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thxnews · 1 year ago

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History of the BBC: From its Beginnings to the Present Day

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a public service broadcaster that was founded in 1922. Its mission is to inform, educate, and entertain. The BBC is the world's oldest national broadcasting organization and the largest broadcaster in the world by the number of employees.

The BBC copper plaque. Image by TheOtherKev. Pixabay.

The BBC's Founding and Mission

The BBC employs over 31,000 staff in total, including more than 2,000 journalists. The BBC functions under a Royal Charter and finances itself through a license fee imposed on all UK households owning a television. A group of private individuals, driven by the desire to establish a radio station benefiting the public, founded the BBC. The inaugural broadcast occurred on November 2, 1936, from North London's Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) and lasted for one hour. It started with the time and weather then a current British Movietone News film and finished with as the Radio Times described it "Variety". The BBC has come a long way since its humble beginnings and is now one of the most respected news organizations in the world.

Radio studio. Photo by John Hult. Unsplash.

The 1920s: The BBC's Early Years

The BBC's first years were marked by growth and expansion. In 1924, the BBC launched its first radio news bulletin but it wasn't until 1927 that the BBC launched its first regular radio service. The BBC's early years were also marked by controversy. In 1926, the BBC's Scottish founder Sir John Charles Walsham Reith came under fire for the BBC's radio coverage of the 9-day General Strike. Winston Churchill (at that time the Chancellor of the Exchequer) tried to put pressure on Reith to announce the government's point of view but Reith held firm. The British prime minister (Baldwin) had a series of conversations with Reith but he held firm with his view of being impartial. Labor party leaders were also very upset by the lack of coverage after their leader Ramsay MacDonald was refused radio airtime. The first official launch of the Radio Times was in September 1923. The magazine listed all the radio shows by the days of the week with the times they were to air. In January 1927 by the Royal Charter, the BBC was officially established. Sir John Reith became the first Director-General. The founding charter defined the BBC's official objectives, powers, and obligations. In November 1929 the Scottish inventor Sir John Logie Baird started to test his vision frequencies theories for the BBC. His experimental television broadcasts started from studios near Covent Garden in London. With only 30 lines of black and white definition, the images were very basic.

London Blitz shelter. Photo by Hat Creative. Unsplash.

The 1930s and 1940s: The BBC and World War II

The BBC has a long and complicated history, especially when it comes to World War 2. After the outbreak of war in 1939, the BBC was used as a propaganda tool by the government to ensure that the public had accurate information about the war effort. This meant that the BBC had to walk a fine line between being objective and serving the government's agenda. The BBC did an admirable job during the war, but it was not without its controversies. One such controversy was the decision to broadcast Lord Haw's Nazi propaganda speeches. Despite this, the BBC remained an important part of British life throughout the war and continues to be so today. After the end of World War 2, Lord Haw was returned to England and later hanged for treason.

Belfast Offices. Photo by K Mitch Hodge. Unsplash.

The 1950s-1960s: The BBC's Golden Age

The BBC's Golden Age is considered to be the 1950s and 1960s. This was a time when the BBC was at the forefront of British broadcasting. The BBC had a monopoly on television in the UK and was able to produce some of the finest media in the world. The BBC's output during this period was hugely influential and set the standard for other broadcasters to follow. The likes of David Attenborough, Kenneth Clark, and Alistair Cooke were all household names thanks to the BBC. This was also a time when the BBC began to expand its reach beyond Britain. The launch of Radio 1 in 1967 saw the BBC become a truly global broadcaster. The BBC's reputation for quality and impartiality was cemented during this period and it remains one of the most respected broadcasters in the world today.

BBC Television Center, Wood Lane. Photo by Mike Fleming. Flickr.

The 1970s-1980s: The BBC in Crisis

The BBC is one of the most respected broadcasters in the world, but it has not always been easy sailing. In the 1970s and 1980s, the BBC was in crisis, facing challenges from all sides including internal power struggles. From within, the BBC was beset by industrial action as staff went on strike over pay and conditions. This led to a decline in morale and a loss of public trust. The BBC was also criticized for its coverage of events such as the Falklands War and the miners' strike. Outside of the organization, the BBC faced competition from commercial broadcasters who were eroding its market share. The government also introduced policies that threatened the independence of the BBC, such as introducing advertising on Radio 1. Despite these challenges, the BBC remained a powerful force in British life throughout this period.

Outside broadcasting crew. Photo by Timo W2S, Unsplash.

The 1990s-2000s: The BBC in the Digital Age

The 1990s and 2000s were a time of change for the BBC. The broadcaster became more commercial, launching several new channels and services. At the same time, it began to embrace digital technology, making its content available online and on demand. The BBC has a long and proud history of public service broadcasting. However, in the 1990s, it faced increased competition from commercial broadcasters. In response, the BBC launched several new channels, including BBC2, BBC News 24, and Radio 5 Live. It also began to make its content available online and on demand. Digital technology has transformed the way we consume media. And the BBC has been at the forefront of this change. Today, millions of people around the world can access its content on their computers, phones, and tablets.

BBC website. Photo by Siora Photography. Unsplash.

In Conclusion

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has a rich and storied history that spans nearly a century. From its modest beginnings in 1922 as a radio station with a mission to inform, educate, and entertain, the BBC has evolved into a global media powerhouse. The BBC has marked its journey through the decades with growth, challenges, and pivotal moments that have shaped its role in the United Kingdom and beyond. The BBC's early years showcased innovation and controversy, but the organization unwaveringly committed to impartiality and dedicated itself to serving the public good. Throughout World War II, the BBC played a crucial role in disseminating information while skillfully navigating the complex terrain of wartime propaganda. The 1950s and 1960s often refer to the BBC's Golden Age, a period during which it dominated British broadcasting and established international standards for quality and impartiality. The BBC's celebrities like David Attenborough became household names during this era, and its influence extended globally with the launch of Radio 1. However, the 1970s and 1980s were challenging times for the BBC, marked by internal strife, external competition, and political pressures. Despite these hurdles, the BBC continued to play a significant role in British life, maintaining its status as a respected broadcaster. The 1990s and 2000s ushered in a new era for the BBC as it adapted to the digital age. Embracing technology and expanding its offerings, the BBC ensured that its content reached audiences through various digital platforms and channels. The BBC Today Today, the BBC remains a global media leader, upholding its mission to inform, educate, and entertain. With its commitment to impartiality, quality content, and adaptability to changing technologies, the BBC continues to be a vital source of news, information, and entertainment for audiences worldwide. As we reflect on the BBC's journey from its humble beginnings to its present-day prominence, we recognize the enduring impact of this public service broadcaster on the media landscape. Its ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to its core values is a testament to its enduring importance in the world of broadcasting. The BBC's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of responsible journalism, quality programming, and the enduring mission to serve the public interest. Sources: THX News, Wikipedia, The BBC & The BBC Archive. Read the full article

