The next morning Andy went to meet with her partner and Captain Buck at the
historical research office she found Captain Buck in an office pinching the top of his nose
with a grimace on his face.
“You alright sir?” Andy asks gently, placing her small green satchel down on the floor.
Buck looks up at her tossing the paperwork he was looking at into a folder.
“Yeah I'm okay Andy” he said airily at this Andy slightly frowned and said.
“Where is this partner at?”
“No partner Andy, I'm the partner.” he said, sounding slightly agitated.
“Huh? What happened?” Andy asked, looking perplexed.
“Don't worry about it.”
“Wha-Well whatever shit.” she said aloof sitting down in a rather uncomfortable
chair.”Ah! This chair makes my ass hurt!” she hollered as her face scrunched up expressing
her discomfort. “So where are we going?” Buck chuckled at her before he said.
“We’re going to the industrial district to look at an abandoned church then will come
back this way to visit a lower city church. We’re gonna take a look at the one in the
industrial district first before it's officially made open to the public. Will also look at some
excavated cave sites so you can get a feel for what this department really does in the field,”
he explained gathering up his folders and getting up out of his chair.
“Ok ready when you are.” Andy said standing up heading out of the small office first.
As she came out of the office she saw someone quickly turn the corner and head down the
small hallway. She raised an eyebrow but shrugged it off.
They took the bus in silence all the way to the industrial district looking at all the
jewels ingrained into the building and the many shopping centers and restaurants in
daylight. The white buildings weren't really white at all, dingy almost yellowish in color. The
buildings that weren't “white” were all glass; as though welcoming you inside and even
though they were see through Andy felt watched although there was much on display and
nearly had their nose in the air or down into a holo tablet..
“All this technology and sparkle and I feel like I'm caged in,” Andy said. As they
stepped off the bus.Buck grinned at her. “It's almost fake compared to the rest of the world.
There's no trees, no flowers, no sense of life here.” Her feelings dawned on her why she felt
so closed in she hadn't seen a speck of greenery since she got here. Not even a plastic one.
“Something happened to your partner that was assigned to you.” Buck said solemnly.
“What happened?”
“He was on the train with you as well as other new recruits to the allied forces.
Castoria has had some recent kidnapping of people, not just soldiers. Non discriminate
kidnappings. They wanted to find you someone else but it's too risky with the recent
terrorist attack and historical researchers already do through heavy background screenings
especially allied forces recruits. It's too easy for Smoke to find a way to infiltrate, with all
that's going on.”
Andy nodded.”So what now I stay like this.”
“Yeah don't worry I’ll take of you.Were going to the west side of the industrial
district.A lot of the older distribution warehouses and factories are this way.”
“Are we taken’ a another bus?” Andy asked. Walking alongside him.
“Yeah we won't be going back to the branch office either. I'm gonna teach and 25
“Cuz of the smoke?”
“ Yeah you're officially a part of the Research and Development team specifically
researching lost history. A Highly sensitive position in the government. Don't talk about
what you do for the government anymore.”
“Ok something must’ve really happened but you don't want to say.”
“Later, Later, Andy right now shh!” Buck said, putting a finger to his lips.
“You shh!”
“Shh!” Buck said as Andy begins to retort he starts to run away.
“You!’ Andy chases after him as he heads towards the bus stop.
We arrived at the abandoned church outside the industrial district on one of the few
unkempt streets grass broken through the cracked sidewalk. Which Andy thought was a
small miracle.
“We finally found a spot of normal,” said Andy.
“Hehe, you don’t like Seust much do you Andy,” Buck chuckled.
“No, it's so different from Auewnzori most of the City is.. well very unilateral I guess.Even
In lower city, well I guess there are some who worship there.”
“Well Seust is strange compared to the other nations, it's convenient and rich country.”
“True, where are you from Buck?” Andy asked, following him into the entrance of the stone
carved church.
“Sassori,” Buck said. Wenching at the stuck, nearly falling off the door.
“What's it like there, is it as bad as they say?” she asked stepping toward him to help as he
infused elementia into the stubborn door loose. Nearly taking off the already few hinges he
grunted disapprovingly. They walked inside and met with the foyer to the right corner. A
door stood ajar to a small room inside was a mural of Siya and a small bench cleaved into.
The church's ceilings vaulted with large pillars decorating the corners on each side stairs
with stairs leading up. They headed through large wooden doors with stained glass
windows, leading to the main sanctuary. It was a surprisingly simple yet elegant looking
church. Some of the pews were rotted and broken, it was cold inside and the plain stone
walls only made Andy feel colder. There were some green sheets covering some of the
broken windows. She walked over to a rotten pew and tore a piece off putting it inside a
plastic bag she felt the flow of the earth lingering in it.
