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Please note that this chapter is intended for adults (over 18 years), and contains text featuring strong language. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
Faunus takes Brandt, Maria, Ethan and Teddy to the 'Club Jaguar'. Teddy is under orders from Faunus to pretend to be 'Wilhelm' - Brandt's Steiff teddy-bear, who was named after the German Kaiser - Wilhelm II. Brandt is taken to the infamous Room 33, while Maria is 'guarded' by Ethan. Maria tries to use her 'feminine wiles' on Ethan in order to escape - but obviously that has no effect on Ethan. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, the Boys and the 'Boss' visit the 'Final Frontier', and bump into some mysterious 'Men in Black'.
Faunus and Ethan escorted Brandt and Maria (accompanied by the security detail) to the main entrance of the 'California Combat Club'.
Ethan, however, was not entirely happy, as Faunus had insisted that Ethan carry Teddy to the auto which rather spoiled Ethan's image as a tough security operative.
A large black Cadillac had already been ordered by Club Security, and was waiting by the sidewalk.
"OK... get in !", Ethan said grimly... (he had obviously been watching far too many old 'gangster movies' in the Penthouse home cinema).
"Ethan... put that silly gun away !
The'res security guys all over the place, and I hardly think that these two are going to try to make a run for it.", Faunus said grinning.
"OK... but I was just beginning to enjoy this.", Ethan replied grumpily.
It was a short ride to the 'Club Jaguar', and nobody spoke.
As soon as they arrived at the club, Faunus relieved Ethan of Teddy, and took Brandt and Maria up in the lift.
On arriving at the bizarre and sibylline top floor of 'Club Jaguar', (where the 'Boss' resided when he was in Vegas), Zac told Ethan to wait with Maria in Franklin's empty office, while Faunus - now carrying Teddy, took Brandt across the elevator lobby to Room 33.
Teddy, of course, was far from happy.
He found it undignified to be carried around, but was unable to complain as he had promised to be a 'good bear', and not to talk or move.
"Now young man... what's all this about ?". Brandt asked, obviously annoyed, and feigning ignorance, as Faunus unlocked Room 33.
Faunus then gave Brandt a discreet shove into the room.
"Ach ! Mein Gott !", Brandt gasped, as he surveyed the room.
"But...", Brandt spluttered, "Es ist mein Schlafzimmer... als ich ein Junge war !.... (my bedroom - when I was a boy).
"Yes..", said Faunus, as he placed Teddy, leaning against the pillows on the bed.
"And there's 'Wilhelm', waiting for you !"...", Faunus added.
It is important to understand that Room 33 was a special location, 'situated' in the 'Club Jaguar'.
While it had a boring 'hotel door' - numbered in this case '33' - just like any of the other many rooms in the hotel - the door itself opened onto a remarkable, and very alarming 'area' of 'hyperspace'.
The Door to Room 33
'Hyperspace' is typically described as an alternative 'sub-region' of space co-existing with our own universe. Such areas, in much 'science and fantasy fiction', may be entered using complex and unlikely energy fields, or other devices. In 'Club Jaguar', however, Room 33, rather more prosaically, can be accessed by simply using a hotel room key.
Significantly no number holds more esoteric meaning than the number '33'. The number three is important in all major religions. When the two threes are put together facing each other they offer a design that represents the ancient Hermetic maxim 'as above, so below'. The heavens mirror the earth; the high spiritual entities reflect sentient human beings - and 'The Masonic Great Seal', with the words 'Novus ordo seclorum' ('A new order of the ages') was added, significantly, to the dollar bill in 1933. - The phrase 'Novus ordo seclorum' relates to the 'Fourth Eclogue' of Virgil, naming the Sibyl of Cumae - who plays an important role in 'The Story of Gracchus'.
The Room has already appeared twice in 'Club Jaguar - first as an ordinary Hotel Room (see left - although featuring an rather unlikely 'sea view' (Las Vegas is not situated by the sea), where Jim stayed on his first night in Vegas, and then later, after Jim was rescued from Area 51, it seemed to have been transformed into a rather idiosyncratic film set from a 1930s 'black and white' movie (see right). Faunus was a fan of the director Busby Berkeley - famed for his spectacular 'Art Deco' style musicals.
The room that Brandt perceived as he entered Room 33 was constructed by Faunus from Brandt's boyhood memories, complete in every detail.
The room was in the 'Biedermeier style', popular before and during the period when Brandt was young.
The 'Biedermeier style' was an influential German style of furniture and interior design that evolved during the years 1815–1848. Throughout the period, emphasis was kept upon clean lines and minimal ornamentation. As the period progressed, however, the style moved from the early rebellion against Romantic-era fussiness to increasingly ornate commissions by a rising middle class, eager to show their newfound wealth. Middle- to late-Biedermeier design represents a trend towards 'historicism', and 'revivalism' which later developed into the 'Wilhelmina style' which had been very popular in the German Empire
Heraldic Crown of the German Empire
Meanwhile, Ethan was trying to keep Maria amused in Franklin's office.
