She is alone in the darkness but her presence could light up any room. She sits at her desk as she glances around her room for the last time in a very long time. The snow falls gently outside the window and she can see the trees starting to form glistening icicles. She looks to her bed where she sees an open suitcase containing all she has ever cherished or will ever need: Pictures of family and friends, small mementos of happier times, jewelry once given out of true love. The room seems so cold and empty now, not like it once was. She can see shadows dancing on the walls as a red hue engulfs the room.   A fire burns brightly in the fireplace; just enough light to enhance her delicate features. She is petite with long flowing russet hair that seems to be continuous.   She is slim and yet every curve of her voluptuous body is prominent. Her face is like a porcelain doll. She has fair skin but intensely rose colored cheeks; a beautifully natural blush any woman would kill for. Her lips are soft to the touch and her eyes, jet-black, are as deep as the ocean. Inside there is heartache and longing, and yet a sense of assurance and confidence. She is anxious and yet relaxed about her up-and-coming journey. She opens a drawer in her desk and removes a journal, one she has kept for year, to a fresh, clean page and begins to write.

February 3rd 2112,

Tomorrow I leave for Anvhyi. They say that the weather isnÕt too bad there this time of year. ItÕll be a nice change from these bitterly cold Hilshorn winters. IÕve seen pictures of this place; the pinkish hue reminds me of the sun set on a warm August night.

Roughly two years ago, groups of people were sent to Anvhyi to populate this Ònew planetÓ. Mostly middle and lower class, they had to work the land and build it up into an acceptable civilization. Now it is moderately populated and people there are happy with the colonies they have built, with only one problem.

Dr. Ramius has informed me of the vast range of mysterious powers the people there are experiencing. Some have telekinesis, while still others have only simple ÒintuitionsÓ as they call them or some form of psychic abilities. Maybe I will be of a better assistance in this area then Dr. Ramius is aware. When I first discovered my gift, I was too afraid to ask for guidance.

My research has shown that it is likely there is some chemical compound that has contaminated the water supply, but I still cannot say for sure. Hopefully with testing and experiments I will be able to unravel this mystery.

-Bobbi

ÒWelcome to the -------- Motel, my name is Ann, how may I help you?Ó

ÒHi Anne, I have a reservation under the name Dr. David Zonies.Ó

ÒOkay, one moment please Dr. ZoniesÓ The woman begins typing and checking the records in her computer. Ò Ah, here we are.Ó She turns to a bellhop ÒAlex, can you please take Dr. Zonies and his assistant Mr. Parley to room number 43.Ó

ÒYes MaÕam.Ó as he lifts their luggage with a slight nod in DavidÕs direction.

They begin to walk down the hall to the elevator. The Motel is carpeted in a plush crimson red and the walls are covered with wood paneling as far as the eye can see. Golden ropes garnish the halls and art pieces are displayed sporadically. There are many rooms and on some there are ÒDo Not DisturbÓ signs hanging from the doorknob.

ÒHere we are Sir, room 43. If you have any questions just use your phone to dial the front desk using pound two and someone will assist you in anything you need.Ó He holds out his hand.

ÒThanks Alex, will do!Ó as he gives the boy a twenty.

ÒThank You, Sir, Good day!Ó

David closes the door and throws himself down on one of the two beds in the room. The beds are very neatly made, each big enough for two. A night table sits between them and on it only a phone and an alarm clock. There are paintings on the walls and a flat screen TV that hangs between them, a very aged model for this time. Jack sits on his bed and turns on the TV.

ÒHey Dave, I wonder what kind of shows they have here.Ó

David looks over at him, ÒWe really should review our notes. We have to get moving on this first thing in the morning.Ó Jack nods and turns off the TV. Now what do we know about this mountain?Ó

ÒWell, we know no ones ever made it to the top.Ó He chuckles but David is not amused. Jake clears his throat. ÒItÕs believed that the source is at the top and runs down through the water melting from the snowcaps. It is still unknown, however, if there is one source at the top of the mountain or if this compound is all over the mountain. And of course, what exactly this compound is or contains that is causing such psychosomatic reactions.Ó

David sits staring at a picture of the infamous mountain. It is a simple mountain or so it seems. At its foot, a civilization awaits an answer to their crucial questions. The mountain is very sinister and mystifying. At the tops low clouds hover as if to hide its most precious secrets. Water flows gently down its sides and provides life for all below. There are tiny blades of green grass that grow in patches as if to prove there is life amidst the desolation. It is truly mesmerizing.

