SLEEPY HOLLOW LEGEND OF THE CAT CREATURE

SLEEPY HOLLOW: LEGEND OF THE CAT CREATURE FLASH BACK: Captain William Henry Monroe was a stout man. A veteran, of some 35 years at sea. Captain Monroe had SEEN, and HEARD, just about every tale, of monsters, both land, and sea, based, over his career. William Henry Monroe began with the most modest of beginnings. Born into an over-populated, under-nourished, community, it was not long before William Henry Monroe, had seen the darker side of life. In a village, where the land was poor, and, in a time, when there was no such thing as social services, many villagers bore the shame, of having to sell off family members, in return for credit, on which to feed remaining members. The titled elite had created quite the "market" for their "goods". Making claims that, "With appropriate effort, the land would yield vast revenues." those, in power, sought the most desperate, to till the land. What the tenants never knew was what "appropriate effort", and "vast revenues" meant. Those, who accepted the offer, found themselves signing contracts, which stated "No matter the circumstances, tenant agrees to pay land owner specified sum, per year. Contract will be binding either so long as tenant remains, or until all debts, to land-owner, are fulfilled". While his father, and brothers, worked the fields, from sun-rise, until the men dropped, still, the family could, never raise enough money, to break even, on debts. As a result, and as a condition, of the contract, a wagon would be sent around, quarterly, to collect "payment". Since the majority, of tenants, could, never, raise enough revenue, to cover contract costs, the "collections agents" would take family members, as "payment". People, whom William Henry Monroe, never saw again. Ofcourse, there were no end of tales, regarding the fate, of those, taken as "payment". Tales, of men, sold into slavery, or brutalized, into national service. Tales, of women, sold, either as "companions", housekeepers, etc. William Henry Monroe knew, and understood, the reason why his own family members were, never, taken. His family members were, never, taken, since his father, frequently, covered the bar tab, for a drunken sargeant, who, ironically, was in charge of the "collections". In return for paying the sargeants bar tab, Mr. Monroe received advanced, written, notice, of when "collectors" would be about the area. Result, the Monroe family knew when to take refuge, in a cave. A cave which no one else entered because of local legends. While father Monroe had visited the caves, years before, with his sons, the men had shared the same curiousity. The question of "IF a creature DID live, in these caves, and, IF the creature DID have a distinct "war cry", father wanted to know, for certain. Primarily, father had wanted to know WHAT, and how STRONG, the creature was, so as to plan the family's defense (should the creature attack). What father, and sons, had found, in the caves, where "whistling vents". Vents which, during windy days, caused air currents to pass over metal deposits, creating the sounds of the creature. While father, and sons, verified that no creature lived within the caves, father swore the family to secrecy. No one, under ANY circumstances, was to inform the village that the caves were empty. As a result, each time the "collectors" arrived, at the farm, they found the place deserted. (To the family's relief, NO one else wanted the land, due to the creature legends.) Since even William Henry Monroe, knew the familys "luck" could not last, forever, he had decided to reduce his family's burden, by taking what he could carry, and leaving home. Since the young man had no debts, there would be no reason to search for the missing boy. Young William Henry Monroe would travel, by foot, to a nearby sea-port, where he would sign on, as a cabin boy. As the ship sailed, from harbor, the young man knew he would, never, see his family, again. By the age of twenty, William Henry Monroe would have worked his way up, from cabin boy, to first mate. When his captain turned privateer, in the wars, William Henry Monroe would watch as captain, and crew, plundered the high sea's, then spent time, and booty, in the pirate-friendly port of Tortuga. Since William Henry Monroe saw no "profit", in watching fellow sailors getting drunk, then being sick, as dogs, the next day, the first mate always asked to be left in charge of the ship. The young man even began storing his share, of "spoils", in a part, of the ship, which most men forgot even existed. Once the young man had saved enough money, for a ship, and crew, he purchased his own ship, then offered his crew-mates a choice. Stay with the current captain, and be penniless, after each trip to Tortuga, OR crew another ship. The condition, for crewing William Henry Monroes ship, was "No drunkeness aboard." Captain William Henry Monroe even christened his ship "The Sober Wreck". While only a few sailors challenged the captains sobriety order, these men found themselves thrown overboard. For those, who sailed, with William Henry Monroe, the price, of sobriety, came at the "price" that these men could, soon, afford to PURCHASE titles, and land. They could AFFORD to retire. While Captain Monroe spent most of his life, at sea, hearing tales, of "monsters", William Henry remembered how his own father had proved a myth false. This is one reason why William Henry Monroe would become a legend. Captain Monroe was the only captain, who was willing to sail certain routes, either to prove, or disprove, legends. (Especially when financiers were willing to PAY him for the travel). While the captains worst "investments" were for information, concerning his own family, and their village, he made other, wiser, investments. While Captain Monroe had paid out what, today, would be worth $10 million, to find out what became of his family, All he received, for his payments, were conflicting rumors. The worst rumors stated that the family had been discovered, and sold off, while the best rumors claimed the farm had been, mercifully, wiped out, in a single, day long, storm. One man, Captain Monroe had run-through, with his cutlass, was a man who had claimed to have purchased the captains sister, at auction, and was willing to sell the girl, for the "right price". While William Henry Monroe knew that, being the youngest child meant that his sisters would be OLDER than him, when William Henry Monroe was introduced to a woman, old enough to be his grand-mother, Captain Monroe had no-sooner told the seller "Bad move", when Captain Monroe ran the man through, with his cutlass, realizing that this was a trick. Once the seller lay, dead, on the floor, of the room, Captain Monroe turned to the woman, tossed her a single Spanish Dubloon, then walked out. That night, Captain William Henry Monroe would set sail, aboard the Sober Wreck, knowing he would, never, see his family, again. When Agent Thomas would ask "HOW does all of this fit into the current case?" Ichabod