THE HAUNTING PAST THE HAUNTING OF GERMANY

THE HAUNTING PAST: THE HAUNTING OF GERMANY By the time the case, of California, was concluded, not only was our next case ready and waiting, for us, it would seem that Tami's family was, un-intentionally, involved. According to the file, it seems that an "international investment group", had been seeking funds, to re-hab a German castle, whose ruins had stood since LONG, and I mean, LONG, before the Kaiser, had been born. According to the file, no one knew just exactly how OLD the castle was. The only reason why Berlin had not ordered the place demolished, in the past, was because it was some sort of "landmark". As for how Tami's family had become involved, that part is simple. After due research, and, at fathers advice, his family had placed part, of their savings, into an investment fund. One of those funds where local communities invest in the development, of malls, shopping centers, and other, civic, improvements. Tami would be the first to state "The fund MUST be solid, since it has been around, for as long as I can remember." While Tami was busy, reviewing the list, of investors, most of whom she was very well acquainted with, I was just as busy, trying to find out HOW a normal, average, American neighborhood could become involved in such an investment fund. The "answer" was in the "financials". While the "director", of the community investment fund, had set up the fund, to procure "income-producing" properties, the director had forgotten to place a definition, on the term "income-producing". While the investors had assumed that one, and all, would understand that this group was only investing, in the local community, since these, exact words, were NOT part, of the funds charter, the fund had found itself, with an un-expected set, of new "investments". Between what the members, of the investment group, were able to compile, and what Mr. Brown's "infinite resources" could discover, it would seem that, without a CLEAR DEFINITION, of what KINDS of investments the group was into, the "market" had "slipped one" into the investment groups portfolio, without anyone noticing the addition. Even the funds "director" had been un-aware of what was going on, before the transaction had been completed. From what the Brown Agency had been able to deduce, the "local investment fund", to which Tami's family belonged, had just "inherited" some "income-producing properties". These properties included "adult" (porn) book-stores, in seven states, as well as seven, to nine, "adult" movies-houses. It would take the combination, of the skills, of Mr. Brown, and Mr. Blue, and as long as three days, to figure out that "Income-producing" apartments was an "investment name", for whore-houses. And these were just the "state-side" investments, which the local investment fund had inherited. Aside from plenty of vice, it seems that the fund had "inherited" castles, in Europe, and in Asia. As to the reason WHY a community investment fund had inherited all of this property, it would seem that, the investors, in the original fund, where the properties were operated from, had pulled their investment money, after some tax-audits found that the investors had their money in vice. Since the community investment fund did NOT have a charter, which, specifically, stated "No Vice", the market had "blended" the failing fund, with the community fund. When asked, Tami's mother would be the very FIRST to question "How were we SUPPOSED to know that this might happen? We invest in parks, schools, drive-ins, and shopping." Tami would have to explain, to her mother, five times, before father would take over, asking his daughter "Are you saying that, unless we put it in WRITING that we dont want to invest in either the former Soviet Union, or Iraq, or Afghanistan, that our fund could end up owning property, which is held in enemy hands?" Tami would tell father "Thats about the SIZE of it. Without WRITTEN limits, your investment group could, even, end up as part owners of the coming bases, on the moon, and on Mars." When father would laugh at this, saying "That would be impossible. All off-world assests would be controlled, by governments." Tami would caution the man "Dont be so sure. The market found a way, around our "charter". They can find, or create, a way, to invest in who-knows-what." While the local investment group was meeting, to discuss how to RID the fund, of the vice properties, Tami and I, along with Mr. Brown, and Mr. Black, were reviewing some of the funds "new investment" properties, which were located in Germany. Sure, thanks to the Mystery of the Chalice, Tami and I had first-hand knowledge, of several, of Europe's "spirits", and we had experience, in the castle case, about spirits, who did not want humans bothering their rest. This is why we were wondering about the reports, of "hauntings", at some castle, which the fund had "inherited". A castle, which, allegedly, had been scheduled, for renovations, for several years, yet the work had, yet, to start. According to a notation, in the file, when Berlin had been contacted, about the castle, authorities had been slow to respond to the incidents. It would seem that, due to the excessive AGE, of the castle, which, now, lay in ruins, that the place was a local "landmark". Once a German saw that castle, they KNEW where they were. If the file were correct, however, it might not be that the spirits were opposed to the renovations, in general. No, it MIGHT be that the spirits were opposed to the former investment groups plans, to turn the ruin into a combination night club/brothel. International interests were prepared to advance $5oo billion (in American dollars), to renovate the castle. The problem was the spirits. In a surprising "twist" on the Mystery of the Corporate Lodge, it would seem that these German (?) spirits were not only throwing workers off the job-site, but, even when workers DID complete a days work, the workers would return, the following day, to find all of their work, from the previous day, ripped out, and lumped, on the floor. While I would have agreed, with Tami, that we should hold off, on investigating, until we KNEW who the new owners, of this property, would be, Mr. Brown suggested, to Tami "If your family wants "off the hook", for these investments, I would suggest that we make the properties EASIER to sell. Handle the spirits, and let the fund handle the sale." By the time Tami contacted her mother, the elder woman would say "We have, already, placed the properties up, for sale. I really dont know who will want to buy adult book-stores, movie houses, and bordello's." When Tami would suggest "What about Hugh Hefner? The owner of Playboy Magazine? He is into porn, BIG time. Its his income, and livelyhood." Mother would say "Already thought of that. All that Mr. Hefners people will say, so far, is "We will get back to you."" When Tami would ask "What plans, does the fund have, for the properties, until we can un-load them?" Mother would say "Father has spoken to an attorney, and the attorney says to do NOTHING. Father says that the attorney says that, even if we change a light bulb, mow the grass, or wipe a dirty window, we are legally obligated, to the property. All we can do is PRAY that someone buys the properties, soon." Un-fortunately, "soon" did not come soon enough. The entire community, where Tami's family lived, were faced with a lawsuit, from a "community standards" group, from a local town. It would seem that SOME rumors had been spread, implying that the local community had made a POINT of PURCHASING the vice properties, presumably to aid in bringing vice into the local economy. Now, the community fund had to divert funds, from community projects, to pay for court costs, regarding accusations of trying to establish a local, porn, market place. While, in the privacy, of the family home, Tami's long-haul trucker, brother, had mentioned "Wouldn't that be cool! No more having to order magazines, via the internet. Have a local store." Father had reminded his son "Watch what you say, and WHERE you say it. Your jest MIGHT be misunderstood." When the young man would say "Just joking, dad." Father had said "You know that, and I know that. But others might not agree." By the time the fund had owned the properties, for three weeks (with no offers, so far), Mr. Brown was ready to commit our services. The orders were simple. "If there are spirits, in that German castle, then HANDLE it. If you accomplish this, I MIGHT be able to find a buyer, for that property." When Tami would ask "Any chance your source might aid in disposal, of the other properties?" Mr. Brown would have to, regretfully, say, "Disposing of vice properties is about as easy as selling a nuclear reactor. No one wants any part, of such properties." When I would suggest "Too bad we cant un-load those properties, into one of those generic, all-purpose, funds. The ones which have no real leadership structure." Mr. Brown would say "Mr. Blue has, already, considered that option. Un-fortunately, the federal government is cracking down, on those funds. Too many properties have been left, to decay. The last time Mr. Blue checked, the federal government has active investigations going, into somewhere near 750 of these properties. So far, however, no convictions, since no one knows who controls the cash flow". Mr. Brown would continue "You should be aware that, anyone, attempting to place property, into such a fund, is subject to felony prosecution. Tami, make SURE your family understands this, PLAIN and CLEAR." After agreeing to inform her family, Tami had, no-sooner, terminated the link, with Mr. Brown, when, just in time, she caught her parents, before they signed the final papers, to transfer ownership. When mother asked "Tami, WHY shouldn't we dispose of these properties?" Tami would say "Mother, I just spoke with my boss, Mr. Brown." When mother would say "How nice. How is that charming man doing?" Tami would inject "MOTHER, listen! If you, father, or any member, of the investment group, signs those papers, you will be prosecuted, by the federal government!" When father joined the conversation, asking Tami "Why would we be prosecuted, for selling property?" Tami would say "Father, listen. If you sell, to one of those "blind funds". The kind which has no real, administrator, the Justice Department will arrest you, on felony charges." When father would say "Make sense, girl. Why should anyone be prosecuted, for selling property?" Tami would "draw the picture". "Selling to a buyer, who will sign their NAME, to paperwork, IS legal. You CAN sell, to another, private citizen, or to a business. What the federal government is cracking down on, is these "blind funds". The funds, which have NO leadership, and where properties are allowed to decay, while the Justice Department tries to locate the owner." When Father would suggest "What about a donation?" Tami would say "As long as there is a trail, of ownership, this will be fine, as well. Just dont be conned into placing the properties into a blind fund. It would be like Arson. Setting the properties on fire, to drive out tenants, and burn down the vice. All of which is illegal." While mother had only a bit of understanding, in such matters, once father understood, he would follow through, on his promise, to his daughter. While his wife would be saying "We can un-load those properties, and take the money. Whats wrong with that?" Father would say "I just have this "thing", about prison records. I like our bedroom. I would not feel comfortable, on a prison cot." (What even Tami and I would not know, until later, was that the "buy" was, actually, a "sting operation". The federal government was trapping would-be sellers, into offering un-wanted properties, to a "blind fund". This, NOT by offering money, but offering just to take un-wanted property off the hands of owners. The Brown Agency would receive verification, that the federal government had convicted close to 1,000 "investors", for such attempted "transfers". Since neither Tami's parents, nor any of their neighbors, had signed the sale papers, NONE could be convicted. The federal government would move on, to the next "investors"). While Tami's father, and brothers, would be "spreading the word", like Paul Revere, on his midnight ride, Tami and I would be on our way BACK to Germany, and to learn just WHAT was going on, at this "haunted" castle. While Berlin gave G.S.2 entry clearance, into Germany, Tami would receive an e-mail, from the chancellor. "To the Brown Agency operatives, While you are most welcome, in Germany, I feel that I should caution you, regarding any actions you may have planned, for that old castle. While not even federal records contain much evidence, for the AGE, of the castle, nor the builder, that castle, even in