Through out the southern region of Utah the legend of Agka-Ku-Wass-a-Wits (red painted faces) has been handed down from generation to generation even before the mythology of the people known as Paiute had arrived over a thousand years ago. Once entwined within the stories of their culture it told and re-told something like this: Before there were any human kind inhabiting these lands, the Legend People lived here in this place..Because they were bad, Coyote turned them all into rocks...You can see them now in that place- some standing in rows, some sitting down, some holding onto others...You can see their faces with paint on, just as they were before they became rocks.

Some five miles east of the town of Sulphurdale, Zoot Suit Man stood atop a section of such crowed peaks which in modern times had become known as Goblin Mountains in and around the Bryce Canyon area of southern Utah. Here the interstate 70 lead eastward carved between rising peaks of limestone at the edge of the Wasatch Plateau.

Deliberating the evil held hostage within these formations it at once began to surmise a method by which to invoke an employment there bidding it's regard. After some considerable concentration the Zoot Suit Man's essence swept back in historical time finding a certain mid-1800's shaman famous among the Paiute people for his creation of a spiritual prayer then referred to as a Ghost Dance...The shaman himself not being an evil man, was however consumed against the rapid termination of his people, and the quintessence of the Ghost Dance which came to him in the form of a vision, promised the resurrection of the Paiute dead, and removal of white men and their works from the North American continent.

Finding within the elements of the Ghost Dance a rich source of powerful conjure the Zoot Suit Man returned to the present time and set about the task of beseeching the rewards of the shaman's work determinate to it's own desire.

After a time, the Zoot Suit Man found the use of the shaman's borrowed magic a clumsy affair, foreign in it's intent, using much of the power and naturalism of a living Earth within it's aspects..It was a kind of magic mostly alien to the Zoot Suit Man and somewhat repulsive as well..By night's fall it's interest had wane spending more time on the project than anticipated, coupled with a far less guarantee of success then hoped...The Qlippoth's time here was running short as well.. Pressing matters in Denver await oversight, and this current distraction was after all...just play.

Nick and Michelle found the contrasting landscapes of the small town of Mesquite much to their liking riding into it's proper Saturday afternoon..Set against a backdrop of barren mountain, sections of greenery sprung within it's borders as an oasis due to it's Virgin River Valley location..The area boasts of championship golf courses, mountain biking, ATVing, and a full service Casino..They found a small resort near by with several A-frame cabin rentals and like the spot so much they paid for an extra nights stay until Monday...

Sunday after breakfast they visited Valley Of Fire State Park and it's expanse of gradient orange to pink sandstone cliffs combined with a surface of red rock floor that offers imaginative visitors the ambience of a distant planet...They got giddy sharing a bottle of white wine, and despite numerous voiced concern's regarding their sanity, made phone contacts using make believe Star Trek communicators while adapting the persona and voice characteristics of the crew of the Starship Enterprise...Later in the afternoon they returned to their A-frame hide-a-way with decadent amounts of Chinese take out and spent the evening sharing the kind of secrets that only lovers do.

Samantha chuckled shaking her head after ending her phone conversation with Michelle who feinting a damsel in distress, claimed to be under attack from a remarkably good looking alien with brown hair while minding her own business visiting the sixth moon of the planet Volcon 9.

From her vantage sitting on a blanket in Griffith Park she could see Hal and her Son feeding ducks where slightly rolling acres of green grass ended lakeside in the middle of the municipal playground. Digging around in a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken she pulled a perfectly seasoned breast from the container and bit into it emitting a satisfied sigh..She estimated their distance to be sixty five yards from her location..A habit she'd formed resulting from years training as a marks-person...Distance calculations that came to her without thought anywhere and everywhere she went..Today the trigger of calculation reminded her she need to get to the police firing range at some point this coming week as she'd not done so for nearly as much time...

She smiled recalling that last night after returning to the condo, they'd showered together then briefly worked out in her bedroom showing off their best martial arts moves..He was no match for her however, and soon had resorted to pillow fighting which quickly dissolved into a form of wrestling she was sure had never been taught in police work.

