November 11th, 2017

They tried to cut the tree down again today. This time there was no warning, though I'm not sure I remember much warning last time either. Somehow people must have known though, 'cause the protesters had been acting up almost the whole day before the city's previous attempt. Today there was no such advanced warning.

I was out with Hal when they tried, Hal had turned to summon our server and I glanced at the TV only to notice the live coverage. This time they had brought in a huge logging rig. I'm not sure what they're called, but they've got that gripping device on the end of a long arm like a converted backhoe. The thing wraps around the tree, an automated saw will cut the tree down, and then the gripper runs the tree through it taking off the limbs. They're pretty efficient at what they do, but pretty scary when one is rooting for the tree.

After the last failure though, the crowd seemed to be mocking the rig, they seemed to have an arrogant expectation that the rig would fail. Even still, people were all well aware that this could be dangerous, and the police didn't have to try very hard to get the crowd to step back. Everyone seemed to be hiding behind buildings.

So the rig started up, and the operator took careful hold with his gripper. Once he was happy with the grip, he turned on the saw and tried to start cutting. It was a tougher saw, and it lasted longer given the mechanical arm that held it. There were sparks, and a horrible grinding sound. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, even in the restaurant as we watched the TV. Suddenly there was a loud crack, or pop, and then the chain flew away from the saw and embedded itself in the door of a police cruiser. It was so hot it was still glowing red when it struck, though it cooled quickly.

The rig operator though, he wasn't about to be outdone, so he turned on the gears that would normally pass the truck through the gripper to take off the limbs. The arm shot up the tree, pushing the whole rig over, and the gripper slammed into the first limb popping the levers hinges that closed it around the tree. I think the operator got dumped out of the cab to hit hard on the ground. Emergency workers hesitated to get to him since the rig was still running and tried to pass the gripper further up the tree. Finally there was another loud cracking sound and the whole rig sputtered to a stop while smoke started coming out of the engine. The emergency crew rushed to the operator and helped him up, he limped away but I don't know what was injured or how badly. The fire crew turned their hoses on and sprayed down the engine, probably just in case. And then the crowed emerged from their hiding places cheering in victory. The news story ended shortly after promising to check in on the operator and city spokesman. By then the restaurant guests had returned their attentions to one another and a server changed the channel before I could see anything more.

Hal and I sat in silence for a while after that, both of us considering what this might mean. The city seems determined to tear the tree down, and if they can't cut it down I wonder what they'll try next. Hal had his own questions though. If the tree does house a dryad, what is it going to do? I think he's a little worried about why it hasn't already done something, and to be honest I do to. I'm not sure what it would do, if it could do anything. At the same time though, if it emerges from the tree I'm worried what'll happen to it.

I asked Hal about that Melia lady who's been leading the protests. If anyone had tried to approach her even if only to see what she had to say. He said if they had they didn't need his approval or concern, they wouldn't tell him. But he did confirm that Tim was still spending a lot of time at the tree and watching everything that was going on. That he too had been to see the tree multiple times. He seems to have gotten rather attached to the tree. I mean, I know I was concerned about the tree being cut down, but Hal seemed to clutch his chest as he was watching the news feed.

As I'm writing this, I've been looking up news on the aftermath. There's some pictures here showing the extent of what had happened, and despite it's failure the rig did leave a rather nasty scar. It looks more like the side of a car when scraped down the side by another car, but there's a definite impression where the saw had tried to cut. It wasn't successful, but I don't think the protesters will be so arrogant in the future. The rig itself had to be pried off the tree, it's not designed expecting that kind of resistance. The teeth on the wheels inside the gripper are nearly bare, the hinges seem to be completely broken and separated. As for the operator, his ankle and knee are reported injured and badly bruised, but nothing is broken and he's expected to make a fully recovery.

Anyway, Hal had been eager to share some more news with me. He had found the same news articles that I had about the Nephmesu exhibit in Las Vegas. With everything going on though, I hadn't kept up with the news, and apparently there was a disturbance at the Luxor two nights ago. Someone came dressed up as an Egyptian mummy and caused a scene. I guess everyone there just took the mummy as a cosplayer or something. Oddly none of the disturbance was caught on security cameras and the mummy wasn't detained or even found when the police went looking for him. The report mostly comes from what people claim happened, and they seem to agree that the cosplayer was taking themselves too seriously. What it means is that neither Hal nor I can be sure of exactly what happened, though thankfully it doesn't sound like anyone was hurt. I didn't get the connection until Hal reminded me that the Luxor is the black pyramid. We're both suspicious now that whoever is causing trouble along with the Nephmesu exhibit has made a public appearance.

