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Faunus, the 'boys' and Teddy return to Sundance, and make their report to the 'Boss'.
The 'Boss' then reveals his latest plans - a trip to Denver - a 'real' city with 5 star hotels - a reward for all the gang's efforts - and then, later, it's off to Kansas - to spot some talent on the advice of Kurt...
"Well, when we set out, I was wondering if we would ever see this funny little hotel again... but here we are, safe and sound.", Ethan said, as Faunus parked up by the main entrance.
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| Western Inn Hotel - Sundance |
"OK, boys, unload, and as soon as we get the equipment in the rooms, come down to the lobby, and I'll see if I can find the 'Boss'.", Faunus said.
It didn't take long for the camera, telescope and equatorial mount to be stowed away, and then the 'boys' and Teddy gathered in the lobby.
Ethan, who was holding Teddy, by this time didn't care who saw him with a teddy-bear, although Teddy was being very well behaved, and was playing the part of an 'inanimate stuffed toy' excellently.
The advantage to Teddy, however, was that he got to get a look, not only at other parts of the hotel, (not that there was much of interest to see), but he also got a sneaky peek at the unsuspecting guests.
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| Zac |
Once Faunus had located the 'Boss', who was having a long chat on his 'cell-phone' with Zac, (who was in 'Vegas), the 'Boss' came with Faunus to the lobby.
"Nice to see you all back, safe and sound...", the 'Boss' began.
"Now I think, as you have Teddy with you, it would be best if you came up to my room - where we can talk privately."
And so they took the elevator, with Teddy pressing all the appropriate buttons.
(ever since Teddy's 'adventure' in Roswell, he had been eager to use the buttons in an elevator).
On arriving in the room of the 'Boss', the 'boys' spread themselves around the room.
Teddy was allowed on the pillows (that's where he always liked to sit in any hotel room), while Faunus and the 'Boss' took the two armchairs, and the others sat on the floor.
"Well how did it go ?", the 'Boss began.
"Very well...", Faunus replied, as he described how Bob had arrived on time, and had not , apparently, been aware of the arrival of the saucer.
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| Thunderbird over the Devils Tower |
Faunus then went on to describe the meeting with the 'alien leader', who had been concerned about how Glen was managing in his 'new' life.
Faunus then described how the 'alien leader' had explained about the connection between the 'aliens' and the 'Devils Tower', and also about how they used it for reasons of security.
The 'Boss' was deeply interested in what the 'alien leader' had said about the native American tribes, and in general agreed with what the 'alien leader' had said.
When Faunus mentioned about Chaco Canyon, which formed some of the images which Glen had seen in his dreams, the
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| Chaco Canyon |
'Boss' was particularly interested, having himself undertaken archaeological research in that very area long ago, and on the suggestion that there might be a further meeting at that site, the 'Boss' indicated that he might be prepared to go with the 'gang', and meet the 'alien leader'.
When Faunus mentioned about the 'aliens' taking biological samples, the 'Boss' became a little concerned, and was surprised when the matter of Jim being rejected was mentioned.
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| Glen |
Equally the 'Boss' was concerned about Glen being 'monitored' by the 'aliens, but when Faunus assured him that such monitoring would be controlled, not only by the 'aliens' but also by Faunus and Teddy (and the 'Boss' was surprised that Teddy had that ability), the Boss' seemed quite satisfied, especially as Glen seemed to have no objections to the procedure.
The subsequent talk about Jim's origins in Hellas, the inclusion of information about Novius, and the complex explanations about 'gods' and 'Æons' fascinated the 'Boss' (even if it had bored and confused Ethan and Glen).
Equally, the 'Boss' was very surprised when Faunus explained how the 'aliens' seemed to know about Glaux, and precisely what Glaux was.
('the owl is not what he seems')
The 'Boss' was a little puzzled as to why the 'aliens' would also want to have contact with Brody, although Ethan suggested that if might be to do with 'biological' sampling - which made the 'Boss' smile.
He could understand why the 'aliens' might want to have contact with Novius and Josh - but he suggested that such a meeting should be on a separate occasion, as he felt that it was unwise for too many of the group to be in the 'aliens' hands at the same time.
Something that no one else had noticed, however, was the fact that the 'aliens' had never mentioned Zac - which was odd.