Crane would say "I was just coming to that part." When Alex would say "I wish you would hurry up. SOME of us have LIVES, outside this department." Crane would say "According to his journals, Captain Monroe would state that, due to his lack of fear, of the unknown, his ship, was, frequently, hired, by those, seeking exotic destinations, as well as those whom, I believe you refer to as "thrill-seekers". Agent Thomas would say "Okay, so the man made his living by becoming an "Evil Knievel", of his day. HOW does this help our investigation, TODAY?" Crane would say "According to Captain Monroe's journals, there are several entries, regarding the transport, of a creature. Something so powerful, and so terrifying, that it was shipped, in a sealed crate. Captain Monroe said that, whatever it was, while it was on-land, it was docile. When it "knew" it was being loaded, onto a ship, it, nearly broke loose. Only the bands, of silver, which contained the crate, kept the creature contained." When Mr. Wells would ask "How did the captain find out that he was hauling a living creature?" Crane would say "After a short voyage, to another port, when the crate was off-loaded, a careless dock worker allowed the crate to fall into the water. The creature, within the crate, became so enraged, that it broke free, of the box, lept ashore, and killed twenty people, before fleeing the dock." When Agent Thomas would ask "Did the captain record what he saw?" Crane would say "Indeed he did. He recorded "When I saw the creature, I was un-certain if it was an actual cat, or a female, dressed as a cat. While the creature had all of the normal "features", of a woman, it was covered in fur, of the color of jungle cats." When Alex would ask "How does an encounter, centuries ago, with an unknown animal, aid us, today?" Crane would say "According to Captain Monroe, when the creature went on a "killing spree", as I BELIEVE you REFER to it, TODAY, the creature left behind distinctive claw marks." When Agent Thomas would ask "HOW distinctive?" Crane would pick up a picture, of a recently-mangled body, saying "THIS distinctive." When Alex would ask "Not that I doubt the whole "man left home, to save family budget" story, but are you actually TELLING us that a creature, from THAT time period, is alive, today?" Crane would correct Alex, saying "I am only remarking on the similarity. I am proposing that it might be possible that this is what you would refer to as a "cat-copy". Mr. Wells would say "Sir, you mean "copy-cat"." When Agent Thomas would ask "Who would bother? Why now? Why these people? Whats the connection?" Crane would suggest "Remember how self-absorbed Malcolm Dreyfuss was, with history? What is to say that other individuals are not, also, so obsessed?" Agent Thomas would, hesitantly, agree. "Yes, Malcolm did admit that, anyone, who wants to reach "heights" must be a bit self-obsessed." When Jennifer Mills would ask "Question: Why bother with all the theatrics? Why not just kill the victims, and walk away? Why all the drama?" Agent Thomas would suggest "Attention. They want someones attention." When the others looked at her, Agent Thomas would add "Am I the ONLY one who remembers the 1980's?" When the others looked a bit confused, Agent Thomas would clarify. "I think it was 1985. Ronald Reagan was in his second term in office, when a man named John Hinkley took a pot-shot, at the president." When Crane, who had not re-awakened, until the 21st century, would ask "Is that the reason why there is a memorial airport, named in Mr. Reagans name?" Alex would say "No, dufus. Everyone knows that Mr. Reagan survived the assassination attempt. The man did not die until the 1990's." When Crane would say "I do not understand. If the man did not die, in the mid-1980's, then why..." Agent Thomas would say "The reason, Hinkley gave, for shooting, at Mr. Reagan, was that Hinkley wanted to impress actress Jodie Foster." When Crane would ask "Was Ms. Foster aware of Mr. Hinkleys affections?" Alex, and Mr. Wells, would stifle laughs, even as Crane would ask "Did I miss something?" Agent Thomas would say "Performing artists, such as Jodie Foster, have legions, of fans, whom the stars know nothing about. Hinkley seemed to think that, if he assassinatted Mr. Reagan, that Jodie Foster would see it as something, maybe, like a marriage proposal." Crane would suggest "So, while Mr. Hinkley hoped to win Ms. Fosters affections, by assassinating a national leader, your contention is that our mystery assailant might be trying to draw anothers attention." Agent Thomas would say "At Homeland Security, we saw ALL kinds. Those, who begged, for attention. Those, who were willing to be violent, for attention." When Crane looked at the photos, again, he would whisper "WHOSE attention does this person seek?" When Alex would ask "Why a cat? Why not a bear? A coyote?" Agent Thomas would suggest "This person is "sending a message, to someone" The question is "Whom?" and "Whats the message?" When Mr. Wells would suggest "Why use a creature, from an age old tale? Why not a character from, say "X-Men"?" While the staff, of Department 355 would pour over ancient documents, with Jennifer Mills scouring the internet, an incident, which no one dared believe could happen, DID, in FACT, happen. While Agent Thomas DID verify, that an attack, INVOLVING the president, had occurred, it was the DETAILS, which were a bit "distorted". When Agent Thomas attended an emergency briefing, for every, federal, agency, in any way connected, with the president, the very first thing, which those, in attendance, were informed of was "The president is safe. The report, of an attempt, on the presidents life, is similar to the poorly-reported, assassination attempt, on then-president Ronald Reagan." When the director, of Homeland Security asked "What happened? A terrorist attack?" The White House representative would correct this, saying "All we know, for certain, is that some one attacked the presidents ESCORT detail. Several members were, badly, injured, and are in treatment, at this time." When Agent Thomas would ask "The president?" the White House representative would say "The president was nowhere near the scene of the crime. At present, the president is secure." When the director, of Homeland Security would ask "Do we have any idea who might be behind this, and WHO was attacked?" The White House representative would say "The group, which was attacked, was preparing to escort the president to a speaking engagement." When the C.I.A. director would ask "What was the topic, of discussion, to be?" The White House representative would say "The presidents notes stated that the White House wanted MORE investment, in blue-collar jobs. Jobs such as Caterpillar, and Keystone. The president was prepared to argue that working people, 18 hours per day, just to pay basic bills, was NOT the way to revive the economy, long-term. The speaking engagement was to promote industrial development, on American shores, rather than the continuing