The Cadillac and the Edsel eventually arrive at Castle Rock, where the following day arrangements are made to hire a helicopter at Sundance. After a brief rest the 'Boss', Faunus and the 'boys', and of course Teddy, drive into Sundance, and preparations are made for their daylight reconnoiter of the Devils Tower.
Please note that this chapter is intended for adult viewers (over 18 years), and may contain images and text featuring nudity and strong language. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
open images in a new tab to enlarge images
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| Jim and Ethan's Suite - and Teddy's' |
"Is there any chance that you might get me a nice new bag ?", Teddy asked, as - 'free at last' - he clambered up the bed, and settled himself on the pillows - (Teddy always liked to sit on the pillows as it gave him a good view over the room.)
"That bag's getting rather dirty, and I thought a nice 'designer' model might be appropriate.", Teddy added.
"Yes... alright Teddy, but first we need to get the dinner sorted out, and find out what plans the 'Boss' has for this place.", Ethan said, as he pulled his clothes from his suitcase, and threw them into the wardrobe.
"Wowy !... is that a hot tub I see in the corner...?", Ethan said, pointing.
Jim looked.
"Yes - so the 'Boss' is really looking after you here..." Jim remarked.
Teddy however was not keen on Jacuzzis, and changed the subject as he watched Ethan supposedly 'unpack'.
"You know, Ethan, you really should take more care of your clothes,
It's not very ecological throwing clothes away, and buying new ones, just because they get a bit dirty and creased...", Teddy said.
"No... Yes... Of course...", Ethan replied, not really listening to his 'second best friend'."
 |
| La Quinta Inn - Castle Rock - Wyoming |
(Ethan's best friend, of course, was Jim - but you would never guess that by the way they behaved.)
Jim then turned to Teddy.
"Now you just stay here quietly, Teddy, and don't play with the Jacuzzi or the TV, and when we get back we'll tell what's going to happen next."
Teddy blinked.
"OK, Jim... but I'm not going to enjoy it.", Teddy replied, sounding a bit depressed.
So, when Jim had finished organizing, and neatly folding, and putting away all his clothes, they made their way down to reception, leaving Teddy doing his very convincing impression of a 'stuffed toy'.
Later the 'Boss', Faunus, Jim, Ethan and Glen met over dinner.
"Now this is a fairly quiet place, so if we talk reasonably quietly I am sure that we can discuss our plans for the next few days with no problems.", the 'Boss' began.
"I think you'll all agree that this is quite a nice establishment - if a bit 'modern'.", the 'Boss' began, starting with a somewhat bland statement.
"Sparse... if you ask me... but I do like the Jacuzzi..", Ethan interrupted.
"Is sparse your new word, Ethan ?", the 'Boss' asked with a smile.
"Well no... sorry Sir.", Ethan replied looking embarrassed.
At the mention of the Jacuzzi Glen looked surprised... obviously he didn't have such a high class room.
"So we can stay here for the night, and tomorrow we can relax while I finalize details with the 'National Parks Service of the Department of the Interior', and also with the Helicopter hire company.
"So we can stay here for the night, and tomorrow we can relax while I finalize details with the 'National Parks Service of the Department of the Interior', and also with the Helicopter hire company.
"Why do you need to do that ?", Ethan asked, probably just to show that he really was paying attention.
"Well good question, Ethan...
The 'Devils Tower' is a 'United States National Monument' - established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Now if you want to climb the butte you have to inform the local park rangers - but flying over it, and landing on the summit is quite different - so, in order to avoid any problems, and having had experience with the 'National Parks Service' when, as a student of anthropology - I undertook research in reservations and such like - I think it wise to let the authorities know, in detail, what we are doing - but, and this is important, not why we are doing it.
Also, the helicopter company needs to inform the appropriate authorities of our times for flying, and our flight plan.
The 'Boss' continued his 'talk' ...
"Once all the paperwork and official approval is sorted out, and I have already got 'verbal approval' from people I know in the 'Parks Service', the next step will be to make our way to Sundance.
Now last night I did some research on Castle Rock, and unless you like beer, there doesn't seem to be much to do in Castle Rock, which doesn't really surprise me - it's a place on the way to somewhere else - as it is for us.
For Ethan and Jim, I suggest some time in the pool, here in the hotel - as they probably need the exercise.
For Glen, I want you to go with Faunus and, with Jim's permission, learn all about Jim's telescope.
For all three of you, 'check out' the local Native American traditions in the area of the 'Devils Tower' on the Internet, and finally get an early night."
The 'Boss' then waited for the inevitable questions from Ethan.
"What about Teddy ?
When we eventually go to the 'Devils Tower' to meet with the 'thingys', will he be coming with us ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes, of course.
Apparently when you last met the 'thingys', as you so quaintly put it Ethan, from what you told me, Teddy proved to be invaluable.", the 'Boss' replied.
"Yes... but what about the helicopter 'driver-thingy' ?", Ethan went on excitedly.
"Yes... the word you're looking for, Ethan, is pilot.", the 'Boss' said, smiling.
"OK... well the 'pilot-thingy'... well what's he going to say about a walking, talking teddy-bear ?", Ethan very sensibly asked.
"Don't worry,"... Faunus, who had been silent until then, said.
"Before we embark, ('that means get on the helicopter', Jim interrupted), I will make sure that he notices nothing...", Faunus said, with a wink.
"Ah ... clever !", Ethan replied.
Jim and Ethan got back to their suite at the end of dinner and the little talk by the 'Boss'.
"Well, Teddy, you're going in a helicopter ride soon !", Ethan said excitedly.
"What's a 'holycepter' ?, Teddy asked, looking puzzled as only a teddy-bear could.
"It's a helicopter, Teddy.", Jim said, correcting the fluffy little bear.
"Don't you know what a helicopter is, Teddy ?", Ethan said, as Teddy climbed onto his lap, while Ethan sat on the side of the bed, taking off his trainers.
"No... 'never heard of it.", Teddy replied, looking blankly at Ethan.
"Ah... I think Faunus might have left something out of you programming.", Ethan said, smiling at Jim.
"A helicopter, Teddy, is a flying machine that has no wings, and can go straight up or down..", Jim explained.
"Well, it doesn't sound very safe to me.", Teddy said, snuggling up to Ethan.
"Maybe, but safe or not, you've got to come with us in one when we go to look at where we'll meet the 'alien-thingys'. ", Ethan explained.
"Well I'll only go if I can stay in my bag.", Teddy insisted.
"There you are, Teddy... this is what we're talking about.", Jim said.
Teddy looked wide-eyed at the image.
"If you expect me to ride in one of those things, I demand a blindfold and ear plugs - or better, a general anesthetic.", Teddy said, obviously alarmed.
"Teddys were not meant to fly - at least not in things like that ".
Ethan took Teddy's trembling, fluffy paw.
"Don't worry...
You can sit on my lap, and I'll hold your paw all the way.", Ethan said softly.
"After all, you weren't afraid of the 'alien-thingys', were you ?".
Teddy looked up at Ethan.
"...'Suppose not...", Teddy admitted.
For aviation 'geeks' (sorry, 'experts')
Meanwhile, Glen was nervously knocking on the door of Faunus' suite.
After a brief delay, Faunus opened the door.
"Hi Faunus... the 'Boss' said you wanted to see me.", Glen said nervously.
"Good of you to come..", Faunus said, indicating for Glen to come into the suite, and take a seat.
"The 'Boss' thought we should talk, as you probably don't understand why we were so interested in your odd dreams, and why we have come such a long way to see the place that you made the drawings of.", Faunus began.
Glen nodded.
"Well yes... it seemed to me very strange that you should take me on as an employee - not that I've done any real work - and then go to all this trouble, just because I had some strange dreams.
And then, when I started drawing on the walls of my room,... well I thought that the 'Boss' would kick me out." Glen said, obviously still very nervous.
"Undoubtedly it does seem strange to you, but then one lesson that you need to learn is that 'things are not always what the seem'.", Faunus said rather enigmatically, but then Faunus was often very 'enigmatic'.
"How do you mean ?" Glen asked, worried that he was getting into yet another strange conversation.
As far as Glen could remember - and he had a feeling that his memory was not what it used to be - much of what had happened to him recently was - to say the least - inexplicable, although that was not the word that he would use - rather he would say - 'crazy'... and it worried him.
Faunus looked hard at Glen.
"It was no accident, Glen, that I met as you got off the Greyhound bus in Roswell.", Faunus suggested.
"I knew that you had had contact with 'aliens'- in fact you had been abducted - but they had wiped you memory - and as we also - quite by chance, had contact with aliens, I thought that you might be able to help us find out why they had contacted us.", Faunus continued to explain.