ruins, is as much a "national landmark" as the Eiffel Tower, or your own Statue of Liberty. Be cautious, regarding your coming actions. Due to your excellent handling, of our recent problem (with the Tiger tanks), the people, and nation, of Germany, will extend every possible assistance." While Tami and I were grateful for this information, we understood its underlying meaning. The Germans wanted the castle left alone. This left the question of WHO we would be negotiating with. Humans, spirits, or both. While G.S.2 had achieved a solid reputation, on our last visit, to the Fatherland, what this meant was that, this time, our plane would be allowed to land very close to the subject property. (NOT be forced to land at a U.S. Air Force base, then be escourted about the nation.) Our pilots even remarked "What beautiful scenery. This will be a great place to park". Of course, upon arrival, Tami and I would be asked about the two decade old "War on Terror". A "war", which Europe, like the American people, was SICK of. Tami would find out that Washington D.C. was making yet ANOTHER offer, to Berlin, in return for Germany's return to this "war". $500 billion dollars, in international, investment, capital, in return for sending German troops BACK INTO the Middle East. To date, Berlin, like most of Europe, was standing FIRM. NO committments, without REAL, ENFORCABLE, time-lines, goals, and limits. Berlin, like Europe had, openly, rejected the rhetoric that "We must OUTLAST the terrorists, no matter how LONG it takes!" Europe was tired of having its soldiers "chasing shadows". Europe wanted a CLEARLY DEFINED game plan. A plan, of attack, specific GOALS, and a clear, extraction, plan. Until this happened, Europe would decline Washington D.C.'s money. When Tami would use G.S.2's "secure" link, to check, on American news, she would find that CERTAIN developments were NOT being widely, reported. When Tami would contact father, for information, about the investment group, and what action could be taken, to rid themselves, of the porn property, father would send a return message: "Just an update, my dear. We just managed to prevent the arrests, of several, of our neighbors. While the feds have moved on, to other investment groups, my buddies tell me that, so far, more than 3,000 people are facing jail time, for trying to sell property to the feds. Our neighbor, Robert, tells me that the feds are tracking as many as 25,000 people, for coming raids. And DONT ask me WHERE the feds plan to imprison all of these people. Your mother keeps asking that same question. According to Phyllis, your former school principal, she says that there are talks going on, for changing the lay-out, of that vocational training center. The one the state has been TALKING about, for years. Strictly OFF the record, Phyllis has informed us that the vocational plan is "out the window". It seems that our state produced enough "investors", that the vocational center is going to turn into a medium security prison. How big, even Phyllis does not know. Now, my daughter, if you want to hear something REALLY "funny". Our fund is being charged with refusal to perform upkeep on those properties. Dont worry, though, since the attorney is handling this. The attorney just sent out a written reminder, to each investor, in OUR fund, reminding us NOT to respond to any communications. Leave everything to the law." When Tami e-mailed her father, back, asking "Did the attorney say how LONG we will be stuck, with those properties?" Father would respond with "The attorney says it could be as little as two weeks. Three YEARS, at the OUT-side." Tami would remind her father "Keep me informed. I will be checking with Mr. Brown, as well. Take care." While Tami was busy interviewing some local Germans, about the ruins, I had the "glorious" task, of mapping the ruins, and looking for natural reasons, for some of the sightings. I must admit that, even with-OUT the use, of computer technology, these Germans had done an excellent job, with building this castle. I make this observation NOT because I am of German ancestry. I make this observation because, upon close-up examination, it is clear, that this building has NOT been, naturally, decaying. Not with so much evidence, of tools being in use. Too bad my portable laser scanner proved that most of the stone was scratched, more than three hundred years ago. As a result, there was no way that either Black & Decker, Craftsman, or other, tool companies, could be, even IN-directly, blamed, for the stone removal. Not when these companies would not even be founded, for over a century, to come. No, this work, at this location, was done, by tools, which were crafted, probably by local blacksmiths. Still, based upon the SIZE, of these stones, I contemplated how LARGE a castle had, once, stood on these grounds. I mean, these stones were not jewelry-sized. These stones were more like boulders. Boulders, which had been crafted into the shape, of stones. For a moment, I considered that the castle might have been as tall, as the Empire State Building. Bringing myself back to reality, I realized that such a castle would have been useless, in this wooded area. Tree's, all around. No, REAL, road, to speak of, and no water source, close by. No, the safe bet would be that this place was a private home. After scanning about half of the foundation, I would re-join Tami, at G.S.2, and she would, more-or-less, confirm what I had thought. Tami would say "According to the locals I have spoken with, the castle was never more than five, to seven, stories tall. Most say five stories, while a few insist it was seven. The problem is that, like the size, the owners past, is buried, deep, in legend. There are plenty of rumors, and stories. Everything from incest, to murder. One story, you will "love", since it made me laugh, just as it makes the Germans laugh." When I would say "Lay it on me." Tami would say "The version, which no one can tell, with a straight face, is the story, of a man. Some baron, or lord. Anyway, he starts a family, with his wife. Then, when he grows tired, of his wife, he starts another family, with his daughter. When he grows bored, with his daughter..." I would say "Let me guess. He starts a family, with his grand-daughter." Tami would chuckle as she said "Precisely." When I would ask "What is the primary source, of this tale?" Tami would say "As far as I can figure, it started out as a drinking tale, in a tavern. Maybe, some guy boasting of what he MIGHT do, IF he had the chance. People heard the story, and repeated it, until it became a tale." I would add "Like so many of our cases, we start out with wild stories, and work towards the truth." When I would ask Tami "Have you tried the internet, yet?" Tami would ask "What for? As far as I can tell, that castle has been vacated, for over four hundred years. The internet would not know half as much about the place, as the Germans do.". Tami would, then, add "By the way, WHAT have YOU been doing, while I was out?" I would say "Nothing, much. Just mapping the ruins, and stepping around things which I wont bore you with. You might be interested to know, however, that the castle may, in fact, have been tall, once. I dont know HOW tall, but I do know that the tales, of looters, may be relevant." When Tami would say "Looters? Should we call in the polizei?" I would inform my partner "Not unless the police can arrest people, who have been DEAD, for about two centuries." When Tami would ask "Meaning?" I would add "Based upon scans, which I took, of the foundation, and fed through the planes computer, the "most recent" theft, of stone, was, some time near, or before, the American Declaration of Independence, from Great Britain." Tami would ask "What did you, and the computer, base this conclusion upon?" I would inform her "I took scans, of what appearred to be tool marks, made by those, who were leveraging the stones, for removal. The computer verifies that the scratches, and tools markings, are older than America." When Tami would say "Okay, so that means the place is OLD. What does it tell us, about the actual age?" I would inform her "The computer is, still, working on that. It is OLD." When Tami would ask "What is your next step, then?" I would suggest "I would like to contact Lysia. Maybe she could recommend someone, who could aid our search." I was surprised when Tami would say "Why not? She has her degree, now. Maybe she can find us some help." When I contacted Lysia, at the university, she was most polite as she said "Sorry. I cannot help, at this time. I am up for a position, and, with seven, other, people "in the running", ALL of us are staying "close to home", in case we are needed." When I would suggest "How about some phone calls, or some, personal, visits?" When Lysia would ask "Why so much interest in an old castle? By the way, what ARE you doing, BACK in Germany? I thought that those Jew's, and their "tiger tanks" were in jail." I would inform her "Lysia, we have returned to Germany for a non-race-hatred case. We are investigating a castle, where Germans are reporting not just spirits, but more lively, and wreckless, spirits. The Chancellor has asked us to find out WHY the spirits are becoming MORE active." When Lysia would ask "What if the "trouble" is just pranksters, having fun?" I would remind Lysia "In that case, we are to expose the pranksters, and let the polizei handle the situation." I knew I had Lysia's interest when she would begin asking about the castle, and its owners. All I could do was give her the information, collected, to date. After this, Lysia would smile as she said "Let me do some checking. I will get back to you, when I know something." I smiled, back, as I said "Awaiting your reply." Yes, "awaiting", but NOT "waiting for". Tami did make an observation, during our first thirty days, on location. During the months PRIOR to our arrival, our "old friend", the full moon, had seen even more "action" than usual. Now, locals were surprised when, on our first full moon, on location, there were no sightings. In fact, there was no action, at all. Of course, according to a village mid-wife, "The spirits, sometimes, need time to re-charge, just as we do." When Tami had asked the woman "Have there been previous times, when there was no activity?" The mid-wife would say "Yes, child. There have been times when the spirits are at rest. Sometimes, two, three, months go by." When Tami would ask "I wonder what causes the spirits to become active?" The mid-wife would say "It is my thinking that the spirits become active, at the moment, of new life, or the end, of old life." When Tami would ask "How do you know this?" The mid-wife would say "I read papers, from all over the world. Even your American news." When Tami would ask "Are you saying that the spirits will not become active until someone is born, or dies?" The mid-wife would chuckle as she said "Nothing so dramatic. I mean that the spirits become active, when there is change. Take that "plan", for a new resort, which that group wants to build, on German land. Media claims the place will be a restful resort space, for people to un-wind. I am thinking that it will be just another casino. More gambling. Thats all those foreigners think about. More gambling. More risk-taking." When Tami would suggest "You think that the spirits are opposed to risk-taking?" The mid-wife would say "Some risks are WORTH taking. Others are not. Take that tank competition. THAT is a risk, worth taking. Taking something, which is good, and making it better. By contrast, a very BAD risk would be your foolish, American, notion, of that thing called "Privatization"." When Tami would ask "I take it you dont approve of the program." The mid-wife would ask "WHAT program? That Social Security, of yours. Thats a PROGRAM. Privatization? Its just a catch-phrase. A way to trick your people into dumping life savings into the stock-market. A few people will "win", while, maybe, 85% will LOSE everything." Tami would add "To my knowledge, Americans are NOT required to endorse the program. It is just an option, for those who want one." The mid-wife would say "Still foolish. Betting a family's future on the whims of the business community. Wreckless. Pure reckless." When Tami would decide to leave this, still, controversial concept (not a program, but a concept) alone, she would ask the mid-wife "Do you, REALLY think that the spirits are getting riled, over a proposed resort?" The mid-wife would say "Why not? We do not call ourselves United Germany, just for a title." Tami would add "You think the spirits are opposed to the casino resort?" The mid-wife would say "I think the spirits are trying to WARN us. They want us to support, and defend, Germany. Not turn our nation into a night club, and brothel." Okay, each person has the