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In retrospect John Zemik considered this case to be one of his most challenging. As I recall It was a crisp winters evening in the year 1870. We had all gathered together at the Raleigh Inn to celebrate John's 27th birthday when we were approached, by a dishevelled looking man carrying a glass of whiskey and a large leather bound book . "which one of you is Zemik" asked the man abruptly. John raised his hand "tis I good fellow how can I assist" "oh Mr Zemik thank god, I have been trying to find you since the death of my father" "once again, how can I assist" said John, "may I be seated" John gestured to the man to sit in the vacant seat next to him. The man placed the book on the table, downed the whiskey in one and spoke. "you may recall the Ship that sank off Ravenscar cliffs in 1858" John nodded "Indeed I do, nearly 50 poor souls perished that night in what . . ." The man interrupted "my father survived, he was Captain Riven Metch and I am his son Salem" with that he opened the book and continued "before he died he made various entries in this, his personal diary. I need to share these with you and hope that you will investigate on my behalf" Taking in the mans appearance John spoke "I'm sorry I do not undertake pro bono work" "Mr Zemik, rest assured your fees will be paid from my inheritance" Salem then passed the book to John "please turn to page 98.You will note that on Sunday the 27th in paragraph 3 my father refers to sinister forces at work during that fateful voyage. Now turn to Tuesday the 29th he writes, "yet again I have had to reprimand my Lieutenant for undermining my direct orders, but this time he has put the safety of the passengers and crew at risk and I felt it necessary to give him an official warning which I have herby recorded in the ships log". Salem continued. "as you can see this diary illustrates my fathers growing concerns regarding the ships Lieutenant, it was also of considerable concern that my Fathers entry in the ships log had been torn out" John acknowledged with a nod. "Mr Zemik, you are known as man with a keen intellect and an insatiable thirst for truth, please read the diary and we will meet here again tomorrow evening" and with that he was gone
We spent the following day at our hotel studying the contents of the diary. With each clue we uncovered, we pieced together a web of deceit, manipulation, and hidden motives. The entries showed the Lieutenant to be a jealous and devious man who was intent on bringing about the downfall of his Captain. However it was the entries leading up to the sinking of the ship that caught John's attention. "1858 January 12th . . There have been numerous clandestine meetings between my Lieutenant and certain members of the crew. I am now becoming more and more concerned that they are hatching a plot against me" These concerns continued right up until the ship sank on March 29th. The Captain was one of the survivors along with a few members of his crew, and after this tragic event he continued to make daily entries in his diary blaming himself for so many deaths. 1868 June 3rd in desperation he wrote . . . "each day I feel the burden of all of those sad souls who perished. It feels like they are bearing down on me and I have no escape . . . what is to become of me" and, his final entry on the day he died he wrote "I cannot go on, may God have mercy on my tortured soul"
We returned that evening to The Raleigh Inn and met once again with Salem as agreed. "did you read my fathers diary" he asked "of course" replied John, Salem continued "as well as the facts contained therein I think you should be aware of information I have gathered from the surviving crew. There is a consensus that on the night the ship sank the Lieutenant had schemed with some crew members to sabotage the ships steering so as to drive it off course, in an endeavour to discredit the Captain, I believe that the Lieutenant did indeed cause the ship to loose it's steering ability, veer off course and ultimately sink in the great storm. Mr Zemik are you prepared to take this case on ?" John paused, gestured to us and then spoke " I think I speak for my colleagues as well as myself when I say that yes, I will take this case and endeavour to restore your fathers good name. We start tomorrow"
The following day Spencer and myself met with John to hear his plan of action. "we will take the train to Whitby and make our way to Meadowfield Hall, once there we will make use of the Atacan Mirror to travel back in time and investigate the events leading up to the sinking of the ship. Salem will be arriving tomorrow so Spencer you will remain at Meadowfields. Jacob you will accompany me to document events. Let's make ready there's no time to lose"
Once aboard the train the journey was uneventful. John relaxed and spent the journey reading the diary again. I took in the wonderful North Yorkshire scenery and Spencer slept throughout. We arrived in Whitby that evening and took the short journey to Meadowfields Time was spent preparing the Atacan Mirror then, once completed we retired early ready for our next adventure.
Anticipation grew as we prepared ourselfs for our journey into the past. John and myself stood on the marked out area while Spencer ran through the correct procedures for time travel. He then set the co-ordinates, entered the target date and year for March 28th 1858 and allocated a time duration of 5 hours. " John, Jacob are you ready"? "we are ready" said John "good luck my friends, I'll see you back here in 5 hours" and with that he set the machine in motion.