"You knew ?...
How ?", Glen asked bluntly - too shocked to be polite.
"Well, in case you haven't worked it out yet, I can see into people's minds.", Faunus said - equally bluntly.
Glen shook his head in apparent disbelief.
"Just you, or all of you !", Glen asked, wondering if the strange group of people he was involved with were, in fact, all 'aliens' - maybe in disguise.
He had seen movies on the TV like that - for example, 'The Man who fell to Earth', 'Cocoon', 'The Body Snatchers' and such like, too numerous to mention.
"Just me... and Teddy, a little bit - but his brain is not that large so he's a bit limited, but don't tell him I told you.
Oh, and also Glaux, but you haven't met him yet.
He's at the 'Villa de los Jaguares' in Los Angeles, with Josh and Novius.", Faunus explained.
Glen couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Either he was going crazy - or Faunus was crazy.
"OK... now I don't know who these others are, but who or what are you ?", Glen asked, finally deciding to 'bite the bullet', (not a 'Western' phrase, although it sounds like it).
"I'm, let's say, 'different'.
The others, well they are human, just like you - but not Teddy, of course.
But they are not from here, which is why they too may seem a bit 'different' to you.", Faunus said calmly.
"So I was right !
I'm here with a lot of fuckin' aliens !", Glen said, trying to control himself.
In fact Glen didn't need to make much effort to 'control' himself, as Faunus had put a mild 'block' on Glen's emotional centers.
Without that Glen may well have run out of the room, maybe even screaming - but Glen sat quietly - but a bit tense, as Faunus forced him to accept what for many would be 'the unacceptable'.
"Well, there's nothing I can do about this now, is there ?", Glen said, finally accepting the truth of the matter.
"No Glen... nothing....
And it's all going to be OK ?", Faunus said, reassuringly.
"Yes... And now that we've got that over with", Faunus continued, "I've got some images of the summit of the 'Devils Tower'.
This is where we're heading, and this is where we will probably meet with the 'aliens'.
Now what I want you to do is to become familiar with Jim's rather fancy telescope... and the reason for that is that this is to be our 'cover'."
"And our 'cover' is ?, Glen asked.
"Taking unique photos, using Jim's camera and 'scope, of the 'Milky Way' from the summit of the 'Devils Tower' for 'National Geographical' magazine.", Faunus explained.
"And why do we need a 'cover story' ?", Glen asked.
"I like your way of thinking, Glen...", Faunus commented, smiling.
"We need a 'cover story', Glen, because if anyone asks what we're doing, we can't really say 'meeting with 'aliens'', can we ?", Faunus replied.
"Gosh ! That must have cost a few bucks to get done !", Glen exclaimed... as he looked at the image of the magazine cover.
"And then there's the trip, the autos, the hotels... and on top of that the helicopter !
So why's the 'Boss' so keen on finding out about these 'alien' guys ?", Glen continued, obviously having calmed down a bit.
"He has his reasons... and as for the money... well, that's never a problem for the 'Boss'.", Faunus replied mysteriously.
"OK Glen, so let's go down to Jim's suite, and I'll show you the telescope.
"No comment then, Ethan ?", the 'Boss' asked, expecting Ethan to moan about the place in which they were about to have lunch.
The lobby was 'comfortable', in typical 'modern Western' style, with acres of rather ugly patterned carpet, blond woodwork, white painted walls, and the obligatory brown leather sofas.
On their way to Faunus' suite Jim and Ethan (who was clutching Teddy and desperately hoping that no one would see him), collected Glen.
"So what do you think of your room ?", Glen asked, trying to be relaxed and chatty.
"I know -", Jim replied.. it's just that Faunus has been explaining quite a lot of things to us today - some of them about you - and we were just puzzled about what he had told us.", Jim explained.
"But I thought the Maya all died out or disappeared, Sir.", Jim said, sounding confused.
Some archaeologists and historians say that, but I was there, in Mexico, and there was no doubt that the Maya had survived, although they no longer live in their cities, and most of them were just peasants.
"And also...", Jim continued, do you believe that 'Búho' and 'Glaux' are the same bird ?"
"Well 'bird' is not a term that I would use, at least not in the presence of Glaux, unless you want to get a very nasty peck... but yes..." the 'Boss' replied with a smile.
"So Athena's Owl is also the Owl of the 'Jaguar God of the Night Sun' ?", Jim asked.
"Yes, why not ?", the 'Boss' responded.
"Glaux and 'Búho' are just 'archetypes', in material form, of a powerful concept - the concept of divine wisdom, insight and protection.
Such archetypes are universal.
Different cultures have different names and different representations of these archetypes - but the nature of the archetype remains constant and unchanged."
 |
| President Theodore Roosevelt |
 |
| 'United States National Parks Service' |
The 'Devils Tower' is a 'United States National Monument' - established on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Now if you want to climb the butte you have to inform the local park rangers - but flying over it, and landing on the summit is quite different - so, in order to avoid any problems, and having had experience with the 'National Parks Service' when, as a student of anthropology - I undertook research in reservations and such like - I think it wise to let the authorities know, in detail, what we are doing - but, and this is important, not why we are doing it.
Also, the helicopter company needs to inform the appropriate authorities of our times for flying, and our flight plan.
Teddy Theodore Roosevelt Jr. - October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919 - was an American statesman, politician, conservationist, naturalist, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He previously served as the 25th vice president of the United States from March to September 1901, and as the 33rd governor of New York from 1899 to 1900. As a leader of the Republican Party during this time, he became a driving force for the 'Progressive Era' in the United States in the early 20th century. His face is depicted on Mount Rushmore, alongside those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. In polls of historians and political scientists, Roosevelt is generally ranked as one of the five best presidents. President Roosevelt has a further connection with our story, as 'teddy-bears' are named after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt - who was commonly known as 'Teddy' (though he loathed being referred to as such). In 1902, President Roosevelt participated in a bear-hunting trip in Mississippi. While hunting, Roosevelt declared the behavior of the other hunters 'unsportsmanlike' after he refused to kill a bear they had captured. Subsequently Steiff bears, and their derivatives became known as 'teddy-bears' - with Roosevelt's approval.
Richard Steiff with his first Bear
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| 'Castle Rock' - a place on the way to 'somewhere else' |
"Once all the paperwork and official approval is sorted out, and I have already got 'verbal approval' from people I know in the 'Parks Service', the next step will be to make our way to Sundance.
Now last night I did some research on Castle Rock, and unless you like beer, there doesn't seem to be much to do in Castle Rock, which doesn't really surprise me - it's a place on the way to somewhere else - as it is for us.
For Ethan and Jim, I suggest some time in the pool, here in the hotel - as they probably need the exercise.
For Glen, I want you to go with Faunus and, with Jim's permission, learn all about Jim's telescope.
For all three of you, 'check out' the local Native American traditions in the area of the 'Devils Tower' on the Internet, and finally get an early night."
The 'Boss' then waited for the inevitable questions from Ethan.
"What about Teddy ?
When we eventually go to the 'Devils Tower' to meet with the 'thingys', will he be coming with us ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes, of course.
Apparently when you last met the 'thingys', as you so quaintly put it Ethan, from what you told me, Teddy proved to be invaluable.", the 'Boss' replied.
"Yes... but what about the helicopter 'driver-thingy' ?", Ethan went on excitedly.
"Yes... the word you're looking for, Ethan, is pilot.", the 'Boss' said, smiling.
"OK... well the 'pilot-thingy'... well what's he going to say about a walking, talking teddy-bear ?", Ethan very sensibly asked.
"Don't worry,"... Faunus, who had been silent until then, said.
"Before we embark, ('that means get on the helicopter', Jim interrupted), I will make sure that he notices nothing...", Faunus said, with a wink.
"Ah ... clever !", Ethan replied.
"Well, Teddy, you're going in a helicopter ride soon !", Ethan said excitedly.
"What's a 'holycepter' ?, Teddy asked, looking puzzled as only a teddy-bear could.
"It's a helicopter, Teddy.", Jim said, correcting the fluffy little bear.
"Don't you know what a helicopter is, Teddy ?", Ethan said, as Teddy climbed onto his lap, while Ethan sat on the side of the bed, taking off his trainers.
"No... 'never heard of it.", Teddy replied, looking blankly at Ethan.
"Ah... I think Faunus might have left something out of you programming.", Ethan said, smiling at Jim.
"A helicopter, Teddy, is a flying machine that has no wings, and can go straight up or down..", Jim explained.
"Well, it doesn't sound very safe to me.", Teddy said, snuggling up to Ethan.