trend, of shipping jobs OUT of America." When the F.B.I. director would say "No wonder there was an attack. We have files, FULL of threats, by the business community, to withdraw jobs, from America, if wages are not reduced, in the near future." The director, of the Department of Housing, and Urban Development would quip "Funny. NO one is talking about cutting PRICES." When the director, of the Labor Department, would ask "Why compare the two?" The director, of H.U.D. would say "Thanks to the "New World Order", low-income housing has waiting lists, years long. No one is talking about how the price, of a new home, in the 1970's, was, roughly, $14,500, while, today, the same house costs $125,000. Not to mention that cars, which sold, in the 1970's, for $2,000, brand new, today cost $35,000." When the director, of Homeland Security, would ask the White House representative "IS it thought that the president was the INTENDED target?" The White House rep would say "At this point, impossible to say. All we know is that someone attacked the security detail, as they were preparring for the escort." When Homeland Security would ask "What do the security video show? What was the assailant wearing? Were they male, or female? What features did they have?" The White House rep would say "At this point, we do not know WHAT to make, of the attacker." Then the rep said "Let me SHOW you what we have." Soon, digitally-enhanced video would appear, on a large screen flat panel, and the agencies, in attendance, would watch what COULD have been Cheetara, from the classic cartoon, "ThunderCats", as the female all-but-flew past the exterior, then the interior, defenses, using only what appearred to be razor-sharp claws, to slash her way through the escort. When the F.B.I. asked "What about the automatic defenses? Why did the assailant not trip any alarms?" The rep would say "We are looking into that. This should not have been possible." When the F.B.I. asked "Survivors?" The rep would say "As I said, undergoing medical treatment, at this time. We just dont know what to make, of any person just "blowing by" our defenses. All we know is that the detail said that "The assailant MOVED as swiftly as a Cheetah, and was a cross between Bruce Lee, and an olympic gymnist, in regards to their movements."" It was when one of America's new, no name, departments, asked the obvious question "Do we know that the PRESIDENT was the intended target?" The White House rep would ask "Who else would such a bold attempt be in reference to?" When the no-name person would suggest "What I am suggesting is that, with the president in a completely different location, and far from the danger zone, HOW can we be certain that this was an attempt on the presidents life?" When the C.I.A. would ask "Why take out an escort, if the target was nowhere near? Why not wait until the president was in a motorcade, or atleast AMONG the detail?" Agent Thomas would ask "Are you suggesting that the president was NOT the target?" The C.I.A. would suggest "I dont think this WAS an attempt. I THINK this is a MESSAGE. A warning that, if a person, truly, wanted to, they COULD kill the president, or better yet, take the president hostage." This is when the White House rep would say "Now, HOLD it. Lets not start "banging the war drums" until we have more." When the F.B.I. would ask "Prints, and fibers, from the crime scene?" The White House rep would say "So far, only animal prints found. While the creature APPEARS to be a human female, all evidence, so far, points to an animal." When the C.I.A. would ask "Why the special briefing, then?" The White House rep would say "Our sources said someone was spreading the rumor, that the president is dead." When the F.B.I. would ask "You mean, like back in the 1980's?" The White House rep would say "Exactly. We THINK it began with a question, of the presidents safety, and "evolved" from "what if...", to "how soon will the vice president be sworn in?" The White House rep would say "Right now, the job is to provide facts. We need to STOP all assassination rumors, as quickly as possible. In fact, after this briefing, I will be speaking to the press corps. Your job, ladies and gentlemen, is to make sure that your departments understand that the president is ALIVE, and WELL." Back in Department 355 (otherwise known as The Vault), Agent Thomas would make the announcement as simple as possible. "The president is alive, and well. Any reports, of assassination, are just groundless rumors." Alex would be the one to surprise her co-workers, when she said "What a RELIEF! I was afraid that we would be stuck with the vice president." Mr. Wells would be quick, to inform both Agent Thomas, and Ichabod Crane, "As you can see, while Alex is a fan, of the president, not so much so, of the vice president." When Agent Thomas would ask Alex "Something **I** should know?" Alex would say "Remember that guy, the politician, who told a news conference that Americans needed to work longer, harder, hours, for what they want." Agent Thomas would say "As I recall, the politicians staff issued a retraction, by the end of the day, saying that the man was "mis-quoted"." Alex would say "He was not the only politician to be "mis-quoted". Before becoming a "centrist", in order to get elected, to office, I read some of the current vice presidents "position papers". I read something which would interest Agent Thomas, as well." When Agent Thomas would ask "Like what?" Alex would say "You, probably, dont know this, but, before being selected, to run for national office, the vice president felt that "A womans duty, in life, is her husband, home, and family." Before being considered, for the vice presidency, the man was, openly, opposed to women, in any position, except wife and mother." When Agent Thomas would remind Alex "I happen to remember, not long ago, when several members, of Congress, were ready to order the repeal of Social Security, and tell the public "Its Privatization, or NOTHING." When Ichabod Crane would ask "Since I remained in my slumber, during this time, may I inquire as to which side emerged, victorious, in this battle?" Agent Thomas would say "According to what several politicians told the media, while the Congress started out, all-in-favor, of Privatization, it turns out that, while on the campaign trail, several members, of Congress, found themselves arriving, at events, only to be confronted, by voters, who wanted to know the members position, on Social Security." Mr. Wells would say "According to what the members told the media, when the members professed that ONLY Privatization would "save" America's future, it seems that voters had other idea's. As many as 36 members, of Congress, were informed, by voters, either to DROP support, for Privatization, or update resumes." Alex would say "Based upon the fact that I do NOT believe that the vice president "changed" his views, until nominated, to run for vice president, I remain convinced that the man is, STIILL, of the private belief, that