They had received no scramble to action the entire day and now as the mid-afternoon sun began a sinking arc westward it appeared they might enjoy the entire evening off as well..An evening that with him by her side, she looked forward to with much anticipation.

As a peace officer she had also made it a priority to hone her skills of detachment between her job and life outside her chosen career..Especially as a mother subject to the demanding hours inherent to police work she'd felt a necessary obligation to her Son that when off work he be provided her full attention..The strange events surrounding the Mad Muse Case had stressed her convictions in that regard leaving her for lack of a better term,..haunted by it's seemingly undefinable aspects...Coupled with this nagging sense of reflection, over the course of the pass two days a rising anxiety had begun to accompany her that she felt root itself in a fear for her partner's life, and uncertainly that her previous learned skills might sufficiently protect him..Although she had never killed anyone, with the proper equipment she was capable of it from three hundred yards away..In hand to hand combat she could be as deadly as a Navy Seal...But how does one kill what can not be seen?..Or if she dare believe what Soong Chu-Yu believes,..how does one kill that which is already dead?..

Although her work in the SWAT division of the police department was dangerous, it carried with it certain aspects of control that investigative work could not benefit from..SWAT missions were well mapped, pre-determined planned courses of action with plenty of fire power, armor, and security within a team of skilled members designed to watch your back..The thought that the elusive Zoot Suit Man had been watching both Hal and herself while they investigated the scene at Desert Center was unnerving..She considered the underlining cause of her anxiety might very well be the investigative team's inherent nature to vulnerability..The chase, by it's gathering of evidence might be considered in police work an offensive posture, but in Samantha's mind, insecurity built upon the act of following a dangerous criminal due to the possibility of sudden ambush.

Now with her partner walking back toward her location. Her Son sitting straddled over the tops of his shoulders-both of them not a care in the world...Her thoughts rose in silent conviction...I've definitely got to get to the firing range this week.

Formal meetings of the Chinese Cultural Society normally take place in a dedicated room located within the Central Plaza complex near Broadway in down town L.A...For certain close members who wish more private communication, the daily tai chi exercise program located at the Alpine Recreation Center in Alpine Park provide a more secluded option..Here, sitting on a picnic bench enjoying the gnarled umbrella of a pepper tree, Soong Chu-Yu and three elder associates conducted their first such meeting in regards to the Mad Muse Case accompanied by a flowing progression of tai chi exerciser's set against the grassy grounds and warm breezy conditions of this autumn Sunday afternoon.

Directly across the table from Yu was Doctor Shai Lin, who held several degrees in Theology including a PHD earned at Oxford University in England..Until his retirement fifteen years ago Doctor Shai had taught at the college and seminary level for over forty years at institutions in both North America and Europe. On Shai Lin's right was the society's old friend Father Sebastian Barbarossa, a Jesuit priest and noted archeologist who had devoted much of his life in search of lost, stolen, and previously unfound mythological religious artifacts. Father Barbarossa not only bestowed his entire collective finds to a number of museums around the world, but through his years of service had also been granted from time to time, access to Vatican City's vaults of rich historical antiquities. Accompanying Father Barbarossa today was Rafael Trujillo a retired professor of Theosophy and angelic research historian who'd taught at Boston College.

Yu apologized to the other attendees for any inconvenience as today's meeting was one of short notice. His attempts at doing so were immediately reversed through the baritone speech of Father Barbarossa who's work in the field showed itself through oversized hands and arms giving his countenance liken to a mid-west farmer.

"Based on the evidence at hand", the priest advised, "Mister Trujillo and I believe what we are seeing here is a kind of earth oriented campaign probably instigated by a demon of some power."

Shai Lin offered a quick conformation.." So you would both agree with Soong Chu-Yu's initial concern that supernatural forces are in play?"

