The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Cammulus on 19-05-2008, 18:54:56</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>19-05-2008, 18:54:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Forty Six years ago...</em><br><br>Shawn Bean, like so many Americans, was rooted to his television during that time.&nbsp; It was his primary source of information, as he could not read very well, and his job had allowed him to buy a television.&nbsp; The news was dire, Kennedy was making a speech, and though Oscar could not quite grasp the entirety of it, the paranoia of the newscasters felt was as clear as a bell to him.&nbsp; He had made preparations, however, so he was not as worried as some others might be.&nbsp; The old house he had inherited from his Grandmother was now full of visitors to the quaint 'Bean Bed and Breakfast'.&nbsp; It sat on pastoral land, part farm, part forest, and from the highest room, on a clear day, one could see all the way out to the sea.&nbsp; Shawn could not imagine living anywhere else, nor could he imagine it burned into a nuclear wasteland; the thought terrified him.<br><br>In the basement of his old house, he had poured the concrete for a bomb shelter.&nbsp; Quietly, he had filled it full of non-perishable goods, rations, powdered milk, enough to last a year for a family of people.&nbsp; He only needed the family, but he knew where to find that too, if the time came.&nbsp; And the time did come.&nbsp; It was caused by a test of the Emergency Broadcast System, which was purposefully timed by the authorities, to happen in conjunction with the local air raid siren test.&nbsp; Shawn entirely misunderstood, and he was thrown so far into panic, that his actions took on the semblance of fanaticism.&nbsp; His shelter was ready, all he needed was his Family.&nbsp; He had made a list, using the reservation book in his lobby.<br><br>Tobias Burke, 14<br>Elizabeth Smith, 16<br>Amanda Cobbler, 28<br><br>There was room for only one man of the house, Tobias and he could repopulate the area with the women, once the fallout was clear.&nbsp; The sacrifice of his Family and his patrons, would be for the good of the future.&nbsp; Shawn took them by various means, a blow, chloroform, and for Tobias, the promise of cake and new toys.&nbsp; Then he took his pistol, and gave the rest of his patrons mercy, because surely they would not want to suffer through the coming Nuclear Winter.&nbsp; When that grisly work was done, he again turned his thoughts to 'waste not, want not', and dragged the fresh meat past his Family, and into the large freezer within the shelter.&nbsp; Then he sealed them in, activating the time lock for one year hence.<br><br>But Shawn failed to account for the only variable that mattered; himself.&nbsp; He was not a genius, and he could barely read.&nbsp; The time clock on his lock was poorly assembled, and when a year passed, it did not open.&nbsp; He was not a mathematician, so what was meant to be a year of food, plus the meat, fell short of that goal.&nbsp; He failed to account for his other appetites, and the women were chosen because they were lovely to his eyes, and he failed to account for competition from a young man that suddenly sprouted up over night, or so it seemed.&nbsp; The shelter became a microcosm, and all the veneer of civilized life, thin as it was, was easily stripped away.&nbsp; Human flesh was consumed, infants that never saw the light of day were born and perished.&nbsp; In time, everyone in the shelter was dead.&nbsp; The horrors that occurred can only be imagined.<br><br>The murder victims were found after a few days, of course, but the entrance to the bomb shelter was hidden.&nbsp; Shawn and his 'Family' simply seemed to disappear.&nbsp; As time passed, the house was condemned, the land given over to the town and fenced off, and soon enough, the rumors began.&nbsp; Potential buyers were turned away by the house's history, people began to report seeing lights turn on and off, or moving in the house and on the property.&nbsp; Sometimes gunshots were heard, or the wail of an air raid siren.&nbsp; The Bean House became the subject of the curious the Disappearance of Shawn Bean became an Urban Legend, one ironically not far from the truth, that involved both murder and cannibalism.&nbsp; Despite that, the House stood alone in its acreage, all but forgotten.<br><br><hr><br>Alexander St.Germaine watched the list scroll by on the large plasma screen on the wall.&nbsp; The woman controlling the flow of information was both Administrative Assistant and Chief Researcher of his group.&nbsp; He had yet to put a name to it, and calling himself a Hunter had implications he was not prepared to embrace, though his logical mind told him that was the precise word for it.&nbsp; Annabelle, not Ann, not Annie, she would answer only to her full name or Ms. Samson, sat at a table not far from the couch, her laptop open and plugged into the system.&nbsp; She was still a stunning woman, though her hair had surrendered to age and turned silver, her eyes remained bright and alert, and her skin still the envy of even some younger women.<br><br>"What has the pattern told you, Annabelle?"<br><br>"The event is annual, Sir."&nbsp; She replied crispey.&nbsp; She had always called him 'Sir', since he had come into his inheritance.&nbsp; "October Twelfth.&nbsp; Most take it for something pagan."<br><br>"Really?&nbsp; And have you --"<br><br>"Yes, Sir.&nbsp; It is not pagan."<br><br>"Hmm.&nbsp; I think we've found our test case."<br><br>"Shall I call her?"<br><br>"Yes, please do, and ask her where she wants to be picked up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>20-05-2008, 04:57:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The call came while Melanie was finishing lunch.&nbsp; Precognition had never been among her talents, but she was somehow certain that this wouldn't be any ordinary conversation, and she almost laughed at herself for falling into that predictable way of thinking.&nbsp; But cliche as it was, it turned out to be true, and the realization gave her an odd thrill of excitement, even though such a call must necessarily mean trouble -- possibly very bad trouble, and definitely very strange trouble.<br><br>In either case, it never occurred to her to do anything but agree to help.&nbsp; She'd been on the sidelines for too long, and now she had her chance at last.&nbsp; Trying and succeeding was her only option now.&nbsp; She was waiting outside her apartment building at the appointed time, calm except for the way one hand clenched at her purse, white-knuckled.&nbsp; Her blonde hair was pulled neatly back in a barrette, grey slacks and a crisp blue blouse making her feel just like she was going on a job interview -- which she was, really.<br><br>The car arrived in perfect time, the polished, scrupulously polite and helpful chauffeur guiding Melanie to her seat, though this was a mere formality.&nbsp; Her clear blue eyes never quite focused, because they saw nothing; but she moved with a confidence and ease that belied any true handicap.&nbsp; She saw all she needed to see, and more.<br><br>What she needed right now was true precognition, before the anticipation made her even shakier than she already was.&nbsp; She knew Alexander St. Germaine only slightly, more by reputation than anything else, though she didn't doubt that he knew a great deal more about her.&nbsp; He would never have called her in otherwise.&nbsp; Now she would have to do her best to justify that decision.<br><br>The ride wasn't a long one, but seemed endless as she mused over the possibilities.&nbsp; The air seemed charged, but it was impossible to decide if that was from her own excitement or from something else, stirring the ether in its own way.&nbsp; At last the chauffeur was ushering her out, turning her smoothly over to the household staff.&nbsp; A quiet, cultured voice announced Miss Blake's arrival, and before he spoke, she'd turned towards her host, sensing where he was, and offered up a smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>20-05-2008, 18:23:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie was an attractive woman.&nbsp; She had drawn the eyes of Alexander St. Germaine while attending a seminar in New England about the Supernatural.&nbsp; The seminar was held by a world-renowned Demonologist and his Clairvoyant Wife, both of them in the sunset of their years.&nbsp; He had spotted her at the edge of the room, and while the speakers were excellent and knowledgeable, they were not saying anything to the public that he did not already know; Alexander had attended for the opportunity to confer with the Edward regarding a case he was already working on.&nbsp; Alexander believed that the entity he had encountered claimed to be an entity that Edward had dealt with when he was a younger man.&nbsp; So, while he waited, his green eyes had drifted over those assembled, resting on a college coed here and there, and then finally on Melanie.<br><br>He had not realized how reliant on visual cues he was in his interactions with the opposite sex.&nbsp; At first, Alexander almost thought he was being ignored, but when the seminar took a brief intermission, he soon realized that the woman he had been admiring was blind.&nbsp; It was a mild relief, as he was beginning to think he’d lost some of his subtle charm.&nbsp; He arranged to meet her, and found himself discussing the gamut of paranormal topics with her, until he Edward and Lorraine returned and called the seminar back to order.&nbsp; Alexander had politely escorted her to her seat, without having to be asked.<br><br>When the seminar ended, he asked her to join him for coffee with Edward and Lorraine, promising her that she would only be sorry if she missed it.&nbsp; Alexander smiled at the memory.<br><br>It was always a bit disconcerting how Melanie always seemed to know where he was when he entered a room.&nbsp; He was not sure if she did the same thing with other people, but she seemed to have an unerring sense for Alexander’s arrival and position.&nbsp; Today he was dressed in a black suit with a white silk shirt, no tie.&nbsp; His long dark hair was tied back into a neat pony-tail, and his green eyes were bright with anticipation.&nbsp; He had a handsome face, aristocratically so, with a fine nose and high cheekbones.&nbsp; A thin white scar bisected his left eyebrow, and rand down his left cheek for a couple of inches, somehow managing not to detract from his looks.&nbsp; Annabelle had told him it made him seem roguishly dangerous.<br><br>Alexander glided to Melanie’s side, and gently took her arm, “It is good to see you again, Melanie.”&nbsp; His words were precise, enunciated, and held the touch of an accent that was part-French, part-English; what some simply called a ‘European’ or ‘Metropolitan’ accent.&nbsp; His voice was rich, deep, easily distinguished from other voices, even over the whispering din of a full seminar.&nbsp; “I trust the ride over went smoothly?&nbsp; Is there anything I can get for you before we get down to it?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>20-05-2008, 22:14:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was always a relief to her, to be someplace where she didn't have to worry about keeping up any pretenses.&nbsp; At a casual glance, no one would imagine her to be blind, and few noticed even on closer inspection, but it was far easier to pretend complete blindness than to feign full sight.&nbsp; Impressive as her abilities were in general, they did not help her to read the printed word, and even accurately reaching out for a handshake wasn't always possible.&nbsp; Some people were easier for her to 'see' than others, of course, and Alexander was one such; but even so, she could never quite manage to focus on him as a sighted person might.<br><br>She let him take her arm, smiling as she heard that accent again, so unlike her own purely Midwestern U.S. tones.&nbsp; But her voice was a pleasant one, soft and often very thoughtful, though now it could only be described as faintly edgy with excitement.&nbsp; "Very smoothly, thank you.&nbsp; And all I need now is my curiosity satisfied.&nbsp; You can ply me with tea and scones later," she added with a smile, gently teasing in spite of her impatience.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 07:50:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander had been impressed at how well Melanie handled herself.&nbsp; There were times when it would have been very easy to forget that she was blind.&nbsp; She had not seeing-eye dog, nor cane, and he would have said that she had a stage of ‘legal blindness’, except her eyes did not quite move like sighted person’s.&nbsp; It was subtle, but it was there.&nbsp; It made Alexander wonder how much of her confidence was because of her gifts.<br><br>He smiled, she could tell, it changed his voice slightly.&nbsp; “I’m glad.&nbsp; All your questions will be answered in a moment.”&nbsp; Alexander laughed softly, “Well, you’re immediate ones.&nbsp; I imagine you will have plenty more shortly.”&nbsp; He patted her hand gently, “But what would I be plying you for with my tea and blueberry scones?”<br><br>Alexander took her to a comfortable couch, and sat beside her.&nbsp; “There are some slides.&nbsp; I had floorplans reproduced in something like Braille.”&nbsp; Someone brought a folder over and set it in her lap, by the perfume a woman.<br><br>“Hello, Melanie, my name is Annabelle Samson.&nbsp; I am Mister St. Germaine’s Assistant, just as I was his Father’s.&nbsp; I have been – inducted – into his crusade.”&nbsp; She said the last with mild amusement.<br><br>Alexander sighed softly, as if put upon, but the smile was still in his voice.&nbsp; “We’ve found a very Haunted House to look into, Melanie, with a recurring element.”&nbsp; He paused, “There have been deaths, more than likely.&nbsp; I want to be sure you’re ready for this.”&nbsp; She heard him pick up a remote.&nbsp; "This could be a dangerous one."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 15:56:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My first instinct is to say blueberry scones in exchange for taking on the job, but you already know I'm going to," Melanie said dryly, well aware how transparent her enthusiasm must be.&nbsp; She settled next to him on the couch, accepting the folder with a smile.&nbsp; "Thank you.&nbsp; It's always a pleasure to meet a fellow inductee," she said.&nbsp; Annabelle was easier for her to 'see' as well, though not as vividly as Alexander -- an older woman, Melanie guessed, though even she wasn't quite sure what subtle cues of voice, movement, or 'aura', for lack of a better term, led her to this conclusion.<br><br>Her fingers danced over the floorplans, tracing the raised lines expertly.&nbsp; She had a good memory for such things, thankfully, and though she wasn't likely to run into any walls even in an unfamiliar place, she was most confident when she could combine her own mental image of her surroundings with her other abilities.&nbsp; "They all could be dangerous," she replied, but there was no trace of teasing in her voice now.&nbsp; "Restless spirits are something of a specialty of mine, as you know, so I think it's safe to say that I'm about as ready as anyone could be."<br><br>Her hands kept moving, her face turned towards the screen just as though she could see every detail.&nbsp; "Where is this house?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 17:03:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander smiled, "Yes, that is what I would try to lure you into."&nbsp; He smirked, "As if that would be difficult."<br><br>Annabelle laughed softly, "Yes, I heard that you were roundly recruited by Mister St. Germaine.&nbsp; Plucked from the crowd, as it were."&nbsp; She moved back to her laptop, still amused.&nbsp; She recalled the seminar that Alexander had returned from, with his news of a new member for their -- what?&nbsp; Society?&nbsp; She shrugged and keyed the presentation back to life, images returned to the screen.<br><br>Alexander watched Melanie's hands move, wondering if her sense of touch was as acute as her hearing or her psychic sense.&nbsp; He had no way to measure her Sensitivity, though he had been assured by other sensitives that she was, indeed, very gifted.&nbsp; Melanie was precisely what he needed.&nbsp; As educated as he was on the matters at hand, and as certain as he was that he could handle most problems with that knowledge, he was as blind psychically as Melanie was in mundane reality.&nbsp; He had firm belief, and a solid grasp of the various protections, and he had some luck as well, the natural good fortune to eventually stumble into a solution.&nbsp; He had performed exorcisms, and used rituals to capture or dispose of an entity.&nbsp; He knew, for example, that a wooden stake through the heart was more than just for vampires, and that sometimes it needed to be a specific kind of wood, or it was useless.&nbsp; Melanie, however, could see into that world, perhaps even hear, making what could take days of detective work, resolvable in a day or two or less if their timing was right.<br><br>"True enough, Melanie, particularly for you.&nbsp; I am simply at a physical risk."&nbsp; He did not need to say any more than that.&nbsp; "This one is more than restless, and there are more than one.&nbsp; I've not been onsite yet, and you know I'm not sensitive, but just from the images -- it's foreboding, at best."&nbsp; His quiet voice and his accent certainly worked together to paint a very dark picture indeed.&nbsp; "The house is in Maine."