The odd part though is that so far all the incidents had happened nearby where the exhibit was being held. The Luxor is quite a distance from the Natural History Museum. The other thing being that the other break ins have been libraries and school buildings. The only connection with the Luxor is it being a pyramid. So we're not sure, and we are jumping to conclusions. It just seems very odd, and the ultimate question is as much "who is doing this?" as it is "why are they doing this?" This incident, if it is connected, seems much more like an attention getting prank than the break ins. So why the break ins if it is all about attention? But if it's not about attention, then why the public appearance?

In either case, today will have been the last day of the exhibit in Las Vegas. Tomorrow they'll be packing up and heading to San Francisco. He'll be joining the Human Odyssey Exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences for two weeks. I had understood that he'd be spending only a week at each location, but I guess the academy was able to pull some strings to hold on to him for a bit longer. I know afterward he was going to head up to Portland, but I think after that we were hoping to have our remodel finished and would be expecting him.

The remodel has been going well as far as I know. It seems slow to me, and maybe that was how the academy was able to swing a second week. When I stand guard up there though I'm able to sneak peaks at their progress. They've been at it for over a month now, and from what I've seen it's really started to take shape. They should be finished here soon, I think they'll be announcing that tomorrow morning.

Anyway, while we spent some time speculating on the Luxor incident, Hal was able to produce a lot of articles concerning people going missing. Up into Canada, south into Mexico, and then the eastern states as well. Sadly, people going missing in Mexico is a common thing, so we can't be sure that any of the articles there have any particular connection to the Ohvau. But the articles out of Canada and the eastern states are all looking for people who liked spending time out-doors.

With all the news articles that Hal has been keeping track of, he's had to start organizing them. He's now starting a second folder full of people showing up in towns and cities who don't speak English and are otherwise unable to communicate with the people around them. The encounters vary wildly as far as what happens, but generally they are civil and the "found" person is taken in. Unfortunately there was an accident involving one such "found" person when they tried to cross I-70 and got struck by a car. He didn't fare so well, and as far as I know is still in the hospital in Silverthorn. The only reason we connect him is that his description matches all the others, particularly the clothing he's wearing.

I should stress, they aren't all wearing the same clothing, but it all seems to be hand made and varies in condition. There are no tags that would indicate a manufacturer, nor is any of it a familiar style. It's not like they're wearing t-shirts and jeans, the material isn't even that identifiable. Sometime it's hide, sometimes is woven, but in all cases they're compared to styles and materials from before the industrial revolution.

After Hal brought that up, it reminded me of the guy I had seen in Westhouse Books. I asked if Hal remembered him, and while he did, Hal didn't make the connection with the news article concerning the bar fight. He accepted that I was pretty sure, but he admitted that he didn't see it. Unfortunately I have no way to truly compare, so I might be wrong. But I could swear that he's the same guy, I can feel it in my gut. Without that connection though, Hal wasn't really interested in why he was talking to Mr. Westhouse.

Since I had the floor though, I also made sure to bring up Max. She had meet me for lunch and had begged and pleaded that I tell her about Hal and everything. She seemed to think I wanted to tell her that we were officially dating or something. Max wasn't happy that I didn't want to talk about it right there, but she did accept meeting me for a girls night where we could discuss it all. So having that set to happen, I asked Hal about her. I reminded him that he had originally started sharing all of this with the both of us, not just me. I told him that she had been finding some of the same news articles and was piecing together a lot of this on her own. Though her conclusions weren't correct, she was making the connections.

Hal didn't like the idea, he was more concerned about what his mentor might do if he found out that Hal was telling everyone. I scoffed at that, I mean, here he was telling me everything already, and he had assured me that I didn't have anything to worry about. Hal insisted that was different, one person was okay, as long as he was just meeting me, he could say we were just dating. But if he started meeting with more than just me, then he'd have to start explaining things.

So now, apparently, not only does everyone on my side think we're dating 'cause they won't take any other explanation for an answer. Everyone on his side thinks we're dating 'cause he's telling them that. And yea, Hal let it slip that Tim knows we meet every week. That was one point he had failed to share with me.

I'm trying hard not to be paranoid about this, scared out of my wits that someone might kidnap me because I know too much. All this time I'd thought we were successfully meeting in secret, and it turns out they all know. Or rather, they know I'm his girlfriend. I was done, I'm still so angry with him, and I demanded he take me home before I start making a scene. I can't believe he'd put me in this position.

So now I'm home. It's getting late. Tomorrow's my birthday which I'd forgotten to try to take off from work. Candace and I aren't speaking, and I'm not talking to Hal. If I hadn't suggested Max and I go out on Wednesday, she'd be pissed at me too.

I don't know what to do. Either the world is going mad, or I am, and it suddenly feels like I don't have anyone I can turn to. I haven't been turning to Max as much as I should, and that makes me the bad friend. And now she's the only one I have left to turn to. So Wednesday I have to spill the beans, and hope she doesn't strand me at the restaurant. She shouldn't, she's always been good. But with everything else I can't help but worry that she would.