right to their own opinions. Could the mid-wife be correct? Tami's daily report would show: its Possible. After departing the mid-wifes company, Tami had a thought which she wished she would have thought about, WEEKS before. Where was the very BEST place, to learn, about the DISTANT past? Local convents, and monasteries. Too bad Mother Superior had not been around, that much, lately. Of course, Tami remembered the nun telling us "I am NOT your library, or reference desk. I come when the chairman directs it. You MUST learn to think for yourselves, just as all children do." Tami just hoped that, without the nun's assistance, Tami would not have too difficult a time gaining entry, both to the convent, and to the records section. As it would turn out, when Tami visited a local priest, to ask where to find the nearest convent, the priest would smile as he said "I will do better than that. I will take you there." When Tami would say "Why, thank you." The priest would say "After what you, and your friend did, for Germany? It is nothing." When Tami asked "Beg pardon?" The priest would say "All of Germany, and Europe, has been made aware, of how you exposed those radicals, and brought an end to their reign of terror." The priest would laugh as he said "Just imagine. Like Germany would endorse a Fourth Reich. HA!" Tami was just happy that the Germans saw us as having aided the nation, through the exposure, of the criminals. Besides, who would have thought that a radical, fringe, group of Jew's, would have been behind such a plot? It had, even, been hard, for US to believe, until the information stared right in our faces. When Tami, and the priest, arrived, at the convent, Tami was, further, surprised, when the convents, living, Mother Superior would meet us at the door, saying "Welcome. Mother Superior told us to expect you. I am a bit surprised that it took you this long, however, I am certain that you have your reasons." Tami felt she should have known that the spirit nun would have had an "inside track", on events. After all, Mother Superior HAD informed us that the Chairman was keeping an "eye" on us. While the living Mother Superior would call forth a sister, to aid Tami's research, Mother Superior would say "I have duties, which I must attend to." On the way to yet ANOTHER, long-buried, records, vault, the sister would ask Tami what it was like, being in the presence, of the deceased. WERE the deceased as scary as some legends claimed? Tami would promise the sister "The spirits I have met, to date, are not un-like you and I. They look, act, and speak, just as we do. In fact, the only advantages, that they seem to have, over us, is that they can appear anywhere, walk through solid objects, and they do NOT have to STUDY languages, in order to use them." When the nun would ask "You are joking, of course." Tami would add "The spirits say it is one of the "perks" of being dead. They may use any language, necessary, in order to communicate with the living." When the nun would smile, and say "Sounds wild. No need to study a language. Just use it. Wow!" Tami would caution "Remember. The "price", of this "gift" is that one must be dead." When the nun would say the German version of "bummer", Tami would smile, knowing how many other people felt the same way. While the nun, and my partner would enter the space, which was just as my partner predicted: Cob-webs, dust, and dirt, all over. The air, foul enough that Tami used her breather. The nun would pull out a volume, place it before my partner, then say "I will return as soon as I open some vents. This place needs airing, badly." While Tami was working on her review, I would be off, aiding some work-men with repairs, in the village, near the ruins. This, I had learned, from experience, was the BEST way to gather information. Casual conversation, while fixing damaged equipment. What the men told me was about the same as the records. The castle was old enough that some, of the men, even joked that the castle MIGHT have been the inspiration, for the evil queens castle's, in Sleeping Beauty, or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. During rest breaks, the men provided me with dozens of tales, about this spirit, or that spirit. Tales, of headless ghosts, ladies in white, and other ghost tales. As the men would say "Give us a camp-fire, food, and drink, and we can not only regale you with stories, of the past, but we, often create our own. Just to "liven things up", you might say." When I would ask "How many, of the tales, of that old ruin, do you think might be nothing more than camp-fire tales?" The supervisor, of our crew, would suggest "Hard to say. Maybe half. Maybe more. Maybe less. Depends upon who one is speaking with." A worker would say "Just dont get that old man, Heir Hessler, going. He will not only bore you to death, with tales, of his sons actions, during World War Two. That man can spin a yarn, better than any woman." When I asked "You dont mean the father, of Colonel Hessler. The man, who smashed through the allied defenses, during the Battle of the Bulge". The workers would say "One in the same. His father is very old, now, but he was proud of his sons career. Just take care. Once the senior gets going, he does not stop, until he runs out of energy." I would ask "How many, of his stories, are true?" The men would say "Regarding his son, the colonel? Maybe 95%." When I asked "The remainder, of the stories?" The men would shrug. When I would ask "If one of you would be asked to guess, at how old that castle ruin is, how OLD would you say the place is?" One, of the men would say "Ha! Easier question would be to ask "How old are the Holy Scriptures, which the Bible is based upon?" When I would suggest "that old, huh?" The supervisor would say "Been around since before any one remembers. Not been inhabited, for longer than anyone can say." When I would suggest "Is THAT the reason why blocks, of stone, have been removed, over the centuries?" The men would seem confused, as they asked "Blocks, of stone, you say? Been removed, you say? When might this have happened?" I would say "Near as I can figure, atleast 250, to 500 years ago. Give or take a century." The men would laugh as they said "No wonder we never heard of this. Not one, of us, is over 65 years old." At the convent, Tami would discover more of the usual. Hand-written land grants. Trading, of cattle, and excess personnel. Land surveying, which was little more than scribbles. Tami was certain that, if any of this information came before a modern court, the "information" would be ruled "in-admissible". While Tami did discover some "plans", for the castle, since there was no "legend", or distance calculation, such as "One inch equals ten feet", she found herself looking at little more than a personal drawing. This is why Tami tore off just enough sample, from each "document", for our computer to analyze. Tami was even MORE thankful, when the nuns opened the vents, and fresh, modern, air pumped into the room. Tami then felt "priviledged" when a total, of four nuns joined the search, for documents. The bad news was that, with few exceptions, the documents were so old, that Tami was required to SCAN the paper, hoping that our computers could pick out any details. Upon her departure, from the convent, Tami made a point, of thanking the nuns, for their assistance. Later that night, aboard G.S.2, the computers were busy, trying to find details, on the faded papers, while Tami and I "feasted", on rations. Our pilots were out, visiting both former friends, from the U.S. Air Force, and Luftwaffe pilots. All of whom had served together, off and on, over the years. This is why, when an un-familiar voice would say "Strange, the place does not look as I remember it." We stayed cool, knowing that only a spirit could enter G.S.2, without us knowing. (One of the "perks", of being dead, the spirits would, always, say). When Tami would ask our visitor "How is it different?" The man would say "I remember when there was a river, right about here (Now, the site of a gulley)." The man would, then, ask "What did they do with the supply road?" When Tami would ask "What supply road?" The spirit would say "Young lady, even in MY day, every property needed a supply road. How else would supplies be delivered?" When I would ask "By supplies, you mean what?" The spirit would inform Tami "He is a bit slow, isn't he?" When Tami would ask "You mean household groceries, right?" The spirit would say "You are a bright one. Still, it doesn't answer the question. Where did the road go?" When Tami would ask "When do you remember that the road was, last, in use?" The spirit would quote a date, somewhere near the time when Germany was, first being settled. LONG before the place was, even a nation. When Tami would inform the spirit "I hate to have to inform you of this, but the current year is 2017, A.D." To this, the spirit would let out a belly laugh, which, probably, could have been heard, some distance from the plane. He would, then, say "Good one, young lady. Good one. You, almost had ME believing." When Tami would say "Sir, it is true. Just look around you. Did any, of this stuff exist, during your lifetime?" When the spirit looked about our airplane, then asked "You ARE serious." Then came the normal question "Where have I been?" This was one question, which even WE could not answer. While the spirit, and I, were working on a general drawing, showing what the land had looked like, during the spirits "mortal" time, Tami would receive a "shocking" message, from the states. According to father "It seems that, when the courts would not allow the "community standards" group, to prosecute us, over land which we, never, purchased, it seems that the radical Christians decided to "take action", themselves." When Tami half-whispered "I'm afraid to ask", Father would say "Dont be. No one was injured. The Christians, atleast, had the common sense, to wait, until each property was closed, for the night." When Tami asked "How was it done?" Father would say "As far as the police report says, it seems that the Arsonists used regular gasoline, probably siphoned from their own gas tanks." When Tami would ask "What is this based upon?" Father would say "Some of the fools, gassed up, at the SAME gas stations, on the way to do their "deed", then they stopped, at the SAME stations, on the way back." When Tami would ask "What is so unusual, about that? Couldn't the people have driven somewhere else, then returned, for more gas?" Father would say "According to the gas station attendants, the cars were gone, for only half an hour, before returning, to fuel up. No way could the cars have used that much gas, in such a short time. A tank? yes. A car? No." When Tami would ask "Since this was Arson, what hppens to the properties, now?" Father would say "First things first, child. First, we let Arson Investigation do their job. Second, we let the courts prosecute the Arsonists. Third, the land is cleared. THEN, we can sell the land, IF we choose to." Father would add "OH, by the way. Your boss, Mr. Brown, was right, AND most clever." When Tami asked "How so?" Father would say, "Once Mr. Brown, and someone, named Mr. Blue, took a look at our charter, we had a discussion, with our attorney." When Tami would ask "What did the attorney say?" Father would say "He claimed it would cost $100,000.00 to change our charter. Fear not, my daughter." When Tami would say "Lay it on me, father", Father would say "Due to the fact that the two of you have been so successful, in your work, and saved so many people so much money, Mr. Brown had his agency secretary write up our "new, revised" charter, FREE of charge. You can take a look at it, on your next visit. Would Valentines, or Easter, be better, for you?" Tami would only say "I will have to check my calendar, and let you know. Glad to hear that everything worked out." Father would add "For everyone, except the Christians. I cant understand WHY they just did not let us handle the situation, through the courts." Tami would remind father "Why do the most radical Christians bomb womens clinics, assault women, seeking clinic services, and gun down clinic staff? Just like with any other group, father, there are just some people who feel they cannot wait for "justice"." By the time Tami was finished talking to the United States, the spirit, and I, would have made a general map, of the area. We, also, found out what happened to the supply road. After centuries, of neglect, the "road" (actually an animal path), had "reverted" to the woods. IF my observations, of the local landscape, were accurate, the path was abandoned, long enough, in the past, that the "new growth" tree's were two feet in diameter, easily. As to WHY the spirits were haunting the property, that part was just as simple. When