"Maybe, but safe or not, you've got to come with us in one when we go to look at where we'll meet the 'alien-thingys'. ", Ethan explained.
"Well I'll only go if I can stay in my bag.", Teddy insisted.
Then, as Teddy still looked puzzled and nervous, Jim brought up an image of a Sundance Helicopter on his laptop.Now here's something that should be helpful for nervous, first time fliers - like Teddy:
'Sundance' EC130
the 'Sundance Helicopters’ maintenance team received the 'Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Diamond Award of Excellence' for participating in the 'William O’Brien Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards Program'. The program encourages employers to participate in continuous-learning training programs in aviation maintenance. FAA regulations and awards are given to a select few corporations that have reached the highest level of program criteria. 'Sundance Helicopters' are also an approved 'U.S. Department of Defense' (DOD) service provider. As a prerequisite to doing business in support of the United States military, the DOD 'Commercial Airlift Review Board' rigorously examines, and continuously monitors flight operations, maintenance, quality assurance, and safety. In each instance, 'Sundance Helicopters' has successfully demonstrated its ability to conduct safe and reliable operations.
"There you are, Teddy... this is what we're talking about.", Jim said.
Teddy looked wide-eyed at the image.
"If you expect me to ride in one of those things, I demand a blindfold and ear plugs - or better, a general anesthetic.", Teddy said, obviously alarmed.
"Teddys were not meant to fly - at least not in things like that ".
Ethan took Teddy's trembling, fluffy paw.
"Don't worry...
You can sit on my lap, and I'll hold your paw all the way.", Ethan said softly.
"After all, you weren't afraid of the 'alien-thingys', were you ?".
Teddy looked up at Ethan.
"...'Suppose not...", Teddy admitted.
For aviation 'geeks' (sorry, 'experts')
Founded in 1985 as “Helicopter Services of Nevada”, the company started out by giving helicopter tours of the Las Vegas strip from the parking lot of the Landmark Hotel & Casino . Three years later, the company was the first to sign a partnership agreement with the people of the 'Hualapai Nation' to offer helicopter tours to the 'West Rim of the Grand Canyon' and establish a landing pad for its customers at the bottom of the Canyon. To date, 'Sundance Helicopters' has the longest-standing partnership with the Hualapai. In 1991, the company was purchased and renamed 'Sundance'. The following year it became an approved service provider for the 'U.S. Department of Defense' (DOD). 'Sundance' is committed to innovation and offers a wide variety of panoramic flights while continuing to invest in other sectors such as services for film production, and air support for the 'Department of Defense'. Today, the company continues to grow and offers an ever wider range of products for the tourism industry while pursuing investments to expand its fleet. Sundance began business with Bell 206 helicopters and now operates three types of aircraft: AS350B2, H130 B4 and the latest addition to the fleet, the H130 T2. The arrival of the H130 T2 forms part of the company’s program to modernize the fleet over the past few years.
After a brief delay, Faunus opened the door.
"Hi Faunus... the 'Boss' said you wanted to see me.", Glen said nervously.
"Good of you to come..", Faunus said, indicating for Glen to come into the suite, and take a seat.
"The 'Boss' thought we should talk, as you probably don't understand why we were so interested in your odd dreams, and why we have come such a long way to see the place that you made the drawings of.", Faunus began.
Glen nodded.
"Well yes... it seemed to me very strange that you should take me on as an employee - not that I've done any real work - and then go to all this trouble, just because I had some strange dreams.
And then, when I started drawing on the walls of my room,... well I thought that the 'Boss' would kick me out." Glen said, obviously still very nervous.
"Undoubtedly it does seem strange to you, but then one lesson that you need to learn is that 'things are not always what the seem'.", Faunus said rather enigmatically, but then Faunus was often very 'enigmatic'.
"How do you mean ?" Glen asked, worried that he was getting into yet another strange conversation.
As far as Glen could remember - and he had a feeling that his memory was not what it used to be - much of what had happened to him recently was - to say the least - inexplicable, although that was not the word that he would use - rather he would say - 'crazy'... and it worried him.
Faunus looked hard at Glen.
"It was no accident, Glen, that I met as you got off the Greyhound bus in Roswell.", Faunus suggested.
"No ?...", Glen responded, thoroughly confused.
(Now if you have been reading this story properly, you will know that Glen never got off any Greyhound bus in Roswell, and that event was in fact a 'fabricated memory' supplied by Faunus after Glen had been rescued from the UFO at Corona in New Mexico).
 |
| Glen Mk I - Abducted by Aliens |
"You knew ?...
How ?", Glen asked bluntly - too shocked to be polite.
"Well, in case you haven't worked it out yet, I can see into people's minds.", Faunus said - equally bluntly.
Glen shook his head in apparent disbelief.
"Just you, or all of you !", Glen asked, wondering if the strange group of people he was involved with were, in fact, all 'aliens' - maybe in disguise.
He had seen movies on the TV like that - for example, 'The Man who fell to Earth', 'Cocoon', 'The Body Snatchers' and such like, too numerous to mention.
"Just me... and Teddy, a little bit - but his brain is not that large so he's a bit limited, but don't tell him I told you.
Oh, and also Glaux, but you haven't met him yet.
He's at the 'Villa de los Jaguares' in Los Angeles, with Josh and Novius.", Faunus explained.
Glen couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Either he was going crazy - or Faunus was crazy.
"OK... now I don't know who these others are, but who or what are you ?", Glen asked, finally deciding to 'bite the bullet', (not a 'Western' phrase, although it sounds like it).
"I'm, let's say, 'different'.
The others, well they are human, just like you - but not Teddy, of course.
But they are not from here, which is why they too may seem a bit 'different' to you.", Faunus said calmly.
"So I was right !
I'm here with a lot of fuckin' aliens !", Glen said, trying to control himself.
In fact Glen didn't need to make much effort to 'control' himself, as Faunus had put a mild 'block' on Glen's emotional centers.
Without that Glen may well have run out of the room, maybe even screaming - but Glen sat quietly - but a bit tense, as Faunus forced him to accept what for many would be 'the unacceptable'.
"Well, there's nothing I can do about this now, is there ?", Glen said, finally accepting the truth of the matter.
"No Glen... nothing....
 |
| Summit of the Devils Tower |
"Yes... And now that we've got that over with", Faunus continued, "I've got some images of the summit of the 'Devils Tower'.
This is where we're heading, and this is where we will probably meet with the 'aliens'.
Now what I want you to do is to become familiar with Jim's rather fancy telescope... and the reason for that is that this is to be our 'cover'."
"And our 'cover' is ?, Glen asked.
"Taking unique photos, using Jim's camera and 'scope, of the 'Milky Way' from the summit of the 'Devils Tower' for 'National Geographical' magazine.", Faunus explained.
"And why do we need a 'cover story' ?", Glen asked.
"I like your way of thinking, Glen...", Faunus commented, smiling.
"We need a 'cover story', Glen, because if anyone asks what we're doing, we can't really say 'meeting with 'aliens'', can we ?", Faunus replied.
"And there's a 'mock-up' of the proposed cover, just in case anyone doesn't believe us.", Faunus said proudly, as he brought up a spectacular image on his laptop of the Milky Way seen against a silhouette of the Devils Tower.
Thumper 'National Geographic' (formerly the 'National Geographic Magazine') is the official magazine of the National Geographic Society. It has been published continuously since its first issue in 1888, nine months after the Society itself was founded. It primarily contains articles about science, geography, history, and world culture. The magazine is known for its thick square-bound glossy format with a yellow rectangular border and its extensive use of dramatic photographs. Controlling interest in the magazine is held by 'The Walt Disney Company' - nicely linking it with Ethan's favorite character, 'Thumper' - yes him again !
National Geographic Mock-up Cover
"Gosh ! That must have cost a few bucks to get done !", Glen exclaimed... as he looked at the image of the magazine cover.
"And then there's the trip, the autos, the hotels... and on top of that the helicopter !
So why's the 'Boss' so keen on finding out about these 'alien' guys ?", Glen continued, obviously having calmed down a bit.
"He has his reasons... and as for the money... well, that's never a problem for the 'Boss'.", Faunus replied mysteriously.
"OK Glen, so let's go down to Jim's suite, and I'll show you the telescope.
Presumably the source of those dreams had some presentiment that Glen was on his way.
The 'Boss' woken was early that last morning in Castle Rock with a message from reception asking him to sign for and collect a special delivery.
 |
| Franklin in 'Vegas |
It was a bulky envelope, sent by special express courier, from Franklin in 'Vegas.
Among numerous business items for the 'Boss', it contained updated documents and cards for Glen, confirming his identity and other such matters.