“Resin,” she said softly to herself.
“Hey Buck,” she called out. He turned around as he headed toward the back of the
sanctuary .
“Huh, what?” he called.
“I think someone's been here recently.” Her hand glowing blue she placed it on a few more
pews infusing a little elementia into them. Some pews rotted, others flowers grew. Buck
crouched down and looked at the pews carefully as he sighed his hand glowing green. “Yeah, we’ll have to find somewhere else to investigate but while we're here just gather
what you can from this.” He said standing up dusting off his hands, Andy nodded.
“Well lets start with what we know, from its structure and style it predates the lost period
and is for the aristocracy confirmed by the location here in the upper city. It's not much
different than any other church except for the Siya mural in front. Those are usually found
in the wings of the church. Buck how many churches are in this –upper city?”
“Six or seven,” He replied .”St. Oliver’s, Castoria New Hope, Siya’s Apostolic, New Covenant,
New Soul and New science and faith..”
“And this one, what's this one's name? Oh, the seven one duh, I’ll check over here and
upstairs I doubt there's anything here though.” She said walking down the pew.
She headed out into the main lobby on her right where the stairs some cracked but still
sturdy. Upstairs there were a few rooms three on the left and a small utility room on the
right. The first room has a large meeting space just to the left of the door, a long countertop
and cabinets, though no refrigerator or sink. The next room connected to the other standing
inside Andy felt a peculiar sensation. Elementia resin probably from whoever was here
recently she thought.
“I think a lot of research teams must of came out here.” She shouted out.
The room had bookshelves and writing boards on the adjacent walls. One of the writing
boards was more worn than the others, Andy placed her hand on it sending elementia
through it. Old writing started to faintly appear. Some graffiti, lecture notes on Siya’s holy
writ, as Andy sent more elementia through it Buck came in slightly frowning.
“What do you do? Ah? You smart Andy!”
“Hm? Oh, I'm sending elementia into the wood to see what kind of things they taught about
in this church.” She explained.
“Yeah, I know you're smart hehe, where'd you learn this?”
“In Auewnzori,It’s not hard just takes practice.”
“Yeah and it's not really used among common people, it's mostly used in labs or CSI’s and
other intelligence divisions like ours. I’m glad I won't have to teach you. I’ll check out the
next room.”
“Ok, I'm almost done here” She said smiling, shaking her head. The words God,
redemption and power had been written many times in human biology notes as well. Andy
let go of the board and wrote a few notes before heading into the next room . She looked up
as something caught her eye as she walked toward the door. A broken projector someone
had recently tried to fix. Buck was at the end of the room analyzing the single writing board
in the back. The board's writing quickly came in and out of view. Writings about Siya,
human antimony, Basics of elementia, animal antimony. Then the entire holy writ of Siya
and another strange doctrine, perhaps their mission statement of the church it read: We
follow the teaching of Siya to guide the world and its tainted land 27
have made grievous sins against our Lord God to atone and lift the land's curse. We invoke
God's gift to us to ascend to his throne…
The board began to rot and darken.”Argh!”
“BUCK!” Andy shouted, rushing over to him.”You ok?” She asked, looking at his hand. “What
the hell?!” Bucks hands were covered in splinters and pus and a rash started to form on his
arms. Andy's hands glowed blue and she attempted to touch him.
“No,No, No, stay back Andy,” he said agitatedly.
“I can do first aid, Buck!” she said indignantly. Buck shook his head.
“Focus on the board, recite the holy prayer and send some elementia into the board we
have to preserve it ahh!” he said grimacing.
“Wha-grr…Our Lord who art in heaven who bestowed his nature's blessing upon us aid me in
your spirit adamah.” She recited placing her hand on the board the rotting and darkening of
the wood and regressed a moment before beginning again. “Wha-?!” Andy said. Buck places
his hand on top of hers. She felt a warm sensation and then sharp stabbing pain making her
flinch. The board almost instantly returned to normal.
“What the hell’s going on?” Andy asked perplexed.
“Later Andy,Later lets go.” Buck said heading toward the door.
“Your hand-,“ she said looking at them the whew only scared. “….” At the threshold of the
steps they heard voices.
“…. Lets go ahead and set up for the meeting. We were already late getting here,” a man
said.
“Alright,” another man's voice said followed by a thud. Buck placed his hand in front of Andy
She looked slightly alarmed and listened hard.
“I’ll help you set up the projectors.”
“Wait here,” Buck said. He went down the stairs and hollered, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE
HUH? This is a government quarantine facility in the Equal Historical Information Act.”