the spirits, of the owners former personnel, overheard construction workers talking of things like "video-slots", and "concubines chambers", the spirits had been confused, for awhile. This, because, in their day, the village HAD a designated area, for such "services". The castle had been HOME, to the owner, and their family. No one, not staff, nor the owner, wanted such "services" to be available, on THEIR property. When Tami reminded the spirit "You, your family, and the servants, have been dead, for millenia, WHY does it matter what happens, to the castle, now?" Tami knew she spoke the truth, since computer analysis had, finally, nailed down the castles construction date. The place was over 3,000 years old, and was built during a time, when what is, now, Germany, was nothing more than fields, and streams. Even according to the spirits, it was only AFTER the castle was built that a village came into existance, nearby. Mostly to cater to the needs of the castle. I really did not think that Tami needed to ask the next question. Still, my partner asked "If you put so much into the castle, WHY did your young not just take over ownership?" A spirit butler would ask "Why do your nations children leave home, upon reaching adulthood?" I would pose the next question "What would you PREFER that Germany do, with such prime real estate?" I noticed that the spirits took some time, to THINK, on that one. Ironically, when Tami posed the same question, around the village, locals also took their time to contemplate the question. While the Chancellor, and Berlin, had made their position clear: Gambling was NOT preferred, the Chancellor would remind Tami and I "Since this is NOT the time, of Adolf Hitler, and the Nazi Party, Berlin will allow our citizens to make an educated decision." While both the living, and dead, Germans, were contemplating the "future", of the castle ruins, Tami atleast got some good news, from state-side. Now that the adult book-stores, and movie houses, were burned, to the ground, local developers, in the communities, were making offers, to buy the land. Ironically, it was only NOW, when the subject was FINANCES, that the director, of the investment fund, was ACTING like a manager. He was determined to get the fund the best PRICE, for the land. Thanks to the Brown Agency's revision, of the funds charter, some "sex-hotel", in a nation, whose name I cant even pronounce, was allowed to "nationalize" the property. The formerly by-the-hour hotel, would be renovated into an executive travel hotel. The government predicted better rates, and MUCH BETTER clientelle. While the funds director had squawked, about the "lost of proceeds, had the fund been able to SELL the hotel", it would seem that one, of the family's neighbors reminded the "director" that the fund had NOT PAID, for the property, to begin with. No money spent. No loss. In Germany, however, by the time Tami was preparing our final report (IF the living, and the dead, would make up their minds, as to the castles future), it would seem that new trouble was brewing, between the living, and the dead. The living wanted to renovate the castle, into a modern, income-producing, property. The deceased, however, wanted to retain their privacy, and the quiet, of the night, which they had enjoyed, for centuries. When Tami suggested a public vote, the dead had argued "Thats not fair. The living outnumber the dead, by five to one." The living had argued "How can the dead, legally, vote? Even in America, the dead are not, legally, allowed to vote." I can only guess that, growing up, in a close-knit family, had taught Tami how to negotiate between "warring" parties. it would take my partner nearly a WEEK, to create a compromise, which both the living, and the dead, would accept. The dead would allow the living to renovate the castle, into a more "livable" condition. The castle could, then, continue, not only to be a landmark, but, by DAY, the living could tour the place, and learn of its history (The version which the DEAD told, of course.). In the evenings, concerts would be allowed. The content, however, would be "limited" to a combination, of classical music, and the "soft rock", of the 1960's, and 1970's. It would seem that even the deceased had musical preferences. No "hard", or "acid" rock, would be tolerated, by the spirits. The living would vacate the land, by a specified time, each evening. In return, for this agreement, the dead would agree to remain on the castles property, unless the living WANTED to speak, to the dead. What held up the final agreement, was the fact that the German government, and the German courts, had questions, which needed answers. Questions, which included "HOW do we enforce the deal, with dead people?" and "What if the deceased do NOT honor the deal?" Criminal law would be useless, if the deceased did not cooperate. After all, what good is a "Life sentence", or the "Death penalty", to a person who has been deceased, for 2,500 years? Mr. Brown would be the one, to "smooth things over", by reminding the Germans that, to date, NONE, of Tami's contracts, between the living, and the dead, had been violated. Both sides were honoring agreements. No reason why the German spirits would be any different. As a result, at a public meeting, in the local community, the agreement would be signed. The mayor, of the village would sign, for the living, while one Count Von "Schlessenborg" (?) would sign, on behalf of his deceased staff. Since the castle's ownership would be transferred over to the Germans, this meant one less piece, of property, for the investment fund, to worry about. Not surprisingly, Tami's parents would contact us, reporting "The director, of our fund, has resigned. He claims that we "gave away" too much property. He claimed that, with "proper renovations", that castle COULD have produced millions, in gambling revenue. Now that the land is in the hands, of the Germans, the director has said that he can, no-longer, manage our fund. We will need a new manager." Tami would suggest "Why not retain the Brown Agency? We have people who are good enough to make the I.R.S. look like pre-schoolers." When father would say "We are not looking to HIDE assets. We are looking for responsible oversight." Tami would promise "Mr. Brown retains some of the best people, in the world. Let me make a call.". Father would say "Fine, let us know. Who knows, after his revised charter deal, maybe your employer MIGHT be our best bet." After preparing, and transmitting, our final report, to the Brown Agency, Tami would send a personal message, to the home office. "How much would the Brown Agency charge for the oversight of a local, community, investment fund?" With yet another "peace treaty", between the living, and the dead, on the books, the four of us would begin packing up G.S.2, for our next flight. And just about what we expected, Mr. Brown would video-link, with us, first complimenting our work, then asking "We have an un-verified case, here. I was hoping the two of you could look the file over, and submit your thoughts." When Tami would ask "Where to, THIS time?" When Mr. Brown would say "Would you believe, the former Soviet Union?" I would be the one to say "No way! An American bomber, operating over Soviet soil? They would shoot us down, and not bother to ask questions." When Mr. Brown would say "In the past, that might be true, however, my sources tell me that the Soviets are changing their view, of America, just as our view, of them, is changing." When I would remind the boss "Sir, while our plane is outfitted, for resarch, I am certain that the Soviets would notice an American, stealth, bomber. Even if our ship was rejected, from the stealth program, the Soviets would shoot , first." This is when Mr. Brown would become serious as he said "Maybe this is why you are NOT heading, for Soviet Russia. By the way, I hope you, both, have your swim, and tanning, clothing, packed." When Tami and I looked at one another, Mr. Brown would say "Its all in the file. Let me know what you think." On to the next case...

HOW THE UNITED STATES EVOLVED INTO UNITED EARTH

HOW THE UNITED STATES EVOLVED INTO UNITED EARTH While no one would have believed that such events could happen, for a second time, in human history, such would turn out to be the case. The simple fact was that our world was growing tired of "endless" wars, and the rhetoric of "We MUST outlast the "terrorists". It was when the latest round of insanity, regarding the construction, of a wall, along the Texas/Mexico border, came into the news, that the public realized that America had enough of this deliberate WASTE, of public monies. After all, modern history had PROVED, via the Berlin Wall, that such walls do not, in ANY way, deter peoples actions. If anything, the Berlin Wall taught the world "Place an obstacle, in a persons path, and WATCH as the people overcome the obstacle." This is why Washington D.C., most reluctantly, began considering an alternative, for diffusing illegal entry, into the United States. Under this "new deal", Washington D.C. began having third-world nations place a VOTE, before their people. Since so many, of the peoples, of these nations, held the belief that America was the "Shining Torch of Hope", the U.S. government would offer these nations a deal. In return for state-hood, in the United States, the peoples would agree not just to become the latest, American, states, but these people would agree to become American taxpayers. This deal would be based upon the historical precident, of the thirteen colonies, then upon each territorial entry, all VOTING their way into the new nation. Now, the U.S.. government was offering this same deal, to any nation, which wanted to join the federal union. While a FEW Americans would be surprised, when Mexico, and Latin America, became the FIRST signators, of this, new agreement, other nations would fear a loss, of national identity, if they joined the expanding union. This was, especially, true of the Middle East, which Washington D.C. had been POUNDING, into the ground, for TWENTY YEARS. The concern was that, if a nation joined the federal union, that their people would be FORCED, at GUN-point, to change to the Christian religion. It would take close to a YEAR, after the first signatories, to the new deal, had joined the federal union, for the world to notice that the only thing, which, really, changed was the flag. Even so, by negotiated compromise, the local flags would continue to fly, just below "Old Glory." Since there were just not enough Social Security numbers, to go around, the decision would be made that, a new round, of Social Security numbers would be created. For each, new, citizen state, the Social Security numbers would begin with the three-letter prefix, of the persons country of origin. In truth, the only people, who, really complained, about this "new deal" would be the American corporations, which had been growing even richer, by having illegals give up every penny they had, for transport, into the United States. Now that the people were becoming American citizens, there was no more market, in trafficking illegals. The drug market would be the next, hardest, hit. This, since the F.D.A. took control, of local plantations (In order to ensure quality production). To the drug cartels, the idea, of being "muscled out", of business, brought a few reprisals, but the citizens stood by the deal. This was, especially, true, after U.S. Special Forces landed, and villages were "cleansed", of the criminal element. What no one would have expected was that, after just ten years, nearly ALL of South America, would become American states. While Europe was slow, to consider this move, the reason was obvious. So much destruction. That, and the rhetoric about "We must OUTLAST the TERRORISTS!". After TWENTY YEARS, the Europeans, as well as the American people, could not care LESS, about this war. Not when the only VISIBLE outcome, of this "war", was that American cemetaries were, still, filling up, with the children of the Smiths, and the Joneses. It would take the Papacy to bring Europe to the bargaining table. The negotiations would be to END the bombings, the killing, and the never-ending "enhanced interrogations", of the people of the Middle East. While Washington D.C. would howl "They MUST dis-arm, FIRST!", The Papacy would counter with "ALL sides will dis-arm, by (specified date). While England, France, Germany, and even Russia, were tired, of the "war", the problem would be bringing Washington D.C. into agreement. (This was especially burdensome, since the American people had given up support, for the "war", years before.) Now, as with Korea, and Vietnam, Washington D.C. stood, alone. It would not be until the American PEOPLE VOTED, to END this "war", that radical elements, within Washington