours, but cannot suggest what they will use the metal for.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 11:30 @HGWells #MartianMining #FlyingMachine<\/div>
\"15-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Later examination of the Martian’s flying machine suggests that a significant proportion of the produced aluminium must have gone into its production. One recent estimate suggesting that it would have included nearly 40 tonnes of aluminium.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 13:00 @BreakerMorant #WeWantAHeatRay<\/div>

Vogan knocked down a tripod. As expected, the tripods went after Vogan and left us to retrieve the heat gun from the fallen tripod.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 14:00 @BreakerMorant #WeWantAHeatRay<\/div>
\"15-Jun<\/a><\/div>

The Railway engineers help Pierre Curie to remove the heat gun. We were all needed to place it on the gun carriage.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 14:30 @BreakerMorant #WeLostOurHeatRay<\/div>

There were no problems from the Martians, and we had a heat gun on the gun carriage, but when we were headed back to Waterloo, we were ambushed by a group of civilians who claimed to be from the 4th<\/sup> Coy. Coldstream Guards. They had a toff in charge, who said he was Lt. Kilvaney.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They took Pierre Curie, the gun carriage and our horses. Offered to write me a receipt and I told him exactly what he could do with that.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 23:05 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@hgwellsbro was thinking of you tonight. #hope #ishealive #Woking<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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15-Jun 23:30 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary<\/div>
\"15-Jun<\/a><\/div>

We camped that day at St Margaret\u2019s Church, Plumstead. Before moving onto Greenwich we confirmed the heliograph allowed us to communicate with Tilford \u2013 it did. Just love when a plan comes together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arrived at Greenwich shortly before Midnight.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 00:01 – Wednesday<\/div>

Since the establishment of the #Gascoyne-Cecil-Line on 9 June the army had been hard at work establishing a mined line a mile-wide along GWR\u2019s mainline east of London. Today the defences are tested as the Martian\u2019s attack Swindon. The Martian\u2019s flying-machine flies numerous sorties for the first time. \u00a0In a bid to prevent the line from collapsing, Lt Dullanty, now based at Greenwich, is ordered to destroy the Martian\u2019s flying base on Primrose Rose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In London, Morant, having lost the heat-ray to the Coldstream Guards\u2019 Special Operation Coy, has to explain to Marie Curie that he also lost her husband, Pierre.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And once again Toni\u2019s diary reminds us that all of us have value. Society sometimes discards the old. In fact, this was a theme during the Martian invasion. The old and infirm were left behind. But without Sir John and the other \u2018oldies\u2019 in Queen Anne\u2019s Mansions, there would have been no wireless communications, and very limited supplies of the gas masks required to survive the black smoke.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 03:25 @HGWells#Swindon<\/div>

Wells later reports waking to hear a sound like heavy guns at this time. He counts six distinct reports, and after a long interval six again. But he was unable to identify the direction they came from. It is highly likely what he was hearing was the battle for Swindon.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 06:30 @BreakerMorant #WeLostOurHeatRay<\/div>

Heading back to Waterloo Station. Still in the open, without fast transport, We were just lucky we didn\u2019t encounter Martians.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 07:00 @BreakerMorant #WeLostOurHeatRayANDPierre<\/div>

We made it to Southwark Station, then underground to Waterloo.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie was hysterical about where her husband might be. We have no idea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 08:00 @BreakerMorant #WeLostOurHeatRayANDPierre<\/div>

Vogan\u2019s team arrived back, elated about their kill and escape from the searching tripods. However, they were as brassed off as I was when they heard about losing the heat gun and Pierre.\u00a0Only one thing for it \u2013 we duck the morning handover and get drunk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 08:30 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary #Greenwich<\/div>
\"16-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Was having breakfast when I was alerted to the sound of an artillery bombardment in the West. Given how muffled the sound was it must have been a considerable distance away.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 09:00 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 16 June 1897, 09:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Loading the horses onto the ferry took most of the night, and then unloading them in Gravesend the rest of the night. Markinson was as good as his word and the Ferry performed faultlessly. The group appears in good spirits and determined to exact its revenge for those the Martians killed in Tilbury.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 09:30 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary #Greenwich #FlyingMachine<\/div>

Sentries reported the return of the flying-machine. Sergeant Hugh is convinced it landed somewhere near Regent\u2019s Park.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I called for volunteers to see if we could locate its base. Sergeant Hugh and three other have agreed to try.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We can\u2019t use the bridges, but there are rumours of at least one group using the Underground to pass around the city undetected. The Sergeant intends to enter the tunnels at London Bridge and work his way through to Kings Cross. He’ll take one of the heliographs with him.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 10:00 #Curate #Sheen<\/div>

Wells and the curate have now been confined to the collapsed house in Sheen for 8 days. In his book Wells records their food supply, despite rationing, was almost exhausted, and given the curate’s behaviour Wells has been forced to mount guard over what remains of their food.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 11:54 @toniwantstovote<\/div>
\"16-Jun<\/a><\/div>

@sirjohntheengineer received message this morning from #governmentinexile Gas masks made of hessian soaked in water work against #blacksmoke #ourtheorieswereright<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 12:00 @BreakerMorant #PiccadillyParty<\/div>

Eventually the pub-crawl ended up at Piccadilly Circus where we found a party just firing up.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 15:00 @LtJRDullanty<\/div>

FROM FIELD MARSHAL WOLSELEY STOP<\/p>\n

TO COLONEL COLDSTREAM GUARDS GENERAL SIR STEPHENSON STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SITUATION AT SWINDON PRESENTLY STABLE STOP BUT ARTILLARY SUFFERED HEAVY LOSSES AS RESULT OF ATTACK FROM THE AIR STOP IMPERATIVE THAT THE MARTIANS FLYING MACHINE IS DESTROYED ENDS<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 15:15 @LtJRDullanty<\/div>

The message FROM FIELD MARSHAL WOLSELEY was forwarded to Lt JR Dullanty with the following addition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

JAMES IT IS VITAL THE FLYING MACHINE IS DESTROYED STOP GOD GO WITH YOU FRED<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 15:20 #FieldMarshallWolseley<\/div>
\"16-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Wolseley had become Commander-in-Chief of English forces in Ireland in 1890.\u00a0Promoted to Field Marshal on 26 May 1894, he was appointed by the Conservative government to succeed the Duke of Cambridge as Commander-in-Chief of the Forces on 1 November 1895.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Despite still recovering from a serious illness at the time of the Martian invasion, he was in Swindon as part of an inspection of the army\u2019s preparations to defend the Gascoyne-Cecil line when the Martians launched their attack.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 16:00 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary<\/div>

I was preparing the unit to move out when we finally heard from Sergeant Hugh. He confirmed that the flying-machine is stabled at Primrose Hill, but that the Martian\u2019s encampment appears heavily fortified. His team is presently camouflaged in a copse of trees between Regent\u2019s Canal and Prince Albert Road. The heliograph has had to be positioned some distance away.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-June 23:00 #Sheen #WeAreCattle<\/div>

Wells later records one of the most traumatic scenes he observes during the war when he sees men being brought to the pit. “A fighting machine appeared and I watched a long tentacle reaching over the shoulder of the machine to the little cage hunched upon its back…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Then something\u2014something struggling violently\u2014is lifted high against the sky, a black, vague enigma against the starlight; and as this black object came down again, I see by the green brightness that it is a man. For an instant he was clearly visible…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“And then the man vanishes behind the mound, and for a moment there is silence. But then begins a shrieking and a sustained and cheerful hooting from the Martians.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 23:35 #HiramMaxim<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim:<\/p>\n

