Quazum

BREAKING NEWS 219

The news anchor yawned before walking out to a group of reporters who were typing, editing video and creating graphic effects. He leaned over to read the day’s news headlines and searched across the computer screen. “Do we have anything interesting for the morning news? Or a big story we can find on-line?”

“I’ve got a story of a possible tax evasion by a city council member in a small town next to Lake Pontchartrain,” answered the first reporter. “We’ve talked to his accountant, but he claimed all tax write-offs were legal. We still have no confirmation.”

“What else?” asked the anchor. “Something good.”

“City councilman in LaSalle has decided not to run for reelection. We’ve got a crew talking to his wife about that decision,” answered another reporter. “She says he’s getting out of politics forever...”

“And a birthday party was held in Mandeville for a 93-year-old man,” said another reporter with a laugh. “I’ve got a video of him blowing out candles.”

“Is that all? Nothing that can bring in viewers?”

Another news producer flipped through her notes and read, “A fire was reported in a riverside camp alongside Avery Island.”

“What was the damage?”

“Well, the fire was put out before any damage was done to the camp, and we didn’t get any video,” answered the reporter. “So far it looks like an accident.”

“I want some real news. Do we have anything that can draw an audience? Maybe get us some kind of ratings?”

Another reporter then looked up from her notes and replied nervously. “There were a few reports of ghost sightings in Back-Bayou, but the few witnesses really have no credibility...”

“I believe them,” replied the news director as he stood up with a smile. “If they say they saw ghosts, they’ve got credibility! Let’s get out the cameras!”

“Well, they said the ghost was invisible. You can’t get an invisible ghost on video.”

“That’s what makes it a great story! Get the cameras and reporters out and interview every witness. Write in-depth stories on every ghost sighting. Create some animation of what the ghosts might have looked like! This could be national news! And this could mean ratings!”

The reporters looked around confused, then started typing. Some reporters then got up and started grabbing cameras and equipment, and producers headed out for the remote vans and trucks.

* * *

The sun was beginning to rise as Ben drove his dirty car into the small parking lot of the local restaurant, “Cajun Deli”. There were just a few cars, and the restaurant appeared to be nearly empty. Ben looked around before nervously walking in.

An older waitress immediately walked up from behind the counter and looked tired. “Good morning sir. Welcome to the Cajun Deli!”

“Good morning,” answered Ben.

“Table for one?”

Ben looked around at the many open tables before answering. “No thank you. I just want to get some breakfast to go.”

“Why don’t you sit down and look at a menu?” asked the waitress as she pointed to an empty chair.

Without moving, Ben read from the menu on the wall written partly in French with the unrecognizable names. “I just want to order a couple of cajun breakfasts to go.”

“Okay,” answered the waitress as she walked back over. “We have a special on beignet donuts with one cup of café au lait. Does that sound like something you might be interested in?”

“Sure, that ‘coffee oh lay’ sounds good. Any other local amenities available this time of year?”

“Local what?”

“I’m sorry,” replied Ben. “What kind of breakfast can I get ‘to go’, that’s exclusive to this area of the Back-Bayou?”

“Well, we got a fresh fried catfish omelet, with hot buttered grits, and a local andouille sausage. Or you can get a fresh bowl of coush-coush served with cream and cane syrup.”

“Hmmm,” responded Ben as he thought about the possibilities. “I think that all sounds great!”

“All that then?” asked the waitress. “You want all three meals?”

“Yeah, and I want it all to go.”

The waitress turned and walked back into the kitchen and yelled, “Catfish omelet, grits & sausage, and a bowl of coush-coush... Everything to go!” She then walked back out and said politely, “It’ll be ready in just a few minutes. Sit down, and I’ll bring out your café au lait.”

Ben walked over to the bar and sat down as another couple walked in. Waitress greeted the familiar customers and led them to a table. Ben smiled and nodded, then picked up a newspaper from the table and began reading local news headlines.

“Multiple Reports of Ghost Sightings!”

Drawn pictures showed a ghost-shaped figure rising from a grave. Ben was confused as he read from the long articles, “Ghost-like sounds were made by invisible life forms, first reported by gravediggers at a Memorial Service... Funeral service was honoring local Back-Bayou resident Gabriel Meaux. Workers were stunned by the sighting.”

“What started out as just crying sounds turned into a ghost talking next to the grave,” said one of the gravediggers.

Ben then folded out his phone and searched for local news headlines before pulling up a local news anchor talking about sightings inside the Grocery Mart. Interviews played with employees and customers making their claims.

“We heard a voice. It was coming out around the boxes of salt! And then riding a cart across the store!”

The ghost-like computer animations began playing and showed movement on the grocery store shelves. A reporter then pushed a microphone into the face of the store manager, who stuttered nervously before answering. “Claims of sightings don’t mean we have ghosts. It’s only a distraction from the competition against the low prices and deals we have, right here at the Grocery Mart!”

“Never seen nothing like it,” said another customer. “Very scary.”

Ben searched through computer screen articles and videos showing more news about the sightings. “Grocery Mart employees said the ghost-like figure came into the store just trying to steal a shaker of salt.”

“I saw something hiding on the shelf... But when I tried to communicate,” said Nancy. “The ghost just took off. Never seen nothing like it.”

Ben looked up from the video and turned to the waitress, “Uhhh... You think I can also get a salt shaker to go?”

“Oh! Our chef will add perfect seasoning... You won’t need to add salt. I promise.”

Ben smiled and continued, “Maybe I could just get a couple of bottles of water and a salt shaker to go. You can just add that to the overall bill. Cost is not a problem.”

Waitress looked confused before turning and walking back to the kitchen where she began to argue with the chef.

