http://youtu.be/4iOGeCLpAY0

Onboard SS ERIN midnight 08 Nov 17:

Today had been a long day for Eliza and her sister Chrissie. Packing, the long trip to the harbor, getting everything unpacked and stored in the much too small cabin the shared was tiring. Lunch was tolerable except for the most charming Tom Dodge who entertained everyone with his many strange sea tales that his son demanded. Each story more fantastic than the prior story. As a storyteller he was; well, he just was.

After lunch, the two sisters toured the ship, met most of the other passengers and a few of the crew who were scurrying about hither and yon seemingly with out purpose, but with fierce determination. Eventually, they found a pair of chairs on the deck and relaxed and watched the land and other passing ships until they lost sight of land and other ships. With only endless and empty ocean to watch, both sisters settled down to read until they dozed off...

It was soon dark, and they retired to their cabin to dress for dinner (it was customary in those days to dress for dinner). Dinner was excellent and the sisters were pleased to sit at the captain's table (although they would have liked to have Tom and his son at their table). After dinner, there was conversation and drinks with the other passengers followed by dancing. The sisters found they were quite popular and danced many times with all of the eligible gentlemen.

Finally they retired to their cabin, but Eliza and Chrissie couldn't sleep because of the motion of the ship and headaches (caused by the alcohol they consumed - something they rarely enjoyed at home with their strict parents), so they decided to take a late night walk on the deck...

As they walked along the port side of the ship, Eliza noticed a sailing ship approaching their ship. They were not suprised to see a sailing ship, sailing ships were still being used in 1917. However, as the ship approached closer, they could clearly see cannon on the ship! Eliza grabbed Chrissie's arm tightly when the full moon came out making the flag on the sailing ship clearly visible - THE SKULL AND BONES! A PIRATE FLAG!

The two sisters ran towards the ship's lounge, where lights still could be seen. When the entered the lounge, the meet Tom Dodge and the Second Mate. The two men found the strange sighting the frightened girls described to be unbelievable (attributing their bizarre claims to the wild imagination of two young and very drunk girls). Being gentlemen, they decided to humor the two girls. Each man took a girl by the arm and led them out on the deck to verify their sighting...

The moon was still out, and the frightened girls saw that the pirate ship was now sailing alongside the ERIN. The men looked where the girls were pointing but could see nothing but open sea??? They watched for a while, but the girls were unable to convince the men that there was a pirate ship pointing it's cannon at the unsuspecting ERIN!

The girls began to shiver from the cold (and their fear?). The men finally convinced the girls to retire to their cabin for the night and promised to have the crew keep a sharp lookout for pirates...

The girls locked their cabin door, undressed and got into their bunks. They quickly fell asleep from exhaustion and slept quietly through the night...

http://youtu.be/sXcYJNOt064

Onboard SS ERIN 0300 08NOV17:

Tom Dodge quietly entered the hold carrying a lantern in one hand and tools in the other. He set the tools down until he found one of the things he was looking for. Returning to pick up the tools, he returned to the the crate and began to open it wispiring to himself with satisfaction "Now let's find some scripture."

Before he could lift the lid to see what was inside, he heard footsteps behind him...

He heard a man with a heavy European accent say "raise your hands above your head and turn around." Tom dropped the mallet he still held onto the crate and slowly turned around. When he recognized the seaman who held a German pistol pointed at him, Tom said "Spec in Ze Deutsch?"
"Silence! I will ask the questions" came the reply.
Tom then responded confidently "You should look behind you".
The seaman started to respond "No one is dumb enough to fall for...", but before he could complete his sentence the man died as the knife thrust pierced his heart.

Tom waked over to the dead man, picked up the pistol and put it inside his pants. Looking at Tom Junior With disgust in his voice, Tom Dodge said" ARGH! You scurvy dog. Dead men tell no tales!"

His son responded "Do I look like a Pirate?"

"IDIOT! A Dead man can't talk JUNIOR!"

"Don't call me JUNIOR OLD MAN".

"Just wipe up the blood". Turning around and opening the lid, Tom pulled out some rags and paper and threw them at Tom Junior. "And wrap up the wound so he doesn't bleed all over before we throw him over the side.

After examining the contents of the crate, Tom closed the lid, picked up his mallet and pounded the nails until the crate was sealed. Tom then picked up the lantern and started to look for another crate. Quickly finding a crate marked "Machine Tools", Tom opened the case and examined the contents. Carefully he closed the lid and resealed the crate.
He turned to his son and said "Let's pick up the body and throw it over the side before the next watch change.

They carried the body out of the hold without anyone seeing them. The quickly moved to the side of the ship and proceeded to throw the body, the lantern, the knife, and the tools over the side. After they had completed the deed, they retraced their steps looking for drops of blood. Finding nothing, they entered the lounge finding it empty except for Rick Lealand (another passenger) who seemed to be suprised to see any of the other passengers still up. Rick said "Goodnight, it's late and I'm going to bed." Rick left the ship's lounge but instead of returning to his cabin, he waited in the shadows until he watched the father and son leave the lounge and enter their cabin...

Rick waited for a few minutes then proceeded to another hold where he had already hidden a lantern and tools. Lighting the lantern, Rick started looking through the passenger luggage until he found two steamer trunks identified as belonging to Dr. Lorenz. He quickly picked the lock on each trunk, opened it up and looked inside. When he was finished, he returned the lantern and tools to their hiding place and exited the hold. Without being seen, he entered his own cabin...

"No one there is exactly what he seems" - G'Kar

http://youtu.be/bT7a8Gv9qdA

Onboard SS ERIN 0430 08NOV17:

The messenger on watch entered the crew berthing compartment and quietly awakened the junior steward. The junior steward quickly got up and dressed. He left the berthing compartment and stopped for a cup of Java before preparing the shower for Señora Blanco. He was annoyed about having to rise so early, but Señora Blanco was a very demanding passenger. She insisted that she get the first shower ahead of her fellow passengers. He knocked on her door at 0500. He waited patiently outside her door to escort her to the shower and stand guard outside while she showered. She opened the door promptly at 0515 and the steward respectfully greeted her and escorted her to the shower. He guarded the door as she entered the shower room. The time was now 0520 [two hours after the death of Seaman Martins]. Within seconds, the steward could hear the Señora screaming as if someone was trying to kill her. Not thinking of the propriety of entering the shower room with a married woman inside, he instinctively rushed in to protect a woman in trouble. He saw a man dressed all in black moving so quickly he could barely see him. The intruder climbed the wall as if he were a giant insect and started walking on the ceiling! Suddenly, Señora Blanco stopped breathing and the man just disappeared! He looked down to see the (now dead) woman bleeding on the floor of the shower. he felt someone land upon him and push him aside to exit the room, but the steward could no longer see the killer. It was as if he was invisible! He felt the man push him aside, but could not see him! It was like some bizarre nightmare!

Afraid, to touch the naked woman, he left the room and raised the alarm. Within minutes, the messenger and Second Mate entered the shower room and were stunned at what they saw. The messenger threw up while the Second Mate examined the obviously dead woman. It looked like she had been strabbed a dozen times by a madman! It was if Jack the Ripper had found another victim. The Second Mate ordered the messenger to summon the Captain and the Ship's Doctor.

The Ship's Doctor arrived first and examined the body. He quickly determined that she was dead and covered the body with towels and her robe. When the Captain arrived, the Dictor stopped him at the door and said, "You don't want to see this, Sir". "What happened" the Captain responded as he stepped back from the door. "Señora Blanco was apparently strabbed by a madman, but I can't tell what kind of weapon was used. I've never seen wounds like this before. It's just horrible."

Looking at the Second Mate, the Captain demanded "Who did this?"