&nbsp; Alexander asked, "Have you ever heard of the story of The Disappearance of Shawn Bean?&nbsp; or Bean House?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 18:03:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I was a willing recruit, but a recruit just the same," Melanie smiled, nodding to Annabelle in understanding, sisters under the skin.&nbsp; "I see you've done a great deal of work on this already," she added, including both of them, aware that Annabelle might easily have done the bulk of the tracking and organizing, even as hands on as Alexander was.<br><br>"Don't underestimate physical risk," she added, lightly but with real concern.&nbsp; "But there are usually more than one.&nbsp; I've sometimes tried to study that phenomenon, but I have no real conclusions yet, other than perhaps the old saying about misery loving company."&nbsp; She almost smiled, but sighed to herself as well, understanding that misery far better than most.<br><br>She paused at his question, sifting through her memory, then nodded slowly.&nbsp; "Yes, that is familiar... A mass murder, wasn't it?&nbsp; And the disappearance of the culprit, rather than the usual suicide.&nbsp; I've heard of a few interesting reports from there, but it isn't anything I've studied in much detail.&nbsp; But you've found a pattern."&nbsp; It wasn't quite a question; she knew something specific had brought her here, and her already focused attention took on a still sharper edge.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 19:31:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander shook his head, despite the fact that Melanie was blind, out of habit.&nbsp; "Not to worry, I do not take my safety lightly.&nbsp; Nor will I take yours lightly either.&nbsp; We'll be armed, by -- various means."&nbsp; He nodded, though this time he added, "Yes, you are correct.&nbsp; Usually in a Haunting of this magnitude -" The capital 'H' in his voice was only done by making the slightest emphasis on the word, but it was unmistakable.&nbsp; "-the types of events would be specific, as with a demonic entity, a poltergeist, or something equally demonstrative, if often unseen.&nbsp; In fact, most of the hauntings I have personally investigated or exorcised have been along this narrow band of experience."&nbsp; Alexander paused a moment, not for dramatic effect, but because he really wanted her attention.&nbsp; "The reports from Bean House all of which must be taken with the proverbial grain of salt, indicate that the house is in the grip of something -- more vast.&nbsp; We have evidence of intelligence, plenty of residual phenomena, and some reports, only a few, say its become a portal as well.&nbsp; All the reports agree that there are multiple entities."<br><br>Annabelle chimed in then, adding, "And we have found a pattern, an annual pattern.&nbsp; Every October 12th, activity seems to spike in the area in and around the house.&nbsp; Hardly a year goes by in the nearby town that someone does not go missing, usually between the ages of 14 and about 25.&nbsp; In the 46 years since Shawn Bean disappeared, only a handful of bodies have ever been uncovered.&nbsp; No suspects.&nbsp; No murder weapon."&nbsp; She taps a few keys, clearly changing the slides on the screen.&nbsp; "Every few years, around the same date, some local kids get it into their heads to pull the standard 'I dare you' scenario.&nbsp; Two young women, aged 16 years, were found just beyond the property line in nearly catatonic states.&nbsp; Literally scared out of their minds.&nbsp; They committed suicide within weeks of being institutionalized, after being plagued by nightmares."&nbsp; The woman paused, and swallowed.<br><br>Alexander took over then, knowing that his Assistant was also a Mother.&nbsp; "One of the girls, Jackie Cobbler, scribbled all over her walls.&nbsp; The only words that we could make out, over and over again, was the word 'Bean', 'Shawny', and the phrase, 'He Keeps Them'."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 20:36:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"He keeps them."&nbsp; Melanie barely whispered the words, sitting very still, as she had all through their explanation.&nbsp; She could form no accurate impression until she was at the house, surrounded by its atmosphere, but even ordinary reasoning painted a grim picture, to say the least.<br><br>"Spirits... even the most benign ones... often covet the things they had to leave behind," she finally said, slowly.&nbsp; "Loved ones, treasured possessions, especially houses... that's part of what holds them here, sometimes.&nbsp; But you know that," she added, remembering her audience.&nbsp; "These spirits covet youth, perhaps.&nbsp; Life itself."<br><br>She shivered very faintly, and gradually her hands resumed their quiet study of the blueprints before her.&nbsp; "The twelfth is the anniversary of the murders, I take it?" she asked, not quite calm and businesslike, but at least practical.&nbsp; "Were the victims young?&nbsp; These killings may be an attempt to recreate the past crime for some reason."&nbsp; This was a common, and unsettling, phenomenon, and Melanie had learned long ago that patterns, of any kind, should never be ignored.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 21:01:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander waited until it was clear Melanie had parsed the information.&nbsp; He nodded when she repeated the phrase, and again when she spoke about the habits of spirits.&nbsp; "Quite right.&nbsp; It is difficult to discern the 'character' of this Haunting, save to say that is obviously malevolent.&nbsp; But I cannot say if the malevolence springs from one entity or all the entities.&nbsp; The residual haunting descriptions run the gamut of people going through the motions, to people screaming in terror, presumably before they are killed.&nbsp; There are also a handful of reports that are -- more disturbing; sounds of eating or butchering of meat, sexual sounds, sounds of fighting or a person or persons being beaten, sound of a television.&nbsp; One report even stated that they thought they heard a speech on the long defunct television."<br><br>When she mentioned the date, he replied, "We believe that it is.&nbsp; Time of death for many in the victims examined in 1962 put all of them at having died on October 12th."&nbsp; He glanced to Annabelle, he pressed a key on her laptop.&nbsp; "Between the hours of five and nine in the evening.&nbsp; It's the day that seems important.&nbsp; We can attach no particular occult significance to that date."&nbsp; He smirked slightly, and his cultured accent was laced with mild amusement.&nbsp; "We ruled out Aleister Crowley's Birthday and Samhain.&nbsp; Shawn Bean would have had no knowledge of either.&nbsp; We had Clay Weatherley profile Shawn Bean based on what little we could gather.&nbsp; Want to hear it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 21:41:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie nodded thoughtfully, unsettled but unsurprised.&nbsp; Such audible manifestations were common in the more intense incidents, and this one, she sensed, would at least equal anything she'd dealt with before.&nbsp; Once there, she would no doubt be innundated with such sounds, smells, even, perhaps, physical contact and other sensations, which were very rare -- but this one would have many rare things about it, if her instinct was even half right.<br><br>"Of course," she replied to his question, recalling her thoughts to the present.&nbsp; "There's often something helpful in the living history -- though I suppose in this case, we can't even be absolutely certain that Shawn Bean's spirit is even one of the ones causing trouble.&nbsp; But tell me about him.&nbsp; I'd also like to hear anything else of significance from that date, occult or not, since I imagine you do have such a list handy.&nbsp; If the killer wasn't especially involved in such things, it may have had a more mundane significance for him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 22:36:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander agreed with Melanie, "Precisely.&nbsp; Clay did what he could, but he had to work from old resources, and a bit backward."&nbsp; Clay Weatherley was a former FBI Profiler, and a Viet Nam vet.&nbsp; He thought he'd seen everything, until he came to work for Alexander St. Germaine.&nbsp; "He was -- grumpy."<br><br>Annabelle sniffed, but said nothing else.&nbsp; She tapped a key and a man's voice issued from the speakers.&nbsp; The voice was that of a man from whom you could only deny cigarettes if you pried them from his cold dead hands.&nbsp; The voice was gruff, gravelly, and managed to sound a bit like a Harvard Professor and a bit like a Marine Corps Drill Instructor.<br><br><em>"Is this fuh -- blood thin on?&nbsp; Sorry, Miss Samson."</em><br><br><em>"Yes, go ahead, Mister Weatherley."</em><br><br><em>"Alex?"</em><br><br><em>"Mister St. Germaine is not on the line.&nbsp; This is a recording session, Mister Weatherley."</em><br><br><em>"Oh, well then...Alex, this was a real bih -- a real pain in the aah--backside.&nbsp; Shawn Bean was 33 years of age at the time of his disappearance.&nbsp; No education.&nbsp; His last recorded presence as far as school is concerned was the 4th grade, and his performance was not at all stellar.&nbsp; A real Forrest, Forrest Gump, if you take my meaning, and according to teacher comments, he had all the 'innocent' charm too.&nbsp; He was a strong kid, there's a couple of mentions of him being picked on, but generally getting the better of the schoolyard bullies.&nbsp; After that, he's off the radar for a few years.&nbsp; Nothing, not even so much a truant officer's mention.&nbsp; He turns up again when he's about 18 years old, he inherits his Mother's house, where he has apparently been working for all of that missing time.&nbsp; He turns the place into a Bed and Breakfast, 'Like is Mama wanted', and its fairly successful.&nbsp; He runs it mostly on his own, and was, according to the Tourist Board of the day, a very fine cook."</em><br><br>There's a pause, and Clay's voice again, <em>"You gettin' all this?&nbsp; I don't like repeating myself."</em><br>Annabelle's patient reply, <em>"Yes, Mister Weatherley, do go on."</em><br><br><em>"Alright, Kids, here's where it gets interesting.&nbsp; Apparently our Mister Bean has completely bought into the paranoia of the day, thanks to far too much television.&nbsp; Based on his schooling, and a few bits from the case file, I am about 90% certain that he was illiterate, possibly completely so.&nbsp; The House of UN-American Activities Committee, under a prettier name, was still in swing and he's about the right age to suck it all up from the beginning if he had access to a Television.&nbsp; I believe that it prompted him to put up the fence around his property, and we have several sworn statements, by him, made to the&nbsp; police about this or that neighbor's 'suspicious communist activity'.&nbsp; The police were only humoring him, but--you know how even a blind man might make a lucky shot?&nbsp; Well, Shawn Bean pointed out an honest to goodness communist when he was about 21.&nbsp; You know the era, he was bound to find one if he pointed fingers long enough, and this one was a bit of a Marxist and racist, and was under suspicion for hate crimes in three other states.&nbsp; I don't think HUAC ever interviewed him, but Shawn Bean publicly declared, according to newspaper clippings, that 'The Red Menace has come to Maine'.&nbsp; He withdrew from any real presence in Acadia Harbor, the town right near his home, and ran his Bed and Breakfast with as little interaction with the town as he could manage and still be open for business."</em>&nbsp; There was the click and scratch of a lighter, and the sound of an inhale and a sigh.&nbsp; <em>"This is when his business began to fail, of course, as he turned away customers that sounded 'Too Communist'.&nbsp; Folks still passed through 'Bean;s Bed and Breakfast', but not nearly as many as before."</em><br><br>Alexander lifted his hand, this time the pause was artificial.&nbsp; "Any thoughts thus far, Melanie?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 15:52:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The Red Menace," Melanie echoed, bemused.&nbsp; It seemed such an archaic thing to worry about, these days.&nbsp; Weatherley's attempts at toning his language down couldn't take away from the seriousness of the subject, but they did manage to lighten the atmosphere a little.<br><br>"Perhaps he thought his victims were Communists," she said, frowning.&nbsp; "It's possible he decided that merely reporting them wasn't enough, and decided to take matters into his own hands.&nbsp; He might finally have gotten paranoid enough to think that no one in power could be trusted."&nbsp; Then she smiled dryly.&nbsp; "Is October twelfth some sort of Communist event?&nbsp; That seems to have been his big obsession -- I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was the catalyst for both the murders and his disappearance, one way or another.&nbsp; Go on," she added, leaning forward slightly in her interest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 20:05:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander waited patiently for Melanie to gather her thoughts.&nbsp; An unobtrusive gentleman, in soft soled shoes Melanie barely heard, and even smelling very faintly of unobtrusive soap and nothing else, set&nbsp; a tray down on the coffee table in front of the pair.&nbsp; She heard the gentle tinkling of utensils on China and caught the scent of coffee, tea, and blueberry scones.&nbsp; Locke, Alexander’s Butler, quietly said, “Coffee, tea, and fresh scones.”&nbsp; He gave each a slight nod, “Sir, Madam.”&nbsp; Locke straightened, “Ms. Samson.”, and then departed as quietly as he’d arrived.<br><br>“Possibly.”&nbsp; Alexander stated thoughtfully, “Clay had a similar thought, but since he had no clear thread of communism through the known victims, he discarded it.”&nbsp; He smiled slightly, amusement and professional respect in his voice.&nbsp; “Clay making suppositions when a trail is this cold, it forces him to step beyond what he considers probable into what is merely possible.”&nbsp; He shook his head, “No, there is no significant Communist event associated directly with that date.&nbsp; October could refer to the Bolshevik Revolution, but again, that credits Bean with more literacy than he apparently had.&nbsp; Anything is possible, of course, but the date would be October 24th or 25th, again – illiterate, so not impossible, just improbable. “&nbsp; Alexander signaled the recording to continue, “Thus Clay will not comment on it.&nbsp; He leaves the speculation to us.”<br><br><em>”Acadia Harbor has no arrest record for Shawn Bean.&nbsp; Despite his paranoia, he did very little rabble rousing, and seemed content to work his business, fence out the world, and screen his guests for possible Communist leanings.&nbsp; Strange, to be sure, but to be honest, considering the general feelings of the day, Shawn Bean was not alone in his worries.&nbsp; There are records of him buying loads of cement, non-perishable supplies, sandbags, gas masks, the standard gear of the day, if one expected to survive a Nuclear Holocaust.&nbsp; All of this seems to mesh well with the paranoid profile we have so far, but does not seem extreme, there’s thousands doing the same all over America at the time.&nbsp; We were staring down the Cuban Missile Crisis.”</em>&nbsp; At this point in the recording, Clay snorted, and clearly enjoyed a long drag of his smoke.&nbsp; <em>”Not that you kids would remember, and Miss Samson remembers.&nbsp; So, like I said, a bit eccentric, but no arrests, no suspicions of any criminal activity, nothing.&nbsp; Even his guests, who had dwindled, still reported that their stay at his little place had been extremely pleasant.&nbsp; Some of them remarked how much they enjoyed the privacy of the fenced in grounds, and Bean’s cooking.”</em>&nbsp; His tone said he was arriving at a conclusion.<br><br><em>”October 12th, 1962, the date of the murders, according to the State Medical Examiner.&nbsp; The bodies were found by a Joseph Briddle, of Briddle of Briddle and Sons Hardware, when he went to the Bed and Breakfast to make a delivery.&nbsp; The murders were reported on October 14th, giving Mister Bean two whole days to ‘disappear’.&nbsp; According to ballistics, the victims were all shot by a .45 caliber Service Colt, registered to one James Bean, Shawn’s long dead Father.&nbsp; Seven in all; Tobias Senior and Michelle Burke, both were shot and killed in their rooms, head shots.&nbsp; In the living room, Jacob and Jessica Smith and their 6 year old son, Robert, all shot – one to the head, one in the chest and head, one in the back of the head, respectively.&nbsp; At this point, he reloads, which implies he was ready for that, and had a spare magazine.&nbsp; Adam Boswell, a Marine on leave with his girlfriend, it is believed, put up a fight.&nbsp; He was shot three times, two in the chest, one in head once he was down, he had all the signs of having been outside and running back in.&nbsp; It is also thought that the final victim, Author and Widower, Richard Bachman, tried to run.&nbsp; He was found shot twice in the back and once in the head, in the doorway to the back porch.”</em>&nbsp; He was silent a moment, as he let that sink in.&nbsp; <em>”Alright, Kids, these are not the actions of your standard sociopath.&nbsp; He is certainly that, but assuming Bean committed the murders, and that much seems certain, the question is – Why?