Either way, tomorrow's going to suck. Might as well get it over with.

November 10th, 2017

I had looked up Westhouse books this morning while I was getting ready for work. There wasn't a lot to be found, in fact Google brought up "West House Books," which is a publishing company in the UK I think. I had to search for "Westhouse Books in Denver" before anything was brought up on the first page. The site looked legit, at least it had the same hours of operation that Hal had mentioned, but it wasn't a welcoming web page. Basically just a physical address, phone number, and hours of operation, which was almost any time of day, any day, but management reserved the right to close at any time. Their web page was little more than a crappy business card.

I wasn't sure what to expect we'd find when we got there. We drove around the block twice trying to find it before realizing this side door into one of the buildings matched the address we were looking for. It's almost like they don't want people to find it. I keep saying they, referencing "management" or owners or something. Turns out it's just one old dude that owns the place and runs it. I wouldn't be surprised to find he had an apartment in the back and that he lives there.

So yea, once we found the door, then we had to drive back around the block to find some public parking, which was convenient enough actually. Walked back around into an alley that made me think of any city horror type setting, and suspiciously made our way into the door and right down a set of stairs. And yes, they creaked the whole way down.

Once we hit the landing there was another door, this one finally announcing that we had found Westhouse Books. We weren't sure if we could just walk in, or if we needed to knock and wait for someone to answer. Hal looked back to me for guidance and I just shrugged my shoulders. So he tried the handle, and finding it wasn't locked we opened the door to a bell attached at the top.

Everything about this place just screamed old and uninviting. It was obviously a shop, bookshelves and shelves haphazardly placed, all crammed with books, artifacts, and dust. I almost felt like we'd wandered into a labyrinth among all those shelves. There wasn't a front desk to be found, no one to greet us, or prevent us from walking away with a wad of cobwebs. I'm sure the items or the books might be worth something, but caked in all that dust the only thing that looked worth grabbing was the spider silk. I can't imagine the shop does any business, and I have to wonder how it exists at all.

So we wandered around a bit, unwilling to leave each other's side lest we loose one another. Hal slowly, but surely, started paying more attention to what was on the shelves rather than where we were headed through the shelves. It didn't take long before Hal was browsing the wares as though everything were perfectly normal. I didn't want to disturb the carefully laid layer, and was worried that even breathing hard might kick up a cloud of dust that'd cover our tracks and truly leave us lost in this maze. So I would wander ahead to see around the next bend or break in our path.

I kept looking up too, hoping to find security cameras or something. I always find them a little creepy, but in this forgotten bookstore I think I'd have found them comforting. Nothing, not even those curved mirrors that would be fitting given the door bell. There was adequate lighting, I won't say good, but where the books had pressed or raised lettering, we could read the titles. Although again, it'd almost have been more fitting if at least one of the lights were flickering and threatening to go out. Especially since Halloween had just come and gone.

It  was while I was wandering ahead, keeping Hal in sight, that I heard voices. I called to Hal and told him I'd be right around this corner, and he nodded absently. So having any voice to follow at all, something to wander toward, gave me hope that I wasn't lost after all. I shouldn't have left Hal, but I couldn't resist.

Thinking back on all this, I have to wonder how big the space was. I mean, it didn't feel all that big, but it seemed like we wandered for a while without circling back on ourselves. It must have been the basement to the building or something. It couldn't have been bigger.

Anyway, I followed the voices, there were two of them. Both men, one sounded older, the other confident. They were speaking quietly, like they didn't need to speak any louder. It was quiet in the store, what was surprising was that I wasn't hearing them as soon as we walked in. Even hearing their voices though, I couldn't make out what they were saying. I think they were speaking another language, but it sounded like I should understand it.

I had taken only the one turn, and about where Hal should be right on the other side of the shelving I was walking down, there was another bend that would take me away from him. I hesitated as I approached knowing I didn't want to get too far from Hal, but I could look around the corner just to see. So I did, and finally found a counter complete with cash register (a mechanical one), and clerk.

The old man was the clerk, and for a guy who had a lot of dust to show, he didn't have a speck on him. He was dressed well, if appropriately aged in tweed, and tall though I think his side of the counter was raised. Speaking with him was a guy who was entirely out of place in this store. He looked like he belonged on a basketball court or something. And not to belabor stereotypes, it was just the appearance of him that was so counter to where I was finding him. He was wearing loose fitting clothes, shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers. He was tall, I think somewhere between Sam and Hal, and he was muscular like a sportsman. Not beefy like Sam, but he had well defined muscles. If I'm being honest it was a very pleasant sight.

