HOW THE UNITED STATES EVOLVED INTO UNITED EARTH

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

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE INDIAN CEMETARY

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

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE HAWAIIAN SPIRITS

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE HAWAIIAN SPIRITS While Tami and I had succeeded, in identifying, and conversing, with a European spirit, the problem was in negotiating a compromise, between the living, and the dead. While the angry spirits, who were causing the problems, were well over 4,000 years old, the spirits held the opinion that, while it was fine, for the young to defend their homeland, from definitive threats, such as the massing, of American soldiers, along the border, What the spirits were, openly, opposed to was this so-called "War on Terror". For weeks, Tami had responded to both the deceased, and the living, ALL of whom were asking WHAT is the GOAL, of this WAR?" Tami understood this question, as well as I did. The answer, to this question eluded even the American public. Not just the Europeans. And, yes, after September 11, 2001, America, our host nation, and many other nations, had taken part in joint military, actions, aimed at bringing those, allegedly responsible, to justice. It was only after those, who were BLAMED, for the bombings, had been executed, that Europe had decided "Mission: Accomplished". This, in thinking that, by this time, the military would disperse, back to defending national homelands. When Washington D.C. had announced "We MUST CRUSH Islam! We must wipe this "terrorist religion", from the face of the Earth!" This is when Europe had decided to pause, and consider these words. Now, of course, IF Washington D.C. had a DEFINITE GOAL. An achievable target, Europe would have re-considered their position. The reason why the European Union had pulled OUT, of the invasions was because of Washington D.C.'s vague, un-focused, ranting, about "We MUST outlast the "terrorists", no matter how LONG it takes". When Europe had heard this vague, un-focused, rationale, for attempting to "destroy" a religion, international support, for the invasions, had dissolved. Since that time, Washington D.C. had been trying to BRIBE nations, into supporting "our" actions. When bribery was met with a demand for FOCUSED goals, this is when rumor began to spread. Rumors, of spraying the French Republic with a deadly mist, until France agreed to re-join the un-focused invasion. Rumors, of bombing Buckingham Palace. Rumors, of invading any nation, which would not side, with Washington D.C., in the "War on Terrror". What Tami and I were learning, from the spirit world, was that our ancestors were growing fed up, with this decades-old "conflict". As the spirits, of Romans, Germans, British, and other nations, soldiers, would inform Tami and I, time and time, again "In MY day, soldiers wore uniforms. Each side killed as many, of the other, as possible. The last side standing WON the war." Many soldiers would add "This "war", on "terror", makes no sense, at all. HOW can you hope to destroy something, which has no BODY?" Christianity was, often, sited, as such an example. Whether women were being hunted down, tortured, then killed, after being "convicted", of witchcraft, or whether, in more modern times, Christians had BOMBED DOZENS of clinics, executing doctors, and assaulting patients, who were seeking health care, at such clinics, WHO was holding the Christians accountable, for THEIR actions? Several spirits inquired as to whether radical Christians would be the next "religion", to be dealt with. By the end, of the case, the only compromise, which Tami could come up with, was the promise to inform Washington D.C. that the spirits were just as fed up, with the never-ending, un-defined, combat, as the living were. Tami's compromise included Tami's promise that, as long as Tami delivered the spirits message, to Washington D.C., the spirits would agree to "behave themselves". Mr.. Brown had agreed to convey the message, to Washington D.C., if, in return, Tami and I agreed to review a case, concerning the state of Hawaii. According to the case-file, it would seem that the spirits, of Hawaii's ancestors, and the islands dieties, were becoming more active than was normal. The case-file stated that the ancestors were appearing, to the modern generation, carrying a dire warning. IF the witness reports were accurate, the ancestors were warning that, IF a construction project were not halted, VERY soon, that Hawaii would become the latest location to fall to the fate of the legend of Atlantis. The file, also, contained drawings, based upon witness memories. Memories, both from dreams, and from visions. Now, based upon how similar the drawings seemed, I asked Tami "I wonder if islanders are holding meetings, where their fellow islanders are being "warned", of alleged effects, of the development?" Tami would ask "You think islanders are manipulating their fellow citizens, into a certain thought pattern?" I would suggest "Remember George W. Bush, and his statement of "Either you stand with ME, or you are a terrorist sympathizer." If Mr. Bush was allowed to do this, on a national level, what would prevent certain islanders from doing this same thing, just on a more local scale?" Tami would say "That is a STRETCH. Possible, though. What we need is more on-site information. I dont think we should report anything, until after we have something to back our thoughts with." I would suggest "In the meanwhile, why dont we ask Mr. Black for any information, on this construction project." By the time G.S. 2 had arrived, in sunny Hawaii, it would seem that a protest was in progress. The protest was centered around one, of the nearby islands. When our Hawaiiian greeter approached our plane, the young womans first question was "Your plane is not a bomber, is it?" Tami and I would agree "No, miss. Our plane in a mobile operations center. We carry no warheads." The greeter seemed relieved