The Second Mate responded " I don't know. The Junior Steward was standing guard outside when she started screaming. He entered the shower room and observed the killer who pushed him aside while fleeing the room. he was unable to get a good look at the killer. He quickly raised the alarm, but the woman was dead before the doctor arrived."

"Okay, I want Sam [the Junior Steward] secured until I can question him privately" the Captain replied.

The Doctor then interrupted with " Captain, I would like to have Dr. Lorenz look at the woman's body. He may be able to explain the unusual wounds inflicted."

"NO! I want this kept secret from everyone except the crew that already know what happened. I want the body moved and this room cleaned up before any of the other passengers wake up!"

Everyone looked at the Captain and responded "YES SIR!"

Looking at the doctor, the Captain asked " Was she raped?"

"No sir."

http://youtu.be/nUachCwtZCY

Onboard SS ERIN 0730 08NOV17:

Tom Dodge entered the room and took his seat at his normal table (he had requested that particular seat so that his back was to the bulkhead and he could see all three doors. He was suprised to be the first to take his seat. He thought: curious? Señora Blanco, a difficult widow who just buried her second husband, usually insisted that she be seated first and served first. Maybe she is unwell. Woman are weak creatures who find it difficult to adjust to life at sea. Old sailors were right, women do not belong on ships.

His thoughts shifted as Tom Junior entered the room. A good man, but he lacks experience. He is too quick to resort to his fists or a knife and has a short temper - probably due to insecurity over his small height and youthful looks. Still a good choice. He easily shifts into his role as if he was a born actor.

Professor Ciruela entered shortly after Tom Junior. So young thought Tom Dodge. How could someone so young be a professor? He was a notorious archeologist accused several times of grave digging and stealing artifacts. Tom remembered he is wanted for questioning in several South American and Asian countries. He has a pistol and a bull whip in his cabin, but Tom does not consider him a threat. Immediately behind the Professor entered Joe Totsuiko, a Japanese. He has an ornate and very sharp sword in his cabin. Joe apparently collects Japanese Sheriff badges. He has six in his cabin (carefully hidden). Tom is unsure of why Joe is on this ship. He is not on the reported passenger manifest. He boarded at the last minute and was not added to the manifest. Why? He...

Tom's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the two Turner sisters. Elizabeth with light brown hair is the elder sister. She seems remarkably mature and confident for someone so young. Tom smiled as he thought I think she likes me...Too young, but so attractive. Her sister a vivacious blonde is too immature and impulsive. Tom doubted she would have been allowed to be here if not for the presence of her elder sister.

Tom's thoughts shifted again as Señora Escarlata strolled into the room like a tigress on the prowl. A stunning beauty with a million dollar wardrobe and an impressive collection of expensive jewelry hidden in her cabin. Tom watched her sway to her seat eyeing all the men in the room and making sure every man watched her. Tom was unable to find any information on her. He wondered who see really was. In his conversations with her, she said nothing of consequence but was always entertaining. He contemplated that she was always listening to every conversation in a room as if she was a spider on the wall. He wondered if she was the pampered mistress of a powerful man or the mistress of a bordello???

Tom looked again to the door as Rev. Verde entered the room. Tom felt that he appeared to be a simple man of God. A quick search of his room found nothing of consequence.

Again Tom's thought shifted as Señora Pavo Real, wife of a powerful Chilean Senator Arrived. An elderly and annoying woman obsessed with food. Always prattling away about some delicacy she had eaten. Tom thought thank God she doesn't sit at my table.

Tom was relieved to see Col. Mustaza enter the room giving him something to think about that was not Señora Pavo Real. Tom reminded himself that he had found an Army Revolver and a ceremonial officer sword in the Col.'s cabin. The Col. was not considered to be friendly to the United States. Tom resolved that he would keep a close watch on the Col.

Tom looked to the door to see who would be the next to enter. It was Rick Lealand, another unknown. Tom thought there is something strange about him. He comes from New York but has a California accent. He speaks with a raspy voice but women appear to be attracted to him. He has an Army Issue .45. Tom pondered if it had been stolen or bought on the black market. Rick is a dangerous man. Tom decided that he would have Tom Junior try to make friends with Rick and see what he could learn.

Tom thought that leaves Dr. Lorenz, a fat man with a quick whit. Obviously German, he claims to be returning to California where he has a medical practice. But why not take the Railroad??? Why??? What is he up too?...

Meanwhile:

The Captain decided that breakfast could be a little late. He was dealing with two major problems: the unsolved murder of a woman with the killer loose onboard his ship and a missing crewman.

The woman's body had been quickly moved and the shower room inspected and the bloody mess cleaned up before any of the passengers awoke (most apparently had been up quite late). None of them stirred until there was a knock on the door by the steward or the Junior Steward after Sam had been returned to duty.

Inspection of the shower area was consistent with Sam's account of what happened. A trail of Blood was found from the shower, up the wall across the ceiling and on the back of Sam's shirt. Sam had several fresh bruises that could not have been done by the woman. As strange as Sam's account, the evidence supported it. Sam had no weapon on him, did not have an opportunity to hide a weapon or throw it over the side. The Captain knew Sam for several years. Brutally killing a woman was just not in his character. As outlandish as it seemed, there was a vicious killer loose with an unknown weapon and unusual skill. He had to be found and found quickly before he could claim another victim.

The Captain had held an early muster of the crew to select individuals to search the ship without alarming the passengers. The muster uncovered that one crew member was missing...Seaman Martins. This concerned the Captain. Most likely, either Seaman Martins was the killer or was also killed by the killer. The only good thing about the missing Seaman is that it provided an excuse for surreptitiously searching the ship without alarming the passengers.

Seaman Gondeschall and the Lorenson brothers quickly volunteered to search for Arian (Germans stick together!). The Captain selected two other Seaman and the Second Mate to join the search. The Captain was waiting for the Second Mate to report on the progress of the search before going to breakfast (by tradition, the passengers would not be served until the Captain took his seat). The Second Mate was a few minutes late before appearing before the Captain to give his report:

The search was going slowly. So for nothing significant had been found. However, the Second Mate also mentioned that during the search of hold #1, Seaman Gondeschall discovered one case of cabbages was missing???

The Captain thought briefly: why would anyone on this ship want to steal a case of cabbage? Filing it away as just a curiosity, the Captain ordered the Second Mate to continue the search and proceeded to join the passengers at breakfast...

http://youtu.be/7YyBtMxZgQs

Onboard SS ERIN 0740 08NOV17:

Since the Captain was late for breakfast, Tom Dodge got up and walked over to the Captain's Table and greeted the Turner sisters. He asked them if they had slept well. Elizabeth turned towards Tom with a most eager smile. Chrissie could see that her sister was clearly smitten with the dashing Tom Dodge. He asked her if she would like to go for a walk after breakfast. She quickly blushed and agreed as she noticed the Captain enter the room. Her sister said " Look the Captain had arrived. It looks like breakfast is about to start. Tom turned and smiled at Chrissie and replied " Enjoy your breakfast" then moved back to his chair across the room.

As the Captain approached the table, Col. Mostaza stood up and waited for the Captain. The two sisters remained seated. After the Captain took his seat, Col. Mostaza sat down.

Immediately, the two stewards quickly began to serve breakfast starting with the Captain, then the Turner sisters, then Col Mostaza before moving to the First Mate's table. While breakfast was being served to the other tables, the Captain, the Turner sisters, and Col. Mostaza began to eat. By custom, no one would start to eat a meal until everyone at the table had been served.

