THE HAUNTING PAST THE GHOST WHO DID NOT KNOW

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE GHOST WHO DID NOT KNOW After closing the case-file, on the case of the werewolf clans, it would seem that the U.S. Air Force had decided it was time for an engine tune-up, on our plane. The message would be sent, based upon the ships mileage. Although all of us thought it unusual for a former air force cargo plane, to be re-called, for maintenance, however, it is worthy of note that, prior to becoming our airborn "base of operations", "Ghost Ship One", had a long, and distinguished, career, carrying all manner of freight, for the U.S. military. During the cargo haulers career, its engines had been removed, from their mounts, regularly, to have parts replaced, which were worn out, due to normal "wear-and-tear". As bizzarre as it may seem, even though the plane was purchased, for our use, somehow, the sales paper-work had been "lost, in channels", at the Department of Defense. As a result, copies, of all ships operating logs, had been forwarded to Air Force central command, for processing, and storage. This, it seems, meant that, at specific intervals, the plane would be recalled, by the nearest air force base, for "routine maintenance". Although neither Tami, myself, nor the Brown Agency, had any problem with this, our pilots made certain to have their copies, of ALL paper-work, ready, when crew-chiefs did "inspection tours". The pilots would be prepared, at any moment, to hear "If this is not federal property, then WHY is it in line, for a federal insection?" For some reason, though, our pilots were, never, questioned, about the planes status. Still, with the miles which we were placing on the plane, all of us agreed that the "routine maintenance", of a "tune up", on the jet engines, was a good idea. Personally, I would have thought that such an inspection, and parts replacement, would take days, to complete, our pilot promised Tami and I that, if this was a regular, air force, procedure, then there would be re-built jet engines, waiting to be installed. After all, the U.S. Air Force was not known as a "Rapid Response" unit, for having planes, sitting on the ground, waiting for spare parts. "Rapid Response" meant "Ready to fly, at a moments notice. Anytime, anywhere. Day, or night". Still, our planes position, in the waiting line, was behind three, fighter, aircraft, as well as another cargo hauler. Still, this wait, in line, gave Tami and I time to review our latest case. According to the case-file, it would seem that a man was searching for his family. The file contained plenty of reports, all saying that the man had been seen, all around town. What made the reports so bizzarre, though, was that all reports said that the man seemed honest, in wanting to seek out his family. The file did make a point of indicating that the man never seemed to want to, intentionally, frighten people, however, he had a reputation, for appearing, as if "out of the blue". Then, there were the reports, entered by a shaken family, who said the man frequently entered their home, and walked through walls, and down corridors, after dark. The family had reported that the man was seen, sometimes, walking into what was, now, a pantry, and storage room. According to the file, locals knew of this man, since police reports stated that the mans features had changed, very little, over the years. When Tami withdrew the black-and-white, and grainy, photo's, from the file, Tami would state that she was amazed that some unknown person had taken the time to add names, and dates, to the photo's. Ofcourse, the file also contained photo's, of the family's home, as well as an aged copy of the "floor-plans". What no one could understand was the REASON why the spirit stayed behind. Especially when reports stated that the mans wife, and children, had been happy, and cared for, during their lifetime. In fact, had it not been for the tragic fire (later ruled Arson), locals would have thought the family would have been voted "Most happy family, in the area". According to the report, the husband had been working late, one night, when he received a message, stating "Come home, NOW!". By the time the husband rushed home, though, the local fire brigade was waging a losing battle, against a fire, which would rage on, for hours. The cause would be ruled, to be Arson, after it was found that window covers had been wedged in the closed position, while the doors had been, crudely, barred, with pieces of iron, attached from the exterior of the building. According to the file, it was "reported" that the arsonist had been captured, approximately two weeks later, and after he had burned another house to the ground. Once drunk enough, the man had boasted that, THIS time, he had made SURE the whole family was present, before setting the fire. Once local sheriff's deputies had heard of the mans boasts, the man had been dragged, to the local jail, where he would sober up, to find himself facing murder charges. Since the sheriff had a history, of knowing drunks, who either confessed to crimes, not committed, or who bragged about crimes, committed by others, the sheriff had waited until the man was sober, then had questioned the man, about the Arson. What had made the case even easier to prosecute was the fact that the man had been reported SEEN, in both locations, at about the time of the fires. The Arsonist would face public hanging, once convicted of the capital crime of Murder. As for the man, whose family had been murdered, the file was filled with rumors that the man had spent his final days searching for his dead family. It is, also, believed, but NOT verified, that the man wears the same clothes, now, that he was last seen wearing, when alive. Although it is believed that the man died, while searching for his family, the problem is that, since no human remains were, ever, recovered, that there was no burial. The man had been listed, simply as "Missing, presumed dead", for atleast a century, now. Now came the part which the public just could not figure out. The question of: If the man is, LONG, dead, then WHY does he continue to "haunt" the area, searching for a family whose members have been deceased, for a century? Well, atleast on this case, Tami and I had more to go on than just classic horror films. This time, we had names, dates, places. In short, solid leads. Once Ghost Ship One cleared all air force inspections requirements, the plane was released, and our pilots returned the plane to our designated hangar. By the time we, later, had clearance, for lift off, Tami had me now wondering if this spirit was even intentionally haunting a community Could it be that he did not know he was dead? Was he just a grieving widower, who wanted to find his family? What more powerful motive, could there be, for "staying behind", than true love? As the plane approached the designated coordinates, the pilots ran into more of the "usual". While some people WANTED us, and our investigation, others, including some government officials, definitely, did NOT want "ghost-busters" on the scene. As a result, the plane was required to circle three, different, locations, while the pilots explained, for the twelfth time, that this was a CARGO plane, NOT a one man glider. It was only after "authorized landing area four" turned out to be a community lake, that another voice came over the radio, saying "Ghost Ship One, proceed to these coordinates, for landing". Naturally, our pilot would ask "Who is this? Identify yourself", yet the voice would only say "A friend". Well, atleast "un-authorized landing area five" was large enough for our jet. That, and the fact that we must have been expected, since some one had set out signal flares, to guide the planes approach. Shortly after touch-down, a local came to our side hatch, to tell us "Dont worry about the airport, or the sheriff. No one bothers to come out, this way. When the pilot would ask about fines, the local would say "I aint seen no offica peoples, in many years." While we waited, almost twelve hours, to see if anyone would come around, to reprimand the pilots, Tami interviewed our contact, while I prepared to scout the area, on my bicycle. At eleven hours, I decided to set out. After all, the plane was not that far, from the nearby town. I was certain that, if there were any trouble, the sheriff would have had no trouble driving the distance, in fifteen minutes. Since no one came by, to run us off, we agreed with the local. While preparing my bike, I listened to part, of the interview, as Tami asked the local "Why would you think that we would not be welcome, here?" When the local would say "Because, we been told you look for spooks, and the mayor dont want no ghost news spreadin" When Tami would ask "Why would the mayor be opposed to an investigation?" The local would say "The mayor be thinkin that stories, of ghosts, drive down property values, and drive off visitors". When Tami would ask "You mean tourists?" The local would say "Exactly". While Tami would continue to do what she did, the very best, I would head out, on my two-wheeler, to find the location, of the house, where the spirit was seen entering, at night. When I did not find the house, I had to remind myself that the house, in the photo's, had been burned, a century before. When I tried to ask some locals where a certain family lived, all I received, for my inquiry was "Why do you want to know?" While I rode around, scratching my head, as to where the property was located, Tami was making much more progress, with the local ladies group. The way I knew my partner was making progress was when I received the cell-phone call, telling me to pick up bail money, at a local store, then bail Tami out of jail. (If there is one way to know when we were on the "right track", it was when the police would arrest us, on charges such as "Disturbing the Peace") The sheriff, of this place, though, was a "crafty devil". Although bail had been set, at a specified amount, when I collected the money, the sheriff would say "That amount was set hours ago. This is the new amount." When I asked "What will it be, in three hours?" The sheriff would ask "Will you be leaving, after the bail is paid?" I told the man "We are here, on a job. We will leave when our work is done" The sheriff would say "In that case, I cannot guarantee what bail will be, by the time you return". When I returned to the lane, and contacted Mr. Browns office, the man just smiled, at me, when he said "I will take care of it". Come morning, state troopers would arrive, at the plane, to take me to town. The sheriff MIGHT have stood his ground, with the state police, but only until told, by a patrolling deputy, on the radio,that "We got federal incoming. Looks like Huey's, backed by f-16's." It was only when the sheriff found himself facing armed, federal, helicopters, that he gave in, and released Tami. When Tami would ask the state troopers how long they would be staying, the lead trooper would state "Ma'am, we are assigned, for as long as you need us. It seems that your employer even has enough "muscle" to convince the governor to assign the federal unit, until you finish your work. It was only when federal law enforcement took over policing the community, and the sheriff, and the mayor, decided to "take a vacation, until it was all over with", that our investigation really got started. Back at the plane, when Tami uploaded her notes, and compared reported sightings, to the lunar cycle, the rsults were un-mistake-able. Nearly every, confirmed, report, had taken place during the full moon. Only the un-confirmed reports took place, on other nights. Most of these "reports" were little more than "ghost stories", as well. As a result, Tami would estimate about twenty days, until the next sighting. During this time, Tami would meet with the current property owners, while I checked the house for any, normal, explanations, for the visions. With the husbands assistance, I would check the homes wiring, which I found out, and the man admitted, was only "up-to-date" some sixty plus years ago. When we returned to the ladies conversation, the wife would be telling Tami "Oh, my dear Lord, no. Our home is only the latest one, on this property." When the woman would ask her husband "How many homes have been on this land?" The man would ask "Overall?" I would suggest "Sir, if you could limit to the number, of homes, built, since the fire, of about a century ago". I dont know who was most surprised when the husband would say "Atleast a dozen, I would think." When Tami would ask "What happened to all of them?" The husband would say "Nothing to worry about. You see, three, of the homes, collapsed, shortly after completion, and before they could be sold". When Tami would ask "What caused the failures?" The husband would say "The builder wanted to see if some designs would work. My brother worked on the construction, and he said it was a wonder the homes did