I was about to bed down for the night when I thought I heard something moving around outside. I picked up my revolver and went outside and quietly began to work my way to the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I rattled the door. It was locked. My equipment was still secure inside. I began to walk back to the house when I encountered the silhouette of a man in front of me. I raised my pistol but the man cried softly as he staggered towards me and fell into my arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I carried the stranger inside and lay him down on my cot. He was a young man and wore part of a naval officer\u2019s uniform. His forehead was marked by gash caked with dried blood. One side of his face was cracked red and blistered. He\u2019d seen the Heat Ray, all right<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How did he come inland? I cleaned the sailor up and tended his wounds as best I could and let him rest. I noticed a waterlogged book sticking out of his uniform jacket pocket: LOG OF HMS THUNDER CHILD. Hoping it would provide me a clue, I opened the book and began to read.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 23:40 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary<\/div>

Arrived at Sergeant Hugh\u2019s camp. No-one enjoyed walking through the tunnels but it certainly kept us unobserved by the Martians.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 23:45 @SgtHugh #ReminiscesOnTheWar<\/div>

From Sergeant Hugh\u2019s Reminisces on the War<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time the Lieutenant found us, Primrose Hill was lit up so brightly by the Martian\u2019s lights that from where we were you could see the dark shadows of the Martian\u2019s moving about, silhouetted against the glare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was the one who had to deliver the bad news \u2013 there was simply no way that we could get close enough to the flying-machine to destroy it. It had landed vertically behind high earthen walls, and was covered by a heavy metal roof that split down the middle like a gigantic door when the craft needed to emerge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no choice,\u201d the Lieutenant said. \u201cWe have to destroy the machine or we lose Swindon, and the Line, tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Lieutenant and I stared glumly at each other, as the others looked on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLieutenant.\u201d It was Guardsman Washington. \u201cMy father\u2019s a driver for the Earl of Sussex. This flying thingy must have some sort of fuel. My father goes on and on about how gasoline is stinking everything up. Maybe we can destroy that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Lieutenant considered him thoughtfully, and Washington flushed uncomfortably. \u201cThat\u2019s a good idea,\u201d the Lieutenant told him. \u201cBut what fuel is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t say Sir. But I saw some sort of flexible pipe running down the hill to Regent’s Canal. They\u2019ve got some sort of building on the bank there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant?\u201d the Lieutenant asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw it as well,\u201d I told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen that\u2019s our target. We\u2019re going to be moving quickly so I want the dynamite split up between everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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16-Jun 23:46 #HydrogenIsHighlyInflamable<\/div>

From the subsequent description it would appear that the Martian\u2019s were using compressed hydrogen to power their flyer, a notoriously unstable fuel unless properly stored.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 00:01 – Thursday<\/div>

Today more discoveries are made concerning the Martians and Lieutenant Dullanty\u2019s Special Ops unit launches their attack on the Martian airfield at London\u2019s Primrose Hill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At Woking, Maxim is shocked by the arrival of his granddaughter, Persephone, who left Edinburgh to join him against his express orders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Commander Carver\u2019s scratch force (now working their way to Woking via Betchworth) continues to grow, with the addition of a 12-pounder gun, its horses, limber, ammunition and crew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In London, even as the red weed chokes the Thames, Toni and the other suffragettes gain a renewed sense of purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 01:00 @SgtHugh #ReminiscesOnTheWar<\/div>

Leaving two soldiers behind at the copse Lieutenant Dullanty led 1st<\/sup> and 2nd<\/sup> Platoons towards our target. We were less than 25 yards away when a loud cry of \u2018ulla\u2019 indicated we\u2019d been made.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRun,\u201d the Lieutenant yelled, even as I felt the burning fire of the heat-ray sweep over our heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We reached the shelter of the building just as a crashing sound announced a tripod pounding down the hill towards us. \u201cFuse!\u201d the Lieutenant called as he pressed a stick of dynamite into the soft ground surrounding the building. I copied him, and realised the metal skin of the building was white with frost. Someone swore as their hand touched the metal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly there was a scream and I looked up to see the Martian tripod towering over us. A tentacle swept down, seizing the Lieutenant and jerking him into the air. For a moment it was as though time stopped dead, then I watched him calmly light the fuse of the stick of dynamite he still clutched in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Martian\u2019s tentacle lifted Lieutenant Dullanty into the air, even as his arm tossed the now sputtering stick into the cage suspended on the back of the tripod\u2019s body. There was a muffled explosion, and a creak of tearing metal as the tripod collapsed slowly sidewards, the Lieutenant landing heavily on the ground beside it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two of the men ran over to the Lieutenant, pulling him back to us. He was still alive, but was coughing blood. Never a good thing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre the explosives set?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnother couple of minutes,\u201d I told him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019ve got that Sergeant,\u201d he said, as the strident cry of \u2018ulla ulla ulla\u2019 sounded from the top of the hill, and another tripod started towards us, followed by something much smaller, that seemed to crawl on multiple articulated legs. \u201cGo! I\u2019ll set the explosives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir!\u201d I protested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an order, Sergeant. I\u2019d only slow you down. Go!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir,\u201d I stood up and saluted him. Before giving the order to pull back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We\u2019d almost reached the copse when the sharp crack of a single firecracker caused me to throw myself to the ground, just before the rolling noise of an explosion deafened my ears. Peering back I saw the building we\u2019d targeted split as burning white light silhouetted the two Martian machines, and then the noise of the fuel exploding followed. As the light faded slightly, turning slightly yellow, I saw a speck of white flame racing up the hill,\u00a0the fuel line peeling back in front of it until the flame reached the outside of the flying machine\u2019s stable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment there was simply silence, then an explosion that was like a cannon to the previous explosion\u2019s rifle shot. As we cowered on the ground the stable\u2019s roof cartwheeled high into the air over our head, before crashing to the ground somewhere on the far side of Regent\u2019s Canal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 02:00 @BreakerMorant #PiccadillyParty<\/div>

Party is becoming too loud. Round up men and leave before Martians arrive.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 07:00 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Looked out the window this morning. #Thames is choked with #redweed<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@graceharwood and I will be running #healthchecks for all the @NUWSS survivors today. #atlastIwillusemyskills #ihavepockets #antisepsis #wishihadxray #manyinjuries<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 08:50 @BreakerMorant #PiccadillyParty<\/div>

Mother wakes me for breakfast handover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I hate Thursdays.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie Curie appears to be over her funk, and is asking searchers to find the fireworks for the Diamond Jubilee. Says that replacing the decorative payload with arsenic might work against the Martians.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 09:00 #Sheen<\/div>

On their 9th day of confinement in Sheen, Wells wakes to find the curate talking loudly to himself. He is successful in quietening him, but fears that the curate’s increasing irrational behaviour will attract the Martians.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 09:34 #HiramMaxim<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim<\/p>\n

Against my express orders, my granddaughter Persephone has joined me. Slinging a shotgun over her shoulder, she stood in my study, her riding boots damp with the morning dew. \u201cYou know I told you to stay in Edinburgh with your mother. Carol must be worried. You were safe there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSafe for how long? It was either this or visit some chums at Queen Anne\u2019s Mansions in the city. Besides, Grandfather, with what you\u2019re planning with that thing in the shed, you need me. You can\u2019t do it alone.\u201d She looked at unconscious man on the cot. \u201cWho\u2019s your guest?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s a naval officer from Thunder Child.\u201d<\/em> I nodded to the open logbook on my desk. \u201cI\u2019ll be damned if know how he got here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Persephone smiled. \u201cI rode in through Chertsey \u2013 that\u2019s closest the Thames passes to here. I found a naval boat tied up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe must have made his way up through London and the red weed, right under the Martians\u2019 noses. But why Woking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Woking?\u201d asked my granddaughter. \u201cMaybe it has something to do with that tower the Martians built that you\u2019re so keen on. Do you know what they\u2019re doing with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly the vaguest of notions, Granddaughter. What I do know is that tower must be destroyed. And soon. Since you\u2019re staying, I\u2019ll make us some tea and we can take turns in the attic monitoring the tower. There\u2019s still much to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just blast it to hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