to hear this, as she said "In that case, follow me." Just as Tami and I had hoped, Hawaii, like many, of our other clients, wanted secrecy. The islands would be happiest if no one knew we were even on-site. While the man, in charge, was an islander, (whose name I will not insult, by trying to pronounce it), it would seem that this mans assistant was a much younger man, who had a name which, roughly translated, into English, as "Henry". When I inquired, of our host, about our plane, the elder man would say "While many, of my people, have viewed American bombers, in the past, mostly making practice runs, near an old, naval, base, we have become accustomed to seeing depth charges making tall water spouts, as charges ignite. My people, as well, know the shape, of the American B-52, very well. Recently, however, a new type, of plane, has been observed, in our skies. The planes are shaped much like your own. What concerns us is that these planes fly without navigatiion lights." When Tami would ask "Then, how do you know..." and our host would say "ON Hawaii, we honor, and respect, the gods. However, many, of our young people, have pledged to honor the gods, through service, to the nation. My own son is one of these. My son serves as co-pilot, of a B-2 stealth bomber. While my son tells me that B-2's make attack runs, over American cities, nightly, the program was expanded, to include Hawaii, after September 11th. I would add that, on these flights, the air force drops no bombs." I would mention "Exercise attacks." When Tami would ask "Why all the interest, in OUR plane?" The elder woulld say "My people are having visions. Visions which show that, if these ships, and some drill ships, moored off three of our islands, are allowed to proceed to drill, into our volcanoes, the resulting explosions will begin the process, of sinking the islands. For this reason, some, of our young people, have been staging "Greenpeace"-style interventions." When Tami would say "Okay. We have protestors, volcano drillers, and air force bombers. How does it all fit together?" The elder would say "The diesel ships are pretending to drill in some of our finest fishing beds. This, we know to be what you call a "cover". We know this because the ships have been observed un-loading supplies, to boats, which come in-land." Whn I wuld add "There's more to it than that, iisn't there?" It would be Henry who would say "Some, of our young boaters, have witnessed the dark B-2's, dropping canisters, into the water. Some land very close to our boats. The survivors are being treated for severe, electrical, burns." Well, atleast NOW Tami and I understood the reason why G.S.2 was being suspected. NOW, come the serious questions. Tammi would suggest, to the elder "Your people report "visions", of volcanoes, and vents, being capped, and explosions. How do you know these are not just nightmares? How do you knoow that these visions might be nothing more than the result of camp-fire stories?" The elder would remind Tami "OUR stories, of thew ancestors, are meant to inspire reverence, foor the past. MY people have no desire to cause fear, or nightmares. Hawaii only wish our young too understand our historyy, and traditioons." When Tami would suggest either illness, of the body, or thhe miind, as causes, for the nightmares, it would be Henry who would say "Of course, we are nt perfect. However, by and large, Hawaiian nightmares, normally invoolve mythical mmonsters, sent by the gods, for a variety of reasons." When Tami would mention "Sounds like conscience, to me." Henry would say "Most correct." When Tamii would ask "What types of dreams are the result of the illness, of the body?" Henry would say "Normally, such dreams involve the subject of sttanding in fire-pits. Dreams, oof being "on fire". Most of these dreams, however, occur in victimms, who are running high fevers." When the eelder would, quietly, rewmind Henry "Dont forget the dream, of evil." Henry woulld say "A few, of the islands wommen, have had a "dream of evil". When Tammi would say "Explain", Henry would say "It has been reported that, when SOMME women are pregnant, they have "frrankenstein-style" drreamms. Dreams, of demented doctors performiing pain-filled abortions." No-sooner would Tami say "Hormones", when Henry would add "Local doctors say it is nothing mre than a womans, natural, fear, of her children not beiing born healthy." Tamii would look at me, saying, softly "As I said: hormoones". Henry would say "OOnh that point, our doctors seeemm to agree with you." When I would ask If illness, injury, and pregnancy, can, each, cause such nightmares, then WHY can these factors NOT cause the kinds of dreams, which we are being asked to investigate?" The elder would say "We have loved our land, since the beginniing oof tiime. It is our desire that our children love the land, as well. We hope our young will learnn to love, revere, and protect, the land. For these reasons, we never, suggestt stories, of white men, coming to the islands, to cap/control our volcanoes." After our discussion, with the elder, annd Henry, Tami and I knew what our nextt courses, of actioon, would be. While II would ask our pilots to check with their air force buddies, I woulld begin checking out the locations, where trouble was either reported, or imagined. This, while Tami took her notebook, and recorder, and began her "foot work". The part, of our investigations, which Tami was the very best at. Taking locals onh a "trip, doown memory lane". This, while searching for clues, too the nightmares. Up too this oint, the only facts, that we had were that an energy coompany was, in fact, negotiating the rights, to cap the islands volcanoes, AND the accompanying vents, in order to use thhe steam to generate electricity. Just exactly HOW thhe project was too proceed, was not being revealled, to the public. Only the fact that a massive, generator, station was beiing planned, and would be constructed on thhe sturdiiest ground the island had to offer. Maybe three days, intoo our investtigation, a