not collapse, during construction. No support, for load bearing walls. That kind of thing." When I asked "What happened to the others?" The husband would say "Three were "hit", during tornado season. Two were swept away, by heavy rains. One was knocked down, by a neighbor. Rumor has it that the home owner did not pay a bill, so an angry client brought in some wild animals, and let them ransack the place, whie the family was away." When Tami asked "The final three?" the husband and wife would agree "Blown away, in high winds, so the legend says." When Tami and I asked "Legend?" The wife would say "Yes, most of what we know is from legend. We are not old enough, to have been there", and her husand would add "After the homes were blown away, by the winds, our grand-parents begann anchoring the homes in place, first with heavy stones, then by building walls, under the homes." Whenn I asked the husband if the ghost follows a set path, both he, and his wife, would say "Not really. Sometimes, he heads directly for the pantry, yet other times, he seems to look around, as though looking for something." After Tami and I bid the couple a farewell, and left the house, Tami would say "Fit's the profile I have been hearing about, as well. Some people say that the man moves, like clock-work, while others say that his moves change, from visit to visit." When I suggested "Or, maybe, it just depends upon who's around?" When Tami would ask "What do you mean?" I would suggest "Okay, the file says that the spirit has never TRIED to scare anyone, right?" When Tami would say "Right." I would suggest "What if the man is AWARE of his surroundings, and of the people he has met. What if he knows enough to know which people frighten most easily." Tami would add "And he doesn't WANT to frighten people? But WHY stay around. What is the purpose?" I would suggest "Maybe he IS just looking for his lost family, and he just needs help, in finding them?" When Tami would suggest "If they died, in the fire, then they passed from this Earth, didn't they?" I would give her a look, as if to say "Remember all of the other ghosts, even the good ones, who stayed behind, to protect places, and people?" Tami would slump her head as she would say "I just hope that this is NOT another, of those places, where ghosts have gathered, "forever"." I would smile at her as I said "Doubtful. Remember, the fire was only one century ago. Most, of the other homes, were brought down, by nature. Even if anyone was present, they would be gone, by now". (I HOPED). Still, we had a full week, before the next full moon. If Tami was correct, we would, soon, have enough material, to write a book, on "ghost hunting". While awaiting the full moon, though, Tami performed some interviews, which caused others to question her sanity. It would seem that, without knnowing it, Tami would interview a deceased mail carrier, a baker, a seamstress, a farmer, and a municipal worker. (Yes, spirits can be crafty, alright. Spirits can appear so life-like that only those, who knew the deceased, knew the person was dead.) As for myself, I would swear that I photographed atleast three, beautiful, settings, which I planned to use as screensavers. Two had either cabins, or houses, on them, and the third was a meadow, full of flowers. When I returned to the plane, though, I found that the frames were blank. The camera checked out, fine, but the pictures just did not turn out. As for the investigation, the more that Tami and I developed the case, including iinterviews, legends, and recorded, landscape, details, a real picture began to evolve, surrounding the mystery of the spirits movements. Acording to our investigation, it would seem that, in life, the spirit had not only been a husband, father, and businessman, but he, and his wife, had been an active part, of their community. In fact, whenever the wife was noot tending to her own family's needs, the wife was off, in the community, aiding other families, in a variety of ways. As it would turn out, the husband was a "leader", in the community. The man had aided, in developing several businesses, as well as using tax money for local projets. In summary, it would seem that the man had been a regular "fixture", in the community. Tami would agree that it only made sense that a person, so involved, in life, would leave a powerfull essence behind. It was no wonder that the man was being observed all over the community. After this, came the next "reports", of the man being "seen", by two couples. It was not, really, that we doubted that the couples had observed SOME-thing. The problem Tami and I had, was with the couples reactions, to what they had "witnessed". After all, Tami and I had experience, from an extensive variety, of former cases, to draw upon, and Tami and I had observed people, who had been scared, to the point where all the "witnesses" wanted was to RUN as far away, from what they had seen, as possible. In fact, I, still, remember the look, on that deputy sheriifs face, during the mystery of the home, for un-wed mothers. The LOOK, on the deputy's face, when she saw that "gorilla", of a monster, weilding that axe, and walking right toward the deputy. Terror, and Horror, mixed with the "fight/flight" instinct, as the woman drew her revolver, and warned the "monster" that she would open fire. The deputy's fear had dissolved into mindless confusion, as the monster stepped to the property line, then vanished, before the deputy's eyes. The deputy's look was that of a person, truly terrified, for their lives. This was the look which the current couples completely FAILED to "manufacture". The couples emotions were too "force", and the couples, un-like real event "witnesses", were too excited, about SHOWING people what the couples had seen. Although Tami and I had humored the ccouplee, by following the couples, to the "site", Tami and I noticed how calm the couples were, even as they described the "event". It would be Tami, though, who deserved the credit, for making the "bust". Although the couples had doone a halfway decent job, of trying to hide the "evidence", of their actions, by covering the conatiners, with leaves, the problem was that the purple, blue, and orange, packages, caught Tami's female attentioon, even moore than the alleged "foot prints", which the "witnesses" had wanetd us to see. Naturally, with Tami being a woman, she would decline to touch either the torn packages, or the used contents, of same. As a result, I was given the "priviledge", of putting on the gloves, taking out an evidence bag, and collecting the condom wrappers. When I showed the evidence bag, to the "witnesses", and said "Let me guess. You were out here, doing "it", and were "caught, in the act". Probably by a local person. MMore than likely, the person had a weapon, and they warned you to grab your clothes, and "git". Am I right?" Althought he couples said nothing, a man, with a shot-gun, stepped out of the nearby tree's, saying "Mister, you got most of it right. The only part you left out waas that some kids was passin by, and heard sounds. They came to git me, thinkin someone was needin help. When I git here, though, I find these trespassers, doin things, on my land, which I wont mention, in a ladies presence" (Indicating Tami). The man then looked at the couples, asking "Where's that other kid? The one who tried to hide them things?" he asked as he pointed at the evidence bag. As Tami and I departed the "event location", thee couples would follow us, saying "If our parents find out, we will be in, deep, for sure. We need you to back our story". To which Tami would, politely, say "Thats your problem". After that, Tami and I would return to our plane, to verify our results. After all, nothhing is, really, "evidence", until it is verified. At the plane, and using modeern, dating, mothods, I placed the packages, and the products, through examination. The conclusions were about what we had expected. Maybe 70%, of the packaging, and its contents, had, only recently, been used. The remainder dated back, maybe a year, or more. Our coonclusion: The site was a "make-out" spot, and the couples were, in fact, "caught in the act". When I asked Tami why she had not been concerned, when we investigated the "site", Tami would giive me one of her "patented" smiles, as she said "The full moon remains three days away". Over those three days, Tami and I continued to place sensors, most discreetly, around the community. It was our hhope that atleast one, of the sensors, would register something. On the very first night, of the full mmoon, a man, possibly THE man, whom we sought, resolved into human form, even as he approached us. He would say "I have been watching you, as you have spoken with friends, and neighbors, inquiring about myself, and my family. I thought I would stop by, to ask your aid". When Tami would ask "How can we help you?" The man looked sad as he said "I have lost my family, and I miss them, so very much. If you would only help me to locate them, I would be most greatful, indeed". I think that Tami was about to ask if the spirit could see the modeern world, when, instead, I would ask "Sir, would you show us th world, through your eyes?" When the man asked Do you not see the world, for yourselves?" Tami would focus my question, by saying "We would appreciate it if you would shoow us the world, through your eyes". When the man would say "Very well", Tami and I watched as the world, around us, changed, into the world of the past, complete with a local road dissolving into a trail, for horse-drawn carts. To our amazement, Tami and I witnessed an elegant, multi-story, house as it seemed to resolve, into full vision, and just a short distance away. In fact, it was at that very mmoment when Tami and I realized just how close we, actually, were, to the living couples house. When our "host" lead us up the walk, and into the beautiful home, he would say "Normally, my beoved would greet us, at the entrance, welcoming us to the home. The children would be playing, in their rooms. How I wish I could find them. It has been soo LONG since I have seen them. I wish I knew if they are alright". When Tami managed to convince our spectral "host", to join us, in a walk, to the church, suggesting "Your pastor would knoow where everyone is, correct?" The man would say "Of course! Pastor Wilson knows the parish just as well as that old witch, Agatha, does". (Tami and I made a point of noting both "Pastor Wilson", and "witch" "Agatha", for later referencing). Using thhe path, leading past the local cemetary, Tami hoped too shoow the man where his family's burial plot was located. The odd thing was that, although the man had been right behind us, discussing a variety of topics, on the way up to the cemetary, once Tami and I entered the cemetary, though, the man vanished, before we even reached the locatioon, where his family's markers SHOULD haave been. No-sooner had we noticed that thhe markers were missing, when we turned to ask the man "Whoo wouls etal head-stones?", when we realized the man had vanished. Then, we heard another voice, asking "May I hhelp you?" and, as we turnned, to the new voice, Tami and I watched as the past changed back into the present. Tami was just about to ask the man (probably the care-taker), just who would steal head-stones, and for what reason, when we looked at the previously vacant spot, and saw that the head-stones were right in place. When Tami would ask the mann (whoo had identified himself, as the care-taker) "When were the head-stones placed? I mean, how soon, after burial?" The care-taker would say "Sorry to tell you, miss, but the stones were not added, for years. The church had to wait until the family came to visit. Then, the paster had to give the relatives the bad news" When Tami asked the care-taker "You mean, the husband was not around, forr his own family's funnerals?" The care-taker would say "Sorry, miss, but the man up and disappearred, after thhe fire. Some say he run off, and started a new family, but none of us believes this. No proof. Just gossip". After we thanked the care-taker, for his time, then returned to the plane, Tami did a "web-search", oonly to verify that there had been a "Pastor Wilson" at the churcch, back in the day. Also, according too the records, Pastor Wilson had been a "junior" pastor, at oonly 35 years of age, and assigned too thhe parishh just five years before the fire. Since the senior pastor had been out, on county rounds, and would not be returning, for up to twoo months, Pastor Wilson had presided over the funeral services. As for "the old witch", history actually says that the woman was a healer, and a teacher. History also claimed that Agatha LOVED to joke, about the idea that people considered her to be a "witch". In her day, Agatha had been a community healer, as well for those times when the county doctor was out, on his rounds. Agatha was known to teach people various things, when the people