The news clips continued playing on Ben’s phone, “Local police say they are investigating all sightings and have no evidence to validate any claims.”

The waitress finally walked out of the kitchen carrying a bag. “Okay,” she said. “Three house specialties, plus two water bottles and one salt shaker to go. Anything else?”

“No,” answered Ben as he stood up. “That’s gonna do it.”

Ben handed over his credit card to pay the Cajun Deli bill, then carried the white bags out to his car, as the curious waitress and chef looked on.

* * *

News was playing on a big screen television, and the news anchor spoke into the camera, “Well, a new expedition to the small moon in the Kepler Solar System, is being planned by Space Exploration. This new journey to “Quazmopolis” will be leaving in a few days, via a new Solar Jet developed by the SEA crew.”

Pictures on the news broadcast showed aerial photos and video that was shot by the scientist explorers years earlier. The handsome news anchor continued, “This new mission will include a search for undiscovered compounds of elements on the colored rock surfaces. This new exploration will also be a search for possible undiscovered life forms in tiny grains of sand. One local news reporter, from Space Exploration in California, has more information on this scientific journey.”

The video then cut to a live shot of the reporter holding the microphone. “I’m standing outside the SEA Headquarters, and we’ve been given information of the goals that scientists are setting for this new expedition. Several scientists are now claiming they’ve witnessed unexplained motion from video taken from overhead satellites.”

The news video then cut to overhead high definition aerial shots showing slight motion and close-ups taken of the rock surface.

“No sign of life can be seen in this video, but these tiny waves of motion have been spotted across the rock-hard surfaces, and some scientists believe this might prove the possibility of a small undiscovered life form.”

The news video then cut to Dr. Palmer proudly answering questions. “Images we’ve uncovered are being studied. But this expedition to Quazmopolis will measure a combination of all the elements. With the oxygen-based atmosphere, we’ll be planting and studying any life form capable of survival.”

“Does this mission serve any other purpose?” asked the reporter as she ran alongside Dr. Palmer pushing the microphone out to his face.

“Any unexplained motion on the surface justifies further exploration. That’s all.”

The reporter’s voice-over continued with more video cutaways, “Record setting temperatures have measured greater than one hundred fifty-five degrees during the summer months and twenty-five below zero at night. Scientists believe a new Arid Cactus plant can survive a diet of salt water natural to the planet and the wide range of temperatures.”

News continued playing on the large high definition monitor hanging on the wall before cutting back to the anchor sitting at the news desk, “In other news, several cities in Arizona are also battling a heat wave with temperatures nearly reaching one-fifteen.”

* * *

Dr. Palmer was alone in his bedroom, sitting next to his television and putting on his tie. “Mute the volume,” he mumbled as he stood up. The television sound immediately stopped as Palmer walked around to his large computer monitor and began typing.

“They didn’t bother to mention the mission to Quazmopolis is costing nothing to taxpayers, a small detail to leave out when they’re going on about the high costs...”

Computer then spoke up, “Would you like to check new classified data on Quazmopolis mission?”

“Yes,” answered Palmer as he turned to the computer screen. “What’s the latest news?”

Computer immediately began showing video and reciting information, “New Quazmopolis mission is running on schedule. Scientists are preparing for dramatic temperature swings. New bonding composite base will be packed with the Arid Cacti. Crushed rock surface will be combined to ensure survival of plants.”

Palmer touched the computer screen, slid icons and asked, “What’s the latest information you have about former Quazmopolis mission crew member, Miss Lacy Meaux?”

“Lacy Meaux is now in critical condition after taking a gunshot to the head by local Back-Bayou policemen. Doctors are surprised she survived and are planning to soon discontinue life support.”

Dr. Palmer looked surprised and asked, “What is being reported on their local news?”

The computer then immediately began reciting news headlines, “City Council member is being accused of tax evasion. One DUI was reported in New Orleans, and a small fire was put out in less than two hours.”

Palmer was hardly listening before the computer continued, “And unusual reports were made to police this week of possible ghost sightings.”

Dr. Palmer immediately spun around and walked over to the computer. He touched the screen and asked, “What kind of ghosts are you referring to? Please provide more information.”

“Sightings are being reported by local news stations and online by the local Back-Bayou News service. Computerized reenactment video is being broadcast.”

“What the hell? Please give all documented facts on each of these reported sightings. Lay out all data recovered.”

“First reported sighting occurred at a funeral in a graveyard. This sighting occurred in the city of Back-Bayou when gravediggers noticed unexplained voices and motion.”

“Who was the funeral for?” asked Palmer.

“Reported funeral was for... Mr. Gabriel Meaux.”

Dr. Palmer walked over to the computer. “Are there photos or more explanation?”

“No photos and no video,” responded the computer. “This ghost sighting case was dismissed without investigation.”

“What other reports of sightings are there?”

“Another ghost sighting was reported at the local Grocery Mart, where workers and customers claimed to see motion of a shopping cart rolling on its own. No photos and no video.”

Dr. Palmer stared at the computer screen with exterior shots of Grocery Mart as video played. “One cashier reported an unexplained box of salt was taken off the shelf.”

Palmer looked curiously at the computer screen, “A box of salt was stolen by the ghost?”

“Nancy Simmons, Grocery Mart cashier, claimed she saw motion and heard a voice on the aisle near spices. Cashier claims the container of salt then disappeared from the shelf.”

“Have Back-Bayou Police investigations turned up any facts?”

“Investigations and ghost sighting claims have all been dismissed by Back-Bayou sheriff Rob Neil,” answered the computer.

Sheriff Neil then spoke to reporters, “The ghost sightings are silly. It’s something every city gets a couple of times a year.”

Dr. Palmer stared down at the computer screen and remained motionless, deep in thought.