Chapter 3: First Contact
8:00 pm
Brian, Kristopher, Louis, and Elizabeth re-convene in Don’s apartment, as the fateful hour ticks into being. The lights are out; those with Ecto-Visors
Gear Layout:
Brian: PKE Meter, Proton Pack, Ecto-Visor (Videocamera is in the children’s room, running.)
Kris: PKE Meter, Proton Pack, Ecto-Visor
Louis: Ghost Trap, Proton Pack, Ecto-Visor
Elizabeth: Ghost Trap, Proton Pack, Ecto-Visor
Liz, I gave you a Ghost Trap instead of the walkie-talkies because nobody else was using the walkie-talkies. Everybody has Ecto-Visors because it’s freakin’ dark in here.
A faint glow begins to rise from the center of the living room floor; in your Ecto-Visor, it manifests itself clearly: A thin male figure, wearing glasses, leans back in a protoplasmic recliner. One hand holds a bottle, and in the figure’s lap is a phantasmic bowl of potato chips. The ghost’s right hand holds a large old-fashioned remote-control device; if you’re old enough, you may remember the kind that makes a loud ‘click’ sound and only has two buttons. Kids, ask your grandparents about these!
The spirit either is unaware of your presence, or ignores it, at least for the moment… there are more pressing matters to attend to, first!
As you watch, the figure raises the ghostly apparition of a remote control, and points it at Don’s television. As it does so, a glowing vapor spills forth, forming a spectral arm and hand, which stretches out across the room towards the set. It quickly knocks the seat cushion out of the way, and rips loose the remaining duct tape over the socket. It reaches out and picks up the set’s electrical cord, and plugs it into the wall. Then it reaches into the television set itself, and with a click and a hum the small black-and-white device activates and begins to glow brightly. The CBS logo appears, and the opening credits of “Scarecrow and Mrs. King” (starring Kate Jackson and Bruce Boxleitner) start to play.
The spirit watches for just a moment, then rises up through the ceiling and is gone before anyone can react.
Kristopher’s RAPID AIMING skill will, if he desires, allow him to try to make one shot before the ghost is gone. Alternately, it may be better to allow it to travel unmolested, for now. It’s up to you, Mahaloth!