(Imagine Maria speaking in a sexy, feminine German accent - like Marlene Dietrich)
"So Ethan.... you work at the 'California Combat Club' ?", Maria asked.
Ethan was worried - was Maria just making 'polite conversation', or was she digging about for information - and why was she being so very friendly ?".
"Well actually I don't work at all....", Ethan replied.
Ethan found it very difficult to be deceptive - and had an unfortunate habit of blurting out the first thing that came into his head.
As soon as he had admitted that he didn't work, he realized how strange that must have sounded - after all, what was he doing wandering around the 'Combat Club' with a side-arm, apparently supervising a security detail.
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| 'Wilhelm' - (Teddy) |
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| Dr. Sigi Brandt |
Back in Room 33 Brandt wandered about, looking in drawers and examining the furniture and the bed.
"So 'Sigi', why not sit on the bed, and have a chat with Wilhelm ?", Faunus suggested - using Brandt's boyhood nickname.
At the same time Faunus called for Ethan to come into Room 33.
When Ethan arrived, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
At the same time Faunus called for Ethan to come into Room 33.
When Ethan arrived, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Brandt was looking at 'Wilhelm' - his eyes shining with emotion - in a room from another century.
Teddy, seeing Ethan, felt embarrassed, but he had no choice other that to obey Faunus' instructions, and play the part of the German teddy bear called 'Wilhelm'.
Brandt spoke to Teddy in his native German, (Teddy could speak German - or any other language that Faunus wished him to speak), and as Teddy - (pretending to be 'Wilhelm') - and 'Sigi' - (Brandt) chatted, it didn't take long for all the memories of life in the US, the work at Area 51, the experiences during the war in the SS, Brandt's connection with Maria Orsic, the 'Vril', Thule and the NSDAP - for all of that to slip away into oblivion - and Brandt - or 'Sigi' as he then thought of himself, felt so good - so relaxed - so young.The Schutz staffel (SS - also stylized as two 'Sig' runes) was a major paramilitary organization during the Third Reich, in Germany, and later throughout German-occupied Europe during World War II. Headed by Heinrich Himmler, (a personal friend of Brandt), as Reichsführer-SS, the SS was not only a security organisation, but also an 'occult order' steeped in Aryan mythology and philosophy.
SS Double 'Sig' Runes
As 'Sigi' sat on the bed, reminiscing about his many boyhood adventures with 'Wilhelm', and also his days at school, he suddenly realized that there was something wrong with his vision - but then he found that it was easily corrected by simply taking off his glasses - which he let fall to the floor.
That was just as well as Faunus then said, unexpectedly to Ethan - "Hit him !".
Ethan was surprised, as he had never known Faunus to be violent, but when Faunus gave an instruction - or even a suggestion - in that certain tone of voice - no one could disobey him !
So, before the partially hypnotized Brandt could do anything, Ethan mechanically took his 'Colt Defender' from his shoulder holster, and using the butt, hit Brandt over the head.
Brandt flopped down onto the pillow.
It was not a hard blow - Brandt was not bleeding - but Ethan was shaking.
"Why the fuck did you make me do that ?", Ethan gasped.
"He needs a bump on his head.", Faunus said laconically.
"Now please go and chat with Maria.", Faunus asked politely - although actually it was another of his commands.
Teddy shook his head in disbelief, not understanding what was going on - but he didn't speak....
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| Ethan's Colt Defender |
Ethan was surprised, as he had never known Faunus to be violent, but when Faunus gave an instruction - or even a suggestion - in that certain tone of voice - no one could disobey him !
So, before the partially hypnotized Brandt could do anything, Ethan mechanically took his 'Colt Defender' from his shoulder holster, and using the butt, hit Brandt over the head.
Brandt flopped down onto the pillow.
It was not a hard blow - Brandt was not bleeding - but Ethan was shaking.
"Why the fuck did you make me do that ?", Ethan gasped.
"He needs a bump on his head.", Faunus said laconically.
"Now please go and chat with Maria.", Faunus asked politely - although actually it was another of his commands.
Teddy shook his head in disbelief, not understanding what was going on - but he didn't speak....
Ethan returned to Franklin's office.
Maria, however, was becoming petulant.
Maria, however, was becoming petulant.
"Don't you want to talk to me ?", she asked Ethan, with a distinct teasing tone in her voice.
Ethan had very little contact with girls.
In that 'other time' and 'other place' Ethan had no memories of his family - mother, sisters, aunts and cousins.... and slave-boys and slave-girls, in Roman establishments, were kept scrupulously segregated.
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| Clare |
The only girl that Ethan had ever really known was Clare, at the Penthouse - and she was like an older sister to him, loving and ever-caring.
Ethan loved Clare dearly - but not in a sexual sense.
Ethan loved Clare dearly - but not in a sexual sense.
As for girls like Maria, he was actually frightened of them.
Maria quickly caught on.
"So... don't you like girls ?", she asked, making her meaning quite obvious.
Ethan was embarrassed by Maria's directness.
"Well actually I've never met many girls.", Ethan admitted, being, as usual, rather too honest.
"So tell me... who are you ?", Maria asked. as she desperately tried to remember where she had seen the attractive young man before.