Among numerous business items for the 'Boss', it contained updated documents and cards for Glen, confirming his identity and other such matters.
 |
| Telescope Instructions |
Jim and Ethan woke later, at the insistence of Teddy, who was worried that they might oversleep.
Glen had slept deeply - his rest no longer disturbed by the worrying dreams that he had so recently bothered him.
Glen, when he awoke, was left with memories of the previous night, when Faunus had revealed much, and he was also left with a very detailed and complex instruction book which Jim had used to guide him through the subtleties of the Meade-LX90 telescope - and of course he had the telescope itself so that, if needed, he could handle it relatively competently.
Meanwhile, Jim and Ethan were heading for the relatively small, but adequate hotel pool, while Teddy was attempting to carefully pack Ethan clothes, which for a bear with paws, was not at all easy - but at least it gave Teddy something to do, and took his mind off the impending helicopter flight.
With breakfast over, and all preparation made, and all instruction from the 'Boss' attended to, it was just a matter of loading up the autos, and heading off for Sundance.
 |
| Unidentified Lights in the Sky Over North East Wyoming |
According to the 'route planner' that Faunus was consulting, the journey would take about seven hours on US Highway 85, including a stop over for lunch.
All being well, it should be an easy drive.
Then came the worrying part.
The 'Boss', over breakfast, had been watching the morning news - and there had been a report of unidentified lights in the sky over North East Wyoming.
"We'd better get going...", the 'Boss' said knowingly to Faunus.
And that's exactly what they did...
Fortunately they had all packed the previous night, and even Ethan was on time, with help from Teddy, who had promoted himself the Ethan's official 'case-packer'.
The day was fine, but not blazing hot.
The route was easy to find, and soon they were cruising down the highway, with the 'Boss' and Jim leading in the black Cadillac, and Faunus, Ethan, Teddy and Glen following in the Edsel.
"Well here we go again...
Another boring road...", Ethan said, as they drove in the Edsel down Highway 85 on their way to Sundance.
"Well here we go again...
 |
| The Road to Sundance |
"Well don't get bored too quickly Ethan...
You've got nearly another seven hours of this...", Faunus said, smiling to himself.
Up front, in the Cadillac, Jim was taking a welcome rest from driving.
"So what do you make of the news report about the unidentified lights over north east Wyoming, Sir ?", Jim asked.
"They could be our 'friends', checking us out, or they could be some other UFO activity, not connected with us - or simply some natural phenomena.
Apparently, last night they had a severe electrical storm in the Sundance area.", the 'Boss' replied.
"Will that storm be a problem with out helicopter flight, Sir ?", Jim asked.
"I wouldn't think so...
I checked with the local weather bureau before we left Castle Rock, and apparently the storm, such as it was, has moved on.
 |
| Electrical Storm |
The person I spoke to seemed to think it was somewhat anomalous for the area - quite unexpected and quite 'out of the blue'.", the 'Boss' said, sounding puzzled.
It should be noted that the night when it has been speculated that the UFO crashed in Corona, near Roswell, in 1947, there had been a very severe electrical storm.
"So you think it might be in some way connected with our 'friends' ?", Jim asked.
"Well possibly.
Faunus has a 'theory' about these guys... and violent energy bursts, which would be revealed as an 'electrical storm', would fit into that theory.", the 'Boss' suggested.
"And what's that theory ?", Jim asked.
"Well that's something for you to discuss with Faunus...", was the tantalizing reply given by the 'Boss'.
In an electrical storm, the clouds are charged like giant capacitors in the sky. The upper portion of the cloud is positive and the lower portion is negative. How the cloud acquires this charge is still not agreed upon within the scientific community..... The latest theory of lightning formation, called 'runaway breakdown', hypothesizes that cosmic rays trigger the lightning process.
Back in the Edsel, Glen was quizzing Faunus.
"So this helicopter trip...
Are we planning to land on the summit ?", Glen asked.
"Yes, or course." Faunus replied.
"I explained that to you last night."
"I explained that to you last night."
"And we do that at night in the dark ?", Glen continued.
"Yes... that's the general idea." Faunus answered.
"And the summit... is it big enough to land a helicopter on ?" Glen persisted.
"By my calculations, Glen, the summit is approximately one and a half acres... that's about 180 feet by 300 feet... roughly the size of a football field.
That's quite big enough for the helicopter to land.
We will then be dropped off, and wait for the aliens - and having seen their craft myself, they will have no problem landing on that area.
When our 'mission' is accomplished, we will then simply contact our pilot, who will return to the summit and pick us up.", Faunus explained, making it all sound very simple.
The problem, of course, was that it would all happen in the dark - 5,112 feet above sea level.
"Now I know you'll think this is a stupid question, Faunus...", Ethan began, sounding suspiciously like Thumper, "but why do the 'alien-thingys' want to talk to us on top of a mountain ?".
Faunus gave Ethan an endearing look.
"I've no idea, Ethan.....".
 |
| Welcome to Wyoming - Forever West |
And so they drove on...
As morning turned to afternoon Ethan began to get worried - particularly when they passed a sign saying they were entering Wyoming.
"Gee... Teddy says he's real hungry !", Ethan finally said, hoping that the 'Boss' and Faunus had not forgotten to stop for a meal.
"Now that's plum crazy !", Faunus said, mimicking Ethan's questionably Disney style imitation of a Wyoming accent.
"You know that darn bear never eats !".
Teddy looked predictably annoyed - he really didn't like being made the 'butt' of Ethan and Faunus' joke. (or was that 'butte').
"OK Ethan, I'll remind the 'Boss'.", Faunus said, trying to placate Teddy, who was sitting beside him, by ruffling the little bear's fur.
"Stop it Faunus, or I'll let the aliens do something very nasty to you and Ethan.", Teddy said, as he patted down his ruffled fur.
"Sorry Teddy... I know you're getting anxious about this helicopter trip.", Faunus replied.
 |
| Road Side Diner Signs |
Teddy then instantly sulked.
And so they pulled in to the the next diner they were passing.
"Why aren't there any decent eating places in this very wild West ?", Ethan asked rhetorically.
(as a Greek, from a long time ago, Ethan had been taught 'Rhetoric', although you would never have thought it from the way he usually now spoke).
Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. Along with grammar and logic, it is one of the three ancient arts of discourse. In Ancient Greece and Rome rhetoric played a central role in education in training orators, lawyers, counselors, historians, statesmen, and poets - Ethan, however, was none of these.
Disregarding the weird signs on the way into the diner, the 'Boss' caught up with Ethan, who carrying a still sulking Teddy in his plastic Walmart bag.
Ethan, who had no real idea who Jesus was, wondered why such a person would welcome 'hunters' ? and what were the hunters hunting... 'aliens' - teddy-bears ? Ethan decide to be careful... and keep Teddy in his bag
Ethan, who had no real idea who Jesus was, wondered why such a person would welcome 'hunters' ? and what were the hunters hunting... 'aliens' - teddy-bears ? Ethan decide to be careful... and keep Teddy in his bag
 |
| Wyoming Diner |
"Well it seems that they have 'Buffalo Burgers' - so perhaps it's not so bad...", Ethan said quietly.
So there you are, Ethan... the trip to the 'Devils' Tower' wasn't so bad after all...", the 'Boss said cheerily.
"Well it would be OK for me and Teddy... if it wasn't for the helicopter trip...", Ethan said.
"Don't worry, Ethan...
Once you've flown in a helicopter you'll think it's the only way to travel." the 'Boss' added, encouragingly.
And so they had lunch.
Jim was, predictably, sitting next to the 'Boss' during lunch.
"So where are we staying, Sir?" Jim asked.
"Oh... I thought I'd told you...
Quite a nice place I think.
It's called the 'Western Inn', in Sundance... nice pool, a small gym, and large, comfortable rooms.
But we won't be there for long - I hope - anyway.", the 'Boss' explained.
"But you'll see in a matter of minutes, as we'll be there soon..."
 |
| Clare |
Ethan nudged Jim.
"I think these 'Buffalo Burgers' are great !
'Wonder if you can get them in 'Vegas ?", Ethan interrupted enthusiastically.
"I'm sure you can...
If you have a word with Clare, (remember Clare ?), when we get back, I'm sure she will be able to buy 'Buffalo Burgers'... and then she will be only too happy to make you 'Buffalo Cheese Burgers'...
 |
| Glaux at the Penthouse |
"When we get back ?... don't you mean if we get back...", Ethan said gloomily.
 |
| 'The Western Inn' - Sundance - Wyoming |
And Ethan wondered if Glaux would take to the scraps of buffalo meat.