But generally, the 'Boss' was more than pleased with what Faunus had reported.
"So what about the future - when will the next meeting be ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"I get the feeling that it will not be for some time... the 'alien guys' need to digest the information that they have so far acquired.", Faunus speculated.
"And with a bit of luck they might do something about their heating in that pesky saucer... get the 'alien central heating engineer' on the 'phone.", Ethan suggested.
"So, is there something that you've got in mind, Sir, Jim asked.
"Yes I have...
I want to take you all to Denver, Colorado.
It's a nice place, and I think you'll like it.
You've spent a lot of time on the road, eating in rather 'rough and ready' diners, and staying in not so luxurious hotels.
Now I've been to Denver before, and I know of a few very nice hotels there, so I think that you all deserve a very luxurious rest for a change - with no 'aliens' in sight, plenty of cheeseburgers for Ethan, and lots of very expensive shops.", the 'Boss' said, sounding very cheerful and jolly.
But generally, the 'Boss' was more than pleased with what Faunus had reported.
"So what about the future - when will the next meeting be ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"I get the feeling that it will not be for some time... the 'alien guys' need to digest the information that they have so far acquired.", Faunus speculated.
"And with a bit of luck they might do something about their heating in that pesky saucer... get the 'alien central heating engineer' on the 'phone.", Ethan suggested.
"So, is there something that you've got in mind, Sir, Jim asked.
"Yes I have...
I want to take you all to Denver, Colorado.
It's a nice place, and I think you'll like it.
You've spent a lot of time on the road, eating in rather 'rough and ready' diners, and staying in not so luxurious hotels.
Now I've been to Denver before, and I know of a few very nice hotels there, so I think that you all deserve a very luxurious rest for a change - with no 'aliens' in sight, plenty of cheeseburgers for Ethan, and lots of very expensive shops.", the 'Boss' said, sounding very cheerful and jolly.
Denver is the capital and most populous municipality of the U.S. 'State of Colorado'. Denver is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Denver downtown district is immediately east of the confluence of Cherry Creek with the South Platte River, approximately 12 mi (19 km) east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Denver is named after James W. Denver, a governor of the Kansas Territory, and it is nicknamed the 'Mile High City' because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5280 feet or 1609.3 meters) above sea level. The 105th meridian west of Greenwich, the longitudinal reference for the Mountain Time Zone, passes directly through Denver Union Station. The figures for longevity imply that Denver is a good place to live, and because of its proximity to the mountains and generally sunny weather, Denver has gained a reputation as being a very active, outdoor-oriented city.
Seal of the State of Colorado
"Sounds good...", Ethan said.
"What do you think, Teddy ?",
Teddy winked at the 'Boss'.
"I think you're being 'creepy', Ethan... and what I want to know is, what's the catch ?", Teddy said.
Jim looked at Teddy with a grin... and thought that Faunus was putting the little bear up to some mischief.
"No catch, Teddy.
I just want everybody to relax, and have a good time.", the 'Boss' said, sounding boyishly innocent... which was very unusual for the 'Boss'.
"OK, then.
When do we go ?", Glen asked enthusiastically.
"Well first...", but the 'Boss' didn't get a chance to finish.
"Ah ha ! This is the catch... !", Ethan said triumphantly.
"Well if you'd just let me finish..." the 'Boss' replied trying to sound petulant, but not really succeeding.
"First I want to find out how things are with Novius, Josh and Glaux... and then invite them to come with us.
It will be a chance for Glen to meet the other members of the gang."
Glen, who had been somewhat quiet during Faunus' report, immediately perked up.
"Yes, Sir... I would like to meet them."
"Well if they do come, Glen, you be careful of that evil 'bird'... he's a menace !", Ethan said, but not really seriously.
(In reality Ethan and Glaux had a long lasting and very deep friendship, and only pretended to have an ongoing problem.)
"But to get back to your question, Glen, I see no reason why we shouldn't start out tomorrow.", the 'Boss' said.
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| Los Angeles |
"But what about Novius, Josh, and Glaux ?", Jim asked.
"Well if they want to come, I could get Chuck to pick them up in Los Angeles, and then get him to come by the quickest route to Denver.", the 'Boss' answered - "or, they could fly....
Probably better for Novius to fly, as he's not as young as he used to be.", the 'Boss' said, and that seemed like an appropriate point to end the discussion.
