Cozmic Cat Puzzles Jack in the Black

Heading for the Intergalactic Inka Princess and Cozmic cat Story

Chapter 1 • A Short Conversation

Jack in the Black, spirit and soul of the black hole, gazed across the galaxy and watched as Daizy, the Intergalactic Inca Princess, danced among the shimmering starry flowers.

“Jack I know you’re watching me.” Daizy’s voice echoed across the galaxy.

“It’s because you are so beautiful” answered Jack. “Are you planning a party? I hear that Eeeyoo Eeeyooo will be celebrating his birthday and that you are planning a party for him.”“Yes and you are welcome to watch and listen but I would appreciate if you would not capture my guests. I don’t understand why you are so cruel. Anytime anyone gets close to you, you capture them and hold them forever in your cold dark world.”

“It’s the nature of who I am.” Replied Jack. “I am a black hole.”

With her silver boots sparkling, the Intergalactic Inca Princess flew towards the black hole. She then looked straight into the eyes of Jack in the Black and spoke. “I understand, but that does not help me very much with my friends who are afraid to come and visit because of you.”

“Well it doesn’t help me very much,” replied Jack “that I am able to capture anything in the universe that gets too close to me except what I desire the most. And what I desire the most is the closest thing to me.”

“You know that it is the laws of physics and the universe that prevent us from being together.” Daizy replied. She then flew back to her palace where she continued to make preparations for the party.

“Lets see.” Daizy said to herself. “What more needs to be done? I’ve got to get these invitations out today!” She checked the calendar just to assure herself of what she already knew and decided to finish sending the invitations immediately.

Most of the guests would be coming from the Jamlands so she would send those invitations by sound waves. Daizy sang a song and adjusted her voice so that each invitation would ride on the correct sound wave to reach its destination. All the invitations were handwritten on the petals of a starflower. “Of course” she said to herself “the invitations to Earth should go by shooting star”. This was because the Earth was quite a long distance from Daizy’s Starcastle and voice waves might be broken apart before reaching the Earth. Daizy looked over her guest list to see who would be traveling from Earth.

Chapter 2 • Invitation to a Party

Jumping up, Cozmic Cat looked out the window. “What was that?” A flash of light moved across the sky and landed just outside his front door. He peeked out the doorway and saw a shimmering package with his name glowing on the outside. Cozmo opened the package and unwrapped what appeared to be a flower shimmering like a star with words written on each of the petals. Cozmo read the invitation.

Cozmo was so excited about the party that he put on his anti-gravity hat, jumped up into the air, and began to fly. He spun around and zoomed straight up into the sky. “This is wonderful.” Cozmic Cat thought to himself. “I love Birthday parties!”

After thinking about the party for awhile, Cozmo decided he better get to work tuning up his anti-gravity drum set.

He would have to leave early in the evening to make it all the way to the Jamlands in time for the party. Heading back to his office, Cozmo sat down at the computer to find out the exact location of the party. The feline genius also located the black hole that he had been warned about. Cozmo knew how dangerous a black hole could be. He did not want to get anywhere near the black hole named Jack in the Black.

If your wondering how Cozmic Cat would be able to travel millions of light years in just one night, I will have to tell you that it is not easy to explain. It’s kind of like if you were living 200 years ago and tried to explain to George Washington how the telephone works. “That’s right George, you can pick up that little box and talk to Thomas Jefferson right now. Yes. I know he is all the way across the ocean meeting with the King of France but all you have to do is push a few buttons and believe me that it works.”

Cozmic Cat’s greatest invention, the anti-gravity hat, gave him the power to fly. His next greatest invention, the anti-gravity drum set, allowed him to enter quantum space and jump through several dimensions of the universe. Flying on the anti-gravity drum set Cozmo could fly millions of light years, all the way to the Planet Jamlands in just one night! Cozmo finished tuning up his drum set and was almost ready to go. It was time for a snack and a little nap before he would take off for the birthday party at Daizy’s Starcastle in the Jamlands.

As the sun had almost disappeared altogether from the sky, Cozmo began to rock back and forth. He slowly emerged from his nap refreshed and ready to take off for the party. All he needed now was breakfast and a few snacks for the trip. After preparing his favorite breakfast of eggs and toast with raspberry jam, Cozmo sat down to eat. Once breakfast was finished he put a few slices of cheddar cheese and an apple into a small bag for lunch. Cozmic Cat was almost ready for takeoff. The feline genius made a final check to make sure he had everything and then sat down at the drums ready to go.

After switching on the anti-gravity machine, he began to activate the launch cycle with a series of secretly coded beats on the drums. One and Two and Three and Four... tat, tat, tat, tat, boom, bubba boom boom!

Rising into the air the drum set began to spin faster and faster. Cymbals crashed like shimmering bolts of circular lightning. The bass drum pounded louder than thunder. Spinning and spinning, faster and faster, the vibrations became so powerful that Cozmo felt as if he had been divided into a thousand Cozmos with two thousand eyes.

The feline genius suddenly shot through an opening in space time and flew off into quantum space. While defying the speed of light he flew through several dimensions of the universe. Jumping from galaxy to galaxy the cool cat was now on his way to the Jamlands.

