Basically, people just can't help but love Chalky, Dufus and Shirt.

Over the years, their simple trio had expanded in number and whilst some compadrés had come and gone, most had stayed.

This was evidenced by the fact that, after meeting Enigma in a pub and foolishly agreeing to come along to the Dust Breeding signing at 7th Galaxy, Lupine had actually decided to meet up with the mad quartet again!

Admittedly, the presence of Louise Jameson and some bloke called Tom (apparently he was in Doctor Who, but no one actually remembers what he did), could have encouraged Lupine to abandon all sense and stand in a (very long) queue with such insane people.

And so it was that the gang again met in Barking for fun and larks.

They expected that the queue might be a teensy-weensy bit long and so had left somewhat earlier than normal to try and beat the crowds.

Lupine arrived sometime later and surreptiously pushed in.

In the shop the gang had bought the requisite video of The Sunmakers. Except for Enigma that is.

"But I've already got The Sunmakers!" she exclaimed.

"Only off of UKGold," said Chalky.

"But I don't have much money and I don't need another copy of something I've already got." moaned Enigma.

"Never stopped me…" commented Dufus as he wandered past on his way to purchase 15 Venom Grubs and a Movie Barbara.

"Does she have to buy the video, or can she get Exploration Earth instead?" asked Chalky of the disturbing Humpty.

"Does she have to buy the video?" asked Humpty of Big Ted.

"Yes," replied Big Ted rather bluntly, less swayed by Enigma's feminine wiles than Humpty.

Enigma whinged a bit more.

"I'll buy it for you as an early birthday present," offered the ever-chivalrous Chalky.

"Oooh, thank you, thank you!" cried Enigma.

Back in the queue, and joined by Lupine, they chatted amiably about many a thing.

By this time, the gang had noticed the queue getting a little bit longer than normal. In fact, it was so long, it was way past the attractive mural and almost up to the entrance to the toilets!

Being such a large group now, it was inevitable that they would get split up on their way into the actual signing. Chalky stood in the shop with Enigma and Lupine hovering behind him as they slowly approached Louise and Tom. Frantic waving caught Chalky's attention from the corner of his eye. Dufus and Shirt were gesticulating to him from the doorway and pointing at a figure who had just entered. Chalky looked over and recoiled in horror.

It was Mr. Oak - professional fan and owner of 90% of original props and memorabilia from the show (I'm going to open a museum, yes I am, honestly - and then only I will ever visit it (cue maniacal laugh))!

Chalky tried to disguise his abject horror as Mr. Oak went over and greeted Miss Jameson and then proceed to chat to Steve Cambden, purveyor of props.

Chalky recovered quickly and greeted the simply quite bizarre Tom. As he signed Chalky's covers, Mr. Baker proceeded to conduct a conversation with Miss Jameson, hardly acknowledging Chalky's presence.

Enigma was up next, and by now, Dufus and Shirt had appeared behind them.

Chalky and Enigma passed through with little consequence, as did Lupine.

Dufus, however, was in total awe of his idol, Mr. Baker. When asked the inevitable 'S' or 'C' question on the spelling of his name, Dufus attempted to be witty - "With a 'D'!" he quipped.

Absolutely nothing! Tom didn't even crack a smile. In fact her went on to start cracking his own inane jokes which people chortled at politely.

"That's the real Brain of Morbius," commented Chalky to Enigma as they wandered past Steve Cambden's display. Enigma was singularly underwhelmed.

"Can I have a photo?" asked Dufus of Miss Jameson, rolling his tongue back up into his mouth.

"Erm…" hesitated Miss Jameson, looking at Sparrow who was sat next to her.

"I did ask Little Ted," explained the rather desperate Dufus.

"Hmmm," muttered a clearly annoyed Sparrow, "Okay then, but quickly."

Dufus whipped around the desk and knelt at Miss Jameson's side as Chalky took a quick picture.

Leaving the shop, Chalky noticed Enigma and Lupine talking to…horror of horrors!!!!… Mr. Oak! Chalky decided to chat to Cwej who had been a few people behind them in the queue rather than approach the others. Eventually, Mr. Oak left and Chalky, saying goodbye to Cwej, returned to Enigma and Lupine.

"We were talking to Humpty and he just came over!" pleaded Enigma.

"Traitors," muttered Chalky.

Dufus and Shirt eventually appeared from the depths of the shop and the gang wended their merry way home.

On the tube, the guys began chatting about all sorts of things and Enigma fell asleep on Chalky's shoulder.

After a while…

"Isn't this your stop?" said Lupine. The gang looked up - Victoria!

"Eek! Yes!" they cried as they jumped up, pulling a comatose Enigma after them. "See you soon!" they hollered to Lupine as Enigma started to come round.