"OK... so I think guys, it's an early night for us." Jim said.
And they were all tired, because their time with the 'aliens' had been difficult and exhausting.
As they all left, the 'Boss' asked Faunus to stay back.
"Do you mind if we have a little chat ?", the 'Boss' said.
"Of course Sir, no problem.", Faunus replied, wondering what the 'Boss' wanted to talk about.
And so, once they were alone, the 'Boss', as was his custom, ordered some room service, and they settled down to their talk.
"Well first I would like to thank you for looking after them all, and bringing them back safely.
"That's my job... Sir.", Faunus replied, as if it was obvious.
The 'Boss' nodded.
"Now this 'alien leader'... what do you make of him ", the 'Boss' asked, settling back and taking a sip of his drink.
"I'm not sure...
I get the feeling that he's not actually the 'leader'... more a 'front man'.
But whether it's him, or 'someone' or 'something' giving him the information he uses, he seems to be very well informed - not just about us, by about many other very unusual and difficult subjects.", Faunus explained.
"And do you think we can trust him ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Well I've looked into a lot of these 'alien contacts' and 'abductions', and unlike most of those, he's not telling us that the 'aliens' come from Mars, or Alpha Centauri - 4.37 light-years from the earth - or some other very unlikely tale.
In fact he's not telling us much about the 'aliens' at all, really - but seems to be concerned about 'getting down to business' - that's their business.
As to trusting him, I can't see any problems with anything he's said so far.
The only thing that does worry me, however, is just how much he - or the 'aliens' in general seem to know about us.", Faunus said.
"Well, let's leave it there for the moment.
When we go to Denver, you come with me in the Cadillac, and talk more, and Jim can drive the others in his convertible.", the 'Boss' suggested
"So how long will this journey take us ?", Faunus asked.
"Oh, around six hours - it's about 350 miles away.", the 'Boss' replied... "and I'm arranging for Josh and Novius to fly from Los Angeles to Denver... it's only two and a half hours
They'll get there before us, but I'm making reservation in the Hotel, so they should be well settled by the time we get there." the 'Boss explained.
"And what about Glaux ?", Faunus asked with a grin.
"Oh he'll fly, but not in the plane..", the 'Boss' said.
"Of course... he has his own way of getting about.", Faunus said, smiling.
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| 'Villa de los Jaguares' - Los Angeles |
Dusk was drawing in at the palatial, Neo-Mayan 'Villa de los Jaguares' just outside Los Angles.
As usual, Novius had been working on his complex study of 'the Americas' - and in particular, the section describing the 'American Civil War' - in preparation for offering it to the 'Boss', and the 'Penthouse Gang'.
During the later part of the day, however, both Novius and Josh had been receiving 'phone calls and texts from Wyoming - Sundance to be exact - mainly from the 'Boss' - who Novius always called Gnæus - (for reasons of which you should by now be aware - see the entry for 'The Boss' in 'Character Sketches') - and also from Faunus.
Apparently, Chuck was on his way from 'Vegas in Nevada, in one of the huge Cadillacs belonging to the 'Club Jaguar'.
Originally the plan had been for Chuck to take Novius and Josh to Denver, in Colorado, but the 'Boss' had changed his mind, realizing it would be a tiring journey for Novius, and now Chuck was to pick up Novius and Josh in the morning, and take them to 'McCarran International Airport'.
From there they would take a flight to 'Denver International'.
The 'Boss' had reserved suites for Novius and Josh at the 'Kimpton Hotel', Denver, and had hired a car to take them from 'Denver International' to 1717, Champa Street., in the center of Denver - so it was all arranged.
"So Josh, this Denver.... do you know where it is ?", Novius asked.
"Well I checked it out... it's in the state of Colorado, and it's near some mountains.
Apparently, Chuck was on his way from 'Vegas in Nevada, in one of the huge Cadillacs belonging to the 'Club Jaguar'.
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| McCarran International Airport' - Las Vegas |
From there they would take a flight to 'Denver International'.
The 'Boss' had reserved suites for Novius and Josh at the 'Kimpton Hotel', Denver, and had hired a car to take them from 'Denver International' to 1717, Champa Street., in the center of Denver - so it was all arranged.