“Huh?”
“Uh, Who are you?”
“I’m Captain Sayed of the Historical Research division of Seust. Now answer my question:
who are you and why are you here? I won't ask again.”Buck said hotly.
“Crap this is bad” the younger man said nervously.
“Shh..! We're just looking for a place to rest for the night we’re homeless you see, ” a dark
haired middle aged man said. Kicking something under the pew. 28
Buck threw a fireball at the man narrowly missing the man's head. “Ahh!” the men
screamed at the younger man running toward the exit. Buck stomped the floor making the
stone come up and surround him on three sides he took a piece of wood off one of the pews
and formed a spear and sent it flying toward him. He yelped as it clipped him at his side
tearing through his black shirt pinning him to the stone behind him.
“HEY,Hey! Chill old man!” the older man pleaded with his hands up.”where naturalists ok.”
“What's this?! Naturalist?!” Buck exclaimed. Pointing a spear at his neck.
“Naturalist man! Jesus! Ok look we're an underground reformist group we’ve been having
meetings here ok.” He explained panting.
“Meetings for what!” Buck snarled.
“They’re protesters but they want the people of Seust to go back and adhere to Siyas
teachings and openly boycott excessive uses of technology,” Andy said airily.
“Huh? Protesters?” Buck questioned lowering his spear.
“Yes..” the man said weakly, taking a sharp exhale.
“How long have these meetings been going on here?” Andy asked.
“Three weeks ma'am”
“Why all the way out here?” Buck asked.
“They expect us to be in Lower city, but it's gotten dangerous there, a lot of disappearances
going on, some of our members have been taken. Walking to and from the alleyways of the
abandoned buildings we’d use normally. “ said the young man.
“You’ve tried to restore some of this building haven’t you? Andy asked.
“Yes but just to make it functional, just some pews and walls, " he replied.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Just you or did you have help?”
“Us and a few others of our group come help us setup for our meetings”
“….” Andy was in thought Looking at the equipment they brought.
“This is a government facility to understand, If somebody else they’d kill you they won't ask
you nothing, No go,” Buck said pointing the spear at the exit and tapping the floor to release
the other young man.
Andy sighed, shaking her head. They scurried off out of the church.
“You really scared them Buck,” Andy said slightly frowning. 29
“Hehe..I know you see his face” Buck said gleefully making a bug eyed slack jawed
expression.
Andy snickered, “That was so mean.”
“I’m not mean,but I have to act seriously. This is a government facility where some people
will kill on site intruders, especially people like us.”
“Yeah but this church has already been cleared for civilians, right?” Andy asked. Buck
shrugged. “Buck!”
He chuckled, making another bewildern expression, Andy shook her head.
“Well at least we know they didn’t tamper with anything upstairs,” she said, placing her
hand on her hip.”What was that anyway?”
“Smoke,” Buck said with a heavy sigh.
“Smoke? Them damn terrorists?” she asked Buck nodded.
“Ah,hell what do they want with old churches?I mean they are religious terrorists right?But
why tamper with old ruins?”
“The government believes that they may know more about lost history than we do; and we
already know religious beliefs played a large role in whatever happened back then. But this
is a secret, ok Andy don't talk with other people about this.”
“Secret? That ain't no secret people think that shit already” she said nonchalantly. Buck
smiled.
“Ah, Andy you smart,” he chuckled softly. “ Government has only been able to work out that
they have an interest in old ruins and history too. They use the same techniques and
resources we do to investigate things. But their elementia is stronger than ours and can
warp affected things they infuse with elementia. Like causing things that would grow to rot,
cause more impurities in water and cause temperatures to rise and fall to dangerous levels.
“Hmm, sounds like they just pump elementia into things too much, like over saturating it or
something.”
“I don’t know maybe, probably more to it than that though,” Buck said. Rummaging through
the naturalist’s bags. Finding notes and copies on Oldin industries latest reports and
shipments of quality checks on mines in a place called Grover and some other cities. Andy
glanced over them quickly. The other bags had white sheets and holoprojectors.
Well they were who they said they were and Andy thought to herself sitting on the edge of
one of the pews. She took out her note book and began to write notes. Buck breathed
deeply and exhaled, falling back into the pew.
“You tired?” she asked scribbling away. 30
“Yeah I’m tired old man you're still young” he said Andy smiled and continued to write they
sat in silence awhile.