#BBC #BBCdigitaltransformation #BBCGoldenAge #BBChistory #BBCincrisis #BBC'senduringlegacy #BBC'sevolution #BBC'sglobalinfluence #Britishbroadcaster #Britishbroadcastingcorporation #HistoryoftheBBC #Publicservicebroadcasting #WorldWarIIBBC

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gourdeous-vladdy3790 · 6 years ago

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Where’s Colby McAuley? (An Orlando Solar Bears One-Shot)

“Hey, McAuley!” A deep voice bellows out.

A young man with short floppy blond hair parted to one side spins around. His blue eyes shimmer in the dim rays of light coming from street lights behind the arena.

A man in a black hoodie with his arms folded stands to the side.

“Can I help you?” Colby McAuley asks, running a hand through his hair.

“No, actually. Heard you had a big goal…” the man sneers, flashing an eerie grin at Colby.

Colby tenses up and spins around, clenching a fist as he hears the sound of a twig snapping to his side. He swings out as a tingle of electricity surges through his body. The fist connects with air, crumbles as the young Solar Bear player falters on his feet and crashes to the ground, falling unconscious.

The hooded man gives a chuckle. “We know how to handle you now, McAuley.”

Another man in a black hoodie with a skull mask steps forward, grabbing Colby under the arms and easily lifting him up.

Meanwhile, away from the bus, walking around the side of the arena, is two men with blond-dyed tips. One is a dirty blond and the other is a dark brunette man.

“Seriously man, you okay?” The blond man questions, putting a hand on the brunette’s shoulder. “I don’t have to kiss it to make it feel better?” He gives a cheeky grin.

The brunette rolls his eyes and runs a hand through his hair. “No, Jonne.”

“Just making sure Somppikins, remember I can always kick their pitiful asses for you, Princess.”

“I’m not a Princess, Jonne. God, you can be so—” he is cut off by Jonne Tammela slapping a hand over his mouth with a serious “shhhh!”

Jonne shoves Otto Somppi behind a zamboni parked outside and then peers around the front, keeping his hand over Otto’s mouth.

Otto shoves Jonne’s hand away, frowning. “Jonne Tammela!!!”

“Shhhhh, Otto. Seriously. Look, it’s Colby…”

Otto licks his lips and then crawls around the other side of Jonne and peers out toward the bus. He gasps and throws his hand over his mouth.

“What should we do?” Otto mutters into his hand.

Jonne looks back at him. “Inform Captain Sauce immediately! Colby fainted or needs help...” He looks back at the scene by the bus, seeing the two hooded men. “Awwww, two fans are trying to help out baby Colbykins!”

Otto shakes his head, his eyes going wide. “No...They aren’t reviving him that’s for sure.”

Jonne blinks. “Oh shit, you’re right!”

Otto looks at his friend and frowns. “You...never mind, let’s just get to Mike Monfredo and inform him of this…”

“And...they’re dragging him into the back of a Mercedes…” Jonne reports, squinting. “Who are they? Everblades fans?”

Otto, remaining calm, whispers, “Yeah, this is getting worse. We need to get to Monfredo!” He gets to his feet.

Jonne clenches a fist. “I’m not just letting them kidnap my liney like that! Hang on Colbykins!!!” He then sprints from hiding.

“TAMMY, NO!!!” Otto hisses out.

Jonne bolts across the lot at full speed as the two men slam the trunk shut to trap the unconscious Colby McAuley inside.

“What do you think you’re doing?! LET HIM OUT!”

The two men spin around at the voice. Jonne hits one of them, sending them both to the hard concrete, while the other heads for the car. The pissed off Finn pins him to the ground, with enough force to remove the hood from his head.

“Cherniwchan!?” Jonne growls.

“Hey worthless injury prone freak!” Cherniwchan greets slyly. “Sorry to ruin the fun…”

“Let Colby McAuley go!”

“Who’s that?”

“Colby McAuley. I saw you putting him in the trunk!”Jonne snarls, slamming Cherniwchan against the ground.

“Get off of me, Finn!” The Stingray player chuckles and easily shoved Jonne off him. “You’re lucky you fall down so much that you’re not worth eliminating.”

Jonne freezes in place, clenching a fist. “Take that back! I’d hate to have to pummel you for real away from the ice!”

Cherniwchan stomps forward, slamming his foot on top of Jonne’s and spits a chunk of saliva out, right into the Finnish player’s face. “You won’t. Cause you’re soft. Soft like a little princess, kinda like McAuley’s getting to be.”

Jonne’s eyes harden as his eyebrows knit closer together with anger. The saliva ball splattered across the bridge of his nose and around his cheeks. Then he lunges forward and shoves the Stingray player backward with a fierceness.

“Oh-ho, look at...you!” Cherniwchan grabs Jonne’s arms and flings him backward, toward the wall, intent on knocking him out cold.

Jonne hits the wall, but remains upright, staggering slightly on his feet. He shakes his head to clear it and unleashes a loud battle scream. Then he dashes back, winding up to strike Cherniwchan. Instead, the Stingray goon steps to the side and Jonne crashes into the car’s side.

The Stingray once more spits at him and then kicks him in the side, before storming to get into the passenger seat of the car. “Later, loser.”

