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Please note that this chapter is intended for adults (over 18 years), and contains images and text featuring nudity, explicit adult sexuality and strong language. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
the road trip recommences with a drive up Interstate 10 to Las Cruces, and from there they head to Alamogordo, and finally Roswell. And in Vegas, Brody (as Dillon) appears in his first professional fight.
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| Interstate 10 - New Mexico |
Novius had explained that he wanted to sleep late, but would come to say his goodbyes when the 'Boss' and Jim (Novius' beloved 'Marcus') set off in the morning on the next part of their trip.
Max had breakfast in his room, and on instructions from the 'Boss', arranged the packing, and the loading of the cases into the Cadillac, and also Jim's new convertible.
The trip would then head along Interstate 10, towards the state line between Arizona and New Mexico.
The trip would then head along Interstate 10, towards the state line between Arizona and New Mexico.
Interstate 10 is the southernmost cross-country Interstate Highway in the American Interstate Highway System. This free-way is part of the originally planned 'Interstate Highway' network that was laid out in 1956, and was the last section to be completed. Interstate 10 is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the United States
They would head along the highway, through the morning, to Las Cruces for lunch, and then on to Alamogordo, where they would stop off for while, and then later continue on, ending up in Roswell in a few days.
New Mexico (Spanish: 'Nuevo México') is a state in the South-western region of the United States of America. It is one of the Mountain States, and shares the Four Corners region with Utah, Colorado, and Arizona; its other neighboring states are Oklahoma to the north-east, Texas to the south-east, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua to the south and Sonora to the south-west. With a population around two million, New Mexico is the 36th-most populous state. With a total area of 121,590 sq mi (314,900 km), it is the fifth-largest and sixth-least densely populated of the 50 states. Its capital and cultural center is Santa Fe, while its largest city is Albuquerque.
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| 'la Villa de los Jaguares' |
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| Arizona Inn |
On arrival, Josh and Glaux would stay the night with Novius in the Arizona Inn, and then they would all be driven back to the 'Las Villa de los Jaguares' (the Villa of the Jaguars'), near Los Angeles, where Josh, Glaux and Novius would stay until they were eventuality joined some time later by the 'Boss', Jim and Glen at the end of their 'road trip'.
The night when Josh was to arrive in Tucson would also be the night when Zac and Ethan, along with Faunus, would attend and organize Brody's long awaited first public fight at the 'California Combat Club' in Vegas.
That was the plan, anyway.
Only the 'Boss' and Chuck had any knowledge of the area of the South-west to which they were travelling,
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| Josh at the 'Villa Jaguar' |
Fortunately, however, Josh had visited the Los Angeles area a few times before, and was quite familiar with the luxurious and spacious 'Villa de los Jaguares' - where, at the 'Pabellón de Caza' (Hunting Lodge), Zac had taught him and Ethan how to shoot.
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| Apache Warriors |
"So boys... we're on the road to Apache territory.", the 'Boss' said, gently pulling away from the Arizona Inn - and settling into his best 'story telling' manner.
"The who, Sir ?", Jim asked, knowing that this would be a good way to get the 'Boss' to amuse Glen on what he presumed would be quite a long drive.
"The Mescalero Apache...", the 'Boss replied, taking the hint.
"The Mescalero's name for themselves, is 'Shis-Inday'... the 'People of the Mountain Forests'.
Like many other Apache peoples they often identify simply as 'Inday', meaning 'The People'.
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| Agave Plants |
Neighboring Apache bands called them 'People of the Mescal', because the 'mescal agave' was a staple food for them.
In times of need and hunger, they depended on stored mescal for survival, and since 1550 Spanish colonists referred to them as the 'Mescalero'.", the 'Boss' explained.
The 'Boss', by that point was well into his stride, and Jim was pleased to see that Glen was looking at his uncle, obviously fascinated.
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| Apache Warrior |
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| Apache Warrior |
"Their language is related to the Navajo, and I'm sure that Jim here will be prepared to tell you more about the Navajo some other time, as he is quite an expert on that Indian group.", the 'Boss' added.
Jim, however, nudged Glen, grinned and shook his head.
The 'Boss' however, had his eyes on the road and didn't notice.
"There are, of course, many different Apache tribes.
Like the Navajo, Jim, the Apache hold strong religious beliefs.
Most of their 'gods' are really natural forces found in the world.
These 'gods' may be used for human purposes through ceremonies, chanting and dancing.
