Felix Crooke

Felix Crooke
Fictional Character
The Two Georges POD: c. 1763
Type of Appearance:	Direct
Nationality:	North American Union
Date of Birth:	1950s or 1960s
Date of Death:	1995
Cause of Death:	Shot to death
Occupation:	Police Officer
Professional Affiliation:	Royal American Mounted Police

Lieutenant-Colonel Felix Crooke was with the Royal American Mounted Police and based in Victoria. He was a stocky, pale, clean-shaven man with black hair and blue eyes.

He was the RAM's expert on the Sons of Liberty and accompanied Lieutenant General Sir Horace Bragg on his train trip from Victoria to New Liverpool when the Sons stole The Two Georges on June 15, 1995.

When Crooke learned of Colonel Thomas Bushell's taking to the field to further the investigation into the theft, he asked permission to accompany him. Bushell agreed, thinking that Crooke's expertise would be useful. Bushell did ask Crooke if he had brought a weapon with him which surprised him. However, after Bushell pointed out that they were facing gunrunners, he acknowledged the need and sought a revolver from the HQ armourer.

The next morning Crooke met up with Bushell at the airship port and together they boarded the Empire Builder. Crooke went to his stateroom for the takeoff and then joined Bushell and Captain Samuel Stanley in the dinning room for breakfast.

The voyage was uneventful until they arrived at Wellesley. There, when they disembarked, they were accosted by a pack of reporters. Getting away, the three managed to get to the train station and catch a train to Prince George. There they changed trains to go to Prince Rupert and then by ferry to Skidegate.

After checking-in at the Skidegate Lodge, Crooke accompanied Bushell and Stanley to interview Rob Pratson, the postmaster. From him they learned of four men living in Buckley Bay who came into town every few weeks to mail long narrow packages all over the North American Union. The three then went to Cmdr. Nathan Hairston of the Naval Security Detachment for further assistance. Crooke was lent Royal Marine fatigues but turned down the offer of a rifle.

Early the next morning Crooke and his fellow RAMs and two squads of Royal Marines set out to Buckley Bay. Crooke dutifully followed orders to keep in cover but treated the expedition as a routine police investigation. As such, when they were challenged as they approached an abandoned grocer's shop, Crooke broke cover. He stood up and declared they were police and ordered the men to surrender with their hands above their heads. For his troubles, Crooke was gunned down by rifle fire and killed instantly.

Crooke was the first active RAM killed by gunshot since 1981. His death sent ripples of mourning throughout the service.