"I'm Ethan Duncan...", Ethan said, obviously embarrassed.
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| Maria |
"Schön Sie zu treffen.... und ich bin Maria Orsic.", Maria replied.
(Pleased to meet you - I'm Maria Orcic)
"Oh... sorry, but I don't speak....", and Ethan paused, not sure what language Maria was speaking.
"It's German.", Maria explained.
"But I was born in Croatia, although my parents later moved to München - Munich as you say - that's in Germany.
After the war I escaped from Europe with Dr.Brandt, and ended up here."
This, of course connected up with the research done by Zac, and it made Ethan very nervous, as he remembered that Maria was supposed to have been born in 1895 !
"So how come you look so young ?", Ethan asked bluntly.
Maria smiled..."'Project Kronos'... but don't ask me how it worked, that was Brandt, and a scientist called Otto Cerny.
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| Die Glocke |
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| Ethan |
Maria was fascinated by Ethan... he was her ideal 'Aryan youth' - with fair skin, blond hair and blue eyes - and handsome !
Ethan, of course was not in any way aware of Maria's growing infatuation - and answered Maria's question by simply using the memories that Faunus had originally provided - indicating a rather average American childhood and youth.
"So your'e not one of those 'time travelers' that Dr. Brandt was searching for ?", Maria asked, rather 'letting the cat out of the bag'.
"What ?", Ethan replied, feigning surprise and incredulity.
"You know, like Jim... the boy that the doctor fancied."
Ethan tried to hide his surprise.
"I'm sure that you know him, because I can vaguely remember that you came with him when he first came to see the doctor - after all, how could I forget such a handsome boy."
Ethan chose to ignore that remark - blushed - but was puzzled by Maria saying that Brandt 'fancied' Jim.
"You mean Brandt likes boys ?", Ethan asked.
"Oh yes....", Maria replied.
That's why he wasn't married."
"But I thought you and Brandt were...", Ethan stuttered.
"Oh yes... that's what almost everyone thought... but it was only a cover.", Maria explained.
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| Siegfried - Ring Der Nibelungen - Wagner |
By morning there would be a new 'Sigi'.
The name 'Sigi' - short for Siegfried (roughly equivalent to the English name 'Victor' - a hero in Wagner's Music Dramas - and also the name Wagner gave to his only [gay] son), would now be the 'new name for a new life' - and that life Faunus would be responsible for organizing - as usual.
But there was still the problem of Maria - but now that 'Sigi' was fast asleep, while Teddy was quietly reprogramming him, Faunus would have time to make 'arrangements' for Maria.
Maria was, as Faunus well knew, 'innocent'.
She was, undoubtedly, the victim of malevolent forces that had fooled here into thinking that she had made contact with aliens from 'Aldebaran' - possibly friends of 'Roger's' uncaring and often cruel colleagues.
Such entities were not confined to any particular time or place, and could well have been active in Germany in the 1920s - 'alien Greys' are not just a recent phenomena, and Faunus knew that they had been interfering in human society and history for millennia.
After leaving 'Sigi' (previously known as Dr Brandt) gently 'dreaming' his way to a 'new life', with the help of 'Wilhelm' (Teddy) in Room 33, Faunus went along to Franklin's office, and called Ethan over to him.
"You get 'Sigi' changed into a nice fresh set of pajamas - you'll find them in chest of drawers in room 33 - while I sort out Maria.", Faunus whispered to a rather confused and embarrassed Ethan.
"Guten Abend, gnädiges Fräulein", Faunus said greeting Maria politely in flawless German, and in an instant he had her under his not inconsiderable spell.
The question was... 'what to do with Maria ?'.
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| Green Valley High School - Henderson - Nevada |
The only people who would be looking for Brandt would be his one-time patients, and various government agencies (CIA, FBI, NSA, including the local police) - but of the elderly psychiatrist there would be no trace, and obviously the last suspect that anyone would investigate would be a seventeen year old senior high school student called 'Sigi' - (enrolled at Green Valley High School - 19 miles and twenty-odd minutes by auto from Vegas).
The 'background story' would be that 'Sigi' had been sent to the US to further his education (his parents wanting him attend Yale. Unfortunately when they traveled later to Vegas to check that he was 'settled in', the Boeing in which they had been travelling had ditched in the sea with engine failure, with the loss of all passengers and crew. So the 'Boss' - apparently an old friend of Brandt's father - had stepped in, and become Siegfried's guardian, financing his education.
So Brandt's disappearance would be complete, and Jim, the 'boys' and the 'Boss' would be safe - at least from that particular threat.
Maria's disappearance , however, would cause less concern.
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| Tuxtla Gutiérrez, - Chiapas - Mexico |
The most likely theory to account for the disappearance of Brandt and Maria would undoubtedly be the theory that they had 'eloped' - to somewhere - as few were aware of Brandt's predilection for attractive young men.
Regardless, Faunus' first task was to strip away all of Maria's memories of her past in Europe - give here an 'all American' family history, but make her an 'orphan' so that there would be no problems with her lack of any living relatives.