The Apache have what we call 'Medicine men', who learn ceremonies from the elders of the tribe, but also ceremonies can come to them in trances and dreams, and so different Apache groups have different ceremonies.
Most Mescalero ceremonies were learned through the passing on of personal religious visions.
Important ceremonies include the coming of age ceremonies (Sunrise Dance), Navajo chants, Jicarilla 'long-life' ceremonies, and 'sacred-bundle' ceremonies.
Certain animals - owls - but not, of course owls like Glaux - snakes, bears, and coyotes - are considered evil and can cause sickness to humans.
Many Apache ceremonies use masks of religious spirits, and sand-painting is an important ceremony in the Western Apache traditions, in which healers make temporary, religious art from colored sands.
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| Apache 'Medicine Man' |
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| Sand Painting |
"I think this might be a good opportunity for us to have a bite to eat.", the 'Boss' suggested,
"What do you think, Glen ?"
Glen looked to Jim, and Jim nodded.
"Yes, Sir....that would be nice.", Glen replied in his usual, polite manner.
When Jim got a good look at the diner, however, he wondered if it was open, or even still in business.
"Do you think it's open, Sir ?", Jim asked tentatively.
"Well, let's park, get out, and find out.", the 'Boss' replied.
The 'Boss' used his side lights to indicate to Chuck that they were to pull in - and in a matter of moments the two large autos quietly pulled up by the rough stone wall that separated the diner patio from the highway.
Although it looked quite dilapidated and un-cared for, the five of them made their way onto the patio, and sat at a rickety table in the shade, waiting to see if anyone would come to serve them.
"So, Max, what do you think of New Mexico ?", the 'Boss' asked - filling in time while they waited for service.
"Looks exactly the same as Arizona, to be honest, Sir." Max replied.
Max was not in the best of moods.
He had hoped that he and Jim would have another morning 'session' before setting off, but instead he had found himself packing everyone's belongings, and loading up the cars.
At that point a scruffy middle aged man, unshaven and not looking particularly hygienic, arrived to take their order.
The tatty menu listed what appeared to be excellent food - but Jim wondered what would actually turn up.
Regardless, the 'Boss' ordered for all of them.
Glen looked particularly uncomfortable.
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| Diner from 'On the Open Road' |
As a result of Faunus' supposedly clever manipulations, Glen, as far as his memories were concerned, had never before eaten in a 'roadside diner'.
Faunus had decided that Glen's father (the supposed brother of the 'Boss') had been a judge, and was therefore a member of the wealthy Virginian 'upper class'.
Glen's memories of 'eating out', therefore, had been of meals in expensive restaurants and hotels - but never roadside diners.
Now while many such establishments were often excellent (see 'On the Open Road'), this particular diner, on Interstate 10 in New Mexico, was far from excellent - at least in appearance... so, Glen was understandably nervous.
"These your boys ?", the middle aged guy who was serving them asked, as brought out some of the plates laden with food.
The 'Boss' looked up and smiled.
"Three of them are - but not my sons... nephews.", the 'Boss' replied, not really wanting to enter into accurate and complex explanations.
"Fine looking boys." the man, who they took to be the owner replied.
"And Chuck here is my driver." the 'Boss' added.
Chuck looked up and nodded.
"So, takin' the boys to the Space Museum - the Final Frontier ?", the apparent owner continued.
"Yes... they're really into astronomy and space exploration.", the 'Boss' replied, going along with benign interrogation.
"Boys will love it !", the seeming owner said, as he turned away, and disappeared into the darkness of the apparently deserted diner.
The 'New Mexico Museum of Space History' is a museum and planetarium complex in Alamogordo, New Mexico, dedicated to artifacts and displays related to space flight and the space age. It includes the International Space Hall of Fame. The Museum of Space History highlights the role that New Mexico has had in the U. S. space program, and is one of eight museums administered by the 'New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs'.
"Are we really going there, Sir ?", Glen asked excitedly, as they all began eating.
"Well yes... of course...", the 'Boss' replied, having completely forgotten about the museum, and not being a 'real' father, had not realized that such a place was exactly what the boys would want to visit.
"This 'Space Museum'... it's in Alamogordo - yes ?", the 'Boss' asked Chuck.
"Yes, Sir - it's advertised as the 'Final Frontier'.", Chuck replied.
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| Alamogordo - New Mexico |
The 'Boss' grunted in apparent disgust.
"It would be handy if we could go straight to Alamogordo, and not stop off at Las Cruces - as there's nothing much there...", the 'Boss' mused.