women should be "seen, and NOT heard". THAT is why I am happy that the president is well." This is when Crane would suggest "Now that this information has been brought to light, Agent Thomas, what are you ALLOWED to inform us, about the attack, on the agents?" Agent Thomas would say "Based upon that briefing, it SEEMS that either someone found the same reading materials, which you had access to, Mr. Crane, OR someone is trying to "make a name", for themselves." When Crane would ask "How so?" Agent Thomas would say "Based upon video, it seems that our attacker is behaving like a jungle cat. As swift as a tiger, or cheetah, and with moves we, normally, only see, during the olympics." Crane would whisper "As swift, sure, and stealthy, as the most dangerous, jungle, cat." Agent Thomas would say "That just about sums up our suspect." When Mr. Wells would ask "Mr. Crane, this Captain Monroe. How WELL did you know him?" Crane would say "I never met the man. I do apologize, if I have mis-directed you, into the belief that I knew the man." When Agent Thomas would ask "If you didn't know him, HOW can you know so much about him?" Crane would say "It is, really, very simple. Unlike your current generation, and your obsession, with that contraption, which you call the internet, in MY day, people actually READ books. In my position, at Oxford, it was part of my duty, to review manuscripts, from days gone by. It was one of these manuscripts, in which Captain Monroe wrote of the tragedy, of leaving an indebted home, and of never learning his family's, eventual, fate." When Agent Thomas would ask "Did the captain write anything, more, about the creature, including when it died?" Crane would say "Captain Monroe reported hearing tales, of a similar creature, over the years, yet he, never, saw it, himself. The good captain did make a list, of the places, where he heard such rumors." When Alex would suggest "Too bad he did not keep a record, of his family." Crane would say "He did, in fact, keep such a record. In fact, he said that THIS, PRIVATE, record, was his way of keeping track of rumors. Once he heard a rumor, he checked the list, to see if it was new, or old. This is how scholars knew of the mans life." When Agent Thomas would ask "What of the creature? What did the captain say of the creature?" Crane would say "To my knowledge, the captain claimed that, at one point, he was told that the creature had taken a human host. Either that, or the creature mated, with a human. Even the captain was un-certain of this tale. All the journal records is that the captain HEARD a story, of such a creature, hiding its identity, while securing transport, to the "lands of the west." When Mr. Wells would suggest "You are saying that this THING can hybernate?" Alex would ask "Why not? Bears hyberate all winter long." Agent Thomas would ask "Granted, bears do hybernate. But this is ONLY over the winter. WHEN was the last sighting, of this creature?" Crane would say "The final mention, which I reviewed, was PRIOR to my battle, with the horseman." When Agent Thomas would ask Crane "Do you mean during the Revolutionary War, or during your time, with Deputy Mills?" Crane would say "During the Revolutionary War." Agent Thomas, and Alex, would agree "That rules out hybernation. No way could a creature stay alive, for over two centuries." After contemplating the statement, Crane would say "Not necessarily." When Agent Thomas would say "Okay, out with it. HOW can any creature survive, for centuries, without food?" Crane would say "Only one way, which I might ponder. If the creature was sent to the "place of lost souls", I believe you call it Purgatory, such as my wife, and even Letenant Mills, were sent." When Mr. Wells would suggest "Wait a minute. There is, actually, such a place as Purgatory?" Crane would say "Correct Master Wells." When Agent Thomas would ask "Whats so special, about this place?" Mr. Wells would say "While I have read about such a place, I could not believe it existed." When Agent Thomas would ask "Again, what so special, about this place?" It would be Alex, who would say "IF legends are correct, this Purgatory is a place, beyond space, and time. A creature COULD enter this place, and exit, centuries later." Crane would correct Alex, saying "While you are correct, that creatures may enter this realm, you are in-correct in stating that creatures come, and go, from Purgatory." When Agent Thomas would ask "HOW do things get there, and back, then?" Crane would say "To enter, one must have either a magical talisman, or be sent there, by a coven. To return, one must be summoned." When Agent Thomas would suggest "So, someone, from this world, would have to summon the creature." Crane would suggest "Perchance, the president have any enemies?" Agent Thomas would say "No one rises to the top, in Washington, without stepping on someones toes." When Alex would suggest "I thought you said the president was nowhere near the security detail, when the creature attacked. If the creature was summoned, to attack the president, then why send it after a different security team? Why not send it directly against the White House?" Crane would say "A most interesting observation. However, this still implies that the president was the intended target. How certain are we that the president WAS the target?" While no one, in Department 355, or on Capital Hill, had an answer, the one person, who DID have an answer, was a figure, who sat, alone, in a dingy, one bedroom, apartment, outside of Washington D.C. The figure sat, in a used recliner. A "gift", from a neighbor, who had been "encouraged" to depart, after an alleged, intimate, encounter, with the landlords daughter. All that the figure knew was that, after dedicating their life, to Washington D.C., and just short of retirement age, the figure had received an "efficiency" report, which suggested everything from criminal theft, to "lobbying". Just one more month, and the figure would have retired, on full benefits. One more, lousy, month, and they could have retired, in luxury. While the figure knew of many other workers, who had been "dismissed", and found jobs, elsewhere, this figure knew that, since it had taken a special waiver, to secure their past job, no one would hire a person, who could not stand, for eighteen hours per day. Result, after decades, of work, the figure was discharged, with benefits, worth only 15% of their salary. This is why, when the exotic creature entered the unit, as skillfully as a cat-burglar, the figure simply watched as the creature snuggled up, on a rug. The figure watched, in astonishment, as the female form then transformed its figure, into that of a common, household, cat. The figure smiled, as they realized that no one would suspect a common, house, cat, of exacting the figures justice. Once the feline was resting, comfortably, the figure made their way, to the "kitchen". That tiny section, of counter, which housed tiny appliances, which is all that would fit into this space. Taking the