THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE ENGLISH BOARDING SCHOOL

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE ENGLISH BOARDING SCHOOL While neither Tami, nor I, had descended from the type, of noble families, who, normally, enroll young people, in such academies, the case file did contain some most intriguing information. One thing, which did not surprise us, at all, was that this boarding school had a length, of "history", which rivalled Buckingham Palace, for length of life-span. Tami would be the first to suggest "I would suggest that it would be appropriate for us to "brush up", on our manners, since we are returning to Europe." Yes. Manners. Something which some Americans had, completely, forgotten about. In fact, Tami and I had been working, on our own manners, since the Mystery of the Long Ship. While American "manners" would be considered "deplorable", by proper, English, gentry, Tami and I had been fortunate, so far, that our primary contacts, to date, were with groups which the gentry would know as "commoners" (The working class). This time, however, we were being summoned to assist the nobility. Now, manners, dress, and so on, would be judged, by some members which had descended from the most ancient nobility, in world history. (Personally, I thought it was, indeed, funny, that I was being requested. ME! A man, whose "highest" grade, in English class, was "D-Minus". Not a "boast" to be proud of, but a simple fact). To our complete surprise, Tami and I found the attached file an extremely comprehensive ledger, which included the names of noblemen, kings, princes, dukes, etc. Practically all of the names of the deceased, who remained in "residence", at the school. The file not only contained the NAMES, but family records, dates of attendance, etc. This file would put both Ancestry.com, and Heritage.com, to total shame. If the file were accurate, it would seem that this boarding school had been in continuous operation, for thousands of years. While the file indicated that most, of the "current" buildings, on school grounds, were around 500 years old, these "recent" re-builds were the "youngest" buildings, on the grounds. Add to this the fact that atleast one, original, out-house, had been preserved, as a museum piece. This, along with several lengths, of hollowed tree trunks, and lead pipes (Originally used for carrying water, and waste.) According to the file, however, while most of the current students (and their parents), were well-informed, and aware, of the majority, of the resident spirits, it would seem that some "new" spirits had, recently, taken up residence. Un-like the maids, and butlers, who had walked the halls, for centuries, and, at times, advised the living that items were not "properly polished", it would seem that the "new arrivals" were creating a problem. Some of the problems these new spirits were creating, included waking students, at all hours, via moans, shrieks, and so forth. Then, there was the problem of the spirits tampering with the kitchens. At times, it is reported that freshly prepared food is viewed being thrown out, of kitchen windows, onto the ground. In atleast three cases, while workers had collected the traditional, slow burning, wood, to fire up the cooking ovens, for some reason, the spirits were replacing th slow-burning wood, with fast-burning wood. The kind of wood used in magic shows. Atleast one kitchen worker is noted as saying "On my faith, and loyalty, to their majesties, I do maintain that, as I ignited the wood, the blaze roared into the food preparation area. During this time, I observed a gentleman, wearing a brown, waist, coat, standing nearby, and smiling." While the document was rather extensive, in its volume, I think that Tami and I reviewed about 25% of the contents, prior to G.S.2 being permitted to enter Royal Air Space. The reason: There was a rumor, going around. This rumor, similar to the last rumor, was very specific. Rumor held that an American stealth bomber was to be ordered into British air space. The rumored "goal", was for the stealth bomber to drop a bomb-load, on Buckingham Palace. The rumor claimed that the "goal", of such action, would be to show the British what COULD happen, if the empire did NOT re-enter the American invasions, of the Middle East. (on Americas side) Allegedly, this act would be to show that ANY, and ALL locations, where her majesty, the Queen, might be protected, COULD be bombed. This, unless, and until, Great Britain agreed to re-join the "war on terror" (on America's side). As a result, of this rumor, Ghost Ship Two, while, technically, a bomber, was to be a suspected threat, to the Britons. As a result, Mr. Brown would have to "negotiate" our entry, into British air space. While most, international, aircraft, fly near, or over, Buckingham Palace, as a show of respect, Mr. Brown was required to chart us a course, as far as possible, AWAY from the Palace. (This, despite the fact that the Pentagon wanted G.S.2 to use regular flight routes.) While the Pentagon was arguing this, with Buckingham Palace, over everything from flight plans, to re-fuelling, and the exact identities, of WHO, and WHAT, would be on our plane. Tami and I were busy noticing a pattern to the hauntings. More specifically, we noticed that the sleeping quarters, for the youngest children, saw almost NO spirit activity, at all. (ONLY the older children, and the school staff, seemed bothered by the spirits). In the file, the schools head-master was quite CLEAR, on this point. "Under NO circumstances are infant pupils to be engaged in ANY frightful experiences". By the time Ghost Ship Two was "cleared", to enter British air space, we had received strict, flight orders. Orders which forbade our plane, even from mid-air re-fuelling. Ghost Ship Two was ordered to fly a 100 mile arc, AROUND London, and land, at an air force base. At the base, our re-fuelling would be CLOSELY monitored, by the Royal Air Force. During this re-fuelling, G.S.2 would be subjected to the exact same kind, of "inspection", which France had subjected the plane to. ALL because of SUSPICIONS, POSSIBILITIES, and RUMORS! By the time G.S.2 was cleared, to fly to the school, it would seem that an "incident" had caused staff to call in ANOTHER "ghost-buster". The update stated that, while G.S.2 was being detained, that some students had become trapped, inside a building, when a fire alarm was declared. The update stated that, while the "out-only" doors were NEVER locked, under English law, that neither students, nor staff, could open the doors, to exit the building. Some, of those, present, even claimed to hear a deep, mans, laughter, as staff worked to pry the doors open. The "ghost buster" had been called in, after the fire department could find no rational explanation, for the doors failure. Problem was, when the "ghost buster" used their "gear", it seems that they detected ghosts, everywhere. While they doused everything, and everyone, in holy water, it is reported that the voice just laughed at this. Right after the "ghost buster" would promise the schools head-master "Your school is, now free of any spirit activity", that everyone watched as, from the vacant head-masters office, an office chair flung itself from a window, to the pavement below. When the head-master removed the payment document, from the "ghost-busters" hand, and tore up the document, the "ghost buster" made a move, which no loyal, British subject, would make. The "ghost buster" turned their "ray gun", on the imperial flag, and torched the fabric. They departed the school, saying "Explain THAT to her majesty, IF you can." When G.S.2 arrived, at the school grounds, none of us knew why, but G.S.2's auto-defenses came on-line, the machine guns deployed, and the computer went into "search mode". When we asked our pilots, the men would say "We KNOW we are being watched, but from where? And by WHOM?" While the search lasers found no "targets", the pilots had us just sit tight, until the auto-defenses decided that there was no more threat. Only when the computer could define no threat, did the gun turrets retract, into the planes body. It was not, however, until Tami and I de-planed, that the head-master informed us "Yes, the constables report the exact same feeling, every time they visit. There is a "sense" of danger, here. A danger, which has, not, been felt, in the past. I am at a loss, to explain it." After Tami and I took part, in the normal rituals, of proper, British, society, I began to check out the property, while Tami interviewed the staff. Boy! Did Tami get an "ear full"! Especially pertaining to that so-called "ghost buster". Several staff members would suggest "That person only made matters worse." While Tami was conducting these interviews, I was checking on some "ponds". The staff referred to these as "horticulural educational units", and informed me that, normally, the ponds were three feet deep, of water. When I asked what could cause the ponds to dry into mud packs, staff were quick to say "It was that "ghost buster". The ponds did not dry up until they splashed that water, all over the place." When I asked the same question, which Tami was asking. The question of HOW staff knew it was "Holy Water", staff would say "That is what that "person" SAID it was." While no one, whom Tami spoke with, would admit even considering "snatching" a sample, of the "Holy Water", a gardener would show ME a vial, saying "Nothing happens, with the landscape, which I am not aware of. I was just preparing to send the sample off, for analysis." When I would ask "May I have the sample. Our plane is, fully equipped. You can even watch the results, as they come in." When I poured part, of the containers contents, into our analyzer, than Tami keyed in the program, it was only moments before the computer read out "No match, for any, known, church use, of Holy Water". The machine then churned, for another hour, before displaying the results, of the tests. When the results printed out, the gardener was the first to say "Blimey! No wonder that stuff irritated the skin, of those it was splashed on." The schools infirmary, soon, verified that several cases, of skin irritation, had come to light, since the "ghost busters" visit. The nurse verified that she had been using bases, such as skin creams, to soothe the irritation. As for the so-called "blessing/chant", which the "ghost buster" had used, the music teacher would verify that it was, in fact, a mismash, of various songs, all jumbled together. Tami would be left to report, to the Brown Agency "Primary report. Events, at school, caused staff to call in "ghost buster", while British law detained our ship. "Ghost buster" used a useless variation, of over a dozen, classic, songs, as well as mildly acidic water, to "prove" the presense, of spirits. Primary investigation suggests that spirits more active, than ever, due to the insults, perceived, from the fake "ghost buster". Primary diagnosis: These spirits will take LONGER, to communicate with, since they have been angered, by humans." While Tami was making this report, I asked the kitchen staff WHY a spirit would throw food out the windows, and tamper with the ovens. This, I asked as I assisted in the latest clean up. When a cook would say "I really dont know. I mean. This food might not be perfect, but it IS better than some I have eaten, in the past." It was not, however, until I inquired, of the HEAD chef, that this man took a closer look, and sniff, of the discharged food. When the cook would say "Its alright, for them, sir?" The chef surprised the cook, when the chef would say "Serve this food, to the pupils, and watch hospital fill up, with stomach cases." When I would ask "Sir, what would the problem happen to be?" The chef would say "To your un-trained, pallet, sir, this is just day-old food. To MY educated pallet, this food is rotten." When the cook would say "Impossible. These edibles were only received, yesterday. It cannot be spoilled!" When the chef would ask "Did our normal supplier provide these staples?" The cook would say "No, sir. The accounts department had us switch to another source. Better prices". When the chef would say "Throw it all out. I will NOT serve this rubbish, to pupils. I would send them to McDonalds, instead." Okay, so the food was not exactly "five star". So what? American schools often served far LOWER "quality" "food", to pupils. Then I remembered where we were. This was not just a "primary" school. It was the place, where future rulers were trained, in the finest traditions, of British etiquette. Graduating from THIS school, for Britons, would equal graduating from Harvard, or Yale, for Americans. No wonder the chef was "up in arms", over the ingredients. When Tami and I sat in, SILENTLY, on the meeting, between staff, and management, the head-master would inform the chef "It is true, that our institution has been required, to make certain economies." When the chef would say "Governor, the empires finest have attended this school, for centuries. How might we justify serving lower-grade food, to persons who, one day, will LEAD the British Empire?" The head-master would suggest "On the matter of economies, I am prepared to inform you that further economies will be required. The New World Order is costing the empire more than predicted. If we are not judicious, in our practices, this school might end up financially embarrassing the empire." Yes, even Tami and I understood how the New World Order, was ripping nations, and even homes, apart. Management was, constantly, saying "Do more work, but with NO resources." When labor would ask "HOW are we supposed to do MORE, without any resources?" Mangement would say "Figure it out." Yes, many of our own relatives were scraping, just to meet expenses. Everyone was clinging to the promise that, "Eventually, the economy will right itself. It will just take TIME." What no one would commit to was the quetion of "How much TIME, before the economy returns?" Once the "meeting" was completed, and the chef had resigned, over the fact that the head-master wanted five-star cuisine, on a bread-line budget, Tami and I would move forth, among the staff, asking if the recent economies had made for changes. An older maid, who had served, for decades, would mention "Now that I consider the matter, I HAVE been aware, of increases, in spectral activity." When Tami would ask "Before, or after, the latest economies?" The maid would say "After. Definitely after." While the maid was explaining, to Tami, about having to "make due", with fewer maids, the gardener was informing me, about the grounds. "Yes, good sir. I have noticed changes, as well. Not that I have much time, to contemplate." When I asked the obviously, senior citizen "Due to health?" The man would say "Never, sir. It is only that, with recent economies, each, of the remaining workers, must perform the duties, of three, or four, workers. I must maintain a constant vigil." When I met Tami, back at G.S.2, she confirmed "As far as I can understand, at this point, it would seem that the New World Order, is proving to be a "death nail", for the school." When I would ask "Specify." Tami would say "My research indicates that the very industries, which had, once, made various nations "powerhouses", in the old world, are either vanishing, or becoming federal subsidies. Too many robots, doing human jobs, and too many humans, draining social services." When I would suggest "Allow me to estimate. Since robots pay NO payroll taxes, buy NO homes, drive NO cars, and do NOT eat out, the economy is bottoming out. Taxes are drying up." Tami would add "As is support, for such institutions, as the academy. The enormous profits, which the computer experts promised management, have FAILED to be realized. It is just like America. For every job, cut, five others vanish, as well." I would suggest "The computer programmers just cannot