"It would be handy if we could go straight to Alamogordo, and not stop off at Las Cruces - as there's nothing much there...", the 'Boss' mused.
Chuck waited expectantly for further questions or instructions.
The 'Boss', however, was preoccupied with thoughts about Brody's first fight, which was due to take place in 'Vegas that very evening.
The 'Space Museum' and the so-called 'Final Frontier', at that moment, did not interest him at all
The 'Space Museum' and the so-called 'Final Frontier', at that moment, did not interest him at all
Like all the 'Combat Club' fights, Brody's fight would be videoed, and in this case the video, while being recorded, would also be streamed, via a secure link, to a laptop belonging to the 'Boss'.
The 'Boss' was keen for him and Jim to watch the fight 'as it happened' - but he would prefer to be settled in a comfortable hotel suite when he viewed the video coverage.
"Can we get to Alamogordo before six ?", the 'Boss' asked Chuck.
"Yes, Sir - if there's no hold-ups, and if we don't sit 'sunbathing' here for too long.", Chuck said, referring to their current 'al fresco' meal.
"OK... then eat up boys, and we'll go to Alamogordo - and tomorrow can have a look at this Space Museum.", the 'Boss' said decisively.
Trinity Atom Bomb Test 1945 - Alamogordo Alamogordo was founded as a company town to support the building of the 'El Paso and North-eastern Railroad', a portion of the trans-continental railway that was being constructed in the late 19th century. Initially its main industry was timbering for rail-road ties. The rail-road founders were also eager to found a major town that would persist after the rail-road was completed; they formed the 'Alamogordo Improvement Company' to develop the area, making Alamogordo an early example of a planned community. The 'Alamogordo Improvement Company' owned all the land, planned the streets, built the first houses and commercial buildings, donated land for a college, and placed a restrictive covenant on each deed prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of intoxicating liquor (!). Tourism became an important part of the local economy from the creation of 'White Sands National Monument' in 1934. Construction began on the 'Alamogordo Army Air Field' (the present-day 'Holloman Air Force Base') in 1942, and the Federal government has been a strong presence in Alamogordo ever since. During World War II, New Mexico was the site of the top-secret 'Manhattan Project', in which top U.S. scientists raced to create the first atomic bomb, which was tested at the 'Trinity Bomb' site, at 'Jornada del Muerto', near Alamagordo, at 5:29 am on July 16, 1945.
So, as the two luxurious autos sped down the Interstate highway towards Alamogordo, far away in Las Vegas, preparations were underway for a evening of sport and spectacle.
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| Grand Foyer of the California Combat Club |
The ring was prepared - the auditorium was immaculately cleaned - and the complex lighting was set.
The video system had been checked and re-checked, along with the sound systems in the lounges, bars, and in the auditorium itself.
The vast foyer - a partial recreation of the architectural extravaganza of the amphitheater at Baiae - which had long since crumbled and become a lost ruin - had been prepared, with it's gleaming marble floor washed and scrubbed, its marble sculptures cleaned, and its huge gilded bronze doors polished.
The only thing missing that day was the 'Boss' - the owner and 'master-mind' of the whole organization - who was far away in New Mexico - eating in a hot, dirty, dusty roadside diner..
But Zac, Ethan, ( along with Glaux), were on hand to the oversee all the arrangements.
Ethan had also brought 'Teddy' along with him to the Combat Club, mainly because they felt that 'Teddy' - being unfamiliar with his environment - couldn't be trusted to be left in the Penthouse on his own (and Ethan and Glen didn't know how to 'switch off' Teddy, and Teddy wouldn't tell them).
Of course young Glen - who was fortunately still with the 'Boss', Jim and Max in New Mexico, knew nothing of all these preparations, as it was the intention of the 'Boss' to keep him well away from such 'adult' entertainment.
Jim, on the other hand, was well aware of what would be happening, and was anxious to reach Alamogordo, where they could hopefully find a hotel where they could watch Brody's first fight on the proposed video link.
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| Kurt |
"What's this then ?", Kurt asked, grinning.
"Just don't ask...", Ethan replied.
"But I need to leave him in your office - if that's OK", Ethan asked.
"Yes...why not...Kurt said.
"After all, you don't really want to be seen carrying round a teddy-bear...
But I'll warn you, don't let Tripp see the bear, as he'll probably want it."
Kurt, although he was very fond of Tripp, was always making jokes at Tripp's expense - as the cute looking boy was an easy target.