While eating the breakfast, the Captain and the guests at his table conducted light conversation. The Captain asked the Col. about his wife and three children. The girls asked about his eldest son and his daughter. When the subject began to die down, the Captain expertly steered the conversation to how the sisters were enjoying the voyage. Both sisters breathlessly described their experiences, while the Captain and the Col. paid appropriate attention to what the girls had to say and asked gentle questions when appropriate. The girls enjoyed immensely being treated as adults (at home, their strict parents would not allow them to be so familiar with adults). When the girls began to describe their late night fright of seeing the pirate ship's approach and the praising of the protective and gentlemanly conduct by Mr. Dodge and the Second Mate, the two girls did not notice the displeasure in the face of the Captain. The Col. did notice, but said nothing. The Captain asked the sisters very detailed questions about the pirate ship's appearance without alarming the two sisters...

Halfway through breakfast, Tom Totsuiko asked to be excused, quickly stood up and left the room without anyone from the other tables noticing except for Tom Dodge who closely observed Totsuiko's exit without anyone at his table noticing his attention was elsewhere...

As soon as it was socially acceptable (A ship's Captain is well schooled in the social graces - even today, before becoming a senior Officer one must attend a class on how to act appropriately in formal occasions (and meals on a ship carrying passengers are definitely formal affairs). A class the the United States Navy calls "Knife and Fork School") the Captain stood up apologized for having to leave, "but duty calls". The Captain then left the room stopping briefly to talk to the Senior Steward who immediately approached the Second Mate and wispered into his ear "The Captain requests your presence in his cabin immediately".

Meanwhile:

Tom Totsuiko had returned to his cabin and changed clothes. He quickly left taking his Swords and the six "Japanese Sheriff Badges". Moving silently and avoiding contact with crew members, he entered the compartment containing the passengers extra luggage (space was limited in the passenger cabins, so part of each passengers baggage were stored a secure compartment). If needed, a steward would quickly retrieve what the passenger required.

Totsuiko search and located the baggage of The Professor. He quickly but throughly searched Ciruela's two trunks not finding what he was looking for...

Totsuiko was able to exit the compartment without being observed. He was able to move to Ciruela's cabin and enter almost being seen by two crewmen coming out of Col. Mostaza's cabin. Totsuiko quickly and efficiently began to search the Professor's cabin. He finished without finding what he was looking for. Frustrated and now very angry, the reserved Mr. Totsuiko began a second frantic search. This time due to his fustration he did not bother to search without disturbing. Suddenly, he heard footsteps appoaching the door. Totsuiko immediately jumped as if he was a cat and clung to the ceiling. Two crewman entered the cabin, noticed the disarray and started their own through search not as through as Totsuiko's but through enough to find a navy colt revolver (well oiled), a box of shells, several knives and a bull whip. The crewman wrote down what they had found, but left the items in place. They left the room without noticing the "Ninja[?]" clinging to the ceiling. Dropping to the deck, Totsuiko listened to the footsteps through the door. As soon as there was silence, he to exited the room without being seen. He entered the shadows waiting for...

At the time Totsuiko left the Second Mate entered the Captain's Cabin. The Captain speaking in German interrogated the Second Mate about what had happened the prior night. The Captain was not happy with the decision of the Second Mate to not
inform the Captain of the Girl's thinking that they had seen a pirate ship with canons pointed at the SS ERIN. He agreed that two drunk
Girl's imagination was responsible for the pirate sighting but that didn't matter. The Captain must be aware of everything that happens onboard his ship. The Second Mate should have informed the Captain what had happened as well as his conclusion that two drunk girls had vivid imaginations. The Captain then (in English) dismissed the Second Mate with instructions to continue the search.

When he returned to his cabin, the professor looked at the mess in his cabin. He looked for his pistol and his bull whip. Both were where he had left them. He put the revolver in his pants and placed the bull whip on his belt. He left his cabin and started to move to the bridge where he expected to find the Captain. When he reached the outside deck, he moved towards the ladder to the upper deck and the bridge. Before he reached the ladder, Totsuiko (dressed in black and wearing swords) steped out of the shadows and snarled "WHERE IS KUSANAGI"

"I don't have it. I gave it to the Prince to be returned to the Emperor".

Drawing his sword, Totsuiko charged towards The Professor screaming in Japanese "Die Barbarian for Your Sacrilege!" Before he reached the Professor, Ciruela drew his revolver and shot Totsuiko...

http://youtu.be/Jy85N9gLMnM

Onboard SS ERIN 0830 08NOV17:

Tom Dodge and Elizabeth Turner were walking along the deck together. Suddenly Tom heard the sound of a shot. He gently grabbed both of Eliza's hands and pushed her against the bulkhead. Releasing her hands, he said, "Don't move until I return". As Eliza looked up at him with a suprised look, Tom took off and moved quickly to the corner and looked towards the port passageway to the bow. He saw the Professor standing with his back to Tom Dodge looking at a man lying on the deck. Tom could see a revolver in his hand. He looked back to see where Eliza was standing. He held up his hand towards her signaling stop. Then he coughed once and began walking towards the Professor being careful to make very heavy steps. The professor did not move keeping his eyes on the man lying on the deck. The Messenger came down the ladder from the upper deck followed closely by the Captain. Tom noticed that the messenger was wearing a holster with a sidearm. "That's new" he thought.

When the the Messenger and the Captain were both on the main deck, the Professor raised both his hands with a pistol still in his right hand and said "I had no choice, he was trying to kill me with that sword."

Examining the man on the ground dressed in black with a sword still in his hand, the Captain said "Looks like we found our killer!" Ciruela dropped his hands and with a maneuver so quick that only Dodge saw it; flipped the pistol so that he was holding it by the still warm barrel and offered it to the Captain. The Captain looked at Ciruela and responded "Keep your pistol. You're not the killer we're looking for." Recognizing the man on the ground, the Captain added "Joe Totsuiko is the killer we are looking for.

The Messenger bent down to examine the body and said "I think he's dead?" The Captain turned back to the Messenger and ordered him to fetch the Ship's Doctor.

Tom who was still walking slowly towards the men standing by the body of Joe Totsuiko said "I left Miss Turner around the corner. If you would please excuse me, I must attend to her." Receiving no response, he turned around and returned to Elizabeth who had not moved from where Tom left her. When he reached her, she put her arms around him and hugged him closely. She asked Tom what had happened. Tom gently responded "It's better if you don't know." "Please" she said "I want to know" and looked up to him with doe eyes. Realizing that the girl was falling for him, Tom sighed and responded "Professor Ciruela killed Joe Totsuiko with a pistol on the deck."

The Ship's Doctor arrived and examined the body. He looked up at the Captain and said "He's dead Captain." Looking at the sword, the Captain asked "Is that the weapon that killed Señora Blanco?" Without hesitation, the Doctor responded "Señora Blanco's wounds could not have been inflicted by a sword."

Turning to the Messenger, the Captain ordered him "Tell the Second Mate to search the body and help the Doctor move the body. Then tell the Stewards to notify all the passengers to meet in the Ship's Lounge at 1030 [10:30 a.m.]."

When the Captain entered the Ship's Lounge at 1030, all of the passengers, the Ship's Doctor, the Second Mate and the Third Mate were present (the First Mate was on the Bridge). Tom Dodge noted that both mates were armed (not usual on commercial passenger ships at sea). He also noted that their pistols were not American made.

The Captain explained what had transpired last night (omitting the details of how Señora Blanco died). He explained that the crew had been quietly searching the ship including the passenger cabins (while the passengers were at breakfast). He told them that most of the male passengers had weapons in their cabins. The weapons were left where the were, because they were not used in the murder of Señora Blanco. He told them that the missing crewman was probably killed by Joe Totsuiko and thrown over the side. Finally he explained that Professor Ciruela killed Joe Totsuiko in self defense when he tried to kill the Professor.