"So Josh, this Denver.... do you know where it is ?", Novius asked.
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| Salt Lake City - Utah - USA |
Apparently it's quite close - eight and a half hours by automobile - to Salt Lake City, where Faunus took you when you first came here.
It seems the climate and scenery are very similar - so I think you might like it.", Josh explained.
"Yes, I did like Salt Lake City, but those Mormons there were a bit strange.", Novius said.
"And what about this flying business ?", Josh said, sounding a bit nervous.
"Well Gnæus says it's perfectly safe, and it seems Faunus and the 'boys' have been flying in 'Wyoming', although Ethan was not too happy about it to begin with.
It seems the climate and scenery are very similar - so I think you might like it.", Josh explained.
"Yes, I did like Salt Lake City, but those Mormons there were a bit strange.", Novius said.
"And what about this flying business ?", Josh said, sounding a bit nervous.
"Well Gnæus says it's perfectly safe, and it seems Faunus and the 'boys' have been flying in 'Wyoming', although Ethan was not too happy about it to begin with.
Faunus says he now likes the idea - and it seems that we will be flying what they call 'First Class', which means very comfortable seats, and very good service, so Gnæus says we should enjoy it." Novius explained.
"And did the 'Boss' say how long we would be away for ?", Josh asked.
"No,Josh.
Apparently this time in Denver is supposed to be a short holiday, but then after that, Gnæus wants to go on to Kansas - it seems on business.", Novius replied.
"What the 'Boss' did say was that the hotel at which we would be staying was a bit better than the Arizona Inn, in Tuscon, where you met up with Jim... I mean 'Marcus', with Faunus playing his usual games.", Josh said.
"Yes, that seems a long time ago, looking back..", Novius said with a smile.
"Anyway, the 'Boss' suggested that we get some more 'formal' clothes - as we're going to the 'big city', and flying 'first class'."
"Good... so we'll get one of the Mexican boys to bring round one of those huge Cadillacs, and we can go into Los Angeles and do some shopping..", Novius said.
"And did the 'Boss' say how long we would be away for ?", Josh asked.
"No,Josh.
Apparently this time in Denver is supposed to be a short holiday, but then after that, Gnæus wants to go on to Kansas - it seems on business.", Novius replied.
"What the 'Boss' did say was that the hotel at which we would be staying was a bit better than the Arizona Inn, in Tuscon, where you met up with Jim... I mean 'Marcus', with Faunus playing his usual games.", Josh said.
"Yes, that seems a long time ago, looking back..", Novius said with a smile.
"Anyway, the 'Boss' suggested that we get some more 'formal' clothes - as we're going to the 'big city', and flying 'first class'."
"Good... so we'll get one of the Mexican boys to bring round one of those huge Cadillacs, and we can go into Los Angeles and do some shopping..", Novius said.
Morning came to Sundance.
As Ethan had been sleeping on his own on this night, as both he and Jim had wanted a restful night's sleep, he didn't need to dig Teddy out of the closest, and switch him on.
Instead, Teddy was sitting on a pillow next to Ethan, and Ethan gave the seemingly lifeless bear a nudge.
Teddy's eyes blinked open.
"Good morning Ethan !", Teddy said cheerily.
"Well... here we go again, Teddy.
More straight roads, and greasy diners - but with a bit of luck we might end up at a nice hotel - at least nicer than this one...", Ethan said, as he got out of bed and staggered over to the bathroom.
Once everyone was up, washed and dressed, they all gathered in the breakfast-room for what they hoped would be the last time.
All the packing had been done the previous night, and the luggage was ready in reception for the bellhops to take the luggage out to the two autos, once Faunus gave the word.
"So Glen, later today you'll get to meet Novius and Josh, and of course Glaux.", Jim said as he sipped his coffee.
Glen nodded.
"So tell me about Novius.", Glen asked.
"Well... that's really a job for Faunus and the 'Boss' - but I can say that he's a very polite and friendly gentleman, just a little older than the 'Boss'.
He's what people in the past called a scholar, very wise and knowledgeable.
Everybody likes him, and you would do well to listen to him, and take his advice.
"I see...", Glen said, sounding a little intimidated.
"And about Josh....
Josh is around our age, blond, and very handsome.
He's like Ethan, but a bit more 'grown up', and is part of our 'security', and always carries a 'Colt'.
