Tressa was pounding the keys of typewriter with a passion she had never felt before. The words were flowing through her fingers as if she were one with the typewriter. She had set aside her plans for a romance novel when her PC had exploded. Hopefully she could rescue it when she could get the computer repaired.

In the meantime she was writing a horror story. She recalled seeing an ad, somewhere on the internet, about someone looking for swamp monster fiction. She knew she could write that. After all, it was almost her life story. There had been swamp monster stories when she was a kid, and more recently, many more reports of strange creatures lurking in the swamplands near Houma.

Of course, she knew there was no such thing as swamp monsters.

Scully was still recovering from the strange blast that had emanated from the car radio. She was brushing bits of plastic out of her hair while Mulder was staring at the dented fender of their car. Fortunately neither of them were injured when the car ran off the road, but the small explosion that came from their radio was an unexpected surprise.

"I suppose you have an explanation for that, Scully," said Mulder sardonically as he got back into the car. "The fender's a bit battered, but I think it's drivable. I don't think were going to get any music out of that radio, though."

"Well, it could have been an explosive planted by whoever doesn't want us snooping about," replied Scully. "It's not a big secret that we're here. The sheriff knows we're here, and news travels fast in small towns. But what I don't understand, Mulder, is why someone would plant an explosive in the radio. There are easier ways to try and scare us off. And if they wanted to kill us, they would have used a larger explosive."

"I don't think this was caused by any sort of bomb," said Mulder. "It looks to me like one of those strange, unexplainable phenomenon that has been occurring all over the country. If you look closely at what's left of the stereo, you don't see any bomb residue. Besides, the only time we've been out of this car was when we were in Dr. Arcane's lab. And we weren't gone long enough for someone to plant a device."

"Well something is causing these mysterious events. Radios, telephones, computers don't just go bang for no reason."

"I think we'll have to split up. You can take me out to the swamp. I think there's a boat rental place not too far from here. I have a feeling we may find our answer out there." Mulder pulled a test tube out of his pocket, and tossed it to Scully. "Why don't you go to town and check this out. It's why I believe Arcane was not entirely truthful. There have been too many disappearances or deaths of noted scientists and researchers around here. Too many strange happenings that have been covered up."

"If there is a cover-up, Mulder, we had better not contact Sheriff Andrews. He may be involved. I'll visit the hospital. There's a Dr. Hollister there who should be able to help me analyze whatever is in this test tube." Scully stared at the contents of the tube. It was a green, mossy substance, unlike anything she had ever seen. "What do you make of the label? Does Holland mean something?"

"I'm not sure. There was a Dr. Alec Holland doing some biological research down here, maybe ten years or so ago. He was killed in a lab accident, or so they say. His body was never found. Does that raise your curiosity?"

Alec and Will were returning to the Kipp house, when a dark car pulled up and dropped off a well dressed man. "Looks like you've got some company" said Alec as he crept into the bushes.

"I'd better go catch him before Tressa gets her hands on him," replied Will.

"No telling what could happen in her state of mind. Hey Alec, if Arcane isn't behind these happenings, who is?"

"I'm not quite sure, Will. The swamp doesn't always tell my what she's doing. It may or may not have to do with the swamp, Arcane, or anything earthly. Or maybe something else is working through the swamp, or through Arcane. But somehow I feel it is connected with us, right here."

"Can I help you?" yelled Will Kipp as he ran to greet the stranger.

The stranger was about to knock but turned to Will. "Yes, I'm interested in renting a boat. Are you the Kipp, of Kipp Boat Rentals?"

"Well, sort of," said Will. "Tressa, my step mother, is the real Kipp, but she's not feeling well at the moment. I can rent you some fishing gear too if you want."

"That won't be necessary. Agent Fox Mulder, FBI," said the man, identifying himself with the flip of his badge. "I want to look around a bit. There have been some strange events in the area. Anything like that happen around here? Nice shorts, by the way."

"Um, something happened to my jeans," mumbled Will, blushing.

At that moment, their conversation was interrupted by the crash of shattered glass and the sight of an old Silver Reed typewriter flying through the air.

Back in Dr. Arcane's laboratory, Stella was still cleaning up from the morning disaster. She was interrupted by Graham dashing madly about. "Stella, quick, have you seen Dr. Arcane?"

"He's in taking a nap. What's with the My Little Pony underwear?"

Graham smiled. "It's the latest fashion trend. But that's not important. We've got to wake Dr. Arcane. That red headed FBI lady is snooping around the hospital and asking a lot of questions."

Stella was now facing a dilemma. "But, Graham, Dr. Arcane insisted we not disturb him unless there was a fire!"

"Maybe we should start one."

Scully was excited. The sample from Arcane's lab was more than she ever expected. In fact, she had never seen anything like it. She pulled out her cell phone and hit the speed dial for Mulder.

"Mulder.... you're not going to believe this... Mulder... listen to me... Mul--...Mulder!... slow down, I can't understand you... FOX! Who is Tressa Kipp, and what do you mean she's an alien?"

Then her phone exploded.