When the Captain was finished, Señora Pavo Real asked if the Captain was going to turn the ship around and return to New York. When the Captain replied "no", Señora Pavo Real turned to Col. Mostaza and said "We must immediately turn around. I insist you support me on this!" Col. Mostaza turned towards the Captain, rolled his eyes and said " I will speak privately with the Captain Señora Pavo Real." At this point, the Captain interrupted with " That won't be necessary. Although it is not on our itinerary, we will be stopping in Panama. One of Doctor Lorenz's patients is ill and currently in Panama. Yesterday after we sailed, he requested to be put ashore in Panama to treat his patient. Any passenger that would like to stay in Panama will be allowed to leave the ship." Eliza asked "Can we go ashore to see the sights while the ship is in port." The Captain smiled at Miss Turner and said "I'm sure we can do something for you and your charming sister." While Elizabeth blushed and looked at Tom, her sister blurted out "YES!"

Lunch was a somber affair, the conversation was muted. Much of what passed for conversation was speculation about Joe's motives for killing two people and trying to kill a third. At The Professor's table, Ciruela was repeatedly quizzed on his actions and his bravery.

Nothing significant happened to the passengers and crew during the afternoon. The Turner sisters took a tour of the deck three times (escorted by Tom and his son). Each time they looked carefully for Pirates, but there wasn't a single ship in sight all day.

Dinner was more relaxed. Everyone tried to forget the unpleasantness and tried to have a good time. Conversation was frequent and pleasing. After dinner, the dancing kept the women smiling as all the males were attentive to their charms.

When the Turner sisters grew tired, they asked Tom and his son if they might take a stroll on the deck. Tom and Junior were quick to agree and a party of four left the party for a private walk on a night with a full moon.

When they turned into the starboard deck passage, both girls immediately stopped and shrieked! - THE PIRATES WERE BACK.

With a look of concern, Tom asked Eliza "What's wrong?"

"The - The Pirate Ship It's back"

Tom asked "Where?"

Eliza and Chrissie both pointed at the menacing ship. Tom looked but saw nothing. Then Tom Junior said "I see it too!"...

http://Youtu.be/B4BZVir_eLE

Onboard SS ERIN 20000 98NOV17:

Then Tom Junior said "I see it too!"...

Tom Dodge immediately stared at Junior and asked "Are you sure?"

"YES,SIR!"

Tom Dodge quickly turned and looked at where the Tuner sisters had pointed. He saw nothing. he turned again towards Junior. Staring at his son, he ordered "Describe what you are seeing!"

"A two mast Brigantine, at least 100 tons. I can see six cannons on the starboard side. Ports are open. Short barreled - probably carronades. Sails are not furled. Flying a Jolly Rodger Skull & Bones with a large white spider below. No sign of crew. One ship's boat being towed. Traveling at the same speed as the ERIN."

Taking Crissie's hand, Tom Dodge said quietly, "Stay with me, Crissie." Then he ordered Junior "Fetch the Captain, NOW!"
Junior quickly moved to follow his father's order. As soon as Junior left, Tom Asked the Turner sisters "Please keep looking at the ship. Tell me if you see anything new, especially, crew" while he waited. Tom alternated between looking at the two girls and staring out to sea where there was no ship.

Junior returned in a few minutes along with the Captain and the Second Mate.

"What can I do for you Mr. Dodge?"

"Last night the Turner sisters saw a Pirate ship outlined by the moon. The Second Mate and I were present. We saw nothing. Today, Elizabeth, Crissie, my son Tom, junior and I toured the deck several times during the day without seeing any ships. Just now, they can see a Brigantine carrying Pirate Colors in the moonlight. My son can also see the ship. He hasn't had anything to drink and can describe the ship in great detail. Now, I like to tell my son Ghost Stories, but I don't believe in Ghost Stories and I certainly don't want to be in one."

{{Chapter 2 You Tube video:

http://youtu.be/4iOGeCLpAY0

"Junior, tell the Captain what you see out there."

"YES SIR! I see a two masted ship outfitted like a brigantine. Full sails, six cannons starboard side with ports open. The cannons are short barreled - probably carronades. I see no sign of a crew onboard. There is a ship's boat being towed behind the ship, which is keeping station with the ERIN. The ship is flying pirate colors - Jolly Rodger Skull & Bones with a large white spider below. I estimate the ship is at least 100 tons, SIR!"

While Junior was giving his report, Tom was carefully observing the Captain's reaction. The Second Mate did nothing. When Junior finished his report, the Captain smiled and responded "That's a fine report, son. Very detailed - you would make a fine sailor."

Tom Junior stood at attention as if he was a sailor standing before his skipper and said, "Thank you, Sir."

The Captain then turned and scanned the horizon seeing nothing. He then turned to face the girls and asked them if they saw the same thing as Mr. Dodge's son. Eliza replied, " I see a sailing ship with two masts. I count six cannon but I don't see any people. There is a little boat following the ship. The flag is definitely a pirate flag - I've seen that in a picture in a book I read. I think it was called Treasure Island."

Crissie chimed in "that's RIGHT!"

"Thank you girls." The Captain returned. The Captain looked at Mr. Dodge and the Second Mate asked "you two see nothing?" Both men replied "Yes Sir."

Tom Dodge and the Captain turned to the sea watching. After a few moments, Tom Dodge had a thought. Instead of looking for a ship, he concentrated on the sea looking for the wake of a ship. By sheer chance, Elizabeth felt a chill, placed her arms around Tom Dodge and hugged him. At that instance, Tom Dodge noticed a change in the sea as if the wake of a ship suddenly appeared. When Eliza relaxed and let go of Tom Dodge, the impression that there was a wake of a ship on the sea disappeared. Tom was startled. He immediately realized that something unusual had occurred.

Testing what he had just experienced, Tom placed his arms around the willing Elizabeth and held her close. The faint image (more a sense that there was a wake) returned.

Deciding to try another test, he released Elizabeth and moved to Crissie and whispered into her ear. Crissie then walked over to the Captain, placed her arms around him and hugged the older man. The Captain reciprocated by placing an arm over her shoulder allowing her to embrace him closer. While the Captain was thinking she's just a frightened little girl who wants to be reassured, Mr. Dodge had other thoughts. He quickly asked the Captain to scan the sea for the wake of a ship. The Captain complied without thinking as he was enjoying young Crissie's embrace. As he briefly saw the wake, the Captain failed to notice that the impression had faded when Crissie relaxed her grip and moved away from the Captain.

The Captain looked at Mr. Dodge. Their eyes met and both men stared at each other for an instance. Nothing was said but much was communicated.

The Captain turned to the Second Mate and ordered him to have a crewman armed with a sidearm stationed here until dawn. The Second Mate stood at attention, saluted the Captain and said "YES, SIR! I will station a man here immediately." The Captain returned his salute. The Second Mate did an about face as if he was in the Navy and walked away smartly. The Captain then turned to face the girls and asked gent, "Will that be acceptable?" Both girls quickly nodded. The Captain then said "it's late. Mr. Dodge, would you and your son please escort these two young women to their cabin?"

"Of course, Captain" Mr. Dodge replied. Before the Captain turned to return to his cabin, Mr. Dodge (with another problem on his mind) said "Captain I have something to say."
The Captain stopped and replied "Yes?"

Tom Dodge (with his mind on the business at hand) looked the Captain in the eye and said "I thought I saw the wake of a ship. Maybe there is a ghost ship out there. " Tom noted that the Captain appeared to be concerned. When Tom continued and said "It must be a ghost ship, no one puts guns on a sailing ship in the Twentieth Century!" Tom Dodge noted that the Captain's face paled. It was the night of the full moon. Both men stood close aboard and could clearly see each other's faces.

The Captain responded "Good night Mr. Dodge", turned around and walked away. The Captain did not notice that his response was a nervous reply. Tom Dodge did notice. As the Captain walked away, Tom Dodge thought "I got you BASTARD!"