understand that un-employed people have NO spending power." Since I was certain that, by this time, my partner had performed a financial base-line, on the academy, I would ask "What does the countdown look like?" Tami would say "Five more years, and the academy will begin operating in the "red". Twenty, and the place will close." Tami would, then, add "You know, of all of the people I have spoken with, here, none seems really un-happy. Even with the budget cuts. I would consider that many peple feel this place IS home." When I would ask "If the people are so proud of this place, WHY is food being thrown out of windows?" Tami would add "WHY was the head-masters chair thrown from a window, as well?" Tami would say "I wish we could speak with the spirits, sooner, rather than later. I would be interested in the spirits rationale, for their actions." Well, thanks to the "ghost buster", our task was made even more difficult, since we would have to DRAW OUT the annoyed spirits. Whille I began surveying the property, Tami went about examining the records. Her hope was to find out what the spirits cared about, in life. If she could learn what the spirits were most fond of, my partner thought that she could use this, to entice the spirits to communicate. (We, BOTH, cursed the "war on terror", since it made our job so much harder. Atleast in America, we had only the watchful eye, of the U.S. Air Force, watching our every move. In Europe, thanks to rumor, and gossip, our actions were triple hindered. Mostly due to suspicion). Yes, thanks to the White House, and Capital Hill, constantly saying "There is the POTENTIAL, the POSSIBLE, for trouble", our international efforts were hindered, on a regular basis. Even Tami's own family had "bought" into the idea that "danger is everywhere", but only until Tami reminded her family "America has been in "danger", of attack, since 1776. The British were NOT happy, when the colonies declared independence. Neither were the Canadians happy, when the new nation, of America, attacked Canada, in 1812. Add in the Civil War, French and Indian War, World War One, World War Two, and so on, and America had been under "threat" of attack, for maybe 227 years. Yet, as Tami reminded her family "We, still, go to work, raise families, attend school.". Once her family realized this, her family breathed a sigh of relief. Now, if ONLY Americans could encourage our "government" to stop seeing "bad guys, in every shadow", the nation would be much better off. For that matter, so would the rest of the world. As for Tami and I, our job would be WAY easier, if rumors, and gossip, stopped flying. It was based upon these very types of suspicions, that our work was even more difficult. It would seem, however, that Tami received a "caller", on-board our plane. A "very distinguished gentleman", by Tami's report. While I was out, surveying the land, for any signs of past activity, a man, referring to himself as something like "head butler" would visit Tami, on-board our plane. The man was most proper in stating: "Standards have, most definitely, been allowed to decline, since my time. When I served their majesties, everything was in its place. Students were held in check, by proper, disciplinary, practices, and the staff were among the finest personnel, which the royal empire could acquire." When Tami would ask the man "Is this why your specter remains in residence? You feel that "standards" hav become far too relaxed?" The man would ask "What standards? Upon viewing the recent, student, population, I am quite certain that their majesties would take great offense, if they visited this academy. I had NEVER heard such "language", in ALL my years of service. These ruffians are making a mockery out of proper gentry." When Tami would ask "WHY have you been throwing food out, of windows, and flaring ovens?" The gentleman would say "Pardon my directness, dear girl, however, it is neither myself, nor any school staff, which is perpetrating such un-savory activities." When Tami would ask "Will you inform me of the specters identities?" The gentleman would say "The souls, which you refer to are the souls, of the very ruffians, whom I am referring to. The pupils, who have no respect, for tradition. No respect for elders. No respect, period." When Tami would ask "Classical spirits?" The gentleman would say "Hardly. These souls have only become active, recently, since they have only been departed for, at most, ten years." When Tami would ask "I dont understand. If they died a decade ago, WHY are they just appearring, now?" The gentleman would say "As with any occupation, becoming a spirit is a learning process. After all, butlers do not just show up, for work. Neither do engineers." When Tami would ask "What do you know, in regards to the spirits specific information?" The gentleman would say "These spirits have no respect, even for the departed. One boy, in particular, was so fussy, in his eating habits, that his parents had to charged additrional tuition, to cover his diet. The family, you understand, were raised to consume only the FINEST, of delicacies." When Tami would ask "Anyone else?" The gentleman would say "There was Roger. Son of the Duke of Shroudshire. Sent to the academy, to learn manners, after being ejected from three, other, schools. Quite an arrogant one, he was. Staff were compelled to drag the young man out, of bed, each morning, dress him, and WALK him, to each class. If it were my place to suggest, I would have recommended the "beast" being inducted into a reformatory. Loved to cause trouble." When Tami asked "What happened to him?" The gentleman would say "Understand that this information is not verified." When Tami would say "I understand", the gentleman would say "Hushed whispers suggest that Roger met his end in a ladies bedroom. It is suggested that the ladies betrothed discovered his mate, in a "compromising position", with Roger, and terminated Rogers existance." When Tami would ask "Any others?" The gentleman would only add a few dozen names, to the list. Most of whom, if remaining alive, were in prison, while the others were remaining in residence, at the academy, since this was the ONLY "home" they ever knew. Then, of course, the gentleman would say "There are the staff. We have continued our vigil, over the academy, for centuries. **I** am among the "youngest" of the deceased staff, who observes activities on the property." By the time Tami was completing this conversation, I came upon information, which, if true, would spell the end of the "ghost busters" career. It turns out that, after "curing" the academy, the "ghost buster" had, without the academy's knowledge, or consent, used the academy's name, as a reference, in order to gain entry into a stately mansion. It seems that the "ghost buster" had viewed too many "possession" movies, since he took one look, at a person, with an illness, and, instead of just splashing the victim, the fool POURED an entire vial, of the "Holy Water", on the victim. The victims family, then had been required to rush the victim to hospital, where the person was being treated, for chemical burns. Back at G.S.2, when Tami would ask the gentleman "Would you arrange a meeting, with Roger, for me?" The gentleman would counter with "Dear girl, the ONLY thing Roger should have a "meeting" with, is the school lash. IN MY day, dis-obedient pupils were taught MANNERS. Most by instructors, yet a few, by the lash." When Tami became curious, asking "Was th lash ever useed, on YOU?" The gentleman would proclaim "Only once, dear girl.", then added "I performed the most improper activity, of inappropriate entry, to the females shower room." When Tami said "Really". The gentleman would say "What would one expect, from a teenage boy. I received two lashes, and a month, of extra duty, around, around the property." The gentleman went into a whisper as he would tell Tami "Dont tell anyone I said so, however, it was worth the lashes, to see those un-clad females." Tami would think 'Typical teenage boy'. When she brought the conversation back on track, asking "What was your term of service, at the academy?" The gentleman would say "My parents admitted me, when I was eleven. My father wanted me to be trained, to take his place, when he retired, from the royal military. Fine record, of service my family had. Two, of my ancestors, even served with the Romans, when the empire invaded England. My grand-father served, as did my father. Only two generations, of the family, did NOT serve their majesties." Tami would ask "Did the rejects do something, to offend their majesties?" The gentleman would smile as he said "Childhood accidents. I think it was Sir Alfred, whose leg was, permanently damaged, in a riding accident. His father wanted Sir Alfred to learn to ride, so that the boy could join the mounted units. No one expected the horse to go down, breaking Sir Alfreds leg, in too many places, to heal correctly." When Tami asked "The other?" The gentleman would say "Farming accident. Father wanted to teach son what would grow, in various types of soil. Thought a soldier should know this, in case stationed, inside a foreign nation." When Tami asked "The outcome?" The gentlean would say "While father and son were working on farm machinery, the equipment went beyond their control, and severely injured the boy. Three doctors promounced that the boy would be home-bound, for years, maybe decades, to come." When Tami would ask "You did not serve?" The gentleman would say "By the time graduation was upon me, I had served enough time, on the household staff, mostly for peeking into windows, that I was offered a position. While other, young, men went off, to the wars, I was assigned to a combination of cleaning staff, and to keep clear, and accurate, records, of every, wounded, soldier, who passed through the academy's gates." While Tami was chatting with this spirit, I was investigating another case, of spiritual delinquency. This time, in regards to the groundskeepers equipment. As a groundskeeper, named Edmond, informed me, in the "past", "shenanigans" were limited to moving tools about, as well as the occassional name plate being switched. As Edmond informed me "From the time of my employment, I have been informed that the spirits do, at times, like to move hand tools around. A wrench, here. A screwdriver, there. Occassionally, a spanner (monkey wrench). From time to time, fertilizer, or seeds, are moved about. Since that bloody "ghost buster" "blasted" the bloody place, however, this is what has been happening." Before my eyes sat riding mowers, sitting upside down. Table-saws, with blades bent, at up to a ninety degree angle, and a mounted jigsaw, tipped on its end. When I asked Edmond the obvious question "Would it be possible for a group, of students, to pick the locks, and enter this space?" Edmond would say "Aye, that had occurred to me, as well. Some of the locks, on the academy, are centuries old. What I want you to explain to me is HOW the lads, or even the lassies, could have LIFTED this equipment, to turn it over. This stuff weighs a blooming ton, if it weighs an ounce" When I examined the machines, myself, I found that the machines were as real as G.S.2. No way even a group, of pupils, could lift could lift this stuff. (What was the point of standing everything on its "head"?) When I brought these questions, to Tami, and her spectral visitor, the gentleman would say "I KNOW to whom you should make these inquiries." With that, he vanished. Maybe twenty minutes later, a fierce-looking woman, with a Vikings build, "reported" to G.S.2, saying "It has been reported that there is a lapse, of discipline, on these grounds. You will state the nature, of the lapse, and I willl act accordingly." When Tami would ask "Madam, may I know your name?" The woman would say "Where are MY manners. Helga is the name. Disciplinary Administrator is my title. It is my position, with the academy, to enforce discipline, and punishment." When I would bow, before Helga, suggesting "Helga, if you would, please, follow my lead. It would be easier to allow you to view the damage". It would seem that Helga had only just arrived, at the supply shed, when she would stop, look around, and say "Henry's work, for sure." When I would ask "Henry Who?" Helga would correct me, saying "Im-proper use of language. I will let it lie, since Stanley recommended I visit you." When I would ask "May I inquire how you are aware of Henry's capers?" Helga would say "Young man, I spent YEARS attempting to instill proper manners in that boy." When I would suggest "Was Henry an extremely difficult case?" Helga would say "I spent decades, trying to encourage proper behavior, in that boy." When I would suggest "I take it that your efforts were not, entirely, successful. Helga would say "Worse. By the time the academy terminated his attendence, he was so incourigable that it is no wonder that he ended up in prison." When I would suggest "Might it, also, be possible that Henry was responsible, for the head-masters chair smashing out a window?" Helga was matter-of-fact as she said "That would be an error in judgement." When I asked "How so?" Helga would say "Crystal was the girl who, during her time, at the academy, her parents had to be billed, multiple times, for replacement windows." When I asked "What was Crystals reason, for this action?" Helga would say "While Crystal denied remembering any of the incidents, atleast one medic suggested that the girl was having "spells". What your generation refers to as "seizures"." When I asked "Was the medic correct, in the diagnosis?" Helga would say "It is impossible to be certain, however, once the medic instructed the academy, to begin giving Crystal daily doses, of some compound, Crystal all-but-ceased the destruction." When I asked "You said "All-but". May I ask your definition?" Helga would say "During the remainder, of Crystals time, at the academy, her daily doses, of the compound resulted in a decrease, in destruction, of about 90%." When I asked "When were Crystal, and Henry, students, at the academy?" Helga would say "Let me think. Was it before, or after, those thugs, declared independence?" When I asked "To which thugs to you refer?" Helga would say "You might not know them. Names like Washington, Jefferson, Adams. Thugs, all of them." When I would ask "Why do you refer to these men, as "thugs"?" Helga would say "Young man, WHO do you think made the colonies possible? Who financed the ships, which carried the colonists? Who financed the soldiers, who kept the peace, from 1492, until the 1770's?" When I would suggest "Business interests?" Helga would say "Young man. Might I suggest that you brush up, on your history." When I would agree, then ask "Who was the financier, of the voyages?" Helga seemed to puff herself up, as she proclaimed "Their royal majesties. The kings, and queens, of Spain, and England. Had it not been for substantial loans, from the royal treasuries, the thirteen colonies would, never, have existed. Then, after centuries, of support, and supplies, those ruffians decided to declare themselves EQUAL to European royalty. Declaring Independence from the very motherland which created, and nurtured, them." (Okay, so the English viewed America's Declaration of Independence DIFFERENTLY than the thirteen colonies did.) When I realized that this was one of those potato/po-tah-to, black/brown/ebony, white/caucasian types of issues, I decided to move Helga back on track. She was, obviously, dead loyal to their majesties. What Tami and I were tasked with was discovering those who were committing the vandalism. After thanking Helga, bowing before the lady/spirit, then returning to G.S.2, with the information, on Crystal, Tami would inform me "That fits with what I have found, so far. Records show that a female student went into "seizures", and, when in a "seizurees", the girl threw objects out, through window glass. Records