And so, after depositing a very grumpy Teddy in Kurt's office, they went to inspect the main auditorium.
Faunus had arrived separately, apart from Zac and Ethan, and apparently direct from the South-West.
He greeted Zac and Ethan, telling them that all was well with the 'Boss', Jim and Max, and giving them just a little information about Glen.
"So what's all this business about this weird teddy-bear ?", Zac asked.
"Oh, that's difficult.
It seems that Glen had a teddy-bear that was lost when his parent's house, and its contents were sold - so I decided to replace it - but couldn't resist to make it a little 'special'...", Faunus said, looking a somewhat 'sheepish' (which was very unusual for Faunus)
"Well, it's certainly 'special'....", Ethan said,
"It walks and talks, and right now I've locked it in Kurt's office - just in case it starts walking around, and starts chatting to the members and their guests."
Faunus grinned.
"That's probably just as well, Ethan.", Faunus commented, "as I haven't had time to fully program him......
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| Glaux in the Lighting Rigging |
Zac, bored by the talk about Teddy, then jumped into the ring, checking the canvass and the ropes, while Ethan sat himself down in one of the VIP seats, close to the ring.
At that moment, Glaux, who had been sitting sedately on Ethan's shoulder, fluttered up to the lighting rigging, high above the ring.
At that moment, Glaux, who had been sitting sedately on Ethan's shoulder, fluttered up to the lighting rigging, high above the ring.
"What's his problem ?", Kurt asked.
"Odd...!, said Zac, as he came back down from the ring.
"I did't think he had an interest in wrestling.
"I did't think he had an interest in wrestling.
Perhaps I should check with him later.
"Perhaps....", Ethan replied, "but Glaux usually has a good reason for anything he does - best to just leave him to it."
"So you're sure he's safe among all that wiring and those hot lights.", Kurt asked, still worried abut the little owl.
"Oh yes...Glaux is very clever.....probably smarter than all of us put together...", Ethan said.
Meanwhile, back in New Mexico, the 'Boss' had been on the Internet and on his 'cell-phone'.
He was talking with Jim, and he was obviously becoming frustrated as there were not many high class hotels in Alamogordo - which was probably not surprising.
Eventually he found a suitable hotel - 'the Lodge' - with suites and rooms available, but not in Alamogordo itself - but rather in Cloudcroft, about 30 minutes drive from the town center and the Museum of Space History.
So the rooms and suites were booked, Chuck was given the direction (601 Corona Place
Cloudcroft - and more about 'Corona' later)), and it looked like they would be in good time for the 'Boss' and Jim to receive the video link from Vegas in the relative comfort of a suite.
Cloudcroft - New Mexico Cloudcroft is a village in Otero County, New Mexico. The population is about 700 souls. Despite being located in an otherwise arid region, its extremely high elevation (8,600 feet (2,600 m); one of the highest in the U.S.) allows for a relatively mild summer that makes it a popular tourist attraction. It was named by Fodor's as 'the most overlooked destination spot in New Mexico'.- and Jim and Max would consider that they knew why. Tourism remains the primary economic driver of the village.
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| The Lodge - Cloudcroft |
The 'Lodge', which the 'Boss' had chosen for their brief stay, in the past had hosted numerous famous guests, including Judy Garland, Gilbert Roland, Clark Gable, and Pancho Villa (yes....Pancho Villa !).
In the 1930s the resort was managed by the renowned hotel owner, Conrad Hilton, who was born and raised in San Antonio, New Mexico.
For all its 'folksy' old world charm, however, it was, as Max described it later - 'another creepy hotel' - a bit like the Biltmore in Phoenix - but definitely not so luxurious or sophisticated.
Fortunately they managed to reach 'The Lodge' in good time, and while Chuck and Max looked after the luggage, Jim and the 'Boss' had a brief look around the hotel.
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| The Lodge - Lounge - Cloudcroft NM Max - 'another 'creepy hotel' |
Jim, of course, found 'the Lodge' very strange.
His only real experience of an American hotel had been the 'Club Jaguar', which was very modern, and also very luxurious.
'The Lodge', however, was quite luxurious, but looked 'dated' - and even in some places a little neglected.
It was, like the 'Arizona Inn', built and decorated in a kitsch South-Western, and slightly Mexican style, but heavier and darker than the 'Arizona Inn'.
But, as the 'Boss' explained, they would not be staying long - maybe a day or so.