D.C., would begin the process of the transfer of power, to a more moderate form of leaders. Of course, before the radicals left office, they would howl "The next time America is attacked, DONT come, crying, to us. We TRIED to "protect" this nation." Once the radicals were sent into retirement, and moderates began peace negotiations, several, more, nations would join the federal union. It would seem that the ONLY reason, why the white Russians held out, for an extended period, would be to verify that Russia would maintain her own identity. The white Russians wanted to make sure that Russian history remained intact. (NOT the version being taught, in American schools). It would, also, seem that the Papacy DID retain much power, over the Roman Catholic world. Once the Papacy translated, then studied, the rules, for applying for state-hood, the Vatican would decide that, as long as Roman Catholics, and other, religions, were allowed to retain their individual identities, the church was willing to "Give it a go". According to the modified copy, of the rules, for state-hood, the Vatican, like Washington D.C., would remain its own entity. The really TOUGH sell, would be the Chinese people. It would seem that the Asians were divided, about evenly, between state-hood, and independence. This is why common sense dictated that America send a response of "We are here, if you want to discuss the matter." While threats, and demands, had FAILED, miserably, in the past, Washington D.C. was, finally, beginning to learn that ASKING for cooperation was the best way to seek cooperation. Ofcourse, with a total, of 250 states, now part of the United States, tele-conferences became a new medium, for handling debates, and negotiations. Then, there was the "problem" of negotiations. With fifty states, it might take WEEKS, to reach a compromise. With two HUNDRED fifty states, compromise meant less posturing, and more "Just the facts". While the "road" was bumpy, it would seem that, now that 75% of the planet, had applied for state-hood, people were not only more willing to compromise. That, and the fact that, with South America now PART of the federal union, I.N.S. could shift its focus, from un-documented "illegals", to those, who had FINANCED the operations, for so many years. Would state-hood be expensive? You bet. Repairing nearly century-old roads, bridges, and so on, came at a very heavy price. In total, maybe three times what the "wall" would have cost. The REAL savings would come from no-longer having to deport the same people, time-after-time. Now, the border patrol could focus on one of the federals more important duties. That, of monitoring the border, for dangers to human, and animal, life. Finding the injured before situations became critical. Perhaps, the most important change, of all, overall, would be the pledge of allegiance. As Earth continued uniting under state-hood, the pledge, of Allegiance, would be altered, from: "I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, in-divisible, with Liberty, and Justice, for all" And into: "I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with Liberty, and Justice, for all" The argument, for these changes, would include "America is, now, only a PORTION, of the nation. We need to recognize that times are changing." The argument, about leaving dieties OUT of the pledge, was based upon the fact that "God" went by MANY names, the world over. Since the agreement was made, that no one should have to memorize ALL of these names, the pledge was simplified. NO dieties would be named. Not "Allah", Not "Jehovah", Not "Ishmael", Not even "Christ". This way, no religion would feel "left out". While it might take another century, to bring younger generations, of very "old", and "traditional", nations, into state-hood, in time, as the old passed away, and the young were schooled, in more international ways, eventually, and with NO threats, of bombings, or embargoes, younger generations would vote on state-hood as well. As a result, another vote would take place. The question would be "Should the Earth retain the "title" of "The United States, of planet Earth", or should the name be changed, to, simply, "United Earth"? Mankind KNEW, and UNDERSTOOD, that THIS vote would be the most IMPORTANT, in human history. A decision, to be made, ONLY with the very greatest of care.

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE INDIAN CEMETARY

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE INDIAN CEMETARY While in cruise mode, and heading AWAY from the "island paradise", known as Hawaii, Tami and I would begin reviewing our latest "haunting". If the file were accurate, Californians were claiming to view the spirit, of a young, murder, victim. Presumably, the victim was a young woman. A local "sweetheart". A young woman who was well-liked enough that her murder caused enough of a stir that lynch mobs had set out, to bring her killer to "justice". According to the contents, of the file, the murderer had fled to a home, across the street from a cemetary. When the lynch mobs "cornered" the murderer, inside the house, it was decided (by un-specified persons), that, instead of drawing the murderer OUT of the house, that the house would be BURNED DOWN, around the murderer. Now, for the primary, strange, part. According to both the sheriff's department, and the fire brigade, while the lynch mob had insisted that the murderer burned to death, in the fire, NO human remains were recovered, at the scene. For about a month, after the fire, the sheriff had, fully, expected for some, dis-placed, family, to return to town, find their home burned to the ground, and demand answers. While California's territorial governor, having read the dispatches, had sent the sheriff a message, asking "What do you mean, NO body was found? Whose home did they burn down?" All the sheriff could respond with was "Cant say, for sure. Lynch mobs say the murderer entered the house, which was burned. Dont know what happened to the body." While the governors response had been "Either YOU FIND that BODY, or I will send in the U.S. Army, and let THEM find the body. Do you understand?" While the sheriff understood, he, too, was left with un-answered questions. The primary of which was that several, of the members, of the lynch mob, were relaible people. People, whose word was as good, or better, than a written contract. Sam Perkins was one of the best. Sam ran a construction company, building shelters, for the gold rusher's, of the time. If Sam said a building would be completed, in thirty days, and it was NOT completed, any delay would be either weather, health, or death, related. Sams word was as good as a bar of gold. If Sam said the murderer entered the house, this was good enough for the sheriff. While the sheriff did NOT want to go on the "public record", with his request for information, the sheriff did visit the county recorders office, with a question. The sheriff made the records clerk take an "Oath of Silence", not to mention this request to ANY-one. Not even their own family. Once the sheriff had the clerk's oath, the sheriff asked the clerk for all records, covering the burned property. When the clerk asked "Anything in particular, sheriff?" The sheriff had suggested "Anything which might be, or lead, underground". When the clerk asked "You dont think that murderer got away, do you?" The sheriff had said "Just covering myself, in case anyone asks." The file went on to say that the sheriff had examined the burned property, for over a month, but for what, he would not say. While the cemetary, across the street, from the burned property, had quite a "history", of sightings, few of these reports were, ever, verified. It seems that local deputies did not place much importance on an old, indian, burial ground. This, even though the file contained dozens of UN-confirmed sightings, of indians, "women in white", and more than a few prospectors. While it would seem that California paid the indians dead about as much "respect", as most of the territories. This "respect" included building around, and even ON, burial grounds, there did not seem to be any type of "record", of what kind of spirits were being reported. The most, that the file contained, was entries, from personal journals. This is why Tami and I wondered WHY the Brown Agency was becoming involved, at all. What could it be, that people wanted us to investigate? Certainly NOT the 1880's murder, of a local woman. Couldn't be the 1880's murdered man. These people were dead, for nearly 140 years. As for the indian cemetary, the question was "What cemetary does NOT have a few, resident, ghosts?" Further on, in the summary, we would find the reason for the request. It was being alleged that the spirits were not only making appearances, INSIDE the cemetary, however, like the Mystery of the Gaming House, the spirits were beginning to WALK beyond the cemetary. Walking among the living. There were, even, suggestions, that spirits were entering houses, and looking into windows. For some reason, over recent months, the numbers, of prowler calls, near the cemetary, were on the increase. Since the regular police wanted NO part, in investigating "ghosts", or calling in "ghost-busters", the case was being referred to the Brown Agency. Local police, and California's governor, wanted a DISCREET investigation, and conclusion. A.K.A.: Send in G.S.2 While the cruise, from Hawaii, was as smooth as glass, our first sign, of trouble, came as we approached the California coast line. It would seem that, not only was El Nino season in full swing, but, that, in a still-baffling series, of un-explainable events, the winds, which, normally, push El-Nino forces towards Asia, had changed course, again. Result, California was receiving some very severe weather. Electrical storms, heavy rians, high winds, and so on. Of course, on the drawing boards, our plane had been designed, to cope, both with foul weather, and intense, enemy, fire, but this, still, left the question: How could we KNOW, for SURE, that our multi-billion-dollar plane would survive? Especially a direct hit, fom a lightning bolt. The designers might have spent millions of dollars, TRYING to make the plane weather-resistant, however, the difference between the drafting board, and real life, can be that of the difference between noon, and midnight. It seems that our pilots final decision was made, FOR them. This, as we closed on a section, of the storm, where even Tami and I agreed that there was just too MUCH lightning coming FAR TOO CLOSELY together. This is why Tami and I had full faith, in our pilots decision, to change course, to the south. Sure, circling the storm would take us hundreds of miles out of our way, but even I agreed that the "wasted" fuel would be easier to explain, than having to explain why we had ignored the weather, and "destroyed" a multi-billion-dollar aircraft. When air traffic control asked our pilots REASON, for the course change, our pilots were heard to say "This plane is too expensive to risk. No way can I afford to pay, for it, if we crash, instead of going around." After air traffic control agreed to the weather-related change of course, our co-pilot radioed for a mid-air re-fuelling. This because we had not re-fuelled, in three missions, and our fuel reserves were down to a third. Thankfully, G.S.2 was designed, for mid-air re-fuelling. (Too bad no one, ever, thought of mid-air re-supply. Even stealth bombers had to land, to take on food and water.) Soon after our turn, to the south, California radio stations began announcing "Residents are asked to remain calm. The storm had taken out sections, of the electrical grid. Repair crews will be dispatched the moment the storm passes. For now, all residents are requested to remain calm. There is NO danger. The lights willl be back on, soon." On-board G.S.2, Tami and I were relieved to know that our air force retiree's had taken their wise precaution. The men had "read the sky", and we would avoid any damage, due to their experience. While Mr. Brown was not over-pleased, with our circling California, practically into Nevada, to come in, BEHIND the storm, our employer would remind us "While your jet fuel is, by no means "free", I guess that it is the right call, to spend a "few dollars, more", for jet fuel, than to have to pay for a replacement airplane." Tami would add "Especially a multi-billion-dollar plane, such as this one. Who KNOWS how much a replacement would cost." Still, Tami and I put the detour to good use. Even as we flew over both California, and Nevada, we were at our stations, reviewing the case data. Tami, to try and find people-oriented reasons, for the hauntings. Me, trying to find any construction, or earth movements, reasons. What hampered MY search, was the San Andreas Fault Line. A