The Sahara's intruders

Camel tracks in the hot desert sands of the Sahel would not remain long as the desert’s winds swiftly obliterated any evidence of beast or man traversing the ocean of fire.  Despite the shadows cast on to the desert’s floor from cumulus clouds over head there would be no relief for those who had trespassed against the great desert; one of many that encompassed the arid southern reaches of the Sahara.  Caravel trade routes carried a thousand souls into the heart of the Sahara’s many deserts.  Those who survived were among the children of Allah; however there were those who were of such an evil nature that the Jinn ensured their survival.  Of these were the legionaries of Christ, a fascist sect of the Christian priest with an agenda sanctioned by the Vatican itself.  Hans Kraus, Nicolai Schmidt, and Johnson Livingston of the Bulgarian Monastery  “The Holy Trinity” a place of bitter cold high up in the mountains. Rarely were its inhabitants in contact with the outside world, except three among its flock sent on an covert mission half way around the world with an unknown outcome, it was the price one paid for the Vatican’s sanctuary; a sort of diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution of war crimes.

The three tracked across the desert with one of their own approaching death’s door.  Basically secured to his mount’s saddle a man of his mid 30s clung to life only by a thread as the camel’s sway lulled him in and out of consciousness. 

”He is not going to make it…I doubt if any of us make it out of this god forsaken land,” Schmidt snarled bitterly glancing back at Livingston.

“Heir Schmidt… were you not a soldier in Bosnia…trained to endure over whelming odds? It seems that monastery life has softened you while evading the tribunals,” Livingston coughed weakly through cracked and parched lips.

“My military past is of no concern to a dying man,” Schmidt shot back.

“The two of you…shut it…we’re at the brink of death.  I don’t believe.  Is this the best the brothers of  the monastery can do….argue among yourselves while  lost in this hellish furnace of a land,” Kraus complained as the sun seemed to relentlessly burn him despite the turban wrapped around his head and neck.  Unfortunately the Tagelmust, Takatat and Akarbey desert attire it gave him no relief.  It only concealed the European features that would have marked him as an outsider and stranger.

“Check the map against the compass bearings,” Schmidt said.

“It’s another 60 Kilometers before we reach the boarder or reach any kind of civilization in this god forsaken place,” Kraus griped folding up the map and returning it to its blood stained leather case.  Nicolai Schmidt turned in Livingston’s direction watching him lean precariously from his mount, “he is not going to survive…it would be cruel to have him endure this torturous journey.  If he were dead our chances of survival and completing our mission would increase considerably…and we can be done with this place.”

“Bastard,” Livingston said hoarsely as he fell from his camel.  The two halted their camels and dismounted them and walked through the burning sands where the dying man had fallen.  His vision blurred in and out of focus as he attempted to rise to his feet leaning against the camel for support as he pulled the revolver from its holster pointing it at his adversary,” bastards…you took my water and want to leave me here to die of thirst… but not today,” he said pointing the pistol,” give it back!”

“You are not going to shoot anyone,” Schmidt said coldly as Livingston pulled the trigger, but to his surprise only a clicking sound followed.  Kraus watched the two intently from a short distance.  Schmidt laughed as he threw the rounds in the man’s face,” you were never focused…know your weapon,” he said menacingly taking the man’s canteen, supplies and then his camel.

“Please…don’t do this,” he whispered,” you can’t leave me here to die,” he begged.  Kraus then walked up and un-holstered his desert eagle semi automatic pistol.  The sound of the shot seemed to have gone on forever.

“Now…Heir Kraus our chances to survive just drastically improved… thank you,” he said taking the camel’s reigns tying them on to his own camel. 

“It would be cruel to leave him to endure another moment of a slow agonizing death.  Hasn’t the monastery shown you anything?”  Where Kraus maintained some form of twisted compassion Nicolai Schmidt possessed a blood lust and pension for cruelty.         

“Well… Livingston should have remained in Britain to find his spiritual calling.”
 Kraus shook his head at the man’s callous remark.

The two rode on into the late evening thankful to have found an oasis to set up camp considering the last two wells they passed were dry. If not for the additional supplies they would not have survived.   The poisonous desert vipers and scorpions kept them vigilant while unyielding sand storms attempted to bite into exposed skin.  Luckily the turbans and the desert attire they donned not only concealed their identity but protected them from the desert’s unpredictable and changing climate for the most part.  However being temporarily blinded by the sand storm caused them to lose their bearings crossing the Sahel from Mauritania with temperatures plunging to bitter cold. The desert’s brutality could strike out at any given moment taking the form of any calamity that would psychologically bend anyone’s reality from sanity to madness.  Anxiousness mixed with foreboding seemed to have blanketed the two wondering through one of nature’s most inhospitable environments; testing one’s mettle. 

In the distance a lone figure caught Kraus’s perennial vision; a man who was believed to be dead after a round was fired into him at point blank range.  It was considered an act of mercy; spilling the man’s life fluids on to the desert floor, afterwards the imaged then faded from view.    Being guilt ridden peace of mind evaded him as feelings of doom seemed to be closing in on him.  He could sense a presence other than the sadist ex-mercenary Nicolai Schmidt.   It was something ominous and malevolent something beyond hate and cruelty, it was unforgiving and it wasn’t long before Schmidt sensed paranoia wrapping itself around Kraus making him uneasy under the cloak of night.  If fear and guilt were a contingent then Nicolai Schmidt would surely have been infected even if he didn’t pull the trigger his contempt for what he perceived as weakness contributing to another’s demise began to take its toll. The struggle to maintain his sanity was relentless as the dead man’s image came to visit him.  Over and over again, from the bullets he’d thrown at Livingston to the shot that rang out as his body fell on to the ground turning the sands red.  It all played over in his mind’s eye despite the fact that Livingston had pulled a gun on him after antagonizing the man; threatening to leave him in the desert to die of thirst many times during the course of their journey. 

Strange and unusual phenomenon accompanied those who traveled through the house of fire uninvited; especially foreigners with agendas less than honorable.  Now their predicament would become like that of a bad dream as the wind began to pick up again whipping the sands creating nightmarish apparitions that faded in and out of view.  Kraus made the sign of the cross over his body while Schmidt stared on in disbelief gripping the automatic pistol,” what is it,” he asked staring through the sands in the distance while also trying to shield his eyes,” it looks like a man.

“How is it he is able to foot the sands of the Sahara unaided?”

“How would a man survive this hell… especially one you supposedly killed,” Schmidt said.

“You killed him when you denied him water making his death slow and agonizing.”

“You are not going to blame me when it was you who pulled the trigger.”  Back and forth the two bickered until they felt something beneath their feet causing them to lose their balance momentarily,” What the hell…what is this?”

“We should not have stopped here to make camp,” Schmidt complained.

