S.W.A.T. (book 2 of the hexology in seven parts)
Chapter 9: Meeting Mister Banks

I once met the science fiction writer Ian M. Banks. It was at a slower than light science fiction convention. I had hitchhiked down with the founder of the Sheffield science fiction society. We were both members of ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha, the Hitch Hikers Guide to the galaxy appreciation society, which I joined in the wake of my older brother. We had both listened to the original ’78 broadcasts. Taking to the family car, as at the time it was the only source of stereo radio.

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But I digress; the journey down took surprisingly little time, as a Korean couple returning to London with goods for their shop picked us up. They had already come quite a distance already, so my companion who held a driving license, was asked to take the wheel. He consented, and making good time; we left our good Samaritans outside the university. Just north of London, where the convention was being held. My hitching pal had given them instructions, of how to get back on to the motorway. We had arrived in less time; than the over expensive train journey to London, followed by another local train back out.

The convention sported various events and stalls. Where I was introduced to the less well traveled side of Tintin books, and we were shown big screen versions of Dougal and the blue cat. Plus Akira with its original Japanese soundtrack, but subtitled into Cantonese. I still to this day pronounce Canada, like a Samurai warrior. The evenings were spent in the university bar. Where the guest speaker for the day Mr. Banks, was enjoying meeting his fans in a more social setting. I had not at that time read his novels. But I knew of his seminal work “the wasp factory”, which for some reason I confused with a book called “Nuromancer.” Understandably he was confused by my questions. But it didn’t seem to matter in the general wildness of the evening. I have to admit, I was very drunk.

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