“I’m done Buck.” Andy said, leaning over the pew in front of her handing Buck her notes. He
took then and started to read. Andy looked around the church leaning back a little. Sitting
down down Andy sensed the prestige of those who must’ve attended the many sermons
held here imagining what it would have been like.Despite the many cracks, brokens pews
and smell of rotted wood it didn’t hinder the gallant building. The pastor would’ve had a
large audience with the arching balcony seats and many pews covering the floor in a U
shape. A large pulpit at the front, a small niche on the left with a few pews probably where
the deacons and ministers sat. On the right off the side of the stairs they had come down
earlier a large organ was built into the wall.
“You say here that this church is not that old and instead of practicing blind faith in the Siya
teaching also taught on how to enhance and control elementia itself. You base this on the
architecture of the building itself.”
“Yeah there's not alot of space for a choir and the sides of the pulpit have boards not
many glass stained windows the seating is made from an expensive wood crafted from
Hogan's craftsmanship, using elementia itself to create perfectly measured wood dimensions
as well as other raw materials. But it looks like the smoke have been here too.”
“You're right they leave a trail however they manipulate the elements it leaves a
distortion of the matter in which they tried to manipulate.That's good enough for now let's
head back and visit the church in the lower city.”
On the way back to lower city Andy and Buck laughed and joked about the people of
Castoria they got off in a rather poorer side of Lower city which seemed to have a hierarchy
in itself. The buildings were made of regular wood and cement. It made Andy feel more at
ease, the side walls had cracks and the people were quite fashionable. A few of the people
had holo tablets but most didn't. Walking alongside Buck she observed the passerby. They
had small jewels decorating their faces, some had two or three jewels in various colors on
the corners of their eyes, mostly green and gold or white. Jeweled earrings, and some had a
single jewel on their forehead. A young woman with blonde curled hair bouncing in the
gentle breeze came around the approaching corner, she had blue eyes and blue sparkling
jewels by her eyes. Silver head jewelry plaiting her hair. Andy looked in awe as they passed
her by.
“Will turn here and the church will be about four blocks up,” Buck said. Andy nodded. They
passed an all yellow brick corner store with a red roof with a group of men posted up at its
corner, some on their phones, others smoking, chattering loudly about the trending
nonsense that rolled up on the TV screens plastered on the side of the stores. Unlike the
women who wore many jewels on their faces. The men had tattoos with jewels in their skin
or flashy necklaces and watches. Andy became self conscious and started to look down
following Buck up the street.
“Buck what the hell the people here have jewels all over themselves.” she said.
“Know crazy people. “ Buck said.”It's a perversion of the Siya’s teachings.” he went on
shaking his head. 31
“The people in Upper city didn't have all this shit on their face.”
“People come here to visit so a lot of the people there want to look like people from other
nations. This is the real Castoria, the real people.”
“That don't make no sense!”
Buck chuckled. Come on, the Church is over here. Across a small worn parking lot with quite
a few cars parked. They came upon a rather plain white church with stained windows and a
cross on its roof, and a flight of stairs leading to a double door entrance.
A few people were coming out of the church smiling and talking amongst themselves
heading to their cars.
“….I’ll see you next week girl.” An older heavyset black woman with a small face and
dark eyes said. Wearing a green and black lace dress suit.
“Alright see you, we got out on time today.” A thin sixty something black woman said
with thin lips and slightly smudged red lipstick on. Her thin gray hair pulled back into a bun,
she wore a pencil black skirt and a large black button white suit jacket.
“Hehe yeah last week we was here till about six o'clock.
“Well you know how sister Beth Ann is…” the thin woman went on.
Andy and Buck Headed inside the church a nice sized foyer with doors on the left and right
leading off to other parts of the church in front another set of double doors leading to the
sanctuary. It was plain and serviceable with wooden polished pews and green cushions. A
small wooden pulpit, and a stage in the back to the left was a piano, bass and drum set. A
few chairs for the choir directly behind the pulpit. The pastor was at the front of the
sanctuary talking with a family.
“Buck, what are we doing here?” Andy asked.
“We're just here to speak with the pastor, he's a good friend of mine.” Buck said,
raising his hand at the pastor. “Sit down and wait for him to finish.”
The middle aged pastor with a shaved head said his farewells to the family and
headed over to us. He wasn't very tall in Andy’s eyes and his eyes gleamed.
“Hello my friend.” he said, shaking Buck's hand and giving him a short embrace.
“Hello, how are you?” Buck said with a smile. “This is Andrea, my new recruit.”
“Hello,” Andy said.
“Hello young lady Im Pastor Mark Galen, come on to my office and talk there.”
“Oh Pastor! Pastor Galen!” A middle aged woman called the door squeaking as it
swung back.” Pastor Galen I-Oh I’m so sorry for your meeting with so many new members
to our church. How y’all doing?” 32
“Good, ''Buck said. Andy nodded in agreement. She was holding a pan covered in
foil. Her hair was covered by a large pink hat that had a white bow on it, her face well made
up with pink lipstick. She had on diamond earrings and a plain pink sundress.