seismic "shifting point", where California, which rested on one, crustal plate, "rubbed" against the North American plate. It was a well-known FACT that, each time the fault line shifts, houses, and buildings, creak, power fails, and there is a temporary increase, in sightings, of spirits, and ghouls. Some say it is "all in the victims minds". A form of mass hysteria. Others claim that it is the static charges, which are released, when the plates shift. WHO is right, and WHO is wrong? All that I know is that, by the time G.S.2 was granted peermission to land, the "mega-monster" storm, which had blacked out whole communities, within California, had been down-graded to a severe thunderstorm. Local radio stations would report "Okay, listeners. Here's the update. Crews on on the streets. Remember, watch out for those colored vests. Without them, you will be without power even longer. Be safe, and drive carefully. The power will be back on, in no time." The "good" news, atleast for G.S.2, was that the storm had taken out a section, of housing. Units, which the city was, still, trying to decide if the units were worth renovating. "Thanks" to the storm, the question was answered. The houses had been, completely, demolished, right down to their foundations. The remains, of these homes, would be laying near property, owned by a salvage yard, until crews could haul the debris INTO the yard. G.S.2 would be allowed to park on the cleared land. This would place us just half a city block, from both the cemetary, and the area, of the reports. I suppose that, even more than the land, Tami and I were both amazed, and disturbed, by the lack of maintenance, to the indian cemetary. The place looked more like a weed-infested lot, than a cemetary. Tami would, openly, comment "Boy! If I had to "rest in peace", there, I would not be doing much resting." It would be at just that moment, when our contact would approach, saying "Funds are limited. Without private donations, there is little the city can AFFORD to do." When our contact would identify themselves, saying "The city sent me to meet with you. If there is ANY-thing you need, just let me know. Now, shall we begin with the obvious?" When Tami would state "From the contents, of our file, I dont see where ANY-thing is "obvious"." Our contact would say "That is because we did not want to risk interception. The city sent your employer just enough information to send you to us." When Tami would ask "WHO would WANT to intercept a message, about spirits?" The contact would say "You would not believe the groups, who feel that technology has just gotten out of control. We lose a "few" jobs, here, and a "few" jobs, there, and fringe groups want to blame machines, and government." When Tami would ask "How many jobs is a "few"?" the source would say "Believe me, when the economy DOES, eventually, return, there will be more jobs, than people, to fill positions." When Tami would ask "How does this affect the reports, of increased, spirit, activity?" Our source would say "People, just looking for attention. Others, hoping for publicity. Some, hoping for jobs. Some are just "un-stable". The kind who see things, when they do not take medications." When I would suggest "So, the city has ruled these people "crack-pots". This, still, does not explain why the Brown Agency was contacted." Our source would say "We are confident that, with a competent investigation, which proves that there are NO ghosts "haunting" this area, investment funds will be forthcoming. "Ghosties" are such a drag, in community development." While our source would give Tami and I a "basic" tour, of the area, and the alleged "sightings", even I could hear the open sarcasm, in the sources voice, as they heckled the stories. In fact, for most of the "tour", Tami and I would agree that this seemed more of a "sales pitch", than a "present the facts" tour. Only after the "tour" was completed, did the source place the rest, of the file, directly into Tami's hand. This, with a caution: I have handed this, directly, to you. This information has NOT been released. Do you understand?" When I would say "WE understand. In fact, you were, never, here." Our source seemed puzzled, by this, yet departed, without a word. As for the contents, of THIS "file" (which one might call a suitcase, instead of a file), once we returned to G.S.2, and opened the thick volume, it was no time at all before we realized what we were dealing with. On every single page, of every reported "sighting", there were multiple dis-claimers, about what the "sighting" actually was. Everything from leaky sewer pipes, to wild imaginations. There was even a section, recording a series, of bizzarre, streaking, spirits. These reports were attributed to a "local" film studio, which was being "accused" of filming porn, on a public street. While the governor, the chief of police, and the municipal government, might want this "case" "swept under the rug", Tami and I knew what our job was. Determine the FACTS, and seek a resolution. Even if that meant yet another negotiated deal, between the living and the dead. The first question would be "Did the hauntings REALLY start with the 1880's murder, or was that just the first time that anyone paid ATTENTION to the hauntings?" With G.S.2 safe and secure, Tami and I would prepare for our individual tasks. Since there was neither "doubt", nor "question", that Tami was the "people-person", my partner would break out some fresh, flash, drives, for her recorder, then download her list, of "witnesses". For Tami, the first week, of any investigation, would include meeting locals, sharing drinks, and snacks. All of this, while taking people on a "stroll, down memory lane". While I, also, participated, in such "rituals", this was the primary reason why both G.S.1, and G.S.2, were equipped, with on-board exercise equipment. Most of my OWN, first, week, on this casee, I would be reviewing local records, as well as studying the geography. I had to be especially careful, here in California. A state where earth movements are common, and more than a few people have been buried, alive, after earth tremors. Per mutual agreement, Tami and I decided that the first order of business, was to invetigate the sheriff's suspicion, about secret tunnels. According to the case file, "dozens", of witnesses, (see case file, for names of witnesses) had viewed the murderer, entering the house, before it was set, on fire. Not one, of these witnesses, even suggested either seeing the murderer, or a shadow, nor anything "suspicious", about the property, once the fire was lit. After the fire burned out, and all that was left, of the house, was its foundation, the sheriff reportewd that he, and a group, of deputies, searched the charred ruins, for bones. If bones, specifically ADULT bones, had been recovered, after the burning, the case could have been closed. The sheriff, however, noted that, even after a full WEEK, of searching the ruins, there was NO evidence that ANY one had died, in the fire. While the sheriff had marked the case as "In-conclusive", it seems that the territorial governor was determined to lay the publics fears to rest. The governor performed this task, by using a media release, which promised "Murderer seen entering house, which was, then, burned down. Since the murderer was NOT observed, departing the house, the territory, of California, is satisfied that the murderer died in the fire." By the end of our first day, on-scene, Tami and I had a message, waiting for us, at G.S.2. Mr. Brown had assigned Mr. Blue to contact Brown Agency resources, inside California, and obtain a copy, of the states records, of the 1880's incident. According to Mr. Blue's message, however "You should NOT expect much, from these "records". After all, modern record keeping standards did not exist, until well into the twentieth century." This was a problem, which Tami and I were well accustomed to. According to the document, which the Brown Agency forwarded to us, it would seem that, when the sheriff had begun an investigation, looking for tunnels, AFTER the house burned down, it is surprising to note that the territorial governor ORDERED an end, to this "waste of taxpayers money". In fact, the governor had noted "Sheriff, if you want to chase "ghosts", do it on your OWN time." For some, un-specified reason, once the sheriff took this advice, and worked the investigation, on his own time, the sheriff was surprised when the territorial governor sent another message. "Terminate ALL investigations, NOW! Unless you want to be replaced." To this, Tami's first question would be "WHY didn't the governor WANT the sheriff to, fully, investigate this case? I would think that, the more evidence, which was gathered, to PROVE the results, the safer the public would feel". I would suggest "Unless the governor KNEW something, which the man wanted NO one else to know." When Tami would ask "Like what?" I would suggest "Things like secret passages, tunnels, and so on." When Tami would remind ME "I hate to remind you, but "secret passageways" are no secret. whole movies have been built around this concept." When I would say "Maybe, however, when a murder suspect is fleeing "justice", and hides out, in a place, which is, then burned to the ground, and the assumption is made, that the murderer died, in the fire, would it not be dis-quieting, to the public if, after no body is found, that "escape tunnels" ARE found, under the property." Tami would, of course, remind me "Thats a LOT of maybe's." I would remind her "Maybe, THAT is why the governor ordered an end, to the investigation. If people thought the murderer MIGHT have escaped, through such a passageway..." Tami would finish with "Locals might begin arming themselves, more than was usual, even during those days." When I would ask "And what is the result, when people have guns, and FEAR?" Tami would say "People begin shooting at shadows. Maybe, they injure, or kill, a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or worse." I would add "They could shoot family members, without meaning to." Tami would say "Well, atleast that explains the reason why people have been telling me about how MANY denials, of survival rumors, were circulated, back then." When I would ask "Just curious. Was there a funeral, for the murderer?" When Tami would say "Some of the people, I have spoken with, say that there was something. Not really a service. More like "Get it over with" type of thing." I would suggest "I wonder if there is a grave." Tami would remind me "This man was no "pillar of the community". He was a murderer. IF he had a grave, I doubt he even has a marker." When I would ask "Did anyone mention VIEWING the casket, before, or during, the burial?" Tami would remind me "This guy was even less popular than trash collectors. locals would have preferred to watch the trash being collected, than to attend this funeral." When I would ask Tami "Would you look up WHERE the murderer was buried?" When Tami would ask "WHY? I doubt it is even listed." I would give her my thoughts. "Number one: Murder suspect followed to house. Entry viewed by witnesses. House is set on fire, and burns down. Number two: No one witnesses murder suspect LEAVING house, during, or after, fire. Number Three: No human remains are found, after fire. Number four: Sheriff's official, and un-official, investigations ordered terminated, once word reaches territorial capital, that sheriff is looking for secret passages." When Tami would ask "You dont think there is MORE, here, than just a vigilante case of Arson, do you?" I would ask "If this were just a case, of a murderer being burned, alive, inside a house, then WHY would the governor even CARE if the sheriff digs the whole place up?" Tami would say "Unless the GOVERNOR knew more than he was letting on." I would add "Why, else, would the governor be so quick to issue press releases, and to order a sheriff to cease all investigations?" When Tami presented our daily report, to the Brown Agency, Mr. Blue would contact us, saying "This report of yours. It is FULL of if's. This notion, that the territorial governor might be involved. Unless you can make this stick, like concrete, we may be in, for some real lawsuit action." Tami would suggest "This is the reason why we are reporting this information, to headquarters, instead of locals. In the event our information turns out to be faulty, then the Brown Agency will not be embarrassed." Mr. Blue would say "Good girl. Keep us informed." While Tami and I KNEW that the indian cemetary was close to our "target", I guess that we were a bit hesitant, to engage the dead. After all, there is no way to "cross-examine" the dead. You either took their word, at face value, or you dont. It is just that simple. Then, there is the problem of how to "reference" information, collected, from