I smiled. \u201cSoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 11:00 @LtCarver<\/div>
\"17-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 17 June 1897, 11:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

Our ranks continue to grow. Outside of Betchworth, resting in a glade, we found a 12-pounder gun, with its horses, limber, and ammunition wagon. According to the gun\u2019s crew they were part of a masked Royal Horse Artillery battery that failed to stop the Martians east of London.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe managed to save ourselves before the Black Smoke took the horses, sir,\u201d said their sergeant. He seemed embarrassed to be among the living. \u201cWe\u2019ve been in concealment ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand.\u201d I looked them up and down. \u201cUp for a little revenge?\u201d<\/p>\n

The artillerymen all nodded grimly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We continued our ride northwest, skirting around dead London in the moonlight. Passing through a freight yard outside of Dorking, we halted. Ahead stood a Martian silhouetted above the rooftops, scanning the horizon. We all held our breaths until it moved towards the east.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe must be getting close, sir,\u201d said Sergeant-Major Howard, watching the Martian move into the distance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get our fill of them soon,\u201d I said. \u201cWe\u2019ll be in Woking tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Howard nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll see to the men, then.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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17-Jun 20:30 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

#exhausted and #filthy again. #savedalifetoday #iamhelping<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 00:01 – Friday<\/div>

The infamous \u2018Circus Massacre\u2019 is well known to historians, and Toni\u2019s view of what occurred is blunt. However, with historians estimating that 1.25 million people remained in London throughout the War, the Massacre could have been predicted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Commander Carver, his 30 men plus field-gun, enter Ripley, just outside Woking where they encounter Persephone who escorts them to meet Maxim, her grandfather. Maxim explains his belief that the tower the Martians have erected is much more than a simple beacon and explains how he plans to destroy it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still confined to the house in Sheen, Wells is forced to knock the Curate out when he draws the attention of the Martians with his prayers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 03:00 #RefugeesInOnesOwnCountry<\/div>
\"18-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Despite Well’s evocative descriptions of a deserted city, not everyone had left London. Some simply could not afford to, others such as the botanist Ernest Marquand could not leave because of familial responsibilities. Others remained to fight, or to support those who had stayed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Historians now estimate that of the 6.3 million who lived in Greater London before the war, 20% (1.25 million people) stayed in the city. This left 5 million refugees, of whom perhaps only 338,000 would have been able to be evacuated by sea to the continent – fleeing north.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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18-Jun 04:00 @HGWells #RegentsStreet<\/div>
\"18-Jun<\/a><\/div>

For those remaining in London most hid, but not all. Wells’ Artilleryman later claimed to have seen Regent’s Street ablaze with lights, crowded with painted and ragged drunkards, men and women, dancing and shouting – even as a tripod stood sentinel near by the Langham watching, unobserved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Martian tripod watched until dawn and then working its way down the street picked up perhaps a 100 of those too drunk or frightened to run away.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 04:45 @toniwantstovote<\/div>
\"18-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Woken by noise. So many lights. So much shouting and noise. All to the north and not far. #PiccadillyCircus #RegentsSt #aretheyinsane #whatishappening<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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18-Jun 08:00 @PierreCurieDeadInAccident<\/div>

FROM SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR HENRY PETTY-FITZMAURICE 5TH MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE STOP<\/p>\n

TO COLONEL COLDSTREAM GUARDS GENERAL SIR STEPHENSON STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FRED I REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION AT THE OXFORD LABORATORIES DURING TESTING OF THE HEAT-RAY DEVICE RECOVERED BY MEN OF NO 4 COY STOP AMONG THE DEAD ARE LT MARKUS KILVANEY AND PIERE CURIE STOP SIR J DULLANTY WAS ALSO WOUNDED AND MAY LOSE HIS EYE BUT HAS RETURNED TO ROTCH WOOD ENDS<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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18-Jun 09:00 @BreakerMorant #ThePiccadillyMassacre<\/div>

At this morning’s breakfast-handover the lookout posts report a massacre at Piccadilly Circus, where we\u2019d been drinking the night before last. Vogan and I exchange a worried look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lookout also reports a reduction in tripod activity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie Curie looks strained this morning, still worrying about her husband, but reports that there have been no more pods sent from Mars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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18-Jun 09:10 @BreakerMorant #BrownsPigeonReturns<\/div>

Brown returned the pigeon that we got a refugee to take to him. He is in Edinburgh, apparently dropped by to see his father\u2019s family and has established a refugee camp outside the city.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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18-Jun 09:14 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@graceharwood and I went out under cover at 0600 this morning to find out what is happening. #drunks #stupidity<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We #hid in the shadows. #Fools lit lights, and danced and sang. #whyohwhydidtheydoit<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#Martian from Langham came<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#fools were harvested into a basket<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#bloodsuckers #ididnotknowthis #bodiesdrained #weareprey<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Found a small child cowering behind a bin. Took her home. #notspeaking #terrified #howdidshesurvive<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 09:30 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 18 June 1897, 09:30 GMT:<\/p>\n

The sun was well up when we finally entered Ripley, just outside Woking. Our column, now 30 men plus a field gun, moved slowly. Except for a few burnt out buildings, likely from long-forgotten cooking fires, the town was intact. But like everywhere, it was deserted, devoid of life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there,\u201d rang out a woman\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother master?\u201d asked Lieutenant Mann. \u201cEvery town we ride through seems to have one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have you covered!\u201d A young woman stepped out from the shadows, wearing riding boots. Long dark curls flowered around her head. She levelled a shotgun at us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot a master, Lieutenant Mann,\u201d I smiled at her. \u201cBut perhaps a queen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us pass,\u201d said Mann. \u201cWe have to get to Woking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201dWoking seems to be a popular destination,\u201d she said with an arch smile. She lowered her weapon, as she surveyed us. \u201cYou\u2019re the army or what\u2019s left it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoyal Navy, actually,\u201d I said. \u201cLieutenant Commander Roger Carver, late HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, at your service. <\/em>But the Lieutenant is correct: it is vital we get to Woking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait? Thunder Child?\u201d<\/em> She blinked. \u201cThere\u2019s someone you should meet at my grandfather\u2019s workshop.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 09:40 #HiramMaxim<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is very good to meet you, Lieutenant.\u201d I shook Lieutenant Carver\u2019s hand. \u201cDoubtless my granddaughter has told you about our guest. He\u2019s unfortunately not regained consciousness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Maxim,\u201d said Carver. I\u2019m most anxious to find out who it is. Sergeant-Major, come with me. Lieutenant Mann, tend to disposition of the men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGod\u2019s teeth, Commander,\u201d said Sergeant-Major Howard as we entered my backroom, \u201cIt\u2019s Mr. Farmer!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Sergeant-Major.\u201d Carver knelt by the cot where Farmer lay. \u201cFarmer,\u201d he said gently. \u201cFarmer\u2026 it\u2019s Carver. Johnathan?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Amazingly Farmer stirred. His swollen eyes blinked open. \u201cCarver?\u201d He spoke weakly and thickly. \u201cI knew I would find you. We must stop them from exterminating us, Carver. Where are we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust outside Woking,\u201d said Carver. \u201cYou made it. Rest up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Farmer smiled and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 10:20 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 18 June 1897, 10:20 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