“What is Miss Marple?” Pastor Galen calmly.
“I was just gonna ask you if you want to take home the rest of this peach cobbler. I
know Mrs. Galen loves my cobbler. She was at the meeting today. Is she alright?” Miss
Marple asked.
“She's still recovering from her foot injury but she’ll be at the Sunday service.” the
Pastor explained.
“Oh well praise the Lord! We’ve been praying for her to have a quick recovery.”
BETH ANN! MISS MARPLE!
“I'M IN HERE!” Miss Marple shouted.
“COME ON HERE GAL I GOT TO GET BACK HOME!”
“Oh! Well here Pastor-” Miss Marple tries to hand him the cobbler.
MISS MARPLE! She cringes and heads out the sanctuary. “Oh that's my ride sister
Cauldwell nice meeting you all see you sunday Pastor i'll bring some deviled eyes for lunch
this Sunday. Bye y'all.” Miss Marple says scurrying off. Andy fights down a laugh.
“Yes Miss Marple, see you Sunday," Gelan said. “Come this way to my office.”
Andy and Buck follow him to his office. His desk was clear and neat and the built-in
bookshelves filled with theology books, doctrines, bibles and a number of filed paperwork.
Gelan shuts the door behind him and takes a seat.
“Andy Pastor Gelan is an ordained minister and fellow colleague he used to work with
me in the R&D branch a long time ago.” Buck said. Andy leaned back into her chair a little
bit.
“ I used to work with Buck here. He's a good friend of mine and I am also his contact
here in Castoria. I'm not in the military anymore. I've been retired for 15 years now.” Gelan
explained. “If Buck brought you to me he must think very highly of you. As you already
know it's important to have contacts when doing research especially when studying the
same subject.” He reaches down under the desk and gives Andy a small black leather
notebook.
“This is one of the few notebooks or diaries of Claust. When he first started
discovering the mysteries lost history. Us three are the only ones who know of this journal.”
“....what's in this thing I'm not sure I want it” Andy asked with a disapproving look
on her face. 33
“Knowledge of lost history is a dangerous thing to have and some things should be
forgotten.” Galen said.
“Andy this is the job-” Buck said.
“I know this is the job but yall doin’ some sneaky shit. I mean the government
doesn't know about this journal either..” she said, puffing her lips out and folding her arms.
“It's your choice to accept this,” Gelan said.
“....Let me see this damn thing!” Andy said, irritated, she opens the journal and
begins to read.
I have found a church left by the old Seustains. There are strange tools here
and I can feel resin from elementia here it's like the air is thick with it. I begin to
think but breathing in the resin I don't want to think I just want to feel nature feel
its pure primal force.
At the end of the short entry Andy looks at the drawings of the strange tools and sketches
of the church Claus visited. It had columns with engravings on it. Andy flips the pages and
reads on.
“ANDY!ANDREA!” Buck shouted, grabbing her hand.
“What!?” Andy looks up water droplets on the tables and Buck's hands were cold. She could
see the Pastor's breath. In bewilderment she notices that her body was giving off a faint
blue glow; her left hand still holding the book was glowing brightly.
“What the hell!?” Andy said, placing the book on the table. The pastor and Buck
joined hands and reached out for Andy's. He began to pray.
“Lord father in heaven I pray that you cast darkness away from your sheep, let us
walk in the light and use our gifts you have bestowed on us for your glory. Amen.”
“Amen.”
“What happened?”
“Claus did something to that book it's sealed in a way only those with certain
elementia genes can read it or should I say- no that as good of an explanation as any.”
Gelan said.
“No it ain't but whatever so for whatever reason I can read this book and yall can
too?” Andy said indignantly.
“Yes.”
“So what now?” Andy asked.
“Now you learn your research and find out about lost history. Understand that this is what
real R&D is and this is what we do all that other stuff is for the average people.” Buck said. 34
“UH I'm average,” Andy said. Buck and Gelan gave her a hard look. Andy turned her
head and pouted “Fine fine i'll do it I get more money for this shit right?”
“Later Andy Later.” Buck said exasperatedly. Andy sighed and held her arm.
“I’ll leave this with you then,”Glean said, handing her the book again. “And I’ll be
here if you need me.”
“Thank you,” Andy said.
“Thank you very much my friend.” Buck said. Buck and Andy headed out the door
and smiled back at Gelan.
“He was nice,”Andy said.
“Yeah he's a good man.” Buck said.