the dead. Tami and I remained on a "learning curve", as to how to refer to the deceased, when information was supplied. In our more recent reports, I had suggested something, which I had seen used, in fiction, over the years. Creating a "list/cast", of characters, including all available data. When listing each interraction, we would include "See cast notation three, sub-section: American Civil War" (just as an example). Still, Tami and I KNEW that we were "making friends" among the deceased, since, at times, the deceased, were sending spirits TO us, to deliver data. Still, interviewing those, who had died, centuries, or even millenia, ago, was something Tami and I were, still, novices at. Tread, lightly, and speak, gently. While the Indian Nations were more open, to us, since Tami and I had resolved the Mystery of the Anasazi, still, there remained bitter feelings, and for good reason. After all, it WAS a group, of "white men", who had dumped the "Lost In Space" props, on Indian land, just to avoid arrest. While it was not so much the actual dumping, which enraged the Indians, it was more of the fact that, once someone announced that there was a "flying saucer", on Indian land, that the Indians had to defend their land, by driving out the U.F.O. crowd, using extreme means. Even AFTER the props had been identified, and removed, from Indian land, the tribes, STILL spent MONTHS kicking trespassers off of their land. People, who wanted to see the "flying saucer". While, at last report, things had calmed, and life was returning to normal, the Indians might have sent Tami and I off, with a farewell, but the nations remained annoyed at how easily the "white man" had deceived the public. This is why Tami took her time, carefully crafting her message, to the nations. In her opinion: "After all, this IS an Indian affair. These ARE their ancestors, whom we will be dealing with." My problem was that we did not know WHICH nation we would be dealing with. Would the Cherokee be offended if we contacted the Cheyenne, about a Cherokee cemetary? Would the Sioux be offended, if we contacted the Arrapaho, about a Sioux cemetary? Tami's logic would be to include, in the message "We are contacting the nations, in general, since we have a cemetary, where, legend/tales say that Indians are buried. No information on WHICH tribe. Requesting your assistance." While awaiting a reply, Tami and I would set out our normal stake-out, and wait to see what happened. Maybe the spirits, themselves, would come forth, and identify the tribe they belonged to. Tami and I had decided to turn to the dead since, to our astonishment, when I had requested sub-surface maps, to the general area, I was informed, rather abruptly, that "This information is CLASSIFIED. Theta-Gamma (or something similar)." When I had asked "May I know WHO classified the information, and WHEN?" The clerk had been rather short, with me, as they said "ONLY the legislature, and the governor, may see these documents. Unless you get elected, to the California Legislature, or the governorship, the answer is NO!" When I reported this, to the Brown Agency, Mr. Black would say "Give me a few days. I will see what I can come up with." Now, Tami and I were waiting to hear back, from the Indians, and Mr. Black, while HOPING that SOMEONES spirit would pay us a visit. Even the spirit, of the murderer, might provide information. While a man, who matched the general description, of the murderer, DID appear, to Tami (and he even PRETENDED to BE the spirit), my partner was not half as dumb as the man hoped she would be. While Tami suspected that the man was only out for a "quickie", she caught him, with the easiest question in the world. Since repeating ones own birthdate, is the simplest "no brainer", in the world, and most of us dont even have to THINK, before speaking, Tami tripped the man up, with this. Suspecting he was a phony, and KNOWING that the REAL murderer would have a birthdate, somewhere in the early, to mid-1800's, Tami, conversationally, asked "When were you born?" As soon as the visitor would say "1955. Why do you ask?" Tami would say "Nice try, fella, but that would make you a century to YOUNG to be the actual man." When the man asked "Give me another chance. How does 1755 sound?" Tami failed to suppress a giggle, as she said "THAT would make you a century too OLD." By the time the man said "I am NOT leaving, without SOME-thing, to show, for my efforts", the mans mistake was in not recognizing that Tami had maneuvered him into the security perimeter, of G.S.2. By the time the man was ready to grab Tami, he heard two, male, voices, coming close, and asking "Tami, everything okay?" When the man asked "Who are you?" Our co-pilot would say "Your worst nightmare, if you do not release the woman, NOW." When the man made the mistake, of saying "Make me.", Tami was impressed, at how the man changed his tune, after the retired air force pilots introduced themselves. It seems that the prospect, of facing military, even retired military, personnel, was something, which the man did not want to deal with. He made a fast break, even as our pilot would say "Takes all kinds, doesn't it?" Tami would add "Both living AND dead." Just thirty-six hours after Mr. Black had made his seventy-two hour promise, the tech-man was linking, with us, to say "I can understand why California wants to keep those tunnels secret, and why the territorial governor did NOT want the sheriff poking around." When Tami would say "Dont keep us in suspense. What did you find?" Mr. Black would say "Based upon satellite, infrared, ground-penetrating, and other forms, of mapping, my staff has learned what California does NOT want anyone to know about." When Tami would ask "What would that be?" Mr. Brown would say "it was neither the Indian tribes, nor the "white man", who was "first", into California. It would seem that ANOTHER group was the first to "discover" California. Though whether or not they referred to it as California, is anyone's guess." "Our scans have found the foundations, of buildings, which pre-date California, by, atleast centuries. Maybe even millenia. Our scans indicate that someone was using the West Coast, for shipping, LONG BEFORE America nicknamed it the West Coast." When Tami would ask "What is your basis, for this information?" Mr. Black would say "Geography shows that, at some point, there were docks, and piers, up, and down, the coast-line. If I had to guess, I would say freighters." When Tami would ask "Why would you say that?" Mr. Black would say "The indentations are far too deep, for yachts, row-boats, and so on. These vessels might have been the "super-tankers" of their day." When Tami would ask "What have you found, about our subject property, and the Indian cemetary, next door?" Mr. Black would say "It seems the sheriff WAS right, a century ago. The reason why no body was found was because the house was one, of MANY, which sat atop a tunnel system, which would rival the subway." When Tami would ask "Do you think the murderer COULD have escaped, via the tunnels?" Another voice would join us, saying "Young woman. The answer, to THAT question, is NO." When Tami and I turned, to see ANOTHER man, who, also, matched the murderers description, Tami would ask "Pardon?" The man would say "Do you think that any SANE person would remain inside a burning house, if they KNEW there was hope of escape?" When I would counter with "So, IF you DID died, in the fire, WHY were your remains never discovered?" The spirit would ask "What makes you think my remains were NOT recovered?" Tami would say "According to the reports, of the day, the sheriff, and his search parties, NEVER discovered any remains." The spirit would say "Ah, yes, the victors write history the way that they want it to sound." When Tami would say "But, the sheriff searched the property, for DAYS, in search, of your remains." The spirit would say "My dear girl, do you, REALLY, think that the sheriff was the ONLY person on the scene?" I would try a new tact. "Okay, so your remains were recovered. By WHOM, WHEN, and WHERE did the remains end up?" The man would say "While I was, by no means "perfect", I was a gospel-man. As my body was burning to death, I had what you would, today, call an out-of-body experience. I visited my minister, and asked HIM to find my remains, before the lynch-mob scattered me to the four winds." When Tami would ask "Why did the sheriff NOT mention a minister was present, at the site?" The spirit would say "Young woman, you modern people keep forgetting that all of your modern day gadgets, forms, and procedures, did NOT exist, as little as a century ago. Why, the closest thing I can think of, to your computers, was the Chinese bead calculator." When I would suggest "Would not visiting clergy have been worth even a file notation, even in those days." The spirit would say "Young man, in MY day, it was the CHURCH which kept the most complete, and accurate, records. Your Department of Vital Records would not even exist, for decades to come. Back when I was born, and died, family bibles were the closest thing to birth certificates." When Tami would ask "Is it possible that the minister ASKED the sheriff NOT to record your rewmains being found?" The spirit would say "Not on your life. The sheriff might have been a "pain", at times, especially when a man wanted some "fun", but he was dedicated, to the law." When Tami would ask "Then, HOW did the minister swipe your remains, without the sheriff knowing?" The spirit would surprise us when he asked "Do you have anything, around this contraption, to drink?" Tami would state "First of all, this is NOT a contraption. This is an airplane. Our mobile command center. Second, we do NOT store the kind, of booze you are used to. Three, you are DEAD. You could not drink, anyway. Anything else?" The spirit would say "Mind if I, atleast, have a seat?" With a folding chair provided, the spirit would appear to rest, even as he said "It has been so LONG, since I have had anyone to speak to. Anyone I try to approach just seems to skedaddle. Like I am something to fear." Tami would remind the spirit "You DID commit murder, during your lifetime." The spirit would say "Even the dead need company, from time to time." When I would ask "What about the minister, who took your remains?" The spirit wwould say "While he LIVED, I visited him, from time to time. Even asked him to put in a "good word", with the Almighty." When I would ask "How did he respond?" The spirit would say "The minister was a good man, but he had this "hang up" about seeking repentance, during ones LIFE-time. He claimed that post-death repentance was about as useful, for a person, like me, as it would be, for a person, AFTER execution. It seems that Heaven has all these "rules", about how one must live their life." When Tami would ask "What about your victim? DID you murder her?" The spirit would say "Honestly, I dont remember, much, about my life-time. I must have been a horrible drunk, since most of my life is a blank. I guess that I only remember the minister, since I met him, before my "wild life". This is why, after my death, I could, only visit the man, for so many years. After that, the Lord called the man to Heaven." When Tami would ask "What about records? Would the church know WHERE your remains are buried?" The spirit would say "On that, the minister agreed with me. Since we felt that, if the mob knew where I was buried, they would dig up the grave-yard, until they found my remains. God knows what they would have done, with my body. This is why I ASKED the minister NOT to record my grave." When Tami would suggest "You ARE buried, nearby, aren't you?" When the spirit would ask "What makes you think that?" Tami would "run a bluff", saying "Spirits, always, haunt close to the place where they were killed, and buried." The spirit would look sad, or depressed, as he admitted "You are correct. My remains are buried, in an un-marked plot, in that Cherokee cemetary." When Tami would ask "Why?" The spirit would say "The minister told me that would be my penance. Spent most of eternity, looking upon the place, where my life ended. Besides, who would think to look for a "white mans" remains, in an Indian cemetary, especially during those times." When Tami would ask "Are you the ONLY spirit, which resides in that cemetary?" The spirit would say "Lordy, no. While I do not seak the Indians tongue, if I get lonesome enough, I listen to them Indians, when they get together." When Tami would ask "Are the Indians souls "lost" as well?" The spirit would say "Them Indians aint "bound" to no place. They just drop by, at times, to see their final resting place. Sometimes, they share stories. More like a camp-out than anything else." When Tami would ask "Do you think you could ASK some