By now I could hear them clearly, and I was certain they were speaking another language. But it sounded so familiar. There's a song on Youtube done in a foreign country, the point of the song is to show what English sounds like to non-English speakers. When I as an English speaker listen to it, and I suspect this is true for others, it sounds like I should understand what is being said. But of course it's nonsense except for the occasional "Oh Yea." Hearing these two talk gave me the exact same sense that I should be able to understand them, and yet I couldn't. I'm not sure how better I can express it.

But to watch their gestures, they seemed amiable toward each other. I rather suspect the customer was looking more for comic books than anything one might find in this store, but then maybe he's looking for some old first printings. Those I'd bet we could find.

I stepped forward, entranced by what they were saying and trying so hard to figure it out. I wasn't trying to be quiet, but I didn't mean to make any noise. Whatever I had done, they both looked up to see me. The older man instantly became more professional and asked if he could help me, but I was watching the younger one, who just smiled and nodded toward me. His face was not unattractive, but it did appear as though he'd had a tough life. He didn't appear that old, but his face was like that of an old boxer's; flat nose, broad face, and small eyes.

The old merchant cleared his throat and asked again if he could help, startling me out of my stare. I stammered an apology and said I was looking for some books on mythology for school. The old man was clearly annoyed by my request, suggesting a library might be a better place to start. He only dealt in "specific requests." I hadn't heard Hal approach behind me, and was startled when he spoke up. He had come prepared and had a list of books that he produced from his pocket.

The old man returned his attention to his companion and asked something. I have to think he was asking if the other customer needed anything else, but of course I couldn't understand a word. The other customer shook his head no, and said something in return. Then he left with a wave and a final smile in my direction. I looked to Hal, slightly embarrassed for no good reason, but Hal was busy reading over his list for the old merchant. I looked back, hoping to wave or something, but his back was to me and he disappeared around another corner.

I want to say I don't know why I keep thinking back on him, but the reality is I know all too well. He was trouble in the way only a very attractive person can be.

I returned my attention to Hal and the old merchant, turns out the old merchant is Mr. Westhouse himself. To Hal's pleasure, Mr. Westhouse did have a couple of the books he was looking for. Sadly however Hal was hoping to find translations. Mr. Westhouse indicated that his normal clientele rarely sought anything but the originals. He could procure translations for us, for an additional fee. I asked how much of a fee, and in his most arrogant of pleasantries Mr. Westhouse answered that if I had to ask, I wouldn't be able to afford them.

We were not invited to return.

I can't believe how poorly we were treated, and even more so I can't understand why it frustrates me so much. But having time to think on it, and now going back over the experience, I think I've come to realize why I'm so frustrated. I'm frustrated because I want access. I don't want to go back knowing I was treated so poorly. I want to go back being able to afford what he has to sell, and in so doing forcing him to treat me better. How does that make any sense though?

Anyway, leaving the store was far easier than it was to find Mr. Westhouse at his counter. When it was clear we weren't going to be able to provide him any business, he simply gestured in the direction that his companion had gone. We walked toward the shelves and looked back thinking he'd tell us which way to go, but Mr. Westhouse was stepping out of sight through a door behind his counter. I looked back to Hal, who shrugged, and then turning back to where we were going we found the very door we had entered.

I don't know how we missed his counter, I could have sworn there was no other way to go.

I'm home now. Work was fine, didn't have any attacks. Tomorrow Max should join me for lunch. We do need to talk about Hal, as was brought up yesterday, but that conversation can't be had in that amount of time, nor at that location. Especially since Hal could walk up right in the middle of it. I think I'll see about us having a girls night out on Wednesday. Not sure about Max's schedule, but I don't think her last class would be that late. And then dinner with Hal afterward, which he did confirm with me as he was bringing me home.

Shit, I suddenly realized why I keep thinking back to that other customer. I've seen him before, he was the one who had been involved in the bar fight that first night Hal and I were out. I hadn't seen him then of course, but his mug shot was shown in the news story about it. He was the one who had taken on, basically the entire rest of the bar. Of course, in the mug shot he had long hair and a full beard. Seeing him today, he'd cut his hair and shaved his face clean. A change of clothes and I'm kind of amazed I can recognize him at all.

What was he doing talking to Mr. Westhouse?

Great, now I'm going to be up all night thinking about that. Better get comfortable then.

November 9th, 2017

Where in the hell does he get off? Who does he think he is? Sam's got no right to treat any of us this way, not Candace, not me, and certainly not Max!

I get that going down to see the tree in LODO is risky, but what happened on Monday hasn't been repeated and these last two days have been fairly quiet. Today things were touristy even, the protesters were still there, but beyond being loud they haven't been threatening. Police presence was still high, and they weren't letting people get near the barricade. But both groups of activists actually had tables where they were handing out information concerning their side of the debate and taking interviews.

