Concept date; 29th September, 2018
First published; 27th October, 2020.
Status; COMPLETED.
Version; STANDARD.
Age recommendation: 12+
Average Reading Time: Approximately 30 Minutes.
Average Reading Time: Approximately 30 Minutes.
Revisions: 3. [Last Edit: December 2020]
Angel-in-charge: Margret Team Assigned: Team 74
MISSION SUMMARY: "Dr. Xavier Tabbert opened his hospital for the chronically sick in the Autumn of 1849. It was suppose to be a place of final and peaceful rest for those facing certain death; in modern times it would be referred to as an 'Hospice'. Now in 1999, a team of paranormal students under Professor Alec Sweetman have arrived at the derelict hospital to investigate the many strange happenings that have occurred over the years - are they about to encounter some real evil?"
Age 15+
The University mini bus turned from the road into Tabbert's Lane; "It may get bumpy so hold on!" 'Sibby' shouted [Ms Sylvia Fellows] and the other three occupants gripped seats and arm rests. Sibby kept a tight grip on the wheel and the mini bus struggled up the gravel lane; sodden by weeks of rain. "Well, I'm not getting out and bloody pushing." Jen Phillips called out to no one in particular. She drew on her shaking cigarette. She was sitting right next to a large 'NO SMOKING' sign on the window and didn't give a fuck; like she did about most things "You would have thought that old 'Sweetie' [Professor Alec Sweetman] would have bloody warned us about the bloody road." She added and blew little smoke rings about.
Angel-in-charge: Margret Team Assigned: Team 74
Human Time: 1849AD-1265AH Mission: 891536 - 2 - 3175
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| "XAVIER TABBERT'S HOSPITAL FOR THE DYING, THE DEAD AND THE UNFORGIVEN." |
MISSION SUMMARY: "Dr. Xavier Tabbert opened his hospital for the chronically sick in the Autumn of 1849. It was suppose to be a place of final and peaceful rest for those facing certain death; in modern times it would be referred to as an 'Hospice'. Now in 1999, a team of paranormal students under Professor Alec Sweetman have arrived at the derelict hospital to investigate the many strange happenings that have occurred over the years - are they about to encounter some real evil?"
NOTES: This episode contains mild bad language and sexual references.
"This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental." The Author.
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| 30 Min. |
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| Book series 4. |
"XAVIER TABBERT'S HOSPITAL FOR THE DYING, THE DEAD AND THE UNFORGIVEN."
1. THE FIELD TRIP; DAY ONE.
Callan Carter just grimaced and waved the smoke away; he was sitting behind Jen and had probably smoked three of her cigarettes with her. "For fuck sake Jen; couldn't you wait to light up when we stop?" He muttered and leaned back in his seat. 'Bloody selfish bitch.' He thought and stared out at the drizzle tumbling down the window. 'Why the fuck did 'iron pants' bother to come on this fucking field trip? She doesn't really belief in any of it.' He kept those thoughts to himself. Jen wasn't shy in expressing her opinion on what people thought about her and didn't care either - apparently - and for the sake of a peaceful trip, Callan would say silent, about what he really thought of her; a self opinionated, loud mouthed selfish bitch.
Little Morris Maxwell - sitting next to Sibby, smiled; "Should we erect a ring and let them fight it out?" Sibby chuckled and dropped a gear; "No Mouse; she'll bloody kill him." 'Mouse' did laugh quietly at that. He was always called 'Mouse' because he was so small; lot's of people told him that he should have been a Jockey; other's weren't so nice; they called him the 'dwarf'. 'midget man' or 'mini man'. He pretended not to care and laugh along with the insensitive bastards; but sometimes the little pain inside wouldn't go away. He glanced at Sibby hanging onto the juddering wheel and sighed; he absolutely adored her. But she wouldn't - of course - look at him twice. All her previous boyfriends were sportsmen or academic's or both. Sibby slowed the van and peered through the wet windscreen at the big iron gates. They were heavily padlocked.
The Tabbert hospital for incurables lay shrouded in rain. Sibby stopped the van and said quietly; "For Christ sake, they could make horror movies here." Mouse nodded and tapped her arm; he had seen the figure coming down the path, hunched up in a yellow raincoat with the hood up and walking slowly despite the rain. "Who the fuck is that?" He said softly. Jen tossed her cigarette on the carpets and stubbed it out with her boot. "Fucking Egor of course. He's just woke up Doctor Fucking Frankenstein and told that his new laboratory mice have arrived. You had better be careful mouse; you'll be the first under his knife." Jen said; laughing at her own supposed humour. Mouse just smiled; "Yeah, very funny Jen." He really wanted to say something else; but couldn't bring himself to do so.
They watched as the hunched figure began to unlock the three heavy padlocks on the gates, with keys from a big iron key ring. He looked up at the van and the occupants; wiping rain from his face. "Holy fuck! old doctor Frankenstein must have experimented on him." Jen shouted, then laughed adding; "They must have hired the ugly bastard because his mug matches this derelict dump." They could all see the scarred face and twisted lips on the man. He swung open the big gates with little effort and walked towards the van. "Stow any comments please Jen. He must be Gary the caretaker. We don't want to upset the bloody employee's and get thrown off site before we even start." Sibby turned, not smiling at her 'friend'. Jen just shrugged her shoulders.
Gary the caretaker walked up to the driver's side window and tried to smile. It just made his appearance worse. Sibby rolled the window half way down and did smile at him. "You the party....party...from York University...Profes...Profes..the Sweetman party?" He finally stuttered out. Sibby nodded; realising he was quite a young man; probably in his early twenties. Everyone noticed his stutter. "For fuck sake, course we are. York University is written down both side of the fucking van." Jen muttered quietly; for once. Sibby explained that the Professor was following in his own car, but should be here soon. She introduced herself and briefly; the others in the van. Gary nodded and gestured towards the old hospital; "The East wing....on your...your right...is the only....hab...hab.." He stopped talking and wiped his face; "The only...only part you can use." He stared at the ground and stepped aside as Sibby started the van and thanked him with a big smile.
The van pulled past the man and Jen laughed out loud; "For fuck sake, the place does have it's own Egor and what a fucking dummy." Callan just sighed and stared back at figure watching them drive away, up the long driveway towards the old hospital. "Poor bastard, no wonder he lives and works in a place like this." Callan said and mouse agreed with him. Jen just laughed to herself. Sibby stopped outside the 'East Wing' and everyone stared at the building. This part looked alright. Well, the window's still had glass in and the roof above didn't appear to have gaping holes.