Chapter 3 • THE Band of DogZ

Relaxing as he drummed his way through the universe, Cozmo began to feel as if he were not alone. While much of the space surrounding him was lit by the stars and shimmering stardust there were also large areas of darkness. It was in these spaces of darkness that the feline genius began to notice figures passing through but never appearing in the light. In and out, they appeared and disappeared darker than the darkness that surrounded them. The figures continued to materialize and then evaporate into various shades of gray. Appearing closer and closer each time they swooshed by, these creatures of darkness seemed to be on the hunt.

While most of us would be shuttering with fear at this point, Cozmo was only curious. As the figures grew closer to him, the drumming cat could make out three Black DogZ flying on electric guitars. They looked like a surfers riding the waves as they flew in and out of the darkness around him. “How strange is this?” Cozmic Cat said to himself. “These DogZ are darker than darkness. How is that possible?”

Howling wildly while zig zagging back and forth, the three DogZ darted in and out of Cozmo’s sight. This wild Band of DogZ, named X, Y and Z were doing their very best to frighten Cozmo into a panic. They began to speak with one another. “He doesn’t look frightened.” Y shouted out. “He will be if I get close enough.” X responded. “I’m feeling kind of hungry and this cat is looking like a pretty good snack to me.” Exclaimed Z. “Do you think I can I eat it?”

The dog named Z was only interested in one thing. “I smell flesh and blood!” He cried out. “Lets eat the cat now!” Z had a tremendous sense of smell which led to a ravenous appetite.

“You’ll eat anything wont you.” Replied Y. “You don’t even know if you will like cat. Have you ever tried cat before?” Asked X.

“Well then how about if I just try the tail?” Z responded. “And if that’s good we’ll eat the whole cat. If nothing else that should frighten him. What could be more frightening than the thought of being killed and eaten by a wild dog?” With that the dog named Z went swooping down behind the feline genius in an attempt to eat the cool cat’s tail.

Cozmo had been watching the DogZ and listening all along. Although the DogZ had been growling, barking and doing their best in every way to frighten Cozmo, the drumming cat was not frightened at all. There was something about the nature of this particular feline. Nothing frightened him. Not even a wild dog coming to eat him. Although he was not afraid, Cozmo was also not about to let his tail become a doggy snack either.

Cozmic Cat watched as Z swooped down behind him and began to pick up speed. The wild dog named Z was getting closer and closer to the anti-gravity drum machine. Drooling as he licked his chops the hungry canine could almost taste Cozmo’s tail. Fangs opened wide and ready, Z lunged forward to bite down on the cat’s tail.

Whirling with his drumsticks in the air, Cozmic Cat spun the anti-gravity drum set around. Then while shouting out loud “Not today puppy!” Cozmo whacked the dog across the nose and started playing a drum roll between his ears.

From a distance the dogz named X and Y had been watching as these events unfolded between wild dog Z and Cozmic Cat. Howling wildly and laughing out of control X and Y both looked at each other. “Spectacular performance!” Shouted out Y. “Wow that cat can really keep a beat!” Exclaimed X. They both then shouted out to Cozmic Cat. “That was a great roll you just played on Z’s head. Can we hear that again?”

Responding to the DogZ praise the drumming cat stood up and took a bow while Z painfully shook his head. Although he was not too happy about his head getting beaten like a tom tom drum, Z was impressed by Cozmos drumming skills.

“Wow that was unreal. That was an awesome drum roll!” Exclaimed Z. “Forget about the snack. We’ve been looking for a new drummer and I think we found him.” All three DogZ jumped up, grabbed their guitars and started jamming along with Cozmos beat. It was true. They all played wonderfully together.

“Where are you heading?” Y shouted out to Cozmo.

“I’m on my way to a birthday party at the Jamlands. ” Cozmo answered.

“So are we!” The three DogZ exclaimed together. So the four continued to Jam their way to the Jamlands.

As they were getting closer to the planet many other travelers joined them. This was a big party and there were many guests traveling from all different parts of the universe. They had all been warned to stay away from the black hole but most of them needed no warning.

Drawing closer to Daizy’s Starcastle, Cozmo was struck by a dark and ominous sensation coming from off in the distance beyond the galaxy of the Inca Princess. A large mass of darkness appeared to be drinking up the light and stealing the sky. Cozmo also noticed a look of despair and weakness in the eyes of many of the travelers when the great black hole came into sight. “Don’t stare for too long.” Z shouted to Cozmo. X then added “They say that even looking at the black hole for too long will chill your bones and bring your doom.” That was not entirely true but the Black hole did strike fear into the hearts of the travelers who stayed as far as possible from that location.

The Spirit and Soul of the Black Hole, Jack in the Black, was always searching for victims. He longed to stretch out his arms and snatch any innocent traveler who wandered too close. Once a victim was caught in his grip there was no hope for escape and no mercy from Jack. This dark spirit had a powerful and terrible mind. He knew the secrets of the universe and was able to remember everyone and everything that ever passed his way.