&nbsp; The victims have no common thread, other than being at the Bed and Breakfast, and if we assume Bean was still screening his customers, they were not Communists.&nbsp; Where is the commonality?&nbsp; Why weren’t there more murders, which is usually what happens with this sort, having once gotten away with it, they will crave to repeat their success.&nbsp; Where does a paranoid psychopath run to when he sees Red in every window, doorway and news broadcast?&nbsp; I can’t even speculate.”</em>&nbsp; There is the sound of ceramic being dragged across a table, and soft thumps as Clay puts out his cigarette in the ashtray.&nbsp; <em>”Add to that, we have three other disappearances.&nbsp; The Burkes were murdered, their son of 14, Tobias Junior, also disappeared.&nbsp; No pattern, Bean killed a boy of 6 already.&nbsp; Elizabeth Smith, 16 year old daughter of Jacob and Jessica, brother to Robert, also missing.&nbsp; Amanda Cobbler, age d 28 years, on vacation with Marine Adam Boswell, gone.&nbsp; All three, plus Shawn Bean, have never been found.”</em><br><br>There is another long pause as Clay lights up again, <em>”That’s it.&nbsp; That’s the best I can give you.&nbsp; There’s nothing there that would lead me to predict continued activity.&nbsp; Clearly something set Shawn Bean off, what that was; I don’t care to speculate, but this was a man on a mission, Alex.&nbsp; If I had to guess, he thought he was being merciful.&nbsp; He did not want them to suffer; hence every one of them has a final headshot.&nbsp; He was not a marksman, he got lucky and surprised the first, easy pickin’s.&nbsp; I think, just from angles, he shot the little boy in the back of the head in front of his parents, and took them while they were shocked.&nbsp; Boswell must have charged in, maybe even hit Bean, there’s some signs of a struggle, was shot twice at close range, possibly during the struggle, and then finished off.&nbsp; Even Bachman was not shot at range, and given the same final send off.&nbsp; There’s something we’re missing, that I’m missing, but I can’t put my finger on it.&nbsp; Given the circumstances, he was almost economic.&nbsp; No stray shots, only shell casings left behind, no murder weapon.&nbsp; I hope this helps your – Ghost Hunt.”</em><br><br>The recording came to an end, and Alexander sat in thoughtful silence, “So, there you have it.&nbsp; Seven dead, three missing, and the murderer fell off the face of the earth.&nbsp; Then, about a year later, the first of the unusual disappearances start.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 20:47:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One side effect of her gifts, or perhaps of her blindness, was a very active imagination.&nbsp; Melanie didn't quite visualize as most would, of course, but she felt the victims' struggles, even with only Weatherley's even, businesslike tones telling the story in sparse, simple language.&nbsp; The blueprints beneath her hands seemed to come alive with the terror of these people, hunted down one by one, killed without mercy.<br><br>But was it without mercy?&nbsp; Weatherley suggested, and she was inclined to agree with him, that the opposite was true, that Bean had thought he <em>was</em> being merciful, offering them a quick death to spare them -- what?&nbsp; A lingering death, imprisonment, torture?&nbsp; Why had he, apparently, not given himself the same merciful release?&nbsp; And there were still three unaccounted for, who presumably would not have gone anywhere with him willingly.&nbsp; How had he dealt with them?<br><br>"He didn't want them to suffer," she murmured quietly, ignoring the refreshments as she sorted through the information.&nbsp; "He was trying to save them from -- from something worse than a gunshot.&nbsp; The Communists, or a holocaust -- if he really thought there would be a nuclear war, perhaps a bullet did seem like mercy.&nbsp; But then why--"<br><br>She stopped abruptly as something fell into place, at least tentatively, and she tested the idea cautiously.&nbsp; "He bought cement, sandbags -- he wanted to build a bomb shelter."&nbsp; Again the idea seemed faintly ridiculous to her, and she had to work to get into the mindset of someone living through those times.&nbsp; "Maybe he did build a bomb shelter."<br><br>She was speaking more quickly now, ideas tumbling out.&nbsp; "Something happens to make you think war is breaking out, an invasion is right on your doorstep.&nbsp; You've been expecting this, and you have a place to hide, a place you think is safe.&nbsp; But your house is full of people, and they can't all go into your shelter -- so you kill them, to spare them a slow death from radiation.&nbsp; Then you -- you go barricade yourself in, you and just a few others.&nbsp; You plan to come out later, when it's safe, and rebuild, but for some reason, you never do.&nbsp; You can't."<br><br>Her hand lit unerringly on Alexander's.&nbsp; "Was a shelter ever found?&nbsp; Maybe Shawn Bean never left his family home after all."&nbsp; Then she hesitated, suddenly uncertain.&nbsp; "Does that make sense?" she asked, aware that she could all too easily get carried away, half-losing herself in following another's thoughts.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 23:23:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander listened to her thinking aloud for a moment, and laid a hand on hers, “I think you’re on to something.&nbsp; Annabelle and I had similar thoughts, but we did not think of the idea that Shawn Bean might have thought he was doing something – necessary.”&nbsp; He scowled slightly, “It would certainly fit.&nbsp; Annabelle, get a hold of Clay and ask him if any orders for a Bomb Shelter were put in by Bean.&nbsp; I think they had boom companies that did that sort of thing.”<br><br>He turned back to Melanie, his accent a little thicker as his energy for the case ramped up.&nbsp; “One thing I do know, is that there was no bomb shelter found on the premises.&nbsp; I’m not sure they would have known what to look for, but a standard search – at the time, with the technology at hand – revealed nothing of the sort.&nbsp; But all the ingredients are there.”&nbsp; Alexander snapped his fingers, “Annabelle, have Clay check for specialty items – generators, air cleaners, steel for doors, that kind of thing.”<br><br>Alexander smiles, “It would make sense that he was still there though.&nbsp; Just because he was paranoid, doesn’t mean he wasn’t sick.&nbsp; All the murders would add up to the Hauntings easily, as well as it just being a spiritual pit.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>23-05-2008, 03:29:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I hope I didn't just talk myself out of a job," Melanie said ruefully.&nbsp; "But considering the state those girls were in... bad as a serial killer would be, I think there must be more going on.&nbsp; I'd be more surprised if there wasn't a Haunting after a mass murder like that."&nbsp; Again she shivered very slightly, her free hand moving only from nerves now, not studying the plans any longer.<br><br>"How about the local police?&nbsp; Are they likely to get involved?&nbsp; When can we leave?"&nbsp; She stopped, laughing at herself.&nbsp; "I'm sorry, I'm much too impatient, I know.&nbsp; It's just that I finally feel like I have a direction now, that I can be really useful.&nbsp; There was a time when I thought that the things I could see were -- well, were more a curse than anything.&nbsp; Sometimes I still think that... but now I know there's so much more, so many possibilities."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>23-05-2008, 18:36:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander scoffed, “I don’t think you could, Melanie.”&nbsp; He patted her hand, and she heard tell tale tinkling.&nbsp; “Have some tea.”&nbsp; Then he went on, “I entirely agree, but I can’t help but think there is something more.&nbsp; The mass murder is certainly bad enough, it would naturally be a draw to the most loathsome kinds of creatures – but the nature of the Hauntings, the disappearances, there is something we’re still missing, even with your excellent suggestions.”<br><br>“No, the police have given us permission, after a sizable donation to the Policeman’s Ball, to allow us free access to the site.&nbsp; They will not provide anything in the way of security, so I have hired a couple of people to keep the riff raff from traipsing through our investigation.”&nbsp; Alexander chuckled, “Enjoy your tea. I own the jet, Darling. we can leave as soon as all our gear is ready, which will not be long.”&nbsp; His accent was pleasant, and he did not drop the 'g' on the word 'Darling', which made his accent seem slightly more pronounced.<br><br>He reached out and held her hand, “What you have is a Gift, Melanie, make no mistake.&nbsp; Now you’ve found a way to use it.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>23-05-2008, 21:36:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It doesn't quite feel like a gift to an awkward teenager," Melanie said, smiling thoughtfully.&nbsp; "But I've grown into it."&nbsp; She accepted the tea, sipping it slowly though inside she was terribly anxious to start their journey.&nbsp; This might be the last chance either of them had to relax for a while, and they might as well enjoy it.<br><br>There was a moment of comfortable silence, and finally she squeezed his hand lightly.&nbsp; "I'm glad you asked me to join you on this," she said, seriously.&nbsp; "I believe we'll be of great help to each other, Alex, and this is a very important place to start.&nbsp; This needs to be stopped."&nbsp; She wasn't one to speak much of duty, preferring simply to act, but now it seemed appropriate, beginning a new partnership as they were.&nbsp; "I hope we'll be able to do a lot of good."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>24-05-2008, 16:47:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander nodded, and sighed, "Likely not.&nbsp; My Family has always had something of a -- mystical leaning, I suppose.&nbsp; There's gypsies in my Family, a history of mysticism going all the way back to the Dark Ages, when records get more than a little muddled."&nbsp; He chuckled softly, "Something about wars, burnings, a small spot of trouble."&nbsp; Alexander sipped his own tea, "Do you suppose that it is cultural?&nbsp; This view of psychics? Or perhaps my Family is unique."<br><br>He smiled when she squeezed his hand, "I'm glad you agreed to come along, and that you're still agreeing.&nbsp; That place has become more and more dangerous over the years, and I think it would be good for everyone if we were able to exorcise the site.&nbsp; It's in a beautiful area, and it is a black spot on the map."&nbsp; Alexander nodded, "I know we'll be an excellent team, and I know we can find a way to stop this.&nbsp; If only because someone has to, before whatever is growing there gets bold enough to reach beyond the house and lands.&nbsp; "As do I, Melanie, as do I.&nbsp; Every member of the team has had one experience or another, and we all believe in this -- Invisible War.&nbsp; A war that we're losing more by ignorance than inaction."<br><br>Alexander placed his cup on his saucer, holding both up with practiced ease.&nbsp; "Is there anything that you think you will need for this?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>24-05-2008, 21:15:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie laughed.&nbsp; "And except for me, my family has been just as ordinary as can be, as far back as I know.&nbsp; Or perhaps that's the New World influence -- with so many people and cultures tumbling together, we learned how to seem completely average and blend in."<br><br>After one last sip of tea, she set her cup aside, growing serious again.&nbsp; "You and your team have done quite a lot to help remove some of that ignorance, from what I understand.&nbsp; Sometimes I don't believe we'll ever catch up, but that's no reason to stop trying.&nbsp; One step at a time will do," she added, with a quietly determined look.<br><br>"Let me see -- your help and a bit of good luck comes to mind first."&nbsp; She smiled, then shook her head.&nbsp; "But no special equipment, no -- I have a small recorder and a Braille writer that I use for taking notes and organizing my thoughts, but I always carry those with me.&nbsp; I don't really need much else, except a little stubbornness."&nbsp; Again she smiled, this time self-deprecatingly, and added with teasing hopefulness, "Does that mean that you're all packed and ready to go?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>25-05-2008, 18:05:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander smiled, "Or it's rather like that comedian, Eddie Izzard, says; 'I'm from Europe, you know, where the history comes from.' "&nbsp; He sipped more tea, with only the slightest clink of china to give him away.&nbsp; "Europe is steeped in what our elders like to call 'the old ways'.&nbsp; In Ireland they're still careful to build their roads and homes around or away from Faery Trees and Stones or even what they consider Faery Roads.&nbsp; People still marvel over Stonehenge, and many folk in England accept the existence of ghosts in their homes as anyone else might accept that now and then field mice get in."&nbsp; He chuckled softly, "By contrast, America is new, and was at one time eager to shrug of the trappings of its former Masters.&nbsp; It took decades after the Revolution for you to reclaim Christmas and other Holidays as your own again."<br><br>"You are very kind.&nbsp; It has been an interesting journey.&nbsp; There are others out there, fighting the good fight, but they are widespread and far between, and more than a little paranoid.&nbsp; They keep their heads down, not wishing to be considered insane or murderers.&nbsp; A vampire is just another corpse when you put them down for good -- no ashes, no fire, and the same is true of a werewolf."&nbsp; Alexander sighed, "Invisible War is an apt analogy."<br><br>"My help is a given, Melanie, I will see what I can do about luck."&nbsp; Alexander set his tea aside when Annabelle gave him a nod.&nbsp; "Yes, we are ready to go.&nbsp; I took the liberty of purchasing some standard field gear and fatigues in your size, I hope you don't mind.&nbsp; It will help identify us to each other, and the police already know what to expect should they encounter one of our team in town or on the roads around the site."&nbsp; He got to his feet, and took her hand.&nbsp; "Ready?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>25-05-2008, 19:35:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie shook her head, bemused.&nbsp; "I've read about things like that in Europe, of course, but -- well, reading is one thing, realizing that people still live their lives according to such rules is something else entirely.&nbsp; I suppose most people don't even think about it much anymore, but it's still a fascinating study.&nbsp; Sometimes I think the States would be better off with more sense of the past, and sometimes I think that would be a terrible idea," she added wryly.<br><br>"Here's to victory, then, even if it's an invisible one."&nbsp; She raised her cup again for one final sip, first miming a toast.&nbsp; Then she laughed.&nbsp; "A blind woman in fatigues.&nbsp; Now that will be an odd picture.&nbsp; But, as long as the police don't catch on..."&nbsp; She accepted his hand, though she rarely did need help, of course.&nbsp; Something told her, however, that in this case the excuse of helping a blind woman was just that -- an excuse, and she didn't mind that.&nbsp; "Ready.&nbsp; Let's see this private plane of yours.&nbsp; I've never been in one before."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>25-05-2008, 21:10:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander smiled, and nodded.&nbsp; "I believe that is why I enjoy the coasts a bit more than say, the midwest.&nbsp; The coasts each have their distinct charms, the East has a touch more history in its towns and architecture, but they're both a bit richer in it than say -- the brand new cities, relatively speaking, of Arizona.&nbsp; I certainly see the allure of the new, but I like things a little more -- lived in."&nbsp; He gently guided Melanie to her feet, "A curious opinion for someone trying to clear out old ghosts,I suppose."<br><br>"To victory, indeed."&nbsp; He held onto her hand for a moment, and then gave her his arm.&nbsp; "They're fashionably dark fatigues, I assure you.&nbsp; You will look smashing in them."&nbsp; Alexander began to walk with her towards the door.&nbsp; "It is not a 747, much smaller in fact, but it accommodates my needs quite nicely."&nbsp; A car was idling in the drive, waiting for them.&nbsp; Alexander waved off the chauffeur, and made certain Melanie was comfortable himself. "I'll be with you the whole way, if you need dramamine or anything, we can pick it up at the airport."<br><br>He got into the car beside her, Annabelle peeked in on his side, "Be safe, both of you."&nbsp; Came the woman's quiet farewell, and then she patted the top of the car soundly and it pulled away.<br><br>Alexander turned to Melanie, "Besides security, there will be three other investigators, the Tech Team.&nbsp; Two of them almost entirely dedicated to the electronic equipment.&nbsp; The third is one of our Researchers, and a very experienced field investigator.&nbsp; The Tech Team is already onsite, and operational -- they should have nearly two days of material for us to review when we arrive."