HOW INFERNO FAILED

HOW INFERNO FAILED Even as Professor Robert Langdon, along with the W.H.O., and thousands, of independent researchers, were trying to understand WHAT, if ANYTHING, could be done, about an insane geneticists plan, to strerilize 75% of the worlds population, for the purpose of "thinning the herd", while reducing the strain, on planetary resources, the one thing, which the academic world just could not understand, was how the public reacted, once word was released, of the madmans agenda. In the madmans "perfect world", the public was projected to just go about their lives, blissfully un-aware that many of them were, now, sterile. Fewer children would be born and, according to computer projections, between this, death, and disease, as well as natural disasters, claiming substantial numbers of lives, with each event, the academic world had projected a 33% reduction, in the strain, on planetary reesources, in as little as 50 years. These academics also projected a total, of 66% reduction, in the strain, on planetary resources, within 100 years. If projections proved accurate, within 150-200 years, human population would decreased, to the projected number, of 200, to 500 billion people, world wide. Even longer range projections provided an ever better outlook, for the planet. This since, even infants, born sterile, would never reproduce, resulting in a further reduction, in both population, and drain, on planetary resources. If projections held true, then Earth could, easily, repair itself, and provide for the remaining population. What the academics just could not comprehend, or project for, was public reaction, to this in-voluntary sterilization. While the mad man had calculated a gradual, population, reduction, neither he, nor the academic world, could comprehend how, or why, the "common man", just did not "Go, quietly, into the night". Even though the academics had been extremely cautious, about releasing information, the general public's imagination was "fired up", just as the public had become terrified by a radio broadcast, of the radio play "The War of the Worlds". In some cities, the local population turned, on the academic world, blaming ALL Ph.d's, for the mad mans actions. As a result, of this public rage, atleast three universities were burned, to the ground. Staff members would be tortured, then slain, after admitting that staff had no conception, of how to reverse the sterrilization process. In still other cities, though, the situation was even worse. Friends, and neighbors, turned, on one another, in the irrational thought that each vcitims death would ensure a longer life, for survivors. When Sienna Brooks witnessed the growing destruction, and the out of control genocide, which a fearful population had wrought upon itself, Sienna Brooks had insisted "This was never projected! This should not be happening. Our projections showed that mankind would be disciplined, and measured, in our response, to INFERNO". When Professor Robert Langdon would say "Well, guess what. Your projections did not take into account human nature" Sienna Brooks just could not believe her eyes, as the media reported that as many as 500,000 people joined suicide cults, preferring to take their own lives, rather than risking INFERNO taking their lives. When the W.H.O. had interrogated Sienna Brooks, asking HOW the young woman could take part, in such an extreme, terrorist, plot? Sienna had defended her position, say that the issue, at hand, was not INFERNO. It was global over-population. As Sienna would tell her interrogators "Look, the good doctor, and myself, elisted the aid, and advice, of MANY other academics, prior to coming to the final solution. We ran the numbers, HUNDREDS of times. This was not some "Lets just see what will happen" game. None of the current events was projected. The numbers all maintained that mankind was projected to return to our roots, within 300 years. None of the current events make rational sense." When a W.H.O. director would ask "What does not make sense? That people are panicking, in opposition to in-voluntary sterrillization?" Sienna Brooks would remain FIRM, saying "And, we are NOT killing our brothers, and sisters, everyday, in the Middle East?" Then added "Are we not, as a species, killing this planet, inch by inch, with over-population?" When the W.H.O. director would say There are OTHER ways" Sienna Brooks stood her ground "WE are killing this planet, with over-population! If we expect to leave anything, for future generations, mankind MUST be DEALT with NOW!" To Sienna Brooks fury, the W.H.O. conversed with the American Medical Association, along with other health groups. As a result, of these discussions, Sienna Brooks would have her license, to practice medicine, revoked. Sienna Brooks was to be completely banned, from the practice of medicine (Or, whattever she was, actually, practicing). While Sienna Brooks would be allowed to contribute, towards the work, of reversing INFERNO, the world court would issue a judgement, that Sienna ONLY be allowed to consult, from within a maximum security prison cell. Still, the director, of the W.H.O., however, would call this action "Too little, too late". This, especially after a suicide bomber would drive into a city and, using spray nozzles, mounted to the sides, of a pick up truck, to "dust" a city. From official reports, the driver had shown no concern, even over th fact that he, himself, might die. This was made obvious that the corpse would, later, be found, without an air filter nearby. Acxcording to a note, found at his place, the mans only concern had been trying to save his family's lives, by exterminating these other, "extra" people. The mans hope had been that the five million, resulting deaths, caused by the spray, would cause INFERNO to spare his own family. The gas the man used, was so lethal, that not even hazmatt siuts would work, near the point, of contamination for over a week. When Sienna Brooks was shown the note, she breathed a sigh, of relief, saying "Atleast SOME-one understands the magnitude, of the problem". When interrogated about "How is bio-terrorism considered "understanding" the problem?" Sienna remained defiant, saying "Atleast this person was willing to take ACTION! How many other people are just sitting back, HOPING for an imagined solution?" As a result of her actions, Sienna Brooks trial would become a "Crimes Against Humanity"-style war-crimes trial. The W.H.O. had pushed for this, especially after five, third world, nations governments were compelled to bomb their own, major, cities, even as FEAR caused people to kill, and be killed, like stampeding cattle, as word of INFERNO spread. While Sienna Brooks was pleased, that the population was coming down, even faster than predicted, what Sienna, as an educated academic, just could not understand, was the lack of LOGIC, behind the publics actions. The public was butchering one another, on a "wholesale" basis, as if in some sort of effort to AVOID the effects of INFERNO. The computer projections had, never, anticipated this. Even the scientific community had not predicted this outcome. Every simulation, which academics could run, ALL pointed to a calm, leisurely, response, to the infection. Not one, single, projection, from any where, in the world, predicted that many nations would be called upon to implement Martial Law. It was when Sienna Brooks would not waiver, from her position, that INFERNO had been mandatory, to save the planet from mankind, that Professor Robert Langdon found his own skills being called upon, again. The United States government had called upon Robert Langdon, to host a series, of speaking engagements. During each of these engagements, Professor Langdon would explain that, even in past disasters, there had been survivors. As Robert Langdon would explain: "Without survivors, HOW would we have the knowledge, which is of aid, today? If no one had survived the Black Death, would we, even, be alive, to question the effects, of INFERNO? We KNOW that people survived past disasters, since this is how we know about Atlantis, Babylon, and Troy. In fact, the reason why we know, about the Tower of Babel, is due to the stories, told by the survivors." Although, during this time, Robert Langdon was listed, by the university, as being "On Sabatical", while working the lecture circuit, the feds decided to credit the Symbologist with the rating of "working vacation". This is how Professor Robert Langdon found himself back in the middle, of yet ANOTHER mystery. While lecturing outside the United States, Robert Langdon preferred personalizing his lectures, to the history of his hosts native lands. Robert Langdon felt that this personalization added "substance" to his presentations. In the current situation, however, Robert Langdon understood that he needed to be cautious, with his words, as a result of the fact that the current crisis was NOT "God's work", like a tornado would be. No, this situation had been created, by a human, and with deliberate intent. Still, with all the effort he could muster, the symbologist would create his latest lecture, showing how previous civilizations had not only left writing, on tablets, but, also, how some groups, in order to preserve information, had carved the information into the bodies, of statues. When someone, in the group, had asked "Why bother carving on sculptures? Wouldn't carving a tablet be far easier?" Professor Langdon would respond, with his own question: "Tell me, if you will. How many tablets, even stone ones, have survived the ages?" When the attendee would say "Maybe ten thousand, more or less." Robert Langdon would ask "Now, how many statues have survived the ages?" When the attendee would say "I have no idea". Robert Langdon would ask "What if I told you atleast ten times the number, of tablets?" When another person asked "What would be so special, about a statue, other than ornamental value?" Robert Langdon would say "Precisely." When the group seemed confused, Robert Langdon would add "The reason why symbols, on statues, have survived, for un-counted centuries, is because people LOVE great art work. For centuries, museums, and private collectors (and, Robert Langdon thought, even thieves) have taken loving care of statues, for their beauty. Most are un-aware of an objects true value." When an attendee would add "I can see gold, silver, and copper, being engraved, with symbols but..." And Robert Langdon would add "Why would anyone carve symbols into Jade, Ivory, and other materrials? Why make such effort?" When the attendee would ask "Why?" Robert Langdon would ask "Why do modern artists store digital copies, of their works, on flash drives? Why do museums sponsor workshops, where artists copy the great masters, under supervision, ofcourse" Robert Langdon would continue "It is because people LOVE art. We LOVE beauty. Whether it be a woman, a car, a statue, or a painting. We are drawn to beauty. We celebrate beauty. We cherish, and do our best, to preserve beauty, for future generations. This is why messages, on statues, have survived the centuries." While Robert Langdon was relieved when a break was called, he was not prepared for what would happen, during this break. Outside of the conference room, Robert Langdon would have a woman introduce herseelf, as a member of the U.S. State Department. She would be in the presense, of local officials, yet what concerned Robert Langdon, the most, would be the armed soldiers. Men, who made NO attempt to hide their weapons. When the State Department woman would intruce herself "I am Amelia Armstrong. Assigned to the local branch, of the U.S. State Department. My friends, in the local government would appreciate some of your time, this evening". When Professor Langdon would admit "I AM in the middle of an address, and I was invited..." Amelia Armstrong would say "Yes, we know of your engagement". Robert Langdon would say "Unless this is serious, as in life-or-death serious, I do not see why it cannot wait until AFTER my presentation". This is when Amelia Armstrong would say "Professor Langdon, WE need you to tell US if it is serious. If you will join us, NOW, the State Department will do our very best to see that you are back, in time, for tomorrows presentation". When Robert Langdon noticed a guard, gesturing with his weapon, the professor would say "Lead the way". Outside of the auditorium, Robert Langdon was surprised to see a van, with WINDOWS, waiting for the group. When Robert Langdon would inquire "I thought governments always used window-LESS vans, for undercover activity". Amelia Armstrong would say "Normally, yes, that is true. When we made our primary report, to Washington, however, and your name came up, Washington suggested a less formal approach. We are to make you as comfortable as possible, while you are assisting us." Robert Langdon would learn the PRICE, for this "comfort" a few hours later, when the van stopped, far off of a side road, and soldiers surrounded the van. Amelia Armstrong would see Robert Langdons expression, and say "Since we are not certain of what we are dealing with, we thought it best to consider it hostile, until you tell us otherwise." When the soldiers lead the civilians into the brush, into a tunnel (WHY did bad things always have to be in tunnels? Robert Langdon would think) and down a corridor, into what Robert Langdon, immediately, recognized as an altar room. Before Amelia Armstrong would allow a sheet to be pulled away from something, tall, she would ask "Professor Langdon, when was the last time you ate?" When Robert Langdon would say "I ate a late lunch, maybe around two, or three, p.m. I was planning to have dinner after my final presentation, of the day" Amelia Armstrong would say "Good, that was several hours ago" (Robert Langdon would think "Dont remind me), then Amelia would say "Almost no chance of you getting sick, and us having to clean up the place". (What, the hell, was under the sheet, anyway?) From the moment when Amelia Armstrong gave the soldiers a signal, and the men rested their weapons, against the chambers walls, and began tugging on ropes, tied to the sheet, or canvas, and the covering fell away, Robert Langdon KNEW what he was looking at. There, standing before him, twenty-five feet tall, was what many would consider a statue of Satan. Robert Langdon, however, knew the truth. As a symbologist, it was his JOB to know such things. From the moment when Robert Langdon saw the supple shape, the legs were carved into, then the incredible amount, of detail, of the "female section" between the legs, then the incredible detail, of the breasts, Robert Langdon KNEW what would be under the rest of the covering. The only thing, which did not make sense, was the pair, of human legs, sticking out of the statues snout. When a soldier crossed himself, saying "It is Satan", Robert Langdon ould not believe that people, still, believed that every horned creature was Satan. When Amelia Armstrong would ask Robert Langdon "Well, what do you think?" Robert Langdon would say "First of all. This is NOT Satan." When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Beg pardon?" Robert Langdon would say "This is a large version, of an ancient art work, reportedly commissioned, by a priest, no less, as a way of teaching young men to avoid demptation. The name, of the original work, is "The Deception of Temptation". The symbology, being female, is, supposedly, to prove that women have inspired lust, in men, since the story of Adam and Eve". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "If this is supposed to be a woman, then WHY the horns, and snout?" Robert Langdon would say "Artistic License." When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Then, WHAT is the symbolism of that human body, in the snout? By the way, HOW did it get WAY UP there?" By this time, Robert Langdon would be examining the statue, in detail, and even borrowed a workers brush, to clean some joints. While he worked, he would ask "By the way, WHAT lead you to check out this place?" Amelia Armstrong would say "A local reported seeing some strangers, nearby, and reported them. The man said it wasn't unusual to see people about, but that these people had "funny", or "strange", outfits on. When the local went to see what was going on" Robert Langdon would say "Let me guess. He heard sounds, like chanting". When Amelia Armstrong would say "Why yes. How did you know?" Robert Langdon would remind her "I am a symbologist. I deal with strange things, everyday." Then he would add "I would bet your local heard what sounded like screeches, and groans, as well". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "HOW could you have know THAT? That information has NOT been released." Robert Langdon would continue his dusting, as he said "It is typical for such chambers to have to have what we, today, call "Animatronics". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Without electricity? How would they work the devices?" Robert Langdon would say "I will show you, as soon as I FIND it". Sure enough, about an hour later, Robert Langdon found what he was looking for, then said "Follow me". With that, he moved into what had appearred to be a solid section, of wall, and into a rear section. Here, he found what he expected to find, including a mirror set up, similar to a submarine, and a set of levers, set into the wall. Robert Langdon would, then, post a soldier, in this section, saying "When I give this signal, I want you to pull the lever closest to you." The soldier would only say "How will I know, sir?" Robert Langdon would say "Just watch that mirror". When the rest of the group returned to the statue, and Robert Langdon would give the signal, Amelia Armstrong near jumped out of her skin, as the twenty-five foot tall "beast" seemed to bow its head, while kneeling, until the human legs were only an inch above the chamber floor. It was right when Amelia Armstrong was asking "How did they get the victim into the jaws?", when Robert Langdon would make the signal, for the second lever. A moment later, the snouts jaws opened, wide, and a teen girls body slumped to the floor. To all outward appearances, the body was made to look as if the "beast" had "gobbled" her up. Once the body was out of the snout, Robert Langdon, feeling claustrophobic with the statue now taking up so much of the space, while kneeling, gave the signal, for the third lever. The soldiers dropped their weapons, and stood, slack-jawed, for just a moment, as the statue stood back up, in its space. When Amelia Armstrong would gasp "HOW did they create all of this, without modern technology?" Robert Langdon would, only, ask "What makes you think they were more primitive than us?" When Amelia Armstrong would suggest "But, the lever, the wheel, all of that stuff. They are modern inventions, aren't they?" All Robert Langdon would answer was with "Are you sure we have not just RE-discovered, what they knew?" Looking up, at the statue, Amelia Armstrong was no-longer certain of much. As for the victims identity, it might seem ironic but the girls family was just being allowed to file a "Missing Persons" report, with the girls picture, when the morgue asked that the parents be sent down, for indentification. When the mother fainted, and the father, nearly had a heart attack, authorities were convinced they had the right family. What no one could understand was the HOW. After all, even when the school was contacted, staff verified that the girl had left class, just yesterday, to meet up with some friends, at an internet cafe, yet the friends said the girl never showed up. When Robert Langdon, cautiously, asked the parents "What do you know, of her after-school activities?" The father would ask "WHAT are you implying?" An officer would say "Just standard procedure, sir. We have to ask everyone." The father would say "She may not have been "perfect, but she was a GOOD girl." When Robert Langdon would review the records, provided by the girls school, whose staff had complied, with the investigation, fully, especially once they knew who the victim was, he would find out things, which led him on a "trail", similar to the Grail quest. Here, they had a young girl, missing less than twenty-four hours, yet stuffed into a statues snout. A girl, who life was not "perfect", but she was in the right age range. This is when Robert Langdon would remember his own work, with the rituals, of previous societies. Societies where, normally, only virgins were sacrificed, to the gods. Un-fortunately, in his work, as a historian, Robert Langdon had researched cases where, when people lived in fear, fo the unknown, or felt out-of-control, of their own lives, desperation had, too often, won out, over common sense. In some cases, girls, as young as five years, were sacrificed, in the desperate hope of appeasing an angry god. In other cases, boys bodies were chopped up, with the remains being left in places where certain beasts were said to feast. What, always, made Robert Langdon sick at his stomach, was how often the records stated that the victims had to be kept alive, during the mutilation process, for as long as possible. If the "sacrifice" was not "fresh enough", the god's protection would not be offered to the survivors. Robert Langdon was about to say "No way! This is the twenty-first century. We dont sacrifice virgins, anymore.", when he remembered the INFERNO virus, and the hysteria, which was causing people to do things, which normal people NEVER do. Things we would never even CONSIDER doing. This is when, most discreetly, and quietly, Robert Langdon would ask police "Have any other people, especially young women, gone missing, in the past few days?" A desk sargeant would say "A few, but dont worry. Most turn up, in a few days. When they get cold, hungry, or sick, they return home." When Robert Langdon would say "You said MOST. What about those, who do NOT return home?" The sargeant would say "most of those either end up, on the streets, seling their bodies, for drugs" When Robert Langdon would ask "OR?" The sargeant would say "Some are captured, by slavers. Sold to foreign lands, either as slaves, or for sex". When Robert Langdon began trying to see a "profile", of girls, most likely to be sacrificed, he had a hard time, since various cultures preferred either Blondes, OR Brunettes, OR Red Heads. When Robert Langdon over-heard Amelia Armstrong suggesting that the chamber be sealed off, to prevent sacrifice, Robert Langdon would ask "Do they know they have been discovered?" When the police would ask "WHO?" Robert Langdon would say "The group, which sacrificed this girl. Do they KNOW that we are on to them?" When Amelia Armstrong would ask the police, a detective would say "Not sure. I mean, the local called it in, but, by the time we got there. The place was empty". When Robert Langdon asked "DID you use your lights, or siren, enroute, to the chamber?" The sargeant would say "Since we didn't know what it was about, other than some people, in silly clothes, we saw no reason, to rush." This is when Robert Langdon would say "Then, we, still, have a chance". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "A chance at what?" Robert Langdon would say "If I am right, and this group thinks they remain secret, I am thinking that they may try more sacrifices". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "What on Earth for?" Robert Langdon would suggest "I think they are hoping for protection, from the INFERNO virus. They are hoping that enough human sacrifice will protect them from the viruses effects". When Amelia Armstrong would say "Professor, thats silly, bordering on stupid. This is a virus, not..." And Robert Langdon would say "a plague?" Then add "People are scared. A nut-case has released a contagion, which will cause who-knows-what. The longer an anti-virus takes, to develop, the more panicked, and desperate, people WILL become. You saw the news. Three governments had to bomb their own cities, because people were in such a panic that even federal troops would have made no difference". When the police sargeant would ask Robert Langdon "Sir, I know you are a professor. An educated man. Are you suggesting that we ALLOW this group to sacrifice more lives?" Robert Langdon would say "I am suggesting that we make it APPEAR that the group has not been discovered. Lett them set UP another sacrifice. Once we have the leaders, we can round up anyone else who might be involved. The goal is to catch Mr. Big", then Robert Langdon would look at Amelia Armstrong, and say "Or, Mrs. Big". Amelia Armstrong would say "I like MR. Big better."" Robert Langdon would say "Mr. Big, it is. Atleast until we are certain that it is not otherwise". Local police got their answer, the very next day, when a report came in, about a girl, being kidnapped, not just from school grounds, but right in front of a squad car. The officers, on location, would have to report "Un-able to pursue." When base would ask "What is your condition" The officers would report "Kidnappers must be using amour-piercing rounds. Shot holes on our front tires, blasted our radiator, and shattered our windshield. Advise all pursuit units Suspects considered armed, and DANGEROUS. Repeat: ARMED and DANGEROUS. Over". Within fifteen minutes, of this report, tacticle vans were armed, to the teeth, and prepared for all-out war. It was just a race to see who reached the chamber, first. While Tacticle was enroute, reports would come over the radio of "Unit down", and "officer down", even as the kidnappers sped their way to the chamber. When a tacticle commander would ask "What are they doing? TRYING for the death sentence?" Robert Langdon would remind the commander "People are scared. They are willing to try anything, which