“But it’s the only water hole with palms around it to tie the camels to…or would you prefer they run off and leave us in this god forsaken hell,” he growled then taking a deep breath,” let’s just calm down we are suffering from fatigue and dehydration…it will be sunrise in a few hours we should get some rest while we can arguing will not help.  We are going to have to devise a plan to cross the border into Mali.” 

Suddenly a mournful wailing began shaking the calm from their core once again with an eeriness thickening the air around the once tranquil oasis as a mist rose up from the water followed by the smell of blood. 

“What in god’s name is this,” Kraus whispered looking through the mist. Then suddenly Nicolai began to violently swat at the air at what he perceived to be some sort of flying stinging insects; violently he swatted at the invisible foe,” get away…get away from me,” he shouted. 

“What are you doing there is nothing there,” Kraus said grabbing the man by the shoulders,” there’s nothing there…except this ungodly mist” he insisted.  Schmidt finally regained his composure breathing heavily he then realized the flying threats were either gone or never existed in the first place. 

“I am beginning to wonder if this is worth it,” Kraus mumbled.

“What’s that,” Schmidt asked looking around nervously as he rolled out his mat.

“Timbuktu…and this so called great Mosque and its grand libraries…the scroll of Orion… is it really worth risking our lives for,” Kraus said bitterly then all of a sudden he let out a muffled yelp as he was being consumed by quicksand no more than 5 feet away from his comrade,” help me…help me,” he shouted as the wet ground rushed up to his waist.  Schmidt looked horrified as he went for the rope from the camel.  “Help me…help me,” Kraus pleaded up to his chest in the consuming muck with it steadily devouring him.  Schmidt quickly tossed him the rope, but he could barely reach it.  Schmidt inched closer afraid he’d be sucked in the deadly earth then he tossed the rope again this time Kraus was able to get his wrist around it as it was now up to his neck.  “Hurry…Hurry tie it on to the camel.”  Nicolai quickly backed the animal away from the quick sand pulling Kraus from death’s horrible grips.  Covered from nearly head to toe the two immediately distanced themselves from deadly threat.  “This is bull shit,” Schmidt shouted as Kraus was clearly shaken from the event as he disrobed his muddy attire.  

“This is bull shit…I didn’t sign up for this non sense,” Schmidt continued to complain as the two set up a new camp site where the mist had lessened; rolling out their sleeping mats in a new spot seemed to ease their tensions.  As they laid beneath the night sky gazing up at the stars the desert’s beauty and mysteries lulled them into a false sense of security; within minutes Schmidt yelled out into the desert night shocking Kraus from his sleep,” what in the hell,” he gasped looking over to see the humongous scorpion perched upon Schmidt’s chest with its tail raised and ready to strike. Kraus grabbed the nearest branch and knocked it from Schmidt’s chest moments before its deadly strike.  “Son of a bitch,” Schmidt shouted out in anger and fright.  “Damn this place…damn it to hell.  This place is cursed I tell you.  The hell with the scrolls of Orion damn it,” Schmidt ranted while Kraus just stood there in shock wondering what other deadly surprises awaited them.  Schmidt continued his ranting and raving kicking stones and rocks yelling out profanities into the night cursing the desert.  As he continued on his wave of profanities he stumbled over the skeletal remains of some sort of animal that met its demise in the desert.  Schmidt with all his might kicked the skull against a large rock causing it to shatter.

“Is that it…is that the end of your tantrum,” Kraus said shivering stripped down to his under garments  considering his clothing was still caked with wet sand,” damn it will you just calm down.”  And then suddenly smoke rose up into the air from the shattered pieces.  “What in the name of god is this abomination before us,” Kraus whispered.  Schmidt froze in place not believing his eyes as the strange colored smoke continued to slowly rise into the air and then taking on the form of something indistinguishable from animal or human at first, then slowly it became denser.  After a while their forms could be distinguishable as they now appeared to take on a human form; however their features remained elusive as spirals of smoke took the place of facial features as they hovered above the ground.  Bewilderment left the pair speechless and unable to move as smoke continued to swirl about concealing what may have been a face beneath the shear indigo veil.  The tattered garments suggested at one time before making transition into the spirit world the unearthly Jinn that stood before them may have been common camel herders.  They appeared to be above average height as they glared down on Schmidt and Kraus; studying them as they seemed to take on a more solid form.  From beneath their tattered and desert worn shrouds bony hands looking as if the flesh had been eaten away gave them the appearance that decomposition had ravished the rest of their bodies. Schmidt and Kraus couldn’t help but to cover their mouths as the smell of rotting flesh assailed their sense of smell. 

“I feel like I’m in the middle of a nightmare,” Kraus said trying to back away.

“Am going mad in this forsaken desert,” Schmidt said clutching Kraus’s arm as he stumbled backwards.  No sooner then he made contact with the ground one of the robbed figures was upon him nose to nose, if the figure had a nose. Mean while Schmidt backed into a nearby palm only feet away from Kraus with another jinn menacing his personal space,” wha...what do you want with us,” Schmidt managed to stutter turning his face away from the unearthly as it hissed before speaking,” you summoned usssssss with the profane… and your vile contempt,” the Jinn said.

“It was your anger when you desecrated the remnants of death…it beckoned us…a reflection of your true natures,” one of the other Jinn hissed.”

“What,” Schmidt managed to ask confused.

“You cursed the desert and its occupants…certainly your intention was to summon the Shayton with your actions,” the Jinn hissed as a boney hand grabbed Kraus by his chin and pulled him up from the ground and sniffed at him,” you stink of fear,” the Jinn hissed tossing him back to the ground sending the man scrambling away cowering.

“Cowards….why do you cross into the ocean of fire?” Another Jinn swooped in on the frightened men more menacing than the last; this one possessed a partial face that revealed a mouth of jagged fangs.  From beneath one of the sleeves where an arm should have been a horned viper uncoiled itself extending its body flickered its tongue,” why do you enter the ocean of fire under the cloak of darkness,” it hissed sending a torrent of foul wind scattering the sand.  The two trembled in the wake of the question asked.

“Answer flesh-ling,” the first Jinn bellowed.

“We are going to Timbuktu…but we lost our way,” Kraus answered hesitantly.  The Jinn became agitated upon hearing the name Timbuktu with the viper recoiling back into the tattered sleeve.

“The place of the Marid’s descendants,” the Jinn hissed.  Kraus and Schmidt looked at each other confused by the Jinn’s reactions to the mere mention of Timbuktu.

“But these are not the children of Allah or Amen-Ra,” the Jinn hissed as the rest hovered closer to the pair,” what is it you seek to steal away from Timbuktu…and don’t lie to us,” the Jinn hissed as the viper flicked its tongue and extended its body to get a closer look at Kraus and Schmidt.  Agitation began to take root in Schmidt, his growing resentment made him less afraid and more agitated; especially at being accused of being a thief.  Getting more of his courage up he confronted the Jinn removing the crucifix from beneath his Takatat,” you treat us as if we are cut throats and common thieves ,” he said boldly.  Then to his surprise with a flash one of the Jinn grew to enormous size extending his upper body to meet his gaze; only inches from his face shocking him. 