The Atacan Mirror began to haze over as a mist appeared over the glass. As we stepped forward we were enveloped and there was a distinct feeling of euphoria as we were transported back through time. Our journey seemed almost instant as we found ourselves standing on the deck of Captain Metch's ship in what can only be described as turbulent weather. "now remember Jacob we can only go backwards in time, and by no more than 50 years. We cannot interfere with the living and to them you are only a spirit.They can't see or hear you. Do you understand"? "yes John, I do" "then lets make our way below deck, the clock is ticking" As we mingled with the crew members we came upon a group huddled together in the corner. As the storm grew fiercer there true colours began to emerge. They whispered in hushed tones, plotting against the Captain, their eyes filled with malice. It seemed they were hand in glove with the Lieutenant and saw an opportunity amidst the chaos. A burly sailor who appeared to be the leader spoke to them with authority "the Lieutenant wants this done tonight. You cut the anchor lose, you three work on the rudder and I'll take care of the steering mechanism. That fool Metch won't know a thing till he wakes tomorrow. By then it will be to late" Then unaware of the pending storm closing in they went about there tasks.
During the night we watched as the Captain was woken by a crew member banging on the cabin door "Captain the ship is floundering and heading towards the Ravenscar Cliffs" As he made his way to the upper deck he was greeted by a raging storm enveloping the ship and his crew in complete panic. "Captain the starboard bow is completely under water and we've lost the steering" "lost the steering, good god how did that happen" "we don't know Captain it appears the linkage has been tampered with" With that the Captain took charge, time was now of the essence as the ship was now at the mercy of the sea. "lower the lifeboats, get any survivors onboard quickly and launch the distress flares. now where is my Lieutenant" "Captain there is no sign of the him,and lifeboat 4 is missing" The Captain looked towards the shore "that traitor has jumped ship" The remaining passengers and crew headed for dry land as we watched the S.S.Brakman slowly sink from view. All was now lost and we began to feel the pull of the Atacan mirror.
Our time there was now at an end, and once again we experienced that feeling of euphoria as we were transported forward through time to Meadowfields where Spencer was waiting. "welcome home" That night we all rested and met with Salem the following morning. As we gathered it was obvious that he was eager for information. "Mr Zemik did you uncover anything of interest" John nodded "Salem, you were right to try and clear your fathers name. Rest assured we will be able to demonstrate that he was not in anyway responsible for the disaster that unfolded. "our investigations must now take us to your ancestral home at Ravenscar, please make ready, we leave tonight"
As the sun set we made the short train journey along the Yorkshire coastline, through the Ravenscar Tunnel and arrived later that evening. As we approached Salem's vast imposing home, the mist settled giving the building a foreboding and eerie feeling. We were met at the entrance by his butler who invited us all into the great hall. Turning to Salem he spoke "would you like me to serve drinks sir" "thank you, we will take them in the drawing room" said Salem as he beckoned us to follow. John looked pensive as we followed and once seated he spoke. "Salem tell me more about the events leading up to your fathers untimely death" "well Mr Zemik, my father always believed that he was at fault. It was his belief that he had lost control of the ship. He could never come to terms with the loss of so many lives and sadly hung himself. Although I have not witnessed this personally it is said that his ghost haunts this building, forever doomed to relive that terrible night. If that is true we must try to help him" John rose from his seat "please show me where your father is buried"
We all followed Salem to the nearby church situated in the grounds. As we entered we saw the imposing monument to Captain Metch. This had been erected over his burial place and was inscribed '1820 Captain Riven Metch 1868' John studied the monument carefully and made a note of the dates. "once again remind me of the exact date your father died" "June 3rd" Mr Zemik "thank you" said John "let's return to the house, I have a plan"
Back at the house John elaborated "Salem, prepare yourself. I believe your father remains in purgatory unable to cross over" Salem was grief-stricken but still determined to prove his father's innocence. John continued "You, Jacob and myself must travel back in time and venture into the spirit world where we will hopefully be able to communicate directly with your father" Salem looked perplexed "Travel back through time Mr Zemik, I don't understand" John tried to reassure Salem "All will be revealed tomorrow"
Once back at Meadowfields we congregated the following morning for breakfast. John looked apprehensive "Salem before I explain how time travel works I need your word and assurance that what you see, and what I am about to tell you, will not go beyond these walls" Salem paused "Mr Zemik you have my word as a God fearing Christian. Your secrets are and will always be, safe with me" Salem was then acquainted with the historical facts surrounding John's Great Grandfather Irvin Atacan Zemik, the creation of the Atacan Mirror and, the procedure for time travel. Once John had explained we made our way to the lower level to prepare the Atacan Mirror for our journey. John approached the mirror as Spencer entered the destination and set the date and year to June 3rd 1868."Salem stand on this spot and relax Jacob and I will be with you all the way "Spencer we will return in 3 hours please proceed"