Obviously Glen would want to visit the 'Museum of Space History', and there would also be at least one shopping expedition - and then it would be off to Roswell.
Their first priority, however, was to get Glen to bed - give leave to Chuck and Max to go 'out on the town', such as it was, and then to get settled a suite, and get the laptop up and running.
So finally they were settled in front of the laptop.
Room service had provided them with snacks, and Jim had a Pepsi Max (as a gesture to Ethan - who he was now sorely missing), and the 'Boss' had his inevitable Jack Daniel's.
Room service had provided them with snacks, and Jim had a Pepsi Max (as a gesture to Ethan - who he was now sorely missing), and the 'Boss' had his inevitable Jack Daniel's.
"So, Sir...how do you think Brody will get on in this fight ?", Jim asked. still not really understanding what was going on.
"He'll lose, Jim.
I thought you understood that.", the'Boss' replied, showing just a little annoyance.
"So it's rigged ?", Jim questioned, asking the obvious.
"Well...I don't really like the term 'rigged'.
Let's just say it's 'choreographed'.", the 'Boss' explained.
"And are all the fights at the 'Combat Club' choreographed - as you put it ?", Jim asked, wanting to get things clear in his mind.
"No...not all.
Think back to the arena at Baiae, Jim.
If we had a really good fighter - say like Petronius was - then we would not want him killed, or even badly injured.
Of course the fighters then were slaves, whereas these fighters are 'free' - at least they think they are - and are paid, and often very well.", the 'Boss' continued.
"And do they ever get killed in the ring at the 'Combat Club' ?", Jim asked.
"Occasionally - but the laws here are different to what they were in the Empire.
A dead fighter here can cause problems - even if I do have the police and the courts in my pocket.
It's the same with the age of the fighters.
Those who pay to see the fights like to see young lads in sexually explicit fights - just like in the arena at Baiae.
Sex and violence sells, and particularly young attractive bodies - and always has, even if people pretend to disapprove, saying it's 'immoral' - but...there are laws here, so we can't use very young boys - not like in the arena - and that's where someone like Brody is valuable, because he looks very young, although he's well over eighteen.", the 'Boss' explained further.
"So if he's so valuable, why endanger him by having him lose.", Jim quite sensibly asked.
"Well that's all to do with the betting, Jim.
We want Brody, who looks 'cute' and vulnerable - what they call here a 'face' - you know, 'baby-face' - to be seen as a 'jobber' - that's a wrestler who frequently gets beaten, and that will slew the betting, and then, suddenly he'll win a few fights, and we'll make a killing.", the 'Boss' said, warming to the subject.
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| Video Link - 'California Combat Club' - Title |
"And you control the betting, Sir ?", Jim asked, pretending to be innocent.
"Of course, Jim - and it's all money for us, Jim - you and me.", the 'Boss' said.
And as they were talking the opening titles of the video link came up on the screen.
The 'Boss' settled back in his chair, and took a sip of his drink.... and Jim wondered what this event would hold for young Brody.
The first images to come up on the screen - after the titles - were of Brody - now taking the name 'Dillon' - presenting himself in the ring in the packed auditorium of the 'California Combat Club'.
"So who is this Grant guy who's name came up on the opening credits ?", Jim asked.
In his admittedly few visits to the California Combat Club in Vegas he had never heard anyone mention a wrestler called Grant.
"Well 'Grant' is his 'ring name' - you know, like Brody's called 'Dillon'.
He's a little older than Brody, of part German extraction - at least that's where the family originally came from in the early nineteen hundreds.
He looks good, and wrestles well.", the 'Boss' explained.
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| Brody |
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| Grant |
And Jim was in for a shock as it seemed that Brody, although quite fit and muscular, had been matched against a taller, heavier and better muscled boy who was obviously somewhat older.
"So it looks like Brody may well lose this fight as this guy Grant looks quite formidable - but can you tell me, Sir, how is this choreographing done ?", Jim asked.
"Well Faunus does it for us.", the 'Boss' replied, as if the answer was obvious.
"Faunus ! - so what's he know about wrestling ?", Jim said, quite amazed that Faunus was involved with the 'Combat Club'.
"Quite a lot, actually....", the 'Boss' replied, taking another sip of his Jack Daniels.
"You forget, Jim....Faunus knows 'something about everything'.......
"You forget, Jim....Faunus knows 'something about everything'.......