As if armed conflict was just a debate.

I know, I know, things were pretty bad on Monday, and there were still signs of the violence to be seen. But it's like everyone has settled down and changed tactics, become more civilized. I think that's a good thing, and it's the only reason I agreed to head down there with Max when she stopped by Candace's after class.

But I think what pisses me off most is that Candace is accepting Sam's blow up, even agreeing with it. She didn't put up much of a protest when Max and I left, though she did warn that Sam wouldn't like it. But that's just it, he can not like it, but he can't prevent us from doing so. We're grown women, and he's neither of our parents, we have a right to our decisions and will take responsibility for our own actions. It's nice that he's concerned about us, but he needs to learn how to handle that concern.

Even Max, who'd be thrilled to think he cared about her, was turned off by his yelling. She chewed him out on the spot for jumping our shit, and Candace told her to leave. It was too much at the moment, and I certainly wasn't going to wait around to get yelled at some more, so I left with Max saying they were in the wrong.

I just don't understand what the issue is. I'd have thought he'd be happy we didn't take Candace with us knowing he's so overprotective of her. And in a way, it's flattering that he's extended that sense of protection to the two of us, but it's overbearing, inappropriate, and wholly uncalled for. He has no right to be ordering us around in any way. And no more right to be ordering Candace around either. Why can't she see that? How can she accept it?

We've talked about it before, and I get that she feels safe with him around. I'm just not sure why, and I still don't see what right that gives him at all. If she didn't want to go, and she mentioned as much, she doesn't have to go. It's her decision, just as ours was to go. Sam has no part in that, so I'm frustrated that she leans on him as her excuse. Even more so that she tries to use the same excuse to say we shouldn't go either.

I hope we can get past this, I hope we can talk later, because we need to. I've come to really like Candace these last few months. Even Sam, when he's not being overprotective, he's a very thoughtful guy, sweet and caring. I love seeing him laugh, and he's got a great smile when he lets it show. But if we're going to have any relationship going forward, he needs to learn some boundaries, and I need to establish them. I know I can't enforce those same boundaries for Candace, she has to do that, but I will maintain that she should. For now though we both need to cool down.

So, moving on. I should record that I did have a dizzy spell this morning while I was trying to take a shower. I managed to ease my way to the floor of the tub before I'd lose my balance. Last thing I need is to be breaking my neck in the bathroom. Still, it made the rest of the day that much harder to deal with. I could probably have handled things better.

I did pick up fliers while down at the tree. I made sure to pick up fliers from both sides so no one'd think I was favoring one side over the other. Doubt they were watching, but I've been acting paranoid anyway thanks to Hal. The flier in favor of ridding us of the demon tree is full of god bothering idiocy. They seem to be comparing this tree to the tree that got Adam and Eve thrown out of Eden, as though it were the tree's fault. Though there was a reference to a fig tree too. I don't know, incoherent as always.

It was the flier opposed to cutting down the tree I was most interested in. And sure enough it was showing information about the tree being a rare species of ironwood that is endangered. The flier invokes US regulations for the protection of endangered species. As a proposal to adjust the intersection to accommodate the tree, they suggest making it a roundabout. I didn't see any suggestions for moving the tree, and I tried asking, but the guy at the table didn't hear me and had already moved his attention on to the next person. I did catch sight of Melia, she was being interviewed by a guy and a cameraman. It didn't look like a news station though, so I'm not sure who was interviewing her. I'm sure she'll take whatever attention she can get, the city still seems to be ignoring her.

While we were out there though, Max asked about Hal. I had been avoiding talking about him, which was easy 'cause we'd gotten sidetracked by the tournament and then Halloween. But Max and I had already been talking about his conspiracy, and leave it to Max to never forget a conspiracy. Or the idea that I have a boyfriend. Our nights out have been fun though, when I'm not stressing over the world as we know it coming to an end. And I kept the conversation on that still unsure how to tell Max about the Illuminati and everything. Though looking back on that, I'm not making it any easier to deny that we're dating.

I did let her know how he'd been put off by me having to miss a night thanks to the tournament, and that I hadn't told him before hand. Max was encouraging in how I'd handle it, but she was sympathetic to things from his point of view. Which again, she was leaning on us as dating regularly. I'm just never going to shake that am I?

Despite my avoidance though, Max remembered his thoughts on the conspiracy as we had been talking about it when first they'd met. I couldn't deny that he and I had been continuing that conversation without flat out lying to her. So I told her that we needed to talk, but that "here" was not the place. It wasn't hard to act paranoid about it, and she let me off with a twinkle in her eye that I have a feeling I may regret later. She and I may need to have a girls night out next week.