For the immediate present - as a supposed employee in the vast business empire of the 'Boss', Maria would have an appointment to see Franklin at nine, with regard to a transfer from Vegas to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, in Chiapas in Mexico.
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| Palanque - Town Square |
The 'Boss' still had considerable business interests in Mexico in relation to his activities in Palenque many years previously (see the 'Mayan Connection')
As this would be a substantial promotion for Maria (so she now believed), she would be more than happy to make the move.
So it was just a matter of getting Franklin to make the appropriate arrangements, obtain the air tickets, and then arrange for Maria to leave her apartment in Vegas, (giving no forwarding address) and make the trip to appropriate obscurity in Mexico.
And of course, for Maria there would be a change of name - to Maria 'Duarte' (original surname of Eva Peron - Faunus' little joke - fascist name for a fascist) - a suitable name, however, that would undoubtedly go unnoticed in Mexico.
At the same time Franklin would prepare papers making the 'Boss' the legal guardian of young 'Sigi', provide 'Sigi' with an American passport, driving licence and other appropriate papers, and open a bank account for 'Sigi' providing him with a generous monthly allowance (generous for a teenage high school student), and a small apartment, and all would be well.
Faunus had more plans, however, as he had decided to 'upgrade' Teddy and establish him as a far more useful member of the group - so once Teddy was finished with Sigi (Brandt), Faunus, with the help of Tony Stark, an associate of the 'Boss'., got to work on Teddy.
Despite Teddy's complaints that he didn't need, or want an 'upgrade', and was quite happy to remain a simple, cute teddy-bear, Faunus insisted that it was important for him to become a 'super-teddy' - and so the 'upgrade' was undertaken - lasting most of the morning.
Faunus had more plans, however, as he had decided to 'upgrade' Teddy and establish him as a far more useful member of the group - so once Teddy was finished with Sigi (Brandt), Faunus, with the help of Tony Stark, an associate of the 'Boss'., got to work on Teddy.
Despite Teddy's complaints that he didn't need, or want an 'upgrade', and was quite happy to remain a simple, cute teddy-bear, Faunus insisted that it was important for him to become a 'super-teddy' - and so the 'upgrade' was undertaken - lasting most of the morning.
Back in New Mexico, it was the morning after Brody's first fight at the 'California Combat Club' in Vegas, Nevada
The 'Boss' was pleased, as the fight had gone off exactly as planned - and he took the opportunity to congratulate Faunus and also Zac and Kurt.
The mood of the 'Boss', however, had been slightly darkened by the other news from Vegas.
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| Maria |
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| 'Sigi' |
As far as the news regarding Maria was concerned, the 'Boss' was quite satisfied, as she would now be a long away from Vegas, and he would not be any any direct way responsible for her.
Teenage boys were bad enough - but he simply would not know how to cope with a teenage girl !
And as for teenage boys, he was not entirely happy with the prospect of having to take Jim, Max and Glen to the Space Museum at Alamogordo.
And as for teenage boys, he was not entirely happy with the prospect of having to take Jim, Max and Glen to the Space Museum at Alamogordo.
It had been a very eventful night.
After Brody had been checked out by Dr. Lockwood - and pumped full of tranquilizer and painkillers, Brody, groggy but happy (even if it was just from the tranquilizers), was taken back to his apartment by Zac.
Towards morning Glaux had taken flight from his perch on the lighting rig in the 'California Combat Club', and had arrived at the top floor of 'Club Jaguar' (using his special 'owl entrance' kindly provided by the 'Boss').
Once at 'Club Jaguar', Glaux had reported to Faunus - who was waiting for him.
Maria was taken by Ethan to a hotel room in 'Club Jaguar' in order for her to spend the night there before she was 'taken in hand' by the ever meticulous Franklin - who would arrange for her to move from Vegas to Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Mexico.
Meanwhile, Faunus had transformed Room 33 into the very unremarkable and very ordinary hotel bedroom that Jim had first encountered so seemingly long ago - and Faunus had judicially removed the 'virtual sea-view', replacing it with a 'real' view of the busy cityscape of Las Vegas.
It was in that room that Faunus wanted 'Sigi' to awaken, so that Faunus could orientate 'Sigi' with a suitable 'tale' as to how he had ended up at the 'Club Jaguar'.
Ethan had spent much of the night with 'Sigi' and Maria, so Faunus provided hum with a room and a bed for what remained of the night.
Eventually the new day dawned.
Brody awoke in his luxurious apartment with aches and pains in places where he didn't even know he had places.
Zac, as ever, was up and ready early,
After checking to see that Brody was OK, Zac made his way to 'Club Jaguar'.
When Zac arrived, Kurt, having arrived even earlier at the 'California Combat Club', was on his computer, working out the final sums for the night's 'takings' - results to be encoded and emailed to the 'Boss'.
Teddy, of course, hadn't been sleeping, (he never did), and was moaning to Glaux about the 'awful time' he had during the previous night.
Glaux, having himself spent the night among the hot lights above the wrestling ring at the 'California Combat Club' was unable to give Teddy much sympathy.
'Sigi' awoke in Room 33 to find Faunus sitting at the bottom of his bed.