Remember Jim, wrestling is a very ancient sport - probably invented by the Egyptians - but wrestling as it is now - in numerous forms - is mainly derived from ancient Greece - and of course developed by us Romans - so Faunus knows quite a lot about wrestling, and particularly this form of wrestling which is derived from the Greek Pankration - the sort of thing that we staged at the amphitheater at Baiae.", the 'Boss' said.
Jim nodded, having been forced to agree.
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| Don Picaro (Faunus) - Wrestling Coach |
"But what do the wrestlers think about Faunus telling them what to do ?", Jim asked, still puzzled.
At that moment a bell sounded and Grant and Brody began circling each-other, looking to make their first move.
"The boys know 'Don Picaro' - Faunus - as their 'Mexican' coach...... the guy who gives them regular 'pep' talks.
Of course he gives them much more than just 'pep' talks....", the 'Boss' continued.
Jim nodded, guessing what was coming.
"In 'regular' 'professional wrestling the fighters work to a 'script', but this tends to make the bouts rather artificial and mechanical, with a lot of noise, but it's usually clear that no one is really getting hurt, except by accident - so the 'fights are obviously 'rigged'.
With the 'Combat Club' it's different.
Faunus gives the 'boys' very powerful hypnotic suggestions, - you've seen the sort of things that Faunus can do, Jim - which enable them to fight naturally, but in accordance with a predetermined agenda."
Jim nodded - thinking back to the amazing things that Faunus had achieved - seemingly by just using the power of thought - if that's what it was.
"Also, those powerful hypnotic suggestions enable fighters to lose all their inhibitions, and sustain quite serious falls, holds and physical violence with very little sensation of pain, either during or after the fight, and very little bruising or damage to muscles or ligaments.
The combined result is remarkably realistic 'action', which is the main reason why the Combat Club has a discerning following, and can charge very high membership fees.", the 'Boss' concluded.
A bell then sounded to start the fight, and Brody and Grant started circling one another - looking for an opening in order to initiate the first hold.
At that moment the 'cell-phone' belonging to the 'Boss' buzzed.
At that moment the 'cell-phone' belonging to the 'Boss' buzzed.
In was Zac, checking that the 'Boss'was receiving the video link.
Zac confirmed that there was an excellent attendance by club members and their guests, and that there had already been one successful fight - a reconstruction of an original pankration bout (see image left), with both contestants fighting naked - always popular, and a good way to begin the show.
The fight had been longer that expected - with the loser having his naked exposed 'fundament' brutally penetrated by his opponent's huge stiff 'tool', providing a remarkably spectacular and explicit ending, and that was why Brody's fight had been slightly delayed.
Zac's call, however,was brief as he knew the 'Boss' wanted to concentrate of the video link.
The contest between Brody and Grant, at least at the beginning, was a far more sedate affair than the first fight - where the fighters had been 'butt-naked' from the start.
Both Brody and Grant, at least at the beginning were wearing wrestling boots, leg protection and wrestling trunks - even if the trunks themselves were minimal - leaving little to the spectator's imagination.
Later as the first fight ended, Ethan decided to look in on Teddy, who was sitting on a desk in Kurt's office, just to check that he was sitting quietly, pretending to be an ordinary stuffed toy - as he had been told to do.
"So, how are you, Teddy ?", Ethan asked.
By then Ethan had managed to accept that it was quite reasonable to talk to what appeared to be a toy teddy-bear.
"It's a little boring...", Teddy replied, sounding quite serious, "but I quite understand why you would not want to be seen walking about, hand in hand, with a fluffy bear, who was considered to be a child's toy."
Ethan looked a little embarrassed.
"Well it's not just that, Teddy...", Ethan tried to explain,
"What's going on here is really for adults, and so it's not really suitable for you."
Teddy looked surprised.
"And I suppose you think you're an adult...", Teddy said - a little too perceptively for such a small bear.
"Well....yes.", Ethan muttered, not expecting to have to justify his explanation
By that time Kurt had started the bout between Brody and Grant.
The fight began very conventionally with the two young wrestlers circling - looking for an opening.
Eventually they began to grapple - and their grappling resulted in a number of throws.
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| Glaux in the Lighting Rigging |
Meanwhile, Glaux was still up in the lighting rigging, apparently scanning the audience.
No one in the audience, apparently had noticed him, but then he was only little.
Faunus had been wandering around, getting a good look at the opening moves of the fight, and then went and sat next to Ethan.
"Is Glaux still up in the lighting ?" Faunus asked.
"Seems to be....
I think he's looking for something...", Ethan replied.