Ò I must uncover its secrets.Ó David mumbles to himself.

ÒWhat?Ó Jack asks confused. Dave jumps, he had been off in his own world.Ò

ÒDave, I thought you wanted to review.Ó

ÒYes, I heard you! Ok, tomorrow IÕll go to the city to find out as much as I can about the mountain and the people it has affected. They will know first hand about side effects or dangers of what ever this thing is doing. We canÕt market anything without finding out as much as we can. You will call John back home and see if heÕs come up with anything else in his research.Ó


February 6th, 2112

This place is like a dream world. ItÕs amazing how much these people have accomplished in only a couple of years. There are roads and immense buildings and towns and a big city just like back home. Listen to me, IÕve only been here a few short days and IÕm already getting home sick.

When I arrived what I saw blew me away. There is a rose-tinted hue just like they said; and you donÕt just see it from far away- everything has a pink tint. ItÕs as though a huge pink feathery cloud ascended into this place and refuses to leave it. It is so peaceful; you can hear the birds singing and the children laughing almost everywhere you go. And then right in the middle of this dream world is a horrifying image- that damn mountain.

Many people in the town speak of a man named William Jasper. He travels from town to town selling crystals that he says have powers to help the people with their newfound powers. They say he is wise and knows about the source of this power. Personally it sounds like a hoax to me but at least itÕs a start.
From what I understand he has a booth every other Saturday at the Morlow flea market, so tomorrow I will go there and see what he has to say.

-Bobbi

P.S.- I have been informed that David is here to work on this case as well. Maybe IÕll get lucky and run into him so I can give him a piece of my mind.

David lies awake in bed, unable to sleep as an uneasy feeling comes over him. It is 4 a.m. now and with little sleep he will not be able to function well in the morning. His mind begins to wander. ÒThis place is so eerie. I canÕt wait until this whole project is over so I can go home. Water contamination, psychics and a damn mountain; this is what I have to deal with! I shouldnÕt have to do this hand-on crap anymore. This is what I pay people for! Get me a product, market it, sell it and make me more money! ThatÕs all I ask!
IÕm not a bad guy; I just want to live comfortably on my own planet. Is that too much to ask! ItÕs not like IÕm still at that rinky-dink lab anymore with Barbara, pouring chemicals into test tubes and seeing which ones blow up. This is why I left that place and why I left her. I mean, she just didnÕt want the things I did. She didnÕt understand that for someone to win, someone else must lose. ItÕs a part of nature. I wonder what sheÕs doing with herself these days. Probably off trying to find a stronger rat poison.Ó He chuckles as he finally drifts off to sleep.

The phone rings. Barbara answers in a bleary voice. ÒHello?Ó

ÒGood morning Dr. Stevens. This is Ann with your 7:30am wake up call.Ó

ÒThank You.Ó

ÒWould you like us to send up breakfast?Ó

ÒThat sounds wonderful, thank you.Ó  

With her eyes still only half open she hangs up the phone and climbs out of bed to go shower and dress. When she returns breakfast is waiting for her. Eggs and sausage, just like back home. After her meal she leaves for town. She walks through the long halls of the motel searching for the elevator.

ÒMay I help you MaÕam?Ó a bellhop asks.

ÒIÕm looking for the elevator. I can never seem to remember where it is.Ó She chuckles, slightly unnerved.Ó

ÒItÕs right around that corner and to your right.Ó

ÒThank youÓ she continues on to the elevator. As she gets there the doors open and there standing before her was a man she was not quite ready to face.

ÒGoing down Dr. Stevens?Ó His voice was firm even though he was stunned to see her standing before him.

ÒGround level if you please Dr. Zonies.Ó

The apprehension was vast as she entered the elevator and waited silently with her head down, careful not to make eye contact. Suddenly the elevator felt like a tiny package she had been crammed into with her worst nightmare. She felt trapped. She wanted so badly to say something, anything to him. She had so much to get off her chest, but not the backbone to say a word.