“But you are,” the Jinn retorted as he rose up over the two men,” you have spilled the blood of your own kind…I told you not to lie to us…now you will suffer many deathssss.”

“No…please wait…wait.  I’ll tell you what you want to know,” Kraus pleaded.

“Yesss…. You will.”

“We’re going to take the scrolls of Orion.”   A hushed whisper fell over the desert as the Jinn of Shayton began to converse among themselves with their desert viper standing watch over Kraus and Schmidt. 

“Who are the Marid…and what is it about Timbuktu that vexes them so much,” Schmidt asked watching the red eyed viper flicking its tongue at them.

“I believe there are different castes of these…these devils or demons…whatever you want to call these evil unholy things,” Kraus whispered fearfully.

“They are the evil ones,” Schmidt said nodding over at the trio of Jinn.

“How do you know that…they are not of any Christian god we know of…they are all evil as far as I’m concerned,” Kraus whispered.

“Because they became vexed when we mentioned Timbuktu…Timbuktu is the place of many mosque, and centuries ago it housed the first universities the world ever known… that’s why they’re vexed by it…that is an evil response.  It’s a shame to have to carry out this mission, but it’s paramount for the church to maintain control,” Schmidt said regrettably; keeping an eye on the Jinn’s viper.

“Maybe we can use them to our advantage,” Kraus whispered.  Schmidt looked at him long and hard,” are you mad?  There is no bargaining with these creatures.”

“They’re Jinn and we freed them…they owe us.”

“You fool…you’ll get us killed there is no honor among these creatures,” Schmidt insisted.  But before Schmidt could finish his sentence Kraus had called the Jinn,” Shayton,” he said in a commanding manner.  “Fool you fool,” Schmidt growled, but in the blink of an eye the Jinn were on them breathing foul air into their immediate space.

“Pink flesh-ling you do not command anything here in the ocean of fire…do not forget your place human,” the Jinn’s jagged teeth clicked ending in a hiss at the end of his words.  Kraus quickly humbled himself as the other two bore down on him. 

“Please…I meant no disrespect,” Kraus explained.

“Know your place Pink flesh-ling,” the Jinn repeated with a hiss.   Schmidt stood back watching the situation wondering what the outcome would be,” this can’t be good,” he thought to himself listening to Kraus plead his case to the Jinn of the desert. 

“Nothing comes for free flesh-ling…for our help to get you safe passage from the ocean of fire this means you are prepare to forge a pack with the Shayton of the ocean of fire,” the Jinn responded with a rotting orifice where a face should have been.

“Yes…yes,” Kraus said desperately while Schmidt just stood back and shook his head.

“I can get you gold and silver…even riches,” Kraus said naively.

“Pink flesh-ling ….the Jinn have no need for earthly riches…we require blood sacrifice,” the Jinn laughed coldly as the viper dropped to the ground turning into a curved dagger.  Kraus and Schmidt’s eyes grew large with disbelief and repulsion.

“Whoever succeeds in performing the blood sacrifice for the Jinn will be granted their wish and will have safe passage from the ocean of fire…and our assistance of course.  The sacrifice can only be made with the dagger of the Shayton,” the Jinn hissed laughing in an unsettling manner. The two immediately knew the Jinn had pitted them against each other as they both lunged for the dagger; however as soon as the two neared the dagger it quickly turned back to its viper form spitting and hissing at them with the Jinn becoming entertained by the spectacle; a cruel and vicious form of entertainment for the unearthly as they watched the men’s predicament with amusement.

“What kind of games are these creatures playing,” Kraus asked confused more than before dodging the striking viper.

“And you thought you could actually trust them…they want us to kill each other for their pleasure and amusement, but I will not die here in this hell for their amusement I guarantee you that,” Schmidt said as self preservation became a driving force within him. 

Thank you for visiting Another reality home of short stories and thought provoking articles. The above story short was an excerpt from the recently released novel  "The Dorian Grey Files Womb of Darkness" Books one & Two now available at amazon
 please visit me at  www.wix.com/soyinkaiyabo/chaoschronicals

Universal law and writer's block

Universal law Dictates you don't have to believe in it and you don't have to like it....it is what it is. It applies to artists, skate boarders,doctors Buddhist Muslims, Christians everyone, no one is

exempt from  universal laws.  There's an old saying that goes you are what you eat.  Well for writers you write what you vibrate. What does your environment say about you, because it's a reflection of you.  The people you choose to be in your life, not the ones you can't, like family; your choices. Ask yourself are these individuals supportive of your writing endeavors, or are they complaining and ridiculing; like most non-creators do? These are the aspects that determine how you vibrate.  If you don't have the best perspective of yourself or your work no one else will.  Sometimes you have to write for you first.  When you begin this journey avoiding the frustrations that fall along your path. The universe is a willing component to aid you; it will reflect back to you exactly who you are in the form of people places and things even situations and circumstances. Did you ever notice when you feel bad hanging in that negative zone how negative people, situations, and circumstances just find their way to you; almost like a heat seeking missile. You could be at the park, the market, the movies,out in traffic some how the negative beasties find you.  Ironic...

It's extremely important to check ourselves, not physically but the emotion meter, because you attract what you feel.  So many times we're not aware of our own vibrations which emanate from our thoughts.  Thoughts are very powerful.  What you think of yourself is extremely important.  What you think of the work you create is the key to the success you'll attract.  Constantly doubting yourself or your work can be the demise of the creativity factory.  It's the main ingredient of writers block; a writer's greatest nemesis. Another writer's foe is negativity and  un-solicited  opinions accompanied by jealousies from well meaning friends and family accomplices to the nemesis writer's block. Remember everything is vibration.

To shield and protect the unborn ideas of future projects is to start with guarding your own feelings and thoughts.  When you feel bad you attract more of the same.  When you feel good you attract you attract just that.  You bring about what you think about, and what you talk about. Check it out the better you feel the better it gets. Yeah I know easier said than done in these times when stress, and frustration seem to rule.  It's only because we don't monitor what it is we focus on, or what our conversations are about, even down to what the media feeds us on a daily basis. most times it determines our vibration and frequency.  You have to start monitoring the info your being fed, because you bring about what you think about.  Long term negative feelings and thinking have quite a bit of history, in other words it's built up in momentum; like bad habits  along life's road.