And it was only when Jim mentioned Clare that they realized just how much they were missing their settled comfortable life back in 'Vegas, and how much they were missing Glaux.
And it was only when Jim mentioned Clare that they realized just how much they were missing their settled comfortable life back in 'Vegas, and how much they were missing Glaux.
So after the meal, they were back on the road, with the 'Boss' looking out for the 'Western Inn', in Sundance.
They had made good time, and soon they passed a rather odd sign welcoming them to Sundance.
When they arrived at Sundance it was late afternoon, but it was too late for a reconnaissance trip to the 'Devils Tower'.
When they arrived at Sundance it was late afternoon, but it was too late for a reconnaissance trip to the 'Devils Tower'.
The hotel - 'The Western Inn' was very modern, and seemingly set in the middle of 'nowhere' - but then in the 'West', in places like Sundance, there was always plenty of wide open space.
Although Jim felt it was good not to feel 'hemmed in', the openness, combined, with the apparent newness of so much of the country, made Jim feel rather exposed and vulnerable.
 |
| The Desert Near Corona |
But perhaps the 'aliens' chose such places - like the desert near Corona, and here at Sundance, simply because they were well away from the majority of humans.
It was a bit like the 'Devils Tower' itself, standing high and alone in relatively flat country.
But enough of such reflections...once they had got settled, Faunus decide to have a meeting with Jim, Ethan Glen and Teddy to brief them on what to possibly expect from the meeting with the 'aliens' - whenever that might eventually materialize.
And so they checked in at the reception desk in the Lobby, with all of Glen's very smart and official, (and genuine ?), cards and documents so efficiently provided by Franklin.
 |
| Reception - Western Inn - Sundance |
And just to remind you that you were in Wyoming, there were a few reproduction pictures on the walls - à la Remington - the artist, (not the guns and rifles,) although there were plenty of those about).
Frederic Sackrider Remington - born October 4, 1861 - and died December 26, 1909 - was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in depictions of the American Old West. His works are known for depicting the Western United States in the last quarter of the 19th century and featuring such images as cowboys, American Indians, and the US Cavalry.
Of course, most Americans would be only too happy to stay at the 'Western Inn', but it was not quite such a 'treat' for those who were used to villas, penthouses and the finest of hotels - but the 'Boss' had planned things this way to give the 'boys' - (basically Jim and Ethan) a taste of 'real life', as lived by the vast majority - hence all the 'roadside diners'.
Ethan open the door to their room very slowly and carefully, hoping against hope that the room would no be covered with even more of the weird squiggly carpeting that they had encountered in the public areas of the hotel.
Much to his relief, their room had a plain carpet.
"Thank the gods - no more of that swirly stuff like downstairs !", Ethan said.
"Any more of that and I would be so dizzy I would be falling over things.", Ethan added, obviously relieved.
"What swirly stuff ?"", a muffled voice mumbled from the Walmart bag.
"Have the 'aliens' taken over the hotel ?".
It was Teddy who, it seemed, had still not completely got over the invasion of the 'Holiday Inn' in Roswell by the 'men in black', when they abducted 'Glen Mark I'.
 |
| 1st Class Bedroom - Western Inn - Sundance |
"Don't worry Teddy... it's just Ethan getting 'freaked out' by the carpets in this new hotel.", Jim explained reassuringly.
"So it's safe for me to get out of my bag ?", Teddy asked.
"Perfectly safe, Teddy, and there's lots of nice big fluffy pillows on the bed, 'specially for you.", Ethan said, as he gently laid Teddy's plastic bag on the bed and opened it.
"So... not a bad room...?", Jim commented, as Teddy made his way to the top of the pillows, that he proceeded to stack three high.
"Yes... not bad, but I wouldn't fancy living here.
Give me the penthouse in 'Vegas any day..." Ethan added.
"So let's unpack quickly, as I think Faunus wants to talk to us about tomorrow, and the eventual meeting with the aliens.", Jim said.
"So that means no helicopter flight today ?", Ethan said, hopefully.
"No..." Jim replied.
"So that should please Teddy... but don't worry about Teddy.
I'm sure that Faunus can give him some calming 'suggestions', and there's always the option of switching him off until we land."Jim said.
"Well - if you don't mind me saying something...", Teddy began, obviously annoyed, "I really don't want to be switched off... I want to learn to cope with this 'holycepter' thing, and become even more brave.
After all, I am a brave teddy.
I helped rescue little Glen, and switched off the aliens... if you remember.", Teddy said forcefully.
"We do remember... and we think you're a very brave teddy... and we're glad that you want to deal with this 'challenge' in your own way.", Jim replied, trying to placate his fluffy little friend who seemed to be in danger of burning out some of his silicone chips - or whatever it was that powered him.
"Good - because I think it's Ethan you should be worried about - not me.", Teddy said, beginning to calm down as he helped Ethan to unpack.
Ethan wisely said nothing - particularly as Teddy was helping him with a job he really hated.
"By the way, Teddy, it's helicopter .... not 'holycepter'.", Jim said
Teddy studiously ignored Jim's comment.
"By the way, Teddy, it's helicopter .... not 'holycepter'.", Jim said
Teddy studiously ignored Jim's comment.
On their way to Faunus' suite Jim and Ethan (who was clutching Teddy and desperately hoping that no one would see him), collected Glen.
 |
| Roof-top Pool - the Penthouse - Las Vegas |
 |
| The Penthouse Building |
"Well Ethan prefers the penthouse in 'Vegas - but then you haven't seen the Penthouse yet", Teddy replied, although Glen had really intended the question for Jim.
Jim and Faunus sat on comfortable leather armchairs, while Ethan and Glen sat on the edge of the large double bed in Faunus' suite.
Teddy sat on Ethan's knee.
Then Faunus began...
"I thought I should have a word with you about the trip tomorrow.
The pilot has arranged the flight for late in the morning.
He intends to give us a quick fly round, to get and idea of the surrounding terrain, and then he will land on the summit
 |
| The Summit of the Devils Tower |
The summit is quite large - about the size of a football pitch, but it deceptively slopes slightly, and the surface is not smooth, so be careful when you first leave the helicopter.
Under no circumstances go anywhere near the edge, as the drop is almost vertical, and it's a long way down... anyway you can see all you want to of the surrounding countryside from the helicopter.
You, Jim and Glen, should busy yourselves with a run-through of what you will be doing in the dark, setting up the 'scope, and aligning the equatorial mount - and make sure that you look a professional as possible.", Faunus said.
"You, Teddy, stay in the helicopter.", Faunus said to Teddy, who was sitting on Ethan's knee.
"You'll find that the pilot will completely ignore, you as I will blank you out of his perception - he will neither see nor hear you.
"Just as well...", Teddy said.
"Now when you go up at night, Teddy, Ethan will carry you out of the helicopter, and put you back in at the end of the 'mission', as you might find getting in and out difficult because of the height to the doorway.
And I don't want any of you messing around during the flights.
The cabin is quite small, and accidents can easily happen - and this is a serious business, and just a little dangerous in the dark.", Faunus said in conclusion.
"That's all fine, Faunus...", Glen then said, "but as you all know, I have very little knowledge of what's this all about...
I mean, on the actual night... if this UFO shows up, then what's going to happen ?".
"That's the big question, Glen...", Faunus replied.
 |
| First 'Alien' Encounter' |
"I think the best answer I can give is to tell you what happened the first time we met these 'aliens.....
"The UFO landed - a hatch opened, an 'alien' came out, and after a brief conversation, and a promise that they would let us out at the end of the visit, we went into the UFO.", Faunus explained.
"And that's when we met you... "Faunus added - knowing the statement would get a response.
"What !.. You've met me before !
But I must have been in Cleveland on the night you are talking about... so how ?", Glen said excitedly.
"Simple, Glen.
The speed these UFOs travel, they could have got from Cleveland to Roswell in minutes." Faunus explained.
Faunus, of course was, once again, dissembling, as he knew that Glen was not yet prepared for the actual truth - but his explanation seemed good enough for Glen, and fitted in with the dreams, drawings, and the supposedly chance meeting - the implanted memory - when Glen got off the Greyhound Bus at Roswell.
"OK... so who are these guys... and what do they want with us... and why is the 'Boss' so interested in them ?", Glen asked
Faunus looked at Jim, who was obviously interested in seeing how Faunus would react.
"To answer your last question first.....the interest of the 'Boss' goes back to the time he was in Mexico, studying the Maya."
"The who ?", Glen asked, looking mystified.
"The Maya ...they are a very advanced ancient civilization who live in Mexico and Central America, and claim to be descended from the Jaguar 'gods' from the stars.
But if you want to find out more about that, you'll have to ask the 'Boss' about it." Faunus said.