wooman, who woulld only identify herself as "Barbie Doll", met with Tami, on the strict condition that the reports shoow that the women had NEVER met, period. When Tamii agreed, "Barbie Doll" would say that there was a growing conceern, among her employers. When Tami woulld ask, "Barbie Doll" would say "MY employers are wondering WHERE the locals are obtaining the desiigns, for the generating complex." When Tami woulld ask "WHY is a corporation so concerned, over the drreams, of villagers?" "Barbie Doll" would say "This wiill sound nuts, but the drrawiings, the people are making. The drawings look almost identical to the companys construction plans. This is why thee boosses are certain that thhere is a "leak". Villagers drawings are just too close, to the real documents, for pure coincidence." When Tami woulld ask "Isn't it possible that locals are dreamiing of "What IF"?" "Barbie Doll" would, only, say "IF the sketches were simple generalizations, no one would, even care. The problem is that the descriptions are just too specific." When Tami would suggest "Any way I could take a look at the real plans?" "Barbie Doll" would smile, as she passed my partner a flash-drive, while reminding Tami "This never happened, either." Just in case anyone WAS watching, Tami went into an excellent impression of "meeting an old girlfriend, and sharing memories". After this, Tami gave "Barbie Doll" a sisterly embrace, and the women shared a mutual "take care", before parting. While the ladies were doing this, I was back, at G.S.2, studying Hawaiian geography, including both above-ground, and undersea vents. While I was working on this, our pilots came to inform me "We thought you should know something. While NO U.S. Air Force bombing runs have been carried out, on the territory, of the Hawaiian Islands, our fellow pilots report having witnessed planes, similar to ours, in, and around, this area. Planes neither authorized, nor deployed, by the Pentagon." When I would ask "Who else would WANT such a plane?" Our pilots would say "Good question." then add "Even if someone DID have such a plane, this leaves the question of "WHY drop electric charges, into the ocean?" A place where electric current would dissipate, in no time." When I added the possibility, of another stealth ship, operating in the area, to my question of "HOW could anyone hope to control every volcanic vent, along the Hawaiian Island chain?" These pieces added up to nothing except more questions. Then came Tami, with her report, of meeting with the woman, who only called herself "Barbie Doll". When Tami loaded a copy, of the utilities master plans, into G.S.2's computer, the results were amazing. (Of course, before uploading anything, to G.S.2's computers, Tami and I ALWAYS made a point, of scanning every document, with Mr. Blacks software. Mr. Black's team, of computer workers, had no superiors, in the world. This is why Mr. Brown, and Mr. Black, had recruited these people, in the first place.) Once uploaded, to the ships computer, even **I** could see how similar the islanders drawings were, to the utilities master designs. In fact, most of the drawings appearred to have been sketched, directly, from the original plans. Copied by someone who had access, to the master plans. Since Tami had, previously, confirmed that the utility comppany was NOT employing Hawaiian's, in order to keep the utilities plans secret, this left nothing except questions, as to HOW locals could dream, or even imagine, how such a project would look. For reasons which I will not even try to understand, maybe a week, into our investigation, a man, dressed, as a Hawaiian diety, appearred, aboard G.S.2. When Tami mjade a cautious "He-llo", the man would, in basic English, state his Hawaiian name, saying "Yes, I speak your language. Mother Superior suggested a visit. The good sister even suggested that I speak your language, so that you will not need to waste time in translating my Hawaiiian dialect." When Tami would ask "The words you have just spoken. Would you mind repeating them, in your native tongue?" (Note: this was NOT to tease the spirit. Tami and I were just curious, about the Hawaiian language.) When the spirit repeated his words, in his native tongue, Tami and I might not have UNDERSTOOD the words, but the tone quality was beautiful. When Tami told the man "Thank you." The spirit would say "Think nothing of it. After all, I am here to ASSIST you. I, also, bring this warning" When Tami would say "Lay it on us", the spirit would say "Take hands, then take my hand." When Tami would suggest "Not a flight, through time, I hope." The man would say "Nothing so elaborate as Charles Dickens story. Just follow my lead. Watch, and learn." When Tami and I followed the directions, given us, we watched as G.S.2 "dissolved", and we found ourselves observing another piece of land. On this island, a culture flourished, using the heat, and steam, from the island's volcano, to operate their machinery. The place looked like paradise, with children playing, while adults handled cooking, mending, and so on, while other adults seemed to be studying. Then, as if out of a nightmare, fissures began to form, and new steam vents began to blast open. Suddenly, the ground shook, so violently, that the ground split open, into enormous fissures. Those islanders, who did not slip, and fall, into the magma, beneath the cracks, fell into the boiling water, around the island. What Tami and I took particular note of was the DESIGN, of this place. It seemed identical, to Hawaii, in every detail. Even the devices, which capped the volcanoes, seemed identical to those, planned, for Hawaii. When I asked the spirit "Are we looking at the past, or the future?" The spirit would say "I am forbidden from showing mortals the future. I am restricted to showing the past, and present." When Tami would suggest "Are you showing us what WILL, or just what MIGHT, happen?" The spirit would say "To be correct, this is what happened, before. I have been trying to warn my people, of the possible future, which