might save lives." The commander would ask "No matter how many lives it costs, to save them?" Robert Langdon would say "When people are desperate, they will try anything." Robert Langdon really HAD hoped to capture all, or atleast, PART, of the group, preferrably inside the chamber. If this were possible, it would help the police to encourage confessions. This is why Robert Langdon knew that the situation was going "straight to Hell", when, in response to the "ARMED-and-DANGEROUS" call, another tacticle unit had tried to cut off the kidnappers. Ofcourse, the units actions had nothing to do with heroics. The second unit was, simply, trying to prevent the kidnappers from blasting innocent civilians, who were attending a church service. From the radio calls, it would seem that, just as the kidnappers viewed the arrival, of a tacticle helicopter, equipped with a sharp-shooter, armed with a high-powered rifle Langdon, and Armstrongs team received the radio messages of "Mother of God", and "Jesus Christ". When the tacticle commander would call out "Sitrep. Status of kidnappers. Do they remain enroute?" The cold response was "The only place they are enroute to is Hell". When the tacticle commander would bark "Define that!" The helicopter sniper would report "Sir, shortly after kidnappers spooted our helicopter, the kidnappers blew themselves up". When the commander would call out "ANY survivors?" The tacticle unit would report "We will begin search, immediately. Just dont expect more than a few body parts, though". When Amelia Armstrong would ask "What else can happen?" Robert Langdon would say "Careful. When people are scared..." and Amelia would say "I know. I know." When Amelia would, suddenly, remember her promise, to Professor Langdon, then she would say "I am sorry to have to ask you this, professor" Robert Langdon would say "Dont be. I had a feeling about this ride. I just didn't want my feeling to be right". When Amelia would say "The State Department can arrange your accomodations, while you are working with us. Anything you need, just ask". Robert Langdon would say "Well, I could use a shower, food, and some rest". Amelia would smile as she said "I think we can arrange that". Yes, Robert Langdon DID remember his previous challenges, regarding religious zealots. Boy! Did he remember being hunted, by those who were determined to prevent the knowledge, that Jesus Christ had living descendants, from becoming public knowledge. After that, Robert Langdon had to deal, with other, religious, zealots. This time, people who were deterrmined to re-make the Roman Catholic Church, in their own image. Ofcourse, Vatican City was no "fan", of Robert Langdon, for proving that Jesus Christ had living descendants. There was, however, the balancing fact that, the most recently installed pope was the same man, whom Langdon had saved, from drowning, in a fountain. The very same man who, upon his ordination, had ordered the church to allow Professor Langdon access to Vatican records. Now, yet another, zealot had released a form of virus, causing public panic, after the zealot had gone insane, and plunged to their death. And, NO! Roberrt Langdon did NOT expect any REAL effort, from Sienna Brooks. The reason why was simple. Sienna Brooks BELIEVED that the purge was "necessary". Langdon figureed that, if anything, Sienna would do her best to sabotage the work, on a vaccine, rather than help the public. By the time Langdon, Armstrong, and their unit, caught up with the other unit, which was investigating the explosion, the bomb squad commander had terrible news. As the bomb squad commander would say "Who ever packed this van did not know what they were doing." When Amelia Armstrong would ask "Why do you say that?" The bomb squad commander would say "We found C-4 residue everywhere. The floor, walls, and roof. That van was carrying enough explosives to blast Parliament." This is when Amelia Armstrong would say "Combine that with armour-piercing ammunition..." The bomb squad commander would add "My question is WHERE did they get all of this stuff?" As Amelia Armstrong and Robert Langdon, looked upon the destruction, caused by the van bomb, both came to understand why the soldiers had radioed things like "Mother of God", and "Jesus Christ". These had not been profanities. The soldiers just had no other words to describe how a van had blown itself up, taking an entire city block, on either side of the road, out, in the same explosion. What surprised Amelia Armstrong was that, when she commented "I guess thats the end of that", Robert Langdon had said "Dont bet on that. INFERNO is, still, out there, and we have no vaaccine. You should expect MORE, like this, before this is over with". Later, back at the State Department, when Amelia Armstrong checked in, with Washington, regarding progress towards the needed vaccine, Amelia was informed just what Robert Langdon had told her to expect to hear. Sienna Brooks had been removed, even from project consultancy. Reason: Experts realized that Sienna was not only not leading the team towards a vaccine. Sienna was, actually, leading the team towards the creation of an even more potent version, of INFERNO. Even in her prison cell, Sienna Brooks just could not understand why events were not un-folding, as INFERNO projections had showed that events would un-fold. The world was not, quietly, sitting back, and "letting Nature take its course". Sienna was, also, certain that her jailers were taunting her, showing her only the news, of even more suicide cults, whose members were taking thier own lives. Sienna wondered how people could think so irrationally. INFERNO was mankinds SALVATION. Why could these people NOT understand that? Sienna had wanted to file a formal protest, when she was removed from INFERNO research. After all, if they wanted her to find a "cure", FIRST, she had to re-create the original strain. Without the model, to work from, there was no basis, for a "cure". Sure, Sienna had dabbled, with making the strain even more potent. Her goal, however, had been to find out what MIGHT happen if someone did, in fact, weaponize INFERNO. Sienna had just been in the process of documenting how potent a new strain, of INFERNO, would be, for her report, to the W.H.O., when her lab access had been removed. The fools! Now, they would have to finish the work, with-OUT the assistance of the most qualified person, on the planet. Since her lab access had been removed, Sienna had been left with nothing to do except read any books the prison library had. If she stayed here, much longer, she would go insane. She needed mental stimulation. She needed challenges. Her mind was only "at piece", when she was working on a problem. As for Robert Langdon, he did not care that his suite, at the State Department was, no doubt under surveillance. All he cared about was a hot shower, some food, then bed. When Amelia checked in, with security, a short while after she and Langdon, had parted ways, a guard played back the video, showing a freshly showered Langdon yawning his way, to the bed, where his fresh clothes awaited. The "funny" part was that, as soon as he sat, on the bed, wearing just a towel, he had collapsed, dead tired. Amelia suggested "Let his room service wait until he stirs. He has had a very long day". Security would agree. For some, unknown, reason that night, Robert Langdon kept dreaming about the ending of the movie "Beneath the Planet of the Apes". The part, were Orson Wells does his voice-over, saying, in part, "An insignificant planet is now...DEAD". When Robert Langdon awoke, not even realizing that he had fallen asleep, he considered which was most important. A fresh shave, or a meal. When he decided a shave was most important, to a "professional" appearance, Robert Langdon was just finishing shaving, when room service brought him some food. That, and a message. Since it had been so long, since his previous meal, Robert Langdon would swallow the meal, with "relish", before even considering the note. What surprised him, however, were the contents of the note: "Professor Langdon. The criminal, Sienna Brooks, is requesting an audience, with you, at your earliest convenience. The criminal refuses to discuss her reason with anyone, except you." At first, Robert Langdon could not have cared, LESS, if the bio-terrorist had come, on her hands and knees, begging for an audience. But, this was only until he used the rooms internet connection, and accessed the research work, being done, on INFERNO. In his inbox, Robert Langdon found that, while he had slept, relatively peacefully, the world was gone, further, into chaos. Dozens, of suicide cults had sprung up, taking as many as five million lives, in an effort to avoid INFERNO. More cities had been bombed, by direct orders of federal governments. Police departments were evacuating their staffs, as civil un-rest made both America's Revolutionary, and Civil, wars, seem like sunday picnics, by comparison. To Robert Langdons deepest horror, though, there were, now, reports, coming in, of families, executing their own children. When arrests were made, parents told authorities the same story, time after time, even in different cities, and different nations. Parents were so convinced that INFERNO would "infect" their children, causing slow, lingering, agonizing, death, that concerned parents, not wanting children to suffer, from this terrible disease, had placed their children "beyond" INFERNO's "reach". Now, authorities had to decide if these parents were murderers. This brought Robert Langdon right back to Sienna Brooks request for a visit. Robert Langdon just wondered WHY Sienna wanted to see him. She MUST know that Langdon did NOT agree with her genocidal plan, for reducing Earths population. He remembered telling her, of his opposition, to her FACE. Still, as the symbologist reviewed the photo's, of the mass deaths, he could not help wondering what he could do, to help. Since Robert Langdon KNEW that he was needed, where he was, he would go to Amelia Armstrong, asking "Would you set up a conference call, so that I may speak, with her, without leaving this area?" Robert Langdon would be surprised when Amelia Armstrong would say "Professor, we can do better than that. This is the age, of video conferencing. Give us about ten munites, and you can speak to the criminal, face-to-face, as it were." Ten minutes later, while Robert Langdon was seated in a chair, normally reserved for high-ranking officials, he watched as Sienna Brooks was dragged on-screen, and cuffed to a simple, metal, chair. When Robert Langdon saw that Sienna Brooks was about to go into her bantering, about how mankind HAD to be purged, he cut her off, saying "I understand that you wanted to speak to me. Make it quick, since we DONT have much time." Sienna Brooks would begin with "I am hoping that you will understand my reasons, when I tell you WHY I not only re-created the virus, but my rationale, for creating a more advanced version." When Langdon, emotionless, would say "I am listening", Sienna would go on, to say "It seemed simple logic. Re-engineer the virus to understand its components." When Langdon would ask "The more advanced version?" Sienna would say "Robert, while re-engineering the virus, I had the thought of "What would happen if the virus were weaponized?"" When Langdon would suggest "So, YOU weaponized it, correct?" Sienna would say "To study its effects, so that you would recognize it, IF an event occurred." When Langdon would ask "Did you report this to the W.H.O.?"" Langdon saw Amelia Armstong shaking her own head, even as Sienna said "I wanted to finish the review, before presenting my findings. I wanted to present these people with a full, and complete, report." When Langdon cut to the chase, asking "WHY did you want to talk to me?" Sienna would seem to sulk, for a moment, before saying "Robert, I am just so confused. Despite every scenario that we ran, while creating INFERNO, not one, of the computer models included people acting so irrationally, including killing one another. Robert, what is WRONG with these people? No one is acting as the projections said that people should react? Would you tell me why these people are acting so irrationally?" Langdon would TRY to spell it out, for her: "Sienna, we talking about human beings, NOT computer projections. Computers do NOT understand compassion, love, or the "will to live". It would be no different than you, or I, travelling to the Klingon Empire, and trying to understand their way of life, with no reference point." When Sienna would say "But, Robert, my jailers have informed me that people are killing their own children, to "protect" the children from what is, clearly, a non-lethal, virus. It makes no sense. The children WONT die, from INFERNO. Neither will adults. WHY are people killing themselves over something which will not kill them?" Robert would remind Sienna