Jonne grunts in pain, struggling to get back to his feet and save Colby. “You can’t take Colby!!” He puts his hand on the bumper of the car as the engine guns to life. He musters his energy, but Cherniwchan’s sidekick in the driver’s seat, stomps on the gas and peels away. Jonne yelps and crashes back to the ground, his arm outstretching before him in the direction of the car’s exit.

“TAMMELA!” a gruff voice cries out.

“ARE YOU OKAY?” another voice tacks on, in a joking way.

Jonne bites his lip, trying to calm himself. Then the pain begins to settle in. He bites down harder, drawing blood from a cut on his lip. “CHERNIWCHAN TOOK COLBY!” He pushes himself up into a sitting position, his long locks of hair cascading down over his forehead like a vine entrance.

Footsteps thunder toward him. At least four people.

Suddenly one of them drops down to him and puts a hand, comfortingly on his shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ll rally the others. We’ll get him back.”

Jonne slowly lifts his head up, finding himself looking into the soft, concerned grayish-blue eyes of Troy Bourke. Standing behind Troy, with a goofy, mortified expression on his face is Mitch Hults. And to Mitch’s sides are Tayler Thompson, a spiky brunette with puppy dog deep brown eyes and Otto Somppi.

Otto folds his arms. “I told you not to make any moves! You realize you coulda seriously hurt yourself, right?”

Jonne shoves Troy’s hand off of him and jumps to his feet, the pain vanishing into anger once more. “So what?! You might not...but I’d fight for this team! This IS my team, Otto! Maybe stop sheltering yourself and learn to fight for yourself and your new teammates, cause they won’t fight back for you!”

With that, the Finn storms past Otto, heading for the arena’s player exit. Otto gasps and rubs his arm.

Troy gets to his feet and spins to Tayler and Mitch, who shrug.

Otto spins to them. “Is it true?! In order to be apart of this team, you have to stand up for yourself and fight?”

“No. I have your back no matter what, Somps,” Mitch remarks, flashing him a sweet, goofy smile.

“That’s...reassuring, Hultsy. Come on, let’s cool down Pissy Pants.” Otto rolls his eyes and heads for the arena, after Jonne.

Troy sighs. “Come on, hopefully Saucer is off the phone. He’s gonna be royally pissed that Cherniwchan kidnapped Colby...”

“I’ll stand back this time, learned my lesson…” Tayler whispers, rubbing his arm.

“Monfredo’s a real peach when he gets mad,” Mitch states.

They then follow Otto back into the arena, heading down the hallway. It isn’t even five seconds before a loud, thundering, “WHAT THE FUCKING HELL?!” rings out, followed by the sound of a boisterous boom.

“Shit! He’s mad!!” Tayler remarks and dives behind Mitch.

Troy darts forward and seizes Otto’s wrist, halting him before he can enter the locker room. “Holda there, Somps. You’ve seen Monfredo mad, but never MAD…” Mitch and Tayler catch up to them.

“He’s a real Hulk, Otto,” Tayler chimes, peering over Mitch’s shoulder.

Monfredo snatches up an empty glass of water and hurls it across the room with a thunderous grunt of fury. It smashes above the stall where Matt Spencer is sitting. The parts sprinkle down, just avoiding the Canadian.

“Hey, Mike, CAREFUL! I’m sitting here!” Matt snaps, throwing his head back and letting his blond hair flop on his head. “You damage this face and I know a certain fan that’ll come and kick your ass.”

Standing before the angry Orlando Captain is Jonne, who runs one of his hands through his hair and has his other on his hip.

“Cherniwchan did WHAT to COLBY?!” Monfredo roars, picking up his hockey stick.

“Put him in the trunk of a Mercedes…” Jonne repeats.

Monfredo twirls the stick in his hands and then smashes it across his thigh. “I’ll snap him like a TWIG!”

Troy walks in, carefully, holding his hands out before him. “Whoa, whoa, settle down. You’re hulking out again, Saucer.”

“OMG, Michael Monfredo, you made the little baby Bolt cry…” Matt growls, getting up and going over to where Alexey Lipanov is standing, holding his stick with tears in his wide, scared eyes. “It’s okay, Lippy. He’s not mad at you or trying to hurt, just fueled by a loathing toward Andrew Cherniwchan.”

“Lippy didn’t do anything bad…” Alexey whispers as Matt wraps his arms around the baby Russian.

Monfredo faces Troy, his shoulders and chest heaving from the fury. Jonne spins to the brave forward as Troy puts his hands on Monfredo’s and pushes them down slowly. “You’re right, Bourkie.”

Mitch sighs and rests his head on Otto’s shoulder. “He’s got such a way with handling emotions.”

Otto looks down at where Mitch’s head is. “Can you not?”

“Look, what are we doing about Colby McAuley?” Jonne urges.

“Beating Cherniwchan’s face in, until he can permanently see the insides of his own despicable head!” Monfredo grumbles, tensing up.

“No, no, calm,” Troy says, soothingly. “We’re gonna get a team together and then we’re going to go after them and save Colby. Hopefully without violence. Otto’s already hurt, we can’t afford anymore injuries and we certainly cannot lose Colby.”

“I’m game for the beating up Cherniwchan plan,” Jonne remarks, folding his arms and lifting his head up proudly.

“No violence, Tammy!” Matt scolds, still hugging Alexey and rubbing his arm.

“Lippy can just hug them all into submission?” Alexey mutters, finally cracking a sweet smile full of cheese.

Matt chuckles. “Lippy, I’m not sure that’ll work with Cherniwchan.”

Tayler steps back and a bouncing red dot catches his attention. He snaps his head and spots a laser pointer dot bouncing along a wall. He cocks his head to one side and then makes to walk off. He halts and spins back, the other Solar Bears all busy with forming plans and paying no attention to him. He shrugs and skips off after the dot.

Curious as a cat, he follows it down the hallway and around a corner. He finds himself stepping into the center of the entire Florida Everblades team. He freezes in place, flashes an innocent smile and then screams.

Troy and the others hear Tayler’s frightened scream.

“Colby’s gonna have to wait...WHO LET TT OUT OF THEIR SIGHTS…?” Troy booms out, calmly. (However that is possible lol)

Otto shrugs Mitch’s head off of his shoulder. “Get off of me, Hultsy!”