I’m tired and hungry,” Andy said, yawning as they exited the church as it was dusk
outside.
“Me too,”Buck said.“Go get something to eat and rest, spend some time studying and
at the R&D’s library these next couple of days on Saturday will go out to the place Claus
mentioned in the journal.”
“Alright”.
Lower city was a different place during the night. There were dark corners and
alleyways as they walked back down to the corner store to the bus stop. Across from the
stop was a sandwich shop where Buck got them something to eat. They got on the bus
shortly thereafter and were back at the hotel. Andy dragged her feet to her room and after
a quick shower fell to sleep.
“Corner Johnson I'm Shelly this is Bailey and Ki police special team dealing with the
recent museum incident. What can you tell us about the victim?” Said Shelly.
“Well to put it bluntly the victim's name Cynthia Swartz her elementia gene went out
of control. “said Johnson.
“Huh why?”said Shelly.
“ Well she was a gemologist on vacation she works as a liaison between oldin
industries and the mines out in Grover. People working in the mines face dangerous
conditions and having use of their elementia helps them a great deal.She must have been
controlling whatever element most likely earth in her line of work- too much and her chakra
became out of balance it'll take some more time to pinpoint which ones but forensics did
find a diamond on her person.” said Johnson.
“A diamond so what” said Shelly.
“Diamonds are very hard to come by nowadays even a gemologist such as her has a
hard time getting one.” said Johnson.
“So basically she died from exhaustion? “said Bailey.
“Pretty much there may have been other stressors in her life she was on vacation”.
said Johnson. 35
“Alright thank you for your time.” said Shelly.Tuning to leave. Outside they all get
into the car Ki driving.
“Where to?” said Ki.
“Back to the Station see what we can dig up,” said Shelly.
“Well that was a waste of time exhaustion pah!” said Bailey.
"I don’t know if the people claimed the smoke were there “,said Ki.
“People in Sesut haven't seen smoke in decades, what would they know,” said Bailey.
“Hell, we don't even know how credible the lead was. We just got here and are still
waiting on leads for the whole train mess on the way here.” he went on.
“That's why we're heading back to the station,” said an agitated Shelly.
“Look at this place, they've come a long way from” jewel of the nation,” said Bailey,
playing in Shelly’s hair.
Which she snatches from his hands “jewel of the nation?” she said.
“Castoria was once a religious cornerstone leading the teachings of Siya, one of the
largest in Seust in the new enlightenment era; they readily embraced the teachings of Siya
and the call to respect nature on a new level and give praise to god on a whole other level.
Proof of such admiration they used the diamonds and other gems found in Seust and adorn
the cities with them to symbolize the purity and grand of Siya and God. Castoria being the
most flamboyant of them all. There is even a Diamond statue of Siya in the government
district of Castoria.” said Ki.
“Thanks for the history lesson Ki.” Said Bailey indignantly.
“I was merely summarizing your expertise,” said Ki.
At this Bailey’s demeanor changed to a more solemn one. “Alright you too” said Shelly.
Now at the station they meet with the Chief of police Phelps.
“Morning sir”, said Shelly. “ Do you have any leads on the train incident”?
“Morning well the short answer is No there was nothing special going on or no
important people on the train. As far as we can tell just a random act of terror.” said Chief
Phelps.
Shelly sighed and put her hand to her head” You can't give me anything, nothing at all?Give
me the manifest and a list of all persons on the train and officers involved in the incident. I’d
hoped we wouldn't have to get too involved in local affairs. Get me an office now.”
“Now hold on a second-” Phelps said.
Shelly gave him a cold hard look” Don't get me wrong your officers an efficient and do a
great job but giving me nothing nothing on an act of terror is unacceptable completely
ludicrous, In fact within six hours from now all of Castorias police force will be under close
military supervision. “ said Shelly icly.
“I'm the Chief of Police and I stand by my men if they haven't turned up anything
they haven't and you are you to give me orders what authority do you have?” he said
sternly.
“Seust Secret services agent Yessenia Gomez, these are my associates Roy Bailey
and RoKi Strands. You don't need to know more than that. I'm taking this desk till I find out
what I want to know. Get this fool out of my face.” she said.
“Let's go, bud,” said Bailey. escorting him out. 36
“I’ll get those documents,” said Ki.
Shelly proceeds to go through all the drawers and cabinets of the office. “Not turning up
anything out of the ordinary.” she said. As Bailey finished closing the blinds.
“You shook him down pretty quick Shelly, what's on your mind” said Bailey. Ki just
enters and hands a copy of the manifest and officers list to each of them.