awaits them." As the landmass sank, into the ocean waves, Tami would say "Let me guess. You have been showing your people this image." When the spirit would say "Correct. It seems, however, that my descendants, while noble, and reverent, are more skeptical, than my generation was." When Tami would ask "How may WE be of assistance, to your people?" The spirit would say "Try to communicate the knowledge that attempting to control Mother Earth will bring only disaster." When the three of us re-appearred, on-board G.S.2, Tami and I would inform the spirit "We will do our best, however, let us be clear. If the utility owns the land, it might not be possible to prevent the destruction." The spirit would say "Let us hope that common sense wins out. If not, Hawaii MIGHT be the next landmass, re-taken by the ocean." Now, by this time, Tami and I had learned, very well, from Mr. Brown, HOW to request information, without anyone being the wiser (or blocking requests). Instead of contacting the U.S. Geological Service, directly, and requesting that a surveyor visit the Hawaiian Islands, Tami and I did what any student can do. We logged in, to the "public access" area, and submitted the same, generalized, questions, which could fit thousands of islands, world-wide. Making certain NOT to be to specific, Tami was able to access many references, regarding Hawaii's active volcanoes, simply using a search for "Volcanoes, active in the 20th, and 21st centuries". While there was no doubt that Hawaii had some active volcanoes, as well as many steam vents, the site also contained information, on cracks, and weaknesses, in the islands crust. This information left Tami and I with a question, which was best left to scientific, and technical, minds. The question of "IF the volcanoes, and vents, were placed under pressure, to operate turbines, and generators, COULD this cause new fissures to form?" While Mr. Black used the next two days, to run scenario's, and projections, Tami put her time to good use, as well. My partner attended three rallies, in order to ask islanders "Why do you oppose the capping, of the volcanoes, and the vents?" While the answers Tami would receive would vary from "It will disturb nature", to "It will be ugly.", to "All the utilities care about is profit. Not lives, or the land." While Tami was busy with these conversations, I asked an islander to SHOW me WHERE he said he had, just, witnessed a "god", appearing near some steam vents, and with a warning. The islander would inform me "In English, the spirit would have said: Be warned! If the white man tries to suppress Hackathema, god of the volcano, the god will bring rath of the sky, and ocean, upon the white man." When I asked "Just curious. Since the utility, which is developing this plan, is American, WHY did th spirit not say "Upon the Americans? Why say Upon the white man?" Tthe islander seemed thoughtful, about this, for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders, said "You got me?" Then we continued our walk, to the site of the vents. Now, normally, in my line of work, I treat the deceased with the deepest of respect. Not that it is statutory law. The Brown Agency simply considers this "good manners". After all, which would people rather cooperate with? Hostile forces, or friendly forces? What I found suspicious, about this volcano character, at the vents, was HOW he appearred. When my guide, and I, arrived, at the vents, I could see several places, where humans could hide. Not to mention the cloud-like quality, of the vents, themselves. While I, truly, believed that the islander had seen SOME-ting, I hoped I was not rude as I mentioned "I hope they come back. I would love to see this volcano god, for myself." A moment later, a vent did what I half-expected it to. As if under pressure, from compressed gases, the vent flared, and expanded (conveniently), to human size. When the vent returned to normal output, there stood, behid the vent, a man, whose "outfit" might have been borrowed from a television show. A show, such as Gilligans Island, Hawaii 5-0, Relic Hunter, or others. (And WHAT was with that "shaker-rattle"?) When I asked the figure "Can you understand me?" I was surprised when the figure said "You, paleface. Intrude on our land. Bring death, to my people. Be gone, pale-face." This is when I faced the figure, saying "Just to be accurate, I am an American. Actually of German ancestry. Born of America. Just curious: From WHERE do YOU originate?" When the figure mentioned some chamber, I noticed that even my guide seemed confused, by the reference. When I asked the figure "Will you give me the coordinates, of this chamber? I would wish to see it with my OWN eyes." For some reason, the spirit, which had visited G.S.2, appearred, beside me (and the islander seemed fearful, of the figure, even when the spirit would say "Have no fear") The spirit would look, at the masked figure, saying "This one is not one of us. No one dresses like that, except in your American movies, and in television." I could not dispute this since, to date, everyone, from Mother Superior, to the enforcer demon, to the werewolves, and vampires, presented themselves, to Tami and I, in human form. (Not one mask, among them) With the spirits proclamation, the figure was, suddenly, surrounded, by steam, then he was gone. When I walked over, to look at where the man had been standing, the spirit would hold me back, saying "I KNOW where that one has gone. That tunnel leads to a bay, of sparkling blue water. The American utility company OWNS the land." When the islander would gaze upon the spirit, saying, "Noble one. You do not speak as we are taught". The spirit would say "One of the "perks" of being dead. Spirits may use any language which we choose." When I asked the spirit "Is it possible that the utility is trying to sew fear, and dis-trust, among the islanders? Make islanders question their own, and other peoples, sanity?" The spirit would say "Better still. Since some, of our legends say that, under certain conditions, ALL Hawaiian's are