There are places in the world where time stops.

Where the air stops.

Where there seems to be a vacuum of life, and energy.

Here, away from the towns, in amongst the forests and hills, there are many such places. You have felt it, lieutennant, on your patrols. You may have cast aside the cold feeling as a passing feeling or a daydream, but you have felt it nonetheless.

You have been to these places, where the sunlight shines cold, on dark, still branches and rocks. Where you tread quietly on soft leaves, and hear everything, and nothing. Maybe you have that moment of panic, yes, even you lieutennant, that accompanies being alone in a deserted place like this, with no cars rolling by, no voices to comfort you.

Or perhaps you act macho and spit on the ground, and flick cigarettes into the dirt? Something like that, eh? To take control of a lonesome situation?

Do you know why you feel like this? Do you know what causes this chill?

There is something in these places, lieutennant, that goes beyond what you can see. Something hidden. Something - different. And cold.

Here in a tree. There in a rock. There in a lake, or stream, or ditch.

It leaves its mark - not on the surface, but in the air, in the ether in which everything exists. You can't see it, or hear it. But you can feel it. You can sense it. If you know how, you can find it.

That's why we're here. We seek it. We follow our science, and we track it. You see we have our equipment. But we apply it to a broader and less narrow-minded field than your technicians. A field that encompasses more of life, and death, and energies you don't look for. ...Oh yes, we seem ridiculous to you, but we were here first, no?

But I assure you, lieutennant, this is no joke. We seek the truth, and this thing, this thing that is beyond the visible world. This is purpose enough for our work.

It has been in the valley, and the forest. It comes and goes. There are times of the year. There are specific topographical formations which... never mind.

I won't try to convince you of what we believe. I don't wish for your validation or approval. You can carry on with your charts and reports, and do things your own way, and we'll stay out of your way. But we will be here. Because we have a more directed purpose to our work now, lieutennant.

It is taking people.

Many thanks to Will Hartley for providing such an evocative and beautiful series of images. You can check out more of his work on his site.

Also bravo to Pete to doing such a fantastic job on the story. Read more of his weird and wonderful tales on his blog.

We've got plenty more creative challenges where these came from. If you're interested in getting involved, get in touch.