Post #5 - Boxes

As the night grew darker, Jack stood looking over the guard rail toward the old power plant.  Long ago the site was a burial ground for Native American tribes, then a battleground. The hill on which the power plant sat was sacred ground.

"Sacrum Terram," Jack murmured as he watched each one enter the building.  "I do hope they will trust one another."

After a moment he heard someone behind him clear his throat. He turned his attention to the young man who stood on the other side of pool.  The warm mist blurred the edges of his profile.

"Hello, Elwood, I was hoping you'd come up and enjoy the view and the waters.  The plants are exceptional.  They were recommended by a resident here at the Foxberry. Rose, do you know Rose?"

Jack smiled and Elwood, still a bit bewildered how he ended-up on the rooftop pool deck, nodded.  He, in fact, had met her. "Yes. Yes. She's very nice."

"Yes." Jack paused then walk over to a table and picked up the box.

"I am sure you are familiar with this style of box." Elwood walk around the pool deck and smiled.

"Why, yes.  It's a sakake-bako box."

Jack smiled at Elwood's response. "Of course." He paused then looked at Elwood.  "There are so many questions that are, well, infesting our town. Perhaps you can find some answers for us. This box was delivered today by Bea. You know Bea, our mail person?"

"Yes, she's very helpful." Elwood looked at the box.  It was an old one. Not the cheap, tourist-brand. He looked up at Jack.
"Yes, perhaps, Mr. Stars. Maybe I can help."

Post #4 - Aaron and Heqet and Exodus

"Joshua."
"Oh!" Jack jumped and straightened-up.  He had been ferreting out the various frogs that made it to the roof. He admired their persistence and felt the need to give them sanctuary.
"Joshua."
"Here, my name is Jack." Jack said standing amid the pots with a frog in each hand.  "How many times do I have to remind you? And I'm a bit busy at the moment."
"Joshua. This needs to stop."
"I didn't start it. I am trying to rectify a few things if you haven't noticed."
"Go find the one who will end this."
"The frogs?" Jack placed the last two frogs that he could find into the cage with the others. "What do you have in mind. Please," He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, 'keep it simple. I am finding it all a bit much right now."
"Go find the teacher."
"Mr. Salimov?"
"Yes."
"Fine, but I am busy." He headed to 203.
As he stood in front of Mr. Salimov's door, he took a deep breath. He heard a soft peep behind him. He turned and reached down gently scooping-up the small Peeper.
"Okay," He whispered and knocked.
When Mr. Salimov opened the door.  He paused, looked at Jack, then at the small frog. "Yes? Can I help you?"
Jack looked into his eyes and wished he didn't feel so rushed. "Mr. Salimov The question we should all be asking is how can you help this town."
Mr. Salimov blinked. Jack sighed, turned, and walked back down the hall. "And bring the watch. You may lose track of time."