According to a few rough notes Mr. Farmer scribbled in the Thunder Child\u2019s<\/em> logbook, the force of the ship\u2019s boilers exploding threw him and the logbook clear of the ship. Despite his grave injuries, he found the ship\u2019s whaleboat adrift. What had happened the cox\u2019n is unclear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAmazing,\u201d I said, closing the book. “And on a wild hunch that I was alive and heading towards Woking, Farmer motored up the Thames to meet us.”\u00a0 I turned to Maxim and his granddaughter. \u201cYou\u2019ve mentioned that you\u2019ve kept watch on the Martian position. What have you found out?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat tower is much more than a beacon, of that I am certain, Mr. Carver,\u201d said Maxim. \u201cBased on my observations, I believe it broadcasts an electromagnetic field protecting the Martians against earthly pathogens. Destroy it, and they will sicken and die within a matter of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I frowned. Maxim\u2019s theory was outlandish. \u201cPoppycock! I refuse to believe how invisible waves can prevent illness and death! It\u2019s nonsense. I can sooner believe in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Men from Mars, Mr. Carver?\u201d Maxim smiled archly. \u201cThe Martians are a more ancient and more advanced race.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a given,\u201d I said. \u201cAny race that can cross the gulf of space must be beyond us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn many ways,\u201d said Maxim. \u201cThe fighting machines, the Heat Ray: those are obvious examples. They are beyond us as we are the flatworm. Their grasp of the sciences must be equally ahead of us.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are now experimenting with wireless,\u201d continued Maxim. \u201cI can see the day when we will be able to transmit sound and pictures.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Mr. Farmer says.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why cannot you accept the possibility that the Martians, who are in advance of us, are able to do as I suggest?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll suspend my doubt,\u201d I said. I needed Maxim. In retrospect, he was correct, although we still don\u2019t comprehend why. \u201cYou plan to destroy the tower, you granddaughter said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Maxim nodded. \u201cTogether, we might just carry the day! Persephone, show the Commander my machine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour grandfather is quite the man,\u201d I said as Persephone led me to the back shed.<\/p>\n

\u201cScientist, engineer, inventor, industrialist,\u201d she said taking my hand with a smile, \u201cand designer of the Maxim machine gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

I blushed a little as she took my hand. Was Persephone\u2026 a suffragette?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s in here?\u201d\u00a0 I asked as Persephone unlocked the padlock on the shed\u2019s double door and begun to swing them open. I helped her push the doors back, revealing something looming in the shadows.<\/p>\n

Persephone smiled, taking my hand and squeezing it. \u201cGrandfather\u2019s flying machine!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 10:21 #electromagneticfields<\/div>

Interestingly, though Maxim was unsure of how the Martian’s tower worked, recent research has confirmed the possibility that electromagnetic fields may be used to control pathogens.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

See (Mousavian-Roshanzamir S, Makhdoumi-Kakhki A. The Inhibitory Effects of Static Magnetic Field on Escherichia coli from two Different Sources at Short Exposure Time.<\/em> Rep Biochem Mol Biol. 2017 https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5346279\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why Wells did not discuss this development in his history remains something of a mystery. It is possible that comments exchanged between Carver and Wells later that year, may have contributed to this.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 11:00 #HiramMaxim<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim, 18 June 1897, 11:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

\u201cA flying machine?\u201d\u00a0 Carver looked at me, eyes wide. \u201cYou intend you use it against the Martians?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d I said. \u201cI intend to strike them from the air and drop explosives onto the tower. The arrival of your men has increased our chances of success if we attack together!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible,\u201d said Carver.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made a brief uncontrolled hop a few years ago,\u201d I said. \u201cI\u2019ve since installed a more powerful steam engine based on Lamm’s design of a fireless engine using ammonia.\u00a0Quite something. I also enlarged the control surfaces to improve manoeuvrability.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need to know if the damn thing will fly, Maxim,\u201d said Carver.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoger,\u201d said Persephone, taking Carver\u2019s hands, if Grandfather says it will fly, it will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re serious?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI intend to pilot it myself, with my granddaughter at my side,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA pity you don\u2019t have any of your famous guns,\u201d said Carver. \u201cWe could certainly use them.\u201d<\/p>\n

I smiled. \u201cI think I can help.\u201d I walked over the closet at the end of room and opened it.<\/p>\n

Carver smiled at the sight of the two Maxim guns and their ammunition. \u201cThat sir, is a great help.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 11:02 #peoplecanfly<\/div>
\"18-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Although no photograph of Maxim’s improved flying machine is known to exist, his earlier craft is pictured. Built in 1894, It was powered by two lightweight 180-horsepower steam engines, achieved forty miles per hour at launch, and flew two hundred feet before crashing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been believed that Maxim lost interest in flying after this failure, however, his journal makes it quite clear this was not the case. Maxim’s journal records his interest in the work by Franco-American inventor Emile Lamm (1834 \u2013 1873) who developed a \u201cfireless steam engine\u201d that ran on ammonia for potential use with city tram lines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lamm’s invention saw some limited use in both Paris and New Orleans before fading into obscurity. Because ammonia compresses quite easily into a liquid, the engine was naturally lighter without having to carry wood or coal around with it. A much-developed version powered Maxim’s flying machine.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 11:30 @HGWells #DeathOfTheCurate #Sheen<\/div>
\"18-Jun<\/a><\/div>

It is the 10th day of Wells confinement to the collapsed house in Sheen and, after a sleepless night, once again Wells wakens to the curate praying loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells attempts to quieten him, but the curate rises to his knees, and in a voice that Wells later states must have reached the pit, cries: “I have been still too long and must now bear my witness. Woe unto this unfaithful city! Woe! to the inhabitants of the earth.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells describes rising to his feet in a terror lest the Martians hear them. But the curate simply continues shouting, at the top of his voice, standing to match Wells and extending his arms. “I must speak! The word of the Lord is upon me!”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And then the curate breaks, running for the pit and Wells pursues him, a meat-chopper in his hand. At the last moment Wells strikes him with the butt of the cleaver and the curate falls headlong, to lay stretched on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Wells’ fears now come to pass as the hole in the wall overlooking the pit darkens and a Martian comes to investigate. Creeping as noiselessly as he can Wells creeps to the coal cellar, and begins to cover himself up with the coal and firewood lying there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells describes watching the Martian working its way down the steps, “a tentacle like an elephant’s trunk\u2014waving towards him and touching and examining the wall, coals, wood, and ceiling. Like a black worm swaying its blind head to and fro.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells feels the tentacle touch the heel of of his boot, and must bite his hand to remain silent. With an abrupt click, it grips something\u2014a lump of coal\u2014and leaves to examine it.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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18-Jun 17:00 @HGWells #DeathOfTheCurate #Sheen<\/div>
\"18-Jun<\/a><\/div>

The Martian has not returned to the scullery; but Wells has lain all this day, in the close darkness, buried among coals and firewood, not daring even to crawl out for the drink he craves.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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19-Jun 00:01 – Saturday<\/div>

Wells finally emerges from the house he had been confined for 11 days, to the sound of \u2014 silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In London, Toni\u2019s diary continues to demonstrate \u00a0the determination and organisational skills of the suffragists. And once again, we see Elizabeth Cadbury\u2019s exemplary leadership qualities demonstrated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Elsewhere in the greatest city on Earth, Morant records that one of the men who had taken the heat-ray off him had turned up with the news that Pierre Curie had been trying to get the heat ray to work at a lab in Oxford when it exploded, killing him instantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Outside the city, Commander Carver and Maxim finish their plans for a combined attack against the Martians in the Woking Pit, an attack that will be undertaken from both the air, and ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And we consider the report on an examination of the Martian\u2019s machines recovered by Lieutenant Dullanty, undertaken at Roche Wood under the direction of Sir J Dullanty (the Lieutenant\u2019s father). And discuss an explanation for why the Martian\u2019s only launched a restricted number of capsules.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 07:00 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

#oldies are caring for #thechild<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 07:05 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@NUWSS central meeting today. They are coming here, as we have #thehighestground #blacksmoke still happening.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 07:10 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@sirjohntheengineer and the oldies have our first #gasmasks #willtheywork #whowilltrythem #shouldIvolunteer #fear<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 09:30 @BreakerMorant #PC-Deceased<\/div>

One of the men from the group who took the heat-ray off us found us. He said that Pierre Curie had been trying to get the heat ray to work at a lab in Oxford when it exploded, killing him instantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie was very distressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 09:45 @BreakerMorant #MC-Distressed<\/div>