He's been keeping Novius company at the 'Villa de los Jaguares', in Los Angeles, while Novius worked on his research about the Americas.
He's also very close to Zac, so be warned.
Also, and this is important, when Jim was given Glaux, it was Josh who undertook to look after Glaux - and so they are also very close...", Jim continued.
"You mean Josh and the bird ?"
"Ah !... now let me warn you... don't call Glaux a 'bird' when he can hear you, otherwise there might be trouble !", Ethan interrupted.
"But he is a 'bird' ?", Glen asked... very puzzled.
"So... you weren't listening last night in the saucer... eh ?", Ethan said.
"Well let me tell you what that pesky 'alien' said.", ... and Ethan self consciously cleared his throat.
"Glaux is an archetypal embodiment of one of the greatest of all the Æons... but don't ask me what that means...", Ethan concluded.
"Crazy..", Glen said.
"OK, enough of this talk, let's see if the 'Boss' is ready to go.", Faunus said.
And so the 'Boss' gave the word... and the bellhops loaded the luggage (obviously amazed at Jim's customized convertible).
Ethan then dashed up to his room to get Teddy, and then Ethan (and Teddy), Glen and Jim got into Jim's auto, with Jim driving, and Faunus and the 'Boss' got into the Cadillac, with the 'Boss' driving - and they pulled away from the Western Inn Hotel - Sundance
"Well... I'm not sorry to get away from that place, with its weird carpets.", Ethan said ... and Teddy agreed...
Now what the 'boys', Teddy and Faunus didn't realize was that 'The Road to Denver' was a 'Trucolor' Western movie, directed by Joseph Kane and starring John Payne, Mona Freeman, Lee J. Cobb, Ray Middleton, and one time 'cute' boy actor Skippy Homeier - but the 'Boss' knew - he'd seen it - and subsequently regretted it.
Hopefully this 'road to Denver' will be slightly more interesting that the movie.
But highways in the US have a tendency to all look the same.
Ethan spent his time playing with Teddy's ears, and Glen dozed off.
In the Cadillac, up front, Faunus waited to hear what the 'boss' might have to say.
"Well, it's a beautiful morning, Faunus - appropriate for the first day of a holiday.
The sad thing is that when I set out on this trip with Jim, it was intended to be a relaxing holiday, and then things got in the way - quite by accident it seems.", the 'Boss' said, somewhat wistfully.
"Ah well... that, Sir, was all a hangover from Brandt, and may I say, without being disrespectful, your obsession with Roswell.", Faunus said.
Faunus, of course, was a master at correcting people, pointing out their faults, and giving them advice without them even realizing it.
"So what's on your mind, Sir ?", Faunus asked, deciding to break the awkward silence.
"Well it was interesting what you had to tell me about the meeting yesterday, but...", and there was an awkward pause.
His involvement in the 'Montauk Project' acted as a magnet to 'aliens' who were aiming at creating a simple way of moving through time.
That alerted the 'aliens' to our presence, and they began to suspect that we had some connection with advanced aspects of what was referred to, in this world, as 'inter-dimensional travel'.
This, of course, makes if difficult for us to disengage from the 'aliens', despite my having effectively removed the threat posed by Dr. Brandt.", Faunus explained.
"And what, exactly is this 'Montauk Project', Faunus ?", the 'Boss' asked, obviously intrigued.
"Well, according to my research, a US Army Base called 'Camp Hero', was built during World War II to defend the coast, situated in 400 acres of woodland near Montauk.
During what they called the 'Cold War', the top secret base was the center of a series of radars trained on the Atlantic to detect any incoming attacks - presumably from the USSR.
"And do you mind me asking how you knew that Brandt was involved in something as strange, and possibly unsavory as the 'Montauk Project'.", the 'Boss' asked, looking quizzical.
"Well that was when I was searching for Jim.
Brandt, not realizing who I was, gave it all away - or rather some of it - so later I researched it.
Anyway... the work that was being undertaken by Brandt for 'MK Ultra', centered round the discovery that changing the repetition rates and amplitude of a radar pulse could affect different biological functions.
"Such as...?", the 'Boss' queried.
"Well many were minor - heart rate, blood pressure and so on... but also cell division and related to that - the rate of aging.", Faunus replied.