Tom then thought maybe I have another problem. He looked at his son and said " Son, come here and give your old man a hug." Tom Junior froze for an instance then said "Dad, I'm a man! Men don't hug other men - it's not manly!" Mr Dodge (with a smirk) responded "French men do." Junior shot back "We're not French!"
Sensing defeat, Mr. Dodge sighed and replied "That's alright son, I understand."

The girls listened to the exchange between father and son and felt it was so cute! They didn't say anything but both smiled.

Tom Dodge turned to the girls and gallantly asked "Shall we retire for the night? Elizabeth Turner offered her hand to Mr. Dodge and Crissie offered her hand to his son. Both girls sighed and thought "This is so romantic,"

http://youtu.be/NYae3ZAAbLc

Onboard SS ERIN 2030 08NOV17:

Tom put his arm around Elizabeth and proceeded to walk her back to her cabin. Elizabeth nestled close and enjoyed the moment. Her sister and Tom's son fell in behind the couple. Blissfully ignorant of the storm clouds gathering around her and her sister, as far as she was concerned all was right in the world.

A sweet kiss at the cabin door and the two sisters entered their cabin and retired for the night. The girls said nothing as they prepared for bed both lost in their thoughts. This was most unusual for the normally talkative Crissie, but then this was a new world for the two young women.

As the door to the girls' cabin closed, Tom said nothing (he also was lost in his thoughts - but his thoughts were far more dark than the girls Tom left in the safety of their cabin) and quickly moved along the deck while Tom Junior struggled to catch up. Tom Dodge moved quickly until he reached the place where they stood a half hour earlier. He noted that there was a crewman armed with a sidearm standing where the Captain had stood a half hour earlier, looking out at the water. He would be there until the disappearance of Señora Pavo Real was discovered...

Tom stopped and placed his hands on the railing a few feet from the crewman standing guard and looked pensively out to sea. When Junior took his place next to his father, he also looked pensively out to sea. Both were silent. The only sound being their breathing and the swelling of the waves hitting the ship. After a few minutes, Tom Dodge said quietly "No change?"

"No sir! I don't understand why I cannot see any evidence of the crew. The ship is close enough in this light "

"Let's return to our cabin. We have to talk..."

Tom and his son walked side by side quietly back to their cabin at a slow pace. They said nothing. Each lost in their thoughts. If you could have seen their faces, Tom Dodge looked determined while Junior looked worried.

They entered their cabin and the door was shut. Tom and his son sat down in the two chairs in the small cabin facing each other. After an awkward silence, Tom Dodge said " We need to search the Captain's cabin tomorrow. Do you think you could get into his cabin during breakfast without being seen?"

"Certainly" Junior replied confidently - (the worried look no longer in his face).

"It will have to be a fast search. Get in and get out quickly. Leave the cabin undesturbed. There will probably be a safe. Don't try to open it. If possible, try to get a look at the Ship's log. Look for any letters. If you have time try to skim them. Make sure that everything remains in its place. If there are any charts, look for marks or comments. Look for pictures on the walls or his desks. Don't bother looking through his clothes or chests. I don't think there will be anything useful. If we need to get into his safe we will worry about later. This needs to to be a fast search. Don't remove anything and above all, DON'T GET CAUGHT."

"Aye Aye sir."

"Good, let's get up at 0500."

"Yes sir."

Without any further conversation. Father and son quickly got ready for bed. The lights were extinguished...

Señora Pavo Real had been unable to sleep. Her cabin felt suffocating. At 0300 she was still struggling to sleep. She Felt uneasy, even fearful. She could not describe how she felt if there had been anyone to talk too. It was as if she were a doe in a thicket, afraid to move as if there was a wolf pacing before her waiting to close his jaws into her neck.
She struggled to get up and get dressed. She felt nervous. She thought that a walk on the deck would help dispel the suffocating air in her cabin.

She opened the door and tried to walk out onto the deck. As she took her first step out of the cabin, something black dropped from above and snapped her neck before she could cry out. She was quickly and silently dragged across the deck and thrown over the side. No one heard the splash as her body hit the water. Something did feel the vibration of her body hiring the water. Something swift and deadly. Something hungry. The ship swept past leaving the corpse of Señora Pavo Real behind for the Great White patiently waiting for his meal.

The shark had been following the ship since it left New York harbor. The apex predator in the sea could sense that this ship would provide easy meals for the greedy children growing within her. One of her dependents would one day feast on human flesh off a large island near the great harbor of New York. Tonight, she would enjoy her second taste of human flesh.

At 0400, the Messenger performing his hourly duty walked by the door to Señora Pavo Real's cabin. Noticing the door was open, he approached and softly knocked on the open door. When there was no response, he looked into the cabin and saw no one inside. The Messenger following the standing orders raced to the bridge and reported what he had discovered.

The Second Mate ordered him to rouse both the Captain and the Second Mate. The messenger was then ordered by the Captain to rouse a party from the crew to search for Señora Pavo Real. The Captain ordered the speed of the ship slowed and a slow 180 degree turn. Two seaman were stationed at the bow and instructed to search for the missing passenger. A larger party from the crew began a through search of the ship. To avoid alarming the other passengers the search party was instructed to avoid searching the other passenger cabins until breakfast.

At 0500, Tom Dodge ( who had an uncanny internal clock) woke up and then called out to his son. They both rose and prepared for the day. While taking their showers (at different times) both Tom and his son noticed that the crew were making another search of the ship. After they had returned and dressed ( Tom Junior always took the first shower and dressed quickly while Tom Dodge was taking his shower), the two sat in their cabin waiting for breakfast. They went over the plan for searching the Captain's cabin twice and then killed some time speculating about the reasons for another search of the ship. Finally, Tom informed his son that the ship had reduced its speed and had reversed course twice as he had felt the second turn and noticed that the ship was now traveling on the original course South.

Tom and his son were taking a walk in the deck as dawn approached. As the light increased, one of the lockouts using binoculars noticed something in the distance. He reported seeing something in the water to the bridge. The First Mate immediately ordered a 90 degree turn to port and an increase in speed. Instinctively, Tom Dodge and his son raced towards the bow as the ship began its quick turn. When they reached the bow, both looked in the same direction as the lookout. What ever the lookout was seeing it was too far for Tom Dodge to see without assistance. Tom Dodge turned towards the seaman looking through the binoculars and in a loud voice that both Tom Junior and the lookout were familiar with said "HAND ME THE BINOCULARS!" Without hesitation, the seaman immediately handed the binoculars to Tom Dodge. Tom looked through the binoculars and clearly saw two masts. It was too far away to see the dark colored flag, but Dodge could clearly tell that the other ship was moving away from the SS ERIN at a greater speed. Tom handed the binoculars to Junior who looked quickly and handed the binoculars back to Tom Dodge who then handed the binoculars back to the seaman. Tom Dodge turned back to Junior and said "Another ship moving away." Junior said nothing as he saw the Captain walking towards them close enough to hear What Tom Dodge had said.

The Captain asked the seaman if he agreed with Tom Dodge. The seaman came to attention and said " I concur, Sir". The Captain then said "You have a good eye Mr. Dodge." He then turned around and headed for the bridge. The Captain had failed to contemplate why the seaman had handed the binoculars to a passenger!

Tom and Junior walked away out of earshot of the lookout and started quietly to converse, while the Captain returned to the bridge to order a reduction in speed and a return to the original course.

Tom asked Junior, "Was it the same ship?"

"Yes, sir."

Tom Dodge fell silent. He would have to carefully consider what had just happened. He should have asked the Captain about the search being conducted and the maneuvers if the ship, but he didn't for obvious reasons.

When Tom finally spoke, he asked Junior "Do you think you can still search his cabin without detection?"

Junior with a confident expression replied "Yes, sir!"