It was after visiting the tree when Max and I returned to Candace's and found Sam there. He had picked me up this morning as usual, and hadn't said anything to me about the tree. We chatted peacefully enough on the way over, nothing was amiss. And while I was visiting with Candace before Max had picked me up, we were doing fine. Max got there and we asked if she wanted to join us. She turned us down, which was her right, and warned us that Sam wouldn't like it. So yea, when we got back... I've already gone over it. No need to dwell.

It'll be nice getting back to work tomorrow. Though I just realized as I was looking at the calendar, my birthday's coming up. With everything going on, I'd completely forgotten and didn't ask for the day off. Must be getting old. Oh well, Sunday's are hard enough to get off anyway. Mom and Dad haven't mentioned anything, nor Max. I guess we've all been busy. Will have to try and do something on Wednesday. Maybe Thursday, might not be going to Candace's this week. And if my birthday is here, that means Mom and Dad's anniversary is right around the corner. Will have to keep that in mind.

November 8th, 2017

I did some research today, out of curiosity, seeing what I could find. Looked up news from papers and TV stations local to Las Vegas, and anything I could find between there and Phoenix over the last week. There was a lot to cover, and of course I wasn't entirely sure what to look for, but I did find something that seems to fit the bill.

This week Nephmesu is staying at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. The road crew transported him on Monday, and the exhibit was set up yesterday. Today the exhibit went live and will run through Sunday before packing up to head to San Francisco. Interestingly enough, there was another break in on Monday night at the Las Vegas library which is almost right across the street from the museum.

As I was reading over the article, it read like a crime blotter, there wasn't a whole lot of detail. Which if the investigation is still ongoing, that kinda makes sense. Don't want to give too much away until they have something solid. But it got me to wondering, and I looked up the other articles that I'd been shown and other sources for the stories. They are all lacking in details, and the older incidents in San Antonio and Phoenix don't have much follow up. There's a few sites that are announcing security footage found, but they look like rag mag sites, so I'm not as interested in finding out. So it seems the break ins are attracting attention, but from the same groups that tend to publish big foot sightings and UFO abductions. Which is kinda interesting on its own, given what all Hal has been telling me.

Actually, since I'm on the subject now, I'm suddenly wondering if there's more truth to big foot and UFO's than I had thought there were. If ancient mythology turns out to be true, to an extent, why not modern mythology?

Anyway, while the stories on their own are attracting that limited attention, no one seems to be connecting the incidents. Which could be due to the very local coverage of the news, but with the internet connecting these people one'd think they'd pick up on the similarities of the incidents. But the other thing is, they're not making the connection with the Nephmesu exhibit. Without that particular piece of information, they probably don't even know to look.

I have to admit I'm tempted to drop an anonymous tip on one or more of their sites, just to see what happens. No, that wouldn't be a good idea, for a number of reasons.

So I've made sure to print out a reference article so I can share it with Hal. Though I'm not sure what he's going to want to talk about on Friday. I know we're going to see if we can find any books on ironwood trees, but he's made it pretty clear by now that he doesn't want to talk conspiracy away from dinner. I half expect that we'll get to the bookstore, and each of us will take different sections to look and we'll compare notes on Saturday night.

It probably won't be that bad.

As far as local events, things have been calm today. Not quiet, Melia is back leading the protesters in LODO. But the city hasn't tried to cut down the tree, and the protesters seem to be hyper aware of police scrutiny after what happened on Monday. They're making noise, but they're very careful not to make any aggressive motions towards the tree or the police blockade. Any counter-protesters have been directed to protest at the far side of the blockade from the protesters. The two are not allowed to approach each other and police presence is making it clear that they're watching everyone.

I'm feeling iffy about going to see the tree. Visitors are kept at as much of a distance as the protesters, so I'm not sure what more we'd be able to see. I'd love to touch the tree and see what it feels like, but there's no chance of that.

But I also want to go see Melia Floros. I doubt I'd be able to approach her any more than I can the tree, but I'd like to see and hear what she has to say on the subject. I'm fascinated that she's saying publicly what Hal and I are whispering to each other over dinner. Not that we're actually whispering, but it's not like we're broadcasting to the entire restaurant. The point is we're careful of people overhearing us. That's another question I want to ask Hal though, if the Illuminati is going to take action against her. He still hasn't answered my emails, so I don't know what's going on.

Oh well, I'll see Candace tomorrow, and I guess I'll have to make a decision before Max gets there.

November 7th, 2017

It's been a quiet day. Or at least it was a quiet morning. The city seems to be licking it's wounds after yesterday's protests, made even moreso by the snowfall. The police remain guarding the tree along with some firemen. Though there are groups of firemen and police who are speaking out against the force that they were authorized to use yesterday. A lot of city departments have issued statements of regret, which is a good sign. Though City Hall has been quiet.

