Collaborative Fiction Monsters of Rural Colorado

    Keri (Astra) came back home after a tough night of fighting crime in New Amsterdam.  She teleported to her apartment where she kept her items that reminded her of her old life and home.  She missed being Kevin, but her parents declared Kevin dead.  Doug still hasn't been seen since the night they were abducted, and Kevin was experimented on to make him now a her and given powers.
    Who knows how many others were abducted and experimented on?  The local news had been reporting on strange creatures attacking cattle and scaring children.  The Skunk Woman of Lochbuie, the Snake Man of Bennet.  There were half a dozen more all chalked up to Urban Legends of the Rural towns.  Most people in the city of Denver just thought of the stories as superstitious hick stories.  Keri knew there was probably more to it.  Maybe Morphon Particles or even other abductees.
    She decided it might be a good idea to bring in others to help investigate.  She placed a call for assistance in hopes that Krystal Fae, Star Master or even the new Silver Paladin might be able to help.  At this point she'd take anyone's help.  Maybe she could finally find out what happened to Doug.
    She called her adoptive father to have a chat.

ID: 22632

A message came across in reply to Astra's call for help. "I am available to assist you. You may address me as the Infinite Tempest, or I.T. if you like. Some members of my league, the Star Force, call me Tempy. I don't really like that one much, to be honest."

His recorded message continued," I have the ability to control the weather, which may prove to be useful in that region of the country, and I am a strong combatant should your investigations lead to a fight. Contact me if you have questions or wish to team up to find your friend. You may reach me at the Star Force Observatory."

With that, the message ended.

Astra brought up a profile for the Infinite Tempest the Star Force league, as well as BADGE's database of heroes. Not much was mentioned about his background. Video clips of him engaged in battle during the last league war showed him flying and surrounded by a constant electrical discharge. At one point, he disorientated his opponent by surrounding them by fog, and while facing a different opponent, keeping the combatant away with a frigid wind.

Eventually, she discovered a brief interview where the Infinite Tempest admitted to having no memory prior to the invasion by Legion. His first memories were of awakening on a beach on the Florida shore during a hurricane. Could it be possible something happened to him similar to what fate befell her? Had he been experimented on as well?

She thought long and hard before making her decision.

    Hello, Infinite Tempest, I will gladly accept your assistance with this.  Where would you like to start?  I'm flexible.  I know a lot of the rural towns as I grew up out there.  
    I also noticed in your profile that you have no memory of who you were before the invasion.  Maybe you were experimented on like I was.  If you know anyone else who can help.  There's like, eight "Monster Sightings" all together.  They are in Lochbuie, Keenesburg, Bennet, Platte Valley, Fort Lupton, Rogan, and Firestone.  
Thank you,
Astra
(by the way, you can call me Keri.  My old name is declared deceased so, I don't bother with a secret ID.)

    She finished the message and contacted her adoptive father.  She was excited.  She had heard of Infinite Tempest but had never met him.  Who knows maybe he's Doug?

Reprinted from the thread (Collaborative Fiction: Seraphim Angels ... Mycroft - Redux.}


MacGregor’s head was hurting. Not surprising; it was doing considerable gymnastics trying to wrap itself around all the new information being tossed at it.

He had laid down in the quarters assigned to him temporarily at whatever location to which he had been brought by the black copter to meet with the individual who referred to himself as the Director.

When he woke, he felt refreshed enough to look around his quarters. It was rather spartan in terms of furnishings, although the furniture looked like it would comfortable. The bed was certainly so.

He found a closet and peered inside. There were clothes that appeared to be his size. Included among them was what appeared to be an outfit or uniforms of some sort, which had a kilt of what he somehow knew was the tartan pattern of Clan MacGregor, along with a head covering or mask. Curiosity compelled him to try it on and he was surprised to find it conformed to his head snugly, and at the same time comfortably. He grinned and decided to try on the remainder of the of the items with it.

Gloves, a top that was form fitting to his muscular build, the kilt and pair of boots that also fit percectly. He walked over to a full length mirror in the room and studied his appearance.