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>25-05-2008, 22:21:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I don't mind the lived-in, as long as it's familiar.&nbsp; Lived-in for me means I'm never quite alone," Melanie remarked.&nbsp; She took this very matter-of-factly, no surprise considering she'd had to live with that for years.&nbsp; Again she accepted more help from Alexander than she needed -- it was sweet of him to be so considerate, and she found she liked holding his arm for its own sake.<br><br>"But I'm an excellent traveller, so don't worry about me.&nbsp; And the excitement would probably do an excellent job of distracting me from any motion sickness, even if I was prone to such things."&nbsp; She smiled, giving his arm a squeeze.&nbsp; After a thanks and a goodbye to Annabelle, she settled into the very comfortable seat, much less impatient now that they were on their way.<br><br>"Good, very good," she said, impressed with the organization.&nbsp; "At least we're keeping our ignorance to a minimum.&nbsp; I never quite realized how much money ghost hunting requires -- I wouldn't get very far doing this on my own, certainly."&nbsp; She smiled, a little ruefully, but mostly it was a smile radiant with hope and anticipation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 01:04:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander smiled.&nbsp; He knew that Melanie did not truly need his help, but it did seem rude not to offer it, and he found that he enjoyed her touch.&nbsp; He had considered it more than once this evening; she was very attractive, and she shared his interests, which was rare.&nbsp; She worked with him, however, was very nearly an employee.&nbsp; Regardless, he could not help but breathe a little deeper, in an effort to capture her scent, or to let himself touch her hand gently, or caress her skin where they clasped hands.<br><br>"Well then, you will enjoy the ride."&nbsp; He smiled, she could hear it in his voice.&nbsp; "If you've never flown first class, you are in for a treat.&nbsp; Meals, real meals, drinks as you like them, spacious seating, even beds if you like.&nbsp; It is equipped with PCS connectivity, and will allow you to connect with a laptop or other mobile device.&nbsp; If I didn't have this house, I'd live in the thing."&nbsp; Alexander chuckled, and nodded at her assessment.<br><br>"I'm not certain if it is what my Grandfather intended the Estate for, but I don't think he would complain, considering great-grandmother was Romany."&nbsp; Alexander's voice became thoughtful.&nbsp; "It is an expensive endeavor.&nbsp; I think that is why certain groups turn to television contracts and the like.&nbsp; They're perfectly good people, knowledgeable people, but I'm not sure whether the paranormal research field is legitimized by the media attention, or if it is being turned into the sideshow academia still considers it."&nbsp; He shrugged, "Either way, they at least get to do their investigations, as we do ours.&nbsp; Though, we do a little more than investigate."<br><br><hr><br>The Leer jet was everything Alexander promised it would be.&nbsp; It was extraordinarily comfortable, with leather covered seats, and real wood paneling.&nbsp; It could have been a flying old world study, were it not for the couches that could clearly double as beds, and the thoughtful staff, which included a chef.&nbsp; It was to be a short flight, from rural Arkham, Massachusetts to Acadia Bay, Maine.&nbsp; Alexander turned the topic of conversation to other things, they would soon be hip deep in the paranormal anyway.<br><br>"So, what does Melanie do for a good time besides Ghost-hunting?"&nbsp; Ice tinkled in the glass he held in his hand, the scent of the miniature quiches offered by the chef lingered in the cabin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 02:22:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have to admit, if television was the only way I could get the funds for things like this, I'm not sure I'd be able to do it," Melanie admitted.&nbsp; "For one thing, I wouldn't want to discuss most of the things I've seen, and risk sensationalizing them... and for another, I'm not sure I'd even be able to find the words for a lot of them."<br><br>She settled into the seat, allowing herself a moment to be pleased at the comfort of it all.&nbsp; Everything she might want for the trip was easily to hand, and if the smell of the food was anything to go by, that would be just as excellent as everything else.&nbsp; She sipped a glass of mineral water and smiled at his question.&nbsp; "Fly in private jets and chat with millionaires, of course," she teased, glad for this time to speak of ordinary things and be two ordinary people for a while.<br><br>"Music is probably my single greatest interest, aside from the job -- which is much more than just a job, as you know," she added wryly.&nbsp; "So actual free time is rather limited.&nbsp; But I play a little piano, try to write a little -- then listen to the real musicians and feel heartily ashamed of myself.&nbsp; Music is very soothing, though.&nbsp; The rhythm and the patterns... I need that sense of order sometimes.<br><br>"How about you?&nbsp; What do you do with your valuable free time?"&nbsp; She leaned closer, ready to listen, and set her glass aside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 03:59:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That is the problem.&nbsp; Sensationalism turns a field of study into a hobby for weekend warriors, and then something messy is almost sure to happen."&nbsp; Alexander agreed with her, and then shook his head.&nbsp; "At the same time, I cannot deny that those programs have pushed a lot of new technology forward, which is currently to our very real benefit."<br><br>He chuckled warmly at her answer, "But what do you do when I'm not around?&nbsp; Have I competition then?"&nbsp; Alexander grinned.<br><br>"I enjoy music as well.&nbsp; Opera, the classics, a good old fashioned rock and roll concert."&nbsp; Alexander smiled, "I confess a weakness for Broadway as well."&nbsp; He patted her hand lightly, "There never really is enough time, is there?&nbsp; But sometimes its good to put a crowbar in your schedule, and make time."&nbsp; He chuckled at her return question.&nbsp; "I fear I'm very boring for a millionaire.&nbsp; I spend a fair bit of my time in study, or reviewing various bits of evidence.&nbsp; Another chunk taking care of my investments, remotely, of course.&nbsp; When there is time, I will swim, or get out to a night-club.&nbsp; The advantage of my own jet is that I can go clubbing in Paris, on a whim.&nbsp; Care to joing me one night?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 06:57:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, the millionaires are lining up," Melanie said, with a straight face, though her eyes were twinkling.&nbsp; "They take me to all the best concerts and shows.&nbsp; Though I must admit that opera in general has never been a favorite of mine.&nbsp; I'm not quite sure I can imagine you at a rock concert, though, or clubbing, for that matter."&nbsp; She smiled, trying to picture him out dancing, his estate and other responsibilities forgotten.<br><br>"I've never been to Paris, actually," she admitted.&nbsp; "Nor have I been in many nightclubs.&nbsp; But as you say, it's good to give in to one's whims now and then, and just make the time for relaxation.&nbsp; Perhaps I'd better start finding the time to try out a few new things, since I have such a tempting offer at hand now."&nbsp; Now she felt a little shy, but she kept smiling, now looking forward to something besides the task ahead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 22:19:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander chuckled, "Just how would you imagine me then?"&nbsp; He smiled, "Opera is an acquired taste, like wine or beer."&nbsp; &nbsp;He shook his head slightly, "I'm not at all sure that I've acquired it, but my Family has hereditary box seats at various theaters, and it always seemed a shame not to take advantage of that when I could.&nbsp; I did rather enjoy <em>Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen</em>."&nbsp; She could hear the smirk in his voice, "But that might be because it reminded me of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, and their spear and magic helmet."<br><br>"What?&nbsp; We'll fix that as soon as we can.&nbsp; You have to go to Paris, London, and Barcelona."&nbsp; Alexander enthused.&nbsp; "The clubs one can take or leave, but the sometimes they are the best way to experience the culture of those cities.&nbsp; Cafes, Jazz Clubs, all the places where the people go."&nbsp; He laughed, "Tempting is it?&nbsp; I must not be as charming as I think I am.&nbsp; I would have thought you would take me up on my offer for sure."&nbsp; He leaned forward slightly, meeting her eyes for a moment, uncertain if she would know he was doing so.&nbsp; Alexander reached out, and gently covered her hand with his own for a moment, and then withdrew it.&nbsp; "Anytime you like.&nbsp; We cannot always be saving the world."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>26-05-2008, 22:52:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie couldn't help but giggle.&nbsp; "I can't believe it -- Looney Tunes have taken over the world, it seems.&nbsp; Wouldn't you be in terrible trouble if you ever admitted that to anyone?" she asked conspiratorially.&nbsp; "You've obviously become far too Americanized."<br><br>She couldn't quite 'see' his eyes meeting hers, but she knew he was doing so just the same.&nbsp; "London I've been to, and to concerts there, but no clubs.&nbsp; I'd hardly know where to begin when it comes to clubbing, so you'll have to help me out, you know.&nbsp; But I'm afraid I can't say more than tempting, not yet.&nbsp; If I give in too easily, whatever would you think of me?&nbsp; Besides, I'd hate for you to get tired of me too soon."&nbsp; She was almost shocked at herself -- flirting wasn't usually quite her thing, and yet here she was, indulging shamelessly in their banter, and enjoying every second.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>27-05-2008, 21:06:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander gasped as if insulted, "Americanized?&nbsp; Perish the thought."&nbsp; He smirked, and his accent momentarily thickened. "Consider it a -- study of your American culture."&nbsp; He laughed, "It really was, in part.&nbsp; As a young boy, my Father thought it would help me to learn the language, English is not my first one, and even as riddled with colloquialisms as they are, it does a fair job of exposure."&nbsp; He smiled slightly, "My Father was particularly fond of Woody Woodpecker, don't ask me why."<br><br>"Oh, Melanie, I would be more than happy to help you out with anything you like."&nbsp; He said smoothly, the smile reaching his voice.&nbsp; "Why, I would think you had impeccable taste, my Dear."&nbsp; He smiled, and shook his head slightly, "How could anyone tire of you?"&nbsp; Alexander leaned over and looked out the window.&nbsp; "We'll be landing soon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>27-05-2008, 22:00:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I find it quite unsettling that cartoons are such emissaries for the United States.&nbsp; Unsurprising, but unsettling," Melanie said, smiling ruefully.&nbsp; She didn't normally miss such things, since she'd never been able to see them, but she found herself wishing she could see his expressions when he spoke, especially when she knew that he was smiling.<br><br>"Impeccable taste?&nbsp; Of course, I should have guessed that you'd think that.&nbsp; You European millionaires are all alike."&nbsp; She turned her head at his last remark, again wishing she could see something useful through the window, instead of only the faint, glowing blur of the earth's energy, the near-constant backdrop to her second sight.&nbsp; To herself, she called it the world's soul, but had always been too shy to use that term aloud.&nbsp; "And I'll take a raincheck on that invitation, then.&nbsp; Perhaps we can call that a celebration, after the mission's done," she suggested, squeezing his hand again as all her somewhat impatient enthusiasm for the job came back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>28-05-2008, 18:44:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander could only chuckle at her comment, and he did a fair impression of a Loony Tunes character, " 'My name is Elmer J. Fudd, Millionaiwe, I own a mansion and a yacht.&nbsp; Ambassador to Euwope.' "&nbsp; He smiled, and leaned a little bit closer to her, his arms on the very small table between them, his hand touching hers.<br><br>"All alike?"&nbsp; He gasped, his fingertip unconsciously running across the back of her hand.&nbsp; "Hardly!&nbsp; I come from terribly old money, and was booted out of seminary.&nbsp; Everyone else was booted from this prep school or that university."&nbsp; Alexander smirked, and when she squeezed his hand, he returned the gesture.&nbsp; &nbsp; He nodded, "A celebrations it is then!"&nbsp; He held her hand still, "And that means that you mus be careful, so that we can celebrate."<br><br><hr><br>The plane landed soon enough at The Acadia Bay Airport.&nbsp; An establishment so small, that Alexander's tone as he uttered its name told Melanie all she needed to know about the place.&nbsp; The Saint-Germaine Trust had paid for a hangar and the landing, as well as a rented van and a Nissan for Alexander an Melanie to travel in.&nbsp; The van was fo their equipment, which was thoughtfully unloaded by the the jet's staff.&nbsp; Melanie was introduced to a couple of new people, both of them men, that met Alexander as he climbed down his jet's ladder.<br><br>Their voices and demeanor seemed to hint at either former law enforcement or former military.&nbsp; The precision with which they answered questions or requests, and the almost habitual 'Sir or Ma'ams' they attached to the end of their sentences, made the latter more likely.&nbsp; Their names, their last names as Alexander never stated their familiar names, were Apone and York.&nbsp; "Security."&nbsp; Alexander told Melanie, by way of explanation.&nbsp; The two men drove the van, and Alexander drove the Nissan himself, getting into the driver's seat only after making sure Melanie was comfortable.<br><br>"We have rented all the rooms at&nbsp; a very well appointed Bed and Breakfast."&nbsp; He shook his head, "Ah, the irony.&nbsp; It is not far from the site, and oru tech team is staged out fo there.&nbsp; We have a mobile unit somewhere between our B&amp;B HQ and the investigation site, in a van much like the one we're following now.&nbsp; You'll have a little time to change, and get comfortable."&nbsp; As they drove he found her hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze.&nbsp; "Remember what I said -- be careful."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>28-05-2008, 21:06:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The best thing you can do is to take your own advice," Melanie had said, squeezing his hand once more.&nbsp; "I'll be just as careful as you are."<br><br>Then they were landing, and there was the usual bustle of reorganizing and moving everything that needed to be moved.&nbsp; It was a carefully controlled bustle, obviously well-planned, but it heightened her anticipation as well as her impatience.&nbsp; In front of the men, she did her best job of looking as sighted as anyone, unsure if they knew her secret and trying to avoid any of the usual confusion and fuss over a blind woman if they didn't know what she could do.&nbsp; And a blind woman going into this sort of situation would only add many more layers of trouble and disbelief, even if these men were used to believing the improbable and even impossible.<br><br>"What do the doubtless terribly curious locals think we're doing here?" she asked, looking out the window.&nbsp; Sometimes when trying to absorb the feel of a new place, she would turn to look just as though she was using her eyes instead of her mind, and she did that now, focusing on learning the area in her own way.&nbsp; A house as dark as the one they were going towards left a substantial mark on its surroundings, at least to her, and she could sense it already, a faint shadow in the light of the trees and hills, rippling outward like a living thing.<br><br>A similar shadow passed over her expression, unbeknownst to her, but she did her best to dismiss her dark thoughts with a soft smile.&nbsp; "And you remember our celebration.&nbsp; We need to visit the best clubs, attend an opera, and have dinner in at least one outrageously expensive restaurant.&nbsp; And of course you need to demonstrate your full repertoire of impressions for me," she added, smiling with a little mischief now as she returned the squeeze of his hand.&nbsp; This position was becoming quite natural now, and in spite of her impatience to get to work, she found herself hoping that it would be a long time before they'd have to let go.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>29-05-2008, 04:54:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander had not thought of telling Apone and York that Melanie was blind.&nbsp; He had come to think of her as so capable, that it was not something he simply informed other people of, no matter how he behaved with her privately.&nbsp; Once the men were doing what they'd been hired to, he got her to the car without further discussion and got them on their way.