show that staff remained baffled, for an extended time, since the girl, obviously this Crystal, could only lift the objects, while in a "fit". The record shows that the drug, which the girl was given had the following ingredients." When Tami and I reviewed the list, which had been translated, from classical English, to modern, by the Brown Agency, we found some "old friends". "Friends", such as Marijuanna, Cocaine, L.S.D., and Speed. The proportions were amazing, though. According to a Brown Agency physician "If this "recipe" is correct, including the addition of two chemicals, which SHOULD be deadly, to the human body, it would seem that this compound actually balanced the childs brain chemistry. In a proper dosage, it would calm certain parts, of the brain, while causing other parts to work more efficiently." When Tami would ask "You said two, DEADLY, chemicals?" The doctor would say "If taken in, say, a table-spoonful, or more, even calling 9-1-1 would not bring help, fast enough. This mixture, though. It seems to use the trace amounts, of the deadly chemicals, to "flush", for lack of a better term, an over abundance, of other chemicals, out of a patients system." When I would suggest "It sounds like you are saying that the dealy chemicals act like drain cleaner, in a clogged drain." The physician would say "Essentially correct. The poisons flushed the girls system, then the Cocaine, Marijuana, and L.S.D. balanced the brain functions. By the way, WHEN was this mixture, and recipe, provided to the academy?" Tami would say "Maybe around 1450, to 1475." When the physician would say "Impossible!" and Mr. Brown would ask "Why is it impossible?" The doctor would say "These kinds, of equations, and blends, did not come into even experimental use, until the 1960's. No one was using this combination, in the 15th century. This HAS to be a fraud" When Tami would mention "We received the recipe, directly from the spirit, of a former academy, employee." When Mr. Brown would ask "Does the record show how "stable" the girls reaction was?" Tami could, only, say "From what we have learned, so far, the mixture tempered the girls attitude to the point where, instead of daily, or weekly outbursts, the girl only had outbursts about every six months. Mostly while studying for final exams." (Ironically, EVERYONE, on the line, agreed, that "finals" are stressful enough to push ANY-one "over-the-edge".) In Crystals case, "finals" were a time when the girl was given a private room. This made it easier for staff to monitor her activities, and to sense on-coming "spells". Even so, this left the question of "WHY was Crystal still on the property?" The answer, to this question, came from both the living, and the dead. Both groups informed Tami and I that the academy was the best "home", they ever had. For the pupils, of "jet-setting" parents, the academy was the one place where the young remained, for any length of time. The only place where people paid attention. If these pupils were to be believed, it seems that their parents were, constantly "on the move". Constantly trading up to bigger and better. Parents just had no TIME, to spend with children. Result: Academy staff became "substitute parents". This is why alumni were so dependable, when it came to donations. To graduates, the academy WAS home. Deceased students agreed with this conclusion. For centuries, the academy was HOME. Deceased staff also agreed with this conclusion. According to deceased staff, even back, in the days, when both blacks AND whites, could be bound, into "indentured servitude", the spirits agreed that the academy was so much better than any home they came out of. This is why so many workers stayed on, even after freedom had been "purchased". It would seem that the modern, long term, economical, downturn, was, by NO means, the first down turn, in history. Over the centuries, the GREED, of the wealthy, had "crashed" economies, leading to the public losing everything, while the rich just relaxed, until governments "fixed" the markets. During these, hard, economic, times, families, regularly, sold members, to pay off debts. While the impoverished were, never, given cash, the purchaser would pay off a family's debt, in exchange for the slavery, of a family member. It was NOT that families did not work HARD. In fact, in the centuries, before public school, and child-labor laws, children, frequently, worked right alongside adults. The problem was that, with no laws, governing payment, of wages, employers could "pay" workers any amount that management CHOSE to pay. In the case, of child-labor, the parents were paid the childs wages. If a family was in debt, the childs, and parents, wages, were paid, directly, to creditor. With living conditions being even WORSE, than modern garbage dumps, there was very little objection, when members were sold into the slavery of "Indentured Servitude". Servants did not complain, for two reasons. One being that it was perfectly legal for a purchaser to whip a slave, into obedience (regardless of the slaves gender, or race). The other reason was that, when many slaves saw how much better life was, on owners property, the slaves might have paid off debts, and purchased their own freedom, however, with the images, of filthy "shelters", burned into their memories, workers felt no desire to return to former homes. And, yes, the records did confirm that, over the centuries, that the academy DID purchase hundreds of people. Mostly as support staff. Hardly ever, however, was the whip needed. As the spirit, of a former housekeeper, had remarked "WHY should we try to leave a place, which was so pleasant?" When Tami would ask "What about beating slaves, for mis-conduct?" The housekeeper would reply "Young lady. You watch way too much television. Had you lived, in MY day, you would have been happy to find such a gracious place to work. In truth, I never felt much like a slave. I was NOT dragged away, or raped. Dont ask me WHERE television got the idea, that owners treated us like trash." When Tami suggested "Boost the ratings, by showing viewers violent images." The housekeeper would say "If THAT is your idea, of entertainment, I will take Willliam Shakespeare any day." In Tami's next report, to the Brown Agency, she would report "Most of the spirits, which we have encountered, so far, seem most polite, and cooperative. In fact, if I were not aware that some are deceased, I might consider them friends. Still having trouble trying to track down Henry, the Prankster. The man the entire staff believes is responsible, for equipment tampering. As for Crystal, after three days, of trying to track her, I have decided that, when SHE wants to "talk", I will let her come to the plane. As a normal course, of note, the shape, of our plane, continues to frighten the younger pupils, but only after dark. It seems that our stealth shape does, in fact, resemble a bat. Update on case: The groundkeeper (the LIVING one), has invented a great idea, to prevent G.S.2 from scaring children, after dark. Scenery lighting has been connected, to the academy's power-plant, and turns our "ominous" shape into that of a black bird, after dark. While I, myself, am pretty sure that the culprit was Henry, I have no proof, even on digital video. The reason why I think that Henry was responsible, for the attempted tipping over, of G.S.2 is because such activity fits his M.O. What Henry just did not count upon was G.S.2's automatic levelling system. When the bomber is on the ground, the on-board computer uses an electronic gyroscope to keep the bomber level, on up to a sixty degree angle. When spirit Henry tried to tip the plane over, the computer "dug in", and would not let the plane tip more than fifteen degree's. When Crystal, eventually, came forward, to Tami, it seems that the girls first question was "Will I be required to depart the academy?" When Tami asked the girl "Dont you want to go home? Or, to Heaven?" Crystal would say "Nothing to go home, to. Heaven spooked me, even when I was alive. I mean, what happens when I go before the arch-angel, Gabriel? What if I have not dont enough good deeds? What if I am not "perfect" enough, to meet Heavens standards?" When Tami would ask "Is THAT why you remain on school grounds? The school is familiar, to you." Crystal would say "Despite my actions, this is the closest place, to "home", that I, ever, knew." While human, and spirit, were discussing what it would be like, trying to enter Heaven, I was having a bit of a time, with Henry. It seems that, when Henry decided to make contact, he was determined that it would be on HIS terms. Namely, he placed a noose-trap close to my most recent work area. An area which I THOUGHT I had checked, for any traps. It was not until I stepped into the trap, and found myself hanging upside down, from a tree limb, that Henry decided to appear. His first remark: "After all these years, the simple things still work the best." When I would suggest "Henry, I presume". Henry would bow, gracefully, saying "At your service, my lord." When I would agree "The best traps are the simplest ones." When I would add "Mind if I talk to you, for awhile?" Henry would ask "What inquiries would you like to make?" I would start with "Have YOU ever been in this position, before. I mean, upside down, in a tree?" Henry would say "Only once. I used my head, and was free, inside five minutes." This is when I would suggest "So, this is an intelligence test." Henry would say "Correct". Thankfully, Tami and I had made a point of getting even more into shape, than ever. This since we spent so much time, covering cases. We HAD to be in athletic shape, to do our job. This is why I was able to impress Henry, by scisoring my body, grabbing the rope, climbing to the tree branch, un-tying myself, then climbing down a tree, for the first time, in decades. Once on the ground, Henry would inform me "I am aware that you seek an audience, with myself. I am curious, as to your intention. Why would you want to inquire of me?" I would inform Henry "I am curious as to the reason why you have remained on the property, after your death." Henry lost his cockiness, as he said "I have no other home. This is all I know." When I said "thats fine, but WHY the tipping, and mis-placing, of equipment, and tools?" Henry would say "It is to remind staff that I am among them." When I would suggest a "Thinking of You" card, Henry would remind me "Last time I checked, spirits dont shop at Hallmark. TRY getting a clerks attention, when you are a ghost. I dare you." When I asked about the tipped over machines, Henry would say "That creep, with the zapper. The one in that funny suit." When I would suggest "The ghost buster?" Henry would say "Whatever he is, or was, after he zapped me, with that THING, it threw off my field of energy. For awhile, it was really spooky. If I LOOKED at an object, and remembered the pain that zapper caused, the next thing I knew, the object I was looking at would flip over." When I verified "And this ONLY happened, after you were zapped, correct?" Henry would say "Tell the head-master that thing STUNG! I could not control my actions, for almost twelve, of your hours." When I asked "Have the effects worn off, yet?" Henry would say "We have been conversing, for awhile, and I have been focused, on you. You have not flipped over, so I would say the effects are past." When I asked Henry "Would you consider moving on, maybe to Heaven, if given the chance?" Henry would look about the property, saying "Im not sure I would fit in, in Heaven. I mean, I am NOT a "bad" person. I just like attention. What if the Lord does not want any "competition", in his realm?" When I convinced Henry to join me, back at the plane, Henry sat next to Crystal, as Tami tried to explain that our plain was for the living. Both spirits, however, had been raised on Bible stories, which said that Heaven was a place, where only the "perfect" spent eternity. Henry would, even mention "I remember that my mother was told, by a village priest, that she could, NEVER get into Heaven, since her eyesight was bad. After my father was hurt, in an accident, and could not work, any longer, the same, village, priest, informed my father that he, too, could not go to Heaven. That Heaven was a place, only for the PERFECT." Crystal would add "While the scriptures say "Honor thy mother and thy father", I am afraid that I am lacking, in BOTH these areas. I just wanted my own life. I suppose I will not be allowed into Heaven, either. That is why I stay. No one is telling me I MUST leave school property." The four of us heard Mother Superiors hearty laugh, even before the nun appearred. When the spirits saw the nun, and backed away, saying "Mother Superior, forgive us for not noticing you, sooner." The nun would say "You have nothing to apologize for. I just wanted to hear from your HEARTS, before coming to see you." When Henry would ask "What awaits us, when we go before Gabriel?" The nun would say "I have checked your records. While neither of you is "perfect", I can promise you that Gabriel has allowed far worse to enter the gates." When Henry would ask "Will we be forgotten, if we decide to go?" Mother Superior would only say "You have, each, left your "mark". Do not worry. You are a part of academy history." When Tami would ask the nun "Will you be taking the remainder, of the spirit staff, as well?" Mother Superior would say "At this time, the Chairman has sent me ONLY to collect these two. I have no other orders, at this time." Just before the three spirits were to depart, we hard an odd ringing. Something like a fax machine. When Mother Superior would seem to listen to something, she would say "New Orders, coming in." A moment later, several, additional, spirit pupils, most of whom had gone on, to live full, rich lives, only returning to the place they called "home", upon their demise, appearred, on the plane, and Mother Superior, in her normal fashion, would gesture "Come along. Plenty of room. Your families await your arrival." Mother Superior would, then inform us "The Chairman sends his regards. While he is in no hurry, he awaits your arrival, WHEN your times come. It seems he wants to meet two, of his favorite "helpers", SOME-day." Final case-file update: With Crystal, and Henry, having gone to their fates, the academy has returned to its normal operations. The place has become so quiet that even Tami and I are afraid to make a sound. Order, and routine, have returned. Spirits, of deceased pupils, have been processed, and we forsee no problems, in the near future. When Tami transmitted this report, we had, long since, learned NOT to expect any down time. No, Mr. Brown would, soon, be on the link, and a new case would arrive. Sure enough, just five minutes after Tami hit transmit, Mr. Brown would send us our latest case. The way Mr. Brown would say "You are NOT going to believe this, but this, latest, case involves locating something called "Crystal Cathedral". Mr. Brown would be quick to add "No, I do NOT mean Cheyenne Mountain's "Crystal Palace", command center. Atleast, I dont THINK that NORAD is involved. If I understand the file, myself, someone thinks there is, actually, a crystal cathedral, in THIS world. The client is willing to pay us to find this place." When Tami would ask "I thought we were your resident "ghost busters", what changed?" Mr. Brown would say "It seems this was another referral. This time, it was Dublin, which referred the client." G.S.2 was, still, well within British air space, when the course change came through. While we remained under orders to fly AROUND London, and Buckingham Palace, our flight path would be taking us north, anyway. (Buckingham Palace, and the royal family, remained safe, from the RUMOR of potential attack). Too bad we were a PRIVATE plane. If we were commercial, I would bet we would have enough frequent-flyer miles, to buy a state. Life, and work, goes on...