of atleast three civilizations, which he had studied. In each case, after either Earthquakes, or flood's, a panicked population made a HUGE, sacrificial, offering, to the gods, in order to save villages from more destruction. Hundreds of animals, and teens, were sacrificed, as a panicked population prayed to its gods, for protection against further cataclysm. By modern standards, the people had acted "monstrously". Based upon the religion, of THEIR day, though, their actions were justified since, after the sacrifices, no further tragedies befell the population. When Sienna would ask "Robert, please tell me that this madness will end, soon." Langdon would say "I doubt that will happen, until we find an antidote, for INFERNO." When Sienna would ask "Robert! What are you saying? I mean, the death toll, for just the past month, has, FAR exceeded the projected number, for the next three decades." Langdon would say "People are frightened. They dont see an end, to this nightmare. They will try ANYTHING, which will protect their loved ones." When Sienna would ask "Robert, you are not suggesting..." and Langdon would say "Yes, if people are afraid enough, and panicked, enough, they will even make "un-holy" deals." It was just as Sienna was saying "We never projected this. Not one, single, time. It was never PROJECTED" This is when Amelia Armstrong would whisper, to Langdon, who would, then, tell Sienna "I have to go, if that is all you wanted to tell me". Sienna would ask "Just one favor." When Langdon would ask "What?" Sienna asked Have them put me BACK in the research team. Since I have re-created the virus, I would have the best chance of finding an antidote". Lagndon would "spell it out": "Not a chance, Sienna. For all we know, you could grow a strain, to which you, alone, are immune. A strain, which would wipe out the rest of humanity. No deal!" Langdon did not buy the "repentent soul" routine, even as Sienna would whisper "You must think me a monster". While Langdon half-listened the the criminals plea's, he was more focused on what Amelia Armstrong had in her hands. Recon photo's, which jogged, in Langdon's mind, memories, of the horror scene, found in Jonestown, Guyanna. It had been the late 1970's, and, at that time, suicide cults were nothing more than sub-plots, in horror movies. That is, until a compound, built by the Reverend James Jones, had been "infiltrated", by government agents, posing as followers of the reverend. While the agents had reported that Jim Jones was having the people, in his compound, practicing "suicide drills", for the event that the "evil, of the outside world", ever attacked, Jonestown would "defend" itself, by mass suicide. When federal agents stopped reporting in, a recon flight had been sent in, to the area, and the pilots were left speechless, by what they found. The mass, of dead bodies, would have made sense, had there been a major attack, on the compound, yet, when the property was checked, by armed soldiers, the report stated that there was no property damage. Just dead bodies. Robert Langdon had been just a young student, at the time, and had not, fully, grasped, what these people had done. Years later, when David Koresh, and the Branch Dividians, had staged a similar situation, in Waco Texas, Professor Langdon had hoped that history would NOT repeat itself. Unlike Jonestown, Guyanna, however, where the bodies had not been found until AFTER the fact, in Waco, there had been national news coverage, as the Branch Dividians had held off a massive number, of armed, federal, troops, using weapons equal to those the military carried. While the federal governement had INSISTED that Waco was an "un-qualified success", the general public had not agreed. As a result, Waco went from being a national success story, for law enforcement, to being known as the worst crime, against civilians, since World War Two. The national media had "crucified" the Justice Department, showing footage of heavily armoured tanks smashing through the walls, of the Branch Dividians compound, killing who knows how many people, and all just to take a small number, of survivors into custody. Now, Robert Langdon had, in his hands, more proof that mankind was panicking, in the face of disaster. Yet another compound, full of bodies. That, and the note, which soldiers had found, at the site. It read: The day of judgement is at hand. Rapture is upon the world. May the dear Lord have mercy on our souls. A-Men When Amelia would lower her voice, saying "That is the fifth, such, letter we have discovered, in the past forty-eight hours." When Robert Langdon lowered his voice, as well, asking "How many bodies, this time?" Amelia Armstrong would say "We are, still, counting, but atleast one, of our commanders, on the ground, is wagering atleast 1,000, this time." When Amelia would suggest "Maybe we SHOULD offer, to let the criminal advise the team. If she did re-create the virus, maybe she can help them find an antidote". Langdon would say "Or, MAYBE, she might perfect a better delivery system. Can we, really, trust her?" When Amelia would ask "Do we have a choice?" Robert Langdon would look at Amelia Armstrong, saying "Amelia, it has been nice knowing you. I say this because you and I are about to meet the Devil, and shake his leathered claw. Are you ready for this?" Amelia would, only ask "Do I have a choice?" When Robert Langdon renewed his contact, with the prison, his instructions, to Sienna were clear. "I want you to write down EVERYTHING you did. Every detail. If you will have this ready, when I arrive, witht the State Department, then we will CONSIDER allowing you to return to the research team. Agreed?" Sienna would half-whisper "Agreed". While in transit, to the prison, Robert Langdon, and Amelia Armstrong, would receive MORE bad news. Military sources, in seven nations, would make alarming reports, stating that recon units, having been dispatched, when MORE undercover agents had gone "quiet", in militant strongholds, had found more, human, devastation. In the worst case, an agent had broken "silence", making contact, with their base, just hours before the compounds leader had stated "The day of Judgement is at hand. May the Lord be praised, to cal his children home". The agents last message was "They are preparing to inject anyone, who does not drink the poison." By the time a division, of federal soldiers, reached the compound, all that was left were dead bodies. What "spooked" the soldiers, most, however, was that the suicides appearred to be happy. According to Amelia Armstrong, what concerned the Statte Department, was the fact that the death toll, so far, was over twenty million. Amelia was, also, instructed to ask Robert Langdon "Washington wants to know if further "damage" can be prevented, if we just circulate a rumor, that a vaccine is under development, and soon, to be released." Professor Robert Langdon knew that, even in America, this type, of trickery, had been used, before. In fact, it had been used TOO often. Americans, now, no-longer believed these words, until the words were backed by proof. Then Robert Langdon had a thought. It is, widely, known that, during World War Two, that, whille the Third Riech had fed the German people false information, claiming that, when the Allies made their way into Germany, that German women would face wholesale rape, by as many as twelve, allied, soldiers, at a time, while German men would be executed, on-site. No trial, just killed, for being German. German children would be cooked, and served, as dinner, to allied forces. Ofcourse, Berlin had no "corner" on the propaganda market. The people, of America, and Britain, would be told that, if the Germans were not stopped, that the women, of allied nations, would, ALSO, face gang rape, while men would be tortured, then killed, and children would be killed, just for the "fun", of it. Now, Robert Langdon was wondering if a similar form, of propaganda might be the only way, to SAVE lifes, until an antidote WAS found. The "trick" would be making the information believable. Robert Langdon knew that he would not have to ask if the U.S. Government had such a section. The section had been working, almost "round-the-clock", creating "evidence", of planned attacks, on U.S. soil, ever since the American people had, first, dennounced George Walker Bush, for demanding to take the Oval Office, after LOSING Decision 2000. Since that time, the "propaganda" section had been working, tirelessly, to CREATE evidence, that America was in "mortal danger", of attack. "In the beginning", the American people had been hesitant, to accept the "threats", as real. Then came September 11th, 2001. A masterpiece, of propaganda. Instilling mortal terror, of additional attacks, in the American people, and allowing Washington to attack anyone they chose, so long as the attacks made the American people feel "safe". Since that day, Americans had been willing to accept nearly anything, which the propaganda section had created. Including the so-called "Weapons of Mass Destruction". While the academic community, including Professor Robert Langdon, had been opposed to all, such, forms, of DECEIT, in the past, NOW, with an international crisis, growing, out of control, Robert Langdon was considering whether such deceit could be used to SAVE lives? By the time the plane landed, and the unit was escorted, to the prison, the death toll was up to thirty million. Yes, people who were in FEAR of their lives, will do very drastic things. FEAR, never seems to lose, to LOGIC. By the time Robert Langdon, and the group, of C.D.C. sccientists, working with the W.H.O., began reviewing Sienna Brooks notes, even Robert Langdon was impressed with the womans methodology. This was even before the scientists praised her note-taking, themselves. It would take days, just to understand the notes, yet, everyone, present, was in agreement, over Sienna's notes, and rationale, about the creation of a weaponized form, of the virus. Even when the notes cautioned how, if the virus were weaponized, that simply as shooting down such a missile, would be just as effective, at dispersing the virus, as allowing the substance to strike its target. The one thing Robert Langdon had hoped NEVER to have to do was give a presentation, on how LYING to the public, would SAVE lives. Giving out false information, in order to quiet panic. As both the worlds militaries, and satellite recon, showed a mounting body count, even as rumors spread, like wild-fire, claiming that INFERNO would cause all manner, of pain, sickness, torture, before death, Robert Langdon figured that some POSITIVE propaganda could not hurt. After all, it would by the world TIME, to find an antidote. With an estimated, global, body count, of 75 million, Robert Langdon would decide that, yes, it was time, to LIE to the public, to gain precious time. The lie, however, would have to be well-tailored, in order to be accepted. This is why, during his presentation, Robert Langdon would be heard to say "In this, current, crisis, rumor, innuendo, and so on, are taking many more lives, than INFERNO could have hoped to. Although I have been an adamant opponent, of spreading lies, for any reason, over my career, I feel that, at this time, a few, well-intentioned lies might be just whatt people need, to be able to relax, and take stock, before taking more, rash, actions. At last report, the body count was up to seventy-five million, world-wide, within just a very short time. According to one of the co-creators, of INFERNO, this was, never, expected. The sources own, theoretical, models, only showed, maybe, two million, additional deaths, per YEAR. This, un-precidented, increase, in deaths, should be considered just as critical as the plot-line, of the movie, Alien Nation, would have been. This movie, if you will recall, posited that a damaged, alien, craft, would strand one quater of a million aliens, on our plant. A further strain on both the planet, and our population. More beings seeking employment, needing houses, and food. This, on a planet, where people are, already, starving, by the millions. Now, we are looking at, basically, the reverse, of "Alien Nation". Our planet is becoming de-populated, just as rapidly as the Soviet sector, of occupied Germany, after World War Two. For the benefit of those whose field of extertise does NOT include history, alow me to summarize: During World War Two, the allies lived under the mistaken assumption that all Germans were dedicated Nazi's. This mis-conception would be equal to todays mis-conception, that all Americans endorsed, and supported, Mr. Bush's actions, between 2001-9. During World War Two, the allies could not conceive that the German people were just trying to survive, by being silent, under the oppressive dictatorship, of Adolf Hitler, the Gestapo, and the S.S.. It was only AFTER Adolf Hitler, and the Nazi's, were