Mitch snaps back to reality, hearing the scream and spins around to see at the far end of the hallway, the group of Everblades.

The captain of the Everblades, John McCarron, stands before the group of men. “Don’t leave your guys unattended around here, Bear Cubs…”

Tayler is being held securely in the center of two of the players, one of them has a jacket with the number seventeen on it and the other has the number four on it. “Let go of me! MONFREDO!!!” He jerks at the holds on his arms.

Monfredo shoves Troy away from him and stomps out of the locker room. He unleashes a terrifying grunt of frustration and anger and then charges for the Everblades. “You’re gonna regret laying a finger on him!”

“Oh, I’m so scared,” the captain of the Everblades sneers, before he throws his arm behind him and takes a metallic hockey stick into his hands. “It’s called stalling, beloved Captain…”

Troy bursts out of the room with Jonne. “They’re working with Cherniwchan, Monfredo!”

“Good. Even more of a reason to unleash hell! I’ll be only three minutes, Bourkie!” Monfredo shouts back, decking McCarron with a single blow to the chest.

Troy heaves a sigh, puffing a curl of his dirty blond hair with a flustered stream of air. “We gotta find Colby ASAP! Just...he’s gonna be violent.”

Matt walks out, hugging Alexey close to him. “Uncle Monfredo is a bad influence on the babies, Bourkie.”

Monfredo, meanwhile, decks three Everblades in a row, before more swarm him.

“Troyling, I think it’d turn Hultsy on a little if you used your brain to outsmart these… not-so-smart-Gator Worshippers.”

“Troyling…?” Otto grumbles, putting his hands on his hips.

“Yes, and I think you should stay here...can’t have you injuring those ribs anymore than they are…” Jonne continues on, picking Otto up and thrusting him up and over his shoulder.

“TAMMY, PUT ME DOWN!!” Otto howls out as Jonne cries him over to a closet.

“Give me a second. Don’t kick caring friends, Somppikins. That’s rude.” Jonne dumps Otto inside the closet and slams the door shut, locking it from the outside.

“WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE, I’M GONNA MURDER YOU, TAMMY!!!” Otto shouts out, banging on the door.

“Good luck with that. You can thank me later when you return to the ice sooner rather than later, buddy!” Jonne slaps his hands together as though brushing the dirt off of them. “That was rather easy.”

Monfredo slams two Everblades together, knocking them out cold, before turning his attention toward another couple. They share a look and then split, fleeing the scene with terror.

Monfredo then kicks the one with the number four in the shin. “You make this too easy for me, Florida!”

Tayler jerks his arms free as Monfredo turns his attention toward the large number seventeen. He splits, racing back to the others.

“TT! You okay, bro?” Matt questions.

“I’m fine! I saw a laser...I thought it might lead to Colby!” Tayler remarks with a huge proud smile.

“Not alone in the home of the Everblades. Now you’ve allowed Alexey the privilege of seeing Monfredo beat up an entire team! The Little Babies are the most vulnerable and impressionable,” Matt scolds.

“Victory shall be ours!!” McCarron cries out, struggling to get up.

Monfredo kicks back, nailing him in the chin. At once, McCarron slams back to the ground and Monfredo locks into a battle with the remaining Everblade survivor.

“Here’s what I’m thinking,” Troy begins to say.

Mitch sighs and slaps his hands to his cheeks, dreamily staring at Troy. “He’s got a plan!”

Troy looks at him and blows Mitch a kiss with a wink, before he continues with, “We’ll leave Monfredo to handle that dickbag. He’ll be able to keep an eye on Otto as well. Meanwhile, the rest of us here can track down Colby.”

“So where are we starting off, genius?” Jonne snarkily remarks.

Matt smacks Jonne’s shoulder. “Cool it, Finn. Got a better idea?”

Jonne rubs his arm. “No. Fine…”

“Let’s start with these nice tire tracks!” Tayler’s voice echos from outside.

Troy, startled, spins and looks out the exit, toward where they’d first found Jonne on the ground. Tayler Thompson is standing, hovering over the ground and pointing down at something on the gravel.

“TT, did you learn nothing with the Everblade hostage incident?!” Troy scolds as Matt takes Alexey’s hand into his own like a little child.

Tayler shrugs as they walk out and over to where he is standing. Sure enough, implanted on the ground are tire marks from when Cherniwchan had sped out. They lead off and skid around the corner of the arena.

“Okay, I propose that Jonne, you’re Tayler Thompson duty,” Matt exclaims.

Jonne’s mouth falls open with a gasp. “Spenny...why?! I don’t wanna babysit!”

“Because I said so and because you locked Otto in a closet just to make some stupid gay joke later on about it,” Matt explains, folding his arms across his broad chest and causing the compression shirt he has on to pull tight across his pecks.

Alexey points up with one hand at Matt’s chest. “You’re a lot bigger and more defined than Real Daddy!”

“Lippykins, it’s real easy for ANYONE to be bigger and more defined than Vladdy…” Jonne chirps, before earning a smack from Matt.

“TT, duty, Mr. Tammela. Get on it.”

Jonne rubs his arm again. “Fine.” He stomps over to Tayler, who is beaming. “Don’t run off again. I’m not babysitting you.”

“No guarantees,” Tayler says, smiling largely.

Troy studies the tire tracks, while Mitch studies Troy.

“Just out of curiosity, what’s the point of bringing Mitch along, if he’s just gonna oogle Troy the entire time? He’s about as helpful as--shit, TAYLER THOMPSON!!” Jonne begins to say, losing his focus on Tayler, who begins to wander off, spotting a stray kitty cat darting toward the arena. He snatches Tayler’s wrist to halt him.

“Awww... I wanted to pet the kitty cat!” Tayler whines.

“No, Tayler,” Jonne grunts, anchoring himself and holding the protesting forward back.

Troy reaches the edge of the arena and peers around the corner, looking down the street toward where the road would take people out of the arena’s private road and to the main road. He gasps as his eyes land on a stuffed white tiger lying in the middle.

Mitch comes up behind him, putting his hands on Troy’s shoulders. “Whoa, Bourkie, you’re tense.”