to depart the islands, as quickly as possible." I would suggest "Of course, male islanders would THINK that the gods want a general evacuation. Locals leave..." The spirit would say "...and the utility claims salvage rights." Well, atleast one "god" would not be making an appearance, any time soon. Back at G.S.2, Tami would report, to the Brown Agency, "Suspicious as it may sound, of all the arguments, against the utility, no one has mentioned Atlantis." Via comm-link, Mr. Brown would ask "What is it that islanders fear, then?" Tami would say "Near as I can figure it, islanders are more afraid of scenario's, such as James Bonds "Man with the Golden Gun", or "2012"." When Mr. Brown would ask "You dont mean that islanders are afraid that the Hawaiian Islands will be hollowed out, to build a military base?" Tami would ask "Why not? Plenty of precident. Not the least of which is Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado." As Mr. Brown contemplated this, then posed the question What WOULD happen, IF the islands WERE hollowed out?" Tami was about to say "I am not certain", when Mr. Black entered the conversation, saying "My staff has prepared a simulation." When Mr. Brown would say "Proceed", we would, soon, find ourselves, ALL, viewing what could, easily, be a scene, from any science fiction movie, about Atlantis. After presenting a video, which held the appearance, of 100 million megatons, of nuclear devastation, all showing the island chain being destroyed, in an explosion, which would make Krakatoa seem like a "minor tremor", by comparison, Mr. Back would lay out the details, on a model. As Mr. Black would explain "While it is known that the volcanoes, of the Hawaiian Islands, ALL have magma pockets, which are held in check, by the body, of the volcano, just imagine the pressures, and magma flow, if all of that volume were, suddenly, dis-placed. Even if the diverters worked, perfectly, the machines could not last, forever. If the upper sections were hollowed out, for the installation, of generating equipment, and the hillsides were left as nothing more than veneer, if the processing equipment suffers a single failure, you can say "Goodbye, Hawaiian Islands." When Mr. Brown would ask the obvious question, of Mr. Black "You have all of these conclusion in the file?" Mr. Black would say "Of course, sir. Any time you need them." Mr. Brown would, then, address Tami and I, as he asked "Do you think the Hawaiian gods, the REAL gods, would cooperate?" Tami would say "I dont see why not. The spirits have been helpful, up to this point." No-sooner had my partner said these words when G.S.2's multi-million dollar, automatic defense, systems would deploy our port chain gun turret, after some character came to close to the plane. The figure, dressed as a Native American, had just begun some sort of "dance", along with some "shakers/rattlers", and what sounded like a terrible imitation, of Cherokee, Sioux, of Cheyenne. When G.S.2's wonderful, female, weapons systems voice would call out "You have violated this aircrafts security perimeter. Withdraw, immediately, or this unit WILL open fire." Even Tami agreed that one thing was for certain. This "visitor" was no spirit. (As a general rule, spirits do not set off G.S.2's automatic defenses. Only humans do.) When the targetting laser locked onto the persons chest, did Tami and I actually hear the "visitor" speak, in clear English, saying "You would not DARE". Since G.S.2 was programmed to try "Deterence, first", the turret put out a single, three-round, blast, at the "visitors" feet. After the shots were fired, DID Tami and I hear the "visitor" actually say "You WOULD", as they turned, and ran away. On the weapons panel, in our cockpit, our pilots chuckled as, on a video monitor, the words "Stand By" flashed, on the screen, while the figure ran away. Once the "visitor" had fled, the chain gun turret withdrew back into the planes fuselage, even as a spirit appearred, inside G.S.2, saying "Very impressive. What else can this plane do?" When I would suggest "With our pilots, at the controls, it would be easier to say what the plane can NOT do". (Which was, practically, nothing). As it would turn out, the spirit was NOT one, of the Hawaiiian "gods", at all. The spirit was of a man, who had served, in World WarTwo. Once Tami called up the mans service record, which was verified, by the Pentagon, our pilots seemed happy to show a fellow soldier all of the modern wonders, which had come into existance, in the years since the mans post-war death, in the 1970's. The soldiers then spent a couple of hours, trading war stories (No doubt, with plenty of embellishment), before the spirit bid us ALL a "Good night". It was, maybe, a couple of days later, when Tami and I had a "run in" with another, supposed, "god". In this case, however, it would be more correct to refer to the character as a "god-ess". Tami had made the decision, that just studying facts, and history, would NOT solve this mystery. When my partner decided that we should "become acquainted", with Hawaiiian culture, we set off for some, lcal, festival. (I wont pretend to know its name, or meaning). What I DID notice, as did local men, was the young woman, who was doing something between a Hula Dance, and something, almost, Saudi Arabian. While I will admit that, as a man, I was more interested in the girls skimpy costume (which, BARELY, covered her breasts, and womanhood), Tami, and a native woman, noticed what we men had not. Both Tami, and the native, noticed that, while the dancer was DRESSED as, and acting (more or less), like a Hawaiian, her features were just far enough off that Tami used one, of Mr. Black's remarkable, hidden, camera's, to videotape enough, of the girls performance, for G.S.2's computer to analyze. What I, and the native men, found suspicious, was how, once the "dance" was completed, and without a word, the young woman seemed enveloped, in either mist, or fog. When this cleared, the young woman was gone. Back at G.S.2 (and once my head was "clear"), Tami had