They left Demitri and the two cats in Abby's apartment.

"Would you like some tea, Abby?" Laura asked pooring herself another cup.

"What kind is it?" Abby replied as she sat down on one of the mismatched stairs.

"Orange Pekoe."

"It'll do."

Laura got another tea cup from the cupboard and poured a second cup of tea. She set it on the table beside Abby and went to get the sugar and milk.

"So are things normally this strange in Fredericton?"

"No. This past week has been very abnormal. Ever since the lunar eclipse thing have gone cattywampus."

"Cattywampus? There's a word you don't hear very often.  I came here to investigate the ghost sightings."

"Those turned out to be a pubicity stunt."

"Yes, but our oracles had  detected that there would be strange happenings here.  My guess is that it is due to the lunar eclipse."

"I've done some research on the Internet.  The Moon is often linked to mysterious and psyic powers.  Tghe Daily Gleaner ran articles on people who devellopen strange powers after the lunar eclipse."

"What kind of powers?"

"One lady envisioned the winning lottery numbers.  There was a baby that could move its toys around. But the powers faded after a few days."

"To the relief of the telekenetic baby's mother I suppose."

"My powers are still working.  Did Ku'uaki tell you about them?"

"He told me that he was going to invite you to join the Conspiracy.  I think it would be great to have you.  Did you want to be a researcher or a field agent?"

"I'm not sure yet.  I wanted to talk to you and ask you about it."

"Did Ku'uaki tell you about my special abilities?"

"I figured out that you are able to move very quickly."

"I am also very strong and do not tire easily.  This makes me only suitable for field work."

"I can see how my powers can be used for research, but how can they be used in the field?"

"One of the crucial things in our line of work is timely information.  We need to know what we are up against and how to defeat it.  Formerly we had people with photographic memory, but they can only use what they have actually read.  You are able to contect to up to the minute information that you might not have previously read."

"But I can only do this if I can access a wi-fi or land based network."

"True, but many of our assignments are in urban areas."

"Is it dangerous?"

"Yes. Very dangerous.  That's why we need good information."

"Why do you do it?"

Abby paused and look a long sip of tea.

"I do it because I can.  People with extraordinary powers are rare.  The need to protect the normal world is great.  I face the danger so that it won't attack kids like Demitri."

"Do you work with the same people or do you change with each assignment?"

"Sometimes you work alone, but usually they try to team complimentary talents together. Ku'uaki and I have worked together for years.  He is a powerful spiritualist."

"Do you think I should join?"

"I won't lie you to.  Your abilities are unique. You are a caring person. On the down side you are a bit shy.  This is a problem if you worked in the field.  Sometimes you just have to bull your way through.  It's not so much of a problem if you accepted a desk job. So, to  put it blunty, I would be glad to have you join me -- but it is ultimately your descision."

"I guess I'm in for now.  What do you make of the thing in Demitri's closet?"

"As you pointed out, boogeymen stories span the globe.  It hard to tell was is an actual phenomenon and what is just a child's normally active imagination."

"Given recent events, I would say this isn't your normal boogeyman."

"I think you're right. What do the police reports say?"

Laure went over to here computer.  She could do it in her head, but she wasn't as familiar with the controls.  The physical computer gave here something to concentrate on.

"There were several reports of children reporting they saw someone in their rooms.  They are a couple of suspected kinapping cases.  Children aged between 5-10. Stolen right out of their rooms."

"Anything else?"

"A police officer claims he defeated a gang of Kappa with the help of two cats.  There are reports of dark shadowy wolves in Odell park.  Some deranged lunatic is attacking people and biting their necks.  The is a report of a fight between a woman and two large birds. Was that you?"

"Yes, I ran in to a couple of harpies in front of Sweetwaters."

"Is it normal to have so many different types of monsters in one place?"

"No it isn't.  I was going to check to see if anyone in the area had a permit for supernatural animals.  I looks like someone's zoo got loose.  Monsters are very territorial.  Usually there is only one type in any given city."

"I wonder why they are all showing up here?"

"I'm going to see Ku'uaki this afternoon.  I'll ask him what he's found out."

"Let's go check on the kitties."