These are the monsters that stalk creativity, and they have homies, road dogs, and partners in crime called fear, jealousy, envy, and hate a very dangerous element.  It totally shuts down the intuitive abilities with the creative instincts. And please by all means avoid the intellectually twisted who believe they have the market cornered  on all knowledge and information.  Your guidance should come from those who are sincere in offering their wisdom to you.  we all make mistakes along the road to greatness but we must find our way through quiet reflection. Find your zone of self satisfaction in other words find something that feels good to you and begin to make a habit of focusing on it. Practice staying in that zone even if its only five minutes a day.  Be cognizance of what you think about...what you focus on. Keep in mind words are very powerful whether you use them against yourself or for your advancement through positive affirmations.  Everything has a vibration it's universal law.  Remember that old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" really? Defamation of character, slander, rumors, baring false wittiness; just words huh. Words have power, why not use them to empower yourself and your work.  

And last but not least... avoid burn out and learn the art of chillology it goes a long way.  

I hope you've enjoyed this article from 

Another reality.  Stay tuned for other thought provoking articles and short stories from Another reality                   

   

Octavius Abraxus

What Does the future hold for us?  Can you even imagine the far future where you are now an ancient ancestor.  The pyramid builders of ancient Egypt left their mark upon the world centuries after they departed this physical world, and now they're ancient ancestors.  The Dogon of West Africa were astronomers from their early beginnings.  Their ancestors discovered the  Sirius minor star constellation.  Their entire spiritual beliefs are submerged in a cosmological and celestial origins like  many of the West African ethnic groups along the Atlantic coast. Let's say for a minute we speculate what it would be like for these ancient people existing in another reality a futuristic reality.  What would there world be like what would there reality consist of?  Knowing their history; their struggles and what we've learned from there past. Let's create a speculative story set a millennium ahead of our time space continuum.  After all this is Another reality where short stories and or thought provoking articles populate this blog space.  Thinking outside the box  is crucial for stories from Another reality.  No one tells you what's acceptable or appropriate for your thought process.  You creative Sci-Fi writers reading this I'm sure you can appreciate have your freedom to engage  the mechanisms of your creativity. This post is simply an expression to tell a story about how one would view the situations and circumstances of those who lived centuries before our time reincarnated into the far future.  With every story there lies another story to be told.  When you write  remember all that came before you everything you learned and speculate"what if" as the story unfolds.

      

The room resonated with anger, and resentment.  Hovering in mid air the holographic images of another existence became the undeniable object of contempt as its images were observed and judged.  Images flashed by one after another of a place that vibrated on a lower dimension void of illumination.  The counsel of architects continued their observations of the disturbing holographic images before them with tension filling the space faster than it was able to be filtered out by the mood stabilizers.

“In the name of Abraxus we can not allow this to go on,” a voice bellowed out.  Suddenly the bio sensor’s audible alarm sounded with the holographic image revealing another view; an energy force emerging through the vortex’s center.

“Status,” another voice demanded.  Immediately synthesizing etheric sensors activated; scanning the dense mist-like energy form.  Only after a couple seconds could a human face be recognized bearing great anxiety within it becoming denser with the rest of its body.

“What sector is that?”

“Sector nine sir.”

“Now they’re descending on to the inner sanctum? This is unacceptable…everything will be thrown out of balance and order.  We cannot accommodate these lower vibratory rates,” the supreme architect complained,” they will plunge us into the world of shadows our world will become as theirs.”

The holographic generator continued to display numerous images of the lower realm with its occupants.  A world depleted of its spiritual essence existing on the brink of total annihilation through fear mongering, and religious dogma.  There were only a few who choose not to relinquish their infinite essence to trepidation propelled by lies which caused offensively distressing emotions of fear.  This small population of beings maintained their spiritual intelligence and managed to shield themselves from the powers to be, so when their cycle had been completed they would transition to the next cycle of evolution; unlike those who intentionally disrupted the cycle’s process out of despair.

The quantum architects continued observing the holographic screen and all its disturbing images of an influx of what was considered highly irregular, and undesirable.

“Computer… disengage,” he commanded.  Immediately the images faded leaving an atmosphere of contempt from an undesirable influx of what they considered to be a threat.

“This is unacceptable…this impending defilement of our world.  As supreme architect I am initiating the Centauri Seven protocol,” he proclaimed sending the room into a hushed and uncomfortable silence with the members exchanging looks with one another around the oval crystal that served as the holographic generator hovering before the 13 architects of the counsel of Abraxus.

“For celestial sake…we haven’t initiated the Centauri Seven protocol for over a millennium.  Do you realize what you’re doing Sirius?”

“Or what is at stake by taking such drastic measures,” another member interjected from across the oval crystal.

“You’re talking about re-instituting a practice we have little knowledge of.  It’s not feasible it’s very unpredictable,” a woman hissed with scorn dominating her face.

“So… would you prefer these abominations over running our world,” he questioned gesturing to the images displayed over head with his anger echoing through the spherical room silencing everyone.  His words forced them to take in consideration what consequences would befall them politically to disagree with him.   As he stood up pointing to the holographic images, the alarming scenes invoked feelings of fear and anxiety, “I believe it is best to do something instead of nothing.”  
Taking in the fearful faces he thought momentarily,” If you are willing…why not put the matter to democratic vote."  
Within minutes ten were in favor of executing the Centauri Seven protocol while the remaining three had their doubts over the decision and its outcome,” then so be it and may Abraxus have mercy on your soul for your trespasses,” a voice commented as they excused themselves.

“It is not I who trespass Tiberius,” he replied to the remaining counsel who disapproved the decision as they exited the room as uncertainty lingered.  "Finally a solution to a significant threat would now be initiated with cowards out of the way,” the supreme quantum architect thought to himself.

 “Rise up…it is time to eliminate what plagues our quality of existence.” Instantaneously the crystal changed its form to more of a circular shape as the remaining ten gathered around it with their hands extended out in front of them with their palms facing upward.  Suddenly an ambient light began to radiate from the center of their life lines reaching toward the ceiling forming an apex of energy as they descended deeper into a meditative state.  The room around them shifted mirroring the illuminated energy changing its frequency and vibration.

“It is time,” a melodic voice echoed.  In unison their thoughts became the collective reciting the ancient invocation.   Despite not having initiated the Centauri protocols in over a millennium the architects reached deep within their ancestral memories into the Akasic records of their DNA. “Abraxus the Omni potent opener of the celestial…as above so below microcosm of the macrocosm…what is present and what is not present.  Let the merging of light and darkness bring life and death.  We invoke those at the beginning of the millennium,” they chanted in unison.  Suddenly numerous flashes of what appeared to be black lightning struck the center of the crystal enacting the holographic screen to reveal dozens if not hundreds or even thousands of beings of another time and space flickering by so fast they appeared as a blur then suddenly and abruptly the images blended as one as it rotated on an invisible pedestal. The semi translucent figure before them appeared muscular with thick course long locks falling across her shoulders.  Her female form would not be denied its splendor and strength.  “A magnificent specimen,” Io commented.