"According to Sweetie, this part of the building still has electricity, running water, heating, toilets and showers." Sibby said, leaning back in her seat. "I wonder where the caretaker stays?" Mouse asked. "Probably got a fucking coffin in the cellars." Chuckled Jen and pulled out a cigarette and lighter from her big handbag. No one laughed and Sibby sighed; "We'll get the bags out first and set up the equipment later. We have maps of the place, so, we'll need to look around first. Pick the best places to set up." Mouse agreed with that and pulled on his coat, placing on a bright red woollen hat on his head. That made Jen laugh; "You now look like a fucking gnome." No one laughed at that either. "Come on." Was all Sibby said. The team decamped from the van, grabbing their bags,
Sibby turned and found Gary standing there; she wondered immediately how he got up the drive so fast! He gestured to the big black door and held up a couple of keys. "I'll unlock...unlock for you miss...everything is...on." He stuttered and unlocked the door. Sibby noticed one hand was badly scarred with the little finger missing. The other hand was big and quite normal. She immediately noticed the wedding ring on his finger. Christ, he's married. Then told herself off for being surprised at that. The little team strolled in and found themselves in some sort of reception area. There was big desk and chairs stacked all round. It looked like a hotel foyer that had definitely seen better days. "There's a kitch...kitchen behind...and toilets." He stopped, staring at the floor again; "And a shower...plenty of...plenty of hot....hot water." He nodded at everyone and left without another word.
"Lets get settled in. Explore what we have and find a bloody kettle; I'm dying for a cup of tea." Sibby told the others and watched Gary the caretaker disappearing into the rain. Under his awful yellow raincoat, he was quite a big man and definitely only in his twenties. She wondered if they would meet his wife during their stay; she really hoped so. They set up their camp bed in two small rooms off the reception area. Sadly, Sibby would have to share with Jen; "Now that's a real bloody treat." She muttered to herself, throwing her sleeping bag and pillow on her wobbly, old ex-army camp bed. "Smile please." Mouse pointed the camera at her from the doorway and Sibby grinned and bowed a little. "Make sure you film all this. Show the bloody Dean that field trips are not holidays." She told Mouse, who nodded and disappeared, operating his camera with some skill, around the semi dark corridors and rooms.
The team met up for tea in the foyer and ate their packed lunches. They laughed and joked about the old hospital and the stories and legends about the place. Mouse lifted up on his chair and said - with a broad smile - "The boss is here." Sibby dropped her cheese sandwich back in her lunch box and went to the door. She didn't notice the amused look that passed between Callan and Mouse. She watched the professor jump from his old car - a classic Jaguar from the Fifties - collect his bags and walk to the door. He grinned and lifted his bags in greeting. Sibby opened the door and watched him walk up.
Professor Alistair (Alec) Sweetman was a tall, athletic and very handsome man. He was employed to teach History, but the University allowed him to indulge in his hobby - that he was quite passionate about - the study of the paranormal and supernatural. He was thirty eight years old and had been widowed for five. His wife; Christina, dying of breast cancer just a year after their marriage. Sibby watched him come through the door shouting; "Everyone here? Everyone OK?" and dump his bags on the floor. Mouse called back; "Yes boss, including Jen." Rolling his eyes in mock despair. Sibby watched her 'boss' carefully; he only had to wag his finger at her again and....she pushed those delicious thoughts and memories away. She would have private words with him, when the occasion arose.
He was dressed like some fashionable young man from the fifties. Three piece suit, fob watch, classic brown shoes, 'Mackintosh' raincoat and Homburg hat. He openly admitted to being born in the wrong time. He loved the forties and fifties and lived the part; much to the amusement of his students and colleagues. But he was immensely popular with both. He stood hands on hips and looked about. "Well people, we are truly privileged to be here. There have only been two sets of Paranormal teams allowed to study this place. So let's do a damn fine job." He removed his hat and joined the group. Sibby actually shifted her chair to sit next to him. Mouse finished his sandwich and asked the professor; "What did the other team discover? Is there a report available? I didn't think anyone else had been here. I can't find any of their reports."
The professor didn't smile - he sat, hat clasped in his hands - and looked around. He said softly; "They didn't make any reports, I'm afraid." Callan sipped his tea and asked; "Why not boss?" The professor almost smiled; "They didn't make out a report because they simply vanished, they were never seen or heard of again. That was in 1956 and all three simply disappeared from here."
There was absolute silence until Jen said; "Well that's fucking terrific news." She actually felt herself shudder a little; if she had known that wonderful fucking fact; she wouldn't have come. Alec smiled; "Let me settle in and we'll decide on the placement of camera's and microphones. You ok for the thermometers Jen?" She nodded; wishing she was at fucking home watching the TV.
It was quite a subdued team of paranormal investigators that placed their equipment around certain parts of the old hospital that afternoon. There were places they simply couldn't go; parts of the building were closed off because it was dangerous. They settled down and waited the night.
2. FIRST NIGHT.
It was just after seven in the evening and Sibby sat on the chair and watched the monitor; the screen was split into six channels. She adjusted the contrast on Number 4 - for the second time - and returned to her book; 'Pride & Prejudice.' She was covering 6pm to 10pm. Mouse would take the 'witching hours'; ten to two in the morning. The boss had volunteered to take the two to six slot. That allowed the other two to have - hopefully - an undisturbed night of sleep. She looked up from her book, occasionally glancing at the flickering screen. She heard something behind her and turned slowly; it sounded like something hitting the floor. There was no one there. Then she noticed the old leather bound book on the floor; open. She eased from her seat and walked over. Sibby slowly picked the book up and stared at the open page.
"5th July, 1956. Three people had signed the visitors book; Mr. John Crabb, Mr. Malcom Sands and Miss Florence Hammond. Leeds University." She read out loud to herself and felt a shiver run up her spine. She knew that was the other team of paranormal investigators - the one's who had vanished here - and she looked around; nothing. "How the hell did it fall off the desk? It must have sat there for years, its covered in dust. Why fall open at that page?" She was talking to herself for comfort. She jumped as Alec appeared in the doorway; two cups of tea in his big hands. "Brew time." He said simply and saw the look on her face. He gestured to the chairs in front of the monitor. Sibby took her tea and joined him; explaining about the book. The professor had his notebook out in an instant, scribbling with a well chewed pencil. His tea placed on the dusty floor.
They were deep in conversation when Sibby noticed that the professor - on finishing his notes - reached down for his tea cup and found it wasn't there. Nothing was said between the pair and they carefully and slowly looked around the room. Sibby actually let out a little yelp; the tea cup was on the desk. They both rose from their chairs. Sibby was now shaking a little with the hairs on her arms and neck standing. Alex slowly took her hand and gripped it; he was a picture of calmness. "Keep cool Sibby. I think something is trying to make contact." Sibby could only manage to nod and gripped his big hand tightly; she wouldn't be letting go any time in the immediate future. They both noticed that the room was ice cold. Sibby could feel her big nipples standing up and visibly showing through her blouse. They both jumped and Sibby let out a scream; they hadn't noticed Mouse come through the door; also holding two cups of tea.