What none of the three DogZ knew was that among all the travelers, Jack in the Black had his eyes on them. The great spirit was especially interested in capturing X, Y and Z. For many years now the black hole had been watching these three rebels as they raced across the sky chasing Space Bunnies. While Jack did enjoy the music of the DogZ it was their freedom that bothered him so greatly. Jack in the Black had a special plan to capture the DogZ. Deep inside Jack knew it would only be a matter of time and those DogZ would be his forever.

 

Chapter 4 • Daizy’s Story

Finally After a long day of traveling Cozmic Cat and the Band of DogZ entered Daizy’s Starcastle. She was singing a sweet melody that helped all the travelers forget about their fears of the ominous black hole. Rising above her starcastle to personally greet each guest as they arrived, Daizy had built a pathway of stars that led from the entrance of the galaxy all the way to the stage on Planet Jamlands.

Flying into Daizy’s Starcastle, Cozmic Cat felt quite different than he had ever felt before. The magnificence and beauty of Daizy overwhelmed the feline genius. For a moment he could only stare at her beauty and was lost in her song.

Cozmic Cat was thinking to himself. “Who is this Queen of the night?” Daizy, who could read Cozmo’s thoughts, then spoke to the feline genius. “Hi Cozmic Cat. I can see that you are wondering about who I am.” As she spoke her boots were sparkling like stars in the sky mesmerizing Cozmo even further.

“What is funny Mr. Cool Cat is that as a young girl I had no idea who I was. It never entered my mind that I could be the Intergalactic Inca Princess. I never imagined that I had the power to control an entire galaxy. Until the day I tried on my silver polyester boots, I was just another girl walking down the street, looking for love and a new purse. But everything changed the day those silver boots went on sale at the local Shop A Lot outlet.

“From the first moment I saw the silver polyester boots on display, I knew that we would be together forever. I still remember slipping my feet into those shoes as if it were yesterday. The moment my toes got snug inside I was transformed and began to experience my true power. My mind expanded and my body exploded with tranquility and pleasure. Suddenly I was floating among the stars in another dimension altogether. Looking down I could see the boots glittering upon my feet and I began to wonder. ‘Where am I? What is this powerful feeling that has come over me.’

“There I was floating among the stars wondering what had happened when suddenly I was surrounded by singers and dancers from an ancient Inca city. They sang and danced for me and welcomed me home shouting out my name. “Daizy, Intergalactic Inca Princess. Welcome home!” It was at that moment that I remembered my previous life and who I really was. When I saw all the dancers surrounding me and shouting out my name, I remembered my true identity and shouted out ‘I am the Intergalactic Inca Princes!’

“I immediately started rummaging through my purse trying to find my phone. I couldn’t wait to call my mom and text all my friends. All I could think was, ‘I’m going to have a party and invite everyone.’ The silver polyester boots had expanded my mind and opened the doors of the universe. I pulled out my phone and hit the speed dial to call my mother.

“Hi Mom you won’t believe what happened to me today. I found a dazzling pair of silver polyester boots. Somehow putting on that pair of silver polyester boots expanded my mind. Those new boots opened my eyes to see who I really am and who I always have been. Who I was but just did not know it yet. Mom, I am the Intergalactic Inca Princess! I have a starcastle in the sky and I am the ruler of an entire galaxy!

“Now that I think about it my mother must have thought I was crazy. All she said was, ‘That’s wonderful darling. I am so happy for you. I would love to come and visit your starcastle. Why don’t you text me the directions and I will see if I can stop by this weekend.’ Of course when she did stop by she was blown away. How could she believe that something like this could really happen to an average girl like her daughter anyway. But seeing is believing and she was so blown away.” Cozmic Cat was listening intently as Daizy told her story. He was spellbound and could not stop listening even if he had wanted to. Daizy went on telling her story.

“The centuries have passed since that day when I first put on the silver polyester boots. Now I am a mother myself. Since taking my place among the stars, I have given birth to a planet, which I named Planet Jamland, and an entire litter of Space Bunnies.

“The Space Bunnies were born at a strange time when the many dimensions of the universe seemed to converge together for an instant. I’ve named them the Space Bunnies although they look more like fuzzy little shooting stars from a distance.”

“The Space Bunnies are unique creatures of the universe having the unique quality of being able to jump from one dimension to the next. The Space Bunnies express their love for me by showering my starcastle with diamond dust whenever they fly by.” Daizy could see that the feline genius wanted to hear more and went on speaking.

“I consider all the creatures of the planet Jamland to be my children. Music, art and dancing are the food and drink of the creatures on the Jamlands. In fact the entire planet sings to the universe.”

“Located in the very heart of my Starcastle, the Jamlands is a planet much like Earth in appearance.”

Cozmic cat perked up his ears when he heard the Earth mentioned.

“In some ways the animals and creatures of the Jamlands are also much like Earth animals. Even so the planet is much different at the same time. It is not unusual to see much stranger creatures such as songbirds with what appear to be human heads and musical instruments that are animated with a life and soul of their own. Although there are problems it is for the most part a peaceful planet where music and art are at the center of all activities.”