asked, however, history said Agatha just laughed at the notion that she cooked, and ate, children, as well as thhe idea that she bathed in the childrens bblood. When Tami would say "About normal, for the day. Anti-witch hysteria was rampannt, in those days. No doubt, locals, probably, even accused Agatha, when crops went bad, or when the weather turned foul". I would add "And dont forget. If people got sick, or died, the "witch" was an easy oone to blame. She was an all-purpose "scape-goat", just as Osama Bin Laden was". After three more evenings, of trying to lead the spirit to his families final resting place, Tami took the next, logical, step, and turned to the coven, of our hometown. When contact was made, the priestess, of our hometown covenn, would inform Tami that the coven had contacted a coven, near our current position. The priestess would caution us, though "Be ccautious, when approaching the coven. They live, and work, in the shadws, ever since the Roman-Catholic church arrived, in the area." According to the background information, which our local prietess supplied Tami, "witch-hunnts", in the area, which we were investigating, had only ended after the local oven had cast a "shroud" spell, over thoose members being detained, and tortured, by the church. This action was taken only after atleast five Wiccanns had been, brutally tortured, into "givinng up" their sister Wiccans, on the promise of the cchurches mercy. Onnly after detainee's minds were "wiped", of the covens identity, would the church be forced to resort to even cruder, and far less reliable, methods, for "detecting" witches. As a precautioon, though, the coven had gone into "hiding", and, even despite the "new age", of the 1990's, covenns still knew that, givenn the least provocation, neighhbors would "turn", on Wiccans, in a second. This theory was, presumably "proven" by the fact that Hollywood was, still, making movies, using the "classic model", of witches doing evils bidding. Until this, and other forms, of prejudice, were eradicated, from the public consciousness, the ovens would remain hhiddenn. To our relief, though, the local coven was only a couple of hours drive, from the event location. That, and the fact that the prietsess had informed us that the local coven had been otified of our pending arrival. Thhis left only two questionns: The first being: SInce Tami and I weree not, officially, Wiccan, how would the coven receive us, if at all? The second question would be "Would thhe coven be willing to aid us, in helping the mans spirit find peace" After all, it was noon-Wiccans, similar to Tami and I, who were responsible for so much torture, and death, in the past. This left me wondering if the coven would consider torturing Tami and I, out of pure revenge, for the torture, and murder, of their former sisters? When I asked, Tami's only response, to this question, was "Lets find out, when we arrive". Although I would not say that our "welcome" was "warm", when we arrived, at coven "headquaters, the sisters did inform the ccoven of our arrival. That, and the mention oof our purose, in seeking an "audience". A senior sister would make one thin g clear, to us "Normally, the coven would have nothing to do with your kind, especially after the suffering, and death, which mortals have visited upon the coven. Your kind have hunted us, tortured us, and burned us, alive, just becu\ause we are "different". And all of this in the name of your "One, true, God". Fact is, most of your kind remain in fear, and loathing, of the covens, even though we mean you noo harm. Still, you continue to mock our ways, in your novels, movies, and television shows". At this point, the Preistess would step in, saying "It is our desire, to enlighten you, regarding the reasons for what, under normal circumstances, be our reluctance, to aid your cause". When Tami would ask "But?" The priestess would say "BUT, the coven have been watchful, of your actions, ever since you attended the "Mystery weekend", at the castle. It is your actions, since this primary experience, which have lead the coven to the conclusion that your hearts are pure. It is the only explanation for the reason that your local sisterhood has agreed to aid your cause, on various quests. Since you have shown that your hearts are pure, our coven has agreed to aid your current quest. Now, how is it that you would wish the ccoven to aid your quest?" (Several cases ago, I know that Tami would have asked "What are they talking about?" Now, however, and after dealing with covens, angels, spirits, and even demons, Tami had become quite comfortable (even more so than I), with the proper forms, of the English language. When Tami would say that she was uncertain of just how to proceed, I would ask the Priestess "What actions would you recommend, as most appropriate, at the present time? Wuld it be most proper to travel to HIS time, to aid his acceptance, of his demise, OR would it be more prudent to aid his assension, in the present time frame?" When the priestess would caution "To re-allign the passage, of time, even in order to reduce suffering, is a dangerous portent." When I would agree, saying "Alright, we aid the mans departure, from the present time. Now, just how do we accomplish this task?" One, of the sisters, would answer, saying "A portion, of the sisterhood, is prepared to aid your quest, and will rendezvous, with you, at that plane of yours. Our cover story will be the same as yours. We will be an extension of the creative team, working on the landscaping, and architecture, article". When Tami and I agreed to the covens terms, what disapointed Tami, most, was the covens form of transportation. For some reason, Tami had, almost, hoped to see a version, of "Harry Potter", in which characters straddled brooms, to fly through the sky. I have to admit that I was impressed with the womens subtlety. I mean, who would suspect the members, of a witches coven, to not only travel by day, but in mini-vans, as well? Talk about "undercover". Well, just like our airplane, our motor vehicles approached the area, with locals showing about as much "interest" as they would, in watching grass grow. Since the time was nearing morning, there was no doubt that we had missed the chance, to speak with the man, this night. This is why, once introductions were made, between the Wiccans, and our pilots, we, all, decided to "sack out". That is, AFTER Tami showed the women the supply room (in case anyone was hungry). As the Wiccan leader would say "We will have little need, for food, before the "ceremony". Normally, we only need to re-fuel after a ceremony has been completed." After Tami showed the women the basic parts, of the plane, reminding the women that the cockpit was, un-officially, off-limits, to everyone except the pilots, then we bedded down, for the day. As I dozed off, I remembered once seeing some show, or movie, in which, when a spirit is informed that they are deceased, they go on a rampage, attacking the living, and destroying property, while denying being dead. I just wished I remembered the ending of the (movie). Still, the man Tami and I had met seemed sad, and regretful, more than angry. Plus, I had to remind myself that on-screen rampages are great for generating ticket sales. Hollywood just LOVED making films, of the "bad" guys blowing things up, while the "good" guys are trying to stop the bad guys. Shoot-em-ups, massive explosions, fist-fights, and bodies, torn to pieces. These were the elements which Hollywood believed that the public wanted, for their ticket money. Only once, in a great while, did a film maker dare to produce a thoughtful movie. Plot-driven, instead of body counts. Ah! For the "Good, old, days", of black-and-white films, and actual plot lines. Later that day, when our "group" "emerged from hybernation", it would seem that the Wiccans were not as fond, of our ration packs, as Tami and I were. As a result, a sister drew out some sort of box, from her bag, opened the box, and the women began taking "sprinkles", and "pinches", from the boxes contents. When one, of the sisters, saw the expression, on our faces, the woman would give Tami and I a humorous look, as she said "Spices. Never leave home without them". This is when I thought "Ofcourse!" Even modern grocery stores have entire spice secctions, or isles. The only difference was that these spices were, obviously, home-grown (I could tell, by the fresh scent), and selected by color, shape, and texture, rather by factory labels. Next, came the issue of clothing. While Tami and I had grown accustomed to wearing modern, combat-style, vests (for carrying extra supplies), we learned the reason WHY the Wiccans wore those hooded robes, while in practice. I have to hand it to the robes designers. Those robes were so ingenuiosly crafted that, by comparison, our vests looked like jokes. I mean, really, WHO would have THOUGHT to place pockets into the lining, of a robe, in the time before World War One? And, it was just amazing the amount of supplies, which each robe could handle, as well. When Tami would ask how UN-comfortable a "fully loaded" robe was, one of the sisters offered Tami the sisters own robe, saying "See, for yourself".. When Tami stepped into the robe, then tied it around her body, the bumps, and bulges, which she expected to feel, from the loaded robe, were nonexistant. In fact, Tami would inform the sister "I feel like I could wear this robe, all day". When the sister said "Precisely", this is when I realized that, if anyone would "stand out", in the local community, it would be Tami and myself. From the Wiccans point-of-view, however, it would seem that our first "test" would take place when a state trooper would stop by the plane, for a "progress report". The trooper would say that they had heard that we had some "new friends". The trooper just wanted to know who was operating in their vicinity. When I introduced tthe ladies, to the trooper, saying "These people are part of our support crew. They have come on-site, to aid our investigation, should we find anything, which we are noot prepared to deal with." When the trooper, cleverly, pressed "Such as?" Tami would enter the conversation, saying "If we knew the answer to THAT question, we would not be in need of the support team, now would we". Although the trooper "got the message", he, also, made a mental note, of the uniform, brrown, robes/cloaks, whicch the woomen wore. After that, the trooper returned to their cruiser, and departed the plane. When our group went out, on our own patrol, that nighht, the Wiccans reported feeling "power", and "a presence", yet none was certain of the source. Later that night, when the superstitious would claim "The ghosting hur has passed", the Wiccans, also, "packed it in". Although one sister would report tracing the "trail of energy", to a local house, where she reported seeing a dark figure mixing a brew, the womans more senior sister would remark "Mortal law would, never, consider that "evidence. For all you know, sister, the figure was brewing beef stew, or chili". When the younger sister would ask "Should we not, atleast, observe", and learn of the truth?" The senior sister would ask "Have you, ever, heard of STALKING?" The younger sister would, simply, ask "All I am asking is that we learn what kind of recipe produces green, yellow, or bright red, lights" The senioor sister would inform Tami and I that AL information would be presented, to the High Priestess, for review. Unless something VERY unusual happened, sooner, the sisters were prepared to return on-site, for the next, full moon. Still, when Tami did a web-search, for the ccolors the young woman said that she witnessed, in the figures "pot", and the fact that the others sisters had "felt" something was being kept hidden, from them, th young woman had suggested atleast a basic, web search. Problem was, with the key-words, which the young woman suggested, all that the internet gave Tami, in response to her request, was screensavers, rumors, and gossip. Tami had to outright LAUGH, at atleast one rumor. The one, about "hypnotic birth control". According to the entry, "legend" held that a mixture, brewed, with certain ingredients (See web-site for list), produced a "tonic", or "potion", which left young girls both in a sort-of "trance", and, while the effects, of the "potion", the girl was immune to conception. Ofcourse, there was also the mention that, while under the potions effects, the "child" would obey any command given her. For Tami, though, the "real kicker" was that the potion was a sort-of contraceptive. The one part, of the rumoor, whichh Tami found way too "convenient", too believe, wass that the rumor said that "AFTER an attack, the victims retain NO memory, of the attack". Allegedly, this meant that victims never remembered being attacked. This is the reason why Tami had laughed. This rumor seemed to "cover all the bases". Hypnosis. Sexual attacks. Birth control. victims memories