"Yes, and get a dinner invitation as well...", Ethan added cheekily.
"So the 'Boss' thinks that these 'aliens' are the Mayan Jaguar Gods ?", Glen suggested.
"Possibly....", Faunus replied, becoming, once again, infuriatingly enigmatic and vague.
"OK.. so why are they interested in us ?", Glen asked, determined to get his questions answered.
"Well... to state the obvious, they are concerned that we may know who they really are.", Faunus replied.
"It's all very complicated,", Ethan then interjected.
"You see there's the owl - like Glaux.
According to the 'Boss', the Mayan 'Jaguar God of the Night Sun', had a sort of pet... a ' 'búho', or owl.
Also there's the 'Club Jaguar' in 'Vegas, in Nevada.
And one of the homes of the 'Boss', in Los Angeles, is called 'La Villa de los Jaguares' - the 'Villa of the Jaguars', and of course Jim is known as 'Jaguar Jim'... named by the 'Boss'.
And then there's the business of 'many worlds' and 'time travel'.
Faunus shook his head.
Glen looked amazed, and Jim grinned.
"Well, Ethan, you've certainly 'let the cat out of the bag' there.", Jim said.
Ethan blushed.
"Yes well somebody had to say it... at some point.
We're all treading too softly, and I think time's running out.
Either tomorrow, or very soon we're gonna meet these 'alien' guys, and Glen needs to know what's goin' on."
Surprisingly, Faunus nodded.
"You're probably right, Ethan.", Faunus said, as he quickly scanned Glen's thoughts to make sure he was not too disturbed by what Ethan had revealed.
"OK, so perhaps you could explain some of that to me.", Glen said.
So Faunus did his best......
He explained about how the 'Boss' had been a student archaeologist in Mexico, and had met up with himself (Faunus), and described how the 'Boss' had adopted Faunus' owl, 'Glaux', who was really 'Búho'....and how the 'Boss' and Faunus had built up a huge fortune dealing in precious Mayan artefacts, and had finally settled in Las Vegas.
He also explained how the 'Boss' had been initiated into the 'Chilam Balam' - the remnant of the Mayan Jaguar priesthood, which gave rise to the name 'Club Jaguar', and how that initiation had given the 'Boss' insights into the possible 'alien' origins of the Mayan religion.
Faunus also got away with implying that 'Jaguar Jim' was a bit of a joke (?), because Jim, in the beginning had been a bit of a tough delinquent, (making no reference to 'Marcus Ultor' - 'Marcus the Avenger' - from another time and another place).
The problem, of course, came with the reference that Ethan had made to 'many worlds' and 'time travel'.
To deal with that, Faunus explained that Jim had had an accident, and suffered from amnesia.
He had been treated by a doctor, but no one realized that the doctor (Brandt), was crazy, and started doing experiments on Jim because he wanted to use him to do tests to prove the possibility of 'time travel' - using the 'Many Worlds' theory.
Eventually the doctor had been dealt with, but possibly the 'aliens' had had some connection with him.
Glen listened carefully, and seemed reasonably satisfied with Faunus' explanations - even although, (as you will know if you have been following this adventure carefully), Faunus was not being entirely honest.
"Well that's good, Faunus.
I'm glad we got all that out of the way." , Ethan said, grateful for Faunus having helped him out of a difficult situation.
"So now, if the helicopter crashes, we will all at least have some idea of what's really going on.", Ethan said, smiling at Jim.
"I know what's going on...!", Teddy said quietly.
"Yes...OK ...", Ethan said, hoping that the others would ignore Teddy.
"So let's go for a swim.", Jim said.
And so for that afternoon, they used the hotel's quite adequate swimming pool - everyone except Teddy of course.
Teddy was quite waterproof actually - more so than the average human, but there was the problem with the fur, and although all the rooms were equipped with hair-dryers, there were no 'fur-dryers' - and anyway, Teddy didn't have any Speedos.
Also, Teddy thought the humans' habit of jumping in and out of a big hole in the floor filled with very odd smelling water, (chlorine), was a bit stupid.
"OK... so who are these guys... and what do they want with us... and why is the 'Boss' so interested in them ?", Glen asked
Faunus looked at Jim, who was obviously interested in seeing how Faunus would react.
 |
| The 'Boss' in Mexico |
"The who ?", Glen asked, looking mystified.
"The Maya ...they are a very advanced ancient civilization who live in Mexico and Central America, and claim to be descended from the Jaguar 'gods' from the stars.
But if you want to find out more about that, you'll have to ask the 'Boss' about it." Faunus said.
"Yes, and get a dinner invitation as well...", Ethan added cheekily.
"So the 'Boss' thinks that these 'aliens' are the Mayan Jaguar Gods ?", Glen suggested.
"Possibly....", Faunus replied, becoming, once again, infuriatingly enigmatic and vague.
 |
| Jaguar Jim |
"Well... to state the obvious, they are concerned that we may know who they really are.", Faunus replied."It's all very complicated,", Ethan then interjected.
"You see there's the owl - like Glaux.
According to the 'Boss', the Mayan 'Jaguar God of the Night Sun', had a sort of pet... a ' 'búho', or owl.
Also there's the 'Club Jaguar' in 'Vegas, in Nevada.
 |
| La Villa de los Jaguares - Los Angeles |
And then there's the business of 'many worlds' and 'time travel'.
Faunus shook his head.
Glen looked amazed, and Jim grinned.
"Well, Ethan, you've certainly 'let the cat out of the bag' there.", Jim said.
Ethan blushed.
"Yes well somebody had to say it... at some point.
We're all treading too softly, and I think time's running out.
Either tomorrow, or very soon we're gonna meet these 'alien' guys, and Glen needs to know what's goin' on."
Surprisingly, Faunus nodded.
"You're probably right, Ethan.", Faunus said, as he quickly scanned Glen's thoughts to make sure he was not too disturbed by what Ethan had revealed.
"OK, so perhaps you could explain some of that to me.", Glen said.
So Faunus did his best......
 |
| Emblem of the Chilam Balam |
He also explained how the 'Boss' had been initiated into the 'Chilam Balam' - the remnant of the Mayan Jaguar priesthood, which gave rise to the name 'Club Jaguar', and how that initiation had given the 'Boss' insights into the possible 'alien' origins of the Mayan religion.
Faunus also got away with implying that 'Jaguar Jim' was a bit of a joke (?), because Jim, in the beginning had been a bit of a tough delinquent, (making no reference to 'Marcus Ultor' - 'Marcus the Avenger' - from another time and another place).
 |
| Time Traveler |
To deal with that, Faunus explained that Jim had had an accident, and suffered from amnesia.
He had been treated by a doctor, but no one realized that the doctor (Brandt), was crazy, and started doing experiments on Jim because he wanted to use him to do tests to prove the possibility of 'time travel' - using the 'Many Worlds' theory.
 |
| 'Many Worlds Theory' |
Glen listened carefully, and seemed reasonably satisfied with Faunus' explanations - even although, (as you will know if you have been following this adventure carefully), Faunus was not being entirely honest.
"Well that's good, Faunus.
I'm glad we got all that out of the way." , Ethan said, grateful for Faunus having helped him out of a difficult situation.
"So now, if the helicopter crashes, we will all at least have some idea of what's really going on.", Ethan said, smiling at Jim.
"I know what's going on...!", Teddy said quietly.
"Yes...OK ...", Ethan said, hoping that the others would ignore Teddy.
"So let's go for a swim.", Jim said.
And so for that afternoon, they used the hotel's quite adequate swimming pool - everyone except Teddy of course.
Teddy was quite waterproof actually - more so than the average human, but there was the problem with the fur, and although all the rooms were equipped with hair-dryers, there were no 'fur-dryers' - and anyway, Teddy didn't have any Speedos.
Also, Teddy thought the humans' habit of jumping in and out of a big hole in the floor filled with very odd smelling water, (chlorine), was a bit stupid.
Later, in the early evening, Faunus and the 'boys' met with the 'Boss' for dinner, while Teddy played with Ethan's laptop upstairs.
The revelations earlier in the day had given Glen a lot to think about, and even Jim was puzzled by some of the new information he had heard.
"Why so quiet, 'boys' ?", the 'Boss' asked, obviously puzzled.
"Not worried about the flight tomorrow I hope ?", the 'Boss' continued.
"Well, I am a bit... and Teddy.", Ethan admitted.
"It's nothing to worry about...", the 'Boss' said confidently.
 |
| Mayan Ecological Disaster |
"Such as ?", the 'Boss' replied, sounding a little defensive.
"Well one thing is this business about the 'Chilam Balam' priesthood.