Chapter 5 • Dogz Chasing Space Bunnies

One thing the Band of DogZ could not resist was chasing Space Bunnies. It is impossible to catch a Space Bunny but the Dogz had so much fun with the chase that they could never stop. Space Bunnies are impossible to catch because they are multi dimensional creatures. Because they exist in more than one dimension at the same time they never fully exist in any dimension and can never be trapped in any way.

Just as Cozmic Cat and the Band of Dogz had completed a set of music and were about to take a break, a few Space Bunnies showed up. Flying by at tremendous speeds they appeared to be flashes of light.

Tempted by the bunnies and driven by a wild inner instinct, all three DogZ jumped on top of their guitars. Once again the chase had begun. Riding on top of their electric guitars at great speeds, they flew up, down and all around the galaxy of the Intergalactic Inca Princess.

Watching the Band of DogZ try to catch a Space Bunny is kind of like watching a cat trying to catch a beam of light from a flashlight. They race back and forth on the kitchen floor pouncing on the light only to find nothing in their paws.

Trying to catch a Space Bunny is like trying to capture your own shadow. You just can’t do it.

Even though they had never caught one, the DogZ kept on trying anyway. They chased the bunnies wildly zig zagging between moons and stars. Bouncing off of asteroids while moving in and out of dark space, the three canines were flying out of control. As careless as the DogZ were that day, it looked as if something terrible was about to happen. And it did. Chasing the bunnies and forgetting where they were, the DogZ flew straight into the hands of Jack in the Black.

 

Chapter 6 • Lost in the Black Hole

Jack in the Black is the name of the black hole neighboring Daizy’s galaxy. His gravitational force is so great that anything that comes too close is trapped, falling forever, spiraling downwards through empty space until they pass through the doorway to nowhere and continued to forever fall into nothing at all.

Jack in the Black had no mercy. Although he enjoyed listening to the music coming from Daizy’s galaxy next door, nothing brought him greater pleasure than bringing an end to anything that existed outside of his realm. Jack had often watched as the Band of DogZ chased the Space Bunnies virtually right up to his doorstep. By chance that day the Space Bunnies flew directly into Jack in the Black’s realm. Unfortunately for the DogZ they were not paying attention while Jack was always waiting.

While chasing Space Bunnies in the past, the DogZ had come dangerously close to the great spirits deadly grip. But on this day Jack had extended his reach. He laughed as the DogZ approached. Jack was overcome with exhilaration knowing that this time he would finally capture all three of the canines. Now he prepared to send the reckless creatures spiraling down into empty space forever. Jack knew that one day the Band of DogZ would come too close and this was that day.

As the DogZ chased the bunnies closer and closer to the black hole, they finally realized where they were. Then, at the very moment when the three canines began thinking it was time to turn back, they found out it was already too late. They had gone too far. Like a bolt of lightning striking in a flash, the great and powerful spirit stretched out his long dark claws and grabbed a hold of the DogZ.

“Going someplace DogZ! HA, HAA!” With great pleasure Jack in the Black laughed out loud as he tightened his grip around each of the DogZ. Twisting and howling wildly, the three thrust about trying to escape. Eternal anger raged within the canines as they began spiraling down into the darkness. Unfortunately for these pups no amount of anger or rage would allow them freedom from Jack’s gripping claws.

The great spirit screeched out loud with laughter. It was an evil laugh that seared through the universe chilling the hearts and souls of the guests at Daizy’s party.

“It has been such a long time that I have been waiting for this moment. I’ve been watching you for years!” Jack screamed in an evil voice. “Racing along my borders, chasing Space Bunnies, taunting me with your freedom and laughter. Now your going down!”

The three DogZ continued to bark and thrash about wildly. If it were possible they would have done anything to tear Jack apart. It bothered Jack that the DogZ never begged for mercy and that all they had was a single minded hatred and desire to destroy him. Even so Jack was filled with joy at having captured the DogZ. He knew that the only thing he would really miss was their music.

Back at the castle many of the guests at the party were talking about what had just happened. Although most of the party guests felt sad, they all believed that the Dogz had it coming to them. None of the guests was all that surprised.

Everyone was talking to alleviate their own fear. “Those DogZ were out of control...”, “It was bound to happen the way they chased those Space Bunnies around...”, “ Like nothing else mattered to them in the world ...”, “They were nothing but a bunch of reckless hounds...”.

Still the overall sentiment was one of sadness at losing the great music of the DogZ. All of the people of the Jamlands were taught from youth about the danger of the Black hole. They even had a song that they would sing at moments like this.

“There is no way your getting by him...

There is no way your getting by...

There is no way your getting by him...

There is no way your getting by...

Jack in the Black, Standing in the shadows

Jack in the Black... Stealing all the light

Jack in the Black, Standing in the shadows...

Jack in the Black...

You better learn how to fly ...

Before you kiss the sky!”

