Solution to THC # 9030

Across

 1 Nicole as in Nicole Kidman (5,4) FIRST NAME

 5 A swelling marking a negative terminal… (5) ANODE

 8 … old boy, one getting things going as a witness (8) OBSERVER

 9 The financial means needed for existence (6) LIVING

11 Old cavalryman, one deserting Indian soldier (5) SPAHI

12 Dusky runner, unknown entity at Guindy maybe (4,5) DARK HORSE

13 Satellite getting it back in, in movement (6) MOTION

14 Subtle aspersion that could end union precipitately (8) INNUENDO

16 Hard-working union leader in lens men’s work-places (8) STUDIOUS

18 Universe as revealed in a strategic osmosis test (6) COSMOS

22 Bankrupt at home, can pay bills, however (9) INSOLVENT

23 A stake for a long time in heartless conflict (5) WAGER

24 Four Royal Engineers dance, causing public outburst (6) FURORE

25 A soothing application for a soft pawn deserting job (8) OINTMENT

26 Foul smelling part of a creek you would rather avoid (5) REEKY

27 Sail with houri in distress? Very funny! (9) HILARIOUS

Down

 1 Partner of jetsam in odds and ends (7) FLOTSAM

 2 Begin afresh to relax with painting (7) RESTART

 3 Reserve force that makes an irate martyr roil in fury (11,4) TERRITORIAL ARMY

 4 Programme of action for American prosecutor receiving information (6) AGENDA

 5 Creature not in its element, getting breathless? (1,4,3,2,5) A FISH OUT OF WATER

 6 Greek character in a comic rondeau (7) OMICRON

 7 The Greek painter in Spain (2,5) EL GRECO

10 A chore that a tooth may do (5) GRIND

15 Quilt of the French old-timer (5) DUVET

16 More inflexible but frets if upset (7) STIFFER

17 A rapid rise in a state’s yearning (7) UPSURGE

19 In an internal combustion engine it is a thing that attracts nothing (7) MAGNETO

20 Grey layer cloud that starts universal disturbance (7) STRATUS

21 A fabric at one’s choice (2,4) AT WILL