wiped "clean". This is would fit "The Wizard of Oz", "Sleeping Beauty", or "Snow White", oh, so easily. Just as it could have covered other, classic, movies. This is why Tami had laughed. The person, who started this rumor, had "Covered the bases, oh, so well". It was the "perfectly scripted crime". Still, even Tami would admit that this was not the only rumor, in the world, or on the internet. It was only the rumor which Tami laughed, the hardest, at. When I asked Tami to do a web-search, for the ingredients, which a person might use, to brew such a potion, saying I was just curious about if the ingredients grew, locally, Tami would show me the results, which said that most, but not all, of the ingredients could be found, locally. Three ingrediennts, however, could only be found, at a local, herb, shop. When Tami opened the shops web-site, though, she not only found the complete list, of ingredients, for a wide variety of spells, but, also, recipes, which the herbs would enhance. Meatloaf, Beef Stew, Chicken, Salads. You-name-it. Th shop even had a downloadable (for a price), menu. This, so that customers could chhoose ingredients, for ANY, chossen, meal. I had to agree, with Tami, though. This shop COULD have been supplying the WRONG people, without ever realizing that crime was being committed. (Sure, it was a LONG-shot, but it wass worth looking at, anyway). While Tami and I set out, to visit the herb shop, th Wiccans agreed to "brew up" a spell, before they departed. A spell which SHOULD answer atleast some of the questions, reegarding this case. Just as Tami and I had suspected, when we visited the herb shop, the owner was as normal as anyone. The woman even admitted that she grew much, of what she sold, in her shop. In fact, thhe only ingredients, which she, ever, ordered, were for those herbs which did NOT grow, locally. When Tami asked if the owner might know of anyone, who might mis-use the herbs, the owner promised that she kept a short list, of those persons, who wanted herbs to do harm. The woman was adamant, though, that her herbs, and spicees, be used ONLY for positive purposes. Ofcourse, the woman would say that she could noot GUARANTEE what happened, to her stock, AFTER she sold the goods. This is when Tami and I reealized that this statement was just as true, for herbs, as it was, for guns. As Tami and I had, previously, agreed, fire-arms manufacturers could not be held responsible for the actions, of purchasers. Especially not after a sale was complete. When Tami and I returned to thhe plane, we found the Wiccans had been even busier than we had been. The women had collected local herbs, plants, and roots, then performed some "casting". This is why the performance was ready, upon our arrival, at the plane. Brewing somthing, I think the Wiccans called "The mist of truth", Tami and I watchhed as the distraught man had returned, to the scene, of the fire, to search for his family. It would seem that the sedatives, the man had been given, had affected his mind, allowing him to convince himself that his family remained alive, and awaited his locating them. It would seem that, for some time, after the fire, the man had searchhed, and re-searched, the area, many times. If the mist were accurate, the man did not stop, to rest, until exhaustion overcame him. AT a point, when he was too tired, to go on, the man had set down, to rest. His plan was to continue the search, once he had a chance to rest. Maybe even after a meal. What the man had found "odd" was how, following his rest break, he noo-longer felt either hungry, nor tired. Even months, after his "rest", the vision showed that the man paid no attention to food, drink, or rest, first for months, then years. The "mist" also showeed us that the man never intended to harm or frighten, anyone. He was just so desperate to be re-united, with his family. I would have been surprised when the Wiccans never asked "If we tried to show the man his familys burial plots", but the mist answered this, for us. Still, this left us with the question of HOW to draw the spirit into the cemetary, so we could SHOW him his family's resting place. Maybe then, the man could "Rest In Peace", as well. All the Wiccans could say was "Working oon it". Later, in town, Tami would hear some gossip, which would make her suppress a laugh. Someone was suggesting that there were actual WITCHES, in town, at that very time. This gossip was "squashed" by another person, who would ask "Have you SEEN any brooms flying in the moon-light?" "People, and their superstitions", was Tami's thought. When Tami returned to the plane, to tell the Wiccans about this "news", saying "Would you believe it? They think you would use brooms, in this day, and age". The Wiccans were not amused. What Tami had yet to learn was that, even in the modern day, Wiccans, still, used brooms, for some ceremonies. Just not for basic transportation. Later, during a group conference, Tami would find something, which she had not noticed, previously. It was the fact that no oone, in the community, was afraid of the "ghost", since everyone seemed to know the man. The question was "HOW could this be, if the man died a century ago?" After the conference, and while the Wiccans were working on a spell, to bring the man TO us, Tami decided that another visit, to the local church, was in order. After all, she had noticed that the caretaker seemed to know that the grave-stones were noot placed unntil family had visited the community. This, however, left the question of "HOW could he know, of events, from before he was, even, born?" It would be the churches senior priest, who would provide the answers, which we sought. As he would explain, to Tami: "Yes, it is true, that the church found the mans body, and buried him. As for why the church did not bury him next to his family, this was not, I assure you, out of "spite". It was, simply, that, when his family died, there was just enough room, between two, other, families, plots, to house the graves. The man was buried where the church could space." When Tami would ask "Would you show me where he was buried?", the priest agreed, and lead her to a space, some distance away from the family's graves. When Tami asked "Why does the family have such elegant markers, yet this mans is so plain?" The priest would, only, say "This is what the church directed. Even priests must follow orders, you know." This is when Tami returned to the plane, to inform us of her news, and her idea. Tami would suggest "Why not call the man to his final resting place, instead of this plane." When the senior Wiccan would ask "Sisters, WHY did WE not think of that?" It seems that the Wiccans had been preparing a spell, to draw a spirit to the plane. Now, they had a new plan. The senior Wiccan would suggest "If we brew, to lure the spirit, to his grave..." Another sister would say "We would not need half the ingredients, or the power". What no one could have suspected was what would happen, in the cemetary. Although the potion was brewed for just the one mans spirit, when the mix was applied to cemetary soil, it seemed to act as some sort of "spirt magnet". Soon, other spirits were seen returning to their graves, even before our "target" spirit materialized. When the man asked, first "Have you located my beloved family?" and Tami would say "We have located YOU", the man would say "I dont understand. What am I doinng, in the cemetary?", the Wiccans would watch, silently, as Tami explainned the mans demise, to him. It was moments after he asked "Will I, ever, see my beloved wife, and my children, ever?" Suddenly, the Wiccans stood at firm attention, as they looked past our ghostly meeting. When Tami, then I, looked at what had the womens attention, I suggested the man look where we were looking, as I suggested "I THINK they may have found YOU". Sure enough, not ten feet away, stood a radiant beauty, of a woman, dressed in the finery of her day, and, around her, stood the couples children. When the man stepped to his wife, took her hannd, and whispered "MY beloved", the women would whisper "It has been too long, my love". Then, to us, she would say "I would like to thank you, all, for helping my beloved husband. It has been such a very long wait, for our reunion. Now, our family is together, once more. For this, we are eternally grateful." When the Wiccans would, in unison, whisper "Blessed Be", Tami and I would repeat the words, ourselves. With that, the family would dissolve, into thin air, like the end credits of a movie. Moments later, our own stomaches would begin to growl, like we hadn't eaten, in days. This is when the senior Wiccan would say "Now, we re-fuel". As our group began the walk, back to our lane, though, we would hear a growl, which sounded from a nearby cottage, then a scream, for help. Turns out the junior Wiccan was atleast part right. She had suggested that something was going on, and she was correct. The problem was that, un-like the man, our group had no preparation, for this one. As best as any of us could figure out, the "mixer" had brewed a potion, which should have brought him powerful magic. The problem was that he had made a mistake, in the ingredients, and had summoned a huge, dark black, creature, with burning, red, eyes, and cclaws, and fangs, so sharp, that a single glance would, probably, kill. The stupid fool had thought himself safe, simply because he had some crosses, close at hand. Now, with a demon looking him square, in the eyes, the man cowered, in fear, as the demon looked upon the cross, as if to think "Does this fool really believe that a hunk, of metal, wil protect him?" While the fool kept the demon distracted, the senior Wiccan grabbed his notes, saw his mistake and, banding with her group, sent out a silent "prayer", calling forth the spirits, of Wiccans, past. The senior Wiccan knew that it would take the united power, of dozens, of Wiccans, to banish this beast. Mavbe this cottage was not large enough, for dozens of bodies, but even Tami and I felt the presence, of generations, of the ancient craft. We, also, felt enough energy, within the cottage, to blow up an entire state. Since the beast could only hear audible noises, the Wiccans cast through "spell", using what I can only assume was a form of telepathy. The "spell" was sure power, though. Man, I dont think I ever felt so much power, in one place, before. It did the trick, though, and that was what was important, as the spell dragged the monster back to the cooking pot and, after the last of it dissolved, into the vapors, of the pot, three Wiccans kicked the pot over, spilling its contents onto the floor. When the man recovered, the senior Wiccan would ask "What were you thinking?", The man would say "I was only trying to make a friend notice me. Maybe evenn find a job." The Wiccan would groan "Dont you know how dangerous it is, to mix spells?", When the man would say "I didn't think..." And the senior Wiccan would say "Thats right, you didn't THINK". When the man asked "What happened?" The senior Wiccan would say "By mixing two spells, used for different reasons, you created a window, for that THING to come through." then the woman would ask "By the way, whats with the cross?" The man would say "Protection, from evil". Even Tami and I would roll our eyes, at that one. Some many people thought that a chunk, of metal, or wood, was enough to save them from evil. When would the fools ever learn that it is NOT the jewelry, but the HEART, that matters. Priests are "powerful" because they have the FAITH of the heart and soul. The same goes for Wiccans. After leaving the fool, to contemplate his potential fate, our group would, finally, return to the plane, where the women would add various spices, to the rations, to make them more edible. Man, did these women have discriminating palates. After the women drove off, in their mini-vans, Tami and I had a discreet meeting, with both the mayor, and the sheriff (BEFORE telling the state troopers that the case was resolved). Only after the town had been informed that its resident "ghost" had been "Put to bed", and Tami and I had our plane packed, and ready, for lift-off, did we inform the state police of our departure (Along with a generous "Thank You", for their aid). Still, even with the "crisis" passed, the sheriff wasted not one second ordering us out of town "Five minutes ago". Tami filed our report, enroute, yet, when the secretary gave the affirmative, that our report had been received, she cautioned Tami "Be warned! There is a BIG one, waiting for you, when you get here." After the tele-conference, when Tami asked me "How BIG can they get?" I was afraid to let my imagination wonder, too much. Oh, well. A family had been re-united. What more could we ask for? Based upon the message, though, we realized that our services remained in HIGH demand. I think that Tami was joking, as she said "Spirited spooks beware! Ghost Ship One is "on the case"" Onward, to the next case...