"Where am I ?", Sigi muttered, as he looked round the room.
('Not a very original remark' - Glaux, who was by then sitting on Faunus' shoulder, thought to himself).
"You're in one of the rooms in the 'Club Jaguar'...", Faunus replied.
"And you are ?", Sigi asked.
"I'm Don Picaro, an assistant to your guardian.."
Sigi blinked.
"Yes... I seem to recognize you...." he said.
"But what am I doing here ?... and what's that bird doing on your shoulder ?".
Faunus smiled - but Glaux had taken the reference to him as a 'bird' very seriously, and turned his back to Sigi.
"That 'bird' is Glaux - and you need to be a lot more polite to Glaux - he can turn very nasty.
And you had a little accident.
You tried to avoid a stupid boy on a bike, and tripped on the sidewalk, and hit your head.", Faunus explained.
"But don't worry... Dr.Lockwood checked you over", Faunus continued.
"The only injury you seem to have is a bump on your head - but quite unnoticeable...", Faunus added, as Sigi felt his head.
(that was the only part of the night that Ethan had enjoyed, when Faunus had told him to give 'Sigi' a hard knock on the head with the butt of his 'Colt Defender' - although it seemed a little unfair, as Sigi was sitting on his bed - deeply hypnotist - but at least Ethan satisfied his conscience by imagining that Sigi hadn't felt anything.)
"Dr.Lockwood will be along later to check you out again - so don't worry.", Faunus concluded.
"So is my guardian here ?", Sigi asked.
"I'm afraid not - he's in New Mexico with Jim - but he's been told what happened, and has been assured that you are OK.", Faunus said.
"And what about school ?", Sigi asked.
"That's OK - they've been contacted, and you have been given a week off by Dr.Lockwood." Faunus said.
Sigi instantly brightened up..."That's great !".
"Yes... but they're sending you work by courier, so you'll have to keep up with you're studies, but I'm sure that Ethan will help you.", Faunus replied.
"And who's Ethan...", Sigi asked... "my memory's still a but fuzzy."
"Ethan lives in the same apartment block as you - and just a little older that you - but he's a good friend, and will help you while you 'get back on your feet'.", Faunus said, reassuringly.
Faunus was pleased with the results of his conversation with Sigi - although Glaux was still sulking.
Sigi seemed perfectly satisfied with being a teenager at high school, and accepted the story of his minor accident, (a story inspired by what had apparently happened to Jim when he first 'arrived' in Vegas').
Eventually the new day dawned.
Brody awoke in his luxurious apartment with aches and pains in places where he didn't even know he had places.
Zac, as ever, was up and ready early,
After checking to see that Brody was OK, Zac made his way to 'Club Jaguar'.
When Zac arrived, Kurt, having arrived even earlier at the 'California Combat Club', was on his computer, working out the final sums for the night's 'takings' - results to be encoded and emailed to the 'Boss'.
Teddy, of course, hadn't been sleeping, (he never did), and was moaning to Glaux about the 'awful time' he had during the previous night.
Glaux, having himself spent the night among the hot lights above the wrestling ring at the 'California Combat Club' was unable to give Teddy much sympathy.
'Sigi' awoke in Room 33 to find Faunus sitting at the bottom of his bed.
"Where am I ?", Sigi muttered, as he looked round the room.
('Not a very original remark' - Glaux, who was by then sitting on Faunus' shoulder, thought to himself).
"You're in one of the rooms in the 'Club Jaguar'...", Faunus replied.
"And you are ?", Sigi asked.
"I'm Don Picaro, an assistant to your guardian.."
Sigi blinked.
"Yes... I seem to recognize you...." he said.
"But what am I doing here ?... and what's that bird doing on your shoulder ?".
Faunus smiled - but Glaux had taken the reference to him as a 'bird' very seriously, and turned his back to Sigi.
"That 'bird' is Glaux - and you need to be a lot more polite to Glaux - he can turn very nasty.
And you had a little accident.
You tried to avoid a stupid boy on a bike, and tripped on the sidewalk, and hit your head.", Faunus explained.
"But don't worry... Dr.Lockwood checked you over", Faunus continued.
"The only injury you seem to have is a bump on your head - but quite unnoticeable...", Faunus added, as Sigi felt his head.
(that was the only part of the night that Ethan had enjoyed, when Faunus had told him to give 'Sigi' a hard knock on the head with the butt of his 'Colt Defender' - although it seemed a little unfair, as Sigi was sitting on his bed - deeply hypnotist - but at least Ethan satisfied his conscience by imagining that Sigi hadn't felt anything.)
"Dr.Lockwood will be along later to check you out again - so don't worry.", Faunus concluded.
"So is my guardian here ?", Sigi asked.
"I'm afraid not - he's in New Mexico with Jim - but he's been told what happened, and has been assured that you are OK.", Faunus said.
"And what about school ?", Sigi asked.
"That's OK - they've been contacted, and you have been given a week off by Dr.Lockwood." Faunus said.
Sigi instantly brightened up..."That's great !".
"Yes... but they're sending you work by courier, so you'll have to keep up with you're studies, but I'm sure that Ethan will help you.", Faunus replied.