“So… are we ready to proceed,” Sirius the supreme quantum architect asked the others; knowing their response.

“You have our well wishes…this is a task better suited for you and your associate assistant we would only be in the way.”

“Very well Ryzac,” he said as they all exited the room.

“Well Io…it’s up to us now.  Computer…enhance and render,” he commanded.  Several intense laser beams pierced the circular space where the image rotated at 360 degrees creating an outline of the semi translucent image, and then transporting it to a transparent horizontal cylinder to render and animate.  Back and forth the multi colored lasers swept across the translucent form creating its body’s many life supporting systems from its essence.

“This process may take a substantial amount of time I suggest we gather crucial Intel to launch the Centauri protocol,” computer co-ordinates from last incursion,” his voice reverberated over the buzz of the lasers.

“Quadrant 003D,” the computer droned in response to the question.

“Computer, co-ordinates prior to last incursion.”

Quadrant 002D…do you require additional co-ordinates?”

“Yes computer proceed to download to neural pathways.”  Then suddenly an audible alarm sounded.

“Computer on screen,” Io commanded as another image was revealed displaying another intruder crossing the gate way of the transitional bridge’s vortex.

“Computer activate gateway’s barrier, and keep them activated…in fact activate all barriers on every transitional bridge at 70%.”

“Do you think that would be adequate only 70%,” she asked.

“These are our main vortexes to the transitional bridges leading from the lower realms…its best to distribute the power equally until the protocol is initiated,” he responded before returning his attention back to the bio pod where the subject’s formation was completed.  Standing before the bio pod’s window he gaped down on to the magnificent completion of the being’s that would restore balance back to Adrastea.

“Computer… extraction mode,” he commanded. Slowly the bio pod rotated itself upright to a vertical position. Inside the being stood motionless completely covered in a silver metallic-like hue void of life. “It’s hard to believe we are at this cross roads initiating the Centauri Seven protocol I’m not sure if I’m completely comfortable with this...are you sure we are not over stepping our celestial boundaries Sirius?  We were originally placed here to monitor, observe, and categorize the numerous kinds of deaths as they correlated with the reincarnation cycles.”

“But these are not natural deaths,” he barked resenting her questioning his decision.

“According to whom… we do not dictate universal and celestial law.”

“If you were having such doubts and fears you should have cast your vote with the others and left with them.  Our world is being thrown out of balance with these intrusions. We have to restore the balance.  Can’t you see the chaos closing in on us… what they bring to our world will spread like a plague?  Their spirits are corrupt perpetuating a cycle of misery they will plunder us deep into the Void.” 
 Then suddenly the hiss of the bio pod demanded their attention as its front panel slid open exposing its occupant to the tension within the atmosphere.  Immediately her mouth opened wide sucking in vast amounts of air filling her lungs to their capacity before exhaling causing the metallic hue to shimmer slightly indicating the life sequence formation was complete.  The metallic eyelids slid open horizontally revealing one green eye and one brown with diamond shaped pupils that surveyed her surroundings taking in every detail.  Slightly tilting her head she also took in the audible vibrations that stimulated her inner eardrums.

“Life form on-line,” the computer droned interrupting their debate.  Quiet and thoughtful the being remained studying those who had invoked her essence to vainly replicate into a material form.  She remained still at first but then feeling the sensations of a physical body she began to self examine herself beginning with her hands; delicate yet powerful holding them out before the strange and unusual eyes.  She then turned her attention back to the architects observing the many emotions that coursed through them.  It wasn’t long before she dove into their mental thoughts,” this protocol is in conflict with the prime directive; no species’ destiny or evolution shall be altered eliminated or restricted,” she said shocking them into momentary silence as she stepped out of the pod,” why have you invoked my essence?  You have lowered my rate of vibration by materializing me to exist on this plain of existence.” 
Io and Sirius stepped closer to the being,” we regret our action; however it is crucial that this protocol be initiated,” he said hoping there would be no resistance.

 Io sensed resentment resonating from the being,” we mean you no harm we only seek peace for our world…and restore the balance, and then you will be returned.”  The being tilted her head to the side,” an imbalanced created by whom?”  The two looked incredulous at one another.

“My name is Io what should we call you,” she said avoiding the question.

She began to answer and then stopped; thinking of the question,” you invoke me and you do not know who I am,” she answered indignantly with a menacing air circling about her.  Standing before the pod it seemed as though her physical body increased in size and density,” to which life cycle are you referring?”  
Confusion momentarily shifted their thoughts; wondering if she would become combative or even confrontational as they considered her question.

“What life cycle,” Io repeated confused.

“Yes…I am known by many names and many things.  Duality is my nature, dark and light, benevolent and malevolent, destroyer and creator, masculine and feminine, peace and war,” she declared un-nerving them.

Io and Sirius stepped back distancing themselves so their words would not be over heard.  Io leaned closer to Sirius,” this is not good…they warned us about the Centauri Seven protocol,” she worried keeping her eyes locked on the being standing only a short distance away. 

“Get a hold of yourself…we don’t want it sensing your fear, or any other negative vibrations.  Apparently it’s lacking its Gnosis directive so we’ll just program her for our intended uses.  That is what the Centauri Seven protocol is.”

“Are you sure Sirius?”

“Of course I am.  Computer prepare consciousness 4771 for download.”

“That won’t be necessary,” the silver figure responded detaching herself from the neural sensors at the base of her neck; now able to move about unhindered,” I require no downloads I am quite capable of executing your protocols despite their conflicting aspects.  You will refer to me as Octavious Seven,” she interrupted with an expressionless face. 

“Finally…co-operation, and I thought we’d have to discard its consciousness and reconfigure it,” Sirius thought to himself unaware that his thoughts were being probed as an ulterior and counter measure began to take root in the base of her subconscious routine directives.  Feeling over confident Sirius proceeded to program Octavious with the protocol’s perimeters and co-ordinances.

“Do you understand your prime directives? Are you in sync with the co-ordinates we’ve just downloaded into your cerebral cortex…if so prepare for immediate descent,” he said. 

Io escorted her to the transport platform with its glass casing enclosing her within the chamber.  Immediately her subroutine perimeters paired with the mainframe computer.  Instantly a piercing light exploded from the chamber as Octavious Seven no longer occupied it.

“Success Io…we have succeed in initiating the Centauri Seven protocol… now to inform the counsel of our success,” he boasted. However Io had her doubts that she kept concealed as she accompanied him to meet with the counsel.

The falling sensation followed by the blinding light, intense pressure and increased temperature erupted into excruciating and agonizing pain as she was catapulted through time and space.  Her first response was to scream out in horror feeling as though her physical body was being devoured by a thousand shards of metal.  Gritting her teeth she wondered,” why she had been chosen?”   Anger, resentment, and animosity all fought for dominance in her directives as regret filled her neural pathways; fighting to purge the emotion from her being she felt helpless as the emotions were never eradicated from her programming. 