&nbsp; If Melanie's being blind became important, he'd tell them, but as it was they'd be on the perimeter, while Melanie and he were on site.<br><br>"The locals think we're investors, taking standard surveys before real estate development."&nbsp; The drive was not too long, and after they had talked, Alexander held her hand without a word about it.&nbsp; They were soon pulling into the long drive way of a rather nice colonial home.&nbsp; "I will remember."&nbsp; Alexander smiled gently as he turned off the car.&nbsp; "Parties, Europe, clubs, and one Opera.&nbsp; The obscenely expensive restaurants go without saying."&nbsp; He laughed, "I may have shown you my full repertoire."&nbsp; His thumb caressed her skin, and then he was out of the car and walking around to her side to lead her into the bed and breakfast.<br><br>"How are you feeling?"&nbsp; He asked, "If you're not after a nap, I'm sure there's plenty of recordings for us to sift through.&nbsp; We have film and Electronic Voice Phenomena, and hours of the stuff."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-05-2008, 16:19:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good, that's all settled, then," Melanie said, smiling as he recited their plans.&nbsp; "It will do us both good to have something like that to look forward to, I think," she added as they stepped out of the car and went inside the building.&nbsp; This place had a good feeling to it, someplace where people had been happy.&nbsp; Inside, it was possible to forget the terrors that lingered not far away; but she would not let herself forget.<br><br>"Oh, I'm sure I couldn't sleep," she said, shaking her head.&nbsp; "I'd like to study those recordings.&nbsp; They might be a big help.&nbsp; I don't get quite the same impact from recordings, of course, but they can still be useful.&nbsp; After that all I'll need is a few minutes to freshen up and change, and I'm ready."&nbsp; She had released his hand in favor of taking his arm, letting her stay close to his side, a very comfortable spot, in her opinion.&nbsp; "And I have to compliment you on your organization.&nbsp; I'm very impressed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>30-05-2008, 06:20:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander smirked, "See?&nbsp; I knew you were more than just tempted."&nbsp; He chuckled, and continued with her into the Bed and Breakfast.&nbsp; He smiled when she said she could not sleep, and nodded.&nbsp; "Then we'll set up.&nbsp; There's audio recordings to go through for any signs of EVP, if you would prefer to do that."&nbsp; He was quiet fpor a moment, and when she took his arm, he resisted the urge to slip it around her waist and draw her close to his side. "Does your special 'vision' work through a recording?&nbsp; Or, through a camera monitor?"<br><br>He led her up a flight of stairs, past what sounded like two or three people talking quietly.&nbsp; Alexander did not stop.&nbsp; He led Melanie up to her room.&nbsp; "I'm right across the hall if you need anything."&nbsp; Alexander pressed a key into her hand.&nbsp; "You freshen up.&nbsp; You'll find your team fatigues at the foot of the bed, in your size, of course."&nbsp; He smiled, she could hear it in his voice, feel it in his demeanor.&nbsp; "I look forward to seeing you in them."&nbsp; Alexander led her into her room, and then step away reluctantly when he had her near the bed.&nbsp; "Thank you, Melanie, but you're part of it now.&nbsp; They'll be your team, as much as mine."<br><br>Alexander moved to the door, "I'll came back for you in -- ten minutes?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-05-2008, 15:27:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just don't tell anyone," Melanie whispered quickly at his teasing, pretending to be alarmed.&nbsp; Then she shook her head at his questions.&nbsp; "No, I can't pick up anything that way.&nbsp; I can tell when a monitor or television is on, but I can't get any sense of what's happening on the screen.&nbsp; At the movies I'm just like any other blind person, and most unfortunately, I can't properly enjoy paintings, either, though there I can sometimes get some sense of the painter, at least."&nbsp; She smiled ruefully, that limitation being one she'd always especially regretted.<br><br>"Ten minutes," she agreed, taking the key, but hesitating when it came to letting go of his hand afterwards.&nbsp; "I'll need your opinion on the fatigues," she added, smiling.&nbsp; And as soon as he left, she went into a flurry of activity, like a girl going on her first date, unable to get ready fast enough.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>31-05-2008, 21:11:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Your secret is safe with me.”&nbsp; Alexander’s voice was laced with good humor. “That’s rather what I thought.&nbsp; We will have you listen to the EVP recordings then, I believe that you’re especially suited to notice what others might miss there.”&nbsp; He shook his head slightly, “Aah, there are paintings you can enjoy; you just need the right company at the right gallery.”&nbsp; Alexander said the last as if he were adding that to their planned list of celebratory events.&nbsp; “One can paint with sound and texture.&nbsp; You will see.”<br><br>“Ten minutes it is.”&nbsp; He nodded, “I’ll certainly have one prepared.”&nbsp; Alexander slipped out of the room and into his own.&nbsp; <br><br>He went immediately into the bathroom for a very quick shower, and to dress appropriately himself.&nbsp; He had misgivings about this venture.&nbsp; He believed in Melanie’s sensitivity, and he was worried that this Haunting would be like shining a blinding light directly into her inner eye.&nbsp; Melanie was eager, and he had been honest about her being welcome to the group, and –well—more than that, but he’d hate himself if she came to harm.&nbsp; Alexander showered quickly and was soon dressed in the team’s attire.&nbsp; It was comfortable, and put him in the proper mindset.<br><br>Alexander went out into the hall, and leaned against the wall to wait for Melanie.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>31-05-2008, 21:57:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie found herself frequently pondering Alex's words, wondering exactly what he might have in mind.&nbsp; She'd been to museums that catered to the blind, of course, and had always enjoyed such exhibits; but he seemed to have something quite special in mind.&nbsp; Just his company alone would make it special.<br><br>She blushed faintly at these reflections, or more precisely at how they made her stomach flutter.&nbsp; But she didn't let this slow her down; she got ready efficiently, and almost exactly ten minutes had gone by when she reappeared.<br><br>She'd washed up quickly and pulled her hair back out of the way, in a plain and functional ponytail.&nbsp; The fatigues were comfortable and practical, and she had added her own few pieces of specialized equipment just in case.&nbsp; Now she felt ready for anything; which was just as well, considering some of the things she might have to face.<br><br>Once more she seemed to find him instantly, smiling as she went over to join him.&nbsp; "All set.&nbsp; Lead on," she said, holding her hand out as she approached.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>01-06-2008, 20:50:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander had read about several museums that were hosting exhibits with the blind specifically in mind.&nbsp; He had found the article fascinating as it had described artwork that had been created to please more than one's sight.&nbsp; They included sound, music often, but not always, textured canvases or objects done in three dimensions, like sculptures, debossed and embossed figures, and even more clever sensory displays.&nbsp; Alexander was not an art historian, but he could think of a few standard exhibits that Melanie might enjoy as well.&nbsp; Then, all his thoughts came to a stop, and he stood still for a moment.&nbsp; He found he was becoming more interested in Melanie the woman, rather than the resource she represented.&nbsp; <em>You only live once.&nbsp; At least, in this flesh.</em>&nbsp; Alexander sighed and had continued to get ready after that.<br><br>When Melanie finally came out of the room, he felt a combined surge of guilt and satisfaction.&nbsp; Satisfaction, because he had sized her not only correctly, but well, and guilt, because he had know she'd look good in the dark colors that went with the urban camouflage of the whole outfit, and she certainly did look very good.&nbsp; Even the ponytail, which some might seem as a utilitarian choice, only drew his eyes to the curve of her neck, and the delicate whorl of her ear.&nbsp; Alexander smiled, and straightened from the wall, realizing that it was unlikely that he could hide his admiration from a psychic.<br><br>"You look very nice."&nbsp; He took her hand again, and guided her back down the stairs.&nbsp; "Now, how familiar are you with Electronic Voice Phenomena?"&nbsp; Alexander asked as they turned to go do the last flight of stairs.&nbsp; "Be sure that you mark anything you have a question about, even if you're not sure.&nbsp; Sometimes we can filter extraneous noise and find something useful, so there's no such thing as being too careful in this case.&nbsp; It is an interesting opportunity as well, as the site should be fairly 'clean'.&nbsp; No one else on site, no living human interference, and we have cameras and security to make sure it stays that way."<br><br>Alexander led her into a larger room, she could tell by the way the sound of voices and Alexander's voice changed.&nbsp; The two voices in the room went quiet for a moment, and Alexander cleared his throat as his tech team took a moment too long in seeing Melanie in the team uniform.&nbsp; "Melanie, I would like you to meant&nbsp; Jake Howard, and Adam Phillips.&nbsp; They're the tech team, and investigators.&nbsp; Allan Edgar, our third, is out making sure the mobil unit can send and receive from both locations."<br><br>Howard spoke first, "Hello, welcome to the team, we've heard so much about you."<br>Phillips was on the heels of his teammate, "Oh yes, we've been looking forward to working with a real 'talent'."<br><br>There was a small beep, and Howard spoke again, "Huh.&nbsp; A web-conference, Clay says he found something.&nbsp; Shall I put him on the big screen?"<br><br>Alexander nodded, and forgot that he was still holding Melanie's hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 04:50:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie didn't miss his admiration, it was true, though she wasn't sure she needed any special abilities to notice, even without her sight.&nbsp; Perhaps it was as prosaic as the tone of his voice when he spoke to her, but something always made her aware of the fact whenever he looked at her and liked what he saw.<br><br>"I've done quite a lot with EVP, yes," she said, falling easily into step with him.&nbsp; "Other researchers seem to love my opinions -- I think they all fall victim to the idea that other senses compensate for blindness, so they must assume my ears are much sharper than theirs."&nbsp; She smiled, bemused.&nbsp; "That's true to a point, but it's much too easy to get carried away.&nbsp; Any skill I have with such things doesn't have very much to do with my ears.&nbsp; I can't be quite as confident with this, given the fact that it is, of necessity, filtered through machines, but I do think I can get a better sense of the emotions and power behind the words than most can."<br><br>They reached their destination, and she acknowledged the introductions, again bemused as she caught the sense of being stared at once more, this time twice over.&nbsp; Unsurprisingly given their line of work, she could get a fairly good image of each man, a reflection of their contact with the strange and inexplicable.&nbsp; "Thank you.&nbsp; I'm glad to be working with you both," she said sincerely.&nbsp; Now her awareness turned to the room, obviously containing a fair amount of electronics, and almost crackling with their energy, at least to her vision.<br><br>She, at least, was very aware of Alex still holding her hand, though she certainly wasn't about to draw attention to that fact and risk its removal.&nbsp; "Perhaps he's tracked our bomb shelter," she suggested quietly to Alex as the call came through from Clay.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 18:43:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good, good.&nbsp; Then you know what to listen for, and how to mark it down in the log."&nbsp; Alexander smiled, "I will not assume that you have the sense of hearing of some four-color comic book hero, but I will trust you opinions on the matter."&nbsp; He shook his head at the folly in some people's assumptions.&nbsp; "By all means, add your psychic impression to the log as well.&nbsp; If we get clear and audible voices or sounds, attaching other data to them will only help us acquire a more detailed profile of the situation."<br><br>Howard and Phillips seemed pleased by her greeting, and then were responding to the sound from the computer that had indicated contact by Clay.<br><br>Alexander nodded, and added, "Yes, I believe that would be the only reason for his call.&nbsp; He detests making contact without anything tangible to offer.&nbsp; He's not one for regular updates."&nbsp; His voice was laced with humor.&nbsp; It was clear that he had been working with Clay for sometimes, and knew him well.&nbsp; He guided Melanie to a point in the room in front of a mobile screen and camera setup, and spoke before Clay did.&nbsp; "Hello, Clay...Clay, Just sit still you don't need a mike its all built in."<br><br>There was the sound of movement, grumbling, a thump to the microphone, and the creak of someone settling into a chair.&nbsp; <em>"Oh!&nbsp; Damn things!&nbsp; Hello, Alex, I see everyone's arrived in one piece."</em>&nbsp; The sound of more shifting and a colorful curse, followed by the shuffling of paper.&nbsp; <em>"Pardon my French.&nbsp; Hello, Melanie, nice to meet you finally -- sort of.&nbsp; Your suggestion was dead on.&nbsp; The trick was that Shawn had made his orders in pieces, and must have been planning to put it all together himself."</em>&nbsp; The sound of Clay lighting a cigarette was very clear, as was his inhale, and the sigh that came afterward.&nbsp; <em>"You remember what I said about Mister Beans 'edumecation', well, if he meant to put this gear together himself, I wouldn't want to be in his shelter when the Big One came, if you take my meaning.&nbsp; There's a bomb shelter somewhere, Alex."</em>&nbsp; Thus far, Clay seemed the only person to get away with the short form of Alexander's name.&nbsp; <em>"It's not on any map or any photos, crime scene or otherwise.&nbsp; I had Threepio and Artoo --"</em><br><br>As one, Howard and Phillips protested, "Heeeeyyyy!"<br><br><em>"--forward me a few hours of the filmed walk-through of the site.&nbsp; I didn't see anything obvious.&nbsp; At least nothing that screamed bomb shelter, but if I were a betting man.&nbsp; I'd say dollars to donuts its somewhere in that basement."</em>&nbsp; Another sound, and it was clear Clay was smoking, waiting for a response.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 20:11:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie settled in front of the screen, getting out her Braille writer for her initial notes.&nbsp; Normally she would pause the tape frequently and make verbal notes, but right now something quieter seemed the best option, and she was fairly quick with the machine.&nbsp; She was glad to note Alexander sitting next to her, enjoying a few last moments of relaxation before she'd have to become all business.<br><br>"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Weatherley -- sort of," she replied, smiling briefly before the conversation turned more serious.&nbsp; Even so, she had to stifle a chuckle at Clay's nicknames for the two techs, and at said techs' reactions to them.&nbsp; "No matter how poorly educated, his paranoia would have driven him to hide that shelter to the best of his ability.&nbsp; And he might very well have had a knack for building, even if he wasn't naturally very intelligent.&nbsp; It's possible he did quite a good job keeping the entrance secret -- though I don't doubt we'll find it ourselves fairly quickly, once we start looking.&nbsp; He wouldn't have reckoned on current technology, never mind any other skills that might help us out."&nbsp; Sometimes she could find such hidden things with her own sight, though she'd never tried for a secret door.<br><br>"Have you learned anything else, Mr. Weatherley?" she added, after a moment.&nbsp; "Hopefully we'll be going to the house soon, so any other details might help."&nbsp; Her hand hovered very near Alex's, but didn't actually take it yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 04:16:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Clay sighed, smoke obscuring his features for a moment as smoke was released with the air.&nbsp; <em>"Not much more I'm afraid.&nbsp; I believe you may be right again.&nbsp; Shawn Bean took care of his house and his business for years, and granted, neither would have been difficult to do, all things considered -- he did seem to possess a certain 'handiness', I suppose.&nbsp; But some of these things, like the air scrubbers, there's a science to them that would have been beyond his grasp." </em> He paused, and tapped a key on his end, and an invoice and plans appeared on the screen.&nbsp; <em>"And this, this is a time lock, or at least, all the elements of one.