COULD HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

COULD HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF? As readers will remember, in Decision 2000, many, predominantly, low-income, and ethnic minority, areas, of the United States, polling places were shorted, by hundreds of thousands, of ballots. This, while voters were supplied ONLY slips, of paper, to cast votes on. Slips of paper, which, were, then compacted, into trash bags, and never counted, since the ballots were not official. When George Walker Bush INSISTED that he "won" the election, the man thought that, once he DEMANDED to take to "Oath of Office", that all resistence, to his term , in office, would dissolve. Problem was, the American people, and the world, in general, did NOT agree with Mr. Bush. As a result, there are many Americans, who retain the belief that, in order to SILENCE all opposition, to his term, in office, that it was Mr. Bush, NOT Osama Bin Laden (The scape goat), who was responsible, for September 11, 2001. It should be noted that, shortly after this disaster, that Mr. Bush was VERY QUICK to announce, to Americans "Either you stand with ME, or you are a terrorist sympathizer". As a result, Mr. Bush became, to Americans, and the world, in general "Public Enemy No. 1". Since this time, America has spent sixteen YEARS, and countless American, and Islamic, bodies, fighting an UN-specified "war", against an UN-specified "enemy", for an UN-specified "goal". And, now we have Donald Trump. A self-financing, multi-millionairre, who MIGHT have won electoral college votes, but NOT the hearts, of Americans. Now, Mr. Trump is loading his White House cabinet, with people such as leaders, of the Ku Klux Klan, as well as others, who support both radical religion, and radical, military, action. Mr. Trump has, not only been rejected, by the American people, but, also, by the government, of Great Britain. How many more nations will reject Mr. Trump, is hard to say. The question is: With the American people denouncing Mr. Trump, as well as Great Britain, is it possible that, like 2001, when, after months, of heated debate, that Mr. Bush silenced his critics, following the events of that horrific September day, that America may be following that exact SAME path, heading into 2017? If the American people continue to denounce Mr. Trump, stating "He is NOT our president." Could we be looking at a complete REPEAT, of 2001? Just how FAR would the party be willing, to go, in order to ensure that Mr. Trump remains in office, until 2025? What limits will Mr. Trump set, in retaliating against those who do NOT accept him, as "leader"? If Americans remain vocal, in our opposition, to Mr. Trump, COULD we be looking at a repeat, of September 11th, 2001? Could we be looking at having Mr. Trump stand, at the podium, saying "Either you are with ME (as your "president"), or you are a terrorist sympathizer!" How can America DIVERT its course, away from the potential dstruction, and loss of life? Can Americans prevent history, from repeating itself? Can we avoid another September 11th, 2001? This is OUR nation. Can we, as Americans, steer the nation AWAY from disaster? Could it happen?

THE DUMBEST MOVES, IN MODERN HISTORY PART TWO

THE DUMBEST MOVES, IN MODERN HISTORY (PART TWO) While it IS true, that the American people, would suffer great hardship, under the businessman, what no one had, even, considered, was the catastrophic effect that the businessmans term, in office, would have, on America's military, and law enforcement. For example, when the COST, in supplies, for America's invasions, of the Middle East, were brought to the businessmans attention, Congress would be stunned, when the businessman would ask "Just how MUCH, of this cost, are the soldiers bearing?" When a member, of Congress, would mention "Sir, our soldiers lay their LIVES on the line, everyday, for us." The businessman would respond "I did NOT ask THAT. I asked how MUCH, of the COST the soldiers are sharing." When Congress admitted that soldiers are NOT charged, for food, ammunition, etc., the businessman would say "That changes, NOW." It would be on the next payday, for the military, that soldiers, in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other trouble spots, around the world, would receive notice, from Washington D.C. "From this time, forward, soldiers will, no-longer, receive tax-payer paid for ammunition, or other supplies. It will be each soldiers RESPONSIBILITY, to PAY for what they use." The soldiers would not know what to make of this, until they went to lunch, and found themselves signing "credit vouchers", while being told "This meal will be deducted from your pay." While soldiers thought this was just a sick joke, when soldiers reported, either for patrol, or for guard duty, and informed the armory of what kind, and how much, ammo, the soldiers needed, here, again, the soldiers had to sign "bills", agreeing that their PAY would be CHARGED, for the ammo which they used. The soldiers were about ready to REBEL, themselves when, as command sent orders, for patrols, soldiers found themselves signing the military version, of car rental contracts. The motor pool would inform the soldiers "The rental cost, of this vehicle, will be deducted from your pay". Soldiers would be astonished when, at the fuel pumps, the dispensers told the soldiers "Unless you have the money, to PAY for this gas, I am afraid that we are under new orders. If you pay for five gallons, thats all you get." When soldiers would ask "How are we supposed to patrol our sector, without fuel?", the operators, of the fuel depot would say "We are informed to tell you that this is NOT our problem. No more fuel is being dispensed, unless soldiers PAY for the fuel." When soldiers reminded command "We SERVE our country, at sub-poverty level wages, and, NOW, we are being CHARGED, for everything, from food, to fuel?" All command would say was "New administration. Washington D.C. is determined to show a profit, no matter what the COST." When invasion base "Freedom" came under attack, and requested arial support, all that command would say was "You are on your own. We have used up our months supply, of fuel, and arms. Washington D.C. says "No more supplies, until NEXT month." And, if the public thought that our invasion forces were in a desperate situation, the public knew less than half of the story. Since the businessman was determined that America show a PROFIT, before he left office, the businessman would issue another executive order. "From this point on, federal employee's will, no-longer use tax-payer resources, to fund activities. From this point, on, I am ordering that all Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, Homeland Security, the Secret Service, and other, federal, agencies, will no-longer use vouchers to cover expenses. From now on, ALL federal employees will PURCHASE ammunition, as well as other supplies, out-of-pocket. This nation will no-longer carry such debts. If agents feel the need to travel the nation, for ANY reason, each worker will cover ALL travel expenses, out of their OWN, personal, paychecks. No more "free rides". All weapons, ammunition, air travel, rental cars, meals, and so on, will be paid for, out of workers own, personal, income. This nation cannot AFFORD to cover such expenses, any-longer. This nation WILL operate, as a fully functional business, so long as I am in office. America WILL show a PROFIT, no matter what the COST. While America would lose three bases, over the next two weeks, the businessman would insist "NO additional weapons, or support, until NEXT month. Those soldiers stand, or fall, on their OWN." When the first, of the month came, and America had lost a total, of five bases, within just two weeks, the businessman would tell the Department of Defense "CHOOSE two of the bases, to re-occupy. This nation cannot AFFORD to re-occupy all five bases." This news came on the "heels" of even MORE "good" news. It seems that Homeland Security was "desperate" for funds. Not only were the Afghani's, and Iraqi's, taking advantage, of Washington D.C.'s refusal to provide support, but so were internal groups. While Homeland Security would report that the number, of threats, against the businessman, were, dangerously close, to matching the number, made against against a recent leader, when the businessman would say "Deal with it." Homeland Security would say "We need funds, to send in agents." The businessman would growl "I said NO! Tell your FAT, over-paid, workers to get out there, and stamp out these threats. NOT on the tax-payers "dime", either. Understand?" When Homeland Security would say "Yes, sir.", the agent would return to their agency, saying "No go. The man wont release a dime. He insists that we use our own, personal, resources, to do our job." As a result, while the businessman would remain in office, all that federal agencies could do was collect reports. It would, also, seem that the new month was even worse, on the front lines. Soldiers, who, normally, received monthly pay, were, instead receiving "overdue" bills, primarily for rations, consumed, during duty. (Sure, soldiers consume three, or four, times as much food as civilians do, however one must remember that, while most of us spend our days, sitting around, soldiers days are spent WALKING, MARCHING, and CARRYING AROUND as much as 100 pounds, of Ammo, and support, supplies.) Along with the "overdue" bills came the same order which a leader, from the 1980's had tried to impliment. The order of "Just ONE helping, for each soldier. NO seconds, or re-fills. One package, of rations, per soldier, per meal, and that is ALL!" In civilian terms, this would be like telling an athlete "You must run a Decathalon, but you will only eat a cracker, and a single sip, of water." While the businessman HOPED that his actions would lead to far less debt, from the invasion forces, truth was, the man ended up facing endless reports, of soldiers, REFUSING to go out, on patrol, without food, ammo, and fire-power. Afghanistan, alone, produced three, American, divisions, of soldiers, whose members were refusing to go out, on patrol, without a decent meal, ammo, and support. When the businessman would go live, on military monitors, telling soldiers "This situation is just too expensive! You MUST make do with what you HAVE. America just cannot AFFORD to provide more." Pious words, but ineffective, against hungry soldiers, who did not have any ammunition, or support. When one, international, reporter snuck into a stockaid, and interviewed soldiers, via the internet, the reporter found that the soldiers WANTED to serve, but that they needed the supplies, with which to serve. When the reporter asked about life, back home, several soldiers would report that, in order to reduce operations costs, at American bases, civilian housing had been shut down. Families were being told "Finance your OWN housing, out of YOUR pocket. This nation can no-longer AFFORD to house you." The reporter was relieved to here that atleast a few military families had been "taken in" by relatives. When the reporter asked "Any messages, for those you have left behind?" Nearly to a soldier, the group would tell the camera "Vote Democratic, in the next election!" While the public may have listened, to the nations finest, the problem was that the businessman still had executive powers. During ALL of 2018, and 2019, Congress fell just one vote short, of a veto-proof majority. The businessman would sign executive order after executive order. The businessman gave the Internal Revenue Service the same powers, which Adolf Hitler had given the Gestapo. Now, the I.R.S. could, legally, torture anyone, into confessing, to anything. Homeland Security was given the legal right simply to smash into homes, even if (evidence) was based upon nothing more than rumors. As for the public school system, when the businessman saw how much money the government was spending, on "free" lunches, for low-income children, the businessman would sign an order abolishing the lunch program. His response, to criticism "If parents want children to eat, then parents can PAY for the childrens lunches!" In reference to the problem, of how much busing children, for school, was costing the nation, the businessmans next order would be "No more free ride. Let the children WALK to school. I did! If parents want children to ride buses, let the parents PAY for the buses, fuel, and maintenance." Throughout his term, in office, the businessman would say "This nation is GOING to show a PROFIT, by the time I leave office. Is that understood?"