We were transported to the spirit world in what seemed like seconds. When the mist cleared a horse and funeral carriage came into view. John beckoned to Salem "stay close by my side, do not wander away and do not, I repeat do not attempt to make contact" We made our way through some gates and passed two skeleton apparitions. We then took the short path that led to the entrance of a sinister building that towered over us. The keeper of the door instructed us to enter where we were met by a tall cloaked man who spoke. " Please identify yourself and explain your reason for being here in purgatory" John stepped forward, "My name is John Zemik and this is Salem and my colleague Jacob. Our purpose is to meet Salems father Captain Riven Metch" "for what purpose" asked the stranger "During the great storm of 1858 the Captains ship the S.S.Brakman, sank in the North Sea just below the Ravenscar Cliffs killing 49 passengers and crew. I believe Captain Metch is forever doomed to suffer in purgatory blaming himself for the loss of so many lives. Our purpose is to prove his innocence, restore his good name and help him to cross over" The stranger gestured to John "I understand, please be seated at the Purging table where you will be addressed by members of the grand council"
We sat at the table and awaited their arrival. Amidst this gloomy backdrop, a clock tower loomed over Purgatory, its ominous bell tolling intermittently. One by one their ghostly forms appeared and, as if sensing his distress they fixed there gaze on Salem. "We are the Adjudicators of Purgatory, make ready your father Riven was buried earlier and will be arriving here shortly transported by the Carrier" We waited and listened to the noise of a machine approaching in the distance. As the sound grew closer we watched in awe as the machine slowly appeared through the floor.
Riven exited the Carrier. Flustered and confused he was led to the Purging table. Upon recognising his son, Riven looked in disbelief and broke down as he stumbled to speak, "Salem please, please forgive me, I could not go on living another day". Salem looked to Zemik for reassurance as John aknowledged and nodded his approval. "Father things are not what they seem. We have proof that you are innocent and Mr Zemik, Jacob and myself are here to restore your good name and reputation" With that the Master Adjudicator beckoned Riven to be seated and spoke "Mr Zemik this is a judgement day, please present the evidence supporting your claim. John gathered his thoughts and spoke "Sir, I believe the Lieutenant orchestrated Captain Metchs downfall. Jacob and I witnessed the Lieutenant hatching a plot with crew members to sabotage the ships steering. This was done under cover of darkness and directly caused the disaster that unfolded and the loss of those 49 souls" "Where was the Lieutenant in all this" asked the Adjudicator John continued "As the ship floundered the Lieutenant jumped ship like a drowning rat and was one of the first to arrive on shore leaving the passengers and crew to fend for themselves The disaster tribunal requested his presence for questioning, but he did not attend and disappeared without trace "
"We have him here" said the Adjudicator. Suddenly a door opened and the Lieutenant stumbled out into the room and made his way to the Purging table trembling with trepidation The Master Adjudicator ordered the Lieutenant to speak the truth under the threat of eternal pain. Then, as if to make a point, he looked towards the cradle, clicked his fingers and we watched as it ignited into a ball of fire. Trembling the Lieutenant grovelled before the Grand Council "Mr Zemik is speaking the truth sir, I was jealous of Metch. I felt that I should have been the Captain and tried to undermine him at every turn so that I could replace him" The Adjudicators deliberated then brushed the Lieutenant aside "you are dismissed, we will deal with you later" With that the Lieutenant was taken away to await his fate
"What will happen to him" asked John "Mr Zemik for every life taken there is a consequence." "49 passengers died that day. For each of the 49 lives lost the Lieutenant will serve 10 years reliving that persons fateful night. For 490 years he will experience the pain, misery and anguish he has caused" "and what will become of Captain Metch" asked John. The Master looked at all of us with a degree of sympathy, "Unfortunately we are unable to restore life to a spirit but, Captain Metch will now be able to cross over safe in the knowledge that he is an innocent man. Now please say your final goodbyes" Then one by one the ghostly forms of the Adjudicators departed leaving us to watch in awe as they faded from view.
John and I moved to the other side of the room to allow Salem and his father a degree of privacy as they said farewell for the last time. Once again the Carrier arrived and a tearful Salem rejoined us as we all watched the Captain take his final journey. John placed his hand on Salems shoulder and tried to console Salem in his grief. "Rest assured your father will now make his journey to the afterlife and, eternal peace. With that we felt the familiar pull of the Atacan Mirror and new our time in the spirit world was now at an end. "make ready, we journey home" said John . . . "this is case is closed"