the local woman join us, as Tami ran a search, for the young performers identification. If the performer was NOT Hawaiian, then this left the question of "WHAT was her nationality?" By the time the computer matched the womans facial features, to an indian tribe, of the American Plains, A follow up search arrived, listing the womans indian name, as well as her crimes, against the indian nations. It would seem that this young "squaw" had managed, in just a few years, to not only SELL her familys land, to the utility, but the young woman had seduced her way into the utilities executive offices. According to the indian nations records, the young woman had conned the indians into allowing the sale, of the land, claiming that the utility was promising to build a "cultural center", on the nations land. Problem was, the young woman had been "very LOOSE", with the term "cultural center". As it would turn out, the ONLY, native indian, reference, to the power supply station, was a cartoon, of an indian, which hung on the perimeter fence. Well, atleast now we knew what we were dealing with. A group, of first-class con-artists. People, who were using Hawaii's own history, to trick the islanders. By the time I was prepared to inquire just WHERE the young woman had disappearred to, after the mist enveloped her, the male spirit joined our group, saying "Its about TIME you asked WHERE she went". When the native woman woulld ask "Pardon me, but HOW would YOU know?" The spirit would say "We, spirits, get around, just as well as you humans do." When the native woman would say "I thought that ghosts only haunt the place where they died." Tami and I would suppress smiles, as the spirit would say "Young woman, movies, and television, enjoy encouraging this myth due to the fact that it is CHEAPER to wire up a single set, than to set up, and take down, location-after-location." When the native women would suggest "The stories, of the ancestors, say that some protect the forrests, while others serve the water, and sky." The spirit would correct the young woman, saying "Stories, of spirits, "bound", to distant places, are told to discourage nightmares. If such stories allow children to sleep, peacefully, through the night, all the better. Truth is, while the ancestors DO watch over, and protect, the lands, and people, the ancestors are, by no means, "prisoners"." When the spirit realized that he had "struck a nerrve", he promised the young woman "Just as with the Christians Lord, God, and the Jewish Jehovah, our spirits are boundless. We can be anywhere that we are needed." When Tami would ask "Then, tell us this. WHY was that indian woman dressed as an islander, and giving that public performance? What was to be gained?" The native woman would chime in with "Of course! Now I remember. The utility company was insisting upon adding something to the disputed lands. The ceremony took place at the same time the work was planned for." Tami would say "That makes sense. Distract local men, with a nearly-naked girl, while the utility does its work, elsewhere." When I would ask "WHERE is all this work to be done?" The native woman would say "The exact OPPOSITTE side, of the island, from where the performance was staged." Awhile later, when the native woman lead Tami and I, to the general area, where the work was to be done, none of us were surprised to find a security fence in place. The native woman would inform us "The only other way in is via the water." While it is a matter of record that, during the mystery, of the Egyptian Artifact, that our retired, air force, pilots had un-packed our Black Ops hovercraft, in record time, this time would be different. With hours to spare, before sun-down, the retired professionals went through a pre-launch check-list, which would have made Strtegic Air Command proud. While the native woman wondered how the hovercrafts enormous engines could go anywhere (and NOT be heard, for miles around), Tami and I promised the woman that she would be surprised, by the hovercrafts performance. And surprised she was, especially when the engines were engaged, yet the massive units were as quiet as a compact car. (Note: The primary reason why the Pentagon had rejected this design was due to the fact that, while the manufacturer had promised a craft, capable of 500 miles per hour, "our" craft was only capable of a maximum of 250 miles per hour (in full, combat, mode). In "Stationary" mode, the engines were quiet enough for the occupants to hear nearby, night, creatures. Even in "Cruise" mode, waves could, often, be heard, over the sounds, of our engines. While we were not, "officially" at war, our pilots would prepare their combat helmets. The very ones which Mr. Black had modified, to provide even more, optional, features, than "normal" "Heads Up Displays" (H.U.D.). Our pilots could see midnight, on a moonless night, just as easily as viewing high noon, on a sunny day. While we, really, did not EXPECT trouble, with our "cruise", and with our pilot at the helm, of the hovercraft, as we approached the target area, our co-pilot made himself comfortable, at the "weapons station". As the veterans had told us, before "Better to be overly-prepared, and laugh about it, later, than to be under-prepared, and risk either capture, or death." While our jet-black hovercraft cruised into the waterway, and onto the shore, with ease (appearing, to the naked eye, as nothing more than a shadow), it would not be until our craft skimmed, through some tree's, that "all hell broke loose". We had, no-sooner, found the crudely-designed, nuclear reactor, when our on-board, radiation, detectors, sent out a shrill, warning, indicating radiation, reaching toxic levels. This is when "all hell broke loose", as rifle-men, and machine-gunners, opened fire, on our craft. When Tami and I dove on top of the native woman, all three of us lying flat, on the crafts bottom, even as our pilot made a turn, which no one would believe possible, in a hovercraft, and accelerated even as our co-pilot returned fire, from our on-board