With that, Junior moved away while Tom Dodge proceeded to breakfast...

Junior waited patiently while the crew continued the search (fortunately, only a cursory search had already occurred in the upper decks where passengers rarely ventured) and the others made their way to breakfast. When he felt it was safe, Junior quietly made his way to the Captain's cabin without detection. Junior entered and quickly shut the door. The Captain had left the lights on in his cabin. Junior first looked for pictures. One on the wall caught his attention. It was a picture of a group of officers in German uniforms. Moving quickly towards the Captain's table, Junior found the Ship's log open on the table. Under the log book, there were several charts [maps]. Carefully noting its location, Junior carefully moved the log book to examine the charts underneath. The third chart had an island circled and a date annotated next to the island. Tom recognized both the location and the island. Carefully, he replaced the logbook one the same location and then proceeded to read the log entries for two weeks. Only one entry peaked his interest. The entry for two days prior to Nocermber 7th included the statement "received instructions from German Ambassador. SS ERIN will make an unscheduled port call in Colon to allow a Dr. Lorenz and another passenger to disembark with their luggage. Passengers will not reembark. Do not update ship's itinerary. If questioned, reason for port call is Dr. Lorenz needed to disembark to treat patient currently in Panama. Junior located the Captain's safe, examined it closely but made no attempt to crack it. Feeling that he had already used all of the time he could afford quickly exited the cabin and shut the door. As he turned , the Ship's Messenger turned the corner. The Messenger asked "This area is restricted. What are you doing here?"

"I'm lost! I was trying to find the bridge. I wanted to see it!" The Messenger replied "Come with me." He took Junior to the bridge and informed the First Mate why he had brought a passenger to the bridge. The First Mate dismissed the Messenger and then smiled at the kid. He gave him a tour of the bridge, described what the equipment was for and even allowed Junior to handle the wheel [steer the ship] for a few minutes. When the Messenger returned from his rounds, the First Mate bid Junior goodby and directed the Messenger to take the kid to Breakfast (which would almost be finished before Junior arrived). Before leaving the Bridge, Junior carefully and politely thanked the First Mate for the tour of the bridge. Later, the First Mate would fail to inform the Captain and the Second Mate that Junior had been on the bridge.

Breakfast was normal with three exceptions. Tom Junior was absent - No one outside of Tom's table noticed except the Turner sisters. Señora Pavo Real was absent. Her absence was noted by many present! At the end of Breakfast, the Captain stood up (by tradition, no one could leave during breakfast without first obtaining approval of the senior person at the table and then the Captain, if present) and announced that there would be another meeting of all the passengers at 1030. Tom Junior was waiting just outside when Tom Dodge quickly left the room. He had just enough time to nod to Tom Dodge before the Turner sisters arrived expecting another walk, which Tom and his son. We're happily to provide. As they walked around the ship, Tom Junior frequently looked out to sea (without Crissie or Eliza noticing - but Tom Dodge did notice!).

When the 1030 meeting started, the Captain informed the passengers that Señora Pavo Real was missing. He told them if what had been done to find the missing woman including a search of the ship, reducing speed, stationing lookouts, turning the ship around and then retracing the ship's movements since the time her absence was noticed. The Captain then announced that the ship would turn around again in a second time look for her in the water.

At this point Dr. Lorenz stood up and angrily shouted {in German: "I demand you immediate increase speed and head straight for Panama. If you don't I will contact the ambassador and have you removed."

The Captain raised his voice and responded "I am Captain here, not the Ambassador. The Ambassador cannot remove me. I do not report to him!"}

Tom Dodge understood everything they said. As did Col. Mostaza and the Professor.

Speaking in English, the Captain said we will make another attempt to retrace our steps in order to find her. If we do not, we will regrettably resume our voyage without our missing companion.

At this point, all of the women burst into tears and tried to comfort each other. While Tom Dodge stood up walked over to the Captain and said quietly (so no one else could hear) "I think we should place armed guards outside the women's cabins and give them an escort at all times." The Captain replied " I don't think that is necessary. I don't want to alarm the other passengers over an old woman accidentally falling off the ship"

When the meeting ended, Tom Dodge took the Turner sisters and his son aside and said "Elizabeth, Crissie I don't want you to leave your cabin or go anywhere without me or Junior present. If we are not avsilable, stay with one or more of the other male passengers. NEVER BE ALONE!"

http://dai.ly/x49umrz

Onboard SS ERIN 1100 09NOV17:

Since the Turner sisters seemed upset after the meeting followed by Tom Dodge's stern warning, Tom suggested that perhaps it would be better to escort the sisters back to their cabin to allow them to rest and recover before lunch. As he led Elizabeth (followed by his son and Crissie) back to her cabin, he promised that he would be back at 1150 to escort the two sisters to lunch. (In fact, Tom was very much interested in discussing what had happened before and during breakfast).

After the two girls were safely escorted to their cabin (followed by discrete and romantic farewell kisses), Tom and his son hurried to their cabin for a very important father/son talk.

"We're you able to successfully search the Captain's stateroom?"

"Yes. I didn't spend much time in his stateroom. Fortunately, I left at just the right time. As soon as I closed the door and started to walk away, the messenger turned the corner."

"Did he see you leave the stateroom or close the door?"

"No. I pretended to be lost looking for the bridge."

"Good thinking. Did he ask why you were looking for the bridge?"

"Yes. I told him I wanted to see the bridge. He took me to the First Mate on the bridge. They gave me a tour and even let me steer the ship!"

"You do look like a cute kid {smirk}"

"I'm not a kid old man!"

"Right son{smirk}". "What did you find in the Stateroom?"

"I didn't have much time. I found the safe. Didn't touch it. Probably about ten minutes to get it open. There was a photograph on the wall of a group of German Officers on a battleship. Our Captain was there standing next to another officer that looked like Luckner."

"Probably the Kronprinz Wilhelm pre-war. Luckner was stationed on the Kronprinz Wilhelm until '16. What else?"

"Read the ship's log for the last two weeks. The only thing interesting was an entry two days before we sailed. Seems the Captain received an order from the German Ambassador to Chile ordering him to stop at the Canal Zone and drop off Dr. Lorenz and another passenger."

"That would be Lealand. I think he's ex-military. Probably Army. Definitely not a Navy Man. I haven't figured out what they are doing here. From that meeting earlier I get the idea that the Captain doesn't like the good Doctor. The Captain certainly doesn't share Lorenz's desire to get to Panama in a hurry. We're gonna have to look closely at those two. I don't like loose cannons."

"Maybe they are just passengers on their way to Panama. They don't seem to be interested in what's going on the ERIN."

"Why would the German Ambassador to Chile be interested in a Doctor wanting to go to Panama? No, those two are up to something. I just don't know what? Maybe it doesn't have anything to do with the ERIN's trip to Valparaiso. Let's discuss these two later. Did you discover anything else?"

"Yes. There was a chart on the Captain's desk. Picton Island was circled and the date 30 NOV was pencilled in next to the island."

"Picton Island? You're sure "

"Yes sir!"

"Damn! That's it! Admiral Graf Spee anchored off Picton Island for three days transferring coal from the captured Norwegian Collier DRUMMUIR just before the Battle of the Falklands. The ERIN would have passed that island a few days earlier. That's why we've been watching the ERIN. She was four days late arriving in Valparaiso. She took six days to load in New York. It took only two days to unload in Valparaiso. The ship didn't make any recorded stops on the way."

"The ERIN is a Norwegian flagged ship! Are you saying the Germans are using the ERIN to resupply their ships?"