remains, of a "home delivery" meal, out of the cooler, the figure reheated what would be considered their "dinner". While the meager portions warmed, the figure would put out some food, for the cat, as well. If the cat did not eat the left overs, by morning, then the food would become the figures breakfast. "Yes", the figure thought. "They thought they would be so cute, dumping me into this hole, just to save a few dollars. They would PAY, and pay, big time, for their actions. Now that the figure had learned how to conjure, they would make Washington PAY." Crane was beginning to wonder if the District of Columbia's resident coven was keeping tabs of th staff, of department 355, when, just as Crane, and Agent Thomas, were preparing for a visit, to the coven, the high priestess appearred, inside the Vault. When Agent Thomas would ask the Wiccan "How did you get in here? Past the security check-point?" The high priestess would say "Knowledge is TRUE power, Agent Thomas. Knowledge." When Crane would ask the priesttess "How may we be of assistance?" The high priestess would suggest "I come to bring you a caution, of events yet to transpire." When Agent Thomas would ask "What events?" The high priestess would say "Be cautious, Agent Thomas. All is not as it seems. While your notion, of Purgatory, is correct, I caution all of you, including Ichabod Crane, be cautious of the simple things. Remember that the mighty storm reveals itself, in the gentle kiss, of a breeze." When Alex would ask "Can you be any more cryptic, lady?" The high priestess would say "The vanity, of the young. So impatient. In time, Mistress Alex, you will learn, about life. More than you can conceive of, at this time." Alex would tell the woman "If its all the same, to you, the names Alex. Not Mistress Alex." The high priestess would say "What a shame. The loss, of proper manners. How did we lose our way, so horribly, these past two centuries?". Alex would bail out, of the discussion, at that point. When Mr. Wells would ask the high priestess "What did you mean, about looking at the small things?" When Agent Thomas would suggest "I think, that what Mr. Wells is asking is what KIND of small thing, are we looking for?" The high priestess would say something. Something which, it seems, only Ichabod Crane understood. With that, the woman was gone. When Agent Thomas looked around the group, asking "WHERE did she go?" Crane would say "She has provided a clue, on which to begin our journey. We must prepare." When Agent Thomas would ask "Prepare? For what?" Crane would say "We must prepare ourselves, for the coming journey." When Agent Thomas would ask "What journey? Where?" Crane would only say "To the darkest of places. A place, which only my wife, Miss Grace Abigail Mills, myself, and Miss Jennifer Mills, have, ever, returned from." While even Jennifer Mills was not overjoyed, at the thought of returning to Purgatory, the high priestess had been clear. The first step, in the groups journey, would be a trip, to that dark place and, if luck was on their side, the group MIGHT find the clue, as to the creatures lair. As Crane had emphasized, however, "The high priestesses message had been clear. In order to learn the creatures intentions, we must visit the place, which the creature has called "home", for centuries." Jennifer Mills, and Agent Thomas, were, only, thankful that neither Mr. Wells, nor Alex, were willing to make this trip. As Mr. Wells had said "No offense, people, but I have read all there is to read, of that place, and I would, rather attend an acid rock concert, than to travel to Purgatory." When Agent Thomas would say "Agreed. You, two, stay here, guard the Vault, and handle any inquiries, whie Mills, Crane, and myself, travel to this Purgatory place." As a former U.S. Marine, Agent Thomas was, very, familiar with modern weapons, their power, and their limitations. (No marine survived, in combat, without knowing this basic information.) Agent Thomas's grievance was with the fact that, far too often, the team was having to do battle, using weapons, not used since either the Revolutionary War, or the 1492 invasion, of America, by European Christians. Sure, the weapons might be "enchanted", maybe even given "mystical" powers, by the covens, however, Agent Thomas would have felt safer, with a 30-calibur machine gun, an M-16 (maybe a few dozen extra clips of ammo, as well), even a rocket launcher. The problem, as Jennifer Mills, and Ichabod Crane, had pointed out, numerous times, was that, in Purgatory, the normal "rules of warfare" did not exist. In Purgatory, spirits fought with swords, daggers, and so on. Since Purgatory was a place, for lost SOULS, not actual, living, people, even Jennifer Mills was not certain that mortal weapons would be of any use, in that place. With the assistance, of a "sister" coven, from the central states, and, to Agent Thomas's annoyance, armed only with centuries old weapons, the three travelers would past through a Wiccan portal, and into the Netherworld, of Purgatory. When Agent Thomas had asked "Stupid question, but HOW will you know when we are ready to return?" When the Wiccans would say "Knowledge is TRUE power", Agent Thomas would say "I walked right into that one." True to their word, the Wiccans did, in fact, place the travelers into Purgatory, within just a one mile walk, of the cat creatures lair. Still, in Purgatory, the team knew that the "shortest distance, between two points, is NOT a straight line". Between navigating the terrain, and avoiding as many spirits as possible, the one mile hike seemed to take longer than most marine corps basic training hikes. Atleast from Agent Thomas's point of view. What surprised the team was the fact that, once they arrived, at the creatures lair, the resting place seemed, barely, used. When Agent Thomas pointed this out, Jennifer Mills would remind the federal agent "This is Purgatory. The rules, of time, and space, do NOT apply, here." When Agent Thomas would ask "How do we know this is the creatures only lair?" Jennifer Mills would say "Each soul has its own resting place." In the cat creatures resting place, the travelers were surprised to find things like a ribbon, from a bouquet of flowers, what looked like a wedding photo, and some treat wrappers. When Agent Thomas would ask "I thought you said no one visits this place." When Jennifer Mills would say "Normally, thats true." Agent Thomas would ask "Then, WHAT are all these items, from OUR world, doing here?" Jennifer Mills would say "If I had to guess, I would say that someone, from OUR world, was summoning the creature." When Agent Thomas would ask "Based upon what we see, here, any speculation of WHO, or WHY?" Jennifer Mills would, only, say "Atleast we KNOW WHERE the creature has been, for the past centuries." Back in the human world, Wells, and Alex, would be searching the archives, for information, on the cat creature. WHO/HOW it was created. For what purpose? As Crane had stated "All that I know, of the creature, is what