On the other hand there are a lot of citizen groups who are also speaking out against the weapons and threats that people had brought yesterday. It's nice to see that people are taking responsibility, rather than just pointing fingers.

That's not to say the finger pointing isn't happening. Both sides of the protest are blaming the other for everything that has happened. The only thing they can seem to agree upon is that the city was out of line for attacking the people.

I've seen a few reports of how the injured are recovering. Most seem to be doing better, but a few are in limbo. The police officer that got hit by the molotov has stabilized, though skin grafts are what they're talking about now.

So the streets are what's quiet, and even the museum was nearly empty today. The media has not been quiet. I did finally hear from Melia Floros though. She was interviewed about the protests, which she claims to have had nothing to do with. She said she's spent most of the last few days trying to talk to city officials about preventing the tree from being cut down. But they've rejected and ignored her at every turn. So now she's out protesting again, doing everything she can to be heard.

She's openly stated that the tree is a true ironwood, and that the city has a responsibility to protect it. That it's one of the last of it's kind. I think my jaw just about hit the floor when I first heard that, I can't believe someone said it publicly. I can't believe anyone else knows. I emailed Hal again to try and talk about it, but he must be busy with his secret society 'cause he hasn't responded at all. I didn't even see him at work today.

As far as the two groups of protesters go, the ones that were chanting and singing last night are still there. They seem to have a much more relaxed attitude today, as though they believe the tree can't be cut down no matter how hard the city tries. The others, the ones that wanted the tree removed have gotten even more vocal and nasty. The tree is no longer just some omen, but an evil tree that must be removed. They use a lot of Christian language, and no doubt they themselves are Christian, but I'd hate to think all Christians are in support of them. They've been downright mean toward the tree, it's pagan supporters, and Melia in particular. But as is so often the case, I haven't heard other Christians speaking out against such behavior. And Christians wonder why they have such a poor reputation.

Max said she's been loaded up with make up work for all the classes that were cancelled yesterday. So she's not been very talkative, but she has said she's looking forward to getting together on Thursday. She's still hoping to visit the tree. I called Candace when I got home from work, she said Sam has flat out forbidden her from going anywhere near the tree. She said she hadn't talked with him about us going, just that he had demanded it out of the blue. Candace admitted wanting to go just to spite him, but after everything she'd heard about yesterday, she doesn't want to go. I don't blame her, I'm feeling cautious about it myself. We'll see how things go tomorrow, and use it to judge whether or not to visit on Thursday.

November 6th, 2017

Mom had to take me to work this morning as the public transit system was shut down starting early this morning. Protesters had banded together in mass and flooded LODO using public transportation to get there. From the sound of it, a significant portion of their numbers had come in on foot over night hiding wherever they could within blocks of the tree. They had scheduled their arrival to coincide with the public transit system so that they could rush the tree like a flash mob. They overran the police barricade and made the few police stationed there run. And then in surprising numbers they just continued to arrive by public transportation. Once the city realized how many people were on the buses and light rail headed in that direction, they ordered it all shut down.

Then they brought in the fire department and sprayed the crowds with water to disperse them. Just watching the images made it seem like a battlefield. I'm sure everyone's intentions were to be peaceful, but the police that were engulfed in the early hours were understandably overwhelmed. It doesn't excuse their actions, but it definitely explains them. People got hurt, and the crowds didn't react any better. Part of the reason the city reacted with such force was because a couple of officers were trapped in their car. The crowds were literally rolling it over with the officers inside.

It made for a terrifying morning. The whole city seemed to be in an uproar. By the time Mom got me to work, Bryan was standing outside and was just sending everyone home. Max said all of her classes after lunch were cancelled since so few were even showing up. Campus security was everywhere making sure nothing started up on school grounds.

It's hard to believe all of this happened over a tree. I have to remind myself that the tree showed up fully grown, over night, in the middle of an intersection. Religious groups are calling it a miracle, a sign, an omen, or whatever other term they want to use to express the hope or fear they believe it should inspire. Apparently a lot of talk had taken place in the pulpits yesterday.

So while there were a lot of people protesting cutting the tree down, very quickly it seemed there were people who wanted to see the tree come down. They had even brought their own axes and worse. The fire department had to bring in multiple engines, and one of them got hit by a molotov cocktail. That's one image that has been seared into my brain is the side of the fire engine just erupting in flame. A second cocktail had been thrown at the tree, but it fell short and exploded over one of the barriers.

An officer had been hiding behind that barrier too. Firemen at the scene were able to respond, but she's in the hospital now recovering from burns. The police in the patrol car were beat up pretty hard, but nothing broken. That said, many more protesters were hurt. The officer that had pulled out a baton should face charges, he had broken more than one persons arm. But the injuries to the crowds were mostly self inflicted. A lot of people were trampled, fights had broken out and weapons were involved. Though I think the real miracle today was that no one was shot. Most of the weapons that had been confiscated were axes.