The direct link to the computer became severed engaging the audible sensor.  “Alert…alert file corruption… alert system directives corrupted…Octavious Seven off-line…Octavious Seven off-line,” the computer droned to the vacant and empty space as she were being plunged deeper into a multi-dimensional world where darkness dominated despite the twin suns being at their zenith.  Suddenly she found herself wading in what appeared to be a body of water she could not distinguish as a yellowish mist hovered

invoking feelings of disgust.  Quickly she exited the foul smelling body of liquid.  In the distance she observed the populace through the dense foliage where she immediately concealed herself as she attempted to access her data network; only to be met with emptiness and no prime directive to refer to. Submerged into an unfamiliar existence of energy currents a multitude of feelings and emotions circled her.  Fear, hate, despair, sorrow, and confusion, and all demanded to posses her. 
”This is not my mission,” she thought even though it was still unclear as to why she was where she was as she  moved closer to the metropolis she observed from a distance.  The ground felt cold and hard beneath her feet despite the metallic covering that dominated her from top to bottom. Confusion stalked her as she fought against the barrage of unpleasant sensations and feelings that agitated her with her own resentment building.  She didn’t appreciate being snatched from an existence of bliss to be cast down into foreboding,” what was it I was intended for; surely not this…I know deep within I was not to suffer in this place of agony,” she thought to herself feeling weighed down by the emotional state of the dimension.  Soon the ever growing lower vibration began taking on a life with in her birthing the need for revenge on whoever was responsible for her plight.  It burned through her hot and acidic; the desire to exact her retribution.  But who is responsible…where is this place...where did I come from,” the questions continued.

The computer’s audible alarm finally gained the attention of the quantum architects.  As Io and Sirius returned from informing the counsel of their short lived success they were bombarded with,” systems failure…data corruption…reconfigure directives immediately to eradicate data corruption,” the computer continued sending shock and horror over the pair. 

“This can’t be possible,” he said through gritted teeth rushing over to the mainframe computer.

“What are we going to do?  We have to inform the counsel immediately,” she said.

“This is not an option informing them when we can correct this ourselves,” he shouted rushing over to the holographic generator manipulating images and rotating them while scaling and re-sizing what appeared to be numerous circuit boards as the computer’s audible alarm continued identifying the corrupted data’s directives,” will you shut down that blasted alarm,” he shouted.  But Io was insistent on getting her point across,” we cannot conceal this…its treason.  It must be brought to the attention of the counsel so new measures can be initiated,” she insisted raising her voice over the alarm.  Then suddenly it became silent sending a sigh of relief over the architects.

“Thank the supreme being,” Io exhaled.

“New prime directive successfully downloaded…corrupt file deleted and purged from system...system now reactivating its new directives,” the computer droned.

“I wonder what happened,” Io asked confused and relieved at the same time.

“I don’t know...some glitch in the system…I don’t know, could have been the change in realities.  The only thing that matters is that it’s corrected now, and Io if you ever make the mistake of second guessing or questioning my authority again it will be your last mistake.”

Octavious Seven began to experience a new influx and surge of data through her neural network, but her core emotions remained as her body shut down collapsing her to the ground appearing lifeless.  It wasn’t long before her metallic body was discovered. 
The area was then scanned for additional evidence to substantiate the validity of the discovery then transported.  The lone discredited academic scholar; now outcast moved about in stealth with his newly discovered find avoiding the dreadful Void part of the population who were neither dead nor alive. They sought the consciousness of non-being escaping their designated reality and reincarnation cycle through what was commonly referred to as walking the Void.

 Immediately the old rusted terrain vehicle found its way back to the compound; a place that served as a scrap yard for various metals and alloys but at the same time it was place of sanctuary filled with invaluable treasures for him.  The twisted monuments towered up into sky at times appearing as metal mountains surrounded by machines that constantly ate the metal day and night reducing it into more manageable pieces.  Puddles of oil and water from the black rain dominated the ground creating a slick yet muddy surface that at times resembled an insurmountable lagoon, but the terrain vehicle was accustom and unaffected by the surface as he drove through the compound to a secluded area.  He then backed the vehicle up to the trunk of what appeared to be an old rundown automobile. Quickly popping the latch and opening the trunk a flight of steel stairs was revealed leading down into an underground bunker.  Looking around making sure no one was watching him he hoisted his find up over shoulder with a grunt as the weight was almost unmanageable.  Descending the metal steps a great sense of excitement flooded over him.  Reaching the bottom he laid her body down on the floor in exhaustion then flopped down on the car seat that served as a couch.  The modern and ancient occupied the bunker from Ancestral and Shinto shrines to an elaborate assortment of computer parts and equipment surrounded by various religious relics.  Breathing heavily he gazed down at his find wrapped in the white shroud,” I knew I’d find it sooner or later the celestial oracles were right as always,” he whispered kneeling down beside Octavious, then he noticed movement as her chest began to rise and fall.  
“So soon…the resurrection process,” he whispered reaching for the ritual knife from the alter.  Slowly he cut through the shroud he had wrapped her in revealing her face covered with a silver metallic alloy that appeared as skin he’d never seen before, but the magnificent beauty would not be denied as she seemed to radiate.  His long and fixed stare alerted her to his presence with her eyes sliding open revealing one brown and one green.  Her presence now credited and validated his lifelong work and his theories despite the unorthodox and unethical methods he instituted that cost him his reputation.  But at that crystal clear moment he felt exonerated.  
“Finally…it’s come to pass,” he said looking down on the face that studied him intently.

“I’m Roko...and you are safe here…how long have you been here…how did you come to our world?  Is it true you are here to restore our perception and elevate the frequency here, and restore the balance? We have fallen so low; lower than any being should be.  Even with the twin suns it’s still dark and cold.”