THE DUMBEST MOVES OF MODERN TIMES

THE DUMBEST MOVES, IN MODERN HISTORY It was obvious, that America had a businessman, NOT a "leader", in office, in 2017, when, right after taking the Oath of Office, the businessman issued a command, to Congress: "You have just ninety days, to Repeal the Affordable Care Act, or **I** will repeal this act, under my first, executive, order. This nation cannot AFFORD this liability. Private insurers will do a fine job, of insuring those, who are WILLING to PAY. Unless this Congress acts, within ninety days, **I** WILL sign the order, myself, terminating the A.C.A. If Americans want health care coverage, let it be their PERSONAL duuty, to finance this, themselves." And, this was only the beginning. While Congress worked, to modify A.C.A., the businessman would issue another order: "This nation, simply, cannot AFFORD MediCare, and MedicAid. This Congress has just thirty days, to replace these useless programs, with private-payer systems. If this Congress fails to do this, I WILL sign an executive order". Then, HOT on the heels, of this, the businessman would issue yet ANOTHER order: "This nation has carried the BURDEN, of Social Security, for far too long. Unless Congress agrees to replace Social Security, with Privatization, by January, 2018, I WILL sign yet ANOTHER executive order". When word reached Capital Hill, that the publlic was, openly, talking about Impeachment, in the event that the businessman went forward, with his plans, to initiate a THIRD invasion, in order to reduce rampant un-employment (With-OUT creating manufacturing jobs), Congress TRIED to warn the man "America is a nation, NOT a corporation. You cannot just fire citizens, then tell them to GET OUT!" The businessman would not listen. While the businessman considered his next move a "compromise", he ordered states to reduce the number, of public assistance case-loads "At ANY cost". When the states asked the man "HOW? There are no jobs. WHAT do we do, with the people?" The businessman would say "Figure it out. Consolidate. MERGE. Just get those numbers DOWN! Marry them off, if you have to. Just DO it" When my home state reviewed this suggestion, the governnment found that only 5%, of the un-employed were involved in "stable" relationships. This is when the state took the businessmans words, to heart. Only, in the worst, possible, way. Going strictly alphabetically, my state began calling in groups, of thirty males, and thirty females, at a time. Beginning with the letter "A", in family names, the state called singles into meetings. By the time the process reached the letter "C", several, of the "couples" were conversing, about the process. In order not to violate the states mandate of "Say Nothing", some couples began "not saying" things, such as "If you think you will have, or be given, time, to think, about the decision, you are wrong." When a friend, of mine, who was due, at such a meeting, in the coming week, brought me to meet some friends, I learned MORE, from what people did NOT say, than from what they DID say. When a beautiful, ebony, woman, named Jasmine, asked our source "Does the state even give people time, to TALK, before being married off?" The married lady would say "Dont be stupid. The state does not allow such conversations." After learning everything from WHERE the meetings were taking place, to the fact that marriages were being performed, by no less than a Catholic arch-bishoop, as well as learning that, anyone, declining to marry, was ordered to sign a form, ending all public assistance benefits, immediately. This is when I would summarize "Either the couples agree to marry, or lose everything." It was when some, of the single women, would wonder, aloud "Who can I find, to marry?", that I looked at the ebony Jasmine, saying "If I had my choice, I would marry YOU." When Jasmine asked "Do you mean that?" (I had no idea Jasmine was thinking the same about me). Yes, Jasmine was beautiful. From her light brown skin (Result of an ebony mother, and an ivory father), to a figure, which made me want to pant, overall of her curves. When Jasmine snuggled up, to me, asking "You mean that?" I took her into my arms, and kissed Jasmine (To the annoyingly LOUD cries, from her friends). While Jasmines family name began with the letter "G", it seems that the businessman, in Washington D.C., felt the process, of reducing caseloads, was not going FAST enough. As a result, those, of the letter "G", were called in, these people were "dumped in", with those of us, of the lettter "H". Just as the "brides" remarked "When they take you inside, be warned. The workers are about as "polite" as attack dogs." Boy! Was the woman right. The morning Jasmine and I appearred, at the meeting, the state worker might as well have been armed, with a whip and a revolver. That is how "polite" the woman was, as she BARKED at us. The way the woman went through the gathering BARKING "Are you engaged?", it is no wonder many people backed away from the worker. When the worker BARKED at me, saying "That woman, behind you. Yours?" I BARKED right back "YES! What the hell is it, to you?" The woman BARKED back "Follow me, both of you." When Jasmine and I followed the woman, the worker had us stand before a table, as she slapped forms down, before us. When I picked up a form, preparing to read it, the worker snapped "Sign, NOW!" When I snapped "Read, first, THEN sign". The worker cursed me, profanely, then said "SIGN, or lose benefits." At Jasmines urging, of saying "Perhaps we better", I would add "Ofcourse, my love." Th worker then RUSHED us before the arch-bishop, whom, I was surprised, the woman BARKED "Marry them, NOW!", at the clergy man. After the most rapid "marriage" I had, ever seen, the worker STORMED out, and another, more friendlier, woman, took us over, from the arch-bishop. (I made a point of making Jasmines, and my own, apologies, to the arch-bishop. The worker SHOULD have shown moore respect). While the second woman ASKED Jasmine and I to sign forms, stating that we had been supplied with a housing unit, as well as transportation, When Jasmine, and I asked "Where is the place? Where are the auto's?" The woman would say "No word, yet, on either. We are, still, awaiting funding". Jasmine, politely, asked "Why should we sign off on what we have not yet received?" The polite lady was about to respond when, from inside the building, Jasmine and myself, could hear the hostile worker SCREAMING at someone. (No wonder the "meetings took place BEFORE the local office opened). Even as Jasmine and I departed the property, we could, still, hear the worker SCREAMING at people. While my "wife" and I received several, post marriage mailing/surveys, from some "qwatchdog" group, after our "marriage", with all of the mailings asking how we liked our "home", and "autos" Jasmine and I answered each mailing, honestly. We remained in wait, for appropriations. In Washington D.C., the businessman was NOT happy with the pace change was taking. As a result, the man got even MORE "hands on", as he ordered all benefits cut off, for anyone NOT married, within just thirty days. When the states asked "How?" The businessman would say "Put them on trains, if you have to. Just get them OFF public assistance." While some politicians followed the businessman, his followers grew fewer and fewer, especially when 2018 arrived, and Social Security was, still, being "negotiated". It was at this point when the businessman did something which, while very potent, and profitable, in the business world, would turn him into "Public Enemy No. 1", to the American people. Making a visual display, before Congress, the businessman tore up a stack, of Social Security checks. After this, the man said "No more Social Security. DEAL with it." Only a single member, of Congress, cheered the mans actions, even as the businessman tossed the torn up checks into a waste basket. The man, an excellent show man, then asked a stunned Congress "Have I made myself CLEAR?" Congress, silently, watched. As for the $500 million, which was supposed to be alloted to the state, for married couples housing, and auto's, the state claimed that this money "Never arrived". To say that the years 2017, through 2021, were "turbulent", would be an "understatement". The more "slash-and-burn" that the businessman performed, saying "America WILL operate, as a business. We WILL cut away the waste. This nation WILL show a PROFIT, by the time I leave office. No matter what the cost. I guarantee it!" The more agressive the man became, the more the public turned on him. When the businessman decided to increase revenues, by quadrupling hunting license fee's, then multiplying motor vehicle users fee's, by a factor of ten, as well as ordering national parks to terminate free services, and access, and ordering public libraries to charge "entry" fee's, The more the man became so un-popular that, even before the mid-term elections, members, of th mans own party, DISTANCED themselves, from the man, in hopes this would aid re-election. By the mid-term elections, the businessman was considered a "plague", on the party. By 2019, the party made it known, that they were running some more "moderate" candidates, for executive office. The businessman was, politely, told "Go back to the board room." Congress was relieved, however, when, by the mid-terms, the businessman spent ALL of his time, at his various, private, properties. Even his family had the sense, to vacate the White House. By 2019, and in order to re-gain public support, the party had to promise the public that the businessman would NOT be running, for a second term. As for the question, of those, of us, who had married, under threat of loss, of benefits, Neither Congress, nor Public Assistance, nor even the Catholic Church, knew what to do. One hundred thousand people had been married off. Not for love, or family, reasons. Now, the nation had a new problem. What was the nation to do with couples, who married, ONLY under THREAT, of loss of benefits?

THE FALL GUY

THE FALL GUY (A work of fiction?) After Osama Bin Laden had been executed, as the "scape goat", for September 11th, 2001, This left the problem that, in 2017, Washington D.C. needed another "fall guy". The reason: After Hillary Clinton won an even BIGGER landslide, than Bill Clinton had, in 1992, not only did Donald Trump, openly, and publicly, refuse to accept his loss. The man went so far as to go on national television, and was arrogant enough to say "If that woman is allowed to take the Oath of Office, America is doomed. Radicals will attack America, from every direction. Only strong, Republican, leadership, will prevent these attacks." By this time, the media did not need to ask the Republican Party, for comment. It was, widely, understood that the Republicans were distancing themselves, from the "self financing" candidate. On Inauguration Day, 2017, Limo One FOLLOWED the family, as Bill and Hillary, WALKED the route, to the podium, waiving to cheering crowds, as they strode the avenue, towards the podium. This, even as Donald was trying to gain media attention, by making even more dangerous comments. The problem, which the Justice Department had, with this situation, was that "justice" could not "touch" the multi-millionairre. Even if Mr. Trump were detained, the man had enough MONEY, to make prosecution all but impossible. No, Homeland Security, and the Central Intelligence Agency, needed a "fall guy". Someone, with-OUT the resources, to defend themselves, against charges. In order to make such a "statement", to the American people, the C.I.A., and the Justice Department, would "comb through" the volumes, of threats, made against former KING George Walker Bush. Since it would seem that I was among the more VOCAL opponents, of his majesty, I would, ofcourse, be detained, on a "charge" of "suspicion". I must admit that the Central Intelligence Agency, and Homeland Security, did an excellent job, of "creating" documents, which implied that we "suspects" had plans to kidnap, torture, and even kill, Mrs. Clinton, soon after the woman took the Oath of Office. Yes, these were true "master-works". Our defiance, of KING George was, masterfully, re-directed, to imply that we intended harm, to Mrs. Clinton. Shortly after the inauguration, each of us was arrested, and brought to detention. While in detention, each of us "suspects" was presented a "choice". We could either sign confessions, skillfully created by the C.I.A., and stating that each of us intended to act, against Mrs. Clinton, or we had an alternative. Each of us could accept a "free trip", to GITMO. Once at the detainment center, each of us, not willing to sign the confessions, would face "enhanced interrogation", in order to elicit confessions. What remains questionable, atleast to me, is whether or not three, of my fellow suspects, committed suicide, or if their deaths were "assisted". All the same, it would seem that the "honor", of being the "fall guy" fell to me. This, it seems, is because I refused to answer to the charges. This, and the fact that, while the media discovered that I had a bitter opposition relationship, with KING George, that, in opposition, to this, I had a history, of regular correspondence, with the first, Clinton, White House. Result, even as Mr. Trump receeded, from the national scene, and returned to his board room, his comments, about renewed attacks, on America, continued to receive media coverage. This even amid the media question of "Would a woman (Mrs. Clinton) be STRONG enough, to give the order, to attack another nation, or group, in order to prevent attacks, on American soil?" As for the C.I.A., and Homeland Security, in a final, desperate, attempt, to "save face", these groups would RUSH my prosecution past the courts, and issue the order, sentencing me to 50 years, for "Conspiracy to Assassinate the President". As a result, of this "conviction", I would be sentenced, to fifty years in Super-Max. This while Donald Trump returned to his television, and real estate, careers. As to what became of the other detainees, all I knew was rumor. Some rumors said that the other suspects had "committed suicide", while other rumors stated that, when threatened with torture, at GITMO, the other suspects had decided to save their lives, by signing the confessions. Just like Osama Bin Laden, I had become the "fall guy". Someone to "pin the blame on", should America be attacked. Yes, a very nice set up, indeed. IF America were attacked, again, I could be blamed, and executed. There would be NO trial, or appeal. Any attack, on American soil, and I would be executed. All because Homeland Security, and the Central Intelligence Agency, needed a "fall guy."