Marie requested an escort to Oxford but I said no. It is simply too dangerous. I have asked Mother to keep an eye on her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 10:00 @HGWells #WellsEmerges<\/div>

Alone in the scullery, his mouth and throat parched, Wells sits in the darkness, in a state of despondent wretchedness. Outside he hears only silence from the pit, but feels too weak to investigate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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19-Jun 11:00 @LtCarver<\/div>
\"19-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 19 June 1897, 11:00 GMT:<\/p>\n

I stood at table with a map of Woking, and the Martian position in the Horsell Common sandpit.\u00a0 Maxim tapped the map with a red grease pencil, drawing a circle around the enemy position. \u201cThis is about where I began to feel that odd sensation, I told you about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re certain that the tower the Martians built is the cause of it? Lieutenant Mann asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d said Maxim.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may not agree on everything,\u201d I said, \u201cbut we agree that tower must be destroyed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m more concerned about the Black Smoke,\u201d said Sergeant-Major Howard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI may have an answer for that,\u201d said Maxim, producing a crude fabric hood with eyeholes made from glass. \u201cBefore wireless transmission from Birmingham was cut off due to the tower\u2019s interference, the government broadcast specifications for these masks. I understand your artillery were provided with a set.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mann picked up the mask.\u00a0 He shook his head. \u201cThis<\/em> will protect us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve made improvements, including a charcoal filter to increase its effectiveness,\u201d Maxim assured us.<\/p>\n

I remembered how the people of Shearness and Tilbury died wholesale from the smoke. \u201cDo we have enough for us all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxim nodded. \u201cPersephone and some of your men spent a few hours this morning making them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure everyone is issued with one,\u201d I turned to Howard.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll need something for the horses,\u201d said Lieutenant Mann.<\/p>\n

\u201cPersephone\u2019s already thought of that,\u201d Maxim said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an adaption of the basic mask,\u201d Persephone said. \u201cIt fits quite snugly There\u2019ll be enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sergeant-Major, how are the men?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe now have two Maxim guns with ammunition. The 12-pounder has 20 rounds of high explosive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBe sure to site your artillery piece here,\u201d said Maxim, pointing to where the map indicated a wooded area that overlooked the Martians. \u201cIt will be in range there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe men are rested and ready to go,\u201d said Howard. \u201cIt\u2019s this business about the flying machine I\u2019m not sure of.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant-Major,\u201d said Maxim, \u201cplease be assured my machine will fly. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cThen tomorrow we attack,\u201d I said. \u201cAction will commence at 0800 with a single green flare.\u201d<\/p>\n

I looked over at Farmer asleep on the cot. He stirred gently. I doubt he heard us at all.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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19-Jun 12:01 @LtJRDullanty<\/div>

TO: LT. JAMES ROBERT DULLANTY NO 4 COMPANY (SPECIAL OPERATIONS) COLDSTREAM GUARDS STOP<\/p>\n

JAMES PLEASE THANK GEN SIR STEPHENSON FOR THE BODY OF THE MARTIAN AND THE REMAINS OF THE MACHINES YOU RECOVERED STOP ATTACHED IS A COPY OF OUR INITIAL FINDINGS.<\/p>\n

YOUR FATHER<\/p>\n

J DULLANTY ROTCH WOOD<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTHE MARTIANS APPARENTLY EITHER DO NOT KNOW OF, OR ABSTAIN FROM, THE WHEEL BUT IN THEIR APPARATUS SINGULARLY LITTLE USE IS MADE OF THE FIXED PIVOT OR RELATIVELY FIXED PIVOT WITH CIRCULAR MOTIONS THEREABOUT CONFINED TO ONE PLANE\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cALMOST ALL JOINTS OF THE MACHINERY PRESENT A COMPLICATED SYSTEM OF SLIDING PARTS MOVING OVER SMALL BUT BEAUTIFULLY CURVED FRICTION BEARINGS STOP REMARKABLY THE LONG LEVERAGES OF THEIR MACHINES ARE IN MOST CASES ACTUATED BY A SORT OF SHAM MUSCULATURE OF DISKS IN AN ELASTIC SHEATH\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTHESE DISKS BECOME POLARIZED AND ARE DRAWN CLOSELY AND POWERFULLY TOGETHER WHEN TRAVERSED BY A CURRENT OF ELECTRICITY STOP IN THIS WAY THE CURIOUS PARALLELISM TO ANIMAL MOTIONS, WHICH WAS SO STRIKING AND DISTURBING TO THE HUMAN BEHOLDER, WAS ATTAINED\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSUCH QUASI-MUSCLES ABOUNDED IN THE HANDLING-MACHINE YOU OBTAINED AND WHICH YOU COMMENT APPEAR INFINITELY MORE ALIVE THAN THE ACTUAL MARTIANS LYING BEYOND IT IN THE SUNSET LIGHT STOP PANTING AND MOVING FEEBLY AFTER THEIR VAST JOURNEY ACROSS SPACE\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note: <\/strong>This telegram was never delivered due to Lt. Dullanty\u2019s, due to his death during the attack on the airfield at Primrose Hill. The telegram was personally returned to his father after the war by Gen Sir Stephenson.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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19-Jun 14:07 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@lizcadbury will trial #gasmask I don\u2019t know how to feel about this. #inspiring #whyher #whynotme<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@millifawcett says we must not risk anyone with medical training.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But we need @lizcadbury #shehasbeenmyrock<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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19-Jun 16:00 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Now we need to find a #Martian and #blacksmoke #arewenuts?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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19-Jun 21:46 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@lizcadbury surived! #gasmaskworks #Iamsorelieved #sheismyrock<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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19-Jun 22:02 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 19 June 1897, 22:02 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a clear moonless night. The stars were brilliant, but cool and unsympathetic. I thought about Mars, now below the western horizon. \u201cThey\u2019ve not sent any more cylinders,\u201d I said. \u201cI keep wondering why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps there\u2019s a problem with their launcher,\u201d said Persephone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very perceptive,\u201d I said taking her hand. \u201cYou take after your grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled. \u201cI\u2019m a keen observer, like him.\u201d Her hand tightened around mine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed. If it\u2019s trouble with whatever the Martians use to hurl their cylinders at us, it\u2019s a stroke of luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked at Persephone.\u00a0 We smiled at each other. I found myself taking a definite liking towards the young suffragette. If\u2026 If\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHelp!\u201d We turned around to see Persephone\u2019s father stumbling out of the house towards us. He was bleeding from his face. \u201cMr. Farmer attacked me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maxim fell into his daughter\u2019s arms. \u201c\u2026when I came to, he was gone\u2026 so was my revolver.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve a nasty wound.\u201d I got him to his feet as his daughter cleaned away the blood from his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026what\u2019s more,\u201d said Maxim, \u201cthe explosives I was experimenting with in my shop are gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think Mr. Farmer\u2019s gone after the Martians on his own?\u201d asked Persephone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUndoubtedly,\u201d I said as we walked Maxim back to the house. \u201cWe can\u2019t go after him, or we\u2019ll risk giving ourselves away. The poor mad fool must\u2019ve overheard us. I don\u2019t know what he has planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We got to the house and lay Maxim on the cot in his workshop. Maxim reached out to Persephone. \u201cWith my injuries, I can\u2019t take the flying machine up tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can pilot,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I will need someone to drop the explosives.\u201d She looked at me. \u201cRoger, can you help?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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19-Jun 22:03 #MartianLaunchersDestroyed<\/div>

Persephone’s comment that the Martian’s failure to send more capsules was “perhaps a problem with their launcher,\u201d was more accurate than she had guessed at the time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recent investigations for this production have confirmed that the Martian launcher was in fact destroyed by a by a powerful beam of electromagnetic energy projected by Mr. Nikola Tesla from his laboratory in Colorado Springs, U.S.A.\u00a0 The search for the Martian launcher, begun at the invasion\u2019s onset, was a carried out by observatories around the world linked by telegraph.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once again, as Carter confirmed this in a note added to his journal in 1898, it is unclear why this was neglected by Wells in his own history.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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20-Jun 00:01 – Sunday<\/div>