A dashing figure, aye.

Apparently meant for him, considering the fit. He may as well continue to wear it. He felt comfortable wearing it.

A tone sounded and he looked around, realizing it must be the facility’s version of a doorbell.

“Yes?”

The door to the quarters opened and the Director entered, followed by a gigantic dog.

No, Duncan realized. Not a dog. A gigantic wolf.

Startled, MacGregor backed up slowly.

”Do not be afraid. I vill not bite.”

“Wha …?”

“He said he won’t bite, Duncan,” the Director said.

Duncan stared, dumbfounded, at the wolf.

“Ve have met before, although I vas in human form,” said the wolf, which slowly transitioned into the likeness of the man MacGregor recognized as Helmut, the man he encountered as the airport in Inverness. “My volf form is my natural form. It takes effort and concentration to maintain different forms such as this one.”

“Helmut is a shape shifter,” Director said. He’ll be your right hand; Fiona will also be with you as you work, but it will be some time before she joins you. We have an assignment for you. Helmut will brief you on the way. We’re sending you to Colorado – that’s one of the states in America. You’re to meet with another of our people named Astra. You and Helmut will report to her to assist her. I’ve forwarded to her your profile. She’s somewhat familiar with Helmut in terms of his background. Assist her in asny way possible.

“Oh, by the way, Duncan. Your operational name from here on is Highlander, ID 21107. Good luck.”

BADGE Internal memo-

 To:      Agent Keri Astra      CC:    Nova, Director (BADGE)

 From:  Agent Krystal Fae

 Re:      Genetic Analysis

 As you may be aware, one of my doctorates is in the field of Genetics. I have taken the liberty of accessing
 your file to determine what, if any, damage may have been caused due to the alien abduction and
 subsequent experimentation upon your person.

 It is my best determination that you already had a genetic condition known as Klinefelter syndrome. This
 condition is not dangerous and is actually fairly common. 1 in 500 individuals carry this abnormality.  You
 have in your 23rd sequence, the one which determines gender, an extra X chromosome. This factor
 rarely expresses itself in any way other than by genetic testing for other conditions.

 What seems to have been attempted, successfully in your particular case, was the deactivation of the
 factors expressing your male gender, which forced the activation of factors leading directly to your
 current condition. Unfortunately, at this time, the technology to reactivate the male factors has not yet
 been developed, and what is more, could interfere with your other abilities.

 I await further communication, from both yourself and Director Nova, as to the resolution of these
 issues.

 Thank you for your attention in this matter.

 KF

    Astra looked at the memo from Krystal Fae and the memo from Director Nova noting that Highlander and Helmut would be joining in the investigations.  The memo from Krystal Fae confused her.
    She sent a quick not to Infinite Tempest letting him know two others were joining in the investigation.  Then she wrote a memo to Krystal Fae.
    To:  Agent Krystal Fae
    From:  Agent Keri Astra
    From what you have told me, to the best of my knowledge, is that my psionic powers are not Morphon based and that the experiment just deactivated my Y chromosome.  Is this correct?  I have so many questions.

To:       Agent Keri Astra      

From:   Agent Krystal Fae

 While not an expert in Psionics per se, it is my understanding from a review of literature considered to
 be most comprehensive in that regard, that the X chromosome of the 23rd sequence is indeed the most
 probable genetic location of the sequences responsible for such.  

 It is highly likely, therefore, that your abilities were indeed enhanced by the activation of the expression
 of that 'pairing', and would very likely be curtailed by the re-expression of the Y chromosome.  It is,
 however, likely that exposure to Morphons has further enhanced this/these abilit(y/ies).

 It is my hope that this information will allay any further confusion, and provide a basis for your later
 decision.

 KF

The Infinite Tempest sent a message to Astra and Highlander, requesting the three of them, as well as any other interested parties, meet in person. He suggested a convenient branch of Starbux, where they could discuss the plans and objectives. Leaving his quarters at the Star Force Observatory, he headed to the computer center to speak with his team-mate, Alan Markus (aka Catalyst).