"Got it in one! We've been tracking her movements since she arrived in Valparaiso in December '14. I'm here because the cargo manifest on this trip is suspicious. The Admiral suspects the ERIN may attempting to resupply submarines in the Carribean area. However, I think something else is going on. Admiral Graf Spee's squadron came from the Pacific. The only German Ship left in the Pacific is the SEEADLER. I think the ERIN is going to resupply the SEEADLER at Picton Island in nineteen days. The cases of Bibles in the hold contain 4.1" shells. The only thing that doesn't make sense is that eighteen of the cases of machine parts contain the components for six 4.1" guns???"

"Maybe the SEEADLER needs new guns"

"Two maybe, but not six. What are the other four guns for?"

"Spares?"

" I doubt it , too much weight. Did you find anything else?"

'No sir!"

"Let's talk about this ghost pirate ship. Any thoughts?"

"I can only tell you what I saw. The ship looked real to me."

" Okay, I'll leave it for now. I don't want you or the girls left alone. From now on, we need to keep a close eye on the two sisters. I'm going to have them keep their door locked when they are in their cabin. We need to get ready for lunch and pick up the girls. I don't want them wandering around without an escort."

Before lunch, the second mate gave the Captain a report on the continuing onboard search for the missing woman. The second mate relayed a report from one of the seaman. Another case of cabbage was missing. The Captain didn't comment on the missing Cabbage. It didn't seem important. Not finding the missing woman was important, so the Captain ordered the ship to turn South and resume their voyage. The Captain notified the first mate to continue the extra lookouts for the remainder of the watch.

Tom Dodge and his son picked up the girls promptly and escorted them to lunch. Lunch was subdued as the Captain announced that the search for the missing passenger was being discontinued and the ship had returned to sailing South to Panama. The meal ended early.

The girls waited patiently for Tom and his son, who quickly arrived at the Captain's table to help the girls stand up. As they walked out of the room, Crissie blurted out to Tom Junior " Do you think the Pirates got her?" This was overheard by several of the passengers including Professor Ciruela.

Professor Ciruela quickly got up and followed the party of four onto the deck where they began an afternoon walk around the ship. While Tom Junior quietly and surreptitiously scanned the sea for the pirate ship, the professor caught up with them and asked if he could join them. Not seeing a reason to object, Tom Dodge allowed the professor to postition himself to the left of Tom Dodge and the right of Crissie.

The Professor skillfully asked Crissie what she meant when she asked if the Pirates captured Señora Pavo Real. Crissie grabbed the professor's arm and began to breathlessly describe her encounters with the pirate ship. For some unknown reason, Tom Dodge just smirked and made no attempt to stop Crissie from enjoying the spotlight. Crissie was in heaven. A man on each arm and the undivided attention of all (still not noticing that Tom Junior's attention was mostly on the sea).

When Crissie began describing the pirate flag, the professor quickly interrupted "Are you sure the flag had a large white spider below the skull and bones?"

"Yes!"

"Spider-Kings!" The tone of the professor attracted the complete attention of Tom Dodge.

"What are Spider-Kings Professor?"

...

=============================

Panama 1300 09NOV17:

{ring}

"Yes inspector."

"We have just arrested a young man for murder. He claims to be your Number One Son?"

"Most curious, Number One Son currently in New York. Will have long talk with Number One Daughter. For now, please hold young man in question until I arrive."

....

http://youtu.be/7iLO1qSKv2k

Onboard SS ERIN 1300 09NOV17:

The professor paused before answering. Spying the deck chairs ahead he responded "Perhaps we should sit down. This may take some time."

The party moved to the deck chairs and everyone took a seat.

"There is a legend in Southern Mexico. The Legend of the Spider-Kings. There is considerable archeological evidence that there once was a mighty kingdom in Southern Mexico called the Maya. Based upon the archeological evidence and oral tradition this mighty empire was greater than the Aztec Empire."

"I haven't heard anything about this before now. What about the historical record?"

"Very little survived. Most of the historical records in Central and South America were destroyed by the Spanish when the smashed the Aztec and Incan Empires. There are only a few surviving references that mention the Maya. Most of them claim that the Maya were destroyed by the old gods."

"Sounds like native superstition."

"That's what most historians believe. The handful of archeologists that have searched and located the massive Maya ruins are dismissed as treasure hunters looking for the fabled seven cities of gold. The problem is that these ruins are located in remote jungle areas that are difficult to get to and even harder to excavate unlike the desert in Egypt."

"What does this have to do with Spider-Kings?"

"I'm coming to that. There is an extensive oral tradition about the Maya and their struggle against the Spider-Kings. There was a hundred year war that resulted in the destruction of both the Mayan Empire and the Spider-Kings. Only a handful of the Spider-Kings survived. Eventually they started to prey on unfortunate pirates who landed on the coast to careen their ships but instead met death at the hands of the Spider-Kings who took their ships and began to prey on ships at sea."

"So these Spider-Kings were a tribe of savages who became pirates!"

"No, it's far worse than that."

"You're not making sense."

"In order to understand what the Spider-Kings are, I have to tell you the legend of the Spider-Kings. A legend that Europeans told the story dismiss as fantasy."

"Okay, continue professor."

"There is an extensive oral tradition about the Spider-Kings stretching from Northern Mexico to Peru. I have listened to stories about the Spider-Kings in seven different countries. All of these accounts are remarkably similar. Most historians and Europeans who listen to these accounts immediately dismiss them as fantasy created by witch-doctors to control superstitious and naive natives. The descriptions are remarkable similar and quite unbelievable. The Spider-Kings are described as Intelligent Giant Spiders that cannot be seen by men unless embraced by a woman."

Tom Dodge and his son immediately shouted at the same time "WHAT???"

"Intelligent Giant Spiders that cannot be seen by men unless embraced by a woman."

"Can women see these invisible spiders?"

"How big are they"

"{giggling} Then we really did see a pirate ship!"

"How did the Maya defeat these Giant Spiders?"

"Is there any proof other than these stories?"

"Wow, this is like being in a ghost story!"

"EVERYBODY STOP! Okay professor start over from the beginning and tell us the whole story starting from the beginning."

"At the height of the mighty Maya Empire, the local chief of a city called Calakmul was given a prophecy by a shaman. The prophecy declared that a glowing cave would be found within a year. Inside this glowing cave were living dead creatures that if disturbed would fall upon the Maya and destroy the Maya people. After giving the prophecy, the shaman offered the chief some advice. First allow no one to enter the cave upon pain of death. Secondly if the living dead creatures emerge look to the Amazon warriors for help. Thirdly the creatures will eat the knowledge of men and this will give them power over the living. Never allow the mind of a man to fall into the arms of these creatures. "

"The chief was so horrified by what the shaman said that he sent out his army to find the glowing cave and set a watch upon the cave so that none may enter. After months of searching, the cave was found and a watch was set for the next thirty years..."

"It does sound like a ghost story. Pleas continue professor."

"The city prospered and the cave was untouched for the next thirty years. In the rein of the chief's great grandson, the young and ambitious new chief looked for new wealth so that he could outshine the rival city of Tikal. Remembering the prophecy, the immature and foolish young chief went to see the glowing cave. Thinking that the glowing must be coming from a vast horde of gold, the greedy fool dismissed the long serving guard and entered the cave with six of his personal guard. Within seconds of entering the cave, all seven men fell dead! A horde of small spiders swarmed over the dead bodies and consumed their flesh. The guard protecting the cave were aware of the spiders who would often venture out from the cave to tear off part of a "green ball of leaves" that grew just outside of the cave. The "green ball of leaves" was a common plant in the region and was a significant part of the Maya Diet. The guard had been aware of the spiders for years. The guard avoided the spiders thinking that they might be poisonous."

"Interesting!"

"Please continue professor!"