was contained in Captain Monroes journals." When Mr. Wells came up empty, on the source, of the creature, Alex would suggest "Why dont we try a different approach. Why dont we look up "The Sober Wreck"? Maybe the ships logs, manifests, and so on, can tell us more." While the team was busy, searching for answers, the cat creature struck, atleast twice. While the Secret Service was busy, hustling the president to safety, no one seemed to notice that the creature did not seem headed for the president. In fact, as video security would show, later, the creature seemed more than happy, tearing the security to shreds. The creature did not seem to be pursuing the president, at all. It was more than happy ripping the guards into pieces. What no one could figure out was why the armour-piercing rounds, from the security weapons, had no effect, at all, on the intruder, the cat creatures claws had no problem, cutting through flesh, and even Kevlar. When copies, of the attack reports, reached Department 355, Alex showed Wells something she was not certain that she was seeing. "Look at this" Alex would say "The survivors say that the cat creature took on the Secret Service, with a preditors vengeance, wiping out a complete platoon, of agents. According to both Russian, and Chinese, witnesses, however, the report is that, once the creature mutilated the Secret Service, as well as any other guards, who opened fire, on the creature, the visitors report that, as soon as the guns fell silent, the cat creature paused, did a slow 360, as if looking for something, then it pranced away, like a jungle cat, satisfied with a kill." When Alex would ask "Is that creepy, or what?" Wells would ask "I wonder WHY the creature halted its attack, leaving so many witnesses behind?" Alex would ask "Who cares? They should be glad they are alive." Wells would ask "Dont you find it odd that the creature ONLY went after the ARMED security? If it was sent, to assassinate the president, then WHY hang around, just to kill the security? WHY didn't it pursue the president?" When Alex would suggest "Maybe, it was afraid of what the escort was willing to do, to protect the president." When Wells suggested "This thing took out some of the nations top soldiers. IF it was after the president, I just dont see it being concerned with a few more bodies." When Alex would ask "Okay, "Einstein", WHO do YOU think the target was?" When Mr. Wells would say "According to the eye witness reports, the creature only attacked, as long as the security was mobile. Once it crushed security, it took off. WHY?" Alex had no answer, for this. By the time Alex and Wells were pondering who the target was, at the run down apartment complex, and in a room, shaded, to twilight, the senior would be stroking the creatures fur, as the person complimented the creatures performance. "Very well done, my pet. Only those two-faced, double-crossers, are dead. This will give them something to THINK about." The creature just snuggled up, to its host, accepting the attention, like a contented house cat. As for HOW the coven KNEW, when the travellers were ready to return to our world, none, of the three could understand. All that they knew was that, once they had collected enough "information", the portal re-opened, and the three travellers returned to our world. While Crane admitted that he was not certain of what he had FELT, in Purgatory, both Agent Thomas, and Jennifer Mills, agreed that they felt a strong sense of loss. Someone had lost a person, and something else. Something important had been taken away. The grief, according to the women, was palatable. While the coven agreed that the creature had been summoned, from Purgatory, by someone, in DEEP pain, the teams next step would be to discover the SOURCE, of the pain. As a Wiccan would say "In order to heal the pain, stop the agony, and the blood-shed, you must understand the reason WHY." While Crane was ready to ask the coven "How might I go about this task?" Agent Thomas would whisper "Federal records. It must be in the federal records. That is our next stop." This is when Crane would ask "Should we not, first, notify our companions, of our return, to this world?" Agent Thomas would say "You're right. Lets check in, on Alex, and Wells. Maybe they know something." When they DID check in, it took both Alex, and Wells, to make the former marine understand what HAD, and, more importantly, what had NOT happened. When Agent Thomas would ask "Why take out dozens, of well-armed soldiers, then NOT try to "take out" the president?" For some reason, Jennifer Mills would say "Because, the president was NOT the intended target. Someone is after the federal agents, who GUARD the presidnt." Alex would say "That is our feeling, as well. The question is: WHY?" When Agent Thomas would, for a moment, fall back on her Homeland Security training, suggesting "Maybe it IS a message. A message, warning Washington D.C. that NO one can protect the president, IF the attackers want to "take the president out." When Wells would ask "How do we know the president IS the target?" Agent Thomas would ask "Why else take out some of the best soldiers the nation has? This HAS to be a political statement." When Wells would say "I am not so certain." Agent Thomas read the doubt, in the federal employee's minds. This is when Crane would suggest "Might we visit the security center, and peruse the files, for additional information?" Agent Thomas would say "I can gain entry, but YOU? If you tell me what you are searching for, maybe I can find it." Crane would say "If I knew what IT was, I could consult records, of my own accord." When Agent Thomas would ask "Okay, what are you THINKING?" Crane would say "Based upon the recent attacks, all of which have been perpetratted, against SECURITY personnel, I am curious about any individuals, who may have felt slighted, by security personnel. Perhaps, someone who was detained, at one of your security check-points, and felt they were handled too roughly." Agent Thomas would say "Wow! That could cover a-LOT of ground. Not everyone, in America, is happy, with the increase, in security, since 9/11." Crane would suggest "I recommend that you begin this inquiry, with anyone, who may have filed a grievance, and felt that their voice was un-heard." When Agent Thomas would review the grievance files, she would not be surprised, at all, with what she found. Primarily, the fact that the majority, of modern grievances, originated during the administration of George H.W. Bush, and his demand that Americans sacrifice their lives, to protect the oil wells, of the Middle East. Once the American people had understood that Mr. Bush had no intention, of declaring war, while hoping to avoid paying out veterans benefits, by refering to the "intervention" as anything except war, Mr. Bush's "threat" file was packed, solid, with demands, primarily from Vietnam, and Korean, era soldiers, all of whom demanded "Mr. Bush, if you do NOT formally, and officialy, declare WAR, then we, as