Ghost of a Chance

Part 2: What You Didn't See Coming

The agents returned to HQ and headed straight for the lab. Zeeltor was busily researching every species that he could find with the ability to become invisible. The one that the agents were describing sounded particularly violent, that actually narrowed it down a bit.

"And you say they consumed the Tiquilaz and spat the remains back at you?" he asked.

A sighed, "For the fifth time, yes! And do you have to keep being so graphic about it, lunch is in a few hours?"

"Sorry," the scientist chuckled. "Yazmine, have you uncovered anything in the database?"

Yazmine tapped a few more keys on the keyboard before bringing an odd image of a campsite up on the computer. "Actually, I think I might have discovered the species in question. And I've even got an eye witness account on screen."

"Excellent! Let's read shall we?" Zeeltor smiled.

Yazmine nodded and began reading the account out loud, "It was about two hundred years ago when this species was first reported. The witness claims to have been attacked by an invisible creature while out hunting Illpangian fowl in the woods of planet Quirp. He and his hunting party of four other aliens were camped out by a river when strange and eerie noises started emanating from all sides of the campsite. No one saw anything so the noises were dismissed as pranks or wind. Then the attack started. Rustling was heard as these invisible 'things' charged them. It was a very well synchronized attack. Two of the hunters were taken down almost immediately, two more ran inside their tents for cover…they never came out. Finally the last victim had raced into the woods. He reported hearing the crashing of limbs and foliage as the mysterious creatures pursued him. He tripped and spun around. According to him, he saw a huge spiraling funnel open up, it seemed endless, he was probably staring down the creature's throat."

Di gulped, "I take it back, this is worse than something you'd see on a late night horror flick."

"All it says next is that the victim rolled out of the way and dove into the river. He washed up the next morning and was found by the local authorities. When they went back to check the site, all they found were the remains of the other four victims."

Chase and Y were silent for a while, at last Y broke the silence, "So…how'd whatever those things are get here?"

"Change in diet? Better climate? Larger food supply?" Yazmine shrugged, "Those are the chief reasons predators move into a new area, especially one as large as another planet. They could've merely stowed away on a ship bound for Earth."

Di glanced around the lab, noting all the high tech experiments and weapons lining the shelves. "So what are we supposed to use to stop these things?"

Zeeltor perked up, "Well, you could always attempt to track them with scanners. And then it's just a matter of testing weapons against them until you find one that works." turning to Yazmine he asked, "Does it say anything more about them, weaknesses perhaps?"

Yazmine scrolled down through the information, "They're called Phantites, mostly because their mistaken as ghosts on planets like Earth. They prefer dark and damp environments and are know for 'haunting' abandoned buildings. As far as weaknesses goes, the only time they were ever defeated was by a Hexierion noble who was also a master of his planet's magic. This skilled warrior took on the eight Phantites that were wreaking havoc on his subjects and used spells to banish them to the farthest regions of the universe. It seems that only one who possesses such magic can 'see' the invisible predators."

"Great," Chase muttered, "and where are we supposed to find a Hexierion magician willing to help us bring down these killers?"

Yazmine and Zeeltor grinned at each other, "Well…" Zeeltor began, "we do have one agent that might be perfect for this case."

"Really? Who?" A asked.

Zeeltor pulled out a communicator and connected to Zed, "Yes?"

"Zed, we need to call on one of our 'foreign' field agents to aid in solving this case."

"And who might that be?" Zed raised an eyebrow.

"I believe she goes by the name of Agent Talia?"

"Agent Talia?" Zed knew this case had to be gravely unusual for someone to suggest calling Agent Talia in. All the way from Hexieria too! "Are you sure about this Doctor?"

"Oh yes," Zeeltor nodded, "Agent Talia's help is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of the populous."

"Alright then," Zed conceded, "I'll have her on the next transport to Earth. Provided she isn't too busy with her new family and ambassadorial matters."

"Who's Agent Talia?" Di asked as the connection was closed.

"Oh she's just one of Agent Elle's old friends from her pre-MIB years." Zeeltor chuckled, "But she's also an enchantress who possesses Hexierion magic. With her help we just might be able to reduce the body count that is sure to pile up once the Phantites start tracking down victims."

"Talk about being overly pleasant." A murmured.

"And just where are we supposed to start looking for these things?" Y inquired, "The last boards blocking their exit were knocked down when we---uh---decided to make a strategic retreat."

"If it's true that Phantites like to haunt abandoned buildings like the report says," Yazmine stated in a matter-of-fact way, "then they should return to that old house by dawn each day. Consider it their nesting grounds."

"It was plenty dark and damp in there," Di griped, looking at her torn sleeve.

"Then it's settled," Chase resolved, "first thing when that agent gets here, we'll return to the scene of the crime and take down those Stephen King rejects."

Di snickered and rolled her eyes, "Who ya gonna call?"

With a laugh A held up her Blaster, "I ain't afraid of no ghost."

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Yeah I'm a big Ghost Busters fan, I'll admit it. :D Read and review ASAP and I'll keep the thrills and chills comin'.