From a distance Cozmo saw all these events unfold. He had watched as Jack in the Black snatched each of his new friends out of the sky. Without thinking about the consequences, Cozmo took off as fast as he could to help his friends. Jack in the Black also watched Cozmo as he approached to help his friends the Band of DogZ. What pleasure Jack felt as he scowled aloud, “What a delightful day this has been. Three Dogz down and another victim on the way.”

 

Chapter 7 • More Than A Chance Meeting

Cozmic Cat approached the gates of empty space that surrounded the black hole and was greeted with an evil laugh. “Have you come to save your friends the Band of DogZ?” Screeched Jack in the Black, the spirt and soul of the black hole.

With a quick roll on the snare drum and a soft tap on the ride Cozmo replied. “How did you know?”

“I know everything.” Jack said with a snide grin and a chuckle. “Why don’t you come a little closer and see how your friends are doing.

“Oh look! I can see them right now. All you have to do is come over here and get a little closer and you will see them too.” Jack in the Black was coaxing Cozmo to come within his reach. He was looking forward to trapping the feline genius just as he had captured the Band of DogZ.

Beating his foot on the bass drum several times Cozmic Cat took off flying towards Jack in the Black. Overwhelmed with joy Jack reached out to grab a hold of Cozmo’s body. But, as he began to clench his fingers together, the great and powerful spirit was surprised to feel nothing at all. To the great surprise and consternation of the dark spirit, Cozmic Cat had slipped right through his hands.

Somehow the little drumming cat had eluded Jack’s grip. Wearing his anti-gravity hat and flying on the anti-gravity drum set, Cozmo moved about freely in the black hole with no problem at all. Jack in the Black was horrified, shocked, annoyed, disturbed, impressed and entertained all at the same time. Mostly he wondered how it was even possible for this to be happening.

Watching as Cozmic Cat flew in and out of the black hole, Jack quickly realized that it was the anti-gravity hat and drum set that were allowing the feline genius to defy his power. Jack grew angrier and angrier as he watched Cozmo flying freely about in his kingdom. But even with all his anger Jack in the Black was also impressed and entertained by Cozmic Cat. The great spirit could have destroyed the drumming cat at any time and taken the hat and drums away. But as much as he wanted to, it was not in his nature to steal. Besides that would not be any fun for Jack who was quite entertained by Cozmo’s boldness and ingenuity.

Jack in the Black decided he would try to win a bet with Cozmo to get what he wanted. “That’s very impressive Cozmo.” Jack said as he watched the drumming cat zipping around in the black hole. “You surely are the greatest genius I have ever met. Nothing has ever escaped from or even moved about so freely within my world. You should be trapped forever and yet, you are not. Even so, your friends, The Band of DogZ are trapped forever, unless... Would you like to try and win their freedom?”

Cozmo moved a little closer to hear what Jack had to say. Jack went on speaking. “I will ask you two questions. If you can answer one of these questions to my satisfaction, I will allow you to try and save The Band of DogZ. If you cannot answer the questions all I want is the anti-gravity hat and drum set.

Without hesitating to think about the consequences, Cozmic Cat looked Jack straight in the eyes and boldly replied. “Start asking!”

Chapter 8 • Questions and Answers

Jack in the Black focused all his attention on Cozmo. Peering into the mind of the feline genius he began to speak. “Here is the first question: What is time?”

Thinking for a moment, while he slowly stroked his whiskers, the drumming cat then answered even more slowly. “Time is a word.”

“No Cozmic Cat!” Jack in the Black shouted back. “That is not the answer I was looking for. What I wanted to hear was something like, ‘Time is a series of events. What we refer to as time is usually a comparison that groups of people make between two or more events in order to measure, organize and plan other events.’ ”

“Wow you are blowing my mind” replied Cozmo. “That’s a little too deep for me.” Said Cozmo. “I don’t even know what you are talking about. I believe my answer is much better and easier to understand.”

“For example.” Jack went on. “If a traveler asked you, ‘How much more time will it take for me to walk to the river from here’ and your answer was ‘5 days’. Two events are being compared, one of which the traveler is familiar with. The traveler will then understand how long it will take and be able to plan his trip. The event of walking to the river is being compared to the event of the sun rising and setting. The traveler now knows that the sun will rise and set 5 times before he gets to the river so he will bring enough food and whatever other supplies he needs to last 5 days.

“Here is another example. Suppose I told you to get out of town by high noon or else. I am making a comparison between 2 events. The event of the sun reaching its highest point in the sky and the event of you getting out of town.

“Or maybe you were about to grill up some burgers with your friends but you were out of mustard and ketchup. You might say ‘Hey, I’m going to cook up the burgers. Why don’t you run to the store and pick up some mustard ketchup. The burgers should be ready by the time...’ ”

Before Jack could finish his sentence, the drumming cat pounded on the bass drum three times while shaking his head back and forth. Interrupting Jack, Cozmo replied. “You just keep blowing my mind with these wild stories. I understand what you are saying. But you did not ask what the meaning of time was. You asked, ‘What is time?’ Time is a word and you will never be able to deny that Mr. Jack.”

Jack in the Black was annoyed by Cozmo’s answer but he realized this was true. “Okay then. I guess your simple minded answer is correct. But I am not satisfied. So, here is the second question: What are you? And please do not tell me you’re a cat. I want you to answer the question. Who am I? What am I? How is it that I exist?”