weapons. Our pilots just found it laughable. The thought of how many, of the shooters were aiming, NOT at us, but, rather, at our flotation skirt. Like rifle, or machine-gun fire, would penetrate the five-layer thick, Titanium-re-inforced Kevlar fabric. Our pilot wondered what the machine-gunners would think if they KNEW that our craft had a hull, and skirt, which was designed to repel anything, short of a howitzer shell. Our pilot, also, wondered WHY the machine-gunners kept firing at our hovercrafts armoured engine housings. This craft had been, originally, designed for use against Russia's biggest, and baddest, armaments. Our pilot, however, kept the crafts speed at a mere 30, or so, miles per hour, until we reached open water. Then, to the complete surprise, of the guards, monitoring the waterway, no-sooner had our craft come into sight when our pilot pushed the throttles to "Combat Forward". By the time the guards had un-packed the detonator, for the underwater explosives, and had armed the device, the guards were left to scratch their heads as our hovercraft, practically, "took flight", as our engines caused the craft to surge forward, to as fast as 275 miles per hour. In the couple of minutes the guards had taken to prepare to blow us out of the water, the Black Ops designed engines had hurtled our hovercraft five miles out to sea. While the pilot would return the craft, to "cruise mode", our co-pilot, retired, but still "by the book", walked the entire length, of the craft, thoroughly checking, for damage. By morning, no-sooner had the native woman reported the illegal reactor, to the police, when everyone rushed outside the government building, to see what had caused a massive blast. Sure enough, right at the place, where the reactor HAD been, a cloud, of thick, black, smoke, hug in an otherwise bright, sunny, morning sky. Still, the police took no chances. Helicopters, and Jeeps, were dispatched, to recon the explosion. As the local commander would inform us "We have seen cases, before. Criminals, who would risk exposure, set off explosives, to make police THINK that illegal items have been destroyed. This is why we observe, with our own EYES." Not surprising, however, is the fact that, by late afternoon, ALL patrols had reported in. While the fuel rods, for the reactor, were missing, the reactor, itself, had been blown, to bits, with regular dynamite. Add to this the fact that, while the gunners positions had been abandoned, ALL weapons, ammo, and troops, were missing. The only, surviving proof, of the operation, were the guards shacks, along the river. That, and the underwater explosives. While Tami provided the indian womans information, to the police, when the airport was contacted, airport personnel verified that a woman, matching that description, had boarded a private jet, shortly after sun-rise. By noon, the jet would be over California. Since the airport had no record of the fake "gods", who had been apppearing, near the steam vents, the police had contacted the harbor, for recent sailings. Sure enough, as many as twelve men, matching the "gods" measurements, had been seen, boarding a motor yacht. Sometime between 2-3 A.M., the motor yacht had travelled to a utility company work-ship, which was moored in deep water. The dock-master recalled the sailing since the yacht was, also, loaded, at its stern, with large crates, large enough to be steamer trunks. Look-outs, on land, reported that the yacht pulled up, to the "blind side", of the utility ship, which then set sail. By 4 A.M., ships, men, and baggage were in international waters. Still, this left the question, of the capping, of the vents, and the volcanoes. Since the Hawaiians were, already, suspicious, of the operation, a "hold" was placed, on the construction permit, while local government reviewed the project. The goal being not-so-much to stop the capping. Rather, to verify that the capping was, in fact, what the project was for. For reasons, known ONLY to the utility, permission, for state officials, as well as law enforcement (and Tami and I), was delayed by 72 hours. The utility's excuse: "We need time to prepare for the visit". While state officials, and police, were ready for a "prepared tour", what these professionals were NOT preparred for was what Tami and I had been expecting. While the tours, of the control rooms, and machine shops, were about as "thrilling" as watching grass grow, it was not until the group was using a passage, between an "auxiliary control room", and the "Main Control Room", that the tour became interesting. In the tunnel, before our group, appearred a woman. Maybe five-seven, slender, and radiant enough to bing any man to "attention". While the woman had the same, jet black, hair, as both of our island contacts, the womans facial features were, without a doubt, Hawaiian. When state officials, and the police, knelt, before the woman, and Tami asked "Why?", an official would say "Out of respect for her majesty. We are in the radiant presense, of Pele. The TRUE Goddess of the Volcano." After Tami gave Pele a respectful curtsey, and I, a gracious bow, Pele, magnificent, in a summer dress, of vibrant color, would turn towards a side tunnel, then gesture, as if to say "Follow me." When our group DID follow, both the state officials, and the police, admitted that neither knew that the spaces, which Pele was leading us through, even existed. The spaces might appear natural, however, none of our group had been here, in recent memory. It was not until our group reached the edge, of a cauldron, of magma, that Pele stood before us, silently, until the group was all present. When a state official would say "Oh, mighty Pele, protector of our lands, and our people, enlighten us as to your reason for bringing us to this place." Pele would raise a hand, and point overhead. There, dangling, over the magma, was a 50-kiloton warhead, mounted on a tri-pod. When a naive, state, official would ask "I wonder what THAT is for?" Pele would indicate the warhead, then make a rapid, falling, motion, followed