Faunus explained that when you were in Mexico you were initiated into this priesthood ?", Jim queried.
"That's true...", the 'Boss' replied.
"No Jim... not at all.
Some archaeologists and historians say that, but I was there, in Mexico, and there was no doubt that the Maya had survived, although they no longer live in their cities, and most of them were just peasants.
"So, as a priest, what did you do. ?", Ethan asked.
"Very much what Novius did, back in Rome.", the 'Boss' began..
"I helped to regulate the calendar, looked for omens in the skies, studied and interpreted the appearance of the celestial bodies, helped to to determine the lucky and unlucky days for various activities by the casting of lots, constructed tables of eclipses and helical risings of planets, and offered sacrifices to the gods.", the 'Boss' explained.
Mayan Jaguar Priest The 'Chilam Balam' (Jaguar Priests) are a Maya priestly class whose members' predictions form the basis for Mayan historiography. Literally translated from Classical Yucatecan Maya, 'Chilam Balam' means 'spokesmen of the jaguar'. Although the term 'Chilam Balam' implies priests who could foretell the future, only five surviving books written by the 'Jaguar Priests' (those from Chan Kan, Chumayel, Kaua, Mani, and Tizimin) include prophetic texts, and they are histories of the past and at the same time predictions of the future. These books are grounded in the belief that events occurring during certain periods of time will recur in particular future periods. Specifically, katuns, or cycles of 20 tuns (the 360-day Maya civil year), that end on days with the same name and coefficient will contain analogous events. In the books containing the prophetic texts, close attention is given to historical and calendrical accuracy; a reliable picture of what the future held was at stake. Topics covered in the non-prophetic books include astrology, calendrics, and medicine. The 'Book of Chilam Balam of Nah' contains the greatest amount of medical information, including descriptions of ailments, etiology, and various means of treatment. The 'Book of the Jaguar Priests of Chumayel', because of multiple translations, is the most widely known.
 |
| Mayan Human Sacrifice |
"And these sacrifices, Sir... were these human sacrifices ?",Jim asked hesitantly.
"No Jim - the Maya gave up human sacrifice after the coming of the Spanish.
Later, they believed that the reason for the fact that they never returned to their former power and glory was because they no longer properly served the 'gods' in that way.
I was a bit like us Romans, who believed that the Empire fell because the true 'gods' of Rome had been supplanted by the christian 'god'.", the 'Boss' said, with a distinct note of sadness in his voice.
"By 'gods', the 'Boss' of course is referring to the ever-living, ineffable Æons.", Faunus interjected.
At this point Glen had no idea what Faunus was talking about, but Jim and Ethan knew...
 |
| 'Búho' |
 |
| Athena and Glaux |
"Well 'bird' is not a term that I would use, at least not in the presence of Glaux, unless you want to get a very nasty peck... but yes..." the 'Boss' replied with a smile.
"So Athena's Owl is also the Owl of the 'Jaguar God of the Night Sun' ?", Jim asked.
"Yes, why not ?", the 'Boss' responded.
"Glaux and 'Búho' are just 'archetypes', in material form, of a powerful concept - the concept of divine wisdom, insight and protection.
Such archetypes are universal.
Different cultures have different names and different representations of these archetypes - but the nature of the archetype remains constant and unchanged."
Jim nodded... suitably impressed by the concise and clear answers that the 'Boss' had given.
"So, Sir, this - the 'Jaguar Priest-thingy', explains why you are so interested in all that astronomy stuff, but I don't see the connection between all this Maya stuff, and these 'pesky aliens'.", Ethan said.
"That is a good point - Ethan, and at least it shows you're listening.",the 'Boss' said, giving Ethan a wink.
"Well, that's still a problem.
You see the Maya have always insisted that their 'gods' came from the stars - and this is also the case with many Native American tribes in North America - as I have previously explained to Jim.
Now... and just as an aside - Faunus is not sure anyway that these 'aliens' are from the stars - but regardless, there doesn't seem to be much of a connection, so far, between these 'aliens' and the Maya.
They've never mentioned the Maya - or Mexico or Palenque, but they have focused in on us - and that includes me, and my strong connection with the Maya and the Jaguar 'gods'.
I'm as interested as I think you all are to find out who they are.. but Faunus thinks he knows what they want... but that's another matter.", th.e 'Boss' said.
"Well is it, Sir ?
I'd like to know what Faunus thinks.", Jim said, wanting to get the whole matter out into the open.
"OK Jim.", Faunus answered, looking a little peeved.
"Most people who have been involved with UFOs and aliens tend to believe that those UFOs and aliens have traveled vast distances to this planet.
These distances are so vast that it is difficult to imagine how these journeys have been accomplished without exceeding the 'speed of light' - which is supposedly 299,792,458 meters per second.", Faunus began.
"Wowwy !... that's real fast !", Ethan inevitably interrupted.
"Yes, Ethan... very fast... and this physicist, Einstein, stated that 'c' - that's the speed of light, is the maximum speed at which all conventional matter, and all known forms of information in the universe can travel.", Faunus stated.
"And is it ?", Ethan asked.
"Well... that's a 'moot point', and it takes us into the area of 'quantum physics', where it is suggested that the speed of light can be exceeded.
Now for complicated reasons Einstein created a theory consisting of a mathematical model that fused the three dimensions of space, and the one dimension of time, into a single four-dimensional 'continuum'.
And there's a lot of talk about clocks running fast, and slow - or not running at all - and time dilation and suchlike.", Faunus continued.
"Well, just hang on, and let me get to some sort of conclusion...", Faunus said.
"Einstein's 'Theory of General Relativity' does suggest a scientific basis for the possibility of backward time travel in certain unusual scenarios, and Einstein's 'field equations' do allow for 'worm holes', which would probably allow time travel, but all of this is highly theoretical."
Ethan screwed his face up...
"Worm holes are 'ukky' !", Ethan predictably said.
Faunus struggled on...
"However, a variation of Everett's 'Many-Worlds Interpretation' (MWI) of quantum mechanics allows for a the time traveler arriving in a different universe than the one they came from.
The accepted 'many-worlds interpretation' suggests that all possible quantum events can occur in mutually exclusive histories, however, some variations allow different universes to interact.
This concept suggests that a 'time traveler' should end up in a different history than the one he started from.", Faunus continued.
"That sounds a bit like what we did...", Jim commented.
Glen looked startled as he began to come to terms with what had really happened to his companions.
"Yes indeedy !", Ethan added, hoping that maybe Faunus' explanations had finally come to an end.
"Presentism is a position in philosophy that denies the existence of the past and the future, and as the name suggests states that only the present exists - but Jim and Ethan... your experience makes a nonsense of that idea.", Faunus went on, ignoring Ethan.
"So - to put it simply, Faunus - do you think that time travel is possible ?", Jim suggested.
Faunus nodded.
"I know it is... and so do you."
"Right...", Jim concurred.
"But let's get down to the real business, before we finish this meal.", the 'Boss' said.
"Like what ?", Faunus asked, thinking that he'd covered everything.
"Well you, Jim, Ethan, Glen and Teddy are going to meet with these 'aliens' soon - so two questions occur to me...
What's the meeting going to be about... and perhaps connected to this is the real question of what the 'aliens' are doing here anyway... and not just these 'aliens' with you, but also the Roswell guys, and all the 'alien abductions' and other odd encounters between 'aliens' and humans.", the 'Boss' said.
"Yes... that's the biggy...", Ethan said, trying to sound like he was about to make some significant pronouncement.
Of course Ethan, as usual, was just putting on a big act, but Faunus then spoke up.
"Well when we met the 'aliens' in Corona, the leader did begin to explain to me that they had a problem, and were looking to humans to help them", Faunus began hesitantly.
"Yes... go on...", the 'Boss' said.
Faunus had already explained some of this to the 'Boss' privately, when they had brought Glen back to the 'Holiday Inn' at Roswell, and the 'Boss' now thought that this would be a good opportunity to explain the situation to Jim, Ethan, Glen, and later to Teddy.
"You see, guys, the aliens reproduce by cloning - that's why, as you probably noticed, they're sexless.
This has had two effects.
The first is that they are having trouble with their DNA.", Faunus explained.
"And the other ?", Jim asked.
"The other is that because they lack any sex hormones and suchlike, the also have problems with generating any emotions - and that affects their volition.", Faunus said.
"Their whatty ?", Ethan asked, having no idea what Faunus was talking about.
"Well volition is difficult to explain...", the 'Boss' began.
"Volition, sometimes called 'will', is the means by which an individual decides on, and commits to a particular course of action.
It has been described as being 'purposely active', and is one of the primary human psychological functions.