“Well.” Cozmo chuckled. “That’s an easy one. Everybody knows you are what you eat. So, I guess that makes me eggs and toast with raspberry jam and a slice of cheddar cheese.”

Hearing this answer made Jack in the Black furious. “No Cozmic Cat! I did not mean physically. I meant philosophically. As in ‘I think therefore I am’ or ‘To be or not to be.’ The eternal questions that everyone asks themselves at least once in a lifetime. Who am I? What am I? How is it that I exist? The answer I’m looking for Cozmo is something like: ‘Memory, Perception and Imagination are what I am. My memories of the past feed my perceptions of the present and allow me to imagine the future. That is what I am. Memory, Perception and Imagination.’ ”

“Wow!” Cozmo replied. “You are blowing my mind again! I am going to have to write that down. Even so, and as much as I appreciate what you are telling me Mr. Jack, my answer was also correct. You know as well as I do that you are what you eat. Therefore I am eggs and toast with raspberry jam and a few slices of cheddar.”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Jack in the Black shouted back. But that was not the answer I was looking for!” The great spirit took a moment to settle down and continued to speak in a calm voice. “Yes, you are correct Cozmo. Time is a word and you are what you eat. I could never really explain to you what time is or what you are anyway. Just as well to leave it at that.

“For me it is entertaining listening to you try. As much as I admire your genius Cozmo, you could never understand what time is or what you are anyway. You may be able to ‘Think outside the box’, as they say in your world, but you will never be able to think outside of your skull.

“With all your knowledge and that magnificent imagination of yours, you are still limited by the skull that holds your brain. Like a small ball bouncing inside a much larger box, your mind has an infinite number of ways to bounce around and paths which it can take while searching and discovering the world. But even with an infinite number of possibilities, the ball inside the box will never be able to bounce off more than six walls. In the same way, your brain is limited to thinking inside the walls of your skull.

“You see Cozmo, unlike you, I do not eat, and I am not limited by an organic mind. I understand perfectly well the laws of the universe. I do not ‘think’ in the way that you must. Even so, I enjoy being entertained, and you have entertained me. For that reason, and although I am not fully and completely satisfied with your answers, I will not prevent you from saving your friends The Band of DogZ. However, the laws of nature prohibit me from releasing what I have captured.”

Jack in the Black then began to grin an evil grin and along with searing laughter he spoke. “You are going to have to save the Band of DogZ yourself! Good luck and good day Cozmic Cat.”

“Yes, I am very lucky.” Replied Cozmo. “Thanks for nothing!”

With that and while still laughing hysterically, Jack in the Black left Cozmo alone at the gates of empty space. While Cozmo was thinking of a plan, The Band of DogZ continued to spiral downwards into the black hole. Cozmic Cat was now more determined than ever to save his friends.

 

Chapter 9 Saving the Band of DogZ

Down, down, down Cozmo raced towards the center of the black hole chasing down the DogZ. It was difficult to see in the black hole. He could vaguely see his way in but could not see any way out at all. Entire walls of light seemed to converge together and disappear into darkness around him. Descending at great speed he passed through many of these walls of light which didn’t light anything.

Racing toward the center of the black whole, Cozmo used his keen sense of smell to followed the scent of the DogZ. He also listened and followed the sounds of the three DogZ who were howling wildly as they spiralled downward below him. Jack in the Black was watching and his evil laughter echoed throughout the black hole accompanying the sounds of the howling DogZ.

While chasing down the DogZ and feeling a bit lost in the darkness, Cozmo found that he was not alone. Small lights began to appear all around him illuminating the space he was flying through. Moving along with him he could now see that it was the Space Bunnies lighting the way! The very same creatures who precipitated the downfall of the DogZ were now there to help Cozmo rescue them. The interdimensional creatures had arrived at Cozmo’s aid at the request of their mother Daizy, the Intergalactic Inca princess.

While descending at intergalactic speed, Cozmic Cat could now see the DogZ below him. With help from the Space Bunnies lighting the way he began to vaguely see the bodies that matched the scent he was chasing. Getting closer and closer with each moment, the figures of the DogZ appeared below him twisting and turning wildly as they clung to their guitars. Beating on the drums the feline genius was getting closer and closer until finally he had just about caught up with the DogZ.

When he was just a few feet away Cozmo shouted out to the DogZ. “Hey X! Hey Y! Hey Z! It’s me! Cozmic Cat!” There was no answer. Not only did the DogZ not answer, but to Cozmo’s great surprise, they did not move at all to greet him. Just moments ago they were twisting, turning and howling wildly below him and now all three were motionless and suspended in space. “How strange.” The feline genius said to himself as he looked at each of the DogZ floating in the middle of the black hole.

The feline genius was dumbfounded. All three DogZ were there before him hovering motionless in space. He could see each hair and whisker as if he were in a museum looking at an object on display. He knew that they were still alive because he could sense the warmth of the bodies and smell the scent of life.