"Did you know that if an owl could read - and of course Glaux can - he could read a newspaper from the other end of a football field ?", Faunus said.
"Amazing !", Ethan said, feigning interest.
"So the question is - who is reading a newspaper in the audience, rather than watching the fight ?", Ethan asked - being rather cheeky.
"No one....
Glaux is looking for someone.", Faunus countered.
"Remember the business at 'Lakeside Dining', when Glaux spotted Brandt ?....
Well he's doing the same thing here - and he's spotted Brandt - again.", Faunus said - with some considerable assurance.
"And how do you know that ?", Ethan asked, sounding very worried.
"He told me....", Faunus replied, as if it was obvious.
"Really ! - Brandt's here !", Ethan said, obviously shocked.
"Yes......just a few rows back from us...but don't look !", Faunus said.
"So shouldn't we do something ?", Ethan said nervously, fiddling with his shoulder holster in order to release the 'safety' on the 'side arm' he now always carried.
"Yes.....but before you start shooting up the place, perhaps we should speak to Zac.", Faunus wisely said.
"OK...", Ethan said, and scrambled out of his seat, and scampered off to get Zac.
Very soon, Zac - looking concerned and serious - returned with Ethan.
"So what's this about Brandt ?", Zac asked.
"Well Glaux spotted him, and he's sitting a few rows back, with his girlfriend.", Faunus said.
Zac surreptitiously looked up into the audience.
"OK - very good.
Do nothing, and I will get the security boys to take him, and the girl, quietly to Kurt's office.", Zac said.
Ethan, looking alarmed, nearly said something, but thought better of it.
"Don't worry, Ethan.....
Teddy won't do anything.
He's a good bear.", Faunus whispered.
"Well I hope so...", Ethan said, not at all convinced.
It was only a matter of minutes before Zac returned with a plain clothed security team.
Brandt and Maria - for it was, undoubtedly Maria Orsic, the 'Vril Mädchen' - surprisingly made no fuss, and compliantly went along with Zac and the security detail.
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| Faunus as 'Douglas' |
Both Brandt and Maria had met Faunus before, when Faunus had visited Brandt, and had masqueraded as a patient called 'Douglas'. (a name which was on the registration plate of the pink Edsel - hence the 'little grey's' confusion in the Arizona desert).
Neither Brandt nor Maria, however, seemed to recognize Faunus - probably because Faunus was blocking their memories.
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| Brody |
Equally they showed no sign of recognizing Brody, but then most 'American' teenagers, (apart that was from Jim - not that Jim was American), held little significance for them - and of course on this occasion Brody had been introduced in the 'Club' as 'Dillon', and was practically naked, wearing only very brief white Speedos, and white wrestling boots.
The two 'guests' were swiftly taken to Kurt's office.
The two 'guests' were swiftly taken to Kurt's office.
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| CIA |
Brandt it was later learned, had managed to achieve a 'rapprochement' with the CIA, mainly on account of his presentation of his so called 'research' as having been on the 'cusp' of success, (the US government, of course, would do anything - yes, really anything - to have access to the secrets of 'inter-dimensional time travel' - hence 'Project Montauk').
Fortunately for Zac and the boys however, Brandt's foray to the 'California Combat Club' was outside the remit of the CIA at the time of Brandt's apprehending by the 'Combat Club's' security - and so there was no CIA 'backup' in the building - or in the immediate area for that matter.
Meanwhile, in the maze of 'off limits' corridors that formed much of the 'Combat Club', Zac, accompanied by Faunus and Ethan, unlocked the door to Kurt's private office, and escorted his two guests into Kurt's 'inner sanctum'.
The security detail were left outside, where they cordoned off the area.
Brandt and Maria, on entering the office, were startled to see a fluffy teddy bear sitting in the middle of Kurt's desk.
"Ignore the teddy-bear !", Ethan said, trying to sound as menacing as possible - "and sit down."
(Of course it's difficult to include the word 'teddy-bear' in a sentence that's intended to be 'menacing'.)
Teddy, however, was as good as his word, and gave a superb performance of being a cuddly 'stuffed toy' - and so was ignored - but not before Brandt asked a very odd question.
"The bear.....is it a 'Stieff '?", Brandt asked very formally.
"Well of course...", Faunus replied.
Ethan, bewildered, looked at Faunus.
"What are you two talking about ?", Ethan asked.