“Hultsy, not the time. See that?” Troy gestures with a hand toward the stuffed tiger.

Matt, still holding Alexey by the hand, smirks as he watches Jonne struggling to control Tayler. “This is rather entertaining to watch.”

“Glad. you’re. enjoying. yourself. Spenny.” Jonne grunts out.

Matt gives a hearty chuckle and then spots Troy and Mitch walking around the corner of the building with a clear interest on something. “Come on, let’s see what Troy and Mitch have found!”

Tayler perks up and races off, pulling Jonne along with him.

“I’m gonna dieeeeeee!” Jonne screams out in frustration.

Troy reaches the tiger and throws his hands over his mouth. Mitch grabs Troy’s arm with a high-pitched yelp. Attached to the tiger is a note.

Meanwhile, across the highway, at the Embassy Suites hotel, Cherniwchan peels into the parking lot and launches immediately into a parking spot on the side, out of view. He shifts the vehicle into park and kicks the door open.

“Who knows how long that electric shock will keep the bastard out cold for! Grab the duct tape!” Cherniwchan snarls at his partner.

“You know, we’re on different teams. So just because we share common dislikes here, doesn’t mean I do all the dirty work for you…” the other man snaps, getting out and snatching up a roll of black duct tape.

“You’re very right, Hunter, Icemen and Stingrays clash most times. But today,” Cherniwchan rounds the car and props the truck. “We unite for one mission. To destroy the Orlando Solar Bears. Starting with everyone’s favorite little prick.” He launches the lid up, revealing Colby lying peacefully inside still limp and unmoving. “Tape his wrists together and ankles and then bring him in, okay, Garet Hunt.”

The captain of the Jacksonville Icemen rolls his eyes and pulls back the end of the tape. “Very bold of a fourth line goon from the South Carolina Stingrays bossing around the captain of the Jacksonville Icemen.” He wraps the tape around Colby’s wrists and then tears the roll back, pasting the end to the rest of the tape.

Cherniwchan flips a taser in his hands, chuckling and watching Hunt tape-binding Colby. “I’m the brains of this afterall. I’m sure right now, Monfredo’s throwing chairs across the room, and you’re welcome, taking out Everblades.”

Hunt pauses, looking up at the Stingray, smirking. “You’re right. You’re a genius.”

“And don’t you forget that, Hunter…”

“Should I tape his mouth shut too?” Hunt growls out.

Cherniwchan shakes his head. “No, it’ll be rather refreshing to hear him mouth off for a little bit. The frustration from the mighty Colby McAuley would fuel me for sure.”

Hunt shrugs and finishes taping Colby’s ankles together with the adhesive. Then he scoops Colby from the trunk and carries him toward the hotel. Cherniwchan slams the trunk shut and spins around, looking back in the direction of the Hertz Arena. He snickers and then walks across the grass after his partner.

They head down the backside of the hotel, to a secret door that leads to a large shed-like building. Cherniwchan produces a key and unlocks the door. They vanish inside at once.

The Stingray goon pulls a chain just inside the door, igniting a light bulb overhead. Then he turns and closes the door and bolts it shut.

Just as soon as he does so, Colby stirs in Hunt’s arms.

The Iceman puts Colby on a couch. Colby blinks awake, clearly groggy. He then finds his wrists immobilized and grunts out, “What the fuck?” His eyes snap open and he spots Cherniwchan glower at him, mocking him with the sight of the taser.

“Have a nice sleep, McAuley?” the Stingray sneers.

Colby attempts to kick out and sit up, but finds his ankles bound together tightly.

“You might wanna keep a chill head, Baby Shark, I have a taser here and you’re in my den now. You piss me off, I can really hurt you,” Cherniwchan snarls. “As can he.”

Hunt paces around and joins Cherniwchan, sarcastically waving a greeting to Colby.

“What do you want?” Colby demands.

“We just wanna have some fun with ya...since you always like to have fun with us,” Hunt remarks, coming over to caress Colby’s face. “I mean, we did ding your pretty little nose up, didn’t we?”

Colby glares at him, mustering his energy. “Go ahead, keep manhandling me, Hunt!”

“What are you gonna do? You’re all tied up!” Hunt mocks, laughing in his face.

Colby screws his face up and with a powerful thrust, snaps the tape around his wrists and lunges forward tackling Hunt. “Not anymore, you Texas-sized fucktard! You and that jerk, Lalancette and really the rest of your pathetic dirty squad!!”

Hunt cackles loudly. “You’re not gonna hurt me, McAuley. Not off the ice. Not on the ice, either. Maybe last year, but this year, you’re soft.”

Colby grabs Hunt’s shirt and slams him against the ground, but Cherniwchan jams the taser into Colby’s neck, shocking him to unconsciousness once more.

“Took you long enough,” Hunt snarls at Cherniwchan.

“Hey, it was amusing slightly. Just giving him a little control...come on, Hunter. Let’s hook him up to the gator pond now...before the others arrive to join him!”

Hunt smirks. “Right!”

They work together this time to drag Colby deeper into the shed, passing the couch. They enter a dome shaped room. There is a floor with various lines etched into a circle in the center. The lines race back to a metal pole and in the corner there is a control panel. They drag him across to the pole and now bind his wrists together behind his back and the pole with rope. They pull the knot tight just as the sound of a deep-throated frog echoes around the room.

“Let’s get the fun underway!” Cherniwchan exclaims, dashing over the control panel. “Ready the water bucket to wake Sleeping Beauty again!”

Hunt snatches up a bucket that is full of water.

Cherniwchan slams a fist down on a big red button and at once the grinding of gears splits through the air, followed by the floor parting by the lines inside the circle. A single circle remains in the center as a platform for Colby to stand on as around him, alligators swim and lurk like a pool of sharks in movie hostage scenes.

“Awaken Princess McAuley!” Cherniwchan announces, his voice booming around the dome.

Hunt steps up to the edge of the circle and tosses the water from the bucket at Colby.

Instantly, Colby jerks awake. “Oh, what the--?!”

“Good morning part two, Princess McAuley,” Cherniwchan sneers from the control panel. “And welcome to the main event!”