"Christ boss, you and me must have had the same idea. I think we should speak to Gary about the bloody heating in here. It's like a bloody morgue." Sibby sighed and felt the professor release her hand. She wished Mouse hadn't mentioned a bloody 'morgue'. Mouse grinned and held up the cups; "You can have mine. I'll brew another." That's when the cup on the desk flew across the room, smashing on the doorframe by the shocked Mouse's head. Alec said quietly and with some real authority; "Get the hell out of here. Poltergeist." But he was very calm and they ran for the door and into the corridor. Alec slammed the door behind them and they stood in silence. He turned to his visibly shaken colleagues and shrugged his shoulders; "Well, we found out one thing about our supernatural visitor." Mouse - between gritted teeth - had to ask; "What's that boss?" Mumbling and rubbing his arms from the cold. Alec smiled a little; "It clearly doesn't like tea."
The three chuckled and Sibby felt a little better. "We now know, that there must be substance to the supernatural stories about this place. We've just witnessed it." She said quietly. Alec was listening against the door and nodded; "I can hear a strange noise. I'm not sure but I think it's someone's crying; sobbing actually." Mouse pressed against the door and went a little pale; "Your bloody right boss. I can hear it too." Sibby stood back, arms folded and wished she was a home in her own bed with Foster [her big tabby cat] laid on the pillows. Alec struggled to concentrate; "I think its saying something. Can you make it out Mouse?" Mouse pulled from the door and wiped his face; he looked terrified. "Yes I can." He said and stepped well away from the door. Sibby said quietly; "What was it saying?" Mouse stared at both of them and folded his arms, he said softly; "Get the fuck out of here."
The professor stood - hands in pockets - looking like he was waiting a for a bus; a total picture of calm. He sighed; "Well, all our equipment is in the foyer. So we must go back in." The others exchanged a nervous glance; both saying the same thing without speaking a word: fuck the equipment. Callan joined them, yawning; "What's up people?" Then saw the looks on Sibby's and Mouse's faces. "Oh fucking shit." Was all he said. After a brief discussion; it was decided that Alec and Callan would go in. Sibby fetched two small radio's from her room - not disturbing the sleeping Jen - and returned with them. Both were set to Channel two and the professor tested his. Sibby standing down the corridor gave the thumbs up and answered Alec. He gave the thumbs up and she re-joined them.
Alec hesitated with his hand on the door handle. He turned and smiled; "Should I knock? It may apricate the courtesy." Everyone chuckled; the boss was certainly the man to have in a tight situation. He slowly turned the handle and pushed slowly into the room. He noticed immediately the warmth in the room and sighed with a little relief; turning to the others, he said softly; "I think its gone." They shuffled into the room and looked about. Sibby raised her hand and pointed to the old reception desk or rather the small door behind it marked; KEEP OUT. AUTHORISED STAFF ONLY. She knew full well that the door had been shut and locked. She whispered to Mouse; "Do you know where that goes?" Mouse nodded and really didn't smile; "To the bloody cellars."
The tall young man in the old raincoat held out his hand to Alec; "Jerry Tibbs. Edinburgh University. I normally teach history, but my little hobby is chasing the unknown. This is my team." Alec shook his hand - with some disbelief - another bloody team of paranormal investigators! "Mr. Prouse [a member of the Board of Trustee's for the old hospital] said that another group were already here. Which surprised me as we had this place booked a couple of months ago." Jerry spoke quietly looking around the foyer and nodded, addressing his team; "This is the last place that the team in '56 were seen alive. The caretaker at the time; a Mr. Ray Evan's reported that they were about to explore the cellars." Alec's team all looked at each other - except Jen - she hadn't been present, she had been snoring in her bed. "Just in the fucking nick of time." Callan said and meant it.
Alec and Jerry sat and chatted while their teams talked quietly with each other. It was decided [by the two 'mad' professor's] to share the project. They had travelled all the way from bloody Scotland after all. Alex would bunk in the with girls and the boys would bed down in the corridor between the rooms. "We'll be snug as bugs in a rug." Exclaimed Owen. Sibby did stare at him closely; he did appear to have the traces of nail polish on one hand. Each to their own she thought. She took an immediate liking to Alex and helped her with her kit. She was amazed at her bed. Alex pulled a couple of levers and the bloody thing unfolded and inflated into a very comfortable looking cot. But it was Owen that really cheered everyone up; he pulled a couple of decent looking bottles of brandy from his old bag and held them up; "Brandy anyone?" He was nearly killed in the rush!
They sat about the old foyer and talked. Callan and Mouse really couldn't stop staring at Alex in her short skirt and business suit. Callan whispered; "That is one fucking gorgeous piece of skirt." Mouse, normally quiet about such matters, just had to agree. It was clear that the new girl liked the look of professor Alec and that ruffled Sibby's feathers a little; but she wasn't surprised. nearly every girl on campus fancied him; including her. Callan, Mouse and Wilson discussed both team's equipment and Callan was impressed with the big man's knowledge of the technology. Mouse showed off his new 'Sonny' cam-recorder which could play the video back through a small screen attached. He showed the pair the film he had shot earlier. He replayed Sibby making up her bed and nearly dropped the bloody thing on the floor in shock.
All three watched - Mouse & Callan a little horrified - as Sibby waved and bowed. The man standing on the other side of her camp bed was smiling too. A big fellow in an ill fitting, old fashioned, three piece suit. He folded his arms and faded. Mouse jumped up shouting and Alec calmed him down enough for him to run the video, through the big monitor. Everyone watched in absolute silence. Alec's team didn't notice the look passing between the other team. Jericho whispered; "Doctor Tabbert I presume." Wilson nodded; "Must have the time portal device in a pocket." Alex sighed; "He's got some balls appearing like that. Must be checking out the new arrivals at this dreadful place." Owen was staring at his hand - cursing himself a little - having noticed the nail polish remains on his fingers.
Alec couldn't hide his delight at the capture of the 'spectre' on film. Jericho pulled his team into the corridor where their beds were and spoke softly, consulting his mirror; "There are three earth bound spirits in this place. If one can cause books and cups to move; they could prove dangerous to living humans. If it can harness telekinetic powers; then Its dangerous." Wilson scratched his chin; "Shall I put in a call for a Guardian?" Jericho nodded; "It's time to put an end to their little games around here, especially the good doctor who should have died in 1861." Then Owen grunted; "How the fuck didn't Mouse or Sibby see him? I mean he's a living human - a time traveller - how come the camera picked him up, but they couldn't see him at the time?" Jericho rubbed his chin and said quietly; "That Owen, is a bloody good question."
the two teams settled down for the remainder of the night. Owen joined Sibby at the monitor and pair chatted; Sibby really liked the quiet young man, who clearly had a sharp mind. Nothing happened and they were relieved By Mouse and Wilson. Sibby had to smile at the difference - physically - between the pair. But they certainly seemed to be getting on. Mouse didn't surprise her; he got on with anyone, even the bastards that took the piss out of the little fellow. She wandered off to find Alex. They could have a good gossip about the two 'mad professors' as Callan called them. She also wanted to know more about the clearly effeminate young Owen. What was his story? She wondered.