THE RETURN OF BLACKBEARDS GHOST

THE RETURN OF BLACKBEARDS GHOST (KREE KRUE VERGO GEBBA KALTO KREE) The very, mystic, words, which had summoned the ghost, of Blackbeard, the Pirate, so long ago. The question was: COULD these words aid a new generation, in time of need? Yes, even "Ishmale" had been astounded, as the ghost had departed the shore, behind the pirate inn. Through a misty type of fog, all present, that night, on the shore, had caught vague glimpses, of Blackbeards ship, and crew. Over time, the events, of that night, had turned to legend, as the story was told, and re-told. Each retelling becoming more embellished, for the thrill of the listeners. In fact, by the time the last, of the senior ladies passed away, due to age, the last, of the senior women had laughed as she heard a version, of the tale, wherein one of her compatriots had been proposed to, that evening, by Blackbeard. The story claimed that the pirate had offered the woman "immortality", if she agreed to become his bride. My, how stories do become embellished, with the passage of time. In time, the inn, itself, would be taken apart, crated up, and stored away, as a historic treasure. While there was plenty of TALK, about re-building the inn, at another location, no one could agree upon WHERE the inn should be re-built. While some claimed it would make an excellent "tourist attraction", bringing in needed dollars, to keep the community alive. Others felt that it would be stupid to build a pirate inn, in the middle of town. These people wanted the inn re-built, along the water-front. While there were some choice properties, which would have made EXCELLENT locations, for the inn, the owner, of said property, was asking more than the city could afford. This is why there was TALK, of developing some waste land, which had set, un-used, for decades. While neither developers, nor land owners, had any problem, with this, the media would report that the COST, of making the land usable, would be equal to meeting the property owners price, for available land. This is when, for some reason, the people began to wonder what would happen, if Blackbeards ghost DID return to the area. Would the pirate scare the land owners into a realistic selling price? As if by "magic", when the city council began reviewing titles, and ownership, of the area, a "document" materialized, which seemed to be a classic treasure map. At first, everyone thought it was a fake, due to the fact that a local person, and a local restaurant, had "kids meal" "treasure maps", which followed, more or less, an old legend, about Blackbeard. The legend claimed that Blackbeard not only took a wife, but that he buried some booty, near the area. Most locals just put the story down to camp-fire tales. This since, every spot, where Blackbeard may have walked, was searched, many years before. IF the booty was stored in the classic wood, and metal, chest, which pirates were known for, then metal detectors would have picked it up "ages ago". When found, by a records staffer, the "map" would be filed away, to be returned to the business, when the clerk had time. While the next couple of days presented both plenty of rain, and plenty of opportunity, every store, that the clerk visited, all denied issuing that particular map. After all, all modern maps are made of disposable, recyclable, paper. It was only after four shops noticed that the map was written on parchment, that the clerk would wonder "Who would pay CASH, for parchment, just to print a "map", on it?" When the clerk took the parchment to the local church (One of those who was in favor of re-building the inn, by water-front ), the priest would ONLY verify that the ink APPEARRED very old. That, and the parchment APPEARRED genuine. When the clerk asked "How do I find out whose property this is?" The minister would say "Give me until sunday mass. I will mention it to my members, and see if anyone has lost it." When the clerk agreed, still, they took the parchment to the university, with the question "Could this be real, or is it just an elaborate fake?" What the clerk had no idea of was what the university student would do with this find. In fact, the university student had done such a fine job, of creating a fake copy, in the hopes of luring funding to the area, that the clerk never saw the "switch" taking place. All that the clerk knew was that, when the student ran the tests, the student told the clerk "No question. You have a "re-production" there. One of many, I would presume." After the clerk departed, looking dis-appointed, the student would smile, brightly, knowing that THEY had information, which NO one had, at the time, of the original story. While the original research started out as a punishment exercise, for failing to draw proper conclusions, on a history exam, when the student was ordered to do a complete thesis, on Blackbeard, the student had decided only to START with LOCAL records. To show the teacher that the student could do QUALITY research, the student "cast thier net" far and wide, for information, on the pirate. While most, of what returned was little more than rumor/legend, some of the leads turned into promising information. One item, which the student REALLY savored, was the story, that one, of Blackbeards wives, had stolen some of the pirates hair, then had a witch make a charm, of the hair. If the witch were being truthful, then, anytime Blackbeard was in port, his wife could control his actions. Like an animal, or a child, on a leash. It may have taken the student a few months, but they managed to locate the amulet. Using "re-directed" funds, from the university, the student had paid for the amulet (with the intention of re-paying, should Blackbeards treasure be found.) Now, thanks to the historical society, the clerk, and some well-placed payments, the student had all they needed, to summon Blackbeards ghost. The spell, the map, and the amulet. The only question left was if Blackbeards spirit was in the proximity. If it were, the student could control it. If not, the student would have to re-pay the university, out of their own, limited, resources. It was as simple, as that. While the county clerk awaited word, on the document, the student would take the document, spell, and charm, to the nearest shore-line, and repeat the words. Everyday, for a month, the student repeated the process. What the student could not understand was the reason WHY the spell worked, the first time, for the coach, yet not for the student. It was not until the student realized that Blackbeard was NOT coming, that the student called out, to the water "You coward! Why dont you show yourself! You little creep!" After this, the student recited the incantation, once more, before walking away from the waters edge. The student would curse Blackbeards name, all the way back to the university. The student knew that their only choice was to return the document, claiming that they could not translate it. It would not be until the student returned to their work area, and were preparing to close up, for the night, when they would see a worker, whom they did not recognize. When the student would ask "WHO are you?" A massive hunk, of man, dressed in pirate garb, would turn, to the student, asking "Who be YE?" When the student would say "**I** work here. WHO are you?" The pirate would ask "Would thy name be Derek?" And the student would ask "Who wants to know?" The pirate would say "Ye have summoned me, yet ye not know why?" When the student would say "Mister, either get out of here, or Ill have security throw you out." The pirate would say "Oh, will thee really. Do ye want a bar-room brawl? Tis been such a long time." When Derek would say "Either identify yourself, or I am calling security." This would be when the pirate would say "Do you think the constables will be believing ye?" When Derek would ask "What are you talking about?" The pirate would say "Kree Krew, Vergo Gebbe Kalto Kree", then add "WHY did you summon Blackbeard, from my immortal rest?" When Derek would say "Impossible! Blackbeard was a fat, drunken, sot. You, sir, have your character all wrong." When Blackbeard would draw his sword, asking "Now, matey, what were ye saying?" as the pirate held the sword to Dereks neck. While Derek thought that the pirate would not see his movement, towards the push-button alarm, Blackbeard had made his career, on piracy, by noticing details. A smile even came upon his face, as Derek pushed the button, three times. When security charged into the room, Derek was surprised when the officer asked "Whats going on? A prank?" When Derek looked at Blackbeard, saying "This looney has me, at sword-point." When Derek saw Blackbeard laughing, and asked "Whats so funny?" The guards would warn Derek "You know, prank week is not for another two weeks, yet". When Derek would call out, to the guards, asking "Dont you see him?" The guards would ask "WHO?" Derek would point at Blackbeard, saying "HIM!". The guards would say "Fun is fun, but we are going back on duty. Dont buzz, again, unless there is a real problem." After the guards left the area, Derek would ask "WHY didn't they SEE you?" Blackbeard would hand Derek the spell, saying "You never, actually, READ it did you?" When Blackbeard would shove the paper, into Dereks face, saying "READ it!", Derek would do so. Derek would do so, saying "To bring the deceased into the sight, and sound, of onesself". When Derek would say "I dont understand." Blackbeard would say "Now, who is the stupid, little pip-squeek?" When Derek looked confused, Blackbeard would "lay it out", for the student. "Even with all your fancy book-learnin, you dont understand a simple spell. It means, by thunder, that ONLY YOU can see, or hear, me." When Derek would mention "There is nothing, in the story, about that." When Blackbeard would ask "What tale do ye speak of?" Derek would relate the story of the university coach, whom Blackbeard had aided, so long ago. Blackbeard would say "A fine lad, that one was. Full of spirit. Noble as any gentleman I ever knew." Only at this point, did Derek remember the amulet. When he pointed the amulet, at Blackbeard, saying "By the power of the sorcerer, Asmodi, I command thee to do my bidding." When Blackbeard reached for the pennant, Derek would say "Did you hear me? You MUST do my bidding, as long as I hold this. You cannot harm me, either." To Dereks shock, Blackbeard reached out, took the pennant, sniffed it, then said "Its Hilda's work, alright. Tell me, young sailor, where did ye come upon this?" When Derek looked like a kindergartener, first day in class, Blackbeard would repeat his question, then, remembering the funny, new, version, of English, which the coach had used, Blackbeard would ask "Where did you FIND this trinket?" When Derek would ask "What does that matter? It is supposed to make you heel." Blackbeard would say "Make me heel?! No one makes Blackbeard heel! Do ye hear me?! No one!" When Derek would say "But, I thought that track-and-field coach had you on a short leash." Blackbeard would draw his sword, while saying "Watch thy tongue, matey. Coach Walker be a fine lad, even if he did need a wee bit, of gusto. No, I sailed, by his side, because of Aldeetha's wretched curse." When Derek would say "Sure, the curse which has bound you, in limbo, for centuries." Blackbeard would say "And I thought I was out-of-date. You, matey, are even further off-course, than I was." When Derek would ask "How is that?" Blackbeard would say "Matey, Coach Walker freed me from that dreadful curse, before you were, even, born." When Derek would say "Impossible! Aldeetha's clan had very powerful magic. No way could a mortal break her spell." Blackbeard would say "Laddie, you failed to learn the entire curse, then, did you?" When Derek would ask "WHAT entire curse?" Blackbeard would say "The curse stated that I was bound, in limbo, until I undertook some measure, or repentence." When Derek would ask "So?" Blackbeard would say "MY matey, Coach Walker, aided my quest, for eternal rest. I have performed my deed, and have been at rest, ever since." When Derek would ask "If you are "free", of the curse, then WHY have you appeared?" Blackbeard would say "I come before thine eyes, to give you this warning. Foul deeds be afoot. Thine call has brought forth another spirit. A spirit which, if not shackled, will destroy this whole area." When Derek would suggest "If I can shackle YOU, with this charm, then it will work, on any other ghost, as well." That is until Blackbeard grabbed the amulet, gave it a good rub, and sniff, then announced "Matey, thy have been shanghied. Thy have given up thy booty, for a childs trinket." Derek realized that he had been taken, when Blackbeard placed the amulet in his own pocket. The very amulet, which the seller had promised would repel, and control, the spirit. When Derek produced the map, asking the ghost "What about this treasure map. Is there, really, treasure? Or, did you tell Coach Walker the truth." Blackbeard would say "There be no treasure, around these parts. No, sir. Not one dubloon." When Derek would ask "Did you, really, spend it all, in Port Royal?" Blackbeard would correct the student, saying "I said there be no treasure, around THESE parts, and I meant that. There be no treasure, HERE!" When Derek would ask "So, WHERE IS your treasure?" Blackbeard would say "Steady, matey. Before I go giving up my treasure, I will be needing to know that thy heart is true. For what purpose do you desire the treasure?" Derek would say "Are you kidding? I could pay off my student loans, buy myself a nice home, and live off the proceeds, for the rest of my life." Blackbeard would say "Then, it is not pirate treasure you be searching for." When Derek would say "Who CARES what KIND of treasure it is? Hand over the loot, and be on your way." Blackbeard would say "Oh, dear. You have forgotten what I have informed thee of." Derek would say "Forget the fancy talk, and hand over the loot." Blackbeard would howl "Abast, ye land-lubber! Foul deeds be afoot. There will be no treasure, until ye prove thyself worthy of the booty." Over the next three weeks, and even AFTER returning the "map", to the clerk, saying it was a worthless scribble, Derek would find that he was no more "free", of Blackbeard's ghost, than Coach Walker had been, after telling the ghost to "get lost", in the tale. When Derek would, finally, tell Blackbeard "Either TELL me who this spirit is, or dry up, and get LOST!" Blackbeard would, only say "Matey, it is Ye who have called the spirit forth. Twas not of my doing". Derek would ask "Fine! If I called them up, HOW do I find them?" Blackbeard would, only, say "Not so fast, there, matey. First, I want to wet my whistle. Where be the nearest watering hole?" When Derek would say "If you mean tavern, there are four, just OFF campus." When Blackbeard went to depart, Derek would ask "WHERE are you going?" Blackbeard would say "Why, to wet me whistle, matey. Why ye be askin?" Derek would ask "How can you go out, drinking, when you dont even have any money?" Blackbbard would say "Watch me, matey." With that, Blackbeard would vanish, right THROUGH a closed door. That night, Blackbeard's ghost would make his presense known, BIG time, all across town. Everything from stealing police pistols, and a motor bike, to swiping a cruiser, while officers were collecting coffee. Atleast three taverns put in reports, saying that rum, brandy, and whiskey, bottles, had "danced" out of front doors. Blackbeard even robbed two criminals, for gambling money. Gambling money, which Blackbeard then used, in a local parlor, to run up enough winnings to buy half the town with. The old pirate even remembered the old trick, of wiring the table. The old pirate never got tired of watching the board controller "light up", when they pressed the power switch, only to be shocked, by their own device. While Derek never remembered showing Blackbeard where his place was, come morning, Derek would find himself being bumped, out of bed, as Blackbeard took the bed, for a morning sleep. (Derek was left to sleep on the sofa). When Blackbeard awoke, asking "Matey, ye have somethin for a poundin head?" Derek