removed from power, that the German people were able to "breathe", again. At that time, under the Allied Kommandantura, Germans hoped to re-build their nation, and their lives. What no one foresaw, at that time, was that the Soviets, under Joseph Stalin, had his OWN plans, for Germany. While England, France, and the United States, wanted to re-start the post-war, German, civilian, and industrial, economy, to allow thhe German to re-built their lives, Joseph Stalin wanted Communist planning, in the Soviet controlled sector, known as East Germany. While the Germans hoped that the Allied Kommandantura would allow Germany to re-take its place, in the world economy, the Germans, in the Eastern sector would face a bitter reality. This reality would come the day when Joseph Stalin pulled Russia OUT of the Allied Kommandantura, while announcing that Communism would be the way of life, in East Germany. Now, when the people, of East Germany came to understand that they had traded one dictator, in Adolf Hitler, for another dictator, in Joseph Stalin, so began an exodus, as the people, of East Germany began packing what they could carry, and heading for the Western sectors. As the Eastern sector, ruled by the Communists, saw its population shrinking, at an alarming rate, as people abandoned homes, farms, and so on, to travel to the Western sector, ruled by the allied powers, the population, of East Germany was at a projected loss, of 25% of its population, before Moscow gave permission to stop the Germans from leaving the Soviet sector. This was, by the way, a desperate effort, to save East Germany from becoming nothing more than vacant properties. As history reminds, us, though, the German people found most ingenious, dangerous, and, sometimes, deadly, ways, to escape the Soviet sector. By the time that Ronald Reagan declared the Soviet Union an "evil empire", vowing that America would "destroy this menace", Soviet Russia had spent so much money, on the Berlin Wall, trying to force the East Germans to stay in the East, that East Germany was left bankrupt, to the point where the Communists had to begin selling prisoners to the west. During the decades, of what was known as the "Cold War", East Germany continued losing its population, to the west, even as the Communists, and the West, tried various, propaganda, ploys, in order to seduce the people from one side, or the other. The primary purpose, of such deceit, was to encourage people to BELIEVE that one way of life was better than the other. This, I believe, should be our message, in this current crisis. I would suggest that, until an actual antidote is created, that the public should be "tricked" into believing that progress is moving, faster than anyone thought. It is my suggestion that pharmaceutical companies use the concept, of the double-blind, giving the public placebo injections, which will hold INFERNO "at bay", until a real antidote can be found". When an attendee would ask "Professor Langdon, what happens when people realize that birth rates are continuing to decline? What do we tell women, who have gotten off of birth control, in order to conceive, yet are unable to do so?" When Robert Langdon would say "We tell them "Better luck next time"". The attendee would ask "Wont the women be suspicious?" Robert Langdon, who never claimed to be an expert, on anatomy, would say "You know, women DO have un-protected sex, on a regular basis, as do men. Not every act, of intercourse, leads to conception." It was when the attendee would ask "Professor Langdon, WHAT do we tell women, when they WANT to conceive, but cannot?! Dont the women deserve to know the truth?" When Robert Langdon would ask "What IS the "truth"? That some women are just not "lucky enough" to be "baby machines"?" To his personal shame, Robert Langdon would be relieved when two, armed, guards would escort the attendee out of the presentation. After the removal, Robert Langdon would remind the attendance "A co-creator, of INFERNO, has informed me that INFERNO is, by no means lethal. The rumors, of suffering, and death, are being spawned by public panic, over "What IF". It will be our job, not so much to lie, to the public, as to calm the public. Re-assure the public that the "Grim Reaper" is NOT on the prowl." When asked "What do we do with cases, where people are so irrational, that they cannot see the forrest, for the tree's?" Robert Langdon would say "These people will need rather intense healthcare. Yes, people are afraid. We need more people, on the "streets", who respond more like ministers. People who can "preach" HOPE, until a real solution is found. When asked "Just how LONG will a solution take?" Robert Langdon would say "Pardon my saying so, but, you have, apparently, mis-identified me, as a medical professor. I am, in fact, a Professor of Symbology. It would be in-approriate for me to answer medical research questions". It was after the presentation, that Robert Langdon would find out, via Amelia Armstrong, "That person, the one who was escorted out of the presentation", When Robert Langdon would ask "Who were they?" Amelia would say "Just as you predicted. The opposition sent a "rabble-touser", to upset your presentation." "So, Sienna was right", Robert Langdon would say. "I am afraid so" Amelia Armstrong would agree. Back at the research center, Sienna Brooks was rec-checking her samples, for, maybe, the 100th time. She had to be CERTAIN, before she committed to taking any action. Just because samples APPEARRED to show certain results, this did not mean that the results were accurate. This is one reason why INFERNO had been tested so thoroughly. They had to be CERTAIN of its effects. Something, somewhere, must have gone wrong. It MUST have. Otherwise, the results did not make sense. INFERNO was, only, supposed to cause sterility. Sienna spent DAYS, re-checking samples, and re-creating new batches, while reporting on the failed samples. Sienna was trying to figure out where SHE had gone wrong. For some reason, HER batch, of INFERNO, was not acting, as the original sample had. WHERE could she have gone wrong? When Sienna Brooks asked the other scientists to check her work, line by line, for her mistake, seventy reviews, later, and all Sienna Brooks had was "You have performed, correctly." When Sienna would ask "How can that be. My samples do not act like the original batch". When a scientist would ask "How do you know that the first batch was not flawed, as well?" Sienna would say "Impossible! We checked, double, and triple, checked, everything. The doctor did not even order the Solubon bag, until after dozens of tests displayed the same results." When the scientist would ask "We the tests live action, or computer simulations?" Sienna would say "Some were simulations. But those were to determine effect. The disperal tests were live action." When the scientist would ask "So, you were present for each, and everyu test, correct?" Sienna would ask "What do you mean?" The scientist would say "I mean, did the doctor perform ALL tests, in the presense, of his staff?" Sienna would have to think, before she said "Not every test. However, the doctor NEVER withheld any test results." It was when the scientist would ask the simple question "Are you SURE?" Sienna never thought to question this, before. The only reason why the scientist thought about it was because neither the C.D.C., NOR W.H.O., allowed scientists to work alone. There was, always, another person, present, "just in case". If a researcher was harmed, or in-capacitated, the assistant could call the alarm in. This was a primary reason why "research assistants" existed. When the combined, research, team, reviewed Sienna Brooks results, she was distraught when the team agreed with her findings. Her mentor had gone completely, mentally, un-balanced, during his final months. He was so paranoid, about life, that he had created something even worse than sterility. His "targetted time bomb", was not just targetted at causing the re-productive glands to terminate operation. No, this was just phase one. Phase Two began the shut down, of various organs. Those not considered "essential" to the body's operation. No matter how hard the researchh team worked, to a different result, the same conclusion "Bit them, in the ass", every time. The final phase, of INFERNO, was a complete shutdown, of the body. For the "luckiest" ones, INFERNO would cause pulmonary malfunction, while the people remained mobile. In these cases, the herat would just stop pumping. In the worst case scenarrio, the body would, gradually, shut down, leaving victims to die slow deaths, in hospital beds. It was at THIS point when Sienna Brooks found herself "in her element". She had an intellectual problem, to solve, and she would not quit until she had an answer. (She just would not tell anyone, about the note, in her cell.) While the team was busy, de-constructing INFERNO, Robert Langdon was aiding the propaganda section, in creating the most realistic lies, which had been produced, in YEARS. These lies, though, were simple. Well known performers, from the entertainment industry, would be vaccinated, while encouraging others to take the same. The video's would show how, after being vaccinated, that people went on, to film movies, television, play sports, and so on. The vaccination would, even, be code-named, to give it more appeal. (No one needed to know that the shots were nothing more than time-released vitamins.) By the time Sienna Brooks, and her collegues, came up with the antidote, for INFERNO, the propaganda had slowed the genocide, to the point where, when the public was innoculated, the world-wide death toll, had eased out, at somewhere near two billion victims. While Sienna Brooks was relieved to have averted catastrophy, th problem, of population, still, remained. HOW to convince the world that humans were destroying the planet. Mankind HAD to be DEALT with. In the STRONGEST, possible, terms. In Sienna Brooks final report, she emphasized the NEED to eradicate half of the worlds population. This was IMPERATIVE, if the planet was to survive. Her recommendation: A SAFER form, of INFERNO. This version, targetted, better than the previous one. Mmankind had to be DEALT with. There was NO alternative! While Sienna Brooks was denied access to any drugs, the scientists hhad forgotten that this woman had achieved medical wonders, even during her adolescence. This is why, even without access, too deadly drugs, Sienna Brooks had found the proper chemicals, and mixed enough, of common elements, to kill ten people. After consuming the mixture, Sienna Brooks had goone to her cell, and lay down, as if for a nap. It was not until she did not take dinner, nor breakfast, that prison staff entered her cell, to find Sienna dead. When the cell was searched, for drugs, all that was found, was the note, which said: I WONT live in a world, which WE are ALL destroying, with over-population. Until the planets population is forced to be reduced to under one billion people, there is no hope, for any of us. The planet MUST be CLEANSED of man. When Amelia Armstrong would suggest "Was she as mental, as her mentor, or was she just concerned, and did not know HOW to express herself." Robert Langdon had no answer, for this. The only thing Robert Langdon could suggest was that people not be denied access to the ancient temples. Due to this emergency, Robert Langdon had been forced to realize how cruel mankind could be. While scientists had sought a cure, for an act, of terrorism, the one part, which Robert Langdon had played, which he did not relish, was th part of being a "tour guide", leading soldiers to find temples, where human sacrifice had taken hold, during this time of un-certainty. In some temples, Robert Langdon could only assume that people thought that multiple sacrifices would placate the gods. This, he assumed, since multiple bodies were found in the same snout, at the same time. Then, ofcourse, there was all the blood, drenching the temple floors. People were so panicked that they didn't even bother to clean up, after sacrifices. So many innocent lives taken. So many people dead. Robert Langdon wondered if mankind truly were heading for that concluding moment of "Beneath the Planet of the Apes". What would future explorers think, of the human race. Would they think of us as civilized, or savage? After so much killing, in such a short time. What would other civilizations think of us? Would our civilization become the next version of the "legend" of Atlantis? Robert Langdon just wanted to return to his work, with Symbology. Return to the university, and try to forgot his many, deadly, adventures. Between the Grail quest, defeating church radicals, and, now, genocidal maniacs. Robert Langdon wished for the quiet atmosphere, of the class room. A place where HE was in charge. Not being chased by those who wanted to change the world. For a moment, the professor would contemplate "I wonder what other maniacs are out there?", but he waived the thought away, saying "Its not my concern". I am a teacher, not an adventurer.