It's also involved in feelings and emotions, and gives people motivation, like goals and expectations.", the 'Boss' explained as simply and as carefully as he could.
"So they're just sort of very depressed, and slouching about... not doing much...", Ethan suggested.
"Well, that gives quite a good picture of what's going on.", the 'Boss said.
"So how can we help them ?", Jim asked.
"I think that's what they want to talk about this time - and for some reason they seem to have latched on to Glen." Faunus replied.
"Well they're not having Glen for any of their nasty experiments !", Ethan said firmly.
"True...", Jim said, "but they sound a bit sad to me - pathetic really, despite all their 'hi-tech' stuff - so we should do our best, but not at the expense of anyone in the 'gang'.", Jim said, looking to Glen to reassure him.
"Right ! because you're the leader of this gang .", Ethan said, slapping Jim's shoulder.
"And what gang is that ?", the 'Boss' asked, grinning.
"Why, the 'Penthouse Gang' !", Jim said.
"Led by me... 'Jaguar Jim' !...
Ethan sighed....
Almost like the old days, with the young Dominus - 'Marcus Octavianus Ultor.'....
'beloved of the Gods', as Novius would say -
'the golden boy from the sea' - 'aurea puer ad mare'...
Ethan was getting confused by all of this 'archetype business', so he decided to change the subject...The word archetype, 'original pattern from which copies are made', first entered into English usage in the 1540s, and derives from the Latin noun 'archetypum', a Latinisation of the Greek noun 'ἀρχέτυπον '(archétypon), whose adjectival form is 'ἀρχέτυπος '(archétypos), which means 'first-molded, which is a compound of 'ἀρχή' archḗ, 'beginning, origin', and 'τύπος' týpos, which can mean, among other things, 'pattern', 'model', or 'type'. Jim, having been schooled in Latin and Greek by tutors appointed by Gnæus Octavian Gracchus knew this well. The origins of the archetype concept date back to Plato. Plato's 'Ideas' - the 'Forms', were pure mental concepts, outside the material world of space and time. While it is tempting to think of the 'Forms' as mental entities that exist only in our mind, they are in fact independent of any minds - and are related to the 'Æons'.
"So, Sir, this - the 'Jaguar Priest-thingy', explains why you are so interested in all that astronomy stuff, but I don't see the connection between all this Maya stuff, and these 'pesky aliens'.", Ethan said.
 |
| Native American |
"Well, that's still a problem.
You see the Maya have always insisted that their 'gods' came from the stars - and this is also the case with many Native American tribes in North America - as I have previously explained to Jim.
Now... and just as an aside - Faunus is not sure anyway that these 'aliens' are from the stars - but regardless, there doesn't seem to be much of a connection, so far, between these 'aliens' and the Maya.
They've never mentioned the Maya - or Mexico or Palenque, but they have focused in on us - and that includes me, and my strong connection with the Maya and the Jaguar 'gods'.
I'm as interested as I think you all are to find out who they are.. but Faunus thinks he knows what they want... but that's another matter.", th.e 'Boss' said.
"Well is it, Sir ?
I'd like to know what Faunus thinks.", Jim said, wanting to get the whole matter out into the open.
"OK Jim.", Faunus answered, looking a little peeved.
These distances are so vast that it is difficult to imagine how these journeys have been accomplished without exceeding the 'speed of light' - which is supposedly 299,792,458 meters per second.", Faunus began.
"Wowwy !... that's real fast !", Ethan inevitably interrupted.
 |
| Albert Einstein |
"And is it ?", Ethan asked.
"Well... that's a 'moot point', and it takes us into the area of 'quantum physics', where it is suggested that the speed of light can be exceeded.
Now for complicated reasons Einstein created a theory consisting of a mathematical model that fused the three dimensions of space, and the one dimension of time, into a single four-dimensional 'continuum'.
And there's a lot of talk about clocks running fast, and slow - or not running at all - and time dilation and suchlike.", Faunus continued.
Albert Einstein was born on 14 March 1879 and died on 18 April 195. He was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of Relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. He is best known to the general public for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2, which has been dubbed 'the world's most famous equation'.He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect - a pivotal step in the development of quantum theory."Now I'm really lost...", Ethan said despairingly.
"Well, just hang on, and let me get to some sort of conclusion...", Faunus said.
"Einstein's 'Theory of General Relativity' does suggest a scientific basis for the possibility of backward time travel in certain unusual scenarios, and Einstein's 'field equations' do allow for 'worm holes', which would probably allow time travel, but all of this is highly theoretical."
Ethan screwed his face up...
"Worm holes are 'ukky' !", Ethan predictably said.
 |
| The Multiverse - Many Worlds |
"However, a variation of Everett's 'Many-Worlds Interpretation' (MWI) of quantum mechanics allows for a the time traveler arriving in a different universe than the one they came from.
The accepted 'many-worlds interpretation' suggests that all possible quantum events can occur in mutually exclusive histories, however, some variations allow different universes to interact.
This concept suggests that a 'time traveler' should end up in a different history than the one he started from.", Faunus continued.
"That sounds a bit like what we did...", Jim commented.
Glen looked startled as he began to come to terms with what had really happened to his companions.
"Yes indeedy !", Ethan added, hoping that maybe Faunus' explanations had finally come to an end.
"Presentism is a position in philosophy that denies the existence of the past and the future, and as the name suggests states that only the present exists - but Jim and Ethan... your experience makes a nonsense of that idea.", Faunus went on, ignoring Ethan.
"So - to put it simply, Faunus - do you think that time travel is possible ?", Jim suggested.
Faunus nodded.
"I know it is... and so do you."
"Right...", Jim concurred.
"But let's get down to the real business, before we finish this meal.", the 'Boss' said.
"Like what ?", Faunus asked, thinking that he'd covered everything.
"Well you, Jim, Ethan, Glen and Teddy are going to meet with these 'aliens' soon - so two questions occur to me...
What's the meeting going to be about... and perhaps connected to this is the real question of what the 'aliens' are doing here anyway... and not just these 'aliens' with you, but also the Roswell guys, and all the 'alien abductions' and other odd encounters between 'aliens' and humans.", the 'Boss' said.
"Yes... that's the biggy...", Ethan said, trying to sound like he was about to make some significant pronouncement.
Of course Ethan, as usual, was just putting on a big act, but Faunus then spoke up.
 |
| Alien Leader |
"Yes... go on...", the 'Boss' said.
 |
| Alien Clones |
"You see, guys, the aliens reproduce by cloning - that's why, as you probably noticed, they're sexless.
This has had two effects.
The first is that they are having trouble with their DNA.", Faunus explained.
"And the other ?", Jim asked.
"The other is that because they lack any sex hormones and suchlike, the also have problems with generating any emotions - and that affects their volition.", Faunus said.
"Their whatty ?", Ethan asked, having no idea what Faunus was talking about.
"Well volition is difficult to explain...", the 'Boss' began.
"Volition, sometimes called 'will', is the means by which an individual decides on, and commits to a particular course of action.
It has been described as being 'purposely active', and is one of the primary human psychological functions.
It's also involved in feelings and emotions, and gives people motivation, like goals and expectations.", the 'Boss' explained as simply and as carefully as he could.
"So they're just sort of very depressed, and slouching about... not doing much...", Ethan suggested.
"Well, that gives quite a good picture of what's going on.", the 'Boss said.
"So how can we help them ?", Jim asked.
 |
| Glen |
"Well they're not having Glen for any of their nasty experiments !", Ethan said firmly.
"True...", Jim said, "but they sound a bit sad to me - pathetic really, despite all their 'hi-tech' stuff - so we should do our best, but not at the expense of anyone in the 'gang'.", Jim said, looking to Glen to reassure him.
"Right ! because you're the leader of this gang .", Ethan said, slapping Jim's shoulder.
"And what gang is that ?", the 'Boss' asked, grinning.
"Why, the 'Penthouse Gang' !", Jim said.
"Led by me... 'Jaguar Jim' !...
Ethan sighed....
Almost like the old days, with the young Dominus - 'Marcus Octavianus Ultor.'....
'beloved of the Gods', as Novius would say -
'the golden boy from the sea' - 'aurea puer ad mare'...
Please note that this chapter is intended for adult viewers (over 18 years), and may contain images and text featuring nudity and strong language. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
And so the day arrives for the 'run-through', in daylight, on f the Devils Tower. Their pilot Bob flew them to the summit - and all went well until awould-be assassin struck - but everyone survived. Glen was finally reprogrammed, and a further reconnaissance flight - this time in the dark - was undertaken - only to be interrupted by the appearance of a saucer.....
and
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021