loyal Americans, will see that you are punished, for sacrificing our childrens lives, for NOTHING." It was only once Congress received the same kind of letters, ALL demanding that WAR be, officially, declared, that George H.W. Bush had bowed to public pressure, and gave up the chance to save BILLIONS of dollars, in veterans benefits, by formally declaring WAR. By contrast, Barrack Obama's file contained threats, primarily from private insurance companies, most of which condemned the president, for the passage of the Affordable Care Act. As Agent Thomas read Mr. Obama's threat file, the meaning was just as clear, as it had been, during Mr. Bush's term in office. Under the Obama administration, the annoyed parties were, primarily, the multi-million-dollar insurance companies. Companies, which were "losing profits", as the A.C.A. lowerd premiums, to levels, which Americans could afford. A review, of Mr. Trumps own, threat file, made it obvious that Amerricans did NOT care, for "Trump Care", and that, outside of Washington D.C., less than 1%, of America, endorsed spending trillions of dollars, on the Texas/Mexico wall. As for the current presidents file, while the president had opponents, most of whom stated that a woman had no place, in the executive office, and that a woman would, never, be HARD enough, on threats, of attack, Agent Thomas noticed that the majority, of these threats came from known, radical, fringe, groups. The most vocal, of these, were the groups, which insisted that women return to "traditional" roles. The groups which insisted that that the Bible claimed that a woman had no place, in the working community. As Agent Thomas reviewed these files, she realized that, most of these groups were little more than "loud mouths", insisting upon making their PERSONAL opinions known. In fact, in the time, since Mr. Reagan was shot at, there had been very few rumors, and even less attempts, on the presidents life. As for threats, against presidential body guards, the file, on this subject, was thin, indeed. This left Agent Thomas wondering "WHAT is it that I am looking for?" Then she rememberred Crane stating "Perhaps the perpetrator is some person, whom presidential security has treated im-properly." It would take Agent Thomas nearly a week, of review (and another attack, by the cat creature), before Agent Thomas would find what she was looking for. An obscure, and highly classified, memo, stating that, "Due to lack of funds, in the retirement budget, senior personnel, NOT DIRECTLY involved, in securing the presidents safety, yet are closing on retirement age, are to be dis-charged, on only 15% of normal, retirment benefits. Agent Thomas would find herself saying "Now, this would be a reason, to attack the body guards."" Especially once Agent Thomas reviewed the fact that several people, who fit this cattegory, had committed suicide, after being DUMPED, from long-term careers. These were the support personnel, who gathered, collated, and submitted information, to department heads. Of those retiree's, who remained alive, two could be ruled out, since they were reduced to living in state-run nursing homes. It would be impossible, for these people to conjure, or bring in, anythinng, without staff knowing about it. The only, remaining, person, was a retired man. A man, who had needed an "employment waiver", due to the fact that he had a condition, which required medication. According to the mans record, however, even though denied top secret clearance, due to medications, his work record, for the past decades, was worthy of commendation. The man was only released, prior to full retirement age, in order to reduce benefits, to 15% of normal salary. Then, Agent Thomas found a clue. While the department had tried to "bury" the fact, it was noted that, once the man was dis-charged, on 15% benefits, his wife, of decades, had suffered a terminal stroke. It seems the couple had been just a single payment away from having their home, free-and-clear, of the mortgage, when the man was "retired". As soon as the family's lender learned that the man was no-longer employed, the bank filed foreclosure, immediately, then denied any liability, when the woman died, during the meeting, in which the couple had been told "We dont CARE what your past history had been, We ONLY CARE about the fact that you, no-longer HAVE your job. Now, either give us the remainder, of the mortgage, RIGHT NOW, or we take your home." Agent Thomas would think "Why didn't the lender just stab the woman, or beat her skull in?" When the man contacted the agency, for assistance, he found that the feds had "turned their backs", as well. When Agent Thomas would find a carefully hidden, medical bill, for the man to receive therapy, after he had a less intense, heart, condition, she wondered IF he COULD be responsible. After all, the man spent decades, in government, then was dumped, like yesterdays trash. If only his health was better, Agent Thomas would have placed him at the TOP, of the suspect list. As it was, the man was listed as "home-bound", and receiving daily meals, from a church charity. When Agent Thomas brought this informatioon, to Ichabod Crane, asking "Do you, really, think this old timer would be ABLE to bring this thing about?" Crane would suggest "Might we pay this gentleman a visit, if for no other reason than to verify his health. Allow him the respect, of knowing that he has NOT been forgotten." By the time Agent Thomas, and Crane, arrived, at the site, of the mans address, the area was so full of grief, and despair, that the two federals did all they could to "vanish", as they approached their target. Reason: It would appear that, while Department 355 was busy, trying to learn more, about the cat creature, that the elderly mans "neighborhood" had turned into a "combat zone". As the police would warn Agent Thoomas "A young woman was, recently, raped, but her alleged atttacker could not be brought in, for questioning." When Agwent Thomas asked "WHY?" The police had said "There have been too many attacks, recently, with nearly ALL of the attackers, being listed as "young, tall, negro, males". Now, the NAACP has charged that the police are race-profiling and have entered a court injunction, to bar any further arrests, of negro suspects." When Crane would ask "Even when a young woman has been violated?" The police would say "IF we brought the man in, we would have faced a racial discrimination suit. We are shortt-handed enough, already. We cant AFFORD to lose any more staff. I am sorry, but the woman will just have to DEAL with the situation." By the time Crane, and Agent Thomas, would arrive, on-site, there would be no further reason, for the police to pursue arrest, and conviction, of the attacker. The suspect lay, dead, on a sidewalk, while the police were trying to keep the girls family, which was cheering the attackers murder, away from the attackers family, which was screaming about racial prejudice. The attackers family was demanding that the rape victim