"And who's Ethan...", Sigi asked... "my memory's still a but fuzzy."
"Ethan lives in the same apartment block as you - and just a little older that you - but he's a good friend, and will help you while you 'get back on your feet'.", Faunus said, reassuringly.
Faunus was pleased with the results of his conversation with Sigi - although Glaux was still sulking.
Sigi seemed perfectly satisfied with being a teenager at high school, and accepted the story of his minor accident, (a story inspired by what had apparently happened to Jim when he first 'arrived' in Vegas').
In New Mexico, as well as on the Internet, the 'Museum of Space History' was advertised as 'The Final Frontier' - it was the last frontier that the 'Boss' wanted to visit or cross, as he was tired from the previous night, and worried about the boy 'Sigi'.
After breakfast Jim, Max and Glen waited for the 'Boss' at reception.
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| Museum of Space History |
Jim had already told them that the 'Boss' had had some 'good' news', but also some 'bad news', so they needed to be a little careful - especially as the 'Boss' was not very keen on this particular visit.
While the 'Boss' was interested in astronomy - and also such odd subjects as UFOs and aliens, the attempts by the US to launch itself into 'space' was of no particular interest to him.
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| New Mexico Museum of Space History |
Chuck had been given the morning off, and the 'Boss' had decided to drive the boys, in Jim's convertible, to 'Scenic Drive' in Alamogordo, where the Museum was situated.
Perhaps a drive in the open-topped auto, with the warm breeze and the bright sunshine might lift his mood.
And as usual in New Mexico, it was a fine day, and the drive was only about twenty minutes from the hotel.
The 'Boss' thought that the main building was quite impressive - modern but attractive - and in the area around the building were numerous exhibits presumably too large to be accommodated inside the building.
Once inside, the boys became quite excited - even Jim - as they wandered round the displays.
The museum included exhibits about the planets of the Solar System, space flight and the 'primates' (monkeys as far as the boys were concerned) that were used in early space flight experiments conducted by the United States.
The museum displayed mock-ups and training units of many important space artifacts such as satellites, the Space Shuttle, and the lunar lander (the originals, of course, are still in space or on the moon - at least according to NASA).
In addition, there was a Planetarium - and the projection dome was also used as an IMAX screen for IMAX-format films that were screened daily.
So it was a good way to spend the morning, and the Glen enjoyed having the astronomy exhibits explained to him by his 'uncle', and strangely, the 'Boss' enjoyed guiding the boys round the museum.'
Jim, however, was troubled.
He had spotted two men - possibly in their mid twenties or early thirties, both dressed in black suites, white shirts and black ties.
To Jim they looked like either Mormons, or CIA Agents, and they seemed to be taking a close interest in the 'Boss', the boys and himself.
So Jim decided to make an encoded 'phone call to Faunus on his mobile.
As soon as Faunus received Jim's call he became concerned.
Jim, of course, was imagining that the two men were either acting for Brandt, (despite the fact that the 'Boss' had informed Jim that Brandt himself had been neutralized), or that the men were acting for a government agency such as the CIA or NSA.
Faunus, without telling Jim, thought that such an explanation was unlikely - and was worried about a completely new threat.
'Men in Black' 'Men in Black' (MIB) are reported by many observers of UFOs and abductees. MIBs often claim to be government agents who harass or threaten UFO witnesses to keep them quiet about what they have seen. It is sometimes implied that they may be aliens themselves. The term is generic, used for any unusual, threatening or strangely behaved individual whose appearance on the scene can be linked in some fashion with a UFO sighting or alien contacts.
To be on the safe-side, Faunus told Ethan, in confidence, about the situation in New Mexico, and left Ethan with the responsibility of keeping an eye on 'Sigi', and as Franklin, later that day, would be escorting Maria to McCarran International Airport, (main airport for Vegas), Faunus felt that he would be more use helping the 'Boss', Jim, Glen and Max - that was if they actually needed any help.
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| New Mexico Police Cruiser |
Finally Faunus 'phoned Zac, who arrived at the 'California Combat Club', and confirmed that Zac should take overall responsibility for the ongoing situation in Vegas.
Faunus then traveled at great speed from Vegas to Alamogordo in New Mexico.
Now although Faunus was using his Pink Edsel - not the fastest automobile on America's roads - Faunus had been 'speeding' - to say the very least.
Of course, Faunus had ways of circumventing any speed limits that were operation on the Interstate.
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| The Lodge - Cloudcroft - New Mexico |
For most of his journey none of the New Mexico police 'cruisers' even noticed Faunus going past at a quite ridiculous speed.
Faunus decided to meet Jim at the 'Lodge' in Cloudcroft, and 'phoned Jim to let him know, so that Jim could pass on the information to the 'Boss'.
So after an interesting and exciting time viewing the exhibits in the 'Space Museum', the 'Boss' finished off the trip with a visit to the planetarium situated in the 'New Horizons Dome Theatre' - the highlight of the day for Max and Glen.