&nbsp; I just don't think he could have pulled this off.&nbsp; Hide the shelter, absolutely, I think Melanie is on to something there, but like I said -- its not a shelter I would use.&nbsp; Look for, I don't know, things out of place.&nbsp; I've gone over the pictures, but I'll be damned if I see it."</em><br><br>Both Technicians printed out what Clay sent them, and Melanie could hear the paper being handed to Alexander.&nbsp; A moment later, a raised and braille version was handed to her.&nbsp; Alexander said, "Thanks, Clay.&nbsp; This is a great help.&nbsp; It gives us a better picture, thanks to your legwork and Melanie's hunch."<br><br><em>"A good hunch.&nbsp; I missed it because of all the pieces.&nbsp; His paranoia had him ordered from all over the county.&nbsp; I suppose cunning isn't always for bright men.&nbsp; Good luck and be safe."</em>&nbsp; There was a slight click, as Clay signed off.<br><br>Alexander shifted in the seat, and his hand covered hers, "Are you ready to listen to hours of riveting EVP?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 17:11:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie frowned thoughtfully.&nbsp; "No, you're right -- something like a time lock seems beyond him.&nbsp; I wonder if they suffocated."&nbsp; She couldn't quite hide a shiver at the image, those few terrified people in the dark, small space, fighting for each breath.<br><br>Her hands traced over the plans as Alexander handed them to her, the gesture soothing.&nbsp; She wondered, lightly, if she should call him Alexander or Alex -- no one else seemed to call him by the nickname, except Clay, and she suspected it wouldn't be worth the effort to try getting Weatherley to stop.&nbsp; But she pushed the thought aside, turning again to the business at hand.<br><br>"Oh, I've been looking forward to it ever since you mentioned it," she replied, smiling, turning her hand so she could squeeze his.&nbsp; "There's nothing I'd rather hear.&nbsp; Have you got everything set up here?"&nbsp; She set the plans aside for now, instead preparing to take notes as they listened.&nbsp; There was a charge in the air that didn't require a psychic to notice, the edge of anticipation affecting all of them, in their respective ways.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>04-06-2008, 23:19:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander made a thoughtful sound, somewhere between growl and hum.&nbsp; "I hope not."&nbsp; He was honestly appalled, "That would have been--terrible.&nbsp; Grabbed by a madman, and forced to starve, and not immediately either.&nbsp; That would only make the place darker, and certainly all of those people would have unfinished business, if their suffering was great, that would bind them to the site as well."&nbsp; He took a breath, "Well, the more we understand, the more worried I become."<br><br>He got to his feet, and took her hand again to ease her up to hers.&nbsp; "I will set you up at the listening station."&nbsp; Alexander waved off the Howard's approach, and guided Melanie to a desk that was really a sturdy folding table.&nbsp; She could hear Alexander shuffling a few things around, but all entirely for her benefit.&nbsp; "Okay, there's a log, but if you can keep it with your braille writer, we'll just translate it when you're done."&nbsp; He sat her down on an upholstered steel chair.&nbsp; "The digital recordings are kept in several recorders, essentially they're just like iPods with microdrives.&nbsp; Each microdrive is numbered, we used braille labels too, and all you have to do is listen to them in order, each one representing roughly 2&nbsp; hours of recording time.&nbsp; The only way to do it, is to listen in real time, and mark down anything of note."&nbsp; Alexander rested a hand on her shoulder, "I am sorry if this seems just a bore, but I think we should give the research a going over before we barge into the house."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>05-06-2008, 15:37:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ignorance is bliss," Melanie murmured, again feeling the agony of such an end all too clearly.&nbsp; But perhaps it was better to begin facing it now, slowly, a little at a time, in the hopes it might be less overwhelming when she was actually at the site, seeing and sensing all that terror, all that cruelty.<br><br>She was glad to have the EVP, something more solid to focus on, though she doubted it would really be any less terrifying.&nbsp; Still, at least it would not be her own endless speculations, which were really fruitless in the end anyway.&nbsp; She nodded as Alex spoke (strange, she kept thinking of him that way, though she usually remembered to speak his full name) and set up her Braille writer close at hand.&nbsp; "There's always a lot of haystack before we get to any needles," she said, resigned to the task.&nbsp; All the money in the world couldn't make certain parts of the process any easier or shorter.<br><br>"You'll be listening with me, Alexander?" she asked, hopefully.&nbsp; "It might be useful to have someone who can make notes of any time signatures for specific phenomena, since I won't be able to see those."&nbsp; That was far from the only reason she would prefer him listening with her, but it would do for now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>05-06-2008, 18:31:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander sighed, "Tolstoy did not do anyone any favors when he put pen to paper and recorded that phrase."&nbsp; He shook his head, and gave her hand a squeeze.&nbsp; "As unpleasant as that piece of information is, we needed to know it.&nbsp; We will be dealing with whatever is in there, and there is potential for them to be angry, angry at everything, which is a natural process for a hostage.&nbsp; It seems even more natural when you consider that not only were they held in life, they were held in death as well."&nbsp; Even he shivered slightly, and it was known that he had seen things that would turn most men's hair white, or at least have them behind their doors with crosses, salt, holy water and a shotgun.&nbsp; "Starvation is a possibility, but what worries me more is this; what if they lived, for at time, Melanie?&nbsp; What if they -- bred?"<br><br>At her words about haystacks and needles, he sat beside her.&nbsp; "There always is.&nbsp; This is particularly important for us.&nbsp; I believe this place is dangerous, and more information will only help us."&nbsp; There was a desk beside hers, and he was moving what sounded like heavier equipment about, in preparation of doing similar work.&nbsp; "I will be right here beside you, Melanie.&nbsp; I'll be watching the DVRs, and listening in a headset.&nbsp; If you need me to take a listen to something we need to log, just let me know.&nbsp; I'm not even and arm's length away."&nbsp; She could hear the smile in his voice.&nbsp; "Is there anything you need before we begin?&nbsp; We have coffee up, and lots of it.&nbsp; Starbucks, the Dragon brand, I think."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>05-06-2008, 20:40:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Starved, suffocated, died at each others' throats, perhaps even inflicting their small, very personal hell onto innocent infants -- every theory seemed worse than the last, and this was one time where the truth would be reassuring only in that it put an end to more speculation.&nbsp; The only answer she could make was to return the squeeze of his hand, reminding them both that they were not alone in this terrible endeavour.<br><br>And there was a task ahead -- a tedious one, to be sure, but necessary.&nbsp; Alexander was quite right there; the smallest piece of information could turn out to be the crucial one.&nbsp; Practical knowledge was as vital as her sight.&nbsp; She smiled gratefully, aware that sharing this job meant sharing a lot of boredom, in between quick, sharp shocks to the nervous system.&nbsp; Probably soldiers and policemen felt much the same things, on patrols, and she felt a wave of empathy for them.&nbsp; She shook her head at his offer.&nbsp; "Nothing right now, thank you.&nbsp; I'm sure coffee will be most welcome soon enough, though," she added wryly.<br><br>She reached out tentatively, finding the shape of the recorder in front of her easily enough, though anything like dials or buttons was usually beyond her vision, and she generally had to find them through touch.&nbsp; Her fingers traced lightly over the machine, trying to find at least the pause button, in case she needed that in a hurry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>07-06-2008, 19:21:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander had apparently had the forethought to purchase gear with raised symbols, if not actual braille.&nbsp; The button Melanie needed wound up being easy to find.&nbsp; The head phones were comfortable, if a bit isolating.&nbsp; The cups were large enough to not put undue pressure on the ear, but snug enough to fit close and block out all extraneous sound; one had not choice but to listen closely.&nbsp; It was an auditory version of virtual reality, and very easy to forget that what was being heard was not what was happening in the room around them.&nbsp; Even Alexander, who had the benefit of audio <em>and</em> video, felt the separation from what was going on around them.&nbsp; He was staring intently at the screen, and listening just as carefully to the audio recording, his was not as clear as Melanie's, but the DVR cameras came equipped with standard audio pickups, and Alexander didn't waste data.<br><br>At first, all Melanie heard was the soft hiss of the wind outside of the house, sometimes the wind grew strong enough to rattle the shutters, and even the window panes themselves, and then it died down.&nbsp; She could hear the furtive movements of mice, difficult to identify at first, but after a couple of hours of being alert for any small sound, she began to pick up even those small changes.&nbsp; It was a long and tedious time, before anything of interest happened, so long, in fact, that she nearly missed it when it happened.&nbsp; It was a phrase so clear, that for a moment, it seemed to have come from Alexander or one of the tech.<br><br><em>...Oh My God, They did it...</em><br><br>There is another sound behind the voice, a wailing that Melanie can just barely hear; an air raid siren.&nbsp; It is so faint, that it would be easily missed, except that the sound continues between the words she heard, bridging the silence between the first phrase, and the next.<br><br><em>...The Reds will kill us all.&nbsp; I have to save them.&nbsp; Have to...</em><br><br>Silence.&nbsp; Then what followed was the unmistakable sounds of gunfire.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>08-06-2008, 02:40:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a time, once she was used to all the usual sounds, Melanie settled into what almost seemed like a daydream.&nbsp; Nothing really changed -- she asked for and received a cup of steaming hot coffee, and often exchanged glances with Alexander, but these small differences only made everything seem even more static.<br><br>Then words echoed, shattering the rhythm of those quiet sounds, and the world tilted.&nbsp; She didn't move, but every muscle tensed, every nerve suddenly alert, and now more than ever she gave the impression of seeing very clearly.&nbsp; Her hands seemed to move automatically, making some note on her writer, but that seemed disconnected from the rest of her,&nbsp; a mere afterthought.&nbsp; Then the shots sounded, and she flinched noticeably for the first time.<br><br>Her hand reached out then, pausing the recorder, and stayed there.&nbsp; Breathing was suddenly not an easy thing, and the first time she tried to speak, nothing came out.&nbsp; "I've never heard anything quite so clear before," she finally said, barely above a whisper.&nbsp; "And the-- the desperation... No, that's not quite the right word," she corrected herself, shaking her head.&nbsp; "Determination.&nbsp; Certainty.&nbsp; He didn't waver, not for a second.&nbsp; He was that sure he was doing exactly the right thing."<br><br>Such certainty drove Shaun Bean's insanity home, making the echo of the gunshots all the more unsettling.&nbsp; She thought she might never get that sound out of her head.&nbsp; "It seems our theory is right," she murmured.&nbsp; She'd taken his hand at some point, and now squeezed it, gripping it a fraction more tightly than usual.&nbsp; Continuing was beyond her for the moment, and she could only try to sort out her impressions more accurately.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>11-06-2008, 20:45:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander turned to her, sending her tension.&nbsp; He saw her make the note, and when she did, he removed his own headphones, his attention entirely on her.&nbsp; When Melanie flinched, he restrained an urge to pull her headphones off.&nbsp; He knew that she was the best suited for the work, that she would hear not only words or noise, that she would feel their import in a very real way as well.&nbsp; Alexander's hands flexed from having nothing to do for the moment, and waited for her to be past the experience, hoping that he was doing the right thing by waiting.<br><br>When she reached for him, he took her hand without hesitation, covering it with both of his own.&nbsp; He listened to her describe it, taking a deep breath as she whispered to him.&nbsp; He leaned in close, and she could feel the warmth of his breath over her cheek.&nbsp; He squeezed her hand in return, and nodded slowly.&nbsp; "Which one, Melanie?"&nbsp; Alexander asked her quietly.&nbsp; "What did you hear?"&nbsp; He gently reminded her that he had no idea what had set her off, even though he was clearly supportive of her.&nbsp; "Did you hear Bean, one of the missing?"<br><br>Alexander checked the recorder, and made a note as to where she was.&nbsp; Then he removed her headphones with one hand, the other one was still holding hers.&nbsp; "Shall we stop there, Melanie?&nbsp; You can tell me all about it over another cup of coffee.&nbsp; You don't have to go on."&nbsp; His words were soft, meant to be a comfort, but she could hear his concern.&nbsp; If she were this sensitive to the EVP, what would happen to her on site?&nbsp; "Will you be alright?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>11-06-2008, 22:06:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie turned to him, confusion clouding those clear blue eyes for a moment.&nbsp; Then she realized, and relaxed, now fully back in her surroundings.&nbsp; "It seemed so clear, I was convinced everyone must hear it," she admitted ruefully.&nbsp; Though still shaken, she was obviously more in control now.&nbsp; She let herself feel the soothing warmth of Alexander's hand, and his nearness, and took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts.<br><br>"I'm all right, honestly," she said first, sensing his concern.&nbsp; "It's true I do get too caught up sometimes, but it isn't that bad.&nbsp; It's like having a nightmare... sometimes you need a moment to catch your breath."&nbsp; She squeezed his hand again, reassuringly now, and began the story.<br><br>"I think the voice must have been Bean's, yes.&nbsp; I believe I got it all in my notes," she said, reaching out her free hand to check the writer.&nbsp; "Yes, it's here.&nbsp; 'Oh My God, They did it...The Reds will kill us all.&nbsp; I have to save them.&nbsp; Have to.'&nbsp; That seems like something only he would have said."&nbsp; She spoke steadily enough, though there was distinct tension in her voice as she recited the words.<br><br>"There was also an air-raid siren in the background.&nbsp; Perhaps that's what set him off -- or at least part of it, since he must have heard that before, for storm warnings and the like.&nbsp; Then there were gunshots -- I can't be sure how many, though I imagine that's a minor point anyway.&nbsp; They echoed quite a lot, not an unusual thing in this medium.<br><br>"But he truly never hesitated, Alexander," she said again.&nbsp; "I suppose madmen don't allow themselves to doubt."&nbsp; She kept hold of his hand, still leaning close to him, her cheek not far from brushing against his.&nbsp; "We can keep going if you like," she finally added, quietly but without hesitation.&nbsp; "I'm all right, really."&nbsp; She smiled, reassuring herself as much as him, but she was fully prepared to continue if he thought it was best.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>13-06-2008, 19:02:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander met her eyes, though she could not truly meet his, and studied her expressions.&nbsp; He did not want her to be a 'trooper', or she would be worn too thin for the tasks that still were ahead of them.&nbsp; If she could be this sensitive to a recording, what would the real thing do.&nbsp; Alexander, once again, nearly regretted bringing her into all this.&nbsp; Perhaps another case would have been better, one with far less violence and personal horror.&nbsp; "It's easy to think that when you're lost in 'headphone land'."&nbsp; He offered softly, his fingertips trailing over her wrist.&nbsp; "You take all the time you need, Melanie.&nbsp; There's no hurry wit these recordings, and you're already adding color to the picture."<br><br>He listened to her and checked the writer with his eyes, though he was more focused on what she repeated back to him.&nbsp; "Yes.&nbsp; With what Clay had to say, and your hunch, that lends your opinion a lot of weight.