Tales of the Red Panda, The Android Assassins, written and narrated by Greg Taylor.

Chapter 1

Everyone agreed it was a perfect day for flying.

The sun was bright and warm, but did not yet beat down with the oppressive heat that would come later in the summer.

There was just enough of a breeze to keep the day from becoming still and hot,

barely moving the wind-sock above the lazy sort of lolling flap. The slight wind carried away the smell of oil and fuel that of necessity pervaded the airfield, and left behind only the

promise of a fine adventure.

Mechanics and crisp white overalls buzzed about the gleaming form of the aircraft like

industrious worker bees. The day carried just exactly the note of expectation that such an event

ought to. Within the passenger lounge, those about to take to the air could do little bit

stare out the great picture window in impatient delight at the fine-looking craft. Truly, it was

a sight to see, with its mighty engines ready to propel them to great heights and silver

skin glowing with reflected sunlight, almost obscuring the bold letters along her side that read

Bennett Aviation. The great hangar, just beyond the sunlight, almost obscuring the bold letters along her side that read,

Bennett Aviation.

The great hangar, just beyond the airship, bore a matching standard, as did the lounge in which the passengers waited, but the signs hardly seemed necessary.

Everyone in Toronto knew that it was Marcus Bennett who had built this airfield just north

of the city,

casting his bread upon the water in the belief that the future of air travel was as bright as this fine summer day.

Just five years ago, men had smiled indulgently when Bennett had said that one day travel by air would eclipse the passenger railways.

Certainly that time had not yet come, as even this mighty ship could only carry twenty travellers, but the same men who had once patronized him now

wondered if perhaps he had not been correct, and silently wished they had invested in the future as Marcus

...