From a historical perspective, we are beginning to see that determination, organisation, and competence, lead to results that have far reaching consequences. As does the opposite.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We continue to see the @NUWSS\u2019 organisational abilities with outposts now in regular contact now via radio. In her diary Toni notes the increasing difficulty of moving through London because of \u00a0the Red Weed which has clogged London\u2019s waterways and caused the Thames to break its banks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In Woking we witness the determined assault on the Martian\u2019s pit, while in London Morant delivers the eulogy for Pierre Currie at a small commemoration service held in the undercroft at Westminster.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 07:30 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 07:30 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re sure now, sir?\u201d Sergeant-Major Howard regarded Maxim\u2019s flying machine and its long catapult track with scepticism.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not,\u201d I said, \u201cbut if there\u2019s a chance that it\u2019ll work, I need to be here. I trust you and Lieutenant Mann have deployed per my orders?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCarry on then, Sergeant -Major Howard,\u201d I saluted and shook his hand. \u201cAnd take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou too, sir. And don\u2019t worry about Mr. Farmer, sir. We\u2019ll keep an eye out for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, Sergeant-Major. Don\u2019t be tardy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t miss it for the world, sir.\u201d Howard smiled.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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20-Jun 07:40 #HiramMaxim<\/div>
\"20-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was still not well enough to pilot my machine. Reluctantly, I would leave that to Mr Carver and Persephone. I was with the crew of the 12-pounder, overlooking Horsell Common. I pulled out my pocket watch. My head still hurt. But no matter: it would not be long now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men were dug into a slit trench anchored at each end by a Maxim gun, one hundred yards ahead of us, almost at the crater\u2019s rim. The men dug the trench with the greatest of care and bravery over the last two evenings as to not be discovered by the Martians. No sign of Farmer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 07:52 @LtCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 07:52 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I sat strapped into the bow of the Maxim\u2019s flying craft.\u00a0 Persephone sat behind me her hands gripping the tiller. Occasionally, she would make an adjustment to the throttle lever, causing the giant steam engine driving a four-bladed airscrew to thunder and shake the machine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I carried a bag of dart-like grenades in my lap that I were to drop on the enemy when we passed over. The machine shook around us, its engine at full power, restrained on the catapult track by the locking mechanisms. \u201cReady to go?\u201d Persephone leaned over and yelled in my ear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I leaned back and nodded at her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I felt the clamps holding us back disengage. We surged ahead, picking up speed as went, racing dizzyingly towards the end of the track that curved up into space. The wind whistled past my ears. I saw the end of the track come up and we fell.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 08:00 #HiramMaxim<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreen star,\u201d said the gunnery sergeant, his gas mask hanging around his neck. \u201cPrepare to fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So it was.<\/em> A lonely green star arced out from out forward positions. I scanned the skies for Persephone and Mr. Carver. Perhaps<\/em>…\u00a0 In the distance, I could hear the rattle of my guns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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20-Jun 08:02 @LtCarver #flying<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 08:02 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were flying!<\/em> Somehow, we fell and staggered into the sky, lurching from one air current to the other. We started to rise. We were just as good as the Martians: we could fly too! <\/em>As we rose above the roofless houses, I could make out the green star drifting above Horsell.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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20-Jun 08:05 #HiramMaxim #APutteringNoise<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cannon roared beside me. The shell exploded on the far side of the of the crater, kicking up piles of dust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect fire two degrees and you\u2019ll have it,\u201d I said to the gunnery sergeant. As the artilleryman barked the order to his crew, I heard a puttering noise overhead.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 08:06 @LtCarver #flying #UllaUlla<\/div>
\"20-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 08:06 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We passed over the artillery position, some 80 feet below. I could see the men below wave excitedly to us, including Maxim. I definitely owed him an apology.<\/em> Despite the life-and-death struggle we faced, I joined Persephone in grinning and waving madly to our comrades below.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The artillery resumed firing as we left them. I could see the shell land in the pit, but short of the tower. I could see our men in the trench line, supported by the machine gunners, firing into the pit, trying to prevent the Martians from gaining their fighting-machines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We began a turn to starboard, so that our path would take us over the pit. I reached for one of the grenades, primed it by twisting the firing pin in the nose.\u00a0 I leaned over, released it. There was a satisfying sound of an explosion. I looked up: the tower was directly ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe tower!\u201d I grabbed Persephone by the hand and pointed ahead. She nodded, throttling up the engine.<\/p>\n