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE ANASAZI

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE ANASAZI Boy! Talk about someone NOT studying history! Ofcourse, knowing that Tami and I had just come OFF of one of our most unusual cases, in the mystery of the orb, it is no wonder we were called in, on this case. It would seem that the Indian nations were "Up in Arms", over some pranksters actions, regarding the Anasazi. Before handing off the case-file, to us, however, Mr. Brown would catch our eyes, then half-whisper "I have promised the nations that our investigation will be the sole of DISCRETION. I trust that the two of you will honor the nations request, to keep this case as quiet as the wind. Am I understood?" When Tami and I would say "Ofcourse", Mr. Brown would say "Very well. The only thing I cannot say is whether speed is of the essence, in this case". Back on-board Ghost Ship 2, when Tami and I opened the file, we understood the reason why Mr. Brown had been so adamant, about respecting the nations rights. It would seem that the request had come from some sort of national, indian, council. The source, of the request were the Cherokee, Sioux, and Cheyenne, nations. It did not take Tami and I even five minutes to understand the reason for the request. The reason was as simple as the sun, rising, in the east. Although Anasazi lands, like ALL, indian, sites, were off-limits, after tour hours, it would seem that someone had gained access, and was carving up the Anasazi birth-right. The vandals were trying to make their work appear as if it were done by aliens. Problem was that the markings were crude enough to suggest rebar, spikes, maybe hard woods. What the nations wanted the agency to learn was HOW the vandals gained access, to the lands, and HOW the vandals did their work, without leaving a single foot print. Some crack-pot had suggested that the vandals had used a helicopter, hovering over the ground, to avoid leaving foot-prints. This, however, was discounted, when both the Brown Agency's own pilots, and our pilots, agreed that, in order to make such carvings, from the air, a helicopter would have to be so close, to the ground, that it would leave a visible prop-wash. Leave it to Mr. Black, and his gang of model, and mischief, makers, to come up with a reasonable solution. None of us had any idea what the technicians were up to, when they asked Mr. Brown, and Tami and I, to join them, in a vacant lot, across from our building. WHY were the technicians carrying boards, as well? Choosing two, soft, spaces, of ground, Mr. Black made a perfect example, of how foot-prints would be created, on the floor of the desert. Then came the "surprise". When the short planks were lain on the ground, we noticed that the planks had small hinges. These had allowed for compact movement, from the agencies labs, to the open street. Then, using nothing more than a skiers foot clamp, Mr. Black demonstrated how easy it was, to move across dry ground, without leaving a print. The rationale: While shoes compress the ground, in a small span of area, the use, of boards, dissipates the load, over a larger area. As a result, a person could move across the ground, and leave no prints. When Mr. Black looked at us, asking "What do you think?" I was amazed when Tami kissed the man, saying "You are wonderful". Mr. Black only blushed. Well, if nothing else, we learned how the intruders had worked, while leaving no foot-prints. Still, this left the question of "Why bother?" After all, it is a well-known fact that the Anasazi "vanished", millenia ago. What became of these indians remains a mystery to this day. And, NO, Tami and I were not about to go after the "ancient aliens" nickname. Not, atleast until AFTER we have no other angles to work with. Tami and I agreed, with Mr. Brown. The nations deserved a proper investigation. Not some science fiction, about mother ships, and aliens, breeding with humans. Thankfully, Anasazi land rests in the middle of the desert, so there was no problem, with parking G.S.2. Our pilots did, however, make the wise decision, to un-load several crates, of ammunition, replacing these crates with extra water containers. As the pilots would say "In the desert, the real "killer" is NOT human. It is heat, and thirst." For this assignment, Mr. Black outfitted the two of us with the latest in desert gear. It was made of some sort, of heat, and light, repellent, fabric, which was designed to keep soldiers cool, in desert environments. As to the reason why the fabric was not yet available, to combat soldiers, the reason was simple. it would seem that, allegedly, the fabric, of each uniform, would cost as much as a aircraft carrier. Until the fabric became cheaper, soldiers would just have to deal with the heat, of desert environments. When Tami would mention "I feel terrible, wearing this gear, to be comfortable, while combat soldiers are sweating, in the desert." Mr. Black would say "Look at it this way. You are not modelling the latest fashion. You are field-testing new equipment, prior to its deployment. Your reports, on performance, and durability, will aid in the development, for the Department of Defense." When Tami would say "You are joking, right? Why would the Department of Defense care what a couple of civilians think, about military hardware?" Mr. Black would remind Tami "Just HOW do you think the government came up with bullet-proof vests, kevlar, even machine guns?" When Tami would say "I have no idea", Mr. Black would say "Civilian research. People like you, testing gear, before it is deployed." Out, in the desert, though, while the uniforms might have kept the external heat off of our bodies, our gear made up for the deflection, of heat. In fact, when a local Cherokee man met us, after viewing our arrival, I must say that this man was not only built, for the outdoors, but his clothing seemed even better suited, for the desert conditions, than our "uniforms". After introductions were made, the man gave us an update. "The tribes are most dis-pleased, with a recent development. It seems that the white man is trying to make our people look like fools". When Tami asked "How?" The man would say "Follow me, and see for yourselves". Leaving Tami's street cruiser car behind, I took the wheel, of my Jeep, and followed the indians own Jeep. Maybe half an hour, away from Ghost Ship 2, the indian led us to a piece, of camoflauge tarp. It was just amazing how well the tarp blended into the desert color. It was, however, what was UNDERNEATH the tarp, which had the indians irate. When Tami and I followed the man, under the tarp, we understood, immediately, why the tribe was upset. Some one had, some how, gottten access to the land, and set up either the original, season two, model, of the upper deck, of the Jupiter 2, or the vandals had gone to a LOT of effort, to re-create the prop. When Tami would ask "Why would anyone bother to do this. We are miles, from the nearest town. Who, besides the nations, would see this, way out here?" MY question would be "This thing is so famous. Re-runs on television, constantly. HOW could they even get it here, without being seen? I mean, this thing would be about as discrete as Air Force One." The indians had no answers. All they indians could tell us was that, as soon as this thing was discovered (thankfully, by a local ranch hand), it had been covered up. At this moment, the Cherokee were more concerned with rumors turning this into another Roswell. The indian was polite, yet firm, as he asked "How soon can we get rid of this?" Tami would suggest "Let me check with the props department, first. If this prop is from "Lost In Space", the producers might want it back. Otherwise, we can recycle it." When the indians agreed to allow the ownership search, Tami no sooner went on the internet, when she found a message, from the Brown Agency. The tag-line read "Theft of prop". According to the accompanying report, it would seem that, after "Lost in Space" was cancelled, its props, like those, of any other, cancelled, show, were placed up for auction. That is, any pieces which were not claimed, by other shows. It will seem like Deja Vu, to Star Trek fans, who will remember that, after the original series was cancelled, a fan had paid top dollar, for the Gallileo 7 shutttlecraft. When the prop was delivered, to the purchasers home, via semi, however, the purchaser had been irate when they discovered that the shuttlecraft had NO engine. The fan had sued Paramount Studios, for sending the prop, instead of the shuttlecraft, and they would not be dissuaded by the fact that, on the show, the craft had, never, actually, flown. It was hung from wires. A judge had thrown out the case, reminding the purchaser that Star Trek technology will not exist, for centuries, to come. Now, something similar had happened, with the Jupiter 2. In this case, the purchaser had not hoped to fly, in the ship. They just wanted to own a piece of "television history". According to the time line, of the story, the prop had been stolen right about the time that G.S.2 was taking on extra reserves, of water. Still, this left the question of transporting a large, saucer-shaped, object, cross-country, without attracting attention. A TALL order, with modern surveillance. Then, I shared a thought, with the indians. What if the "landing" was "staged"? What if some one just wanted it to appear, maybe from the air, that a saucer had landed. When the indian asked "Out here? In the desert? What purpose would that serve?" I suggested "There are some UFO-nuts, who would do just about anything, to try to prove that Earth has been, and is, being visited, by other races. Suppose, just suppose, that some one veers a plane, off-course, even by accident, flies over, see's this saucer, and reports seeing aliens?" The indian would say "That is a pretty TALL leap, dont you think?" I would add "Just suggesting a possibility. If you have another, I am sure my partner and I would LOVE to hear it". I was not-at-all surprised, when Tami informed me that, once the ships owner knew where their property was, they wanted to know how soon they could have their "nick-nack" back. Actually, we had no idea, since this was STOLEN property, and, therefore, a police matter. Tami and I were, only, present, to learn why some one was defacing indian land. And WHY Anasazi land? Why not land, of a tribe, currently in residence? To the indians anger, some one DID find out, about the saucer, and, soon, the press was repeating 1947. "A flying saucer has been located, in the desert, x-number of miles from town. Witnesses say that craft landed, not crashed. Intention of crew unknown." By the time the indian nations issued a press release, promising that the prop was NOT extra-terrestrial, and some sarcastic reporter asked "Then, WHERE is it from? Project U.F.O.? Flash Gordon?" The indian nations press office would say "Try "Lost in Space". We have verified, with the owner, that this object is, indeed, the upper hull section, of the spacecraft children know as the Jupiter 2." When the reporter asked "What do you mean, the upper hull? Where is the rest of the ship?" An indian reporter would say "We have no idea. The owner, of the top section, has been contacted. They will retrieve their property, once the investigation is completed". When the reporter would ask "What investigation. I thought you said it was a t.v. prop." The indian would state "Yes, it is a prop, however, the question is "HOW did the prop find its way onto indian land, without being witnessed?" When the fool suggested "Why not the transporter beam?" The indian would walk away, knowing that the fool was cross-referencing different science fiction shows. Star Trek had transporters. Lost in Space had no such tech. Out, on the desert, when the indians asked Tami and I about why there were no foot-prints, in the dirt, if this was, in fact, "staged", Tami would assist me, in applying the boards, then the indians would choose a patch, of soft ground, and I would demonstrate Mr. Black's intelligence. Although the indians were impressed, with the demonstration, the question of "WHY?" hung in the air. While speaking to some female indians, Tami had a thought, about what the saucer was doing in THIS location. "I wonder if it could be that, after the thieves stole the prop, that they feared police pursuit, and either dumped the saucer, here, to get rid of the evidence, OR if the theives are planning to try for recovery". When the indians realized what I was about to ask, they agreed, saying "If it aids in keeping our land sacred, from such vandalism, the nation will agree to assist in this "stake-out"." We, all, agreed, though, that, thanks to the