The doors opened. ÒIÕm going down town; care to split a cab, maybe get a cup of coffee on the way?Ó
She was perplexed ÒFirst he calls me by my official title and now heÕs asking me to coffee like heÕs my friend.Ó She pondered these thoughts for a moment before hearing his caressing voice again.

ÒBobbi?Ó a slight pause as she glanced at him completely baffled, ÒAre you coming?Ó

ÒI suppose so, Dave.Ó She smirked

ÒGood, IÕll get us a cab.Ó

As he started hailing for a cab Barbara stood in awe of him. He hadnÕt changed a bit. He was lofty and powerfully built and he dressed very professionally. His coffee hair blew in the wind and his eyes were as azure as the oceans. He had certain arrogance about him. Poise like no other, he knew things would be done as he pleased and yet he never sounded demanding. He was always soft spoken, almost to the point of whispering his words. But inside was another man. A man willing to stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He was ravenous and self-centered, never stopping to think about what he might be doing to others.

A car finally pulled up beside them as David opened the door for Barbara to get in. She began to rethink joining him but got into the car anyway.

ÒSo did you want to stop for coffee?Ó

ÒNo thanks letÕs just go right into town, if you donÕt mind. I have some work to do.Ó

ÒNo, thatÕs fine. I have some work to do as well. What project are you here on?Ó

ÒRespectfully, Dr. Zonies, thatÕs classified information. You can let me off here.Ó

ÒI can see someone has lit a fire under you, Bobbi. Driver, stop here please.Ó
Both get out of the car and go their separate ways.
       
ÒHere we go,Ó Barbara thought to herself, Òthe search is on.Ó

She had familiarized herself with these streets over the past few days but was still unsure of herself here. She knew no one and had no one to rely on for help. The city was very busy. There were cars everywhere and you could hear car horns honking in the distance. She began to walk more rapidly, partly out of fear and partly out of anticipation for what was in store. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, she saw the market. Vendors were as far as the eye could see and she wondered how she would ever find one small man in such a large crowd. It was as though the whole planet had come to this one place on the very day. She began to walk through the crowd, stopping only for information on her way.

ÒExcuse me, sir?

A man turns to acknowledge her. ÒYes?Ó

ÒDo know where I might find a man named William Jasper?Ó

ÒAbout three blocks down on your right. You canÕt miss him. Look for reflective light. With all his crystals shining, itÕs like a spotlight down there.Ó

ÒThanks.Ó She smiles and continues on her way.

It seems like the more she walks the farther away she gets. Finally she sees a gleaming light. ItÕs as though the gates of heaven await her. She approaches the man behind the illumination.

ÒMr. Jasper?Ó

ÒHow can I help you MaÕam?Ó

ÒMy name is Dr. Barbara Stevens. I am here for scientific research and I am told you may be able to assist me.Ó

ÒLeave it alone, Bobbi.Ó

ÒExcuse me?Ó Puzzled she pauses for a moment before continuing. ÒI am doing research on the strange phenomenon happening here. I have been told you may have some valuable knowledge on the subject?Ó

ÒI am just a simple man, Doctor, but sometimes the simplest of men hold the keys to the treasure. That is all I can tell you for now, but we shall meet again soon. By then, more will have revealed itself to you.Ó The man slowly turns away from her.

Barbara slowly turns as well and begins to walk away. She is mystified and curious about what the man has said, although he didnÕt really say anything at all. She ponders his words for a moment and then as swiftly as they came the words went and her mind was back onto her research.

ÒIÕd like to speak to the head of the Environmental Committee, please.Ó

The woman at the front desk of City Hall is very abrupt. ÒAnd who are you?Ó

ÒDr. David ZoniesÓ

ÒDo you have an appointment?Ó

ÒNo, but I have some very imperative concerns about the mountain, and it is urgent I speak with her about them.Ó

Now somewhat apprehensive and intimidated she softly replies, ÒOne moment, please.Ó She gets up from her desk and walks down a long hallway where she disappears momentarily into a door.