"Ah... so that may go some way to explaining our Maria, and Brandt himself.", the 'Boss' cleverly concluded.
"Yes, probably...
By using these techniques a person's thoughts could also could be controlled - which was the initial purpose of the 'MK Ultra Project'.
With the 425-450 MHz of radio frequency power, it was discovered that a 'window' into the human mind could be opened.
Once enough data had been collected, Brandt began to make some sense out of which functions did what.
During this period, Brandt also experimented with what he called 'frequency hopping'.
This consisted of the transmitter instantaneously and randomly shifting around to any of 5 different frequencies that were being fed to the transmitter.
This technique became very important eventually, as it was the key to 'bending' time.
Eventually the equipment used was developed so that individuals could be transferred to other 'times' - which were essentially 'other universes' or 'worlds', as is postulated in Hugh Everett III's 'Many Worlds Theory'.
However, what Brandt was really looking for was a method of dispensing with the elaborate, power hungry, and often unreliable technology, and instead developing a technique that could facilitate 'time travel' by the simple expedient of using the human mind alone - and this is why he was so keen to continue his research with Jim.", Faunus continued.
"And this, of course, is what you can do...", the 'Boss' said, with a smile.
"Well... sort of...", Faunus admitted.
"Well, now it's beginning to make a bit more sense...", the 'Boss' said.
The 'Boss' looked to the highway, obviously thinking about what Faunus had told him.
"So are we just stuck with this situation ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Well, for the moment...", Faunus said - and the 'Boss' drove on, heading for Cheyenne.
"So this Cheyenne place... it's a halfway point on our journey to Denver.... right ?", Faunus asked. trying to politely change the subject.
"Right, Faunus...", the 'Boss' replied smiling, as he realized what Faunus was doing.
"Cheyenne is interesting, Faunus...
It's named after the Native American tribe that originally lived there.", the 'Boss' said, obviously about to fill a boring journey with lots of little known facts about the country through which they were driving
The Cheyenne comprise two Native American tribes, the Só'taeo'o, or Só'taétaneo'o, and the Tsétsêhéstâhese.
These tribes merged in the early 19th century.
At the time of their first contact with the Europeans, the Cheyenne were living in the area of what is now called Minnesota.
At times they were allied with the Lakota and Arapaho, - who we met when we went to the Devils Tower, although at some times they were enemies of the Lakota.
In the early 18th century they migrated west across the Mississippi River, and into North and South Dakota, where they adopted the 'horse culture'.
Having settled in the famous 'Black Hills' of South Dakota, and the 'Powder River' country of present-day Montana, they introduced the 'horse culture' to the Lakota in about 1730.
Allied with the Arapaho, the Cheyenne pushed the Kiowa to the Southern Plains.
In turn, they were pushed west by the more numerous Lakota.
The Cheyenne Nation, or Tsêhéstáno, was at one time composed of ten bands that spread across the Great Plains, from southern Colorado to the Black Hills in South Dakota.
They fought their traditional enemies, the Crow, and later (1856–79) the United States Army.
In the mid-19th century, the bands began to split, with some bands choosing to remain near the Black Hills, while others chose to remain near the Platte Rivers of central Colorado.
The Cheyenne have an interesting oral religious mythology that states the Cheyenne have two cultural heroes - 'prophets' - who received divine articles from their god Ma'heo'o. The Tsétsêhéstâhese prophet Motsé'eóeve - in English, 'Sweet Medicine Standing', and commonly called 'Sweet Medicine', had received the 'Maahótse' - a bundle of Sacred Arrows - a sort of 'ark of the covenant' - at Nóávóse, the 'sacred medicine hill' - a name for 'Bear Butte', northwest of what is now Rapid City in South Dakota.
The tribe always carried the 'Maahótse' when they waged tribal war, and the 'Maahótse' were kept in the 'Maahéome', or 'Arrow Lodge'.
Motsé'eóeve organized the structure of Cheyenne society, their military or war societies led by prominent warriors, their system of legal justice, and the Council of Forty-four peace chiefs, the latter was formed from four véhoo'o (chiefs or leaders) of the ten principal 'manaho' (bands) and an additional four 'Old Man' meeting to deliberate at regular tribal gatherings, centered around the Sun Dance.