“Just I don't like this, I don't like the sound of random acts of terror”. said
Shelly,sitting in the chief chair.
“You know you're crazy right,”said Bailey. also taking a seat.
“Let's start with the manifest, “ said Ki.
“Alright let's see passengers but of average joes working class some military-
“What's their status and clearance?” said Shelly.
“Some passing through to the outskirts for subjugation border patrol they check
out,going all over north west to different towns and cities,” said Ki.
“Get that chief to have these people tailed, how many are there?” said Shelly.
“Eight were headed to the outskirts and the others are here in Castoria, another nine some
for training and three for research. “said Ki.
“Okay next the passengers in the VIP car are just some rich snobs not affiliated with
any corporations or mobs. Some Commuting back and forth for jobs-Oh here we go
Cassandra Acker not accounted for she's an accountant at Oldin Diamond. Oldin Diamond
said that no such person exists or ever worked for them.” said Ki.
“Have they done a follow up on her?”Shelly said. Ki flipped and skimmed a page
before saying.
“Yes, I used to live in lower Castoria when a janitor fell on hard times and ended up
in a shelter. Now how she ended up on a bullet train back to Castoria is anyone's guess.” he
said.
“Any kin?” said Shelly.
“None known,” he said.
“Wow we really are at an end “said Bailey “I'll check this Cassandra Acker out again.”
“Yeah it’s the only thing out of place gotta hand to them they did their homework”
said Shelly.
“Makes our job easier,” said Bailey.
“Now onto the museum incident we were there also so let's recount what happened”
said Shelly.
When me and Ki arrived at the scene Cynthia was surrounded by civilians once they backed
up her body was emanating a glow and swirl like that of a smoke member. An eyewitness
said that she was chatting with a man for five to ten minutes before she went comatose.
The descriptions of the man are of average build and height black scar on his neck.” said
Shelly.
“No leads on the man and the security cameras lose sight of him as soon as the
commotion started,”said Ki.
Bailey let out a sigh and turned to leave the room.Walking through the police station
with its holographic screens displaying case reports and profiles at each desk and cubicle.
Stopping at a desk with a middle aged woman wearing a light green suit and skirt ensemble
with cream blouse, her hair french braided on one side. Whose name badge read Sheryl.
He asked “Can you give me the full report on Cynthia Swartz please”.
“Just a second” she said. moving her hand pointing and jabbing her finger at the
holographic prompts.
“It’s printing out right behind you.” 37
“Thanks,”he said.
Heading to the side entrance into the parking garage driving toward Oldin Industries exiting
the interstate this industrial part of town was quite a departure from the rest of Castoria
while it was also adorned with jewels and sparkle in its buildings and streets they didn't
shine as brightly as the downtown area perhaps it was the lack of lights. Bailey thought to
himself as he climbed the steps to Oldin, the tallest building in the area with all glass
windows and tv screens on each side displaying a promotional video featuring the company
CEO.
Welcome to the future I'm Jack Davenport CEO and our company prides itself on
being a world leader of innovation in technology making life easier for all. We've created
topline products such as the holo tablet noting every aspect of life and giving suggestions to
live better and healthier from homework to finances ….
Passing through the double glass doors and large four he approached a desk with a man
sitting at a computer screen.
“Hello my names Bailey Seust special agent looking into the death of Cynthia
Swartz-”
“The police have already been here and we gave them our information already” the
man said curtly.
“Yeah and I'm here to question you all again or are you gonna interfere with a government
investigation.?” Bailey said exasperatedly.
Giving a disgruntled look the man said “ Go to the 23 floor that were our liaisons and the
gemologist are in the second basement level.” said the front desk man.
“Thanks,” said Bailey. Heading to the elevator squeezing into the crowded elevator.
“What floor?” said a man next to the door.
“Twenty third,” said Bailey.
Peering over and through people to see that Oldin had 60 floors.
Nearly tumbling out of the elevator and stumbling to get his balance Bailey arrived at the
liaisons floor. Opening the glass doors that read OLDIN LIAISON the ringing of phones and
hard presses on a keyboard and excessive chatter filled the room. Stopping at the nearest
desk and asking a woman on the phone where he could find Cynthia's desk to which she
pointed to the right hand corner. Inside a man stood near a self reaching up to get a picture
frame done from the highest shelf.
“Hey what are you doing?” said Bailey.
“Hmm? I'm clearing out the room of Miss Swartz. Someone new will be here tomorrow to
take the office.” said the young man.
“Special agent Bailey you knew Miss Swartz well?”
“Yes, you could say that I'm a runner- errand boy for this department.”
“What can you tell me about her”?