A moment later, ÒSheÕll see you now, Dr. Zonies.Ó

I stepped into her office and she immediately motioned for me to have a seat. She had a massive, elaborate desk and nearly every inch was covered in piles of paperwork; no doubt complaints about the mountain, or so I hoped. Maybe one or all of them contained the information that I had come so far to obtain.

ÒSo you have concerns, Doctor? YouÕre not the only one.Ó She motioned towards the mounds of paper on her desk. She seemed annoyed with my presence.

ÒI am here doing research in hopes to find out the explanation and hopefully an answer to the mysterious mountain and itÕs effects. I was hoping that with your cooperation, we could compare notes and together work towards our common goal.Ó

ÒWell, Dr. Zonies, you probably know more then I. Almost everything I know has come from the citizens.Ó

ÒWell, thatÕs a start. Who would know better than those effected by this phenomenon? Just give me a brief run down.Ó

ÒOkay.Ó She pauses in thought. ÒIt seems that everyone despite age, race, gender, etc. is affected on some level by this ÒforceÓ. It was recently discovered that even the babies are being born with these abilities. Some believe itÕs in the air, others say itÕs in the water, but everyone agrees that the mountain has something to do with it. We have had no mortalities as a direct result of this force, although some do suffer due to a lack of control of their power and a few have died trying to find the answers by going up the mountain. No one knows for sure why he or she never comes back. Maybe what ever is up there consumes them somehow, maybe they run out of supplies and die from dehydration and malnutrition, maybe the boogie-man is up there, who knows! Now as for the mountain itself, I understand itÕs been here for several billion years, but not much more is known about its history. I suppose thatÕs why it remains mysterious to us.Ó

I listen attentively and take meticulous notes, careful not to miss a single detail. ÒAnything else, MaÕam?Ó

ÒNothing that comes to mind.Ó

ÒWell here is my cardÓ I hand her my business card. ÒI have written the phone number of my motel room on the back. If you have any questions or can think of anything else, please call me anytime, day or night. I thank you for your time, MaÕam.Ó   I stand up and extend my hand in gratitude. She does the same, we courteously shake hands and I turn to be on my way.


February 12th, 2112

I am so exhausted. I have taken many samples from the water supply here and everything seems to be normal except for one unidentifiable compound. It seems to be of a metallic base but itÕs nothing IÕve ever seen or heard of. Nothing in all my years of study has prepared me for such testing. My room is now covered in notes and mathematical spreadsheets but none of them add up.

The words of Mr. Jasper still haunt me: ÒI am just a simple man, but sometimes the simplest of men hold the keys to the treasure. That is all I can tell you for now, but we shall meet again soon. By then, more shall be revealed to you.Ó

What does this mean? Keys to what treasure? And how will I see him again? I donÕt know where to find him. Should I have an answer by now?

I ran into David again the other day. He tried to get more information from me but I only told him what he could find out from anyone. ItÕs getting closer to ValentineÕs Day. ItÕs around this time each year that I actually start to miss him again. Maybe I just long for companionship and I dwell on him because I loved him so. I get the feeling he is here for a purpose much different then mine. One day he will learn that greed will get him nowhere. I wish he could be like the old David: compassionate and kind. He used to be so considerate, now all he thinks about is himself and his money. I only hope he doesnÕt get himself in deeper then he can handle.

-Bobbi

Jack enters the hotel room. David is lying on his bed waiting anxiously for him.

ÒWhere have you been?Ó

ÒI ran into a salesman on my way back from the lab. He just came out of nowhere. He was selling crystals. Look I bought one.Ó He shows David the crystal he bought. It is transparent but the light shines prisms through its every crevice. It is diminutive, about the size of a coin, but its radiance is magnificent. ÒHe said many of the people here carry them with them. They say each crystal is meant to be held by only one person and that all the answers to their questions are contained in itÕs power. I figured,Ó he shrugs, Òwhat have we got to lose?Ó

ÒI believe youÕve been swindled, my friend.Ó David smirks. ÒNever mind that, I have had a revelation! IÕve decided the only way to find out whatÕs really going on here is to go to the source myself. I want you to stay behind and continue interviewing people and find out as much as you can.Ó