3. THE FIELD TRIP; DAY TWO.
Everyone was pleasantly surprised by Alex and Sibby; they had knocked up a decent breakfast of porridge, bacon, eggs and beans on the small paraffin camping stove in the kitchen. Everyone was also surprised how well the two women were getting on; well, except Jen who only noticed the food. When Callan chided her about not helping the other girls; she just stuffed her face with a egg sandwich and muttered; "I'm a fucking lousy cook." No one disbelieved her. There was aloud rapping on the front door and Owen it and was surprised. A very pretty young woman stood there; clutching a casserole pot. Owen immediately took it from her and invited her in. Sibby looked delighted and quickly went to the door with Alex. "You must be Gary's wife. Lovely to meet you." She said as Charlotte told Owen that it could be easily reheated; it was vegetable casserole.
She didn't smile; "No I'm not Gary's wife; I'm his long suffering sister. Someone has to look after him. My boyfriend Leon and he get on really well. They're both keen horse riders." Sibby apologised, but that was waved away. The three women sat and talked. It appears that Gary was a veteran of the Afghan war. Charlotte [Lotte to her friends] explained that Gary's team had been caught by some Afghan fighters and two men were wounded. Gary had gone out to get them. He dragged one back under enemy fire and then returned to fetch the other man. But a homemade bomb had got them. He was badly wounded and rushed to a nearby Army Surgeon who saved his life. But he was scarred. the bomb and ripped up his face and tore off a finger. It had also damaged the nerves in his back and legs. But he had survived to come home to his wife and family.
That's when Lotte's attitude changed at the mention of his wife. "Caroline was beautiful on the outside [she gestured to Alex] a lot like you. But inside she was a festering bag of maggots. The very week Gary was discharged from the hospital she told him that she couldn't stand the thought of looking at him or letting him touch her. She packed her bags and fucked off. I believe she hooked up with some ponce that breeds really expensive dogs for a living." She spat the words out, adding with a smile; "Appropriate that. Living with a a pack of dogs. She's in good company." Lotte told the girls that Gary struggled to find a job. Prospective employers took one look at him and said the position was closed. But the Corps of Commissioners had found him this job; apparently no one else would take it.
Both Sibby and Alex were actually moved by the story; a very brave young man reduced to hiding away in a derelict hospital because the world really didn't want to face or want him. Lotte left, promising to bring back with some mash for the casserole near supper time. She was going to throw some chicken in, but didn't know if anyone was vegetarian. Everyone thanked her for her unexpected generosity. Alec's team now saw 'Egor' in a very different light - except Jen of course - who said simply; "So he's a brave ugly bugger." Sibby turned to her and said - with some restraint in her voice - "Just shut up Jen. Just shut up and keep you bloody filthy comments to yourself. No one wants to hear them." Now that did really surprise everyone else. Sibby normally tolerated Jen's nasty comments, but she didn't this time. Jen just shrugged and - wisely - didn't say anything else.
Later that afternoon, Jericho, Alec, Wilson and Callan disappeared down into the cellars. Sibby and Alex manned the small radio, drinking coffee and chatting quietly together. Jen, apparently excluded from joining the other girls on 'radio watch' grabbed a reluctant Mouse and went exploring the safe parts of the old hospital. Mouse collected a radio from Sibby and followed; shaking his head in real despair.
The team in the cellars reported back nothing of interest. But near lunch time a quiet sounding Jen was calling on her radio; well she was almost whispering actually. Finally Mouse must have taken the radio from her. He spoke quite normally to Sibby; they had found several shallow graves, which looked a lot newer than the others, in the large cemetery that had serviced the hospital. The cemetery was located at the rear of the old stables block .Their call was interrupted by Alec who said they were on the way back and everyone stay put.
Both teams walked around the derelict cemetery. There were graves dating back to the 1850's, right through to the 1920's, when the hospital was closed down. Most of the small headstones were unreadable; they could make out the odd date or name, but little else. "They must have used cheap stone to save money and they haven't weathered well." Alec explained, but he couldn't explain the apparent 'modern' ones; buried at the rear of the cemetery, near the old stable block. There was some sort of memorial, but it was already too worn to be read properly. They could make out part of the date; 19--. Wilson whispered to Jericho; "That's not weathered. It's been deliberately defaced." Jericho nodded; he had already spotted that - but why? - what the fuck was going on?
"How the fuck were there burials after the bloody place closed. It had apparently been shut since the early 20's?" Mouse asked, filming the unusual graves. Alec tried his mobile phone -again - and still had no signal. Sibby wondered if the caretaker had a phone in the lodge. Alec nodded; he would contact Mr. Prouse on it and ask, if he knew the story of the 'modern' burials. They all walked back to the old hospital, talking quietly amongst themselves.
Alec's team disappeared inside; leaving Jericho and team 74 standing in the grounds. They were all staring at the young boy in ragged clothes and bare feet by the front doors of the building. Owen lifted his mirror and spoke quietly: "Charles Jobson; died aged 13 in 1882. His soul is listed as missing. He's one of the three earth bound spirits hiding here." The boy was about to turn and go when Alex called out to him; "Charles or is it Charley? Which do you prefer?" She asked him. He wiped his nose on his jumper and said; "My mum always calls me Charles." He muttered and almost smiled at her. Alex walked slowly up to him and smiled; "Well Charles, my friends and I are here to help you. You don't have to be frightened of us." The boy smiled; "I ain't frightened. Gabriele looks after me." That's when Herbie the Collector appeared. Jericho had summoned him with his mirror. Herbie was one of the best collector's; when it came to reluctant souls. He normally was able to 'scoop' them up. He and Alex stood talking to Charles.
Jericho, Wilson and Owen went back to the foyer and left it to them. "Herbie should really join the department. He's a real good man with the unhappy dead." Owen said and Wilson couldn't disagree; "So the other bugger, that can throw things about must be this 'Gabriele' he spoke about." Owen nodded and re-read his mirror and sighed; "There's no patient called 'Gabriele' that died here, listed as a missing soul." Wilson nodded; "So who the fuck is he?"
They found only Sibby sitting at the monitor. She explained that the other's were checking the equipment for the coming night. She told them that Alec had taken the group to the West Wing to set up detection equipment. There had been several reports of strange happening in the West Wing over the years; including a very unhappy young Victorian woman who could be heard sobbing. But the most interesting incident had happened during the second world war. Army engineers had arrived to survey the old place for possible military use; but encountered an evil gargoyle that threw stuff about and chased them away. One young soldier had actually fired his service revolver at it and watched - horrified - as the bullets passed through it!