Motsé'eóeve - 'Sweet Medicine' is the Cheyenne prophet who predicted the coming of the horse, cow, white-man, and much more to the Cheyenne.
The Só'taeo'o prophet Tomȯsévėséhe - 'Erect Horns' had received the Ésevone - also known as the Is'siwun - the 'Sacred Buffalo Hat Bundle' at Toh'nihvoos, which is now known as Stone Hammer Mountain, and is situated near the Great Lakes in the present state of Minnesota.
The Sacred Buffalo Hat is kept in the hóhkėha'éome - in English the 'Sacred Hat Lodge'.
Erect Horns gave them the accompanying ceremonies, and more importantly the Sun Dance.
His visions convinced the tribe to abandon their earlier sedentary, agricultural traditions, and instead to adopt the nomadic Great Plains 'horse culture'.
Also they replaced their earth lodges with portable 'tipis', and switched their diet from fish and agricultural produce, to mainly bison and wild fruits and vegetables.
Their lands then ranged from the upper Missouri River into what is now Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and South Dakota.....
The questions I'm quite sure that you asking yourself, Faunus are... 'Where did these visions come from ?' - Who was their god, Ma'heo'o ?' - and 'Did they benefit from the radical cultural and political changes that Erect Horns required them to undertake, as a result of his 'supernatural' experiences ?", the 'Boss' suggested.
"Well of course, Sir.
It's a very strange story that you tell - but not unconnected with our recent experiences.
Again we have the problem of if this 'prophet' had some kind of 'alien' contact...like is some 'ET' posing as the Cheyenne 'god', and making these suggestions, and if that was the source of these social and cultural changes, then it seems to me strange, as it took the Cheyenne away from a settled, peaceful lifestyle, to a far more unsettled, and warlike existence on the Great Plains.
Now I would have thought that their earlier lifestyle would have enabled them to assimilate with the coming Europeans - however, the unsettled, aggressive life style would inevitably lead to a conflict that they could not win.", Faunus speculated.
"Well you certainly got that right, Faunus.", the 'Boss' said.
"So what actually happened, Sir ?", Faunus asked.
Well the Cheyenne expanded, with the help of our friends the Arapaho.
Like many other plains Indian nations, the Cheyenne were a 'horse and warrior' people, who developed as skilled and powerful mounted warriors.
A warrior was viewed by the people not as a maker of war but as a 'protector', 'provider', and 'leader'.
Warriors gained rank in Cheyenne society by performing and accumulating various acts of bravery in battle known as 'coups' - and so there was an obsession among young men regarding 'counting coup'.
The title of 'war chief' could be earned by any warrior who performs enough of the specific coups required to become a war chief.
Specific warrior societies developed among the Cheyenne, as with other plains nations.
Each society had selected leaders who would invite those that they saw worthy enough to their society lodge for initiation into the society.
Often, societies would have minor rivalries; however, they might work together as a unit when warring with an enemy.
Military societies played an important role in Cheyenne government.
Society leaders were often in charge of organizing hunts and raids as well as ensuring proper discipline and the enforcement of laws within the nation.[
Each of the six distinct warrior societies of the Cheyenne would take turns assuming the leadership role within the nation.
The four original military societies of the Cheyenne were the 'Swift Fox Society', 'Elk Horn Scrapper or Crooked Lance Society', 'Shield Society', and the 'Bowstring Men Society'.
The fifth society is split between the 'Crazy Dog Society', and the famous 'Dog Soldiers'.
The sixth society is the 'Contrary Warrior Society', most notable for riding backwards into battle as a sign of bravery.", the 'Boss' explained.
Faunus looked amazed.
"Yes... really !", the 'Boss' confirmed.
"All six societies, and their various branches exist among the Southern and Northern Cheyenne Nations in present times.
Warriors used a combination of traditional weapons such as war clubs, tomahawks, bows and arrows, and lances, as well as non-traditional weapons such as revolvers, rifles, and shotguns acquired through raid and trade.
The Cheyenne had many enemies among the surrounding Native American tribe, but once they had settled on the Great Plains, and become a warlike, warrior based culture, that was only to be expected - and to some extent warfare among the tribes was almost a 'game' - if a bloody one.
Things were different, however, when the Europeans arrived on the Great Plains, and the Cheyenne had to fight the US Army.", the 'Boss' explained.