“Well nothing more than what I told the police, she's worked for Oldin eight years she was a
top notch gemologist and went between here a grover giving field reports about the
progress and quality of the minerals,production, and environment and what not.”
“Alright what about her character uh- what's your name kid.” said Bailey.
“I’m Troy Peterson and Miss Swartz was a nice lady on the serious side and a
workaholic.She's one of the best liaisons and was the only one over the Grover mining.” said
Troy.
“Anyone want to hurt her?” said Bailey.
“ Huh?! I thought she died from exhaustion?!”
“Calm down just ruling out any other possibilities for foul play.” 38
“Not everyone here really liked and respected Cynthia but she was seeming a little
bothered and stressed out about something. Over the past couple weeks I'd say about six
weeks or so. Me and some of the others were telling her to take a break and she does and
now this.” he said sadly.
“What had she been working on recently?” said Bailey.
“ I don’t know the specifics but I believe the Grover mining started shipping some minerals
elsewhere. I don't know where maybe the gemologists down in the basement know
something.” said Troy.
“Thank you Troy did she have any relatives or mention anything else out of the ordinary to
you.”
“Oh now that you mention it she had started telling me about her nephew who also works
out there in Grover was giving her a hard time.” said Troy.
“Alright, thanks kid, you've been a big help.”
Troy nodded as Bailey turned to leave and head toward the basement.Stepping into another
cramped elevator.Bailey noticed something black on the other side of him out the corner of
his eye after fully turning his head he saw that it was probably just a reflection on the gold
plated back of the elevator. Although something felt not right but the crowded elevator it
was hard to tell who the aura was coming from.In the basement it was plain looking
reminding Bailey of a hospital with long halls of orange lights and light brown painted walls
and floors. With a door with one small window on it. Bailey walked down the corridor
following the signs to the Gemologists laboratory.Once inside many rocks lay scattered
around on white tables with microscopes and most of the scientists had their noses in them
a few others walking with note pads in green lab coats.One just happened to look up and
notice Bailey standing at the door.
“Can I help you sir ?”said an older man with a beard and mustache.
“Yes I’m special agent Bailey. I'm looking into Miss Cynthia Swartz death. Can you
tell me about her?” said Bailey.
“Well I'm not supposed to say but-Schwartz was checking the mineral deposits in
Grover for a diamond we're cultivating that's supposed to have healing properties greater
than that of normal diamonds. There's gonna be a big unveiling soon about our partnership
with Castoria Regional hospital.”
“Healing diamonds? What the hell are you talking about? “said Bailey with a stern
look on his face.
“It’s an old practice some historians a while back uncovered this fact from lost
history; it was recently released to a few select medical companies; and being that our
company has regular access to mines the Regional hospitals chose us to help research and
develop the diamonds” said the gemologist proudly.
Bailey stood there, his face strained, thinking hard.
“Is there anything else sir? Honestly I'm very excited about this we all are” he said
extending his arm around the room gesturing to all the lab workers.
“Yeah, when was the last time Swartz went to Grover?” said Bailey.
“Uh about two weeks ago it's a shame about her. She was brilliant, one of our best.”
he said.
“Thanks,” said Bailey.
Bailey rushed back down the corridor to the elevator,dashing out the front door only to get
hit in the stomach with a cement pole. Knocking him on his back on the steps.
“Bailey! Thought you could be sneaky huh!” yelled Shelly, her hand glowing green
holding the cement pole in his face. Bailey coughed and grunted.”Jeez Shelly you trying to kill me!”
“Hmph! We both know the Cassandra Acker angle is a dead end. What did you find out?”
asked Shelly, tossing the pole aside it turns to dust.
“Our girl was a part of a very exciting breakthrough in medicine-agrh” holds his
stomach as he gets to feet.“She was a lead gemologist here at Oldin and went back and
forth from Grover giving reports on the developments there on healing diamonds and
bringing back samples” said Bailey.
“Healing diamonds,” said Shelly, eyebrows raised.
“Some nonsense with lost history”said Bailey.
“Bailey…”said Shelly softly.
“Last time she was at Grover was two weeks ago and let's not forget she had a
diamond on her person at the coroner's office.” said Bailey.
“I’ll get a hold of Ki at the station and ask him to find out when she came back to
Castoria exactly.In the meantime lets play a visit to the R&D branch of the military here in
Castoria”said Shelly.
“R&D? not the hospital?” asked Bailey.
“If they're researching and marking these diamonds based on lost history the only
way they got that information is through the government. No one gets access to historical
records on the lost history without going through them first. You know that you're not
getting rid of me Roy.”said Shelly.
At this Bailey smirked “Alright boss lead the way”.