That went on for most of the day, but by three or four the city seemed to calm down. The police and fire department had enough force at the tree to discourage any further action there. Once the crowds fury died down, people seemed to quickly gather the sense to disperse on their own. What small groups remained actually stepped up to help those who had been injured.

While the people were helping out the injured, the city brought in a crew to cut down the tree. By five a new crowd had gathered around the tree, much more subdued given the events of the morning. The police were on high alert but no one tried anything. There are a few video's floating around social media of people filming the guy as he approached the tree with his chainsaw. As he started it up, it's like everything else went silent, and on any video the only sound one can hear is the growl of the saw.

I'm watching one now, the guy revs the engine making sure the saw is working, and then he looks around at the crowds before approaching the tree. Still, no one makes a noise. Though it almost seems like I can hear the wind as it rushes through the boughs of the tree, like the tree itself is sighing. Then the saw revs and screams like some terrifying beast. The man braces himself and brings the saw to bear. And as soon as the teeth touch the tree, it shoots sparks. Bits of chain shot out everywhere like shrapnel, and the saw itself was pulled from the guys hands. There was some scoring, and it seems some of the shrapnel actually came from the bark, but otherwise the tree remains unharmed. At the end of the video I can hear the guy who was going to cut the tree thanking God that he's completely unharmed. Never mind the injuries to the crowd and the fireman who was struck in the back by the chainsaw. Fortunately the fireman was protected by his gear, he got knocked over pretty hard, but is standing as the last frame of the video.

After that the tree has been pretty much left alone. The crowds that surround it now are much smaller, and more peaceful. The latest news reports them singing or chanting, I think someone mentioned them being a pagan group, Wiccan or something. I keep looking for Melia Floros, but I haven't seen any images of her or heard her name. I know she had been leading the protests early on, but she doesn't seem to be making the news now. I'm curious what's happened with her.

I'm also curious what Hal has to say, but I'll have to wait till next Saturday to find out. Unless he responds to my email. Or Friday, I almost forgot we were going to hit up that bookstore.

Max has been incredulous, and she's going on and on about any conspiracy she can think of. I feel like a bad friend for not telling her what I know, but at this point I'm not sure where to start. Maybe Wednesday when we get together. I don't know if we'll be able to see the tree, but hopefully we'll still meet up.

November 5th, 2017

It's weird, I don't think I've ever paid so much attention to the news. But this last week it seems like I've been purposely watching the news every day, and reading the papers available at work. I'd ask when I became so interested in current events, but I know it's been a combination of things. Mostly it's been the conspiracy that Hal has introduced me to and everything he's been telling me about. Max had always shared news items with me. But when the news items she shared started lining up with the things Hal has been telling me, I started paying more attention to the news on my own. Then between what happened at DIA, and that tree showing up in LODO, suddenly I've been watching the news every day just to see what's happening.

With officials unable to provide any worthwhile explanation for what happened at DIA, news on that front seems to have come to a standstill. It seems neglect has been ruled the explanation for what happened, someone didn't set a brake, or forgot to chock a wheel. It was an unfortunate accident, but DIA will make sure everyone affected will have their health care reviewed and compensated where appropriate. Beyond that, nothing.

On the other hand, the tree in LODO has been making headlines. Or at least the protests surrounding it have. City officials have made the decision to go ahead and cut down the tree, and the protesters have somehow found a massive support system. It seems people have been coming in from all around the state and further to protest cutting the tree down. They surrounded the tree today and wouldn't let anyone near it. Police took action a couple of hours ago citing concern that someone might get hurt. Of course, in taking action, some people got hurt.

I have to admit, I'm impressed that the protesters have been so persistent. They were there all day, and while the intersection has been cleared and the police have set up blockades, there are groups of people marching the streets. We could hear one group here just a half hour ago. On the whole the crowds have been noisy, but not disruptive. That said, they've attracted the sort of people who will take advantage of whats going on to cause their own forms of chaos. It didn't take long for the protesters to adapt to the trolls. Now when someone starts causing problems, the entire crowd will back away from the offender and point at them to make them visible. It seems to be having the desired effect.

It's disappointing that all this had to happen, though it's good to hear that the police employed non-lethal forms of crowd dispersal. I still don't understand why the tree can't have been dug up and moved. The protesters didn't want anything to happen to it, and wouldn't entertain any suggestions. But I do have to admit that the cost and effort of moving the tree would be excessive. It is a massive tree, even for a cottonwood.

I've been texting Max, she was really hoping to see the tree again, but if they cut it down we might be out of luck. That is, unless Hal and Tim are right. If it's a true ironwood there's no telling what will happen. I guess we find out tomorrow.