MYSTERY OF THE SHIPS

MYSTERY OF THE SHIPS By the time most of Earth's natural resouces were nearing depletion, a plan was well underway. A plan, which would save what some people would consider the "best" of what mankind had produced. The plan was for the classic "sleeper" ships. Ships whose passengers would sleep away the trip, while crew would be awake only for departure, landing, and for any necessary maintenance, of the ship. During each ships LONG "cruise", to its destination, all available power would be diverted to the ships engines, so as to increase chances of reaching new home-worlds. At the same time, on the Earth, itself, a second group was studying Earth's past, searching for any passages, which might indicate WHERE any aliens MIGHT have come from. The goal was the HOPE that, if the aliens had visited Earth, far enough, into the past, that the aliens MIGHT have left some other planets habitable behind, as well. Part of this groups work would include hollowing out the insides of mountains, in order to create shelters, both to house workers, during ships construction, and, later, to provide limited protection, for some of those, who would remain behind, after the ships left, and the planets climate began to change. For over a year, excavations proceeded, on schedule, even as researchers read countless volumes, which claimed that "man", and Earth, were but one, of many, habitable planets, which aliens had "cultivated". (And NOT for "food" (cannibalism), either. Then, the un-expected had occurred. Geiger Counters, and Ground Penetrating Radar, began registering vast amounts, of refined, nuclear, material, deep inside a mountain, as well as other, refined, materials. When workers investigated, digging into the mountain, and through walls, of natural rock, the workers would locate what could not possibly exist. Inside a cavern, up to 1,000 feet below the surface, workers would find a "relic". An age old copy of ships which were, currently, being designed, and were awaiting final approval, before construction began. When atleast one worker would suggest that this "relic" was just a discarded prototype, another team member would ask "A failed prototype, of a ship, not even built, yet?" Then another worker would ask "Why bury the thing under almost 1,000 feet of mountain?" In order to prove the point, that this was just a failed experiment, the team leader would have the surface, of the ship, scanned, in what they HOPED would yield the crafts NAME. If the team could identify the prototype, this could help morale, considerably. To the team leaders annoyance, though, the scans showed what the team never expected to find. IF the analysis, of the ship, were correct, this ship, in this cavern, was several hundred thousand years old. This left the question of "If this ship design was, still, on the drawing tables, then, HOW could the ship be so old?" When the team leader called up the current ships design spec's, on their computer, the team would use these designs to find the ships entry hatch, as well as maps of the interior. Once inside the ship, when the team found the "Engineering Section", and scanned the details, of the fuel plant, the team was surprised to find that the hazardous, nuclear, material, had "settled", and was emmitting just trace amounts, of heat, and radiation. When the team leader asked their engineer, about the power plant, the engineer could only say "To decay, this far, the engines would have to be dormant, for generations" When the team lead would ask "How many generations? Three, four, five?" The engineer would say "My best guess would be about seventy-five, or more, generations" When the team leader would ask "Can you restore the engines?" The engineer would only say "I will try". What concerned the team leader, most, about this ship, was how very similar this craft was, to the supposedly "brand new" design. In fact, there were very few differences, in design, as was proven by the groups flashlights, which shown on passageways, and into chambers. An examination, of the ships Medical Bay, proved that, not only had the ships freezers been without power, for a very long time, but, in fact, the units had been without power, for long enough that the contents had spoiled, long ago, and even the smell, of rotting supplies, was long gone. It was the teams medic, who would make the important discovery, inside the ships medicine cabinet. Not only were most of the labels, on the supplies faded, almost beyond recognition, but containers contents, which had been in liquid form, originally, had, long since, dried out, and some had even mummified. It would not be until the team reached the ships bridge, and found no more than "cosmetic damage", that the teams "techies" had voiced "I only wish we had some power, so we could READ..." When the bridge came to life and, in English, a voice announced "Emergency Power Restored. Estimate ten hours until Primary Power Restored". The team leader would call down, to Engineering "Good work. Now, come help us on the bridge" It would be atleast a couple of hours, before the teams "techies" were able to acccess the ships files. What they would find, though, would be listed as "impossible", for most scientists to believe. The ships very FIRST entry was dated over five YEARS into the current future. If that were true, HOW could the ship have been buried, inside the mountain, all those years ago? While the "techies" "played" with the computer files, the remainder, of the team would continue investigating the ship, including locating the "meal room". Inside the "meal room", aside from a thick layer, of dust, all the team found was a room which was clean, and deserted. When "Food Storage" was examined, by the team, its members learned what happened to food, even when preserved, yet left, un-attended, for countless centuries. All that remained, in food storage, was dust. By the time the team was checking the cargo holds, the "techies", on the bridge, were calling down to say "You HAVE to SEE this" When the team leader returned to the ships bridge, the team was shown video logs, of the ships departure, from a space station, whose construction was, barely, underway. According to the ships logs, THIS was the fifteenth ship, to be sent out, in the search for new planets, for Earths people to colonize. According to the log, though, after departing the solar system, the ships reports had gaps, of decades, then centuries, as the ship continued, on automatic power. When the team leader asked, the "techies" would say "This is because the ships are programmed only to wake the crew, either to report potential collissions, or of planets, worthy of exploration" When the team leader would say "Okay, if that is, all true, then Question Number One is "HOW did it get back?" and Question Number Two is "WHY was it buried?" When the "techies" ran through the ships records, they came to a report, of a "gravity well". According to the record, it seemed that the "well" sucked the ship into its core, then spit the ship out, here, of all places. When the team leader asked "Where and When, was the ship sucked in?" The "techies" could only say "About 200,000 years from now, and in a system far too distant to affect our own". When the team leader would say "Fine. Good enough. Only HOW did it become buried, in the distant past?" The only answer the "techies" could come up with was that, either the ships mass, OR its nuclear fuel, de-stabilized the gravity well, and the ship "sling-shotted", back, towards Earth, at un-imaginable velocity. When the team leader would ask "Take a guess. Sub-light speed? Warp speed? Hyper-drive?" The "techies" would agree when they said "Nothing so slow, or primitive. We are talking factors of one hundred, to one thousand, times the speed of light". When the team leader would say "Impossible. No ship could travel that fast. The velocity, alone, would kill the crew". "And yet", the "techie" would say "The evidence is right in front of us". When the team leader would switch tacts, asking "Where is the crew? So far, we have found no signs of life". The "techie" would say "Best guess? Either they died, in the tubes, when the power went out, OR they COULD be the dust, which the team have mentioned seeing, around the ship. Ashes-to-ashes, Dust-to-dust. That sort of thing". When the team leader asked "What does the FINAL log show?" The "techies" would say "The return to Earth". When the team leader would ask "How did they crash?" The "techies" would say "Not crashed. Landed. The ships automatic programs landed itself. It seems that, after it was released from the gravity well, it must have had enough remaining time, and fuel, to make a controlled landing". When the team leader asked "If the ship made the trip, intact, what about the crew, and passengers?" The "techies" would say "That may be the problem. We dont know, for sure, without the actual bodies, but it is possible that the crew, and passengers, were dead, even before the sling-shot, from th gravity well." When the team leader would ask "How LONG, before this "sling-shot", of yours?" The "techies" would say "Who knows? Days?, Years?, Cnturies? This is why we suggest that they died in their sleep". Although Central Command, for the project, would receive the teams reports, seriously, the problem would be that, to date, over $500 Billion had been spent, on the ships programming. This meant that, if the program was to be altered, to prevent this event from happening, more than $2 Trillion more would need to be spent, to alter the programming, then re-alligning the ships courses. Central Command knew that there was no WAY that either tax-payers, nor government, would agree to this. Especially not with construction costs already exceeding the Earths combined national debts, by eight times, already. Back in the cavern, the floor was examined, for landing gear marks, and the conclusion held to the fact that this ship had made a controlled, vertical, landing. The real problem would be in convincing command that the ship had "Shot back, through time", to an age far pre-dating modern aircraft. A time, possibly, pre-dating even the wheel. Ofcourse, command would ask what the point, of such an exercise would have been. The team would suggest that it had been a "fluke", or accident, even though the team knew that command would never accept this as fact. By the time that the careful use, of shaped charges, on the mountain chambers walls, would create an opening large enough for the ship to exit the cavern through, the engineer would have restored enough, of the ships fuel core, that the ship could fly out of the cavern, under pilot control. Once the craft was delivered, to project command, and all of the sand, and dirt, left on-board, was sifted, for human D.N.A., the problem became that the samples were of such extreme age that the "best", which the science department could come up with, for answers, was the term "In-Conclusive". Although command could doubt the ships passage, through time, the one thing command could not doubt was the ships log. A log, which gave DETAILS, of events, from light years away, of exactly what atleast one, of the explorer ships would find. Command, though, would want to dismiss the logs, but only until other events transpired. Events, such as an underwater, salvage, team finding another, intact, ship, this time, on the ocean floor. Then, there was another, intact, ship, found DEEP inside the Amazon Rain Forests. Then, there was the ship, which was found, frozen, in a block of ice, which had broken free from the Artic Circle. Of all of the ships recovered, it would seem that only the "Artic" ship still contained its still-frozen crew. When these, still-frozen, people were shipped to command, several members, of center staff would look like they had seen "ghosts", as they looked upon the slightly older versions, of themselves, frozen in the containers. In order to make certain that this was no "prank", both the current mission members, and the "frozen" mission members, were asked the same questions, about their personal lives. Questions which only a person, who, actually, LIVED the life, would know. For command, the problem was that, even with people in seperate rooms, both people gave identical answers. In fact, the only "advantage", which the "frozen" members had, was the memory, of serving on the completed ship. When asked WHY the ships were sent BACK, in time, the "frozen" crew said their "impression" was that the ships were, simply to be returned to Earth. Not, into the past. When asked the purpose of this, the "frozens" said they suspected that someone "Did not want mankind in outer space". When command asked how MANY explorer ships had been launched, the "frozens" would say that they thought that 72 ships had launched, in total. When command questioned the "frozens" accuracy, saying that 75 ships were planned, the "frozens" admitted this was correct. The "frozens" then looked very somber, as they reflected "Two, of the ships, blew up, when their reactors were pushed, to the limit, to start the ships in motion" A third ship would be smashed, by an un-charted asteroid, which pulverized the ship, shortly after launch. Only 72 ships would survive launch. The Science Department knew that Command was stupid, when Command asked the "frozens" "How LONG" were you out there?" Command just did not understand that time is meaningless, while one is frozen. As the "frozens" said "To us, it was like ten minutes" Five minutes, to set the ship on its course, then enter the cryo tubes, then five more minutes, to be revived, here. When the Science Department was able to "piece together" the ships log entries, this, along with the carbon-dating of the ships hulls, verified that the ships could be as old as one million years. Science would say that this would, also, explain the ships log gaps, of centuries, and even millenia. As the "frozens" has stated "The computer only made log entries WHEN there was, actually, something to log". What even the "frozens" could not understand was that, since the ships computers were programmed to fly out, only a century's worth of distance, then return to Earth, and report in, then WHY had the ships never