New Mexico Museum of Space History - Planetarium The Planetarium uses the 'Sci-Dome 4K Laser Full-dome Planetarium System' that consists of two of Digital Projection’s 'Insight Laser 4K' projectors. producing a total of 24,000 laser illuminated lumens. The combined 'Insight Laser' projectors use purposed built dome lenses and cover 360 degrees of the 'New Horizons Dome Theater', providing 4K resolution via laser illumination onto the 40-foot 'Sci-Dome surface. This system provides a high resolution to display crisp planetarium star fields and vivid pre-rendered shows.
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| The Lounge - The Lodge - Cloudcroft - New Mexico |
The return journey to Cloudcroft was uneventful, although for most of their time when they were in the museum Jim was aware that they had been observed by the two 'men in black'.
On arriving at the hotel, Jim, the 'Boss' and the boys found Faunus in the lounge, quietly sipping some spring water while he waited.
After letting the boys have a Pepsi Max each, while Jim and the 'Boss' had coffee, they had a chat about the Space Museum and the Planetarium.
The 'Boss' then sent Max and Glen off with Chuck, (who was back at the hotel for his lunch), to Alamogordo to buy some new luggage for Glen - to take his clothes for the next step of the 'road trip'- and also for the boys to have a meal.
Meanwhile, the 'Boss', Jim and Faunus needed to have some serious discussions.
They then settled down in the 'folksy' comfort of the Lounge of the 'Lodge'.
It was hardly the sort of hotel setting that the 'Boss' would have chosen - but in many parts of the 'South West' 'beggars can't be choosers' - and one just had to put up with whatever was available.
(the stuffed bear in the far corner was probably the most off-putting element of the idiosyncratic decor).
"So Faunus... the fight between Brody and Grant was excellent - and I presume it was all your own choreography ?", the 'Boss began. (see Chapter 29)
"Thank you, Sir...
It went very well, and you will be pleased to know that Brody suffered no ill-effects, apart from some localized bruising.", Faunus explained.
"Amazing !", Jim interjected.
"And I can guess where most of the localized bruising occurred.", Jim went on, smiling.
"You're probably right, Jim, but with advanced hypnotic suggestion, pain and bruising can be reduced to a minimum.", Faunus countered.
"Well, I certainly hope you're right, for Brody's sake...", Jim replied.
Anyway....we'll talk about Brody's fight, and view the video at a later date.
The subject that really concerns me is these men that Jim spotted - and more to the point is why you - Faunus - were sufficiently concerned to come here - and so amazingly quickly.", the 'Boss' stated very succinctly and seriously.
"Well... presumably because of your question, you have little knowledge of this business of 'men in black'.", Faunus suggested.
"Quite right.", the 'Boss' replied.
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| Mormon |
"Well I thought that they were Mormons, or perhaps CIA guys....", Jim interjected.
"Possible... but unlikely.", Faunus replied.
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Area 51 - Nevada
|
"And why do you say that, Faunus ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Well I can't see why the Mormons would be interested in any of you - although I can see the connection, as Mormon missionaries often dress in a similar fashion.
With regard to CIA - that is a possibility, although it is unlikely that, despite their inquiries, they have any real evidence of a connection between yourselves and Brandt, and the events at Area 51.", Faunus explained.
"So who do you think they were ?", the 'Boss asked, sounding a little frustrated.
"Men in Black...", Faunus replied.
"Great !... so we're back where we started.", Jim said - sounding really frustrated.
"Neither of you know.... do you ?", Faunus said grinning.
"No !...", the 'Boss' and Jim said in unison.
"OK... well in the early fifties, when UFO encounters became quite common, many of those involved reported receiving visits from various individuals warning them not to give out any information about their experiences.", Faunus began.
"So...?", the 'Boss' asked, trying to hurry things along.
"Well.... these guys were often quite ordinary looking guys, but were sometimes dressed in military - often Air-Force - uniforms - but most often they wore dark, or black suits, white shirts and black ties, and often black Fedoras - and usually they arrived in big black autos - usually Cadillacs.
They also gave names, and provided identity papers - but when these were checked later - after the visitors had left - the names and identities proved to be false.
And the question was.... who were these guys ?", Faunus continued, mysteriously.
"And you, of course, know.", the 'Boss' said, with a hint of sarcasm.
"Well.... actually.... no.......
Not definitely.", Faunus replied.
"Amazing....", Jim said.
Jim, after all, had never heard Faunus admit ignorance regarding anything.
"As I have said, they were always connected with UFO 'sightings', and with alien 'contacts' and 'abductions'.
They usually threatened the people that they visited with dire consequences if they made their experiences public - often specifying violence.", Faunus continued.
"And were they violent ?", Jim asked, intrigued by what Faunus was telling him.
"Well, oddly enough - no...
At least there are no confirmed reports of people being attacked, beaten up or killed.
Some people, however, disappeared, and some were eventually ridiculed in public by the publication of false information, but by and large very little harm came to the individuals and families who were contacted by the 'men in black', although some were harassed so thoroughly that they became mentally ill, and there were a few suicides", Faunus said.
"So why are you so worried about them taking an interest in us - if they are, in fact 'men in black' ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"I think it's because of Glen..", Faunus suggested.