was about to say "Stop calling me matey", when he remembered "Wait a minute. You are a ghost. HOW can you be hung over?" That was when Blackbeard would say "Ye be right, matey." This is when Derek would say "Stop calling me "matey". My name is Derek." Blackbeard would say "Right, matey." When Derek would ask "Aside from getting drunk, did you do anything else, last night?" Blackbeard would say "Me thinks I have a clue who be here." When Derek would say "Spill", Blackbeard would ask "Spill what?" Derek would ask "Tell me what you learned, last night." When Blackbeard would ask "How about some rations, first. MY belly, she be empty as a church box." Derek would say "Would you forget about food. You are a GHOST! You cannot be hungry. Now, tell me, WHAT did you leearn?" The old pirate would say "When ye were crusing the waters, of the bay, while reciting Aldeetha's curse, it seems ye woke the spirit of old Aldeetha, herself. Her spirit be roaming these parts, in search of a life." When Derek would ask "Any life, in particular, or just anyone?" Blackbeard would say "While ye be a man, of sorts, it be your curse, which brought Aldeetha back, from the dead. It be your life she will be coming for." When Derek would say "Fine. Give me her description, and I will inform Security". Blackbeard would Howl "Abast ye! Have I not informed ye that Aldeetha be in spirit form? A ghost, like me?" Derek would ask "Okay, WHAT do I do?" Blackbeard would say "We need to find us a man of honor. A man of strength, and courage. A man, like me old ship mate, Coach Walker." When Derek would remind the ghost "Man, you have been away, for a long time, haven't you." When Blackbeard would say "Matey, if thy be insulting Blackbeard, again." Derek would say "What I mean is Coach Walker retired years ago. I doubt hes even still alive." This is when BBlackbeard would wail "By thunder! This be worse than the time I was shipwrecked, and had to give up rum, for six months." When Derek would add "Would you make sense. If Aldeetha is coming, HOW do I protect myself?" Blackbeard would say "never fear, Blackbeard is here. We shall meet this evil face-to-face. Perish if we must, but we will go out as MEN! Do ye hear me. MEN!" Derek would say "Thats fine, for you. You are already, dead. She cant harm you. I, however, am ALIVE. She can kill me." Over the next two months, while Derek made the most of his time, by searching the internet, for any informatiuon, on Aldeetha Teach, Blackbeard would spend his time out in public. While Derek had no proof, that Blackbeard was involved, the fact that a record number, of bottles, of Rum, had been disappearing, was enough proof for Derek. Blackbeard had kept atleast one promise, so far. The pirate used part, of hiws winnings, to pay back the money, which Derek had taken, for his project. While Derek was busy, at the computer, Blackbeard was busy as well. The pirate showed his "code of honor", when the only people the pirate robbed, were shoplifters, drug dealers, and even a shady banker. By the time Blackbeard reported in, to Derek, the old pirate would report "I have entered the metal case (the bank vault), and I bring disturbing news. It would seem that the lender has some dubious intentions." When Derek would ask "Like what?" The old pirate would say "There be plans, in the making, for a fire. Something called a "ware-house". 27 I believe is the number." Derek would say "Impossible. That is where the Inns parts are being stored. There are armed guards, on watch. No one could start a fire, without being noticed." Blackbeard would correct the student, saying "Lad, do ye know how simple it would be, to pass by a watch-man? I did it, plenty of times, in my day." When Derek would reemind the pirate "In YOUR day, video camera's did NOT exist. Nowadays, these camera's are everywhere." When Blackbeard would ask "Video camera's? What would these things be?" Derek would explain "Video camera's reecord visual impressions, of their field of view. These images are stored for later review." When Blackbeard would ask "Where they be stored? A strong box?" Derek would say "Try a "mainframe"" When Blackbeard would ask "A frame of main? What this be my lad?" Derek would say "Not a frame, like a picture, of window frame. We have devices, called computers, and the heart, of these devices, is the mainframe." Realizing that the pirate was, hopelessly LOST, as far as computer jargon went, Derk would say "No one can approach the warehouse, without being recorded. Niether man, nor beast." It was not until Blackbeard would ask "What about spirits?", Derek had no idea of an answer. The pirate would, also, inform Derek that there was another plan, in the works. A plan, very similar to Silky Slims original plan. At some upcoming fund-raisers, designed to raise funds, for when the inn was re-built, there was a discreet agreement, in the works. In return for what would appear to be organized crime trying to thwart fund-raising efforts, a local bank was willing to back the latest expansion, of gambling, into the state. After Blackbeard made his "report", the pirate would ask "What have ye to report, matey?" Derek would inform the pirate "There is, almost, nothing, from your day, on your wife. Just her date of birth, and the date she was burned, for witchcraft. The only "leads", if you can call them that, are from some group, claiming to be a coven. They claim to have been the enemies, of Aldeetha's coven. I will be meeting, wiith them, in a couple of days." When Derek saw Blackbeard chugging a bottle of Rum, Derek would ask "Would you cut down, on the booze! If you keep this up, you will be caught, and sent to prison." When Derek watched as Blackbeard went to a mirror, and checked his features, "Derek would ask "Why are you bothering?" Blackbeard would say "Matey! I may be a ghost, but I will look proper, while on patrol." Two days later, when Derek met with a woman, who called herself a "high priestess, of the coven", the woman would provide Derek with more information, from hand-written ledgers, than the internet could consider carrying. While the records showed that Aldeetha was no "angel", the same could be said, for the pirate. In fact, from the covens point of view, the witch, and the pirate, were "made for each other." The one piece, of "positive" "news", the woman shared, was "Our coven has been tracking Aldeetha. She has noot found a host, yet, since she neeeds a person, whose heart is as DARK as her own." When Derek would ask "In this world?" The priestess would say "Aldeetha needs a soul, as black as her own." When Derek would ask "What IF she cant find a soul?" The priestess would say "In that case, her power, in the mortal realm, would be, severely, limited." As the coven predicted, Aldeetha Teach had little patience, with the world. The woman was only willing to spend three, whole, weeks, searching, for a soul, before she decided to take on her husband, even under the restrictions, of the mortal realm. The problem was that, when the battle started, Derek found himself in the middle of the action. When Aldeetha confronted Edward Teach "Blackbeard", and Derek suggested "Time out, while innocents take to the side-lines." Aldeetha hissed "NO!", in a voice, which only the three of them could hear. Whiel Blackbeard simply danced around Aldeetha's best shots, taunting her with "Missed", and "Missed again", whhen some of the shots came un-comfortably close, to Dereks hiding place, Derek reminded the pirate "You may be immortal, but I am NOT. Draw her fire, elsewhere." Derek had no idea of HOW Aldeetha knew of him, yet, when Derek called out, to Blackbeard, Aldeetha turned on Derek, saying "YOU!", in a hiss. Derek had to jump for cover, behind a large stone, as his former hiding place, a bush, went up, in flames, courtesy of Aldeetha's fire-balls. When Derek called out, from hiding "Lady, I done nothing to you. Why you trying to kill me?" Blackbeard would call out, to Derek, "Lad you DID call her forth. That be wht ye did." Even as Derek called out "That was a mistake. I only wanted you!" Aldeetha let out some kind, of animal cry, as she hurtled a fire-ball, at Derek. One which was so hot that Derek swore that the stone would melt, in time. When Derek chanced a look, at Blackbeard, Derek noticed that the pirate was, in fact, off, to the side, making gestures, trying to attract Aldeetha's attention. For some reason, however, Aldeetha was "laser-focused", on Derek. When Derek asked Aldeetha "What do you want, lady?" Aldeetha would his, like a snake, as she said "I want the vessel." When Derek would say "What vessel? I dont have any vessel." Aldeetha would hiss "The vessssel." When Derek would call out "I dont understand." Blackbeard would say "Lad she wants your BODY. If she can inhabit you, then she can "kill" me". When Derek would call out "Sir, you are, already, dead. How can she kill, you, again?" The next thing Derek knew, he felt "eyes" on his back. When he turned, slowly, for a look, he found Aldeetha Teach standing over him, her eyes burning with fury. The next thing Derek knew, his world went black. It was, now, up to the pirate, to fix what Derek had broken. Over the next two weeks, a number, of auctions, and raffles, were held, in the fund-raising attempt. Organized crime made its presense known, yet Blackbeard made his presense known, as well. Just as the old pirate had done, in Silky Slims casino, the pirate, discreetly, removed hand-guns, from shoulder holsters. As a result, when organized crime members opened coats, to scare off bidders, all that biddeers saw, under suit coats, was empty holsters. A few people said "Nice coat", but that was all. When hoods reached, for guns, they realized that they had been dis-armed. While Blackbeard performed his "victory dance", bystanders only saw what looked like siding moving about. When Blackbeard saw that some, of the hoods, were prepared to become violent, drawing out clubs, the pirate used the hoods own guns, to knock out the hoods. While Blackbeard was busy, saving the public, from the hoods, Derek was dealing with Aldeetha's spirit. One which was determined to inhabit his body, whether he was in it, or not. The blood she used, to wipe streaks on his body, made him regret having tracked the old witch, for the amulet. When Aldeetha began carving, on his body, Dereks main thought was "WHY did I conjure Blackbeard, in the first place?" Then, he remembered the answer. Derek had been certain, from his research, that the pirate had hidden away various caches, of loot/booty. Blackbeard was not so much, of a drunken sot, that he did not "hedge his bets."" The question was: Would the pirate reach the human, in time, or was Derek bound for the "Great Beyond"? While the remaining hoods, at the fund-raisers, were busy, trying to figure out who/what they were fighting, Blackbeard was konking them, one at a time. Their own guns were knocking the hoods dead out cold. The banker MIGHT have made a clean "get away", except that the coven prevented his departure. After the coven turned the banker over to the pirate, the coven set out, to deal with Aldeetha. By this time, however, Aldeetha was invoking dangerously powerful demons, in her quest to inhabit Dereks body. While Derek promised the woman, repeattedly, that her conjuring was an accident, the woman, finally, approcached her victim, whispering "Foolish mortal. Not accident. I come, when HIM invoked." After Blackbeard would finish dealing with the shocked hoods, and sent them on their way, too who-knows-where, the old pirate would just the Wiccans, in challenging Aldeetha's dark magic. While the coven admitted that they KNEW where Aldeetha was located, it would seem that Aldeetha Teach had cast a spell, around her location. A spell, so powerful, that, by comparison, her security would make White House security seem like a joke. When Blackbeard joined the Wiccans, whoo told the old pirate "You see those black masses, around the structure? Those are demon hounds. Any mortal, who tries to move close, to the building, they will shred, to bits." When Blackbeard Would ask "You say "mortals can not get near the place?" When the priestess would say "Thats right. Not even me." Blackbeard would ask "Lassie, what about immortals?" When the priestess would ask "Wht do you mean?" Blackbeard would suggest "What about a spirit. A ghost, if you will. Would the demon hounds destroy a ghost?" The Wiccans thought about this, for a long moment, before shrugging their shoulders, then the high priestess would inform Blackbeard "We are, simply, not certain." This is when Blackbeard would throw the women a smart salute, then say "Blackbeard, at your service. Brace for attack". The Wiccans, then, watched as Blackbeard marched right up, to the demon hounds, then began dazzling the beasts, with his trickery. This is when the Wiccans realized that the hounds were directed to watch for mortals. Tha hounds did not know WHAT to do, when the spirit began "playing games". What impressed thee Wiccans, however, was when Blackbeard succeeded, in diverting the hounds attention, from their duty, then lead the confused hounds AWAY from their post. The coven then used their combined powers, to breach Aldeetha's defenses. By the time the Wiccans reached Dereks bound body, Aldeetha's voice hissed, from the form, whispering "Too late. He is MINE!". Now, the Wiccans had only one option, to be certain that Aldeetha hurt no other mortal. Since the Wiccans KNEW that, once a spirit is un-leashed, from torment , that exorcisms ONLY drive the spirit fom a single hosts body (BUT that exorcism does NOT prevent the spirit from entering another body), the Wiccans KNEW what had to be done. No one was "in favor", of "plan C", but the plan had been prepared, "as a precaution". While releasing any "tether", which Derek had, to his own body, would kill the man, the Wiccans saw no alternative. One Aldeetha had complete control, over his body, she would be nearly un-stoppable. While Blackbeard had leadthe hounds on a playful romp (even as the hounds wondered WHO they were pursuing), Blackbeard saw the blue tint, in the distance, then felt the ripple, in the air. At that moment, Blackbeard knew that he had lost another mate. Just moments later, the hounds dis-engaged, from their attack, walked away, and dissolved, into the night. When Blackbeard met up, with the Wiccans, all that the high priestess would say was "I am sorry." Later, and after Dereks body was laid to rest, Blackbeard would visit a community gathering, where the town council was trying to explain, to the public "Until the former economy returns, we need this revenue. Gambling is NOT my favorite activity, either, however, if I must shake hands, with the Devil, to do the Lords work, then so be it." When arguments went up, including "If you can find money, for gambling, then WHY cant you find money, to restore the inn?" The town council would explain "Currently, there are NO funds, for restoration, or remodelling. The only funds, currently available, are for gambling." While the town council was trying to make people understand that, in the current economy, gambling was the only alternative, locals were shocked, when a set, of blueprints, and notes, "floated" into the area, and spread out, wide, in front of the audience. When the public realized that the town council had turned away nearly $25 million, in restoration funds, on favor of the hundreds, of millions, for a gambling casino, no one found it surprising that the town council resigned. To the point of view, of Blackbeard, and the coven, while Dereks loss was tragic, it was accepted. This, because Derek had "messed with forces", which only trained Wiccans should deal with. While Derek had intended to blackmail the pirate, into turning over his treasure, Blackbeard had decide that the boy was not all "bad". Just mis-guided. As a rewsult, Blackbeard would make an anonymous donation, to the restoration fund. Blackbeard would, then hand over ALL of Dereks materials, to the Wiccans, saying "I believe you lassies are best equipped to know how to handle such matters." With a bow, and a salute, the old pirate would, once again, reutrn to his grave, in the sea.