Colby presses against the pole, seeing the gators swimming around before him. “This isn’t funny anymore, Cherniwchan! This is outright cruel and uncalled for!”

“Scared of a few gators…?” Hunt remarks, setting the bucket down.

Colby jerks forward, but realizes that this time his escape would be a little more difficult. He grimaces as a gator leaps out and plops back into the water. “I MEAN IT! LET ME GO!”

Cherniwchan snickers. “No worries, we’ll take this nice and slow…”

Colby presses against the pole gripping it with his bound hands as he snaps his head around, eyeing the carnivorous reptiles.

“COLBY!?” Alexey Lipanov calls out. “Colby McAuley?!” He is holding on tightly to the stuffed white tiger that they’d found. The note went to Matt Spencer’s pocket.

“Colbykins!!” Jonne calls out. “Where’d you go?”

Matt shakes his head. “The tire tracks end at the main road, Bourkie...I don’t know where else they’d go and I mean, they seem to only mark up the turns...But past this, who knows.”

“We can’t give up on Colby!” Troy exclaims.

“I agree. He’s around here somewhere. No way a Stingray and Iceman venture too far away,” Jonne remarks, coming over to them.

“Tammy, where’s TT?” Troy asks, to Matt folding his arms and shaking his head at him.

Jonne smacks his forehead.

“Well, they show up down here, turning right onto Ben Hill Griffin Road!” Tayler’s voice rings out from a distance once again. “Hopefully, not getting onto the interstate.”

“I’m gonna kill him…” Jonne mutters as he lets his hand slide down his face to his lips.

“You can try to, but I’ll just slip your attention again. Turn your back for one second on me, Jonny...” Tayler remarks.

Troy walks up to where Tayler is standing. “Good find, TT.” He looks down the road. “We need to head that way!”

“Isn’t that the direction of the Embassy hotel?” Jonne questions, seizing Tayler’s wrist. “You’re worser than a little kid.”

“At least my English is better…” Tayler remarks, tapping Jonne on the nose with a chuckle.

Jonne swats his hand away and then pulls Tayler after him, heading for the highway and the hotel. “LET’S GO!”

“Ooooh! I’m gonna start singing!” Mitch comments.

“I’ll join you!” Tayler remarks. “What are we singing Hultsy?”

Mitch clears his throat and then leans against Troy as they carry on walking, launching out with: “Let’s get down to business…”

“HOW ABOUT HELL TO THE NO!” Jonne bellows out. “No. Disney.”

Mitch thinks and then tries: “I'll be there someday, I can go the distance...”

“THAT’S STILL DISNEY, MITCH HULTS!!”

“Ooooooh! I like this song though!!” Tayler chimes out and begins to skip along as he sings in unison with Mitch:

“I will find my way if I can be strong

I know every mile would be worth my while

When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong…”

Jonne pinches his nose with his free hand. “I’m gonna be dead before we even get a sniff of Colby.”

Singing along to the upbeat, journey-type Disney tunes, the group quickly makes it under the highway and to the entrance to the hotel. Instantly they find more tire marks and then Jonne spots the back of the ominous vehicle.

“There! He’s here! Everyone can shut the hell up now and come on!” Jonne yanks Tayler with him, still gripping tightly to his wrist.

“Weeeeee!” Tayler sing-songs out.

Troy, Mitch, Matt and Alexey run after them. They all cluster together, hiding behind the side of the car.

“Hey, Spenny, you still got the note?” Troy inquires.

Matt nods and pulls out the note from the stuffed tiger, which is still in Alexey’s hands. He hands the note to Troy.

“Yup. Embassy Suites. We’re in the right place...let’s see here, where would they go? They can’t just drag Colby inside a busy hotel.”

“You’d be surprised. Villians be cray cray sometimes,” Jonne remarks. “A few years ago, when I met Vladdy Namestnikov…”

“Let’s not...we don’t have time, Tammela!” Matt says. “By the way, Tayler wandered off again!”

Jonne gasps and groans, throwing his head back. “I had him...dammit!”

“Hey, check out this cool shed!” Tayler’s voice suddenly splits through the air.

Troy slaps his forehead. “It’s a shed...TT…you’ve never seen one of those before?”

“Not like this…” Tayler proceeds to open the door up and peer inside.

Jonne dashes across the grass and shoves the door shut, grabbing Tayler. “What are you doing? This isn’t silly Everblades this time, but Andrew Cherniwchan!! He’s not gonna take you hostage, he’s gonna kill you.”

A shrill scream cuts the air as Matt, Alexey, Troy and Mitch join them.

“That’s Colby!” Mitch remarks. “I know that scream like the back of my own hand...or Troy’s ass.”

Troy frowns and shoots him a look. “Hultsy, don’t make me…anyway, we need to form a plan and sneak...”

“No time!” Tayler yanks his arm free from Jonne’s hold and throws the door open to the shed.

“TAYLER!” Jonne hisses and dives inside after him.

“Let me go, NOW! So we can finish this up, fair and square, Cherns! Or are you so much of a giant sore loser, that you’d rather cheat your way to a victory?! Take the easy win, huh?”

“Shut up, McAuley! We all know that lately you’ve lost your feisty edge and have begun to actually be a force to be reckoned with!” Cherniwchan snarls.

Jonne tackles Tayler onto the couch and pins him down.

“Too bad I’m not gay, cause you’d be hella turning me on right now,” Tayler hisses at him.

“You’re an idiot!” Jonne snaps at him.

“At least I’m not the one who gave us away!” Tayler remarks.

Jonne opens his mouth up for a retort, but then there is a click and the cold barrel of a gun is jammed against his head.

“WHO’S THERE?!” a familiar voice booms out.

“It’s just Tammela and Thompson!” another voice replies.

Tayler looks back into Jonne’s eyes and urges him to relax slightly. But the man pulls Jonne back, holding the gun to his head.

“Thompson, I know your games. You’re gonna sit pretty, or else I’m blowing Finnish boy’s brains out sky high.”

Tayler sticks his tongue out and folds his arms across his chest. “Hate you too, Hunt.”

“Dammit, TT!!” Colby snaps. “You and your damn curiosity!”