Arriving at the doorway into the still under-construction computer lab, I.T. knocked on the doorframe to catch Alan's attention. A spark of electricity snapped when he came in contact with the metal. The constant discharge I.T.'s body emitted made his entrances into Alan's workplace a source of contention. "Excuse me, Catalyst. May I request your assistance?"

"What need?" Alan answered.

"I believe I will be journeying soon to Colorado to assist Astra," I.T. said. "Could you upload maps and the police reports involving her... his... her and her friend's disappearance. The information should be in the BADGE database." He held up a computer data-pad Catalyst had created for him to be better insulated against his electrically-based powers.

"Of course." Alan got out of his chair and came to the doorway. He took the pad and tapped at the touchscreen. He handed it back. "All done."

"That was fast, "I.T. said. He glared at the files of data now shown on the display screen.

"I saw her post for aid and considered helping. I had been doing research for it. I think she will be happy for your help."

I.T. skimmed the report of Doug and Kevin's disappearance. "Where would you start?"

Catalyst stroked his chin as he thought. "Look for patterns. I doubt only the two of them were ever taken. How many others disappeared? And Doug's family? Kevin went back but his parents didn't accept the change she had undergone. Did Doug go back to his family at some point, but unrecognized?"

"I hadn't thought of that," I.T. said. "Maybe you would be better to help her."

"Call me and I will be there to help, but I think Astra is in good hands." Catalyst smiled at his friend. "You're unrelenting. You will not stop until you have gotten the job done. And it won't hurt to get to know more people. You lost previous memories. Time to make new ones."

The copter flight to Colorado looked to be routine, and proved to be such. Highlander found it a bit disconcerting to be engaged in a conversation with a volf, er … wolf. He found himself thinking using Helmut’s German-influenced accent. He’d have to concentrate on avoiding that.

“Have you any questions regarding our mission to assist Astra,” queried Helmut.

“Nothing at this time,” Highlander replied. “I assume there have been no clear sighting of the monsters – or whatever they are. We have just anecdotal evidence so far?”

“So it vould seem,” Helmut said. “They have been classified as “Urban Legends, vhich is just another term for unverified strange occurrences. Ve have been tasked to assist Astra and Infinite Tempest in determining the truth behind the stories.”

“Just routine hero work, huh.”

“Never assume that anything to vhich Director Nova assigns you is routine, Highlander,” Helmut cautioned. “It may be Legion related, and anything involving Legion is never routine … or common.”

There’s that term again – Legion.

“Helmut, tell me about Legion. What is Legion, and why do I get the impression that many people are spooked by the mere mention of it,” Highlander asked.

“Understand this, Highlander. Most everyone IS spooked, as you term it. Legion are extra-terrestrial warriors, who challenge the residents of a planet to ritual battle. It often vins,” said Helmut. “A Legion victory means death for the planet’s populace and vaporization of the planet.  So, yes. There is adequate reason for fear and apprehension.”

“Why does the Director think Legion planned to use me for that?”

“Some people, including Astra and Infinite Tempest, vere abducted and apparently subjected to experiments for the purpose of determining how the Legion’s act of introducing Morphon-based particles into the atmosphere affected humans. It seems that the particles vere introduced to assist the Legion in adapting to our atmosphere, but infused many humans with extraordinary powers. You, Fiona, and me vere already in possession of unusual powers.

“For example, I am descended from vhat are called lycanthropes, or verevolves. Morphons affected my powers when I vas in human form, enabling me to assume other forms at vill. Fiona had latent psychic abilities that vere greatly enhanced by Morphons. It appears that you vere granted your powers by magical means many centuries ago; Director Nova and B.A.D.G.E. scientists believe that to be only part of the basis for your powers. Your DNA is not entirely human according to research conducted on you after your rescue from Legion. You may have genetic ties to the Legion, or even to another species. You are, apparently, not human … or not entirely human, at least. I vas not supposed to share that vith you, but I feel you have a right to know. The Director may determine to punish me for telling you, but que sera …”

Highlander paused briefly before responding.

“You shouldn’t have taken that risk by telling me, Helmut. I’m not certain that my knowing has any benefit.”