be put on "trial", for first degree murder. Side-stepping this event, Agent Thomas, and Crane, would reach the seniors apartment (and Agent Thomas found herself in sympathy, with the senior. A lifetime of service come down to this). While the man made no attempt to deny his actions, including informing Agent Thomas "After a life-time, of service. I took only the barest, of sick days. Always made sure I provided the best quality work, and THIS is how the security department "re-pays" me. A stinking rat hole, 15% of pay, as benefits, and a daily, meal delivery, service, whose "staff" could not care less. THIS is my reward, for serving the security section, for 29 YEARS!" When Agent Thomas would ask "Sir, May I ask HOW you knew HOW to contact, and recruit, the cat creature?" The retirree woulld say "I would like to say that it ws time,, and research, in the library, but I would be lying. What I DO know is that, after a neighbor learned that my wife died, of a heart attack, after learning that we were losing our home, I came home, one day, to find a note, under my door, with directions, and a spell." When Agent Thomas would ask "Why didn't you submit a grievance, to the federal government. Your service record proved that you were reliable." The man would say "I guess that you did not see the part, where I was accused of theft.." When Agent Thomas would say "Still, you COULD have appealled." The senior would say "Young lady, you have your whole LIFE, ahead of you. You can AFFORD to wait for the bureaucracy, to take action. I, on the other hand, am a senior citizen. By the time my case came up, for review, I will have a head stone." Realizing that the man was correct, Agent Thomas, and Crane, would submit a report, detailing everything from his dis-charge, from federal employment, to his directing the creature ONLY to attack ARMED persons. This is why, once security was "down", the creature left bystanders alive, if shaken. As Agent Thomas, and Crane, prepared their report, for the president, Alex, and Wells, would have information, to report, as well. Alex would deliver the news, saying "We were able to trace Captain Monroes ship, The Sober Wreck, to the jungles of Africa. The manifests, of the day, statted that a big game hunter had gone "on safari", hoping to catch some wild game. When the hunter caught, instead, was the cat creature." When Agent Thomas would ask "How LONG ago was this?" Mr. Wells would say "The records are not all that accurate, however, we BELIEVE that the transport took place somewhere near the sixth century, A.D." When Agent Thomas would ask "The sixth century? Cant you narrow it down, any more." Crane would remind Agent Thomas "Your, modern, record keeping methods would not exist, for as long as, presumably, 1,500 years. We are most fortunate, indeed, that Miss Alex, and Master Wells, have been able to track this much information." When Agent Thomas would say "Fine, we have a sixth century ship, probably from Africa. Where do we go, from there?" Alex would suggest "We THINK the cargo was shipped, to the Congo, and it was here that the creature escaped. For the next few centuries, we have nothing. It is as if the creature either did not exist, or no one reported it. All that we have are some journal entries, in which, IF you can believe these stories, the cat creature MATED with some human men. The journals claim the the creature made itself look human, until it had what it wanted." Mr. Wells would say "While the men swear they bedded down, with women, they awoke, beside the creature. A few, of the men, even wondered if the creature had consumed the women, then hoped to have the man, for breakfast." Agent Thomas would suggest "Sounds more like too much to drink, and looking for an alibi, the following day." Mr. Wells would add "What is so odd is that, over the next few centuries, the creature was only sighted, from time to time. Normally during times of distress. Times when people needed help." Ichabod Crrane would say "A summoning spell. Of course." When Agent Thomas would ask "A summoning spell? Are you kidding?" Crane would ask "In a world where food may be ordered, via telephone, and be ready, for pick up, upon arrival..." Agent Thomas would say "Point taken. Where do we go, from here?" Crane would suggest "We present our findings, to the president, and let them decide." When Agent Thomas, and Ichabod Crane took their report to the president, the president seemed stunned at the news. When they called in their intelligence chief, the I.C. would say "I amm proud to say that, with early dismissals, the budget will save $15 million, per year." When the president would say "What abut the HUMAN cost?" the Intelligence Chief would say "I thought you would be happy, with the savings." When the president would say "Not at the cost, of human lives". When the I.C. would submit "We acted in the nations best, financial, interest." The presidents final words, to the chief, were "You may go. I have letters, of condolence, to write." When Agent Thomas would ask "What action should we take, regarding the mans summmoning the creature?" The president would ask "Just how OLD is this man?" Agent Thomas would say "On the low side, 68. On the high side, 76." The president would say "In other words, ANY sentence would be a death sentence." Agent Thomas would say "I am afraid so." By the time Agent Thomas, and Crane, returned to the mans apartment, they would find an ambulance, and a coroners car, already on-scene. When Agent Thomas would show her badge, and ask about the apartment, all anyone could tell the agent was that, as if out of nowhere, the man had told his neighbors "It has been nice knowing you." By the time neighbors called emergency services, and the landlord granted entry, into the unit, the man was found, in his bed, his cat snuggled to his side. (Some of the rescuers THOUGHT they saw the man smiling.) When Agent Thomas stood aside, and scratched her head, Crane would remind her "Remember that the man doubted that justice would be done." When Agent Thomas would ask "Why couldn't he just have waited, until we gave him the presidents message?" Crane would say "I have no doubt that the man was aware of what the contents, of the missive, would be. As a result, he CHOSE his own path. May he rest in peace." (What the retiree would, never, know, was that the president was, personally, overseeing the review of his case. If wrong-doing was discovered, the president planned to seek MAXIMUM sentencing.) As for the cat creature, Agent Thomas, and Crane, would learn that the creature had returned to Purgatory, its task complete. This information was provided by the covens, who had, from a distance, monitored ALL of the action. When Agent Thomas would ask the preistess "Is there anyway to PREVENT humans from calling forth, this, or other, creatures, in the future?" The priestess would say "Only if we can heal the human heart, and end all suffering. Only when the world is at peace will there be no further need for such creatures."