turned back, on automatic? At a cost, of $2.5 BILLION, additional, every line, of the flight plan code, was re-examined, until the problem was located. Science would say that it would seem that the techno-nerds, who had done a beautiful job, of designing the OUT-bound flight plans, had made the goof, of forgetting to program the ships computers, for the return flight. As a result, the only directions, which the ships computers had, was the OUT-bound instructions. When command asked the Science Department about ANY information, gathered during the flight, including messages, from "home-world", all that the Science Department would say was that, after awhile, the ships were just "too far out", for messages to be received. The good news though, was that, now, Command did not have to launch four, of the ships since command already HAD the flight logs, from the ships, as well as the locations, of several, potentially habitable, planets. This, atleast, is what command THOUGHT, until they cancelled the flights, after making dozens of back-up copies, of the ships logs. The next morning, though, command staff would be required to report, to Command, that ALL data, as well as the "frozens", had vanished, overnight, along with their ships. When Command asked Science "HOW did they escape?" Science would say "We believe they were "erased"". When command would ask "By WHOSE authority?" The scientists would say "By yours, we believe". When command seemed puzzled, at hearing this, the scientists spelled it out: "When you cancelled the flights, history was changed. The "frozens" never embarked on their journey. Their ship was never launched, so it was, never, discovered" When command would ask "What would happen IF I restored the flights?" Science would only say "Unknown". By the end of the day, command had given permission, to renew the flights, and, somehow, by the next morning, the "frozens", and their ship, was back. It was then that the un-expected happened. As if out of some sort of time/space portal, a fleet, of LARGE ships, would slip into parking orbit, around the Earth. Then, as if by magic, the fleet commander would appear, at Earth command, saying "We know of your plans. If you wish to join the interstellar community, and have your descendants join us, among the stars, then the first thing you must do is to dis-arm your ships nuclear weapons. After that, you may send your ships out, to meet our bretheren, among the stars". When many, of the command crew trainees would ask "What weapons? Our ships are, merely, explorers. We have no desire to conquer" The fleet commander would look at command staff, and say "So, its true! You never told your own people". Command would answer the questioning looks by saying "Yes, our ships are armed, but ONLY against potential resistence". When the fleet commander would ask "Please define "resistence"", command would say "The tactical nukes are only to suppress opposition to our colonization". When the fleet commander would ask "And would these "nukes" be controlled, by ships personnel?" Command would say "Certainly NOT! The ships computers are pre-programmed, for such events" The fleet commander would say "So, that is the reason why five, habitable, planets were destroyed, along with five of the explorer ships". Command would say "We will do what we must, to preserve our race". Shortly thereafter, as the fleet commander prepared to depart, three explorer staffers would ask "How long will it take us to reach the new home-world?" The fleet commander would look at one staffer, and say "Ten years", then looked at another, and say "Fifteen years", then, to the third person, the fleet commander would say nothing. When command staffers would ask the fleet commander "How long will it take for us to re-build our society?", the fleet commander would say "It has taken generations. I encourage you NOT to rush things. It will return, in time". With that, the fleet commander would vanish and, soon after this, the fleet left Earth orbit. When command would say "We REFUSE to dis-arm the nukes. Those aliens, out there, have to understand that "WE mean BUSINESS" Only a firm hand, on a nuclear trigger, will guarantee success". 1,000 years later According to historical records, once the explorers launched, the crews, most discreetly, dis-armed the nukes. In fact, by the time Earth command realized what was going on, aboard the ships, command had time to stop only one crew, from dis-arming, even as signals arrived, reporting that the other nukes were "dead". Ironically, when Earth Command would press the "fire" button, Earth would have to wait over six months, before the destruct signal even reached the ship. It would be another two years, before the dull "thud", of the nuclear explosion, would reach Earth receivers. Still, five planets, and four ships, would be saved, from Earths paranoia. In time, peaceful colonization would spread life among dozens of worlds. Although the worlds would start out, primarily, as agricultural colonies, in each succeeding generation, atleast three to five groups, of individuals, would be trained, as "Crews", in case the colony ships ever had to be flown, again. In time, though, and over centuries, new engines, and new ships designs, would be created, even as various colony worlds began reaching out, to one another. Soon, a new, planetary, federation, would emerge and, with it, new breeds of ships. What Earth had NOT been told, during the fleets visit, was that the future KNEW the reason why the ships had been turned back, for Earth. Two, of the ships, had been seen, by alien races, as "trespassers". When a total, of three trespasses had taken place, the races the acts were committed against were advanced enough to see humans as little more than we see insects. This is why the ships were sent back to Earth. This, as a message: Trespass, and we WILL DEAL with you". Since the federation had agreed to respect the aliens boundaries, the aliens never interfered with human progress. On several planets, though, the crews showed the wisdom to record mans folly, by erecting the deactivated nukes as statues/reminders, of mans potential, for cruelty, against others. The devices would be seen as sadistic reminders, of mans in-humanity towards man. The one thing most colonists would feel was so sad was the fact that so many, of Earth's children, would, never, live to see their descendents live in peace. At various points, over the centuries, probes, and scout ships, would be dispatched, to monitor the now-dead Earth, but the stories, of lush, green, plains, snow-capped mountains, and bright blue oceans, were, now, nothing more than the tales, of Atlantis had been, on Earth. Just legend. Nothing more. Most probe crews would remark that, thousands of years, after the exodus, the planet, named Earth, looked no different than its moon. All thanks to man-kind.

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE WOLVES

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE WOLVES For reasons, which the Brown Agency flatly REFUSED to discuss, even via "secure" video-link, the firm sent notice, to our pilots, who, then, instructed Tami and I to "Buckle Up". Soon after the indicator lights, in the cockpit, signalled the pilots that Tami and I were securely fastened, we were surprised when the pilot took the plane, from a quick hover, and to maximum, horizontal, thrust. Tami would remark as to how "weird" it was, actually HEARING the engines howl, through the hull, as the airplane raced forwards, at its maximum speed. Personally, I was just thankful that, on the trip, TO the site, of the "witches execution", that the plane had burned less than 20% of its fuel supply. By the way the pilots were handling the old girl, at present, pushing her engines to the maximum, we would burn most, if not all, of our remaining fuel, before reaching base. To add an element, of strangeness to all of this, after two hours, buckled in place, the pilot would call to Tami and I that WE would not be accompanying the plane, to the airport. When we asked, the pilot would only say "Mr. Browns direct orders were CLEAR. We are to do a vertical landing, at a parking lot, less than a block from the office. Once you two are off the plane, the co-pilot and I will take the plane to the airport". Wow! A verticle landing, in the middle of town? Someone must be really desperate, for our services. When the howl, of the engines, finally, died away, the pilot would radio us "Two minutes to drop". Just thirty seconds later, the planes engines went verticle, then we felt the landing gear touch down, even as we heard hands, from outside the plane, open the hatch, then hustle us as though we were students, tardy for class. In less than five minutes, Tami and I were hustled inside Mr. Brown's PRIVATE, inner, office, where, along with the boss were no less than two agents, who seemed to be "sweeping" the office, for "bugs". Only after the agents said "All secure, sir", then left the office, shutting the door behind them, did Mr. Brown engage us in conversation. When the HEAD, of the agency, told us "First, and foremost, I want both of you to understand that this case, no matter how strange, is legitimate. VERY legitimate. Second, I want to remind you of how important SECRECY is. On this case, you will NOT, and I repeat NOT, make daily reports, either via e-mail, nor via tele-conference. Once you are on-site, there are to be NO communications, until the case is resolved. Am I clear?" Okay, so Tami and I were accustomed to dealing with populations, which did not want to recognize "hautings". So, what could be so urgent that communications was forbidden? This is when Mr. Brown would say "We THINK we have a problem, with the living. It might be possible that someone, human, is taking some local folklore far too much to heart. and to an extreme. Reports say that "large, hairy", creatures are being seen, in the suspect area". When Tami would ask "What about Fish and Game? Aren't wild animals THEIR department?" Mr. Brown would say "Normally, this is true. The trouble is that the problem extends beyond mere sightings. Whoever is behind this action seems to have taken an old wolf story to heart. The report, which you will review, on your way to the incident location, states that it appears that children are being taken, and that, each time an adult takes pursuit, wolf howls, and growls are being heard, and "burning red" eyes, are being reported." When Tami would ask WHY we, as a couple, of "spirit investigators", were being called in, on the case, Mr. Brown would say "You are being called in since none of the children have turned up, yet several search party members have been found, dead, from what appear to be wolf bites". By the time Tami asked "When do we start?" Mr. Browns secretary would enter the room, saying "All is arranged. The assignment is approved, and up-loaded. The jet has been re-fuelled. You can lift off, in ten minutes." To this, Mr. Brown would remind us "Remember: Secrecy. Dont take any chances. Make sure you are prepared!" Wow! This must have been important, since we had, never, heard Mr. Brown sounding so serious, before. After Tami and I returned to the plane, the next "leg", of the trip, seemed much quieter, as the engines were not pushed as hard, as Tami and I sat back, to review the case file. If the "history", of the community, in question, was anywhere near correct (which history seldom is), it was claimed that the community was founded by no less than a group of outcasts. People, whom other communities believed were werewolves. History reported that, allegedly, the friends, and the craftsmen, who aided the outcasts, in building their community, were never heard from, again. Some reports said the people "simply disappearred". And, there were no end, of UN-confimed "reports", that people-turned-were, were spotted, at various times, and that some were, even, hunted down. What creeped Tami out, though, was a few legends weird take, on how the were's selected "victims". Instead of sniffing out blood, or fear, this pack, allegedly, stalked children. Some legends said this was because children were easier to "turn". What made Tami laugh, openly, was the part, of the legend, which claimed that, once children were "turned", the children would grow, to adulthood, "overnight". That is what even I "loved", about myths, and legends. Virgin births, zombies, un-dead murderers, age-less witches. The list was, almost, endless. What I really "loved", about all of these, was that belief was based, totally, on FAITH. Not one shred of scientifically proven evidence. It, always, came down to "Either you believe, or you dont". That kind of crap. According to the file, though, "proving" that people were "werewolves" on this case, was a low, if any, priority. The TOP, as in ABSOLUTE, priority, was the locating of the missing children. Especially if the children were sick, or injured. If the situation warranted, Tami and I could call for help, but only AFTER the children were safe. While studying photo's, of the community in question, Tami noticed that some parts, of photo's, were blurry. She would comment how odd it was that, in such clear pictures, only certain spots were fuzzy. She wondered why this was. Although we did as much "research", on the internet, as possible, we found not one, single, physician who was willing to admit that Lycanthorpy even existed. In fact, the closest any doctor would come, to recognizing such a condition, was to say that "Some people exhibit allergic reactions, to various stimuli. Reason unknown." Both Tami and I chuckled at how many "references" claimed that the only "cure" for this condition, was to "Shoot the beast!" with silver bullets. Well, Tami and I had taken some gunnery training, after the castle case, however, neither of us was prepared to shoot another person, either with silver, or lead. Besides, WHERE would we find silver bullets, anyway? By the time we arrived, on the scene, Tami and I knew about as much, about werwolves, as we would have, had we just watched some old movies. What we, never, expected, was the warm, and friendly, welcome, which we received, when our plane landed. Locals seemed genuinely happy to see us. We