“Regardless, my friend,” Helmut said. “You know now. Vhen ve land, follow me. Ve have a rendezvous vith our new partners.”

    Astra arrived at the Starbux that Infinite Tempest had suggested to meet.  She commanded her psionic responsive nanites to form more casual clothes than her costume.  As the millions of microscopic robots rearranged themselves and took on different textures she entered the the coffee house.
    She wasn't sure what Infinite Tempest looked like outside of his costume, so, she hoped he would at least be able to identify her as she didn't wear a mask.  Highlander, she had never met and only looked up his profile.  He seemed most comfortable in a kilt which would make him a lot easier to identify.  
    She went to the counter and purchased a beverage.  She sat at one of the larger tables and awaited the others.

    As she sat at table she laid out the information about the different "legends."  She included artist sketches base on witness descriptions with the exception of one.  The ghost sighting in Keenesburg.  She witnessed that herself.  She knew they would either go to Lochbuie or Bennet first as they were closest to Denver.  
    She knew that they would have to talk to witnesses.  That shouldn't be too hard.  She had thrown herself into her work when Infinite Tempest walked in.
    He saw her moving information around on the table.  There was something familiar about her, but he couldn't put his finger on it.  He purchased his beverage and came over to introduce himself.  
    "Hello, you must be Astra.  I'm Infinite Tempest or I.T. for short," He stated.  This caught Keri by surprise as she had been concentrating on setting things up.  
    She looked at him and smiled, "Yes, call me Keri.  I don't have a secret identity."  Something about his eyes drew her in.  He was attractive.  This confused her.  "We're just waiting for Highlander and Helmut to show up."
    "Good, I took the privilege to look into some additional information," I.T. stated.  "It will assist us I think."

The hair on Astra's arms stood as a tall, muscled blue-skinned man with white hair approached. The air took on a faint new odor, like a thunderstorm had just ended, but the sky out the windows showed no sign of bad weather.

"Astra," the Infinite Tempest said. He wore a black t-shirt and military style cargo pants. Sliding into a seat opposite her, he pulled out a data-pad and set it on the table between them. "What topic would you like to discuss first? Finding Doug or discovering the purpose behind the experiment?"

"Ummm," Astra said, his jumping straight to business catching her off guard. "I'm interested in both, but not knowing about what happened to Doug is my biggest concern." She studied I.T.s face and searched for Doug's features, finding nothing remotely similar. A twinge of disappointment fluttered in her stomach.

"We're others meeting us here?" I.T. asked.

"I think that Highlander had gotten a jump on us and headed to Colorado first."

"Inconvenient," the Infinite Tempest chewed at his lower lip. "But admirable."

"I can fly, so we can join them at any time we are ready," Astra said. "We could talk more about our plans on the way."

I.T. nodded. "A productive suggestion. I'd like to hear whatever you can remember from the night of your, and his, abduction. A league-mate of mine has crafted a list of other missing persons cases we can compare your experience with. There may be connections not yet made that will lead us to your aliens."

Finishing the last of her beverage in a long gulp, Astra stood up and offered her hand out to her new companion. He tilted his head to one side for a split second, as if confused, but then took her hand and shook. Instantly when coming in contact with I.T., a tingle played over her palm and she could feel her hair lifting on her scalp. She glanced at her reflection in the glass of a window and had to chuckle at the way her hair sprouted with his touch. "I'll have to remember to use extra-hold gel when I'm around you in the future."

Helmut spoke to the pilot on the intercom.

“Change of plans. Ve need to proceed to these coordinates,” the wolf said. Turning to Highlander, he said, ”Fiona just contacted me psychically. She informed Astra to meet us in the town of Bennet. Something significant has happened there. Ve need to get on the ground there as quickly as possible.”

“What is it?”

“I do not know. Ve’re to go directly to the county sheriff’s office and meet vith him and the coroner,” Helmut said.