of them to meet with us?" Th spirit would say "Young woman, I just TOLD you. I dont speak their tongue. I would have as good a chance, with a hound dog." When I would ask "What harm could it do, just to ask? Maybe some of them are lonely as well. Who knows. Maybe the murder victim might come forward, as well." The spirit would say "That one. She is a "wild one", now she is dead." When Tami would ask "What makes you say that?" The spirit would say "She makes most of her appearances when couples get "hitched". She LOVES to show off, for newly married folk. Best thing to do is come back, when someone is gettin hitched." When I would ask "Would you try to speak to the Cherokee?" The spirit would say "Fine. Dont think it will do any good. But I will ask." Now, we had something to report, and to submit, to the Brown Agency. "Made contact, with primary spirit, on-site. Attempting to set up communications, with additional spirits. Possible complication. If murderers spirit is being truthful, we may have a LONG wait, since the spirit claims that the murder victims spirit ONLY shows up, when couples get married. Also, found out REAL REASON why murderers remains NOT found at Arson site. During death throes, murderer made contact, with minister. Minister then collected remains, before sheriff, and search party, began site search. Remains, allegedly, buried in derelict, Cherokee, cemetary." As soon as Mr. Black would be able to produce a map, of the sub-surface passages, Mr. Blue would bring an agency tactical unit to California (in disguise, of course), and "weapon up", just as a precaution. When Tami and I saw the members, of this unit, Tami would whisper, to me "Dont some of those men look familiar?" I would agree "Yes, I remember some of them, myself. The case of the light house. The one which only appearred during heavy fog. Who would have thought that this case would have been our first, real, experience, with time travel? Then, again, who would have thought that spirits could act as "normal" as living people? It would not be until our team was preparing to enter the tunnel system that an Indian would appear, in our path, using plain English, and informing us "The path, before you, is a dangerous one. Use caution. Accept nothing at face value." When a soldier would ask "Since WHEN do REAL Indians speak English?" the Indian would say "Since I have been dead, for over 150 years, and I have been listening, and learning. Also, the dead are permitted to use any language which we may have need of. Now, it is time to clear your minds, and focus on the task, before you." When the tactical commander would ask the spirit "Sir, if you know what dangers lie ahead of us, would you be willing to guide us?" Mr. Blue would say "This mission is our duty, not the spirits. He has no liability, in this matter." When the Indian, looking as solid, as any human, would step aside, saying "Proceed", our group would proceed. We would, however, be mindful, of the spirits advice. It was a good thing we followed the Indians advice. We found enough booby-traps to fill a booby-trap museum. We, also, found bodies. Mummified, yes. Human, definitely. The odd thing was just how many of the heads, of the mummies, were bound, just as the Indians, of South America do their own heads. When a soldier asked "I thought the textbooks said that only the people, of South America, wrapped their skulls. What are these people doing in California?" The unit commander would say "Focus! We are on a mission." Still, Tami and I agreed with the soldier. There was a good chance that the history books would need to be re-written. (Could THIS be the reason why the territorial governor had NOT wanted the sheriff to investigate?) Maybe an hour, into the tunnels, our team discovered a very GOOD reason, why the governor would NOT want the tunnels investigated. We found a section, of tunnels, which contained what looked similar to Egyptian Heiroglyths. As I said, similar, yet different. Even Mr. Blue would say that this language was "different". While Tami took scans, of the carvings, to boot up, to G.S.2, upon our return to the surface, I noticed what the soldiers were noticing. Much of the rock, in this place, was NOT hand-carved, by pick-axes, nor dug, by shovels. Mr. Blue made a nervous joke, suggesting "Maybe, they used lasers." Maybe. Simple fact was that, while this tunnel had layers of dust, from centuries of neglect, it was not dirt, from seepage. This was dust, from not being used, in a very long time. Now, I was beginning to wonder, about those DEEP harbors, which Mr. Black had mentioned. If there were South American bodies, under California (just as there were un-counted, Asian, bodies, buried, both in the state, and along the Trans-Continental Railroad), then what other secrets would we be prepared to find? If the people, of South America, were being imported, as labor, why did history make no note, of this? That is, unless the South Americans came to this land, BEFORE the "white man". Maybe, long before the Indians? If so, for what purpose? At Tami's request, samples, of several mummies, were collected, for study, back at the plane. Tami, and myself, wanted to know just how LONG these, forgotten, souls had been down here. Maybe, an hour later, our team DID find a room, full of dusty gold. Still, it must have, originally, been so shiny, that even the dust, of centuries, could not hide its glitter. Since our unit commander was more concerned, with lives, than "booty", when some, of the soldiers, wanted to just walk in, thinking that the place was safe, the commander pointed his weapon at the soldiers, saying "The first person who takes a non-cautious step, will feel my weapon." The commander was correct, too. A room, full of "treasure" was bound to be booby-trapped. As the commander tested the area, he kept whispering "Excellent. Great craftsmanship. This guy should work for US." When Mr. Blue took notice, of the traps, he agreed with the unit commander. It would not be until, still further, into the tunnels, that our team would come face-to-face with our, possible, future. We would be stopped, in our tracks, as we looked upoon a man-made wall, bearing what, at first, we thought, was the symbol, of the United Nations. After a bit of dusting, however, we knew what we were looking at, long before Tami made her scan. The painting, on the wall, was a very CLOSE copy of the flag of the United Federation of Planets. A flag which, even in science fiction, would not exist, until the 1980's. Based upon the way this paint was flaking, however, it was obvious that this drawing/painting was centuries older than the television flag. Between seeing this, and what we had seen, so far, I was, still, surprised when both Mr. Blue, and the unit commander, suggested "We should go NO farther." No reason. Just "Its time to go back." As our team re-traced its steps, back to the surface, it was not long before we, first, began, seeing demolition charges, with flashing "armed" lights, attached to the walls, and ceilings, but, then we received another surprise. A California state senator stood in the passage, before us, saying "You could not just leave it alone, could you. All of our years, of effort, and you have to come along, and expose it." Even as the senator would turn, to walk away, Mr. Blue would ask "Expose what? A bunch of mummies, some gold, and some cave paintings?" The senator would only say "Follow us." By the time the enlarged group would reach the surface, all of the members, of the Brown Agency, would see just how much C-4 explosive the entrance was mined with. When our team commander would ask "What are you trying to take down? A tunnel, or a town?" The senator would say "You have not seen how resistant this stone is, to blast force. This is only the minimum needed to overcome this tech." When Mr. Blue would ask "WHY?" the senator would say "Once this tunnel is blown, it is only your word, against the state legislature. The evidence will be gone, forever." When Tami would ask "What evidence?" The senator would "spell it out". "What you saw, down there, is only a portion, of what this state, and this nation, is TRYING to protect. I wonder how you would react if I told you that, when previous teams were sent down, they found a place, which was some kind of dock. The ships they brought out, under tight security, of course. You would not believe. Do you realize that, even after five YEARS, of study, the finest minds, in California education, could not figure out WHAT kind of propultion the ships had. The universities could not even find the ships fuel tanks." When Tami would ask "What did you do, with the ships, after the five years?" The senator would say "The only thing we could do. We had our best minds examine the hulls, find the sea-cocks, then we floated the ships out, to the deepest part, of the Pacific Ocean, and opened the sea-cocks." When I would suggest "Why didn't you just use the ships, for target practice? Why all the drama?" The senator would say "Young man, we DID try to use destroyers, to sink the damned things. Whatever the substance those ships were made of, they absorbed everything we tried. Every hole we made patched itself, within minutes. I have, never, seen anything like it." When a California soldier would palm a detonator, the senator would take the detonator, saying "I do this so that Californians can sleep, peacefully, and our world will go on." With that, the senator flipped the trigger, and the explosives detonated, with a thunderous roar. After that, the senator walked over, to a waiting limosine, got into the back, and drove off. Once he was gone, the state soldiers made a suggestion, to our unit. "How about we agree that this never happened." When our commander would suggest "Training exercise?" The state soldier would say "Wonderful idea. First rounds on us." Our commander would say "Deal." Back at G.S.2, however, Tami was just preparing our report, to the Brown Agency, which included her sorrow, that the only evidence, of what lay beneath California, was contained in her digital recorder. It was as Tami had said "It is a shame. So much history, all destroyed, just so people can rest, in ignorance. So much waste." This is when a new voice joined us, saying "I wouldn't say that." When Tami and I looked behind us, we saw an aged Indian, standing behind our seats, holding a few, of the remote controlled explosives. The Indian would say "Most im-polite, of those men. Leaving these things lying around." When Tami would ask "Why did you say that the history has not been destroyed?" The Indian would say "You know, Indians are good for more than pow-wow's, and blankets. We understand the "white man" better than he knows." When Tami would ask "WHY have you suggested that the history, down below, has not been destroyed?" The Indian would say "let us just say that enough explosives were left in place, to make a "grand finale", at the surface. The only section, really, destroyed, is the entry galley." When I would inform the Indian "Your efforts are appreciated. If there is anything we can do, for your people..", the Indian would add "Now you mention it, there is something you can do, for my people." When Tami and I would say "Name it." The Indian would say "Our cemetary has been a pile, of weeds, for over a century. Any chance you might ask your government for a clean up crew?" Tami would suggest "It might be easier, and faster, to ask local, civic, groups." The Indian would say "It does not matter WHO does the work, so long as our honored dead may rest in peace. Preferrably inside spaces, with manicured lawns." A week later, Tami would have attended meetings, with up to a dozen groups. All of which were willing to do the work, priovided the dead did not try to scare them off, as the dead had, in the past. When Tami explained the mis-understanding, to the groups, saying "The spirits only wished to communicate, to you, that their dead should receive better care." The groups agreed to see to the gardening. And, yes, Mr. Brown gave the four of us permission, to remain on-site, and assist the workers (especially if the dead had any, further, requests). It would take two weeks, to bring the cemetary back into a joyous condition, yet it was only at the end, when modern day Cherokee would arrive, saying "Our honored ancestors "encouraged" us to visit, and thank you for your actions. The place is beautiful. We will TRY to assist with the upkeep, from now on." When a local minister would say "May your honored dead, rest in eternal peace." There was a chorus of "A-MEN". With that, Tami and I would begin packing up G.S.2, and preparing for our next assignment. I wonder what Hollywood, and network television, would do if they could understand that there is a real, and active, spirit world, "out there"? On to the next case...