The Observatory

Right over the bridge between the Humprhey's Peak and Little Rock areas, the team found an old beat up building that was labeled "Leyline Observatory. Private Property, Must Show ID Before Entering. All Trespassers Will Be Escorted Off The Premises Immediately." It was clear that whoever had written the sign, which looked to be thirty to forty years old, had decided all capitalized words would make a much bolder impression on whoever might come by. However, Jessica wasn't going to let a clue to her father's whereabouts slip by. So she and the others went inside the old building to find it abandoned.

"I thought it was just a trick," Jessica said, "One to keep us out by making it look ruined from the outer walls. But it looks like the scientists abandoned this facility long ago. I guess when my father and his team left for their other place of work, this one wasn't given to any other scientists to watch over."

"Well, perhaps they didn't need this one anymore for their research. What if the other had more advanced machinery? Why should anyone keep the older generation laboratory online if they have one that is more reliable? Besides, they say that old labs are common ruins found by Drifters," Vincent told his friends. He shot at a Cursed Corps and then a duo of Comic Books. "Yup, defiantly long abandoned."

S...S

For some strange reason, the machinery was all working. Judging from the opened treasure boxes, someone had come in before them and looted the place. The records in the machinery were all destroyed long ago. Most likely the culprits had been monsters who had begun to chew on the wires. But they could see that they all had to do with the lifeforce of the planet and a way to stimulate its revival.

Finally, they came to a room with still readable data. But it was still a mystery. Most of it had to do with someone/something named "Adam Kadmon". However, not much explanation as to who or what the terminals were talking about was given. With their luck it would have been explained on the one screen that had been destroyed. However, as they pondered it, a pair of Cursed Corpses attacked them.

Laura yelled, "And just when we were about to get some more info out of this. I swear to all of the Guardians in existence, our luck is terrible. We really need to work on the timing of our monster fights."

Lyla looked at her; a little miffed. "I think you should address your complaints to Chappapanga. He's in control of luck in the world. But let's get to it. These beastie boys are going down right now."

The team prepared their weapons. Vincent and Laura each shot one of them. Lyla began to concentrate and cast the spell Spectre on the same one as Vincent; killing it. At the same time, Jessica used the Crest Sorcery alternative, Saint, and killed the second one. She then gave a sigh and looked back at the terminals. However, no matter how hard she looked, she wouldn't find what wasn't there.

"Well, we know this much," Jessica informed the others, "The scientists were working on some big project they called Adam Kadmon. In the Elw language, it means Origin of Supreme Power. If I was a betting girl, I'd say some sort of weapon. I wonder if the project ever came to completion after they jumped ship and headed for the other lab. But we'll only know for sure if we make it to their new one."

"First let's go and find the nursing home to talk to your grandmother. Perhaps she'll know the answer. If not, I can get you guys to the Ark of Destiny. I have a little secret hidden away near Little Rock. After all, I did grow up in the area. You know, we should have gone to the home first since it was closer to Humprhey's Peak. Oh well. You live and then you learn, right?" Vincent inquired of his allies.

S...S

When they got there, Jessica asked the receptionist for a Mrs. Enduro. She told the girl, "I came on behalf of the family. They wanted to come themselves, but were all tied up. Mr. Enduro had to work late and his son was supposed to watch over their house while he was away. But I'm a neighbor so I came with their blessings for her." In her hands, the young teenager held a bouquet of red silk roses.

The girl at the desk, who was doing her nails, looked confused. "I'm sorry, we don't have any patients here by that name. You must be mistaken. But I'll get my supervisor down here to try and clear up any misunderstandings there might be." Miffed that she had to take a walk, she went to look for him.

S...S

About a half hour later, a man came back with some files. He had dark hair and green eyes. This man couldn't be more than thirty years old; quite young to achieve such a position in the business. But then again, Jessica's father had become a member of his team when he was only twenty years of age; if her calculations based on the story she had been told was correct. Youth is not always a problem when deciding an important position. You want to find the most able bodied person for the job. It just so happens that sometimes he or she is a little green in the job field. But if their skills are up to par, then the applicant will go farther, faster. And that's just what appeared to have happened with the man they saw.

"Well hello there Miss," he addressed Jessica, "As well as your companions. I looked for the file concerning a Mrs. Enduro. I'm sorry that I couldn't help you more. But you won't find her here. She died about eight years ago. Apparently, her son and grandson used to visit every weekend; but then one day they lost contact with her. That was not too long after she moved into the home. It was strange. The workers all knew he was busy with his work, but when he was unable to visit he had written her a letter."

"I can't believe this. Darn it, and we came all this way. Well, I'm sorry to bother you sir. I guess I'll just have to tell Elliot that his ma is gone. Sad, really, he wished so much to see her one last time. And that boy of his; he will be upset too. I remember he got mad when he found out they wouldn't be able to go see her once again. Thank you for your time anyway," Jessica replied; eager to leave there.

The manager called, "Wait, can you tell me what happened to her family? It's so strange to find that such a loyal son and grandson were unable to come visit her. If something has been going on it might be best for them to get help; whether or not they really want it. Support can be a saving grace in a troubled time. I should know. When my kid brother died of a virus ten years ago, I had to rely on my friends to get back on my feet. So I think that you should support and help your friends in these times."

Jessica sighed and turned to him. "I'm not really a neighbor. I'm actually his long lost daughter. I just want to find my father. Whether you believe me or not, I'm just following my mother's advice. I heard that my grandmother was here, and thought she might tell me something. But since she, like the rest of the family, doesn't know I exist, I didn't think that anyone would believe me. Now, I don't know anymore. But I won't give up; I'll find my family. I again thank you for your time." With that, Jessica and the others of the Blazing Guns left the nursing home; leaving the confused manager standing with the file in the hall.

Teefa's Last Words...

Well, next we go and find Vincent's surprise. Then they can go to the Ark to look for more clues on how to track down Jessica's father. Oi, irony of the century and a little fun to be found when we do arrive there.