The copter abruptly swung to the left and the pilot kicked in the jet-assist to move even faster. Their trip took them to a vacant field near the sheriff’s office and the copter set down. Helmut, who had transitioned to his human form, hesitated before disembarking. His appearance changed even more as his clothing transformed to a black suit, with white shirt and black tie. He led the way from the copter to the brick building nearby. Two people apptoached from thre building.

Helmut looked to Highlander and said, ”Let me do the talking.”

One of the figures, apparently the sheriff based on his clothing, spoke first.

“Are you the guys from the gov’ment?”

Helmut replied, “Agent John Schmidt. Are you the sheriff?”

“Harvey Black. We’re capable of doin’ our own work ‘round here. Ain’t sure why we need you people from Warshin’ton to come here and git in our way,” the rotund, balding man said, as he spit a dollop of chaw at Helmut’s feet. “Who’s dat? One-a dem capes?” He nodded at Highlander.

Helmut sighed, “The cape, as you call him, is called Highlander.”

“Big un, ain’t he?”

Yes,” Helmut said. “He is big. And short tempered, at times.”

Sheriff Black said, “No offense intended.”

“None taken,” Helmut replied.

“This is Doc Richey,” Black said. “He’s the Arapahoe County medical examiner.”

The doctor extended his hand and Helmut shook it. The M.E. glanced warily at the big man in the kilt and nodded.

Helmut asked.” What do you have?”

Richey said, ”One of our locals. Crushed from head to foot. Almost like being wrapped and squeezed by a python or something like that.”

Helmut frowned. “Could we see the body?”

“Ain’t nuttin’ but a body. Seen one, seen ‘em all,” said Black, spitting again at Helmut’s feet.

Highlander cleared his throat and glared at the sheriff, who lowered his eyes and backed a step away.

    As they flew from New Amsterdam to Bennet Colorado, Astra told Infinite Tempest about the night of her and Doug's abduction.  "It was early in the night, we were heading back from a track meet in Fort Lupton.  We were listening to Aerosmith.  The truck suddenly died in the middle of the highway.  We got out and set up road flares so people would see the dead vehicle.  There was suddenly a strange light in the sky.  At first I thought it may be a police copter that saw the flares.  Then we were starting to rise into the air towards the ship."
    "We were immediately lain onto cold metal gurneys and seemingly held in place by energy.  We were then separated and I was taken to a room were five little grey guys with big heads and big eyes were looking at a 3d display of a DNA helix, mine I guess.  They made a few notes and seemed really excited.  One of them seemed to want me to sign something, but I couldn't move.  Whatever he held suddenly flashed a bright light.  the others came over and started typing something on their tablets and what looked like a gun came down from the ceiling and a beam of energy came out of it.  I could feel my body and mind changing.  I looked down at my body as the only thing I could move was my head.  I saw my body changing from male to female.  I started to hear their thoughts.  Everything was going just as they wanted then they suddenly shut me out of their thoughts.  I was about to scream in utter terror when I felt a command in my head to sleep."
    "When I awoke, I was female wearing clothes that no longer fit correctly lying on my front porch," She sighed.  "I didn't have my keys, and Doug was no where to be seen.  What happened next hurts me the most to this very day.  My parents didn't recognize me, and even threatened to call the police on me.  Thankfully, I came across my adoptive father just after that."
   "That's quite the tale," I.T. stated.  "I was hoping it would stir some of my memories."  He seemed disappointed.  Similar to how she felt when his features didn't match Doug's.  There was still something about his eyes.  What was it?
    They landed in Bennet and saw Highlander and who she assumed was Helmut.  They were looking at a body.  It looked like it had been crushed by a boa constrictor or python or anaconda, none of which are native to Colorado.  That would be a Bull snake which can grow to six feet.  They feed on rodents.  
    "So, what's the situation, Highlander?" Astra asked.
    "More capes?" Harvey questioned.  "What is this? A convention?  It's just a body.  It aint anything we haven't seen before."
    "Okay, Sheriff, what your explanation?" Astra asked.
    "It looks like he was crushed to death by someone's escaped pet Boa.  Probably got scared off by Nate's dogs before it could eat him."
    "Who do you know who has a pet Boa?" She asked.
    "No one off the top of my head," he stated.
    "Well, why don't you look into who has a pet Boa in the area and we'll check out this urban legend stuff to make sure there really isn't anything to it," Astra assured him.  
    "So, I do the real police work and you guys debunk this horse pucky about the Snake Man?  You got yourself a deal, missy," he agreed.