All three had there eyes wide open and appeared to be alive while at the same time they were not moving or even breathing. The DogZ appeared to be suspended in space without time, hovering in darkness, in the middle of nowhere with no direction. “What will I do now?” Cozmo said to himself.

Chapter 10 • A Musical Ladder

Cozmo circled the DogZ thinking and beating on the drum set at the same time. He noticed that when he got close enough to the DogZ they began to move slightly to the beat of the drums. Cozmo pulled up right above the DogZ and began to play a heavy drum solo. Sure enough the DogZ responded to the vibrations of the drumming. Twisting and turning to the beat of the drums each of the DogZ slowly began to awaken, becoming free from the state of suspended animation. The problem was that when he moved away the connection was lost.

Being the feline genius that he was, Cozmo knew that there had to be a way to make this connection last long enough to help the DogZ escape from the black hole.

Cozmo realized that if he pounded on the bass drum hard enough the anti-gravity properties from the drum set were transferred through space creating a connection to the DogZ. Considering all that he knew from this observation, Cozmo began to form an escape strategy based on the connection between the musical vibrations and the ant-gravitational powers he was able to harness.

Cozmic Cat devised a plan for creating matter with music. A musical ladder that the DogZ could climb to freedom. Luckily before he left for the Jamlands Cozmic Cat had configured his smart phone to pick up signals throughout the universe. Cozmo quickly tapped into his home database and grabbed an application to make some of the calculations he needed. Working at a furious pace the feline genius made some quick adjustments to the anti-gravity drum set and soon it was ready to go.

Cozmo hovered above the DogZ and began to beat on the drums in a strange asymmetrical rhythm with beats in various combinations of time. Soon there appeared out of the vibrations from the drums a musical ladder. The ladder gradually extended down from the bass drum to where the DogZ were floating in space. The three canines slowly began to move and awaken.

“Quickly. Jump on and climb the ladder!” Cozmo shouted down to the three canine musicians. Although all three DogZ were dazed and confused they followed Cozmo’s command and began to climb the ladder. The Space Bunnies continued to light the way as Cozmo kept up the unusual beat. The drumming cat began chanting to the beat as he rose up and began to journey out of the black hole. The Band of DogZ began to howl along with Cozmo while struggling to climb as fast as they could.

Having lost track of time, none were able to tell how long they had been climbing. Unable to sense the past or the future the dogZ were led on by the beat of Cozmo’s drums. Suddenly as if awakening from a dream they all emerged free from the black hole.

On exiting the black hole all the Space Bunnies shot off into space. The three canine musicians jumped on their guitars, but for the first time in there lives, they did not chase the Space Bunnies. Along with Cozmic Cat, all three DogZ raced away from the black hole as quickly as possible flying towards Daizy’s Starcastle.

Watching as all these events unfolded, Jack in the Black was astounded at Cozmic Cats ingenuity. This was the first time anyone or anything had escaped from his realm. Although this bothered Jack to no end, the great and intelligent spirit admired Cozmo’s abilities.

Jack in the Black could have easily prevented the DogZ escape. After all, he had complete control over almost everything that entered his realm. That is why he had at the same time great hatred and respect for Cozmic Cat. Cozmo’s creative invention is what mesmerized Jack into watching everything without getting in the way. Although he could have knocked the DogZ back into the hole, he just watched in amazement.

Aside from spirits, ghosts and interdimensional creatures such as Space Bunnies, nothing had ever defied his power before Cozmo arrived flying on the anti-gravity drum set. Other powerful kings and queens of the galaxies, by the laws of nature, were unable to enter within each others realms in full form. That is why Daizy could not help the DogZ. The great spirit and soul of the black hole wanted to make sure that this was a gift the DogZ would never expect again. He let out a sneer that caused the DogZ to freeze in place and spoke with evil laughter. “Never again Cozmo! Never again DogZ!

“But please keep playing. The only good thing I gained from these events is that now I can listen to your music. That’s one of the reasons I’m not stopping you now. As much as you all annoy me, I do love the music.”

Chilled by the sound of Jacks voice, the Band of DogZ raced away even faster. As Jack’s laugh echoed throughout the universe X, Y and Z realized for the first time that their were limits to how far they should go for fun. Any way you look at it, tempting Jack in the Black would eventually spell their doom. Chasing Space Bunnies just wasn’t worth the price of spending an eternity trapped inside a black hole. The Black DogZ would never get anywhere near the black hole again.

As they approached the Jamlands and felt a little safer, all three DogZ thanked the feline genius. “Hey Cozmo, we will never forget what you did for us today.” They all jumped on their guitars and patted Cozmic Cat on the back. “Look up in the sky!” Z shouted out. “We’re just in time for the party. Here comes Eeeyoo Eeeyooo the thunder breathing electric guitar dragon!”

Chapter 11 • Party Time

Plucking and strumming on their guitars, the DogZ passed through the gates and into Daizy’s Starcastle. The drumming cat Cozmo followed behind the DogZ beating on the drums triumphantly. All the guests stared in disbelief. Not even a ghost had ever returned from the black hole. The DogZ reappearance was not comprehensible. For a few moments there was complete silence as everyone stared at the DogZ in disbelief.