Needless to say; that the army never moved in. Sibby concluded her story and smiled at Owen, who sat with her. Wilson and Jericho wandered off. They knew that Doctor Tabbert's time portal must be in the building somewhere. They could now use their mirrors freely, with the other group not around.
They were joined by a smiling Alex; She told them that Herbie had worked his magic and the boy had gone with him. She also told them that 'Charles' had died of Type 1 Diabetes in 1882. It was incurable then and always resulted in death. Charles was from a poor family and that's why he was placed here. The hospital would bury the boy in its cemetery and the family could avoid a funeral bill they simply couldn't afford. He unfortunately, wouldn't talk about 'Gabriele' - except to say - he was a very unhappy man. "Most poltergeists usually are unhappy ex-humans." Muttered Wilson.
Charles had admitted liking the other 'spirit' but - again - didn't talk about it; except to say that it was also unhappy. Wilson grunted; "We could have two bloody poltergeists about the place." Jericho nodded and they headed off, on their search for the time portal and the other two missing souls.
The rear of the extensive building was the oldest - and originally part of the old manor house that stood here - and so they started there. Wilson found it. It was a carved Medieval doorway on the ground floor. "Locked to 1472, June 3rd. Tabbert must have found it soon after the bloody place was built around the old Manor House. Shall we go and pay a visit?" He smiled at Jericho and Alex. Jericho nodded and the team operated their mirrors and where gone. Gary stepped from the curtains at the far end of the corridor and walked up to the doorway and wasn't happy. "The good doctor will not be impressed." He muttered and stepped through. The corridor was now empty.
4. DOCTOR TABBERT; I PRESUME?
They were in a medieval Chapel; the carved doorway had originally been the entrance. It was a hot summer day and the sky was blue and cloudless. Jericho gestured to the Manor House and pointed out that it was quite beautiful. "If it was still standing now [1999] it would be worth a small fortune. But the bloody Victorians knocked it down and built the bloody hospital." Alex consulted her mirror and spoke quietly; "Currently [1472] the place is the family home of Sir Reginald Culpepper, his wife Margaret, daughter Elizabeth and son; John. He's a Knight of King Edward IV. The bloody War of the Roses was going on at this time."
"So where is our time travelling doctor hanging out?" Wilson asked and they walked up the old house. Outside the front door was a young boy - sweeping - and he just stared at them; apparently unfazed by their modern appearance. But he did look hard at Alex's long legs, then at Wilson; he had never seen a man with skin that colour. He leaned on his broom and grinned; he already had teeth missing. He jerked the broom towards a house some distance down the dusty road; "Your friend is there. He's knows your coming. He gave me a apple to tell you." He pulled it from his ragged shirt and held it up. Then quickly placed it back. Jericho nodded and thanked him, saying to the others; "Expecting us?" They walked down to the modest little cottage and Wilson banged on the door.
It was opened by a young girl who was lacing up her bodice and pulling down her skirts. She didn't smile or say anything, but strode past them and headed for the Manor House. The team all looked at each other and Jericho shouted in; "Doctor Tabbert I presume?" The doctor was sitting at a rough table writing in a small notebook; he looked up and smiled; "I wondered how quickly you would find the portal. Please come in. That was young Lizzie; she's in early pregnancy. The baby's father is dead - killed in the bloody wars around here - but Lady Margaret is looking after her. The girls mother was one of her maids. Loyalty runs deep in this time." He gestured to the equally rough chairs and added; "Please sit."
The team sat and looked about the cottage; it was stacked with books and bottles, bushes of herbs and a small bubbling cauldron. "In these times I'm called an 'Apothecary'. A man of medicine and science. As you can imagine, I have quite a few patients." The doctor smiled and loosened the medieval long coat; he was feeling the summer heat. Underneath he was wearing his Victorian suit. He closed his little notebook and pushed it into his pocket. He leaned back in the chair and clasped his hands in front of him; "I have no doubt your on the trail of the missing paranormal investigators that are swarming about my old hospital?"
Jericho nodded - he didn't smile - and said slowly; "Them and a certain time travelling doctor who should have passed over in 1861." The doctor smiled; "Very commendable I'm sure. You can snatch the investigators - they actually don't know they are dead and should pass over - but the doctor is far too busy to desert his patients in any time period." Jericho just nodded; "Quite so doctor, but our boss - Angel Margret - has her own ideas about that."
Wilson asked the Doctor about the paranormal investigators who were around the hospital in 1956. The doctor sat back and ran a hand over his chin; "Oh yes. Those three." He muttered and leaned forward. "They must have been carrying something from the late medieval period - like I do - and they all disappeared through the portal." He held up a large Medieval Crucifix. "Must have come as quite a surprise." He chuckled. "Do you know what become of them?" Alex asked. Doctor Tabbert nodded. "The older man - Crabb - I think. Didn't last long; he just couldn't handle the dark ages and went a little mad. He was last seen begging near the castle. But I think he didn't survive the harsh winter, living in the wilds."
Alex nodded and asked about the other two. The Doctor sighed; "The woman survived; she managed to get the local magistrate - an old widower - to marry her. She died some years ago; no children." He stared down at his hands and shook his head; "The young man was a bloody fool; he was a communist and an Atheist and practically preached it. The Church Inquisition got him. Screamed and struggled all the way to the flames. The idiot couldn't actually believe he was to be burnt alive for saying what he thinks." Their conversations with the doctor were interrupted.
The door swung open and Gary stepped in; he had a very large piece of wood clenched in both hands. The team slowly rose from their seats and the doctor sighed; waving at Gary. "It's alright Gabriele, they are just leaving." The team all looked at each other and Alex whispered; "Of course; Gary is a modern version of the name Gabriele. He's our bloody poltergeist!" Gary lowered the stick and Doctor Tabbert said quietly; "As I said, loyalty runs deep around this parts. I gave Gabriele a job and a home in 1840, when the ungrateful British Government tossed him away like garbage. He was a very brave man, serving his country and paid a terrible price for that. But you do know his story?" Alex nodded; "So Professor Sweetman's team think he was injured in the Afghan war that took place in the 1990's, not realising it was the bloody 1840's!" She then thought about his sister; how did she end up a ghost at the hospital?
Doctor Tabbert stood and shook his coat. "His sister worked at the hospital and looked after her brother, after the departure of his very unfaithful wife. She died in 1847, but couldn't bring herself to leave her brother, who she had cared for with so much love and attention." He gestured towards the door; "Goodbye my friends. Please do take those wretched paranormal investigators with you." He smiled and folded his arms. Jericho just sighed loudly and operated his mirror; time stood still. He walked to the door and stared at Gary/Gabriele and said softly; "You deserve a better fate than this. You need to jump and start a new life." Alex jumped a little as Oscar appeared in the doorway - smiling and gripping his Staff of Moses - he was a Guardian of God and had the power to compel reluctant and unwilling souls to the light. Little Oscar was a good friend of the team and they welcomed him with some affection. He gave Alex a big kiss and said; "What's up Jericho? I got the call you had a poltergeist running about?"