The 'Boss' looked puzzled.
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| 'Roger' and the Edsel |
"You see when Jim, Max and I were in the desert, as I told you previously, we came across this 'alien' who was talking to my Edsel - which was odd to say the least.
As you know, he was very confused and lost - and actually 'dying', so I gave him a human form and identity - to save him - and the form and identity that I gave him, as you know, was that of 'Glen', your supposed nephew.", Faunus explained.
"Yes....", the 'Boss' agreed, sitting back and taking a gulp of his Jack Daniels.
"And in some ways I have been regretting it a little ever since.", the 'Boss' said, shaking his head.
"Yes... but you are getting fond of him...", Jim added, and the 'Boss' reluctantly nodded.
"So we did have an 'alien contact' - with 'Roger', as we called him, and there was even an 'abduction' - but in reverse - which is unusual.
We abducted 'Roger' !", Faunus said.
"So... do you think 'they' want 'Roger' back ?", Jim asked, sounding quite alarmed.
"I do, Jim.
I think you're right !", Faunus agreed.
"So what do we do ?", the 'Boss' asked, looking worried.
"Well first, I think we should keep a close watch on Glen.
We don't want him disappearing like Jim did.", Faunus said.
"Yes... and there's the problem !... the 'Boss said, looking quite alarmed.
"Glen is in Alamogordo with Chuck and Max - shopping..."
Jim looked to Faunus.
"I'd better 'phone Chuck right away and warn him...", Jim said, obviously concerned.
"Yes - but be careful what you say - he knows nothing about the 'encounter' remember.", the 'Boss' added.
Jim quickly explained to Chuck about the two men in black following them at the 'Space Museum', and that they had been warned by 'security' there might be a problem about there being an attempt to abduct Glen - so Jim advised Chuck to be on his guard, and to bring the shopping expedition to a prompt end.
Chuck, of course, agreed, and promised to get the boys back in the next half hour.
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| Main Street - Roswell - New Mexico |
"Well at least they're safe... so far...", Jim said the the 'Boss', as he finished the call.
The 'Boss' nodded.
"So what do we do now ?", Jim asked, looking to Faunus.
"Well, once the boys are back here - safe and sound - I think it would be best if we just carried on normally - but keeping an especially vigilant eye on Glen.", Faunus replied.
"So it's OK if we continue on to Roswell, as we originally planned ?", Jim asked.
"I don't see why not, after all - we don't actually know who these guys are, or even if they were really interested in any of us.", Faunus said.
Courthouse - Chaves County Roswell is the seat of Chaves County in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fifth-largest city in New Mexico. It's a center for irrigated farming, dairying, ranching, manufacturing, distribution, and petroleum production. It is also the home of New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), founded in 1891. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located a few miles northeast of the city on the Pecos River. Bottomless Lakes State Park is located 12 miles (19 km) east of Roswell on US 380.
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| Reconstruction of the 'Crash Site' near Roswell - 1947 |
Roswell is most popularly known for having its name attached to what is now called the 'Roswell Incident', though the crash site of the alleged UFO was some 75 miles (121 km) from Roswell, on the Foster homestead land, closer to Corona. Corona is a village in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States, located on U.S. Route 54. Corona is the closest habitation to the reported UFO crash of 1947. The rancher, William Brazel, who found the crash on June 14th, first came to Corona to report it to a few residents before going to Roswell to tell officials there.The investigation, publicity and debris recovery relating to the crash site was handled by the local Roswell Army Air Field.
"Right !", said the 'Boss' ....
"So we go to Roswell."
"I think I should add here that I have to go and check on Josh and Novius, so give me time to get back from the 'Villa Jaguar' before you set out for Roswell... just to been the safe side." Faunus interjected.
"How much time ?", the 'Boss' queried.
"Well I should be back early tomorrow.", Faunus explained.
"Good.
"We can stay here for the night, and set of for Roswell after lunch tomorrow...."
Now perhaps you have forgotten about the Villa Jaguar on the outskirts of Los Angeles - in California. - It was first featured in Chapter 8 - 'Drive on Interstate 15'.
this chapter consists of a full description of Brody's first fight - fighting under the 'ring name' of 'Dillon' - which takes place at the 'California Combat Club in Las Vegas Nevada.
Please note that this chapter is intended for adults (over 18 years), and contains images and text featuring extreme violence, nudity, explicit adult sexuality and strong language. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
this chapter consists of a full description of Brody's first fight - (fighting under the 'ring name' of 'Dillon' ) - which takes place at the 'California Combat Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Now if you are not a wrestling fan, and are bored by Novius' researches, and want to find out what happens when the 'road trippers' reach Roswell... then skip to
'Chapter 31' .. at your own risk of missing important events and information.....
For some reason the 'Boss' is determined to visit Roswell, although the sudden appearance of the 'men in black' at Alamogordo has made this somewhat risky, if Faunus' theory about them is correct. Also Roswell is not really blessed with fine restaurants and hotels - so the stay may be a little uncomfortable...
Please note that this chapter is intended for adults (over 18 years), and contains text adult text and images. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021