&nbsp; We'll have to remember that in our approach, if we wind up communicating with Bean in particular."&nbsp; He was silent for a moment, and then she mentioned the air-raid siren.&nbsp; "Threepio -er- Howard, didn't you say there was a siren here?"<br><br>Howard made a face at the 'nickname' and answered, "Yeah, it was regularly tested during dubyuh-dubyuh Two, and tested once a month in normal times.&nbsp; It was used for dangerous weather warnings, and that sort of thing, and still is.&nbsp; We've not heard it since we arrived, but when Phillips was here looking for likely places, he said he heard it go off on the first, at noon on the nose."<br><br>Alexander listened to the rest of Melanie's description, frowning slightly at the mention of the gunshots.&nbsp; He had another concern there, but he would keep it to himself for now.&nbsp; "That sounds exactly like what you were worried about."&nbsp; She leaned in close, and he slipped his arm around her, still holding her hand, he rolled his chair until it bumped against hers.&nbsp; "Are you sure?&nbsp; You don't have to you know.&nbsp; You've already illuminated so much.&nbsp; You're allowed a break."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>13-06-2008, 21:03:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After one more grateful smile to Alexander, Melanie turned and gave her attention to Howard as he spoke.&nbsp; "Something else must have happened around the same time to worry him, and the siren was the last straw, perhaps," she guessed.&nbsp; "He might even have been proud or relieved to be proved right.&nbsp; I'm sure some people scoffed at his fears."<br><br>As she turned back to Alexander, she smiled, just a little scoldingly now.&nbsp; "Perhaps we should take a break.&nbsp; I can rest, and you can tell me what else is bothering you.&nbsp; I know there's something... and it isn't just worrying about me, is it?" she guessed.&nbsp; She took his hand in both of hers now, studying him seriously.&nbsp; "Let's take a walk.&nbsp; I'm sure we both need to stretch our legs."&nbsp; She stood, keeping one hand in his.&nbsp; "There is a garden outside, isn't there?&nbsp; A little change of scene will do us good."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>15-06-2008, 05:50:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander nodded, "Howard and Phillips will check the dates for radio broadcasts, television, anything that might have set him off."&nbsp; He nodded, "I'm sure he was considered the town oddball, the harmless town oddball.&nbsp; It's the same story everywhere.&nbsp; The quiet one always snaps."&nbsp; He gives her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.<br><br>"Alright."&nbsp; He agreed.&nbsp; "I think that's a good idea.&nbsp; We can all use a break, and --"&nbsp; Alexander smiled slightly at her insight.&nbsp; One could not hide from a psychic, especially one that he seemed to enjoy touching. "It is about you, and about other things."&nbsp; He got to his feet, and helped her to hers.&nbsp; "Yes, there's a garden, nothing is in bloom, but there is still that faint scent of flowers."&nbsp; He led her through the house, and out the back doors.&nbsp; Alexander walked them along a porch, and then down two steps to flagstones.&nbsp; He held her hand, and looked up into the night sky, before he turned to her.&nbsp; "You're sure you're alright?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>15-06-2008, 16:06:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though she often longed to be able to see the colors and intricate shapes of flowers, Melanie could appreciate a garden quite well, in her way.&nbsp; The energy of the plants was like a glow to her, a halo of life and energy that was always pure and shining.&nbsp; She kept hold of his hand, smiling as he led them to the path.&nbsp; After the sun set, the plants were less glowing, like the moonlight, but it was still a lovely and soothing thing, and she felt instantly at peace.<br><br>"Yes, I'm quite all right."&nbsp; She squeezed his hand, also turning to face him.&nbsp; It was strange that she was never nervous about being so physically close to him -- sometimes she was nervous around people she didn't know well, aware that she might easily sense more about them then they would really care for anyone to know.&nbsp; It could be awkward, to say the least.&nbsp; But with Alex -- Alexander, she corrected herself -- it wasn't like that, and never had been.&nbsp; He was more open than most, and except for his worry just now, he somehow didn't intrude on her senses.<br><br>"Are you worried that this particular case might -- well, might not be the best place to start?" she asked quietly, a faint rueful smile on her lips.&nbsp; She wished that she could tell if he was frowning or not, feeling a sudden urge to run her hand over his forehead, even to kiss away any furrows on his brow, and she blushed, illogically afraid that the wish must be as clear to him as it was to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 18:46:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander nodded when she said she was alright, and took her to a porch-style swing set up in the garden.&nbsp; He helped her sit, and sat beside her, his hand sliding naturally back into hers.&nbsp; "Good.&nbsp; I know that you're resilient, and that you've been waiting for this opportunity, but I am concerned about the intensity of this case."&nbsp; He took a breath, "I have every faith your abilities, both your psychic ones and your ability to handle yourself, but I -- worry."<br><br>He saw her blush, and tilted his head slightly.&nbsp; Then, slowly, he took both of her hands, and placed them on his cheeks.&nbsp; Softly he offered, "In case you want to 'feel' what I look like."&nbsp; Alexander closed his eyes, "I am concerned that the violence of the site will manifest physically, for you in particular.&nbsp; I've seen it before, strong hauntings can have people being tossed about like so much rubbish in a wind storm, but the non-sensitives just get bruises.&nbsp; What would happen to you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 20:27:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Worry isn't such a bad thing, if it keeps us careful."&nbsp; Melanie smiled, blushing again as he guided her hands to his face.&nbsp; She simply rested them there for a moment, then gently began to trace over his brow, slowly wandering further, her touch still as light as a soft breeze.<br><br>"Sensitives do get the worst of such things, of course," she said quietly.&nbsp; "But untrained sensitives have it worst of all.&nbsp; I do have some ways of defending myself.&nbsp; It isn't so much a question of stopping the manifestations, or even fighting them in the usual sense, but there are often ways to deflect them.&nbsp; I've never been to a site quite like this one before," she admitted.&nbsp; "But I can't possibly be any more on my guard.&nbsp; I'll be all right."<br><br>She finished with quiet confidence, and in that moment, at least, she was absolutely certain of what she said.&nbsp; The next moment, she put that out of her mind, all her focus now on her hands and the face beneath them.&nbsp; Her fingers were still gentle, but moved a little faster now, running over closed eyelids, tracing smoothly down the slope of his nose, finding his cheekbones and following them; before finally dancing softly over his mouth, finding the line of his lips and lingering there for a long moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 06:51:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, that much is certain.&nbsp; I'm always careful."&nbsp; Alexander closed his eyes as her hands began to move over his skin.&nbsp; He imagined what it would be like to not have his sight, and found it very difficult.&nbsp; He had done so much reading in his life, of ancient texts that were not available in braille and likely would never been available in any other form but the ancient manuscripts that they already were.&nbsp; He tried not to lean into her touch, though he certainly wanted to.&nbsp; "As long as you are prepared.&nbsp; I -- I am worried that psychic attacks could result in physical manifestations."&nbsp; Alexander took a breath, and expelled it slowly through his nose.&nbsp; "I know that you are wary, but that is just the point -- this is a very, very active site."<br><br>Alexander smiled as her hands continued to move, and he again tried to imagine what Melanie was feeling.&nbsp; He wondered how her mind constructed spatial perceptions based on what she felt through her hands and fingers.&nbsp; He found himself leaning slightly into her touch, and when her touch lingered over his lips -- he kissed her fingertips before he could stop himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 15:43:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie nodded, though now Alexander couldn't see the gesture.&nbsp; "All this is preparing me... the background information, the EVP, even just being closer to the site.&nbsp; It all helps me be ready.&nbsp; It's like climbing into the water slowly as compared to diving in."<br><br>She smiled as she felt him smile, tracing the new lines of his mouth.&nbsp; And then his lips moved in another way, pressing lightly against her fingertips.&nbsp; Slight as it was, the contact sent a pulse of energy down every nerve.&nbsp; An unspoken boundary had been breached, and everything seemed suddenly different -- a small difference, perhaps, but opening up seemingly limitless potential.<br><br>She leaned closer as well, slowly, her hands drifting back over his cheekbones again, tracing down the line of his jaw.&nbsp; Then, still slowly and softly, she pressed her lips to his, just for one lingering moment.&nbsp; Now she wished she could see him, to study every nuance of his reaction.&nbsp; As it was, her every sense strained to feel him, to know some small part of what he was thinking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>19-06-2008, 23:32:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If there's anything else that I can do to help you, please ask.&nbsp; I find that the closer to getting you on site we get, the more concerns keep -- popping into my head."&nbsp; Alexander smiled, almost in embarrassment.&nbsp; "I'm afraid I'm always like this when things really start.&nbsp; I start to think about all the ways something can go wrong, so I'm prepared if that is what happens."&nbsp; He shrugged slightly, "But with you, I have to think about the psychic impact of things.&nbsp; Exorcisms are physically exhausting, they require discipline, the proper words, memorization -- its the educated equivalent of roach spray, but what you do opens you to different risks."<br><br>He had kissed her fingertips, and felt the -- tenor change, the way she touched him was more intimate somehow, more personal.&nbsp; Then she leaned in to kiss him, and despite himself, he kissed her back.&nbsp; When it seemed the moment might end, she felt his hand slide into her hair and draw her back for another, longer kiss, one that promised much more if she wanted it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>20-06-2008, 00:11:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie nodded again, understanding and agreeing with everything Alexander said.&nbsp; He was worrying too much, perhaps, but she had to remember that she was going into a situation unlike any she'd dealt with before.&nbsp; He might not be worrying too much at all -- the energies there might very well be overwhelming for her, at least in some ways.&nbsp; And his worry didn't sting, as it sometimes did when others tried to overprotect her.&nbsp; That had been a large part of her life, of course, but she'd never quite gotten used to it.&nbsp; Still, Alexander's concerns were somehow very welcome.<br><br>But though she understood and agreed, now, she felt, was the moment to let this conversation end, at least for the time being.&nbsp; She did not press, her kiss as soft as her touch; until he pulled her closer.&nbsp; Another barrier fell, and her hand slid back, now cradling the back of his neck.&nbsp; She sighed, feeling suddenly that something she'd been waiting for much too long had finally happened, and it was not at all the letdown that one might expect.<br><br>A tingle of caution ran down her spine -- they should be focusing on the difficult task ahead -- but it was too easy to rationalize that away, and so she did just that.&nbsp; Slowly, still alert for any hesitation on his part, any sense that things were going too far, she put more of her passion into the kiss, pressing closer bit by bit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>21-06-2008, 20:29:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander made a soft sound against her lips; part moan of pleasure and partly a groan that said 'finally', somehow.&nbsp; He had not known how badly he waned to kiss her until just that moment, when their lips brushed together, and he wanted more than just a fleeting tentative touch.&nbsp; He drew her closer to him, his hand sliding into her hair, and he felt her hand upon the nape of his neck.&nbsp; He felt her sigh, and when she responded so pleasantly to him, he deepened the kiss.&nbsp; Alexander met her passion with his own, his other arm circling around her to draw her near, his body starting to press against hers.&nbsp; He shivered very slightly under her touch, and made another pleased groan at the back of his throat, his mouth blossoming over hers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>22-06-2008, 02:31:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie could feel his relief, the warmth of his wanting matching hers perfectly.&nbsp; It seemed as though they'd known each other all their lives, that it had taken years to get to this point at last, yet at the same time it all seemed to be happening wonderfully quickly, and none too soon.&nbsp; Every move was natural and right, her caution slowly fading and forgotten in the pull of his arms and the pleasure of his lips.&nbsp; She could feel the mix of their emotions as well as the press of their bodies; both of them longing and overwhelmed, and there was a wealth of unspoken feeling in his groans.&nbsp; She wanted to hear more of them, any sound of his that she could draw out with her touch, and her mouth explored his hungrily now, no longer hesitant.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>23-06-2008, 21:41:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lost to the moment, Alexander did not stop to think.&nbsp; He turned them slightly, drawing her up, over and onto his lap without breaking their kiss.&nbsp; He leaned her back slightly, cradled in his arm, his hand gently cupping the side of her face as his thumb caressed the curve of her cheek.&nbsp; Alexander breathlessly continued to kiss her, and he could feel heat uncoiling him, spreading through him.&nbsp; He broke the kiss with great reluctance, trying to speak, but only kissing her lightly again.&nbsp; "Maybe, "&nbsp; The word was part a gasp for air, before he leaned in to kiss her once more.&nbsp; "Maybe we should go upstairs."&nbsp; It was the only offer of reason that he could make, before he kissed her again, deepening that connection with a hungry groan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>23-06-2008, 22:21:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie settled into his lap as though she belonged there, noticing the movement only because it made it so much easier to press against him.&nbsp; She ran her fingers lightly through his hair, her hand sliding down to caress his neck, while her other arm kept her body as close as possible to his.&nbsp; A faint, breathless smile crossed her lips as he tried to speak, his words exactly the ones she would have used, had she been able to form a sentence.<br><br>Belatedly, she remembered their task, and the work that waited for them inside.&nbsp; But by then his lips were on hers again, and he was groaning that amazing groan, so passionate and yet controlled, and once more her thoughts scattered.&nbsp; It was ridiculous to think of going back to work now, anyway -- she would not be able to think straight or focus on anything but him.&nbsp; It would be torture, trying to do anything but this, to explore him and feel his touch, his warmth, and the rapid beating of his heart, fluttering just like her own.<br><br>Finally she nodded, pulling her lips away just enough to speak, her hands again cradling his face.&nbsp; "Maybe we should," she agreed, then kissed him still more passionately, astonished at the power of the need and desire that flared deep inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>25-06-2008, 05:54:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander had managed to speak, and for the moment, that was enough.&nbsp; He continued to kiss her, to hold her close and tease her tongue with his.&nbsp; He resisted running his hands over her, though he desperately wanted to, just as he resisted peeling off her shirt.&nbsp; It was not the place, possibly ont even the right time.&nbsp; When she answered him, and spoke softly, he continued to kiss her along her throat and neck, and when her lips returned to his, he made that same small groan again.&nbsp; Alexander all but melted into her, and then he slowly, very slowly, eased her off of his lap and to her feet.&nbsp; He rose with her, still kissing her, until his arms were wrapped around her and their bodies were pressed fully together.<br><br>He broke the kiss, kissed her, broke it again and then took her hand.&nbsp; "Upstairs then."