Jericho chuckled and pointed at Gary; "That's your man, he's all yours. The other is just a reluctant soul that needs to jump, whether he wants to or not." Oscar smiled and slapped his Staff onto his shoulder; "Sooner said than done." He was gone and so was Gary and the good doctor. Jericho consulted his mirror and smiled broadly; "Oscar is always on top of these things. He's already closed the time portal. Now that's what I call service from the Guardians Department." They all chuckled and Jericho operated his mirror and the cottage was empty. The small boy climbed down from the barrel under the window and scratched his lice ridden crotch. He thought the dwarf [Oscar] was funny, but he really liked Alex's long legs. He walked slowly back to the Manor House, tossing the apple in the air.
They walked down the corridor, heading back to the foyer, and Wilson stopped; "How did he appear in Sibby's room and get caught on Mouse's film, yet Mouse and Sibby didn't see him? He was a living human - just a time traveller - how the hell didn't they see him?" Jericho stood hands on hips and looked about the corridor; "I have a feeling the answer lies in those graves." Alex and Wilson just looked at each other; what was Jericho thinking now?
Alex volunteered to tell Lotte about her brother and the doctor. "Hopefully, she can now jump to another life. Her duty of love to her brother is now finally over." She said and left them. Both Jericho and Wilson agreed with that. They walked to the burnt out East Wing and found Mouse and Callan there; filming. Jericho asked where Professor Sweetman was. "He's back with Sibby and Jen; they're setting up an external night camera on those graves. The professor thinks they could yield some interesting stuff." Jericho nodded and tapped Wilson's arm; "I think the good professor is right." He whispered and the pair headed back to the foyer.
5. SECOND NIGHT.
Sibby and Jen were watching the monitor as night was falling fast. They both wondered why Lotte hadn't appeared with the bloody mash she promised. Owen and Alex sat by the old desk and sipped their coffee's. Alex had bought Owen up to date with the story of the caretaker and his loyal sister. Owen nodded and rubbed his chin; "So Gary actually died in 1845, probably from the injuries he suffered. He and Lotte must be buried in the old cemetery, but their graves are now lost with the headstones so unreadable." Alex sighed and finished her coffee; "She was actually quite happy to see Herbie the Collector. I think she really wanted all this to end."
Callan and Mouse were catching up on some sleep, but Alex wondered where the gorgeous professor had disappeared too. Owen collected her cup and shouted to the other girls; "Any one wants a refill?" They both smiled and held up their cups. He collected them and headed for the kitchen. Alex leaned back in her chair and stared about the foyer. She turned and picked up the Visitors Book from the desk and blew off some dust and slowly flicked through the yellowing pages. She stopped and read the entry made by the paranormal investigators in 1956. They certainly discovered something and ii had killed them - for good - they were in the darkness; lost souls. There were few other entries. All workman, building Inspectors and visits from various members of the Board of Trustee's.
There was an entry from the fire inspection team; who dealt with the fire earlier this year. Alex looked at the date; 13th may, 1999. But the entry just before the fire was also for this very year; Professor Sweetman had filled out the details of his teams visit. She stared at the names and smiled.
She re-read the entry and realised that something was wrong. She read the entry again; but couldn't figure what was bothering her. Owen returned with more coffee and was chatting with the girls manning the monitor and radio. Alex placed the book on the floor and accepted her coffee from Owen. "Have a look at the Visitors Book. The last entry. Can you spot anything wrong with it?" Owen nodded and picked the book up and stared at it; "Everyone is there. Sibby, Jen, Mouse and Callan." He said and sipped his coffee. Both he and Alex slowly placed their cups down and rose from their seats. The same solution had appeared to both; the professor hadn't signed the damn book.
Alex asked Sibby who had made out the entry in the book. She smiled and said; "Callan. The professor hadn't arrived when he did it. I'll tell him [the professor] to add his name." She smiled and went back to watching the monitor. Alex and Owen excused themselves and headed out; lighting the way with their mirrors. They could see the car headlights coming from the old stable block. They slipped through the broken doors and stood in front of the big Jaguar car. The professor was in the driver's seat; head in hands. Alex walked up and opened the door; "Do you want to talk about all those deaths Alec?" She walked around to the passenger door and slid in. Owen jumped in the back and checked his mirror.
It was quite a few minutes before Alec lowered his hands and breathed deeply; he was clearly suffering inside. He smiled at Alex and wiped his face with a bright orange hankie. "I arrived late; you see this young student.....I forget her name now....she stopped me just as I was leaving. Well. I couldn't...I mean, I had no will power; she was very pretty." Alex sighed; "You were having sex while your students burnt to death in an old hospital, unaware that they shouldn't have plugged anything in the East Wing sockets. But you knew it was not safe. They should have been in the West Wing; where they are now." Alec nodded and wiped his face again; "Yes, I was told that morning about the change of wings; except I was late and the team had already left. I should have rushed down there, but the pretty little student distracted me."
"Who's in the graves Alec?" Owen asked, but he already knew. The professor looked up; there were little tears on his face and in his eyes. "My team of very good young people. Everyone felt it was proper to bury them here; where they worked and died doing something they loved." Alex nodded; "Why did you deface the memorial date?" Alec sighed; "I hoped to change all that. I tried year after year and nothing changed. Then I realised something....I realised..." He stopped talking and wiped his face.
i
"Mobile phone signals don't pick up round here; do they?" Owen asked him and he nodded. "I drove like a madman and arrived just as evening was falling. The west wing was already ablaze. They didn't get out." Alex gripped his arm; "You've carried this guilt for an awful long time Alec , it's time to put it behind you and move on." Alec nodded slowly; "Sibby had such a bright future. She was my best student by a long way. But all she wanted was a man to call her own and some children. I took all those little dreams from her...and the others ...all their dreams went up in smoke." He groaned and folded his arms; pushing back in the seat. He was in turmoil.
Alex gripped his hand and turned to Owen; "What have we got on him?" Owen checked his mirror and shook his head; "Nothing that would interest Jericho or the department. He's basically clean." Alex smiled; "I think you should head back to the University and take a few days to get around this. Every time you come back here Alec, they are unable to jump. It's your guilt holding them here and they really need to move on." He stared at Alex and very slowly nodded. Alex slid from the car followed by Owen. They stood amongst the mud and straw, watching the big car pull away. Owen nodded as the dashing professor Alec Sweetman slowly changed back to his real appearance; an old man. The car disappeared down the hospital lane towards the main road.