\u201cUlla! Ulla!\u201d<\/em> Suddenly, a fighting-machine reared up in front of us. <\/em>The flying machine made a hard turn to port, as the Martian tried to bring its Heat Ray to bear on us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I picked up a pair of grenades. I primed them and threw them at the Martian. They exploded harmlessly as they hit the carapace. I felt a flash of blistering heat behind me Persephone!<\/em> I turned around. Persephone struggled with the tiller while the rudder of the aircraft burned.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 08:15 #HiramMaxim #MakeThisOneCount<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUlla! Ulla!\u201d<\/em> The Martian fired its Heat Ray, shearing the tail off the flying machine. It spun in, trailing flame, crumpling as hit the ground. Persephone! Carver! <\/em>The fighting-machine towered over it and raised a leg as if to crush them. I never felt so helpless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked at the sergeant. He yelled at the gun crew, \u201cTarget that tripod! Two rounds, double-quick!\u201d In short order, the artillery piece spoke twice. The first shell struck the fighting-machine, staggering it, while the second detonated as the machine collapsed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked at the tower. It stood defiantly. \u201cGet the tower!\u201d I yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gunnery sergeant nodded. \u201cYou heard the man! Put fire on that tower. Make this one count!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gun fired.\u00a0 The shell exploded at the tower\u2019s base. The tower titled and leaned at a drunken angle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Hit it again!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, sir,\u201d said the sergeant, picking up his carbine. \u201cThat\u2019s the last of our shells. From now on, it\u2019s PBI.\u201d He adjusted his gas mask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPBI?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPoor Bloody Infantry.\u201d He motioned to his men. \u201cC\u2019mon lads.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Persephone\u2019s shotgun in hand, I followed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 08:20 @LtCarver #FortunesOfWar<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 08:20 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCarver! Wake up!\u201d I felt a hand shaking my shoulders. Slowly, I opened my eyes. I hurt in several places. Farmer knelt over me. Half his face was a mass of burnt red flesh, swollen, and cracked. Nonetheless, he smiled grotesquely when he saw me open my eyes. \u201cI saw you crash.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPersephone?\u201d I sat up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStill unconscious.\u201d Farmer wheezed. \u201cI\u2019ve hidden her behind your craft\u2019s wings. Amazing machine, really.\u201d For a brief second, he was his old self, but only. \u201cYour friends have managed to damage the tower, but it\u2019s still standing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe must destroy it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked around. Much of the pit looked like a scene out of Dante\u2019s Inferno<\/em>, consumed by smoke and fire. The wreckage of the Martian tripod lay toppled with smoke rising from its cracked carapace. Alarmingly, I saw a single unmoving grey tentacle dangling from the opening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Farmer laughed unevenly, looking at the tentacle. \u201cHe\u2019s quite dead.\u201d He helped me up and patted a canvas bag that hung over his side. \u201cI took some of the explosives that the old man was working on in his lab.\u00a0 I needed your grenades, but here\u2019s his gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I took Maxim\u2019s revolver, a big Webley from Farmer. It was still loaded. \u201cYou could\u2019ve injured him seriously when you attacked him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had to do it, old man.\u201d Farmer shrugged. \u201cFortunes of war and all that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked back where Persephone lay, safe for now. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 08:35 #HiramMaxim #GasMasksOn<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We reached the trench-line overlooking the Martian pit. A number of our companions lay dead on the slope leading from the trench down into the enemy position, among them Lieutenant Mann.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told him to wait,\u201d said Sergeant-Major Howard, bitterly. He shook my hand. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve 19 men left, including your lot,\u201d said Howard. \u201cWe saw your granddaughter and Mr. Carver go down in that craft of yours.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cSmoke\u2019s too thick to see anything.\u201d The machine gunners kept laying fire into the pit. \u201cWe\u2019re trying to give them some cover.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe tower\u2019s still up,\u201d I said. The pins-and-needles feeling was not as strong. Did anyone else sense it? \u201c<\/em>It must be destroyed. I can\u2019t order you to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to,\u201d Howard smiled grimly. He turned to the men. \u201cFix bayonets and put on your gasmasks. We\u2019ve a job to finish.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
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20-Jun 08:42 @LtCarver #AChild’sSobbing<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 08:42 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Farmer and I carefully moved along through crater, picking our way by the shattered remains of a low, spider-like machine with five metallic legs and two claw-like appendages in its front. I smiled. It looked like it had taken a direct hit from the 12-pounder. The thing was dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tower, leaning broadly, stood in front of us, beside the open cylinder which was about the size of an apartment block. Suddenly our own gunfire which had been in the background, stopped. \u201cSounds like they\u2019re about to storm the crater,\u201d I said, looking at Farmer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe more the merrier!\u201d Farmer laughed uproariously. We passed by the open maw of the cylinder. It looked like the mouth of an ancient monster. Yet, from inside, I could hear a small girl crying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFarmer!\u201d I said, \u201cDo you hear that?\u201d The child\u2019s sobbing echoed out of the dark.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe child\u2019s dead already,\u201d said Farmer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s still alive!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Farmer laughed. \u201cYou go save the bloody child, for all it matters. I\u2019ll tend to the tower.\u201d \u201cHere, you\u2019ll need these, old man.\u201d He passed me two grenades. Then taking out a metal cylinder, he pushed a button on its lid. \u201cI have this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked at Farmer. In a short time, he had changed irrevocably. Not just physically, but morally, spiritually. One way or another, we had all changed. For the better or worse, I didn\u2019t know. We waved at each other. He went on his way; I went on mine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I would not see him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pistol drawn, I advanced into the open maw of the cylinder. \u201cHello?\u201d\u00a0 I called out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As I probed deeper, my eyes gradually became aware to the dim reddish light around me. This must be what daylight looks like on Mars. <\/em>At the same time, I became aware of an overwhelming stench.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cavern around me stank of rotting flesh. I repressed a shiver. God only knew what that meant.<\/em> \u201cHello.\u201d\u00a0 I called. \u201cHullo?\u201d A small voice answered back. I stepped further in, pistol in hand. In the red gloom I could see a small blonde-haired girl in a ragged dress.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you taking me home?\u201d asked the girl. She was strapped down on something like the wrecked machine outside. A transparent tube ran from the machine\u2019s innards to her arm. Every once in a while, the girl would groan and a pulse of red liquid would run from her into the machine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were milking her blood!<\/em> \u201cI most certainly am.\u201d I stuck the Webley into my belt. I tried to grab the tube only be blocked by a metallic arm with a claw at the end of it, which darted in front of me. \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019ll let you,\u201d she said nodding to something behind me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 08:43 @LtCarver #AChild’sSobbingPt2<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 08:43 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019ll let you,\u201d the child said nodding to something behind me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“He?\u201d<\/em> I spun around, pulling out my gun. It was then I saw my first Martian.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 08:55 #HiramMaxim #GasMasksOn<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim:<\/p>\n

Gripping Persephone\u2019s shotgun, I advanced warily down the slope into the Martian pit, flanked by Sergeant-Major Howard and his men, bayonets fixed. With the composition of the smoke below us uncertain, we thought it best to don our gas masks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Howard ordered us forward with his hand. The rubberized fabric of the mask with its glass eye holes was claustrophobic, but as I detected no odour, I deduced that the masks worked. The band of smoke cleared, and I joined Howard and the others in removing the masks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw your machine land around here,\u201d explained Howard as our skirmish line moved through a forest of ruined alien machinery. Soon, we came up the tangle of wings and tail surfaces that used to be my flying machine. I was elated to see Persephone standing beside them unharmed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We embraced. \u201cGrandfather,\u201d she said, \u201cwhen I came to behind the wing, Roger was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Commander clearly hid you there to protect you, while he moved on to the tower,\u201d I surmised, quickly looking around us. \u201cTo where we must presently go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d said Howard. \u201cForward!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 09:02 @LtCarver #TheMartian<\/div>
\"Naval<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 09:02 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I beheld the Martian: a large greyish-brown misshapen head with pulsing veins and delicate whip-link tentacles protruding from its sides. Two tiny soulless beady black eyes regarded me impassively, set above a small beaklike mouth that sucked red fluid through a glass straw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So this was one of the Master Race, one of the would-be conquers of Earth<\/em>. I felt revulsed. But I also sensed something else. I was able to gather a series of impressions from the Martian. Telepathy?<\/em> I sensed a brutal disdain for humanity, as we clearly didn\u2019t matter to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I gripped my pistol. Yet I sensed something else. Something I sensed when I was on China Station and once cleared out an opium den. Confused satisfaction. Addiction! The Martians were addicted to human blood! <\/em>I raised my pistol and squeezed the trigger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Martian reeled as the bullets struck its misshapen form. Anger directed at me filled my head, as the alien strained to rear its bulk against me, fighting earth\u2019s gravity. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my two grenades. I twisted the two priming caps and threw them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 09:06 #HiramMaxim #GasMasksOn<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim:<\/p>\n

We came across the open mouth of the cylinder when two explosions rang out from inside.\u00a0 A half-minute later, a figure carrying a small child staggard out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoger!\u2019 Persephone ran forward and embraced him, exchanging a quick kiss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I followed, flanked by Howard and the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carver gave the sobbing child to Persephone. \u201cTake care of her, she\u2019s been through a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked at the girl my granddaughter\u2019s arms and then the cylinder. My curiosity surged. \u201cWas she there? The Martians?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could tell you more Maxim, but there\u2019s no time. Farmer was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFarmer?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to the tower to destroy it. He\u2019s quite mad. He has some of your explosives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I felt dread. \u201cI knew he took it!\u00a0 A cylinder: small metal cylinder \u2013 did he have it with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Carver nodded. \u201cHe did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My dread deepened. \u201cDid he press a button on it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Carver.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to get out of here now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the tower?\u201d asked Howard, looking suddenly confused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCommander, Sergeant-Major,\u201d I\u2019m afraid to say that tower is the least of our worries. If Mr. Farmer does what he intends, our concerns will be rendered academic\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 09:14 @LtCarver #APleasureServingWithYou<\/div>