news article, we might have to wait, two, or more, weeks, for the vandals to return. The vandals would want to wait until they thought that indians had lost interest, in the location. As a result, the indians would return, with Tami and I, to the place, where the ground was carved up. I have to say that, even with planks, under my feet, I had a terrible time trying to duplicate the "drawings". I guess that my own desire, to create proper pieces, lead me to take more care, in my own creations. Still, the indians filmed my fake drawings, as I made them. When the indians compared soil content, and moisture, it was decided that the vandals had taken only one quarter the time, to create their drawings, as I did. This is why the vandals work was dry, by the time it was found, while mine was wet, for hours, thereafter. Still, the indians wanted to know not only WHO, but WHY. Answers which Tami and I wanted, as well. And why bother with the Anasazi? A tribe which had disappearred, thousands of years ago. The questions. Oh, the questions. It would be three weeks later, before we received the message, from the site. It seems there had been a shooting. When the local sheriff, and our crowd, rushed to the scene, expecting to see bodies, it would seem that we drove into a stand-off. Some white men were standing behind a pickup truck, with the saucer section tipped over the edge of the bumper. When the vandals saw the police lights, they forgot who was BEHIND the lights, as they called out "Crazy enjun's! They are attacking us!" Then, the vandals saw just WHO came out, of the sherriff's Jeep. This is when we heard thhe vandals, clearly, say "Oh, shit! More enjuns! We are dead mmeat". The sheriff would say "Thats right, but only if you dont drop those weapons, right now". Once the vandals dropped their weapons, the sheriff called out, in an indian dialect, and was answered, in the same dialect. Once the vandals were hand-cuffed, and locked in the rear, of the sheriff's Jeep, the sheriff asked the indian guard "Just WHAT were you thinking?" The guard would only say "I was just trying to keep them here, until you arrived. I thought that shooting out their tires would be better than shooting them". No one reprimanded the guards actions. In the jail complex, the vandals would only admit to dumping the prop, after a chase, with a state trooper. The vandals were both afraid of being arrested, with the stolen property, and they did not want to run the risk, of being charged if, after the trooper had "lost" the pickup, that it might find them, again. When questioned about the marks, the vandals seemed clueless. The vandals did not even seem to know WHO the Anasazi were, let alone whose land they had dumped their stolen merchandise on. By the time Tami and I were called back, to the indian site, the guards, on station, seemed as confused as the vandals were, about what was going on. When Tami walked to the security shack, she found out that the guards were correct. The recordings had not captured the vandals, who left the newest marks. In fact, all the camera's had recorded was some sound, none of us had heard, before. When the perimeter guards were called in, all verified that, between the time, when we left, with the vandals, and the time, when we returned, to the site, no one had entered, or departed, the area. No helicopters, either. Tami would be the first to notice that these marks were different, from previous marks. While the other marks were crude, and clumsy, this, new, design, seemed almost stenciled, on the ground. Over th following days, actual messages would be found, drawn into the dirt, nnear the ancient village. Messages, which only Anasazi scholars could translate. Someone was using the Anasazi language, to send the message of "Get OFF our land!" When Tami reminded the indians "We were INVITED!" The indians would say "This is not our doing. Some one is playing a terrible joke, with our heritage." When Tami would ask "If not us, then WHO do these people want OFF their land?" The indians would say "Very good question. We would, also, like to know HOW they are gaining access to our land". From a report, which Mr. Brown, would, later, forward to G.S.2, it would seem that, no-sooner had thhe upper hull prop, from the Jupiter 2, been returned to its owner, when the full-size prop was stolen. This time off of a secure back-lot. The report said that the prop was being used in some, new, movie. Something about aliens, coming to Earth, and taking human women, for mating. The script, as e-mailled, to us, had the most ridiculous plot, yet conceived, for science fiction. Once the aliens had sex, with our women, and the women became pregnant, the women would be returned to Earth, to deliver, and raise the children. Children, who would be "programmed", before conception, be to ready to take control, of Earth, and prepare the planet for alien colonization. Humanity would be "disposed of". Problem is that the prop was stolen, before the scene, of the "aliens" returning the women to Earth, was filmed. Although there was stock footage, from "Lost in Space", this footage showed only humans entering and leaving, the craft. The movie needed footage of "aliens". With the prop stolen, the movie could not be completed. Now, an "Attempt to Locate" bulletin was out, nationwide, however, even Mr. Brown doubted that anyone would be stupid enough to drive around, in the open, carrying a flying saucer. Still, the indian chiefs agreed with Tami. Extra guards would be posted, and on patrol. If someone were stupid enough to try to dump a second prop, on indian land, we would nab them. Whoever it was, who stole the prop, put it out, for auction, on the internet. The fools even used stock-footage, from "Lost in Space", to show viewers that the ship had flight capability. Everyone, at the site, including the indians, not only wondered if anyone would be dumb enough to believe the stock-footage, but why would be dumb enough yo bid on stolen property. Un-fortunately, there were too many people, in both groups. People, who wanted a working space ship, and those who wanted to own a piece, of television history. When one bidder offered $10 million, for the prop, the payment was made conditional upon the ship being FLOWN to the buyers home, under its own power. Mr. Brown would, then, e-mail us a copy, of a rental receipt, for an overhead boom, and heavy duty fishing line. The question atttached asked "Do you really think the buyer will BUY this?" For Tami and myself, the main question would be "HOW will the seller bring the saucer, to the buyer, with the police on the watch, for travelling saucers?" It would appear, later, that the boom, and so on, had been a waste of time, and money. According to another news item, which we were e-mailled, it seems that the people, transporting the saucer, had stopped, at a McDonalds, for a bite, and had been arrested, after other guests had spotted the flying saucer, and telephoned the police. The movie would be three months behind schedule, and $5 million, over budget (for un-specified reasons), by the time the prop would be returned. When the movie would be released, the following month, it would be reported as the lowest-grossing movie, in history. (And this was BEFORE the film was changed from PG-13, upon original release, and was re-released with plenty of XXX-rated material added. Material which had been cut, for the PG rating.) Even with a rating of XXX, thhe movie did not even cover production costs. What we found hilarious, about the whole mess, was when the production company sued the performers, to force re-payment of salaries. And, ALL of this, caused by a stolen prop. If only it were so easy to solve the mystery of the Anasazi lands. WHY was someone using the Anasazi language to send messages, even proclaiming that the land was to be evacuated, in order to provide room for arriving ships. The indian nations only response, to this: Some one is trying to make terrible jokes, on the nations. When Tami would ask "Whats the point? Thats what I dont understand" The indians had no answer. Even when the tribal council approved bringing in additional warriors, to bolster the on-site security, still, the messages continued to appear. The messages never changed. It was always either "Clear the area", or "The ships are approaching". And, always, written, in Anasazi. It was when no one was caught entering the perimeter that Tami would ask for a tour, of the ruins. And not just the standard tour, of the public area's. Tami would amaze the indians, by asking for a "behind the scenes" tour. When a warrior was assigned to escort her, Tami would ask "May I have a historian as well?" When security asked "What for?" Tami would say "In case I have questions, about local history". Tami was, soon, relieved that her request, for a historian was granted since, when the group entered the ruins, and went DEEP INSIDE one of the indians main fortresses, she would have plenty of questions, about the place. One of her biggest questions was one which would require a trip, to reservation records section. This is because, even though her guides promised that some waterways were only for irrigation, Tami had her doubts. My partner wanted to confirm what went where. When the three visited the Hall of Records, Tami found it no surprise that staff knew what she would be asking for. Since the tribal council had, already approved Tami's access, to records, the three people would sit at a table, reviewing the ancient documents, of the site. Tami's main problem, with these records, was that the material was thousands of years old. When Tami asked about more recent information, the historian would ask "Why should we update the records? No one has lived in the area since the Anasazi vanished. Some of our people, still, think the place is cursed. It is nothing more than a tourist attraction". When Tami would ask about the ancient waterways, the historian would only say "It has been centuries since the last person ent down there." When Tami would ask "Are you CERTAIN of that?" The historian would promise "Ma'am, no one goes down there, since we have water, from our own wells." Still, since Tami was un-impressed, with the indians promise, guess who get "elected" to join her, in scuba diving the old water mains. As Tami reminded me, the "blue-prints" suggested just enough space for water to flow, but cautioned me "These plans were written thousands of years ago." When I asked "What happens if we find an obstacle, which no one can pass?" Tami would promise "If we cannot pass any point, without the gear, I will declare the search a "lost cause"." I have to hand it to my partner, once we entered the "feeder system", which supplied the settlement, her hunch paid off, far better than I had hoped for. For one thing, we noticed that we were NOT the first people, down here, in centuries. We found "fresh evidence", which we bagged, for the warriors, as proof that some one else HAD been down in the waterway, recently. We also found little use, for our scuba gear, as the water had worn the tunnel deep enough that the "top" was more of a walkway, than duct-work. Granted, it was a LONG walk, to the settlement, bbut Tami was certain that, once we reached the end, and showed our fully pressurized tanks, to the tribe, even the skeptics would agree that it WAS possible for a person to sneak in, via the waterway. What we did not "bank" on was the mysterious, side tunnel. For some reason, the tribe had forgotten to list this tunnel, in the designs. Strangest of all was the lady, whom we found "dancing", inside the tunnel. (I could only conclude that someone knew we were coming, and set this up, to distract me.) It was not until Tami saw the womans motions, and called out "We are here to investigate. What is your name". When the woman did not answer, but just continued gesturing, Tami suggested "Maybe, she does not speak English?" I would remind my partner "Everyone, on Earth, speaks English. That is why Americans can travel anywhere, and be understood". What I was surprised that my partner did not notice was that the woman was dressed in an ancient, indian, costume. Still, the music, inside the tunnel, which swayed, with the womans actions, seemed both calming, and welcoming. Whhen we followed the woman into the side tunnel, we ascended a flight of stairs, and entered a prosperous village. A place, full of indians, and similar to an open air market. This would be one of those times when our modern clothing not only did not fit in, but drew atttention, as well. Not to mention our scuba tanks. It would take awhile, to find someone, who spoke English, but, once we did, Tami and I found ourselves welcomed to a village, whose name we could not pronounce. Our interrpreter would inform us that "Yes, I was trained, in Europe." Under some count, or duke. "I was trained, in the ways, of the white man, since the spirits