“Helmut, I haven’t known this sheriff long but I already dislike him immensely,” Highlander said.

Helmut nodded.

“I understand. I have a desire to transform back to a volf just so I could bite him in the rear.”

Helmut looked to Astra and posed a question.

“Vhere do ve start?”

“I think we need to take a look at the location where the body was found,” Astra said. “I think your lupine faculties will help us greatly in a detailed examination of the locale.”

Helmut nodded and got the sheriff’s attention.

“Please show us vhere you found the body, Herr Black.”

“My name’s Harvey, not Harry, son,” the portly law enforcement officer admonished. “Furriners, hmph.”

Black and Richey climbed into the front of the sheriff’s Jeep, and the whole thing rocked when Highlander’s 6’9”, 325 pound frame jumped into the back seat.

“Glad we got a sturdy suspension,” muttered the sheriff before he pulled the wad of chewing tobacco from his mouth and tossed it aside. He gunned the Jeep and it labored slightly under the strain of accelerating with the weight of the two fair sized men in the front and the big Scotsman in the rear. Astra and Infinite Tempest took to the air to follow and Helmut transitioned to his wolf form to lope alongside.

After a short drive of five minutes or so, the sheriff pulled to a stop by a small wooded area and Highlander sprung from the jeep to inspect the area.

“A lot of broken brush and trees around here,” the giant Scotsman observed. “I’m not certain the dead man was strong enough to put up that much of a fight against something powerful enough to crush a human body.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Dr. Richey said. “I told you that, Harvey. I don’t think  Dennis had that much strength to resist. And if it was a snake of a constricting species, it wouldn’t have thrashed enough to cause this kind of damage.”

“It vas not a reptile,” Helmut said after sniffing the area.

Upon seeing the wolf, the sheriff pulled his sidearm and cautioned everyone to back off. His view of Helmut was quickly blocked when Highlander interposed his huge frame between the officer and the wolf.

“Put it away,” the menacing big man warned.

Helmut resumed his human form and the sheriff breathed a sigh of relief.

“Freaks,” Sheriff Black said. ”The gov’ment says they gonna send help and all I git are blasted freaks. Damn Warshin’ton.”

Astra said ”What did you smell?”

“Nothing I recognized,” Helmut said. “Very strange. Very strange, indeed.”

"So if it wasn't a reptile, what could have done that type of damage to a body?" The Infinite Tempest asked. "And the very strange smell you have identified. Is it similar to anything else or trackable?"

Helmut returned to his form as a wolf and continued to sniff around. After a few minutes, he changed back. "No. It seems to only be present here."

Infite Tempest looked up to the branches above them. He noted that several of them had been broken and dangled in the slight wind. "Astra, did we do that when we arrived?"

Together, the two of them flew up and searched the canopy. I.T. grabbed for a damaged limb but stopped before touching it. "Helmut, nose up please. I don't want to damage any evidence by handling this unnecessarily."

Being able to manipulate the weather, I.T. created a miniature jet stream of air and directed it directly to the wolf, specifically the shape-changer's nose.

Helmut nodded, affirming the scent was the same.

"It seems the attacker either had the capability of flight or traveled in the branches themselves." I.T. spun in the air and searched further. "Astra, observe the bark and surfaces of the limbs. Perhaps there is a clue there for us to discover."

"What are you all doing out here?" A burly man in a long black trenchcoat asked.

Helmut looked to the others. "Where did he come from? I didn't smell him there."

Astra and Infinite Tempest descended back to the ground. Astra stepped a few paces closer to the newcomer. "We could ask you the same? Do you know what happened here?"