Rafael Trujillo responded.."Absolutely...Due to the magnitude of these events it appears certain this is not a simple case of individual possession or obsession as traditionally described." With the other's nodding their agreement Rafael continued with a reserve and emotion often found with those who have spent much of their lives absorbed in the quiet accompaniment of books..

"Both Father Barbarossa and myself agree traditional canonized texts including Hebrew, Christian, and Islamic are much too vague to provide us with any real course of action."...He paused again checking his own memory before continuing.."My area of expertise lies in the study of the angelic realm and how that body might react to these events...From time to time through out recorded history battles between the forces of light and darkness have taken place within our plane of existence..These battles occur and our awareness of them is usually made known sometime after the event through written accounts, including of course scripture..

"That is correct." Interjected Yu.."However in this instance we seem to be party to the process as it occurs."

Father Barbarossa commented, "Yes, first hand..As one might encounter through the process of an exorcism during a current incident of possession."

Rafael nodded.."In light of that, perhaps Doctor Shai's learned opinion based on his historical expertise may be of some value here."

"Yes, thank you Rafael." Shai Lin replied..He then sketch a brief synopsis of events beginning with what is commonly termed "The Fall" where angelic armies led by the Archangel Michael successfully removed two hundred revolting "Watcher class" angels from the realm of Valhalla including the Archangel Belial more commonly known as Satan. What gave this event special consideration was the fact Watcher's are angels who's duties primarily rest in their obligation to assist semi-corporate entities fates: The reincarnate process of evolving souls to their inherent destinations within the halls of Valhalla...The Fall referring to the choice guilty Watcher's made in finding value below their intended stations through the manipulation of beings within corporate planes of existence...Much like a game designed to promote themselves as God like deities.

"As angelic beings are not corporate in nature," Shai Lin continued, "they are not subject to death..Therefore victory for the Archangel Michael and his legions meant only bounding the armies of the defeated Watchers to realms outcast to Valhalla."

Rafael added, "And ever since that time, there have been numerous challenges, or power plays, instigated by the fallen testing the resiliency of that initial binding."

At this point Father Barbarossa's deep resound added his thoughts.."Like a previously defeated army that seeks a desperate means to rebuild itself."

Soong Chu-Yu then voiced what seemed the sixty four thousand dollar question.. "How is it possible for this non-corporate battle to manifest itself here in the corporate universe?"

Shai Lin fielded the question.."The intervention of Man...I would imagine this musician fellow attempted conjuring a underworld force for his own benefit, and it coincided with a larger scheme waiting for such an opportunity."

Yu chuckled, "Got to invite a vampire into your home."

"In a nut shell", Father Barbarossa responded.

Rafael then commented, "We agree then..Man has invited a non-corporal essence into the world..My concern is we have no earthly weapon to bind this entity and return it from which it came....What recourse do we have other then active prayer for angelic intervention?"

For a time there was no response, just the four men turning their thoughts inward and their faces out taking in the rows of exercisers, who's movements of speed and direction reflected an unique individualism so apparent in the human species, yet all drawn to this place, this time, this activity via a link grounded in a deeper common denominator.

It was Soong Chu-Yu's voice that broke the silence. "It's essence is non-corporal..It is a non-corporal essence that has now manifest it's self into our corporal world..Certainly this is not a unique situation..Isn't it true that though out recorded history angelic intervention has reflected itself through the use of chosen human beings when exactly these same conditions have applied?"

Rafael nodded responding.."Certainly accounts in Hebrew, Christian, and Islamic scripture depict angelic and human interface however, I think it is important to remember these episodes usually are with the intention of spiritual enlightenment..A form of revelation intended to make mankind aware of the nature of the divine."

"Father Barbarossa," Yu asked, "What is your take along this line?"

The Jesuit priest scratched his head before responding.." The term 'angel' translates to 'messenger' even in the oldest Arabic form..The attributes of certain Archangels especially Zerachiel, Remiel, perhaps even Uriel are noted for their sharing of wisdom with mortals...However, from the military aspect, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael have used any means at their disposal to win the day, including handing certain human individuals the tools of the trade to be wield against evil forces on this plane."

