Chalky had finally been rung back by Enigma (after months of trying) and had invited her to the slew of signings that were rapidly approaching in the coming months.

At first, Enigma was all for meeting Nicola Bryant at 7th Galaxy, but finding it was a late signing, she realised she had to be at work for 5pm and couldn't make it.

So, it was down to the trusty trio to represent the side.

Nicola's greatest fan, Shirt, was bemoaning the fact that Nicola did too many signings (and had done too few stories), leaving him with little for her to sign.

Chalky was facing a similar dilemma, but did at least have a couple of video covers and books left (although he was buggered if he knew what he would take to Weston for her).

But, it was the release of Red Dawn, Large Endings latest offering, and so a visit was of paramount importance.

Only days before the event, the trio discovered that Mr. Dalek himself, John Scott Martin would also be in attendance (although as it was the Ice Warriors featuring in said audio, they were at a lost to find the link).

Video cover after video cover was thrust under Mr. Martin's nose and Chalky became a little incensed that, having gone first to avoid a recurrence of the famed Cusick-bit-old-and-forgetful routine, was subjected to the 'bloody-hell-this-gold-pen-don't-work-properly' scenario. Too polite to suggest swopping pens, Chalky gritted his teeth whilst Mr. Martin smudged his video covers in the most bizarre places (anywhere but the front cover, basically).

Shirt and Dufus followed and then the three went separate ways. Shirt headed for the 'Fair' stalls, whilst Chalky and Dufus bolted for 7th Galaxy.

Items bought (a surprisingly restrained effort for both Chalky and Dufus) then trio had an hour to kill. Lunch beckoned and Somerfield substituted for the Boots that Chalky swore he had seen in the centre the last time of visiting.

Returning to the shop, Chalky dashed off after new acquaintance, Cwej, who was heading in the opposite direction with even newer acquaintance 'Friend'. Greetings exchanged, Cwej promised to return after visiting the local Post Office and Chalky returned to join Dufus and Shirt in the beginnings of a queue.

Cwej returned and the tossers on the newsgroup were bemoaned, the possibility of meeting at further signings was mooted, and then Cwej and Friend departed for the back of the queue which was growing ever longer and was threatening to engulf the Fair.

Nicola was in high spirits.

Chalky cut a dash as he whipped out his pen for Nicola to use on another fan's item which required the use of biro over gold or silver ink.

She proceeded to hunt through her handbag for the pen and slip of paper some woman had given her after colliding with her car on the way there. Both pen and details had gone missing (Mr. Martin concluding she'd probably scuttled off with the pen).

After signing several items, Chalky said;

"Could you sign these to Chalky as well?"

"Chalky As Well - that's a strange name," laughed Nicola.

"I think you'll find it's hyphenated," piped in a jovial Mr. Martin.

Nicola duly signed Chalky's final item 'To Chalky As-Well'.

"It was so hot in that studio, there's no air conditioning," Nicola began, "I had to take my top off. Gary Russell told me he couldn't concentrate anymore when I did that. And I mean, if Gary Russell is distracted…"

"Welcome back Gary," interjected Sparrow, Nicola's right-hand man.

Laughter ensued.

Items signed and hearts lifted the friends left, soon to return another day.

(Only this time without Chalky, who wouldn't be meeting Bonnie Langford, but would be accompanying 49 'orrible 9 and 10 year olds to Devon for an exciting weekend of looking at Exeter - ooooooooohhhhh).

Dufus and Shirt will return in…NOW!

Chalky and Enigma will return in…She Smokes a What?