had no idea of WHY. When we departed the plane, Tami and I were escorted, parade-style, to the town hall and, on the way, Tami would indicate, to me, about a nearby statue, which stood in the town square. From my own point of view, atleast, the statue had the general build of a bear. Once we were paraded into the town hall, and seated, before the city council, that Tami and I learned the reason why we had been so warmly welcomed. When the mayor would say "We are happy that you could come. It is our hope that your antidote will solve the problem". This is when Tami and I realized that someone had told these people that we were bringing a solution/cure, to the problem. When Tami informed th council that we were not doctors, and that we were here to investigate the case, two council members looked at one another, then the mayor asked "You have brought no treatment, or vaccine?" When Tami clarified "We are detectives, not doctors" Suddenly, our "warm" reception turned frosty, as a council member would say "We have more than enough investigators, already. Unless you have new information for us, you are wasting our time". When Tami would ask "What about your children? Have they been located, yet?" It seemed as if the very mention, of the missing children, set off the city council. The mayor would snap "Unless you have a solution, on that jet of yours, I suggest you pack up, and GO HOME!" Shortly after this, as Tami and I departed the town hall, we came face-to-face, with dozens of families, all of whom were willing to beg for answers. No matter how many times Tami would say "We are NOT doctors!" the plea's, and begging, continued. It would not be until the local sheriff would put a warning shot, in the air, that the public went silent. When the sheriff would say "Now, listen here. We were told that these two were bringing answers. Truth is, they only came, to ask more questionss. We were lied to. It is, still, up to us to find our own young" At the sheriff's order, the people let us pass, and the people stood, silent, as we walked towards our plane. Back at the plane, Tami asked the sheriff "Why cant we stay, just to help?", and the man, curtly, said "Ma'am, unless you have an antidote in this plane, you have nothing that we need". While Tami and I pondered our next move, Mr. Brown "broke radio silence", informing us that the agency was aware of the situation, and that action was being planned. We were just to "sit tight, and await further orders". Later, after the crowds, and the sheriff, were gone, Tami and I decided to take a look around, and at that statue, in particular. If nothing else, maybe we could find out what it looked like, from the front, and what it was about. Although no one paid us any attention, when we walked back into town, when we stopped, and took a good, hard, look, at the statue, it seems that people began to notice US. As it would turn out, the statue seemed to be that, of a wolf. Oddly enough, though, it seemed to be standing an very muscular, hind, legs. Its front "paws" seemed more like muscled arms, and hands. Its mouth was set in a fierce snarl, and its teeth were bared. I had to agree with Tami when she said "You know, if I didn't know it was just a statue, I would think it was ready to leap to attack". At that moment, and old, male, voice came from behind us, saying "Thats right, little lady. Tis been guarding this town, since the "dark days". As long as it stands guard, we are supposed to be safe" When Tami would ask "Safe? From what?" a womans voice would come up, saying "Dont listen to him", then adding "Father just likes telling his stories". When the woman tried to lead the man away, the man pulled free, saying "Aint no "stories" about it. Its our history". When the woman begged him "Father", and tried to pull him away, he gave way, to the womans tugging, but not before calling to us "The truth is where they dont want you to look". My thought was Terrific! ANOTHER cryptic message. If this kept up, for another few cases, Tami and I would become exerienced enough, at solving puzzles, to join either the C.I.A., or Homeland Security. When we returned to the jet, and Tami went on the internet, trying to find something called "Truth is where they dont want you to look", she found over two dozen references. Problem was, none had anything to do with children. Missing, or not. To her surprise, though, Tami found a local doctor, in an internet "chat room". Like the doctor said "The people are being told NOT to TALK to you, about this thing. BUT, no one said anything about TYPING". Although the doctor admitted that he was a "local", born and raised, right here in town, yet he had left town, long enough for medical school. Still, he was a "local" source, and better than nothing. Problem was, most of what he had, for us, was based, more or less, on heresay. He would tell Tami "I remember the history teacher telling us that other people either HATED, or FEARED, our ancestors, since we were "different". Most people think it was out of revenge, for our being so good, at tracking prey, while hunting. Local history even claims that people thought we were "far too good", at hunting. When stories began floating, that we were "different", soon, the best hunters, in town, our ancestors, became the HUNTED". When Tami would ask "What was wrong with being good, experienced, hunters?" The doctor would reply "History says that the ancestors, regularly, brought in three, to four, times as much game, as other hunters did. When this lead to jokes, about "deals", then these jokes lead to susicions". When Tami would ask "Why did your ancestors choose THIS place, to settle?" The doctor would reply "When the others chased us out, we had to leave behind anything which we could not carry on our bodies. As for the reason why we chose this area, we chose it because it was remote enough, at the time, that no one, from the other communities DARED to make the journey, to our community, especially at night." The doctor would, then, type "Also, there is a medicinal herb, which grows, wild, here. We have found it to be very useful at healing wounds, when applied to the body. When taken internally, it seems to retard illness". When Tami would ask "Where does this herb grow?" the doctor would reply "Dont waste your time. For the past seventy-five years, the crop has been growing, and nurtured, in a greenhouse setting. A local botanist has even discovered a way to enhance the herbs effects. Only a small dose is, now, required, to keep us healthy". When Tami would ask "The statue, of the upright wolf, in the town square?" The doctor would reply "We are TOLD it is our guardian. So long as it stands guard, nothing SHOULD happen, to our community". When Tami would ask "The missing children? The growls, howls, and "burning, red", eyes? What about these?" The doctor would reply "I am hoping that it turns out to be just a sick prank. After all, we KNOW that others feel that we are "different". This is why the two of you were rushed off, before I could speak to you. We have been a close-knit community, for so long, we dont know of any other way to live." When Tami would ask "What would such tricks profit anyone?" The doctor would reply "No clue, beyond revenge." When Tami would ask "Revenge, for what?" The doctor would reply "In small towns, like this one, HISTORY is our prime resource. Someone may have an old grudge, maybe from a century, or more, ago. Maybe, one, or more, of their children, was taken, for reasons lost in time." While Tami would go on her way, doing what she did, best, conversing with people, I would be left to examine the areas where children had gone missing. I have to say that, in many ways, these play areas reminded me of the places where I had played, as a child. And, OH, the "stories" I heard, about things like an old caretakers home. Then there were the stories, about "creatures" "haunting" the nearby woods. Local kids tried to scare one another, by claiming that sounds, like growls, were night creatures, which stalked the living. In the case, of my neighborhood, though, when myself, and some friends, had gone into the wooded area, withOUT the aid of the story-tellers, we had found nothing more than a couple of abandoned cars, and some refrigerators, and washing machines. It would not be until a few years after this, while on the way home, from a drive in, that I had recognized the rear of our wooded section, about a mile from a stretch of highway. Then, one night, out, alone, after I was supposed to be inside (Boy, did I get in trouble for staying out, after dark) I listened to the so-called growls, and realized they were just automotive noises, from the highway. Still, when I examined the abduction sites, I found old memories coming back to haunt ME. How many times had I decided to ride my bicycle beyond where my mother approved of, just to see what was beyond a point of location? Childish curiousity? Probably. What was different, now, was that even when children were tagged, at birth, demented people still abducted the children. After all, on the black market, children can be sold, for a fortune, to the highest bidder. The days, of local playgrounds being a safe place, for children to just have fun, were gone, as such properties, now, had to have enhanced security. Ofcourse, the National Education Association had its part, in destroying the imagination, of childhood, as well. The N.E.A. did an excellent job, of replacing simple things, like tire-swings, and climbing tree's, with advanced design, "age-appropriate", "learning devices". Kits which created "structured play". Then, there was saturday morning television. In my youth, we would laugh at the coyote trying to trap the road runner, as well as enjoying watching batman use his bat-devices, in classic Gotham City. And who could forget the wonder of the original Star Trek, or the eerie tales, of the Night Gallery? Yes, the National Education Association had done an excellent job, of replacing the original Ghost Busters, and Bugs Bunny, with the boring, "structured learning", programs, of modern, "age-appropriate", television. Was it any wonder the world was in its current state? Could this be the reason why people, like Tami and myself, who, never, let "logic" define us, or our investigations, were in such demand, by clients? I had to push these thoughts aside when I came across something which was, definitely, NOT factory assembled. What ever it was, someone had used rope, wire, and even model glue, to hold it together. Moving more cautiously past this point, I found a number of trip-wires, with more than a few, of these, trace-able back to small speakers. Could this be the source, of the growls, and other sounds? After coming upon something, which could, either, be a trap, or a childs play-house, I would decide it was best to return to the plane, report my findings, then "hit the books", and see what written history said, about these so-called "werewolves". While Tami was indulging peoples memories, of the past, to recall long-forgetten memories (along with sharing dozens of cups of tea, several glasses, of brandy, and who knows how many snack cakes), I was scouring web-sites, for information on the original SOURCE, of the legend of the "werewolf". Well, just as the Enforcer demon had told us, previously, mankind did like to "blame the Devil", for when things really "went south". It was just so easy to say "The Devil made me do it", when, in fact, Lucifer could not have cared less, either way. Then, ofcourse, there were the "conspiracy" sites. Places where people loved to suggest that, like todays "super-soldiers", that werewolves, the Minotaur, the Sphinx, and other creatures, of myth, had been previous civilizations attempts, at combining animal savagery with human intellect, and control. Nearly every theorist claimed that the goal, in all cases, was to create a soldier, who could be so savage, on the battle-field, that opposition soldiers would run from the sight of the soldier. A soldier who, on command, would tear an enemy to shreds, yet would start, and stop, all actions, on command. If theorists were to be believed, it would seem that, when the species were combined, what emerged, from the mixture, was half-human, half-animal, and completely un-controllable. A savage brute which had to be caged, and killed "By any means necessary". Some really fringe theorists even suggested that, when the creatures were released, on battle-fields, that, instead of attacking enemy positions, that the creatures attacked their own masters, instead. Well, I guess that everyone has the right, to their own beliefs. Besides, since no one, currently, on Earth, is old enough to say "I was THERE, and I KNOW this is bunk", who is to say which version, of history, is correct? Still, if the nations, of current Earth, are known to be working on creating "super-soldiers", what is to say that this "knowledge" has not come from ancient sources? When I checked the category about "silver bullets", I found several references, which claimed that werewolves, being "supernatural", were not mortal, and did not die. In fact, no one was willing to say whether, or not, werewolves even age. Well, if the attacks had been going on, for centuries, this might have made more sense, but, according to the contacts, of the police database, which Mr. Brown would secure, for us, the "history", of the children being abducted, was very RECENT. In fact, it had been less than a year, since the first child was abducted. This left the question of "What has changed, in the past year?" (Leave it to Tami to come up with atleast some of the answers). Although my intrepid partner would return to the plane, groaning, and holding her belly, she would say "I dont know how Mr. Brown does it, but people, now, seem to WANT to talk about what has been happening". I didn't question her, further, as she went to the "head". I could tell she needed to be sick. After she cleaned up, we broke into some rations, and I tried to hide a smile when Tami would say "REAL food". She would, then, follow up with saying "YOU try doing three dozen interviews, sipping at five glasses, of Brandy, and downing five cups of coffee, as well as nearly a dozen snack