Richard Stieff and Prototype Teddy At its debut at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903, the toy bear designed by the German toy maker, Richard Stieff, initially attracted little attention, but its fortunes were saved when an American buyer snapped up the entire lot of 100 bears, and ordered another 3,000 just before the exhibition finished. The heyday of the Steiff company thus began. At the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, Steiff sold 12,000 bears and received the Gold Medal, which was the highest honour at the event. The kind of toy bear that Steiff had designed subsequently acquired the appellation 'teddy' - hence 'teddy bear'.
"The bear, Ethan... it's a 'Stieff'.", Faunus replied.
Ethan, of course, was none the wiser.
"Ahch !... how well I remember my own Stieff bear...", Brandt reminisced - sentimentally.
And from then on, of course, Faunus had 'got' Brandt.....
Teddy was the unintentional 'key' into the deepest recesses of the mind of the one-time SS-Sturmbannführer.
"So... you had a Stieff bear as a child ?", Faunus asked, playing for time.
"Oh yes....."
Brandt then paused and gave a penetrating stare at Faunus.
"But haven't we met before ?", Brandt asked, seeming to vaguely recognize the handsome young man who appeared to have taken over the situation.
"No, I think not, but tell me more about your bear ?", Faunus asked gently, as he signaled frantically to Ethan for a 'cell phone'.
Brandt shook his head, puzzled as to why his interrogator was so interested in his long lost 'Stieff' bear.
"Well... I called him Wilhelm."
"What... the name of your best friend... or a brother, perhaps ?", Faunus asked, as Ethan continued to fumble in his pocket.
"Oh no... the name of our beloved Kaiser... Wilhelm II.", Brandt replied, as if it should have been obvious.
König und Kaiser Wilhelm II Wilhelm II (Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert; 27 January 1859 – 4 June 1941) was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia, reigning from 15 June 1888 until his abdication on 9 November 1918. He was related to many monarchs and princes of Europe, most notably, King George V of the United Kingdom and Emperor Nicholas II of Russia. Acceding to the throne in 1888, he dismissed the chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, in 1890. He also launched Germany on a bellicose 'neuer Kurs' (New Course) in foreign affairs that culminated in his support for Austria-Hungary in the crisis of July 1914 that led in a matter of days to the 'Großer Krieg' (First World War).
Ethan finally found his 'cell phone', and handed it to Faunus.
Faunus pressed the 'auto-dial', which immediately put him through on a secure line to the 'Boss' in New Mexico.
"Fine... Dr Brandt...
Well you must excuse me for a moment as I need to make an important call - but it should only take a moment.", Faunus said, giving no hint as to what was really going on.
"Keep an eye on them, Ethan !", Faunus said to Ethan, as he left the office.
Now Ethan could savor the moment that he had been waiting for, as he drew his 'side-arm' from his shoulder holster, and tried to look as intimidating as possible.
(Readers who have been following this 'continuing story' will doubtless understand that Ethan had great difficulty in looking intimidating - even when armed with a neat 'Colt Defender'.)
Brandt and Maria, however, tried to ignore Ethan, and to begin with wisely said nothing, even with Faunus out of the room.
As they waited for Faunus to return Brandt carefully picked up Teddy.
"He's surprisingly heavy for a 'Stieff'.", Brandt commented to Maria.
Teddy, of course, was very upset at being 'manhandled' - but he was still determined to be a 'good bear', - and he said and did nothing.
Maria simply nodded.
"Put the bear down !", Ethan said firmly, waving the gun a Brandt.
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| Teddy - Worried about being shot by Ethan |
Teddy was well aware that Ethan was just a 'kid' - at least in his thinking, and was very worried that the gun might accidentally go off while it was being waved in his direction.
Teddy, of course was not 'amour-plated' under his fluffy fur - but he was considering asking Faunus to do something about that if he was expected to cope with similar situations in the future.
In the corridor outside, Faunus, using Ethan's 'secure' cell-phone, quickly explained the situation regarding Brandt and Orsic to the 'Boss'
There were two options...
Kurt could 'dispose of the pair', or alternatively Faunus could 'manipulate' the two miscreants, and hopefully render them harmless.
The 'Boss', knowing about the security services considerable 'interest' in Brandt, considered that eliminating the psychiatrist could well be seen as suspicious, and that could trigger investigations that could have unfortunate consequences.
The 'Boss' therefore gave Faunus 'carte blanche' to deal with the matter.
Faunus ended the call, and returned to Kurt's office.
"Dr. Brandt - Fraulein Orsic... you're to come with me - we have some matters to discuss in rather more comfortable surroundings".
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021