Shai Lin added, "The parting of the Red Sea is a prime example."

"Yes." Barbarossa concurred.."It was the Archangel Michael who appeared before the Israelites in the form of fiery beacon lighting their course..And at the Red Sea crossing again Michael directed through Moses' staff and discord the power to part the waters."

Rafael commented.."Yes, but pertaining to what is happening here on Earth today..If we are seeking man's direct involvement to end this current crisis we must be willing to,..at the risk of heresy, step from the restrictions binding us in scripture, and make use of the tools of the occult...Especially for a practicing priest like Father Barbarossa, that is asking a great deal.

Father Barbarossa answered. "Your kind consideration is well taken Rafael..I however crossed that fine line many years ago when I chose to seek material evidence linking the divine hand with the hand of mankind..Seventy-five percent of the ancient writings I have based my archeological investigations on come from those found at the Dead Sea Scroll site in Qumran...Others are based on old testament pseudepigraphical texts such as 'The Testament of Solomon'...I am therefore holy in my intention, however heretic in my belief that truth can be found outside canonized scriptures..

Rafael then commented. "I have spent some time looking at 'The Testament of Solomon' myself Father and found it to be like many of the so called apocryphal texts written long after it claims, by others than who it claims, and consisting of a conglomeration of ancient myths forged from a number of cultures before it's time giving the entire context a character of unoriginality.

Shai Lin then interjected. "That is true..However,..when approaching the value of pseudepigraphic text one must bear in mind the mysticism contained in many of those writings date from a far more ancient source than any succeeding them including accepted scripture..These events often occurred hundreds of years B.C. and have been preserved through mythology eventually coming to us in written form.

Father Barbarossa continued.."I brought up the subject of 'The Testament of Solomon' because it is an account of a mortal who was provided a tool that directly allows him to control a number of demons."

Soong Chi-Yu leaned forward speaking.."Yes, Father I recall something about that now..It was a ring wasn't it?"

The priest nodded offering a brief summary of the story which takes place while King Solomon is building the first Temple of Jerusalem..The king notices the failing health of his construction foreman's child..A boy who King Solomon had taken a special liking for..On questioning the child Solomon learns the boy is visited by a demon nightly who steals the boy's food and also drains life from the child through the process of sucking the boys right thumb..Solomon prays to God for a means to end the child's suffering and is answered by a visit from Michael the Archangel who leaves the King a ring with a stone engraving advising the ring had the power to lock up and control any demon it is used against..

Solomon gives the ring to the child who throws it at the demon striking it in the chest thus rendering it under control.

"What I find especially interesting," said Father Barbarossa, "is that on more than one occasion the ring was used successfully by several individuals indicating no special authorship required to make use of it's power."

Shai Lin concurred dictating from memory the words Solomon was instructed to say when using the ring.."In the name of God, King Solomon calls thee hither."

"Well, it's all very interesting," Rafael Trujillo offered, "however I don't see how it gets us any closer to a plan of action-"...

Rafael's statement was interrupted by Father Barbarossa placing a modest 6x6 inch wooden box in the middle of the picnic table..With all eyes trained on the tarnished brass hinged box top the priest spoke from what was now a distant memory.

"In 1984 I was fortunate enough to lead a three month archaeological dig through some of the sub sections of caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered..This dig was of course considered academic as several earlier expeditions had removed all of the valuable manuscripts and artifacts over the previous years..Our expedition did however unexpectedly find several small pottery remnants of which we were all elated..Those pieces were subsequently turned over to the proper authorities for evaluation...The morning of the last day of our stay I had taken leave from the rest of our group returning to the site alone with the sole intention of praying there, in that holy place...I was in fact doing so on my knees thanking the Lord for the opportunity to be there when I discovered a wormed out hole in the side of the cave near where we had discovered the pottery fragments...It had been filled with mud you see forming a flush face with the side, but the mud had dried leaving a hint of a circle I'd just happen to notice..Gentlemen, what I found hidden in that hole is now with us inside this box."