"He's been coming back here on the anniversary of the fire for some twenty years and his team have been waiting that long, waiting for him to turn up and save their lives by warning them about being in the wrong wing." Alex said and Owen checked his mirror; the current date was 13th May 2019. Alex took Owen's hand and they walked back to the foyer; they both hoped Jericho and Wilson would soon join them. They had four lost souls to speak with.
Sibby stared at camera four - the night camera set up over the cemetery - and turned to Jen; "Does the caretaker or his sister have a car?" Jen shrugged her shoulders; "I don't know. I don't think so." Sibby called the professor on the radio and received nothing but static. She called again; nothing. Something told her that he had gone. She sighed and placed the little handset down. Jen was smoking again; standing by the open door. "I think he's gone." Was all she said.
Callan and Mouse wandered in, sipping coffee and looked about. "What's that slight smell? I could smell something earlier." Sibby chuckled, gesturing to Jen; "Battersea Power station is at it again." The boys chuckled and dropped in front of the monitor. Sibby and Jen headed for their makeshift bedroom and Mouse put his feet up; he was knackered. Callan told him to doze and sat reading his book. The hours crept past and Callan's head was nodding. He never smelt or saw the thin whips of grey smoke. He never felt death slip over him as the hospital wing caught fire with some violence. The smoke had overcome the two boys as they slept. The girls tried to get out the windowless room - screaming hysterically - but couldn't get past the wall of fire. They were burnt to death; mercifully, quite quickly. The fire consumed their bodies - curled up into balls - beneath their beds.
"Where the hell are they?" Wilson said. Herbie the Collector shook his head; he didn't know. All five were in his Soul ledger for tonight. Jericho sighed and turned to the team; "He still won't let them go," He operated his mirror and the team disappeared. Herbie shrugged and watched as the fire brigade arrived on scene. The old caretaker was shouting to them about the students. Two brave firemen crashed through the front door, under the protection of a spurting hose and wearing breathing apparatus; tired to find the students. Fire Officer Kevin Higgs fell under part of a crumbling blazing wall and didn't make it back out. The fire chief called off any further rescue attempts; he had lost one good man already. That was enough. Young Kevin Higgs and Herbie stood watching for a few minutes and then the pair disappeared.
6. THE FIELD TRIP; DAY ONE. [AGAIN]
The University mini bus turned from the road into Tabbert's Lane; "It may get bumpy so hold on!" 'Sibby' shouted [Ms Sylvia Fellows] and the other three occupants gripped seats and arm rests. Sibby kept a tight grip on the wheel and the mini bus struggled up the gravel lane; sodden by weeks of rain. "Well, I'm not getting out and bloody pushing." Jen Phillips called out to no one in particular. She drew on her shaking cigarette. She was sitting right next to a large 'NO SMOKING' sign on the window and didn't give a fuck; like she did about most things "You would have thought that old 'Sweetie' [Professor Alec Sweetman] would have bloody warned us about the bloody road." She added and blew little smoke rings about...
Jericho sat in the front passenger seat of their van and turned to Wilson; who was driving the van that Supplies had given them. He checked his mirror; it was 13th may, 2020. "Right on time - again." He muttered. They had passed the professor's old Jaguar car parked in a gravel layby some minutes earlier. The old man had been sobbing into hands - again. Alex leaned on Jericho's seat and said quietly; "We'll have to confront him. He must know that's he's holding them back." Owen tapped his mirror and looked up; "We have to do something. He won't be back next year. The cancer will finish him off next March. Then what will those poor buggers do?" Wilson grunted; "Ghosts waiting for a dead man who will never show up. How will that play out?"
Alex leaned forward and stared out the windscreen, the wipers pushing slowly across it. "Something is wrong. They appear to be stuck at the gates." She said softly. Jericho rubbed his chin; "Of course; we've changed things. There is no Gary the caretaker to open the gates for the other lost souls. He's moved on; willingly or not." Wilson chuckled a little; "If they can't get back in - as they always did - what will they do now?" Jericho smiled and pulled out his mirror; "A call to Herbie may be in order."
But Owen leaned across him and tapped his arm, shaking his head; "I would hold on that, take a look." They watched as the big Jaguar pulled up behind the van; professor Sweetman jumped from the car waving. He was his youthful self again. Jericho stared at his mirror; "Its may 13th 1999 for them." The team watched as he held up keys and walked to the gates; ignoring the tumbling rain and unlocked them. The van pulled away and the professor walked back to his car and follow the van in; locking the gates behind him. Wilson sighed; "Now that's a bloody turn up for the books. Now what do we do?"
Jericho's mirror buzzed and he answered it quickly. the call from the Senior Time Controller was not unexpected. Jericho spoke for a few minutes and when the call had finished, he turned to the team and sighed; "The current human time line has changed. It appears that Alec has changed his and the students destiny. The wing still catches fire and the young fireman dies at the scene. But the students had moved to the other wing - the safe one - and so they didn't die." Alex asked; "How did the fire start if they didn't plug anything in?" Jericho almost smiled; "Apparently the professor set up a camera in there and that was enough for the dangerous wiring to start the blaze." Owen was already reading about the new time line. He really did chuckle.
"You have to admire the fucker. he turned out to be one brave bastard." Owen said and smiled at his puzzled colleagues. "What happened Owen?" Alex asked gripping his arm with a growing smile. Owen stared at the big gates; "Alec turned up alright and moved everyone to the other wing. But he set up a camera in the old wing; knowing full well that it would start the fire. He was the only member of the team that was killed in the blaze. the other's all escaped." Alex flopped back in her seat and shook her head; "When we were talking in the car that night. He said he had realised something, but never finished what he was saying." She sighed; "He realised that only his bloody death would stop the team living that dreadful, terrible night over and over again."
Jericho nodded; "And it did. Professor Alec Sweetman defaced his own memorial. I bet if we take a look at that now; there's only one well kept grave there." Owen looked up and smiled; "Here we go." He said simply and the team watched the small convoy of cars approaching the gates; which were being opened by the caretaker, dressed in a bright yellow rain coat. The cars passed through and Jericho patted Wilson's arm; "Shall we go?" Wilson nodded and started the van; following the last car through. Alex consulted her mirror; it was 13th May, 2020. Some twenty one years after the fatal fire.
Owen tapped his mirror and spoke to her softly; "The firemen went in to save the professor and not the student - they were safe - and so fireman Higgs death, which was scheduled, could take place. That part of the time line continues normally. He knew he was to die of cancer; an old and distraught man, living a terrible life of bad dreams and regret, This way he could die on his own terms and save his students. His terrible guilt was over."
They followed the other cars to the old cemetery and watched them empty out. Wilson stopped the van and the team decamped, they headed for the graveyard in respectful silence.