Tayler sits up on the couch, pouting his lip and narrowing his eyes as Cherniwchan pads back into the lobby area of the shed, where the couch is. He rounds it and sits down next to Tayler.

“You’re Tammela’s backup help? Pathetic.”

Jonne tenses up as Hunt presses the gun barrel deeper into the flesh of the Finn’s temple.

The Stingray then reaches behind him and picks up a roll of black duct tape. “Can’t have you two getting in the way anymore...we’re gonna tie you both up, let you watch as we drown Colby in the gator pit and then blow your brains out. Just cause you were stupid enough to come after us.”

Tayler looks at Jonne as Cherniwchan binds his wrists and ankles together with the tape. Not even putting up a fight to stop it. Then the Stingray rips off a piece and sticks it over Tayler’s mouth. Then with a satisfied grunt, tosses the tape roll to Hunt, who in turn, hands the gun to his evil partner.

Jonne manages a smug look on his face as his arms are forced behind his back. “You know tape is easy to break free from…? Isn’t that villain 101. I mean unless you’re a lowlife Hollywood writer, who just wants some badassery scene...”

“Yeah, until you have to snap it from behind your back, Finn,” Cherniwchan sneers. “And in a certain amount of time. Look around you, nothing will help you push the pace. And last I checked, you’re not as strong as McAuley.”

“Thanks, dickwad,” Colby grumbles, kicking a gator back into the water.

“That was a compliment, Shark Bait. I was dissing Tammela.”

“Aggravating scumbag rat!” Jonne barks, flashing his teeth in fury at the villains.

Hunt tapes up Jonne’s ankles now and then sits him in a rolling-style desk chair. Then he tapes Jonne’s mouth shut with two pieces of the adhesive. Cherniwchan stuffs the gun into his pants and then hauls Tayler into a second rolling chair.

They then move the two players to sit them back to back, behind the couch, just inside the dome. Hunt then takes the remaining tape on the roll and pastes them both upright. Tayler snaps his head around, trying to figure out a method to escape, while Jonne kicks out attempting to snap the tape around his ankles.

Hunt tosses the empty roll into the pool and the gators at once lunge to attack, spraying Colby with water.

Cherniwchan stalks back to the control panel. “Now, where were we…oh, right, right, lowering the pole into the gator pool! Good-bye McAuley!!” He lifts his arm up and prepares to smack another big button that is silver in color.

That’s when, Troy Bourke and Matt Spencer skid in.

“Oh, I don’t think so!” Matt remarks.

Troy whips his phone out. “Don’t-don’t make me dial Monfredo!”

“Too late, Benchwarmer and Whiny Baby Bourke!” Cherniwchan snarls and bangs his fist down on the button.

At once the pole shoots down into the water with Colby.

Matt throws his head back and dashes forward, diving into the gator water. He dodges the hungry reptiles, rapidly heading for his teammate. Colby kicks out in desperation as gators come at him. He nails a few in the snout, but soon his kicks get slower and slower.

A gator manages to naw off the ropes and Colby floats away from the pole, right into Matt’s arms. With a successful grunt, he punches a gator coming for him, grabs another dazed one and fends the others off. Then he launches for the surface, eventually breaking to gasp for air.

Now, pissed off, the remaining four unharmed gators close in.

“You’re an idiotic peabrain, Spencer!” Cherniwchan chuckles.

“Colby, stay with me, buddy. We’re almost there!” Matt urges. “Also, I know you’re gonna bite back at me later for having to rescue you, but, you’re welcome!”

Troy presses the number for Monfredo, cocking a smirk. “You did it, Cherns!”

Hunt sneaks up behind Troy, snickering under his breath.

“BOURKIE, NO!!!” Mitch screams out from behind the couch, where he is hiding out with Alexey.

Hunt shoves Troy at the pool.

Troy drops his phone, which skids right into the pool and into a gator’s mouth. He halts himself, kicks back and nails the gator in the jaw, breaking some of the animal’s teeth. “I swear I’m an animal lover!! Sorry, Gator.” He then scrambles back up to his feet and faces Hunt, who has turned his attention on Mitch and Alexey.

Mitch hugs Alexey close to him.

“Get back from him!” Troy thunders out.

“It’s okay, Bourkie, I can handle this…” Mitch states, scanning the room. Then he faces Hunt and spits out, “Your mom!”

Troy covers his eyes and shakes his head. “Good one, Hultsy.”

Jonne cranes his neck to try and see Tayler, when all of the sudden, the brunette pops up from behind the control panel and flexes his hands. Jonne screams into the tape and kicks out as Cherniwchan comes forward to mock and stop Matt.

“Ooooh, what does this button do, Mr. Cherniwchan?!” Tayler remarks, wiggling his fingers over a blue button.

Cherniwchan spins around to him. “NO! Don’t press that!”

Tayler laughs and presses the button. At once, the pole shoots back up, out of the water and nails the Stingray right in the mid section, sending him slamming against the wall and knocking the wind from him.

“Tayler Thompson: 1, Andrew Cherniwchan: 0.”

“Good work, TT...wait a sec...what the hell…?” Matt looks to where Jonne is angrily thrusting against the tape bonds.

Tayler rounds the panel, smirking. “I’m Tayler Thompson, Spenny, need you question.”

Troy knocks Hunt out, before he can reach Mitch and Alexey. “You leave them alone!” Then he spins to see Tayler wrapping a coil of rope around an unconscious Cherniwchan’s arms. “How in the world…?”

Tayler glances up, pulling the knot tight and winks. “I’m Tayler Thompson, the one and only true TT.”

Troy shakes his head. “Whatever. Hultsy, find me a coil of rope--”

Just then, there is a loud grunt outside, followed by, “MONFREDO SMASH!!!”

Alexey screams in fright and buries his face into Mitch’s chest. “Big scary captain is scary!!”

Monfredo stomps into the shed, literally smoke billowing out of his nostrils in anger.

“Little late, Saucer,” Troy chuckles as Mitch hands him rope and he sets to work tying Hunt up. He finds the gun and fires a few bullets at the gators, who give up and disperse, allowing Matt to reach the edge with the limp Colby.

“I can still bash their skulls in!” Monfredo grumbles.