\u201cMaxim,\u201d I said, \u201cmake sense!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat cylinder \u2013 it\u2019s a prototype of a new explosive I\u2019ve been developing. I named after my daughter \u2013 Persephone\u2019s mother \u2013 Carol\u2026 Carolinium.<\/em> When that mad fool sets that bomb off, it\u2019ll destroy everything in this pit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the button?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s activated the delay timer.\u00a0 We have less than thirty minutes to escape!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant-Major Howard,\u201d I called out, with a rising sense of urgency, \u201cFall back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard him,\u201d Howard called to the men, \u201cfall back \u2013 double time!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We ran to the edge of the pit to a break in the smoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir,\u201d said Howard, eyeing the break in the smoke suspiciously, \u201cwe don\u2019t have gas masks for everyone. Not including the little girl.\u201d He reached for his mask. \u201cHere, sir.\u201d He took off his mask. \u201cI\u2019m an old man. Let the child have mine. I\u2019ll take my chances with the smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your mask,\u201d Sergeant-Major,\u201d I said, giving it back to him. \u201cThe child already has mine. Professor Maxim says the air should be clear enough if I go straight up the middle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAye, sir.\u201d Howard saluted me. \u201cMind if I say, Mr. Carver, it\u2019s been a pleasure serving with you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 09:16 #HiramMaxim #Struggling<\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we charged up the slope, I was all too aware that Mr. Carver who had gallantly donated his mask to the little girl was the only one of us not wearing a mask. I prayed that my advice about staying the centre of the break would be enough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I felt my boots dig into the sandy slope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we crested the rise, I checked over my shoulder through the smoke through the eyeholes in my mask. Mr. Carver was still there, his feet digging into the loose soil, but he seemed to be struggling.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 09:17 @LtCarver #QuiteFinished<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 20 June 1897, 09:17 GMT:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I tried to hold my breath as we ran up the slope. I stayed to the clearest path, where I could see a patch of blue sky. My lungs began to fill with acrid smoke. I stumbled, picked myself up and kept going.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I crested the hill but dropped to my knees again, coughing. I could not get up but immediately I felt myself being picked up and carried by Sergeant-Major Howard. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, sir. We\u2019re clear of the pit and the smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d I felt myself croak. My chest was on fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We\u2019d proceeded a hundred feet further when I heard Maxim yell for us to go to ground and cover our eyes. There was flash. The ground shook like it had been struck by a hammer. I managed to sit up in time to see black toadstool-shaped cloud, edged with fire, boil up from the pit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was sitting in the grass when Persephone joined me, still holding the girl. \u201cOh Roger.\u201d She hugged me. \u201cAre the Martians\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026quite dead \u2013 at least here anyway,\u201d I took her hand. I watched the reddish black cloud rise skyward.\u00a0 \u201cI shall never doubt your grandfather again.\u201d<\/p>\n

I lost consciousness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 10:00 @BreakerMorant #IGaveTheEulogy<\/div>
\"20-Jun<\/a><\/div>

We held a small commemoration service for Pierre in the undercroft at Westminster. As both Pierre and Marie had been agnostics I didn\u2019t need to find a priest, and gave the eulogy myself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 10:15 @BreakerMorant #RedIsNotTheColourOfMyCountry<\/div>

Returning to the Underground, I see the Martian\u2019s red weed has covered the Thames.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 11:40 @toniwantstovote<\/div>
\"Oldies<\/a><\/div>

#Oldies sewing and making frantically. #GasMasks for all.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 12:00 @HGWells<\/div>

On the 12th day of his imprisonment Well’s throat is so painful that, taking the chance of alarming the Martians, he attacks the creaking rain-water pump that stands by the sink, and gets a couple of glassfuls of blackened and tainted rain-water.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 12:56 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@NUWSS outposts in regular contact now. #Thanks to @SirJohnTheEngineer and his #Wireless marvel. He says thank @GMarconiWireless<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thank you @GMarconiWireless<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 15:00 @toniwantstovote<\/div>
\"20-Jun<\/a><\/div>

#GasMask just fitted in my #Pocket #IWillNeverWearANormalSkirtAgain #DividedSkirtsForTheWin<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 21:18 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Getting harder to move through #London #RedWeed is everywhere #Thames is now beginning to break banks in places. What will become of #London?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-Jun 21:59 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

The stench of the dead from the #BlackSmoke is getting worse. #GasMasks have more than one purpose now.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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20-June 22:00 #Hampstead<\/div>

The Martians still have a large encampment near Hampstead. It\u2019s like a great city, and at night, the sky is bright with their lights.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 00:01 – Monday<\/div>

Wells continues to slowly build up his strength prior to leaving from the house he has now been confined to for 13 days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toni\u2019s diary chronicles an epic journey from Queen Anne\u2019s Mansions to Bryanston Square in the quest for more equipment and medicines. She and Grace Stewart undertook the journey alone. In normal days, a round trip of 6.5km would take about an hour and a half. This journey took an entire day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Elsewhere in London, Morant continues to pester Marie Curie to provide him with weapons, even as the flood of refugees passing along the escape routes he and Brown established appears endless.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 04:00 @BreakerMorant #IHateMondays<\/div>

Woken by the lookouts going on shift. I hate Mondays.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 07:00 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

We are now a centre for #GasMask and #Wireless construction. @LizCadbury and @MilliFawcett are communicating regularly by #Wireless. #WeHavePlans #Organisation<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 07:50 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@GraceHarwoodStewart and I are now organising the 8th floor as a \u2018proper\u2019 #Hospital. We are above any #BlackSmoke and we have #GasMasks<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Today, we plan to make our way to St Mary\u2019s dispensary for women in Bryanston Square. @LizDispenGarrett did not survive #BlackSmoke #Sadness #Loss but we have hopes that the #Dispensary has #Medicines #Equipment<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note to self: #GasMask in #Pockets of #DividedSkirts Also, take some of @LizCadbury\u2019s #HighEnergySnacks #Apprehension #DeepBreath<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 08:30 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Leaving now. Will #MakeNotes when possible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 12:00 @BreakerMorant #ANewHospital<\/div>

Marie Curie has discovered that a new hospital has been established at Queen Anne\u2019s Mansions by the NUWSS, not far from St James Park Station.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 14:30 @BreakerMorant #RefugeesAreStillPouringIn<\/div>
\"21-Jun<\/a><\/div>

At Waterloo station, refugees are still pouring in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 13:00 #ImpossiblePlans<\/div>

On the 13th day Wells spends his time drinking more water, dozing and thinking of vague impossible plans of escape. He dreams of horrible phantasms, of the death of the curate, or of sumptuous dinners; but, asleep or awake, he feels a keen pain to drink again and again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 14:00 #TheColourOfBlood<\/div>
\"21-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Slowly Wells has become aware that the light that came into the scullery is no longer grey, but red. To his disordered imagination it seems the colour of blood.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 14:15 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Finally reached #BryastonSquare. Collapsed on top floor of #StMarysDispensary. #HowWillWeMakeItBack #GasMasksWork #RedWeed #WillWriteMoreLater<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 20:00 @BreakerMorant #Fireworks<\/div>

We have no heat gun, but have found some bottle rockets. Therefore, I give Marie two barrels of Gunpowder, so she can make more, but make her promise not to blow herself up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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21-Jun 21:47 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Left 0830 as planned. So much #redweed that we had to cut our way through. #BuckinghamPalace covered in #redweed<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#Martian in #HydePark. Spent an hour hiding. It just stood there, then after an hour or so, walked away. #Terrified #BreathHold #RedWeed #Martian #Shot a cannister when a flock of geese flew past #BlackSmoke<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#GasMask works. Had to don it and wait for #BlackSmoke to disperse. Took ages. In the end we used it for #Cover, and crawled in our #GasMasks into Park St. Too afraid to move fast. Had to keep watering #GasMask #SoThirsty #HackTheWeed #Exhausted<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#RedWeed covering everything. So hard to move fast. #Crawling #Cutting #Falling #KneesHurt<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reached #StMarysDispensary at last and collapsed on top floor. Rested, then searched for #AllTheThings. Used some to bandage our #Knees #Holes in my #DividedSkirts<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Filled our #Sacks with #Medicines #Surgical equipment #Anaesthetics #Antiseptics #Bandages. #SoHeavy<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trip back not as bad. #RedWeed already cut, but beginning to regrow. #HowFastCanItGrow?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#Filthy #Exhausted #HadAWash #GotTheStuff<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@LizCadbury concerned #Food is getting low, but thanks to the #Tanks on the roof, we have plenty of water<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Weird sounds in the sky tonight. Could it be a #FlyingMachine? Do the #Martians #Fly as well? #GraceHarwoodStewart and I saw the lights as we passed #BuckinghamPalace<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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