Daizy recognizing that her guests had been paralyzed with confusion at the evenings events decided it was time for a little distraction. She jumped up above the crowd lighting the sky with her shimmering silver boots. She then shouted out loud. “Let’s party! It’s time to sing and dance.” The crowd of guests responded and in no time at all the entire crowd began to dance and sing completely forgetting about the black hole.

Melting clouds of molten electricity showered brilliantly red and glowing transforming the skies as the life of the party approached. Screeching through the skies there appeared a screeching electric guitar. It was Eeeyoo Eeeyooo the Thunder Breathing Electric Guitar Dragon swooping down above the crowd of party guests.

“Happy Birthday!” Cozmo shouted out when he met Eeeyoo Eeeyooo.”

“Thank you.” Replied Eeeyoo Eeeyooo. “It feels good to be here and it’s great to see you. I heard about your adventure today with Jack in the Black.”

“Yes. It has been a crazy day. I’m ready to crash on the drums and plow through a few tunes.”

“Sounds great to me.” Eeeyoo Eeeyooo responded. “Lets rock like a bunch of rock and roll animals!”

As the party continued to rage with all the guests singing and dancing, a very handsome and well dressed man appeared. He was so attractive that every guest at the party waited for an opportunity to meander over and speak with him. As much as everyone was attracted to the man they all left the conversation a bit uneasy if not feeling quite chilled to the bone. It was not the conversations that caused these uneasy feelings. The well dressed man was splendidly charming in conversation. It was more that his presence caused a strange sense of unconscious fear in those around him.

Cozmo was excited to see another guest from the Earth planet. Although he did not recognize the man he felt as if they had met before.

Always ready to make a new friend, Cozmic Cat flew across the stage and greeted the strange Man. “Hello, I’m Cozmic Cat.”

“Yes. I know.” Replied the well dressed man. “You are quite famous on the planet Earth.”

“Kind of. I guess.” Replied Cozmo. “Where are you from?”

“I’m kind of from everywhere.” Answered the man.

“Okay. That’s cool.” Said Cozmo. “I will have to talk to you later after the show. See you then.”

“Yes of course. See you then.” Replied the strange man as the drumming cat began to head for the stage.

Flying down from the stars above, Daizy greeted the new arrival. “Hello mysterious strange gentleman.” She spoke with a smile on her face.

“Hello.” Replied the man. “You are looking absolutely stunning this evening.”

“Thanks.” Said Daizy. She then continued to speak. “Do we know each other? Oh, that’s right. You always show up at my parties. In fact I think you have been to every one of my parties since I arrived here. It actually seems kind of odd to me.”

“Why is that?” Asked the tall and handsome man. “Well for one thing, I have never invited you to any of my parties. I don’t even really know who you are. But even more than that, you always tell me your a man from planet Earth. Yet you have been showing up to my parties for several centuries now. How can that be possible when most Earth men live no longer than 80 or 90 years.”

“Well.” The dark stranger replied. “I am a special man.”

“Oh, I see.” Replied Daizy. “Well then, you always seem to know so much about what is going on in the universe. Always leaving your listeners spellbound from what I remember at previous parties.

“Perhaps you can tell me what happened today with Jack in the Black. That was the first time I have ever seen anyone or anything leaving the black hole. I mean, I have seen all kinds of things go in but today is the first day I have ever seen anything coming out. Why do you suppose Jack in the Black had mercy on the Band of DogZ?”

“Well.” The gentleman replied. “From what I have heard it wasn’t exactly an act of mercy as much as it was some sort of fascination Jack had with everything that was going on. You see, I believe Jack in the Black was fascinated with Cozmic Cat’s ant-gravity drum set. I think it was actually quite entertaining for him. As much as Jack was annoyed by the feline genius he also admired the cats ingenuity.”

Daizy watched the handsome man as the handsome man stared at Cozmic Cat while the drumming Cozmo crashed the cymbals from across the stage. Daizy continued to look at the man when she saw his lips curl up with a sneer. An evil grin slowly began to appear on the handsome mans face. He gazed upon the feline genius in the distance. The man slowly opened his mouth. With a wicked grin he began to speak. “You see Daizy, the Band of DogZ are nothing but a small laugh to Jack in the Black. The only reason the DogZ are free is because of a game that the great spirit of darkness is playing. A game he is playing with Cozmic Cat.


Jack in the Black Gazing at Daizy the Intergalactic Inca Princess
Jack in the Black Gazing at Daizy the Intergalactic Inca Princess
Drawing of the Intergalactic Inca Princess haveing a conversation with Jack in the Black
Jack in the Black and Daizy talk about the birthday party she will be hosting
Daizy holds up Cozmic Cats Invitation
Daizy holds up an invitation for Cozmo the drumming cat.
Cozmic cat looks at invitation to party
Cozmo opened the package and unwrapped what appeared to be a flower shimmering like a star with words written on each of the petals.

Cozmic Cat and the Intergalactic Inca Princess • Copyright 2014 Rick Clement • www.rickclement.com