7. A CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE.
They joined the mourners huddled around the little memorial and a strapping young man smiled at Alex; "Sorry, But this is a private service of Remembrance for my mum's old professor. May I ask who invited you please?" Jericho answered him, shaking his hand; "Professor Tibb's and the Paranormal team from Edinburgh University. Being the 21st Anniversary of Professor Sweetman's tragic death, the University thought it would be appropriate for another team of investigators to show their respects." The young man actually smiled and turned to the other mourners; "Mum! You'll love this. A team of paranormal investigators from Edinburgh University have turned up to show their respects to dad." Everyone just stared at the young man; he was Alec's son!
They recognised 'Sibby' at once; she of course didn't recognise them, but smiled and shook hands all round. She was still a very beautiful woman. She pushed her arm through her handsome son's and said quietly about how nice it was; that the University had sent someone after all these years. She stared at Alex and really did smile, saying; "I'm sure we've met before. Maybe at a paranormal get together?" Alex just nodded and the two women chatted like old friends. A very small, but smiling Reverend joined them; the team recognised Mouse immediately. He was clutching his bible; "Shall we start Sibby?" He asked.
"I thought that was absolutely lovely." Alex grinned and settled back in her seat. The team were sitting in the van watching the cars depart. They had been invited to the small 'wake' at the local pub, but knew they wouldn't attend. Owen folded his arms; "So Alec had more than one reason to save his students. Sibby was carrying his baby. I wondered where that pair had disappeared to that first night. She had to tell him that she was pregnant. Little wonder her tragic death cut him up so much. He had killed his own child as well." Wilson sighed; "He kept going back, each year and every year, trying to change things, Then realised that only his death could do that. Bloody human freewill and all that."
Callan's two daughters had represented their father at the ceremony; he had died two years ago, suffering from chronic heart disease. Ann and Sylvia had both liked the look of Owen and Wilson. Jen didn't bother to turn up and no one seemed to mind; that was Jen's way. Apparently she was a very successful business woman - quite ruthless in her deals - she told Sibby that she couldn't find the time; but had sent some flowers; cheap ones.
Jericho's mirror buzzed and he really did sigh. The screen had lit up like Blackpool illuminations; everyone knew that was Angel Margret herself calling. He answered it slowly; unsmiling. It was a brief conversation and Jericho lowered his mirror and shrugged his shoulders. "I have an interview with Margret about this little mess. It appears that dirty old doctor Tabbert lied to us." He pushed his mirror into his jacket pocket and smiled at their inquisitive faces. "It appears that a certain young woman in 1473 gave birth to an unscheduled baby. The dirty doctors child." Wilson sighed; "Young Lizzie I assume." Jericho nodded.
Owen chuckled; "Are we going to deal with that?" Jericho folded his arm; "Let's find a pub and have a drink. Not the pub with the bloody wake going on. We're in enough shit already." Then smiled. Alex sighed - she didn't look happy - "I bloody hate medieval clothes and where can I get a maid? No woman of quality travels without one in those times. Ruth is on her Collector's course." Jericho smiled; "Over to you Owen. Do you fancy resurrecting 'Jacqueline' again?" Owen laughed; "Why not." Wilson groaned; "I bloody knew it. I said he would go strange if he kept dressing in bloody women's clothes!" Everyone laughed at that including a smiling Owen.
EPILOGUE:
"This mission was not considered a success - despite closing the time portal - and recovering four lost souls. The changes to the time line by Professor Sweetman's actions had to be absorbed into the current Time Line. Angel Margret wasn't happy with Team 74 and told them so. They would - of course - shrug that off and continue with their duties."
W.A.S.
CHARCTERS:
Sylvia Fellows married in 2002; a pleasant fellow who was a dentist. She continued to enjoy exploring the paranormal and bring up her son; Alistair [Alec] Sylvia died in 2033. he soul was collected and processed. She is now a temporal detective Trainee on Team 61. Her and Alex are good friends.
Jennifer Phillips became a very successful business woman on the internet; selling flowers in frames! She never married but had a son by one of her many partners, over the years. She died in 2042 and her soul was collected and processed.
Callan Carter never finished his university course and joined the British army in 2000. He married a German lady [where he was stationed at the time] Callan had two daughters by her and they divorced in 2010. Callan died from chronic heart failure in 2018. His soul was collected and processed.
Morris Maxwell completed his degree course and joined the Church of England. He proved top be a popular and much loved 'local vicar'. He never married or had children. he died in 2031 and his soul was collected and processed. He now works as a Collector; he's very good at it!
Professor Alec [Sweetie] Sweetman changed his own destiny that fateful day; he walked away from the 'pretty little student' and rushed down to Tabbert's Hospital. He saved his students but lost his own life. What he was actually doing in the East Wing the night of the fire, remains a mystery. His soul was collected and processed.
Gabriele [Gary] London had died in 1845 and like his sister, avoided being collected until 1999. His soul was collected and quarantined for one human century.
Charlotte [Lotte] London had died in 1847 and avoided collection. She finally walked to the light in 1999. Her soul was collected and quarantined for fifty human years.
Charles Jobson [the boy] had died at the hospital in 1882 at 13 years of age. He had avoided being collected and remained as an 'Earth bound spirit' until Herbie the Collector took him in 1999. His soul was collected and processed. He didn't receive a sanction for his actions and re-joined the human life cycle immediately.
Edwin Rush [Caretaker 1999] was a former NHS staff nurse. He had taken the 'quiet' job after he retired in 1992. He died in 2006 and his soul was collected and processed.
Kevin Higgs [Fireman] was 22 years old when killed at the fire. He had never married or had children. He was given an appropriate Service Funeral and a small memorial was erected at the hospital. It was removed when the hospital was demolished. Its current whereabouts are unknown. His soul was collected and processed.
Doctor Xavier Tabbert was returned to his own scheduled time period by Oscar [A Guardian of God] and met his fate in 1861. He died on schedule and his soul was collected and quarantined for a human century. But the child he had by Elizabeth Westhouse [Lizzie] would cause problems later on, down the current Human Time Line. Jericho and Team 74 have been tasked with sorting that one out.
John farmer [small boy - 1472] never reached adulthood. He died of small pox in 1476. His soul was collected and processed.
Elizabeth Mary Westhouse [Lizzie - 1472] gave birth in 1473 to an unscheduled baby boy. He grew up quickly - as children did in those harsh time - and worked as a farmer. He married and had three children by two wives. The changes that caused to the current human time line caused problems; several generations later. Inspector Jericho Tibb's and Team 74 have been tasked by Angel Margret to restore the line. But that is another story and another mission. Lizzie died in 1481 and her soul was collected and processed.
Alistair Fellows [Sibby's son] became a History teacher and taught in a couple of local schools. He retired in 2057 - he was one of the last 'human' teachers working in the profession. He spent his retirement doing charity work. He had two children with his partner Kathleen. He died in 2078 and his soul was collected and processed.
Tabbert's hospital was finally demolished in 2027 and a large supermarket and car parks were constructed on the site. There have been no reports of any 'paranormal or supernatural' occurrences at the place, where it stood.
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