sent word that the white man would come, to our land, one day." While I set Tami up to do the iinterviews, and collect data, while I examined the place, to find out just how far we were, from the Cherokee lands, no matter what vantage point I used, I could not find hide, nor hair, of reservations lands, nor the security shack. Still, the natives were friendly, and very few asked about our clothing. Tami would only say that we lived "far away". If anything amazed me, about the village, it was how well the indians had irrigated the desert. Just off, in the distance, even I could see fields, growing in abundance. When Tami and I were invited to stay for dinner, I was amazed not only with the fresh food, but the beautiful, dining, plates. I just wonder how much those custom-made silverware pieces had cost. After Tami spent fourty-eight hours, taking down all the notes, that she could fit, in her notebook (the paper kind), and I spent this same time trying to fiind landmarks, to find this place, again, I ended up taking a rock, and marking a boulder. This way, I could find this place, again. After Tami and I suited up, our interpreter would lead us back, to the dancing woman, who led us back, to the "cave of music". This is thhe only way in which I could describe the tunnel. Since our equipment was too bulky, for curtsey's, Tami and I bowed, to the woman, then began walking out of the cave, promising to return when we had more time. When I remembered that I had forgottten to ask the "tunnel womans" name, and turned back, to ask her, I found myself facing solid stone. This, in the very spot where Tami and I had just exited the tunnel. (HOW were we going to report THIS, to the Brown Agency?) By the time Tami and I were nearing the end of the tunnel, we heard voices, calling our names. When Tami called out "We are here. We will be right there", we heard a voice say "Thank the Great Spirit, for your safety." When Tami would say "No big deal, we just got side-tracked, in that tunnel, back there". When our "reception committee" would ask "What side tunnel?" Tami would say Maybe one hundred yards back. Man, is that village ever beautiful. I hope that, once our investigation is finished, the elders will permit us to return, to that village". When a warrior would ask "What tunnel? What village?", Tami decided to let the warriors think what they wanted to think. We knew where the village was. More important, though, we had found out that there was plenty of walk room, in the waterway. People could come, and go, without anyone noticing. When a warrior would suggest informing the council, Tami asked "Lets not do that, yet. I want to find something, first." When the warrior would say "Ma'am, tribal law must be obeyed." Tami would say "Ofcourse. I am just asking you to wait, for a short while, before informing the council." When the warrior would ask "Just how LONG will this "short while" be?" Tami would promise "No more than a week. I promise you that". Sure enough, Tami was right, and even more on target than I was. The day after exiting the waterway, I provided some warriors a general lay-out, of the village we had visited and, would you believe it, the warriors acted like they did not know what I was talking about. When we hopped into my Jeep, and one, of their own, I drove to the approximate place, where I believed that the village was located. The warriors then sat, in stone-faced silence, as I got my beaings, and told the warriors what was here. When the lead warrior would say "Sir, as you can see, there is nothing but desert, here. This place has been desert, for over 1,000 years." When I asked "Before 1,000 years ago? Who lived here?" The warrior would say "The old ones say that, maybe 2,000, or more, years, ago, this land was farmed, by the Anasazi. Legend says the tribe were masters of water. As you can, plainly, see, no one lives here, now". It was not until I found the spot, where I had marked the boulder, and showed the warriors my mark, that I said "This IS where the village was. I know it is". A warrior would say "Mister, if you visited that village, you would be the oldest man on this continent. Our ancestors passed, from here, over 1,000 years ago. Are you trying to tell us that you are over 1,000 years old?" When I would remind the warriors about the side tunnel, in the waterway, the warriors would tell me "Mister, you have been in the sun, WAY too LONG. There have never been any "branches", in that waterway. Why dont you let us take you back to your aircraft, and let you rest." Later that night, after Tami and I sacked out, we heard the "tunnel music", again, only this time, from outside G.S.2. When Tami joined me, outside the plane, asking "Do you hear it, as well?" I agreed. When the dancing woman came before us, whispering "You have been honored, by a visit to our village. Your time will, never, believe you have visited us, since we are not of your time." When Tami would ask the woman "What time is your time?" The woman would whisper "Patience, daughter, of the Earth. In time, you will know of us". When Tami would ask "Just tell us this. Are you human?" The woman would smile as she said "human? Oh, yes, at one time. Long ago, by your history. We were farmers, and traders, just as we showed you. We have moved on, though". When Tami would ask "Moved on, to what, or where?" The woman would whisper "In due time, you will understand. Patience. That is the key. Do not rush life. Let life flow." When Tami would ask "Where might we reach you, if we have questions?" The woman would whisper "We will be watching, as we have been, these, many, moons. When you are ready, more will be reevealled, too you. Until then, you must learn patience". Then, with a smile, the woman would dissolve into the night. This is when I would suggest, to Tami "I THINK we have MET the Anasazi". Tami would say "Terrific, and we are no closer to solving any of the riddles we were sent to investigate." The very next night, though, as Tami would say "Dont ask me why, but I feel that we should go on-watch, in the tunnels." This is why, with rations, water, and patience, Tami and I sat, in the dark, waiting for something to happen. Maybe two hours into our watch, Tami and I slipped into cover, as a pair, of flashlights came from the waterway. Someone was talking about something being found. Someone said it was dangerous to return. When the "leader" would say "Shut up! Do you want to get caught?" The other voice said "I heard they found that tunnel. What if they go back, and find it, again?" The "leader" said "Focus! We have a job to do". When the vandals exited the ruins, and the "junior" asked "The same as before?" The "leader" would say "No, lets make it more frightening. Lets make it sound like the ships are coming, to harvest humans. That should scare these meddlers away". Once the vandals were finished, they returned, via the waterway, and Tami and I followed them, all the way, to their cars. It was only after we had positive visuals, on the faces, AND the license plates, that we took our evidence, before the sheriff. I dont know why, but, when the sheriff found out that one of the vandals was his own son, Tami and I felt like we had betrayed a terrible secret. When Tami and I were allowed to watch the interrogation, the vandals greatest fear was that we would find a way to return to the valley. When the sheriff would say "There is NO valley. No side tunnels. I have been down there, myself. It is just a waterway." The vandal would say "Right, for the visitors. There is no side tunnel. No valley". For their actions, the vandals would be charged cleaning up the "graffitti", and issuing a public apology, to the reservations peoples. When asked what possessed the vandals to use the Anasazi language, the "leader" would only say "I was inspired". The leader could not define their inspiration. They would only say "It FELT natural". When the interrogator would ask "To defile our ancestors memory?" The "leader" would say "No, stupid. To honor the ancestors. Remind the people that we come from a long, and proud, line. We were not dependent, upon the "welfare", of the Christians, until the Christians used "heavy fire-power", to force us off of our ancestral lands." Tami and I knew that this was sad, but true. After all, prior to the Christian invasion, of North America, the indian nations had prosperous villages, and abundant crops. They worshipped the spirits, of the Earth, and sky, and taught their young to navigate by the stars. While Tami would report, to the Brown Agency, that we had captured those, most directly, in control, of the vandalism, Tami left open the question of "IS it really vandalism, to try and honor ones heritage? Is this not what the public school system attempts to teach childrren, as well? Who is to say which version, of history is correct?" When Mr. Brown made no comment, Tami looked to me, and I had no answer, either. As for the Anasazi, based upon the non-answers, which our visitor had provided, we remained with the question of "Did the Anasazi travel to the distant past? Did the tribe leave the Earth, entirely? Did the tribe, simply, move to another dimension? Was the side tunnel, inside the waterway tunnel, really a "dimensional portal"? If so, HOW, or even SHOULD, we attempt to access its secrets?" When Tami and I found that these questions produced nothing other than migrane headaches, and upset bellies, we realized that this was yet another case where the most we could do was identify some human acts. Prosecute the living, and attempt to honor the deceased. Before making her final case report, to the Brown Agency, Tami would allow the chiefs to review her final report, while Tami and I took in the scenery, and tried to imagine life, for the Anasazi. Who were these people? How did they learn to cultivate the land, and build a rich culture. How did they build a thriving civilization, in the desert? Were they REALLY the "primitive savages, who practiced human sacrifice", as the Christians would maintain? OR, were the Anasazi just victims of bad publicity? When the chiefs submitted their decision, a council member did nothing more than inform Tami that four words, which she had used, in the report, were in-correctly, spelled. The council had done nothing more than to correct Tami's spelling. Otherwise, the council was pleased with the report. When Tami thanked the council for their cooperation, Tami and I were invited to remain, for a victory celebration. A celebration, that indian ways, and life-style, had been preserved, for more generations. Although no one was sacrificed, the indians did practice a ritual, in which just a few drops, of each members blood, was given to Mother Earth. As the chief infomed us "This is our way of remaining connectted, to Mother Earth. We give, of ourselves, to the Great Mother, in return for bountiful crops, and healthy families." And, for the record, no throats were slit, nor were genitalia bled. Actually, the practice was not much different from giving a blood sample, in a hospital. The chief would only ask Tami and I NOT to report that, in the modern day, the tribes "Medicine Man" was a licensed doctor, in costume, while his assistants were Registered nurses. Still, the performance followed the old customs, and ways, of Native Americans, so the chief's saw no conflict. While our retired air force pilots, were not in favor of adding an indian symbol, to G.S.2, the nations promised that, if we, ever returned, the symbol would be a sign, for the indians to welcome us, with open arms. (The co-pilot would suggest that, anytime the plane went in, for maintenance, that we could just cover up the indian symbol.) When the indians bid us farewell, Tami and I knew not to expect time off. And she was right. We were just about to settl in, for the flight, home, when Mr. Blue came onto the video monitor, saying "Mr. Brown has something he would like for you to review. Mr. Brown will be on the line, shortly." When Mr. Brown came on the line, saying "Very well done! Caught the vandals, and aided in improving relations, with the nations." When Tami would mention "What about that stupid news report about the alien ship landing, in the deesert?" Mr. Brown would, almost, fall out of his chair, laughing, before saying "Please forgive me. Fact is, there have been so many, of these stories, even before Roswell, that no one pays attention, anylonger. Roswell, U.F.O.'s, and the Loch Ness monster, are, now, the stuff of camp fire stories." When Tami would ask "So, whats up?" Mr. Brown would say "I am forwarding you some information. And, THIS time, ALL that I am asking is a simple review. I would like your thoughts, on the case. I really dont think it is our kind of work, but I would appreciate your input, any way." As we cruised, for home base, Tami and I would begin reviewing the material. Nobody, ever, said that life, or death, was easy...