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9

On the Trail of Trey Fidorous – Recovered Palaeontology and Finds (Hull to Sheffield)

1. Single-celled animals

The first of two flyposted texts discovered in Leeds and possibly created by Dr Fidorous (although, in appearance, these could not be further from the biro-swarmed sheets described in the first Eric’s letters). This and the following text were exposed as part of the refurbishment of Leeds Central Station. Despite weeks of searching, no other possible Fidorous flypostings were discovered in the city. Single-celled animals is the original title (printed in the bottom left corner).

AaBbCcD dEeFfGgHhIiJj KkLlMmNnOoP pQqRrSsTtUuV vWwXxYyZz

2. The nucleus of the cell contains biological information The second possible Fidorous text, discovered alongside the first. Again, The nucleus of the cell contains biological information is the original title.

3. Fossil fish reconstruction

The first image is a replica of a text structure found in the Arundel Way underpass in Sheffield. The image had been created horizontally across two tiles at the base of a stairway (see photos & map of underpass layout) using letter transfers. The structure seems to represent a species of prehistoric armoured fish, although the image is incomplete with large areas of damage. The second image is my speculative reconstruction. The text has been reproduced actual size. No other underpass texts were recovered.

4. Computer virus mosquito in amber

This image was discovered as an acetate label on a 3½” floppy disk in Sheffield Interchange (see maps/photos) and has been greatly enlarged here. The structure is probably a mosquito. The disk carrying this image is transparent orange plastic (rather than the usual matt black), giving the impression of an insect trapped in amber. The text appears to be programming source code and there are some similarities to the Melissa Virus code circa 2000/2001. Could this be connected to Fidorous? The disk itself is unsalvageable.

5. Postcard of the Greek island of Naxos

This postcard found in a lay-by in the Broomhill area of Sheffield. The reverse of the postcard is still blank but the photo credit describes the image as ‘Naxos at dawn’. There’s some slight rain damage. It’s very unlikely that this is connected to Dr Fidorous or to the First Eric Sanderson but the chance discovery of it gave me a thin sort of encouragement. As this isn’t strictly a ‘find’ I’ve wrapped it in clear plastic along with two pieces of protective post and stored it separately, in the pocket in the top of my rucksack.