SHARON DAN AND I

SHARON, DAN, AND I It would seem that Sharon came to me, as a sort of "last ditch" attempt, to convince her boyfriend to "get healthy". Sharon was referred to me, by a mutual friend. A woman who was just as impressed, with my physical condition, as she was deterred by my "light" voice. A voice, the woman warned Sharon "MUST belong to a homo. No REAL man has such a high voice." To Sharon, however, my sexuality did not matter. Atleast not at first. Sharons first priority was making her boyfriend understand what he was doing to his body. While the man was, only, five years beyond high school, his once-firm body had gone soft, just as his belly was "on the spread". While Dan would insist that this was just "middle age spread", Sharon would remind Dan that he was nowhere near middle-age. This is why Sharon came to me. When Sharon came to me, she admitted that one, of her main reasons, for approaching me, was because she remembered the days, when Dan was an atlete, in school. The days when Dan could have sex, with Sharon, five times, yet barely break a sweat. He had been light, on his feet, agile, and as mobile, as any animal. More recently, however, Sharon was noticing how Dan was "sweating up a storm", just trying to give Sharon a single time. Sharon even admitted that, the last time she had sex, with Dan, SHE had taken the top position. Sharon had hoped that this would give Dan more endurance. Problem was, even this did not help. When Sharon looked at me, she would find herself whispering "I wonder", before even asking me to meet with Dan. According to Sharon "Dan has decided that, since most, of the men, who he knows, are in the same shape, that he is in, that Dan thinks that this is "good health" This is why I want you to meet him. I want Dan to see how a man CAN look." Ofcourse, when Sharon presented me, to Dan, saying "If he can look this good, at his age, then why cant you?" (To be polite, at this point, I will not use Dans profanity, and profane responses) In short, however, Dan told Sharon that, if she thought I was "better", than him, Sharon should try having sex, with me. Dan, then made a "joke" claiming that, IF I could "get it up", that I would not last long. In order to teach Dan a lesson, Sharon took up Dans challenge, asking me "Are you game?" When I responded "In private", Sharon smiled as she said "Ofcourse". What Sharon did NOT expect was that, between kissing, and other, seduction, techniques, by the time I entered her body, her, natural scent was like a fragrance, filling the rooom. I did notice that, the more I attended her breasts, and her womanhood, the more, and passionately, that Sharon moaned. After awhile, though, Sharon called a "break", saying I needed to re-fuel. After an ashamedly large "snack", Sharon, then, found herself enjoying giving, and receiving "oral". If Sharons tale was believable, she claimed that Dan was so profane, during every kind of sex, that her favorite time was when he was finished. When I asked Sharon "Why do you stay with him?" Sharon would say "Even a bad lover is better than starting out, from scratch." For reasons I will, never, understand, not only did Sharon have me escort her, to Dans house, on her next visit, hoowever, I was amazed at how much DETAIL Sharon Provided Dan with, regarding our love-making. (This, even when he did not WANT to listen. Sharon told him anyway) When Sharon finished her "discussion", I was amazed when Dan decided that he would be "Back, in shape", within a single month. (Even I doubted thii, based upon how LONG it had taken ME, to get back into shape.) While Dan just wanted to set a weight-loss goal, Sharon told him "Thats not enough. You have to become atleast as toned as HE (I) is". When Dan asked Sharon for "some", as a "down payment", on his gooal, Sharon told Dan "Until you are back in the shape you were in, back in high school, I am HIS (mine)". Sharon had resorted to all of this only after she had accompanied Dan, to doctors appointments, and listened as his doctors told Dan that NO intimate activity was safe, in his current condition. Would Dan listen to the doctors? What neither Sharon, nor myself, could believe was how Dan had waited, until his weight reached 390 pounds, before deciding to go on a "crash diet". What Sharon, also, could not believe, was how, once she and I became lovers, Sharon realized just how much more EFFORT I applied, to my exercises, than even Sharon did. In fact, it was not until Sharon went, more aggressively, into her own exercise program, that she realized just how far OUT of shape she was. Now, ofcourse, I do NOT mean that Sharon was "flabby", or even "fat". Not when her own diet was as healthy as my own. No, Sharon was shapely, and beautiful. She just was not in "high school" coondition, any more. That is, not until Sharon and I decided to combine our daily exercise routines. While Dan was sitting back, eating his snack foods, drinking beer, and watching his stomach sag, Sharon and I found our "endurance" increasing, as she exercised her way back into the beautiful body she had, in high school. At the same time, I was working, even more powerfully, to return to the condition my body had been in, thirty years before. Between exercise, grilled meats, and plenty of HUGE salads, Sharon found that, for the first time, in years, she could fit into her high school clothes. This, while I would find that my belly retreated, enough, that my "bulge" was, barely, there. Another benefit, of our returning to fitness was that we could kiss, even while I carried her about a room. In Dans case, however, it would seem that he did not "see the light", until after his legs gave out, and he went into a wheel chair. Still, Dan was willing to argue that it was "not so bad", seeing as how many other men, of his same age group, were wheel chair bound, as well. In a last ditch effort, to aid Dan, Sharon had me take her into my arms, for a deep kiss. Sharon hoped that, between the kiss, and his wheel chair, Dan would, finally, "clue in". While some people told Sharon and I that we had, allegedly, move into "advanced" health maintenance, in order to remain fit, Dan insisted upon embarking on a level, of fitness training, normally reserved for body builders. All because Sharon had shown him our kiss. Well, Dans doctors warnned him, that this could be dangerous, but did Dan listen? Sure, Dan lost over 100 pounds, in just over one month, but, as my own doctor had, once, warned me "Rapid weight LOSS is just as deadly as rapid weight GAIN." While Dan did survive his heart attack, his doctors had Dan committed to "controlled care", to avoid overdoing, again. As for Sharon, what concerned her, once Sharon returned to being "high school" fit, was when she realized that her friends had lost their fitness, as well. Some of these women actually thought that "exercises", such as child crae, were enough to retain figures. When the ladies saw Sharons renewed fitness level, the women started a "pool". The wager was that, within a years time, the friends could get just as fit, as Sharon was. (The condition, for Sharon, to win the pool, was that Sharon was required to remain fit). For some reason, though, when her friends saw how beautiful, and fit, Sharon became, over that next year, the women cried "foul!". Their excuse: All Sharon had to think about was me. Sharon did not have to DIVIDE her time, between nursing, dirty diapers, and so on. All the same, Sharon became so magnificent, of body, that some people claimed Sharon seemed like "high school, re-invented". As for me, while it took much LONGER, than expected, I did, eventually, get rid of my belly, and return to being in shape. While I did shave, and let my hair grow, a bit (at Sharons request), people actually began to believe that Sharon and I were an actual couple. Maybe, one thing, which contributed, to this, was that Sharon had memorized my eating, sleeping, and drug-use habits. Maybe this was why people began to wonder about us. Sharons only real "complaint" was that, due to my affections, she was, nowadays, wearing maternity bra's. Funny thing was, however, the day she switched, she threw a bra, at me, saying "YOU did this, to me." When I looked at the bra, and Sharon said "That right!", I asked her "Do you want me to stop loving you?" Sharon came up to me, embraced me, then whispered, softly "If you do, I will cut it off." As far as Sharons friends were concerned, I think they "suspected" Sharon and I were a couple. This, mostly because, when people are single, they are, always, "on the prowl". When Sharon decided to join a group, which was more focused on events, schedules, and so forth, her friends decided that, if Sharon was not interested in "prowling", then she was "taken". Sharon would inform me that the BEST part, of this, was that, while her friends believed that Sharon was "taken", her friends told the "one nighters", and these men ceased to bother Sharon, asking for sex. Then, from what Sharon reported, to me, she heard that the "controlled environment" placed Dan into isolation, since his weight loss plan was turning him into an "enraged bear". While Dan did, eventually, make it back, to 175 pounds, before his release, from care, his doctors noted "We agree that we give Dan six, to twelve, months, before his weight exceeds 350 pounds, again." By the time Dan was released, from care, Sharon was so accustomed, to my gentle affection that, when Dan, profanely, ordered Sharon to give him what he wanted, Sharon just smiled, and walked away. After three dozen, other, women, turned Dan down, for his profane advances, Dan did exactly what Sharon, and his doctors, predicted that Dan would do. Dan "consoled" himself with plenty of booze, and snack foods. When Sharon asked me, perhaps for the seventieth time, "How can I help him?" (Sharon still held onto that vision, of Dan, as the hard-bodied, high school, athlete). When I informed her "It must be HIS decision.", Sharon playfully slapped me, saying "I thought you loved me." While Sharon debated how to encourage Dan to return to the healthy path, she thought about, then decided not, to ask her own mothers advice. Sharon was annoyed, at both her mother, and her family, over the groups prejudices, over Sharons choice, of dating partners. Even while in high school, Sharons family had said nothing, about her dates. (In a family, like Sharons, being silent was a very BAD sign.) When Sharon decided to date Dan, all her familly would say was "Its YOUR life." What really annoyed Sharon, however, was when, as a joke, Sharon had taken me before her family, in order to show that she could "diversify". Problem was, when Sharon presented me, to her family, the families questions, changed from "Is he REALLY the best choice?", and became "When are the two of you going to start a family?" After Sharon overheard her mother, and her sisters, telling me what a "catchh" Sharon was, I accepted Sharons suggestion, that I not attend any further, family, functions. While Sharon also learned to live with the fact that, being "my woman" meant that Sharon, too, was "widowed", at times, Sharon was proud of my ambition, of being an author. Besides, being "widowed", to an author, was much more interesting than being "widowed", for sports seasons. While sports enthusiasts turned away spouses, during "big games", Sharon culd "pull me away", from the computer, any time. All it took was a kiss. While Sharon and I, eventually, made it into "competition shape", when Sharon asked my plans, I reminded her "This is for you and me. Not for the world." (Sharon agreed that it felt great, being back in shape.) Sharons main concern remained over the fact that, once women began turnning down Dans profanity, he had piled the weight back on. When Dan reached 400 pounds, and his heart gave out, Sharon expressed her concern, to her mother. Sharons concern was that, while Dan had been her "boyfriend", his death just left her feeling numb, un-caring. To Sharon, it was as if a stranger had passed away. To ease her daughters guilt, mom suggested that, eventually, even I would pass away. Still, Sharon could not shake what she had seen, at Dan's funeral. Since Dan had done nothing, with his adult life, the presideing minister spoke, of Dans childhood, and high school years. Sharon would note that Dans grave had no head stone, since there were no funds available, for such things. I would "comfort" Sharon, after Dans death, reminding her that SHE, still, had so much potential. I just never realized how LONG I would be "comforting" her for. How was I to know it would be YEARS?