cakes, and see how YOU feel, afterwards". Still, it seems that her "torture" was worth the effort. As she said: "According to local history, these people were driven out of another community, 225 years ago. It seems that there was a dispute, probably over land ownership, and both sides took up "arms". Since machine guns, and modern rifles, and pistols, had not been invented, yet, most of the people took up knives, and shovels, to do battle." Tami would laugh as she would say "Some people even say that, in that battle, most of the injuries were from people being whacked over the head, with shovels. Must have been some amazing headaches, from that time, since local medicine men reported having to give patients everything from heroine, to root herbs, to massive doses, of whiskey, to deal with injuries, to the head. A few cracked skulls, too." When I asked "What was the final outcome?" Tami would say "Acccording to legend/history, a clergyman was called in, when it seems that people began switching from shovels to gardening tools. When it seemed, to the opposition, that people were starting to die, of "animal attacks", the clergy was called in, instead of a doctor, for a diagnosis." As Tami savored her dinner, I asked "AND?", and she said "The clergyman declared that the injuries bore the mark, of evil, not of man. The clergyman then declared that, to prevent the "spread of evil", that the conflict be brought to an end, immediately". When I asked "So, where did the animal stories come from?" Tami would say "Near as I can figure out, it seems that, although the clergy called an end, to hostilities, locals were not so convinced. They took the clergys word, of saying "Wounds looked evil", and, as tales spread, around camp fires, that the word "evil" was replaced with "Work of the Devil", then rumors spread, until locals convinced themselves that their neighbors were either in LEAGUE, with the Devil, or that they were his servants". This is when I said "Let me guess. Village elders went to those, who were defending their rights, and told the people to clear out, or else!" When Tami added "According to history, though, even though the one group was told to "Shove off", it seems that some locals were now happy with this conclusion. Some reports say that villagers took off, in pursuit of those, who were escaping, as though hunting wild animals." This is when I would add "And this is where the "wild animal atacks" come from." Tami would say "From what I gather, when the escapee's realized that they were being pursued, they decided to "make a stand", with what they had with them. Namely, their farming tools". And I added "Tools which leave marks which could appear animal-like, to un-trained eyes". Tami would add "When the attack parties survivors returned to the village, they brought back wild stories, of being attacked "As though by wild animals"." I would add "And, so, the legend of the werewolves was born". When I would ask "What about that statue, in the town center? The wolf?" Tami would say that "When the escapees fled what they felt was far enough, and set up camp, they brought in some sort of Shaman, or Medicine Man, who promised to bless a statue, so it would watch over the group, and protect the peace". When I asked "Just how LONG ago do you think that all of this happened?" Tami would guess "Based upon the variations, on the story, that I have been hearing, I would say the story is close to 200 years old". "If that is true" I would suggest "Then WHY have the abductions, and the sightings, only started, within the past year?" Tami would only say "Best guess? Someone has been researching history, and decided that their side got the "short end of the deal"." After dinner, I gave Tami a run down, on what I had found, so far, while suggesting "Maybe, someone is trying re-create the past. Like the doctor told you "an old debt"." When Tami would ask "What good would it do, to change the outcome, 200 years later?" I would suggest "Maybe, it is not about re-writing history. Maybe, its about perceived "payback". Maybe, someone lost a family member, and it crippled the family unit? Maybe, they want the perceived criminals family to feel the same pain that another family felt" When Tami would ask "Still, why wait 200 years? Why not strike back when the "debt" was new?" I would suggest "Maybe the revenge-seeker did not even know about the "crime", until recently. Maybe it was.." And we, both, said "Geneology Research!" Although Tami and I were at the wrong place, when the next child was taken, what locals did not expect was for us "outsiders" to take off, in pursuit of the next capture. Had Tami and I not been "trained", by experience, to know the difference between animal sounds, and fake sounds, we might have been just as frightened as locals were. Also, had we not faced-off, against "monsters", with "burning red" eyes, before, we might have been scared, when we saw the eyes, in the tree-line. Instead, as the "eyes" moved, we followed their direction, until they vanished. Shortly after this, we, too, heard the "growls", yet Tami and I heard MORE, since we were closer to the source. When Tami and I had pursued the child abductors into the wooded area, what we did not flinch at was the sounds, of snarls, howls, etc. Why were we not afraid of these sounds? Simple. As Tami had, once, explained, to a spirit, on a previous case, even as the spirit tried its best, to scare my partner, using "classic" scare tactics, Tami had just rested, comfortable, while informing the spirit "I have dealt with much worse, than that, before. You will have to do much better, if you expect me to flee". This is the reason why, while in pursuit, of the child abductors, Tami and I had dismissed the classic, recorded, sounds, of wild animals. This is also the reason why, after the abductor managed to slip away, with their latest victim, Tami and I had back-tracked, to the "markers", which we had identified, as starting, or ending, points, for the "burning red eyes", then we began to search for what we half-expected to find. Although, what we expected to find was was that the "burning red eyes" were, in fact, just holiday lights, tinted deep red, both of us were surprised, and impressed, to find out what the "eyes" really were. As it would turn out, the "eyes" were paired sets, of sharp-shooters laser target identifiers. It was no wonder that the "eyes" looked so intense, even from a distance. Also, the person, who had set up the "eyes" had not just used cheap, wire, rigs, to make the "eyes" appear to move. No, these people had "gone the extra mile", setting up a series of tripods. Each with its own laser designator. It was no wonder that, when one tripods "eyes" moved out-of-range, that another tripod, further on, would light up, making it seem that the "eyes" were moving. As a result, Tami and I realized that this was no "nickel-and-dime" operation. Person, or persons, unknown, were dedicated to their cause (Whatever that was). No question about that. Although we did not find the children, we would return, to ask the community if anyone owned a machine, which could make certain sounds. At first, no one seemed to know what we meant, then a farmer would come forward, asking his neighbor "Didn't your machine make a sound like that, recently?" When the neighbor said "You KNOW it did. Remember, we had to strip down the motor, to find the problem". When I asked "Could someone modify a machine to sound like that, on purpose?" The men would say "The machine we fixed was grinding its parts. Thats what caused the sound." Then added "Who would be dumb enough to make a machine grind its own parts?" While locals contemplated our information, and I worked on a plan of action, Tami was, finally, given permission to visit the greenhouse, where the herb was grown. Using discretion, honed over many investigations, she would procur a sample, of the plant, which we would examine, on the plane. IF the information, on the internet, were true, Tami had a sample of a plant which, mythology claimed, could retard Lycanthropia. Ofcourse, the plant had other uses, as well. Some of which even I could not understand the definition of. It would be just short of the first night, of the full moon, when, after dark, our infrared sensors detected something burning, BRIGHTLY, inside town. When Tami and I rushed into town, among other people, to see what was burning, we saw that someone had covered the wolf statue with various materials, then set the statue on fire. While people rushed forward, with fire extinguishers, a voice called, from the darkness, "Death to werewolves. The Devils spawn!". While townspeople worked on dousing the fire, Tami and I set off, in search of the person behind the voice. We wanted to find out the WHO, and WHY. Somehow, though, the person got away, through the woods. It would not be until the next night that the criminal would make the costly mistake. For some reason, they had not had time to set up their display, ahead of time, so they rushed it into town, just as we had locals preparing, in case the arsonist showed up, "for an encore". Just at sundown, Tami would ask "Does anyone smell that?" When we sniffed the air, a farmer would say "Smells like diesel, kerosene, and gasoline, all mixed together." Moments later, a flaming torch lit up, in the dark, then it lit up something bigger. A moment later, a pick-up truck came into view, pulling the burning cargo into town. When the sheriff, and a deputy, put a few gun shots into the truck, its tires went flat, and the police dragged the man out from behind the wheel, growling "Whats this all about?" When the man said "You killed members of my pride!" The sheriff would say "That was centuries ago, and WE lost members, too, you know". When the man would say "I will have Justice, no matter how LONG it takes!" A moment later, wolf cries filled the night, even as women hurried children in-doors. When I would ask "Whats going on?" The mayor, backed by the sheriff would say "The two of you should leave, like right now!" When Tami would say "But we can help!" The sheriff would say "Not this time. This is not your fight". With that, the deputy would return us to our plane, saying "If you know whats good for you. STAY in the plane". Just as suddenly as the ships camera's went off-line, we could HEAR the sounds, as though things, and people, were being ripped to pieces. This is when Tami would ask "Does it really matter, to them, after centuries of peace, that someone died, centuries ago?" After what sounded like World War Three, in high fidelity stereo, raged outside, for who knows how long, we heard another, different, cry. A cry, which even our pilots said "Sounds like either a victory cry, or a surrender". By the time we ventured forth, again, people were out, hosing the streets, and sidewalks, with garden hoses, while others carried buckets, of water. It seems that the town wanted to erase all evidence, that a battle had taken place. The mayor would, then, inform us "That was the very END, of a very long battle. Our children are being returned. It seems that you were correct. The pride hoped that, depriving us, of our young, would leave us un-coordinated, in the battle." When Tami asked "The battle over some land?" The mayor would smile as he said "No, the battle has, always, been over territory. We wanted to share the land. The other pride wanted us gone. Permanently gone". When Tami would ask "You dont mean?" The mayor would smile as he said "Yes, you suspected, correctly, all along." When Tami would ask "How can you maintain human form, under a full moon?" It would be the sheriff who, after asking the mayors permission, would be the first to "transform". The local doctor would then come forward, to say "We have been of the pride, for centuries, yet, when we came to this place, and found the herb, which tastes quite nice, to us, we decided to settle. It was not, however, until later, that we realized that, with the herb, we could control the when, and where, of transformation." When Tami would ask "So, what was the truth, of the battle? DId you use farm tools, or your paws?" The mayor let out a howl, of laughter, as he said "Even before the herb, we could not transform, during the day. It is moonlight, which gives us the power". When a local woman said "You mean "The "curse"", the mayor would say "Each of us has our own views, on the good, and bad." When Tami would ask "Why show us, or, do you intend to kill us?" The group let out a collective howl, of laughter, then the sheriff would say "Little girl, you have been watching way too MANY werewolf movies. Our kind does NOT hunt, or KILL, for the fun of killing, as Hollywood would have you believe. We hunt only to survive. We are no different from you." When Tami would ask her classic "Have you looked in a mirror?", this time, the answer came, with a touch of flare, as the mayor would say "Yes, And the last time I looked in the mirror, I looked quite dashing, if I do say so, myself". Someone else would say "And you DO say so, dont you." I would have to say that it was odd, but, even in the presense, of these creatures, I felt more comfortable than I do, around many humans. I do think, however, that it was a new experience, shaking a wolfs paw, as the pride thanked us for our help, with the problem. Question is: In the 21st century, HOW do I write a report, stating that Tami and I had aided a pride, of werewolves, in taking down an enemy, and restoring peace? Would even the Brown Agency believe that we had been contracted, to aid mythological werewolves? The return trip, to home base, was, blessedly, un-eventful, yet, when we reported in,at the firms offices, and Tami saw Mr. Brown coming forward, smiling, even as he said "Congratulations. A tough assignment, I will admit, but the media never got wind. A job very WELL done!" When Tami would say "Okay, sir, enough with the kind words, whats up, or next?" This is when Mr. Brown would put on a wonderfully theatrical pout, then say "Since you put it that way, perhaps you can give me your thoughts on this file." Just as his secretary handed us another, in what seemed the next in a never-ending series, of cases. Well, as they say, "Back to work"...