ÒDave, are you delirious? YouÕve heard what these people are saying. No one ever comes back!Ó

ÒJack, I am a scientist. I am a great deal more prepared for this then these simple civilians. Tomorrow we will go to town and collect supplies for the trip.Ó

Jack interrupts, ÒBut, DaveÉÓ

ÒQuiet! I canÕt believe youÕre actually buying into all this hocus-pocus! IÕm going and thatÕs the end of it.Ó A calming pause, ÒYou should get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.Ó

Barbara awakens from her slumber abruptly. Fear has taken over her as she slowly sits erect. The blankets on her bed are disheveled, as though a struggle had ensued during her rest. She is coming back from a dream world that had nothing but ghastly information for her. There is only light, too bright to see anything but a solitary form in the center. A voice permeates the air like undulating thunder.

ÒWe meet again. I told you we would. I come with a vital message: You must stop this now. He will go and you will try to stop him, but it is too late. He does not understand that he does not hold the key, for he is not a simple man. Many have tried and failed because they couldnÕt see the truth; he will he among them. Stay strong, for you are the key, you simply mustnÕt try to unlock the door before itÕs time. We will talk again soon.Ó

And with that, the voice faded, the light vanished and she was back in her bed.

ÒI am the key?Ó she whispered to herself in bewilderment. ÒOh well, another trip to town today.Ó she thought. Ò I need a few things and maybe IÕll run into that crystal salesman again.Ó

The elevator doors open and there he is again, standing before her. His assistant is already down stairs getting a cab.

ÒAnd where are we off to today, Barbara?Ó

ÒDown town to pick up a few things, and yourself?Ó

ÒSame.Ó He pauses. ÒIÕm going on a trip.Ó

ÒReally? Where to?Ó

ÒThe mountain. IÕve decided to see it for myself.Ó

Barbara suddenly remembers the warning she was given. ÒNo! You canÕt go!Ó She slams the buttons to try to stop the elevator. The elevator comes to a screeching halt.

Taken back, Dave is motionless. Slowly he questions, ÒWhatÕs gotten into you?Ó

ÒYou canÕt go!Ó she screams.

ÒAnd why not?Ó he calmly questions in a condescending manner.
ÒBecause you justÉ you just canÕt!Ó

ÒI have to.Ó He pushes the ground level button and the elevator continues on its journey, ÒLook, IÕll see you in a couple of days. Relax, IÕll be fine.Ó

ÒLook, I really donÕt want you to go!Ó

ÒWhat do you care anyway?Ó

Screaming, ÒI do care!Ó Realizing her outburst she shies away. She pauses to gain some control. ÒDave, donÕt do this.Ó

The doors open, ÒI have to go, my cab is here. IÕll see you in a few days.Ó He runs to his cab before Barbara can utter another word.


February 16th, 2112

Dave has been gone for three days now and IÕve been worried sick. I canÕt eat, I canÕt sleep, and I certainly havenÕt accomplished anything in my work. I have decided that the only way to save him from whatever is up there, is to go and find him myself. I have realized over these past few days that my feelings for him have never changed and I must go find him to tell him I love him still. I couldnÕt live with myself if I didnÕt. I am leaving first thing in the morning. I must sleep now.

-Bobbi

Her bags were heavily weighing on her back as she hiked towards the mountain. She was petrified but her love kept her moving.

ÒI must get to him.Ó she thought.

She was tired and thirsty and she needed nourishment. She bent down to look more closely at the water streaming down toward her. Just a small sip would quench her thirst. She took a thermos out of her bag and kneeled down to gather some water. Just then, the light she once saw returned.

ÒBobbi, donÕt you see? You must stop this! You are the key and the door is not ready to be opened. Only you hold the answers to these questions, but all in good time. Turn back! All will be revealed soon enough. Proceeding now will only harm many, for without you, they will never find the answers they long for. You were born with a gift and you know in your heart what you are doing is not the right path. When you are ready you will know. Do not be like this man, greedy and blind. You have seen my light; do not betray what you know to be the truth. Turn now, go back!Ó

Barbara turned away from him and looked at the path that brought her here. She had come so far. She looked back to ask him more, but he was gone. Now it was up to her.