by a gesture, for an explosion, and magma shooting up, under incredible pressure. It would be only after inspecting three, additional, sites, (With Pele leading the way, each time), that the commission came to a terrible decision. To the horror of Tami, and myself, the decision was identical to the vision, which another spirit had, previously, showed us. Whether the vision was of the past, or the future, no longer mattered. A utility was preparing to set off as many as ten, 50-kiloton, nuclear warheads, inside Hawaiian volcanoes. One, of Mr. Black's scenario's was about to become a deadly reality. The capping, of the volcanoes, was only step ONE, of the master plan. The pressure, to run the turbines, to produce power, was far greater than normal, volcanic, activity, would produce. Once the nuclear warheads were dropped into the magma, the detonation would cause pressures, which would force the volcanoes to operate at 100, to 1,000 times normal rates. While the utility had PROMISED Hawaii that "Our equipment is DESIGNEED to operate, under these conditions." The REAL question was "How would the CRUST react, to the detonations?" While Washington D.C. was, currently, of the opinion that "We must let business operate as business see's fit. Over-regulation will strangle the economy." U.S. Geological, however, did NOT agree. In fact, within 72 hours, a federal team was on-site, and reviewing our data, line-by-line. No matter HOW the feds read the data, officials concluded that Mr. Black was correct. The warhead detonations would not only cause a violent increase, in magma activity, however, between the hydrogen, already present, in the volcanoes, and that, of the warheads, not only would the volcanoes explode, with un-predictable violence, but, the fissures, which allowed the steam to vent, would be blasted into casms. If Hawaii was "lucky", its islands would vanish, in the explosion, and be reduced to littering the sea floor. If Hawaii was "Not so lucky", the state would resemble the aftermath, of Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. When the utility made the decision, to abandon the project, islanders OFFERED to assist, yet were ordered to "Stay away, or be prosecuted, for trespass." About the only problem, which the federal government had, with dis-mantling the project, was when the U.S. Army was sent to recover the warheads. When the utility refused to turn over the warheads, saying "These are OUR property", the soldiers were issued combat orders. "Take the warheads, or destroy them." Only AFTER the warheads were removed, from the volcanoes, did the Atomic Energy Commission become "interested". The A.E.C. could understand the reason WHY the utility had NOT wanted the warheads inspected. The devices were "black market", and there was enough leakage, that removal workers were required to wear hazmat suits, to work on the devices. While this was going on, on Hawaii, on the mainland, corporate executives, quickly sold the company to an investment group (which had no knowledge, of the volcano plan). Once the company was sold, the board of directors, took flights, to nations which had "Non-Extradition Treaties", with the U.S. The investors, who purchased the company, could not be indicted for something they knew nothing about. All that the Justice Department was able to do was declare the company bankrupt. The purchasers would lose every penny they had invested, in the utility. It would, also, seen that news spread, just as FAST, throughout the spirit world. This was proven when Pele, Goddess of the volcano, would appear, dressed in Hawaiian dress clothes apparrel, and, this time, SPEAKING even better English than I am able to. Pele would inform Tami and I "On behalf of my people, I want to thank you for saving our beloved islands. While so much has changed, over the centuries, I am pleased that my people retain their heritage." After Tami and I would address the woman, saying "You are most welcome". Pele would turn and, as she strolled away, every inch a woman, she would dissolve, into thin air. Our next, "gods" visitor would be Kanaloa, God of the Ocean. In equally superior English, Kanaloa would appear, wearing a simple, white, workers, t-shirt, and blue, dress pants, while informing Tami and I "On behalf of the various life-forms, both human, and aquatic, which call Hawaii "home", I wish to express my appreciation, for your assistance. May I ask one favor, though?" When Tami would say "Name it", Kanaloa would ask "Would it be possible for me to board, and view, that magnificent "speed boat", of yours. Never before have I witnessed such a craft." When Tami and I would agree "I am sure it can be arranged." Then add "We, also, want to add that it was our HONOR to be of service, to your people." Shortly after this, Kanaloa would shake our hands, then mention "As with Pele, I, too, have much work to attend to. Good luck in your travels." As Kanaloa would walk away, from us, he would dissolve, just as gracefully as Pele had. Later, after islanders had aided our packing, of G.S.2, the four of us would just be strapping in, for take-off, when Mr. Brown would vid-link with us, saying "Congratulations on a job, well done." When Tami would look at me, saying "Here it comes", Mr. Brown did his famous "I'm hurt" imersonation, before saying "Since you are off the West Coast, anyway, I would appreciate it if you reviewed the enclosed case. It seems a bit "Run of the mill, but..." Tami would add "But, you would like us to check it out, anyway. Maybe find out if the case is worth our resources? Determine if agency resources should be assigned." Mr. Brown would say "Thats my girl. Full of spirit.", then he would fix his gaze on me, saying "You could learn a thing, or two, from your partner". When I would say "I know", Mr. Brown would say "Anyway, give me a preliminary report, as soon as possible." At that moment, I wondered: Whoever it was who said "No rest for the wicked" SHOULD have said "No rest, for the successful, profitable, and dedicated", instead. On to the next case...