Tayler skids over and aids Matt with getting Colby out of the water. “I know RCP!!”

“RCP?” Matt questions, shaking his head, his damp moppy hair flopping everywhere on his head.

“CPR…” Tayler repeats.

Colby gasps and jerks awake, sitting up to face the pool. “DON’T DO CPR ON ME!!”

“He’s alive!!” Tayler exclaims, throwing his hands up into the air.

Colby coughs, spitting out water. “Of course I’m alive! I must have kicked all the gators’ asses in the pool like a damn badass!”

Matt leans over and smiles at him. “Not quite. I saved you.”

Colby groans and hangs his head. Then he snaps it back up and throws his arm out in a sassy way with his index finger raised tall and proud. “Colby McAuley does NOT get rescued!”

Tayler grabs Colby and presses his lips to Colby’s slimy, wet cheek.

Colby clenches a fist and lets it fly around, right into Tayler’s chin, knocking him backward. “DON’T KISS ME! I’m not the Troy Bourke to your Mitch Hults!”

Matt rolls his eyes and then spots Jonne. “Okay, okay, it’s been long enough. Someone untie the chirping Finn!”

Tayler bounces back up, shaking off the blow from Colby and races over to him. “I GOT HIM!”

“Saucer, we rescued Colby, we don’t need to be dicks and stoop down to their level, murdering them,” Troy says, dusting himself off and earning a sigh from Mitch in the process. He then bravely throws his arm out to block Monfredo’s pathway to the Stingray and Iceman. “Got it?”

Monfredo grumbles to himself and backs down.

Colby spins around, still sitting on the edge of the pool. He rubs his arm and cracks a slight smile. They’d all risked their lives to save him. He then mutters, “Thanks, guys…” He watches Tayler untie Jonne.

“What the hell? How’d you get free?!” Jonne blurts out, ripping the tape from his mouth and tossing it to the side.

Tayler grins at him. “It’s a Tayler Thompson secret. Shhhhhh...” He places an index finger to Jonne’s lips.

Troy faces them all. “Okay, we need to get back to Hertz, because Jonne Tammela locked Otto in a closet and Monfredo kinda left him...so...can’t have ANYMORE Colby incidents.”

“Bourkie, I’m gonna crosscheck you so hard into the boards during warmups!” Colby snaps, getting to his feet. He slips and almost falls back into the pool though.

“Colby, give it a rest already, you got saved. It’s okay. It won’t end your masculinity,” Mitch states. “In fact it was kinda hot seeing Troy saving you.”

“NOT. HELPING.” Colby scramble-crawls away and over to Tayler and Jonne. “I’m fucking freezing here. Can we go?! Also, can I get a good punch to Cherniwchan and Hunt’s stupid, ugly, jealous faces?!”

“You’re all soaked and your shirt is clinging to you, I can make out your abs and perky nipples,” Mitch remarks. “Of course you’re cold.”

Troy sighs. “Yes and maybe. I’ll consider a punch.”

“Oh, sure, he’s allowed to punch but not me?” Monfredo grumbles, tossing his eyes.

Colby sticks his tongue out at Monfredo in a teasing fashion. Monfredo ignores him and snatches up Hunt’s bound limp body, while Tayler and Jonne take Cherniwchan’s dazed one.

“I’ll end you Colby McAuley...and your little Solar Cubbies too!!” the Stingray chokes out as he is forced out of the shed after the others.

“Yeah, yeah, can it Stingray rat,” Matt growls as he latches onto Alexey’s hand once more. “In fact, you touch anyone of Orlando’s players, I’m giving Monfredo the signal to do damage to your face. Also, don’t call me benchwarmer, I’m not sitting on the bench for Orlando, thank you very much.”

They return to the arena and Tayler races inside, fetching a purple blanket for Colby to wrap around himself. Jonne walks up to the closet, where he’d locked Otto inside of. He clears his throat and prepares to speak, when…

“JONNE TAMMELA, LET ME OUT OF HERE AT ONCE!!!” Otto thunders from inside.

Jonne leans against the door, smiling smugly to himself. “What’s the password, friend?!”

“Fuck. You.”

“No, that’s not it…” Jonne chuckles.

“Just let him out, Jonne!!” Troy scolds. “Or else, I’m putting you back on Tayler Thompson duty!”

Jonne rolls his eyes and unlocks the door. At once, it swings open and Otto stumbles out, gasping for air.

“So...who’s the lucky guy?” Jonne questions, putting his hands on his hips.

“I...hate...you...so...YOU LOCKED ME IN THERE WITH TREVOR OLSON, YOU ASSHAT!!” Otto thunders, clenching a fist and whirling around, prepared to strike Jonne. “He...kept...ripping ones off. I almost died!!” He deflates and throws his arms around Jonne, hugging him and sobbing into his shoulder.

Jonne pats him on the back as Trevor Olson walks out with a smug grin on his face.

“Lesson learned. No more burritos before broadcasting games. Sorry, Somps man, I thought I’d found a good closet to release in…” Trevor chuckles and then walks off. “Next time, trap McAuley in here. Good punishment.”

Otto clings to Jonne. “Trevor Olson’s farts are death.”

“Sorry. I had no idea...I love you, Somps.” Jonne pets Otto’s head, concerningly.

Tayler grabs Colby’s hand and gently pulls him toward the stairs for Section 120. “I got something to show you…”

Colby eyes him as they begin to climb up the stairs to the platform behind the visitor’s bench. “You’re not coming out to me are you? Why does everyone think I’m gay?!”

Tayler chuckles. “No...I’m not asking you out. But I thought you might want a key to the holding cell of Cherniwchan…” He smiles sweetly.

Colby gasps and takes it at once. “Absolutely! How’d you get this…?”

Tayler’s smile twists and then he turns and hops back down the stairs.

“TAYLER THOMPSON, ANSWER ME DAMMIT!!” Colby screams out and dashes down, after him, trying to hug the blanket around him.

#orlando solar bears #colby mcauley #tayler thompson #jonne tammela #otto somppi #mitch hults #troy bourke #matt spencer #matthew spencer #alexey lipanov #Baby Bolts #baby sharks

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