&nbsp; Alexander managed breathlessly.&nbsp; He led her back into the house, past all the equipment and the slightly bewildered pair of Howard and Phillips, and up the stairs to where their room were.&nbsp; Alexander stopped to fumble for his key, and kissed her again, pressing against her, and pressing her against his door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>25-06-2008, 15:49:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing was somehow effortless, in spite of how tangled they'd managed to become, and Melanie was very glad that they'd never had to stop those wonderful kisses.&nbsp; They stood together for a long moment, both seeming equally unwilling to move apart enough to follow through on their plan of going upstairs.<br><br>Finally Alexander managed that final step, and they moved hand in hand, that contact barely enough to keep her satisfied.&nbsp; But it had to do, of course -- even though the two puzzled techs would figure out what was going on soon enough, there was no reason to be too obvious about it.&nbsp; All she could do was try not to smile too widely, or look quite as flushed as she felt.<br><br>When they could kiss again at last, and hold tight to each other, it was like being able to breathe again.&nbsp; Happiness and arousal were a heady mix, she found, and she felt like a giddy teenager, swept off her feet.&nbsp; In a fit of mischief, her hands moved to help him look for the key, gently dipping into pockets, teasing him as much as searching.&nbsp; Had she been any less excited, she might have prolonged this search for a while, but as it was, when she felt the key, she tugged it out and pressed it into his hand, feeling daring.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>26-06-2008, 20:30:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander kissed her hungrily, and she felt him smile as he felt her hands int his pockets.&nbsp; He continued to look, and when she pressed the key into his hand, he took it from her and kissed her again his laughter, lasting only a moment, was muffled by her lips.&nbsp; He made a sound of frustration when the lock refused to properly yield to the clumsy advances of the key, but he did not pull away from that intimate connection.&nbsp; Finally, the key slid into the lock, and he turned it.&nbsp; The door opened suddenly behind Melanie, and together they stumbled into the room.&nbsp; Alexander kicked the door shut, with a bit more force than intended as they clumsily continued towards the bed.&nbsp; He guided her there, and after they fell upon it, he drew her into his arms and kissed her more fervently than before, clasping her tightly to him.<br><br>His kiss lightened, and she felt his lips curve into a slight smile.&nbsp; He took a breath, and gazed into her eyes.&nbsp; "We're going to have to do something about that uniform of yours."&nbsp; Alexander kissed her lightly, "I have been quietly more interested in what was under the clothes for some time now."&nbsp; Alexander's hand smoothed along her side, and over the swell of her breast, until he cupped the side of her face and kissed her again.&nbsp; His hand drifted to the bottom of her shirt and lifted it up, until he pressed the flat of his hand against her skin, his fingertip drawing a lazy circle before smoothing over her back as he drew her back into his arms for another heated embrace.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>26-06-2008, 21:03:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melanie smiled with him, covering his mouth with laughing kisses, and let out a faint squeal of surprise when the door at last gave in, and they both had to cling together for balance as well as from passion.&nbsp; This was only one more sign of how right everything was -- they could laugh together, each of them comfortable and at home, no matter where they happened to be.<br><br>She squealed again as they fell onto the bed, though this time the sound was completely muffled by Alexander's mouth, left no more than a murmur at the back of her throat.&nbsp; Again he smiled, then she did, her hand once more tracing over his face, reading his expression, fascinated by the simple curve of his lips.&nbsp; "I'm sure they're very nice uniforms," she said, gravely, though her eyes sparkled, suddenly full of life.&nbsp; "But I don't believe we need them at the moment."<br><br>She pressed closer, sighing as his hand found bare skin.&nbsp; Now her own hands yearned for the same, and though one stayed at his face, the other roamed further, slowly unbuttoning his shirt.&nbsp; With light but firm caresses, her fingertips moved to caress each bit of his body as it was revealed.&nbsp; She could feel his heart beat beneath her hand, the light, fast rhythm making her own heart leap.&nbsp; Impulsively, she turned to kiss his face, again working down to find the spot where his pulse throbbed at his neck, pressing her lips to it for a long moment.&nbsp; Then she could no longer bear to be away from his lips and sought them again, moaning faintly, the sound now tinged with faint frustration as she thought of all the warm, tempting skin still hidden by fabric; and her hand worked a little faster.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>30-06-2008, 04:35:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, we don't need them at all."&nbsp; Alexander agreed, and sighed as she caressed his face again, and touched his lips.&nbsp; He knew that it was for her to <em>'see'</em> but there was a touching intimacy to it that he had not expected.&nbsp; He was struck by the way her eyes shone, and for a moment, it was as if she could see.&nbsp; Alexander could see her passion in her eyes, and he suddenly felt his ardor for her magnify as he realized that he had been the spark to light that fire.&nbsp; He wanted nothing more than to see more of her passion, more of that fire.&nbsp; Their lips came together again and he deepened the kiss as he felt her fingers working the buttons of his shirt.&nbsp; He tugged at her clothes as well, and when she began to kiss his skin, he moaned softly.<br><br>She kissed him again, and he groaned into that deep connection until her lips drifted over his pulse.&nbsp; He continued to work at her clothes, getting the shirt off of her shoulders.&nbsp; With her hand on his chest, he leaned down to kiss her shoulders, and up the side of her neck.&nbsp; He paused only to get rid of his shirt, pulling it off and tossing it aside along with his t-shirt.&nbsp; Bare chested he returned to her, kissing her deeply, and rolling her onto his chest so he could remove more of her clothes, including her undergarments.&nbsp; Alexander groaned softly against her lips, "Melanie..."&nbsp; He whispered softly, and kissed along her throat, his hands sliding to her bottom and giving it a light squeeze.&nbsp; "Too many clothes."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-06-2008, 17:07:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Again, Melanie was wishing she could see, which perhaps had something to do with the light in her eyes.&nbsp; Though to anyone else, her way of seeing would have been the miracle, she longed now for that more ordinary gift, to be able to catch every nuance of expression on his face.&nbsp; But this was amazing enough in itself, she knew, and there was no need to ask for more.<br><br>She smiled, moving to help him undress her where necessary, savoring every touch of his hands.&nbsp; Sometimes she was as impatient as he seemed to be, aching to rush ahead, but for the most part she was content to move slowly but steadily.&nbsp; Some instinct told her to let this last as much as possible, for it would be her salvation against whatever horrors she might soon confront.&nbsp; The memory of this, the knowledge that he cared for her, would shield her from anything.<br><br>She laughed softly at this complaint.&nbsp; "All you can think about are these clothes, it seems," she teased, sighing as he kissed her neck.&nbsp; It was a relief to feel more of his skin against hers, though it also tempted her to more speed.&nbsp; Again she shifted, trying her best not to rush, letting him work on the rest of the uniform now.&nbsp; Her hand mirrored his, sliding slowly down to unfasten his pants.&nbsp; "We'd better get rid of them.&nbsp; They're obviously distracting you too much."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>01-07-2008, 18:15:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander laughed huskily and took a moment to help her remove his clothes.&nbsp; He wriggled beneath her, until he could kick his pants away, and then kissed her as he wriggled again, dispensing with his silk boxers.&nbsp; He smiled and kissed her again, helping her free of her pants, and then her underwear, his hands sliding down her back, and beneath the waistband to grip and knead her firm bottom.&nbsp; He rolled his hips upwards against hers, and turned her to her side, so he could reach down and slide her pants off of her legs.&nbsp; He kissed along her shoulder and her arm as he did so, and then straightened when they hit the floor beside his own.&nbsp; His hands smoothed over her bra, teasing her without removing that last bit of lace, and then he drew her back into his arms, kissing her hungrily and unclasping her bra with practiced ease.&nbsp; He left it loose, and cradled her to his side, still kissing her, so his hand could explore her skin, and her curves.<br><br>"Melanie, "&nbsp; He whispered against her lips, kissing her again as if he could no longer stop doing so.&nbsp; "You're beautiful."&nbsp; Alexander kissed her once more, deeply, his hand cupping and lifting her breast, his fingers gently smoothing over the curve of it.&nbsp; She could feel his hunger for her trapped between them, but he seemed content to kiss and explore her slowly, now that the rush to undress was done, he was intent on memorizing her every feature with his hands.&nbsp; Alexander moaned softly against her lips, and began to kiss along her jawline, to her neck, where he began a slow, teasing descent.&nbsp; He blazed a trail on her skin with his lips, his tongue, and somtimes his teeth.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-07-2008, 18:47:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The mechanics of undressing, normally automatic and not even worth paying attention to, took on new life as they both laughed and kissed their way through the process.&nbsp; They stayed firmly next to each other for every part of it, which Melanie was grateful for.&nbsp; It added more and more to the sense of closeness she felt with him, the sense of rightness.<br><br>She gently, absently guided her bra off once he had it loose and then felt she could breathe at last.&nbsp; Her impatience lessened as well, with that task out of the way.&nbsp; Now the rest would be only exploring each other, unhindered, taking all the time they liked.&nbsp; What had at first seemed a guilty pleasure, something taking them away from necessary work, was now necessary in and of itself, and she intended to live every moment to the fullest.<br><br>She didn't know what to say to his compliment -- simple as it was, she knew it was heartfelt, and could only thank him wordlessly with a smile and a kiss.&nbsp; Then his lips began their slow journey, and she smiled, arching and shifting beneath him, meeting his kisses and gasping faintly each time he moved to a new spot.&nbsp; Now and then, as her excitement built, she felt a brief flare of impatience again, and would let it out in a moan, but otherwise she determinedly ignored those moments, letting him take all the time he liked.&nbsp; Her hands stroked his shoulders, then his face as he moved further down, trying to let him feel how wonderful this was for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>02-07-2008, 22:04:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander returned her kiss fervently, his lips curved into a slight smile as he did so.&nbsp; She heard him sigh in pleasure as her hand moved over his skin, and felt that same slight smile against her skin whenever she gasped or rose to his touch.&nbsp; He was maddeningly patient, as if the entire purpose of the evening were to explore her body.&nbsp; He followed the line of her clavicle, kissing the spot where they just failed to meet.&nbsp; He kissed and nibbled at a diagonal, his lips brushing over the curve of her breast, until his tongue traced the outer edge of the darker circle of skin at its peak.&nbsp; Alexander kissed her nipple, and let the tip of his tongue play over it before that touch was replaced with his fingertips, and his mouth discovered the twin peak that he had yet to pleasure.&nbsp; This time his lips closed about that taut nub, and he sucked at it gently, before slowly continuing his journey across the flat lowlands of her stomach.&nbsp; He lingered over her naval, kissing her skin around it, until he continued south.&nbsp; Alexander's hands ran up and down her thighs, and his kiss move still lower.<br><br>He moaned softly against her skin, and she felt his lips tease her mound by barely touching the sensitive skin.&nbsp; Alexander whispered her name and then lightly kissed her there, and began to favor her with long strokes from his tongue.&nbsp; Tasting of her, not tentatively, but savoring passion's fruit with thorough and tender care.&nbsp; He groaned softly against her as his his hands slid over her thighs, climbing upwards to her chest, where he gently gripped and kneaded her breasts.&nbsp; His kiss deepened, and the moan he made left now doubt about the depth of his pleasure, and the satisfaction he took in getting to know her this way.&nbsp; His eyes closed, she could not see him, but she could feel and hear him, he made certain of that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-07-2008, 15:34:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Slowly, Melanie forgot her wish to see him with normal eyes, now living purely for the moment.&nbsp; There was nothing lacking here, after all, for she felt more at home, more relaxed and complete, then she had in a long time.&nbsp; Impatience still lingered, but distantly, an integral part of the experience rather than a difficulty.&nbsp; It was good to let it build a little, to make the final satisfaction that much closer to perfect.<br><br>She gasped in something like surprise at the first gentle brush of his lips against her sex, though she had known that touch was coming.&nbsp; After that, he did not hesitate, his tongue gentle but firm, missing nothing that might add to her pleasure.&nbsp; Her hands moved to cover his at her breasts, tracing down his arms, stroking his hair, in slow but constant movement.&nbsp; She wished she could touch him everywhere at once, but soon they would come as close to that as they could.<br><br>His moans echoed in her body, and her own gasps and sounds of pleasure joined his.&nbsp; Her hips arched invitingly, welcoming all he had to give and aching to return it.&nbsp; The more of his pleasure she sensed, the more of her own she felt, and finally faint cries began to escape her lips, her body shivering beneath him, tensing a fraction more at each movement of his mouth.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Cammulus</strong> on <strong>09-07-2008, 03:24:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alexander desire for her only grew with every kiss and caress, and he found tha teasing her senses meant teasing his as well.&nbsp; Her gasp pleased him deeply, and he sweetness and scent filled his head and lingered upon his lips.&nbsp; He moaned against her, his tongue moving over her with long strokes.&nbsp; Alexander kneaded her breasts gently, teasing her nipples with his thumbs.&nbsp; He delved more deeply into her, discovering that hidden trease that was very sensitive to the moist caress of his tongue.<br><br>Her hips arched against his lips, and he persisted.&nbsp; Alexander wanted her to feel everything, to be sensitive to every touch of his hands, every caress of his fingers or tongue, every brushing of his lips.&nbsp; Her hidden pearl proved the key, as he caressed and teased her to new heights, and was reward with the quiet cries of her ecstasy and the pleasurable quaking of her body.&nbsp; Slowly, he eased up, lapping and kissing until he lifted his lips from her Mons and kissed her beneth her navel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Unseen [ Valerian and Cammulus ]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>10-07-2008, 18:25:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her cries might have been quiet, but they were no less intense than any screams.&nbsp; She could feel the care he took to please her, his thoughtfulness, and beyond that his own desire, stronger by the moment, filling her senses as her own pleasure slowly faded.&nbsp; She turned to him, smiling, as he began to kiss his way back up her body, with equal slowness.&nbsp; Again one hand traced his face, very gently, partly studying him, partly urging him back up to stretch out over her.&nbsp; She wanted to feel his weight, feel as much of his skin against her as possible, and tangle with him for hours, learning and teaching, teasing and satisfying.<br><br>With no other words that would possibly do, she murmured his name, savoring each syllable.&nbsp; Her own need sated for the moment, she turned all her attention to him, to them, already imagining the deeper pleasures waiting for them.&nbsp; She imagined him in the throes of his release, feeling him move, hearing every sound he made, and shivered a delicious shiver of sheer delight.
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>