Roko’s emotion seemed to resonate within her; sensing his despair she could not help but to reflect back what he felt as a single mercury tear fell from the corner of her eye knowing that her prime directive was in no way to be compatible with the world in which she found herself.  For the first time in over a millennium she found herself morally conflicted,” how does one save one world and condemn another,” she thought to herself looking into the face of the man who had brought her into his sanctuary.  Her silence propelled him to tell her of the plight of his world Eta Aqurids as he sat back and wondered where to begin exactly; remembering the splendor and beauty that once dominated everywhere before the Void intruded transforming everything into an obscure suffuse existence feeding off of the life force of others until only suffering was left accompanied by fear and loathing.  He remembered all too often how the Void preyed on those of a higher vibration quickly turning them to something less than human; nearly everyone he knew and loved suffered; leaving a subculture of conscious survivors who remained in hiding.  His pain was pushed through his words invoking emotions that should not have been there as she took in his memories.  The muscles in her face hardened as a frown developed across her forehead.  Noticing her change in expression he caught himself. 
“Please forgive me,” he said cutting away the rest of the shroud releasing her from its confines.  Sitting up she inhaled deeply acclimating to her environment, as she stood up stepping away from the shroud her nude feminine figure caused his mouth to drop.  Quickly he turned away as not to offend her.  While his back was turned away from her she took in the data from the computers and religious relics that dominated the underground dwelling.  She was not prepared for the Intel gathered,” Octavious Centauri prophecy,” she whispered in an epiphany that nearly over whelmed her,” Eta Aqurids…water barer,” she said remembering the body of water where she found herself emerging from.  Reflecting back to her prime directives she felt deceived.  It all began to fall into place; not all who engaged in the walk of the Void were evil.  Some just simply desired to put an end to the suffering of humanity by turning the cycle of re-incarnation to humanities’ favor; attempting to restore the balance of their world,” she thought before she began to explain her circumstances surrounding the situation. 
“I am Octavious Seven and I was sent here from Adrastea; however my origins are far more ancient than the beings that invoked my essence; an essence they have no understanding of.  I have no beginning and no end.  I am both dark and light…creation and destruction.  I was sent here to eliminate a perceived incursion upon Adrastea.  However... the prime directives are in a state of conflict due to the distortion of truth by those who call themselves the quantum architects.  Their selfish judgment of other life forms combined with arrogance pride and prejudice have created a great paradox causing the vibratory rate of this dimensions to become conflicted,” she said mirroring the ancient scrolls of the prophecy.  Roko gasped at the accuracy of her words as they also continued to accredit his years of his work.  His conviction had paid off despite the isolation and ridicule,” they all thought I was crazy…crazy in a world that had long gone mad…to consider oneself to be mentally adjusted to a profoundly ill society is no measure of wellness,” he declared then remembering something of vast importance,” in the name of Osiris now I know what it’s for.  They all thought I was mad…living in the scrap yard.  Do you know what treasures are buried here?”  Octavious looked at him incredulously.

“The prophecy also spoke of the great shift…please come this way,” he said inviting her to follow him deeper into the bunker.  Standing in another section of the bunker the two stood before a humongous object covered by a dusty tarp.  
Snatching away its covering,” ta daaa I call it the arc…it’s a transponder,” he grinned,” its harmonic generator emits high frequencies from an encoded signal that propels the hyper-drive to manipulate molecules of anything to even reversing the positions of dimensions in any point in space. There was only one flaw…only someone with an adamantine exoskeleton exterior could operate the arc,” he grinned ready to resume his project now that he had a suitable candidate.  It wasn’t long before the arc’s systems were on-line with its huge energy requirements taxing the generators he’d built; tapping into underground cables piggy backing off of the metropolis’s energy source.  
“Years I spent building this…and I had no idea…it was like I was just a vessel for another intelligence I couldn’t help myself.  I just had to build it.” 

She looked at him intently before speaking,” it appears that you are an advanced spirit for your species...far more evolved.  Scanning your DNA strand sequence its highly intricate stands indicate  your abilities far exceed the abilities of the general populace here therefore you were the logical choice to build the multi inter-dimensional platform,” she reasoned bringing clarity to the forefront.

“All these years I thought I was just going insane at times, but I held steadfast, and you’re living proof standing before me…thank you Octavious.”

“Under false pretenses the quantum architects invoked my essence while I sleep in the spirit world resting in peace for having fulfilled my destiny.  Now those with less than honorable intentions would use me with no intention of returning me to the state from which they invoked me,” she said looking off into empty space wading through emotions she had not felt in a thousand years.

“Well guess what…the script is about to get flipped,” he laughed.

“Such a colorful vernacular with much meaning…I do believe I understand the concept of flipping the script.”

As the twin suns were making their descent Roko and Octavious continued amassing enormous amounts of energy to power the arc, periodically the metropolises’ power grids would fluctuate causing the lights to flicker.  Fortunately the metropolises’ power grids were always unstable to some degree since the civil conflict.  “We’re almost done Octavious...soon you’ll be able to return to your place within the universe.”

“But not without fulfilling your world’s prophecy and distributing the retribution that is owed to those responsible for their deceit and treachery.”  Her words sent a cold chill through him,” there is nothing worse than an angry universal force,” he thought to himself making last minute adjustments to the arc’s computer.

“You have only been here for one cycle of our twin suns and have managed to bring about the possibilities of much positive change on many levels, but most of all you’ve restored my faith so I can begin to elevate… so much doubt had plagued my existence and others, but now we can all begin to heal.”

“Roko you are what you think you are.  And more than what others think of you…perhaps we will see each other again in another existence,” she said stepping onto the platform. Within seconds the cylindrical shaped container slid down over her and the platform with an intense energy wave emitting from the small explosion of light sending everything in darkness; momentarily knocking Roko unconscious.  Octavious felt herself being propelled in a forward motion; un-like her previous experience that was excruciatingly painful.  Closing her eyes she inhaled deeply upon opening them again she found herself back on Adrastea among its population; a population that enjoyed their wealth and abundance at the expense of the others cast beneath them.  A smug air permeated the atmosphere as disapproving eyes probed her and questioned her presence among them.  A world of such beauty and splendor fell in complete contrast to the attitudes of a judgmental and opinionated populace.  As the tension increased the glaring eyes conveyed contempt.   Immediately her trans-configuration directives launched her into transparency sequence.  Disappearing from view she transported herself to another sector standing before the vortex’s transitional bridge of sector 003D.  She could hear and feel others trapped,” please help us,” the voices pleaded faintly. 
 “How did they know I was here,” she thought to herself remaining clear and translucent.  The faint whispers came again as if they were carried on the wind,” help us please… we were trapped and made to endure this corruption unable to ascend to reincarnate.”

“I will help you and all the others…not only the ones imprisoned here but your world as well,” she said before bursting into an explosion of light releasing the corporeal forms from their prisons around Adrastea.

“Alert…alert incursions released protocol Centauri Seven redacted… protocol Centauri Seven redacted.  Impending danger,” the computer droned alerting the quantum architects as they rushed to the holographic generator to witness the horrifying images of Octavious Seven’s unexpected return to Adrastea.

Turning from the holographic computer,” no…it can’t be,” Sirius shouted in terror falling to his knees as Octavious towered over him within the flash of a micro second. 

“You lied architect,” her voice thundered with explosions of light as the floor beneath them rumbled while great cracks cut into the interior of the walls.

“Please in the name of Abraxus I beg you.”

“You are not worthy of speaking the name of the one that is the many the giver and taker of life.  I told you I am the one that is the many Octavious Abraxus known by many names.  Seven cycles your were given to right your wrongs and restore the balance back to Eta Aqurids but instead you choose deceit and treachery in a vain attempt in manipulating forces you could not possibly begin understand… let along control architect.  For your treachery you and your world will live the fate you had intended for others,” her voice exploded violently altering the two worlds’ realities in a single flash of light reversing their dimensions positions in time and space. 