"After the death of the chief and his unfortunate followers, the guard was re established. And the city descended into civil war as the now dead chief was too young to have provided an heir. Eventually an uncle defeated both his brothers and became the new chief. While they fought, no one noticed that several men from the village closest to the cave disappeared. The guard became alarmed when the spiders left the cave in both greater numbers and increasing size. Reports were sent to the new chief who ignored them because he was busy consolidating his rule and dealing with repairing the damage to the city from the civil war. When he finally was able to deal with the increasingly frantic messages from the guard he sent a patrol to investigate. When the patrol arrived,the entire guard was dead ! And their heads were missing?"

Crissie reached over and held Tom junior's hand fiercely.

"The patrol sent a messenger back to the city and took up positions carefully watching the cave. The messenger returned with reinforcements only to find the entire patrol dead with heads missing. When one of the men screamed and fell to the ground, the remaining men froze. They watched silently as the man's head was severed from his body. When they saw the head being dragged into the cave as if by an invisible hand, the reinforcements panicked and fled back to the city."

Tom Dodge and Tom junior exchanged glances. Both showed concern.

{{This sounds unbelievable, but so does what happened last night}} "Ladies are you okay if the professor continues his story?"

"Yes, Tom."

"Wow, this is just like an Edgar Allen Poe story!"

"Alright professor, please continue."

"The chief ordered another patrol to go to the cave and resume the watch. The men refused. No one not even the new chief wanted to go anywhere near the cave. Soon reports reached the city from the villages near the cave. Some of the reports were of villagers killed by an invisible monster. Some of the reports claimed that men were being killed by huge spiders! Eventually, enough reports were received that people believed that only women could see the huge spiders (who seemed to be growing in size with each new report). Finally, the village elder from a large village appeared before the chief and told him that no woman from the village had been harmed by the spiders. The spiders seemed to be afraid of the women in the village. The village elder claimed that he saw a giant spider attack and kill his son. He did not see the spider until his wife hugged him in terror as their son was killed by the spider who cut off his head and dragged it into the jungle. "

"Professor lets stop here. The women are getting cold. [both were starting to shiver]. Would you help us escort the women back to their cabin?"

"Of course."

The three men escorted the two women back to their cabin. Tom promised to be back to escort them to dinner. He cautioned the girls to not leave their cabin without an escort. The customary farewell kisses did not happen because of the presence of the professor. As soon as the door to their cabin closed, Tom Dodge turned to the professor and said quietly "Let's continue this conversation in my cabin...

===================

Panama 1330 09NOV17:

"Good afternoon Inspector."

"Good afternoon Charlie. I'll have your son brought up so we can talk to him."

"You're very kind inspector. Why do you think my son killed a man."

"It was a mistake by a young policeman who acted first and thought later."

"Glad to hear Number 1 Son not a murderer!"

"Here he is now."

"Inspector let me introduce Number 1 Daughter currently pretending to be Number 1 Son."

"{chuckle} Number 1 Daughter?"

"Precisely. Please explain yourself young lady."

"Gee Pops! It was all a mistake! I was just trying to help!"

"Getting arrested for murder not helping."

...

http://youtu.be/ggk2qwOwDRA

Onboard SS ERIN 1400 09NOV17:

Tom Dodge, Tom junior and Professor entered Tom's cabin and all three sat down. Please continue Professor.

"The young chief refused to believe the story he was told by village elder. He commanded the elderly man be beaten for alarming the Maya people with made up tales and driven back to his village forbidden to ever return to the city. The unfortunate elder was severely beaten and driven from the city. He was injured badly and died on the way back to his village and his wife who lost not only a son but her husband as well. Nothing was done to aid the villagers. No soldiers were dispatched. No messengers were sent to the village. The villagers were afraid to make any more complaints to the chief. Within Two years, the village was abandoned despite the efforts of the villagers to protect themselves form the Spider-Kings."

"What efforts did the villagers make to protect themselves."

"Well, first the men set a watch on the village. This stopped attacks on the farmers, but The men in the watch began to die. They body would be found with the head missing. Eventually the remaining men refused to guard the village. Remembering that the Spider-Kings were afraid of women, the villagers set their women out to watch. This stopped the attacks for months, but neighboring villages began to find bodies of their men minus their heads. There were no sightings of Spider-Kings in the village or the neighboring villages "

"I'm having a hard time believing this. Invisible spiders are just impossible."

"I don't think they were invisible. I think they just couldn't see them"

"That makes absolutely no sense."

"The prophecy said "the creatures will eat the knowledge of men and this will give them power over the living". I think it was a trick!"

"A trick? You're still not making any sense."

"Did you ever see one of Adkin's shows [Adkin had a company that ran stage hypnosis shows to packed houses across the United States during the 1890(s)]?"

"No, but I've heard of them."

"Well I have, I think the Spider-Kings had the ability to mind control Maya men like Adkin's performers did in his shows."

"If I understand what you're claiming, you think these giant spiders commanded the men to not see the spiders that attacked them."

"Exactly! It's the only thing that does make sense. Did you ever read any Sherlock Holmes books?"

"Yes."

"Well, once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no mater how improbable, must be the truth."

"So the way to defeat the giant spiders is to have women sentries."

"That was only a temporary solution. The Spider-Kings just moved on to another village. They didn't solve the problem, they just forced the Spider-Kings to find easier victims. When a village figured out how to keep the Spider-Kings away, the Spider -Kings just moved to the next village. According to the Legend of the Spider-Kings, within a year all of the villages around the city had suffered from the Spider-King attacks. In addition to losing men, the villages found that their "green ball of leaves" were disappearing. And then disaster struck! Due to the trouble in the villages, there was unrest in the city and rumors of a revolt against the hated chief. In order to keep his crown, the chief ordered his army to march out and defeat the Spider-Kings. The commander ordered his men to seize the women in each village they visited in search of the Spider-King Army. Each man tied a women to him with a rope and the rest were used as scouts and sentries. At first all was well. When the women spied a Spider-King the Spider-King would run away refusing to fight. Finally, the Army drove a group of Spider-Kings into a large clearing. The archers could clearly see the Spider-Kings and let lose with arrows. The Spider-Kings were repeatedly struck again and again with arrows but the seemed to have no effect! The Spider-Kings would have a dozen or more arrows stuck in them. It was if an arrow was no more deadly than a flee bite."

"If multiple arrows doesn't even slow them down, how did they manage to kill the Giant Spiders?"

"It was twenty years before the Maya figured out how to destroy a Spider-King."

"Out with it man, how did they kill them."

"The Maya could not kill Spider-Kings. The prophecy called them living dead creatures. You can't kill something that is already dead, but you can destroy it. A general from the rival city of Tikal remembered that the Spider-Kings always beheaded the men they killed, so he ordered his soldiers to rush a surrounded Spider-King and try to behead it. It cost him five of his soldiers before one of his men was able to behead the Spider-King. Beheading was the only way the Maya found to kill a Spider-King. "

"If it cost them five men to kill a single Spider-King, why didn't the Giant spiders win?"

"The Amazon Women came to their rescue."

"I thought the Amazons were from Europe?"

"Mr. Dodge, why did they name the biggest river in South America the Amazon?"

"So the Amazons were actually from South America?"

"I dont know. The only river called the Amazon is in South America and the Legend of the Spider-Kings claims that the Maya were aided by the Amazon warriors. A great hero from the City of Tikal led a party of one hundred men south. He returned with three men and three thousand Amazon warriors."

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Panama 1500 09NOV17:

"Body has not been moved, Inspector?"

"No, the crime scene has not been touched "

Number 1 Son noticed a pack of cigarettes on the table. He picked up the pack ...

"Please do not touch evidence. Put cigarette package back where found"

"Gee pops, I just wanted a smoke."

"Girl smoking cigarettes most unbecomming. More importantly being arrested for destruction of evidence not helpful."

"Gee pops! Do I look like a girl?"