"Yep." The strange man stepped closer to the group. He had shoulder-length black hair pulled back into a short pony tail and a trimmed goatee. A golden chain laid around his neck and glittered in the light. Some type of amulet hung on the chain. "I'm sorry. I should introduce myself. I am Ace. Arcane Ace, if you would like. I'm here looking into some odd happenings over the last few years. You're Kevin, aren't you? Or Astra, now, isn't it?"

"Yes," Astra admitted. "How do you know that?"

"It would take too long to explain all of that. Let's just say that my sight is above average." He emphasized the word "SIGHT" when he said it. "Just like I can tell you that your friend is right, it isn't a snake that crushed that person."

"What was it then?" Highlander asked.

"A living nightmare," Arcane Ace answered. "Does that answer your question?"

“Not really,” Highlander said. “Your answer was a wee bit vague; it really told us nothing. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated in this matter. Telling us only part of what you know is of no real help to us.”

“He’s right, Ace,” Astra said. “You need to be a bit more forthcoming.”

Helmut agreed, “Perhaps, vhat else he knows vould tell us more than vhat he vishes us to know.”

Infinite Tempest and Highlander nodded in agreement.

“I don’t trust him,” said Sheriff Harvey Black. “Then again, I don’ trust none a you capes as fer as I could throw you; y’all a bit untrustworthy ta me.”

Infinite Tempest glared at the rotund officer.

“Do you really think we should trust a Colorado sheriff with a southern accent? You don’t fit in here; what are you hiding? I smell a rat,” IT said.

The sheriff sneered at Tempest, but took a quick step back when Highlander turned toward him and stepped forward.

“You jist stay away from me,” Black said. I sure as shootin’ don’t trust no funny talkin’ guy wearin’ a dress and a mask.”

Highlander took another step toward the sheriff and the portly lawman abruptly changed into a wisp of smoke and quickly disappeared.

“It seems your distrust of the constabulary was justified, Highlander,” Astra said. “How did you know he wasn’t what he seemed?”

“I didn’t; things just seemed off from the start.”

“God, I’m glad he’s gone,” Doctor Richey said. “He’s had this area scared for months. He told us he was sent here by the Governor after our real sheriff disappeared. The body you found was Dennis Winston – our real sheriff. I’m so tired from playing along to protect our citizens.”

“Okay, Ace,” said Astra. “Tell us everything you know. Don’t leave anything out. If I think you’re holding out. I’ll let Highlander and Helmut interrogate you – privately.”

"Great job, Highlander, is it," Arcane Ace shook his head with disgust. "You spooked him."

"What are you talking about?" Highlander asked. "Did you know..."

"I knew it was someone here in your group. I was trying to ferret out which one of you it might have been." Arcane Ace said. "I didn't want to blurt it out, though. I hoped to pick the culprit out before they had a chance to... well... do what he just did."

"And now he got away." Astra said with a frustrated stomp of her foot.

"And now he got away," Arcane Ace agreed. "But not without losing his disguise. You said he told you he was here from the government, Dr... what was your name?"

"Doctor Richey."

"Doctor Richey. A pleasure, but tell me why you felt you were protecting the citizens by keeping all of this hidden? What did the disappearing man do that made you think he wasn't on the up and up, other than his charming demeanor and dislike of heroes?"

    Astra thought for a moment.  Arcane Ace had used her original name that has been changed to Keri now.  It upset her more than she let on, because they had a mission.  Whatever Harvey Black was, she couldn't sense it.  This made her a bit wary.
    "Arcane Ace, What do you think Sherriff Harvey Black was?  I couldn't get a read on him.  Dr. Richey, I can sense you and I sense you're hiding something.  If you're afraid to state it I could read your mind if you'd like.  To do so without your consent is basically mind rape, I won't do that," Astra stated.
    Infinite Tempest looked at Astra, "Are you okay?"
    "I'm fine, we have a mission," she replied.  She wanted to tell him more, but things were already tense.  She wanted to give him the chance to remember what happened to him, but figured Star Master had already tried what she could do.  If Star Master couldn't find out by a telepathic probe what made her think she could?
    Helmut gave her a sympathetic glance as though he sensed something bothering her.  He did not want to voice it.
    Doctor Richey remained silent for the moment, all eyes were on him.