As Roko regained his consciousness he felt unusually different the heaviness that had weighed him down for so long seemed to have vanished.  He then noticed a scroll he had never seen before in his grip,” Octavious Centauri prophecy of the 7^th cycle,” he read aloud and hardly believing his eyes he ran up the bunker’s steps to the surface and dropped to his knees as the light from the sun washed over him and everything in Eta Aqurids.

Thank you for reading a story from Another reality I hope you enjoyed it and come back to visit for new stories and thought provoking articles

        

A Crime Scene's Vengence

No one dared to even go near the old abandoned house since the sheriff’s disappearance 30 years ago; answering a call for an unknown disturbance.  All that was left was his badge laying in a pool of his own blood beneath the portrait of old man Tanksley standing on a burned confederate flag.  There were whispers that the un-natural had taken up residence opening strange doors that peeled back the pages of time leading back to an era of abuses where the land and its unfortunates were the victims of laws that spawned cruelty.

The old house seemed to be a time portal that led back to an era of abuse and cruelty unfortunately it was the law of the time despite Abraham Lincoln being the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his untimely demise in April 1865.

 From 1865 to 1877 following the civil war the reconstruction era brought about fear.  The strong preyed upon the weak that were systematically singled out for execution to keep the fear factor alive and well.   It also kept a people from rising up and it kept them from the knowledge of who they were.  All their strengths would be the detriment of a society as we know it,” he thought just before he was drug from his bed in the dead of night.

“You is one of them uppity ones…all educated and everything,” the gruff voice barked through the hood that covered his face that barely afforded him enough air to breath; yet his words of hatred flowed like water.

“I know you,” he said unafraid.

“Shut your black pie hole,” the voice said as a swift blow to the gut dropped him to his knees.  But his resolve was stronger than the blow that threatened to take his breath away as he rose up to face his tormentors with a strength he never knew existed within himself. He felt something deep within him that was hot and ferocious.  His head felt light and woozy as his eye sight became burry and then refocused.  Before he realized it their dead bodies littered the floor with their blood covering his hands,” oh dear Jesus what have I done?” 

And then someone came forth out of the shadows; an identical reflection of himself in every way.  Shock and disbelief gripped him so tightly he struggled to breathe starring at himself.

“Oh don’t look so shocked…ya knew sooner or later they was coming for ya.  The others gonna be here in a couple hours when these two don’t show up with the proof of their kill for their membership.  Yeah they’ll come looking for’em.  Now the question is wha’cha gonna do?”

“Who…who are you…where’d you come from?”

“You is asking to many questions.” 

Fright and fear stood by unmoving as he looked on to the bodies with his heart racing as he paced back and forth,” I gotta do something.”

“Well you better do it fast.” 

He grabbed one of the bodies by the arm in an attempted to move it.

“Now what is that suppose to do…boy let me help ya out.  How bout we jus set the place on fire with them in it?  Burn’em to hell that’s where they was going anyway we is jus helping’em get there a little faster,” he said laughing.  And from the wood burning he lit a piece of wood,” fetch me that oil…oh never mind I’ll jus do it myself.”

 Within minutes the flames were running up the walls.

“Don’t jus stand there boy…check them pockets see if these good ‘ol boys got any money, they usually do from all the colored folk they steal from.  You gonna need it…oh don’t forget…take them guns too…they got horses you can take. They’ll get ya out of Mississippi ain’t nothing left here for ya but trouble. Get up to the Carolinas.” 

Minutes later hot ambers were popping as flames raced across the ceiling,” now that’s a fire…not like them pathetic fires they burn on them crosses they burns on folk’s land,” he said as they ran from the burning shack.

“Looks like you is in luck…got yourself a way outta here best get going… ya owe me one… see ya in the next life. I’ll be watching over your descendants like I watch over you…jus like I promised.” 

Barely escaping with his life that fateful night decades later he never understood what happened or saw anything like it again.   

As the years turned to decades the old colonial sat alone coveting its secrets.  Empty and abandoned its history was incomprehensible as incomprehensible as the investigations into the sheriff’s demise; an unsolved murder that continues to remain a mystery.  It was said that the man’s reputation for being vindictive and cruel enforcing the law as judge jury and executioner had been his own down fall.   Some say his hate for old man Tanksley’s grand daughter was fueled by the wealth she’d inherited along with her strong personality and character resisting the man’s unwelcome advances.  It was whispered she had a predisposed affinity to attract ancestral spirits.  She also had a reputation; one that the sheriff should have heeded instead of scoffing at things he didn’t comprehend.  He allowed his arrogance to rule his better judgment that fateful night three decades ago.

Fictitious claims of disturbances were often used to gain access into a residence.  That was common practice for the sheriff who thought himself above and beyond the law he swore under oath to protect and uphold.

It was a hot and smoldering night walking back from the cemetery, “good lord even with the sun going down it’s still hot as fire,” she said to herself wiping sweat from her face walking up the path to the house. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the sheriff’s car,” ain’t nothing worst then a rattlesnake that won’t no for an answer.”  She hurried to the house locking the door behind her.  She could hear the heavy footsteps making their way toward the door. Then all of a sudden the door came crashing open.  His cigar’s stench was strong and pungent similar to his body odor.  The large man glared at the woman.  She returned his glare with defiance,” get outta my house and get off of my land,” she growled thru gritted teeth.

“Listen here missy we can do this the easy way or the hard way…your choice,” he said unbuckling his belt buckle.  Her breathing became rapid with the muscles tightening in her face.  She felt as though her blood was boiling inside of her as her vision blurred out of focus before blacking out temporarily. When she regained her composure again she could hardly believe her eyes. “Where’d he go,” she said looking down at the pool of blood.  She noticed something in her hand she wasn’t holding before, “what on god’s earth is this,” she said dropping the badge into the pool of blood spilled out in the floor where he once stood.

Bewilderment settled over her throwing her into a world of confusion with the room spinning almost out of control. 

“Well best to get a hold of yourself it won’t be long before someone come looking for’em. Let’s get a move on,” he said smiling.

Shock and disbelief clutched her as she looked on to a figure that looked as if he came from another era of time.  “Ol peckerwood had it coming…he won’t be bothering no more colored folk or anybody else for that matter. I had a little run in with his descendants some time ago me and ya great grand daddy burnt up everything…they ain’t find hide or hair of anything.  Well jus do this a little different this time…this will be a crime scene they’ll never figure out,” he said as everything vanished except the pool of blood around the sheriff’s badge.

 All that remained of the old abandoned colonial house was a blood stain that marked its territory as a crime scene to an unsolved mystery.