"So you say that these military societies still exist.... but what happened to the Cheyenne in the end ?", Faunus asked.
The 'Boss' smiled.
The'Boss' always wondered, when Faunus asked such questions, if he really needed to ask them.
Did Faunus actually know all the answers to such things ?.....and he was just trying to make those around him feel in some way 'needed'.
But the 'Boss' decided to play along.....
"What are generally known as the Great Plains Wars lasted from about the late 1850s until about 1890 with the massacre at 'Wounded Knee'.
Of course with its advanced weaponry and organization, the US Army was always going to win.
What is surprising is the time that it took.
Innumerable conflicts flared up, and innumerable treaties between the US Government and the various Indian nations and tribes were signed.
Surprisingly, there were even a number of defeats sustained by the US Army, which were mainly down to the crass incompetence of the generals involved, rather that the military abilities of the native Americans.
The worst of those defeats, of course, was the Battle of the Little Big Horn, which resulted in the death of Lt. Colonel George Custer - supposedly 'Custer's Last stand'.
Strangely, right at the end of the Indian Wars, an odd 'mystical' messianic and millennial movement emerged that came to be known as the 'Ghost Dance'.
Inspired by the teachings of the Paiute leader Wovoka, massed performances of the dance, it was believed, would reunite the living with spirits of the dead, and bring the spirits to fight on their behalf.
It was also believed that the dance would bring a 'new world' into being....there would be landslides, earthquakes, and great winds.
Hills would pile up on each other, and the earth would 'roll up like a carpet', with all the white man's ugly things – the stinking new animals, (sheep and pigs).... the fences, the telegraph poles, the mines and factories.
Underneath would be the wonderful 'old-new' world, and the return of the vast herds of bison, as it had been before the whites came. .
Interestingly, Wovoka had his visions during a solar eclipse on January 1, 1889.
An elaboration of the Ghost Dance concept was the development of 'ghost shirts', which warriors could wear, and the shirts were believed to repel bullets through spiritual power.
These beliefs, of course, were a recipe for disaster, and the unrest that the Ghost Dance caused among many Native American groups resulted in the US Army panicking, and inflicting numerous atrocities and massacres - (including the massacre at 'Wounded Knee').
So, to answer you question, Faunus, the Cheyenne, and many other Native American groups still exist, mainly on reservations, but most of the real fire and energy of their cultures has been dissipated - not surprisingly.", the 'Boss' said, sadly.
"Well, Faunus, that's near enough the end of the story - tragic though it is - but Cheyenne is coming up soon, so we should be looking for a diner that 'my sources', tell me is near here - so 'phone Jim, and tell him to keep a look-out for us turning off.....
Ethan shook his head, and blushed, worried that the 'Boss' could 'read' him like a book.
"Well Teddy, it's not so impressive as I thought it might be...", Ethan said, sounding a little disappointed.
As Ethan had been sleeping on his own on this night, as both he and Jim had wanted a restful night's sleep, he didn't need to dig Teddy out of the closest, and switch him on.
Instead, Teddy was sitting on a pillow next to Ethan, and Ethan gave the seemingly lifeless bear a nudge.
Teddy's eyes blinked open.
"Good morning Ethan !", Teddy said cheerily.
"Well... here we go again, Teddy.
More straight roads, and greasy diners - but with a bit of luck we might end up at a nice hotel - at least nicer than this one...", Ethan said, as he got out of bed and staggered over to the bathroom.
Once everyone was up, washed and dressed, they all gathered in the breakfast-room for what they hoped would be the last time.
All the packing had been done the previous night, and the luggage was ready in reception for the bellhops to take the luggage out to the two autos, once Faunus gave the word.
"So Glen, later today you'll get to meet Novius and Josh, and of course Glaux.", Jim said as he sipped his coffee.
Glen nodded.
 |
| Novius |
"Well... that's really a job for Faunus and the 'Boss' - but I can say that he's a very polite and friendly gentleman, just a little older than the 'Boss'.
He's what people in the past called a scholar, very wise and knowledgeable.
Everybody likes him, and you would do well to listen to him, and take his advice.
"I see...", Glen said, sounding a little intimidated.
 |
| Josh |
Josh is around our age, blond, and very handsome.
He's like Ethan, but a bit more 'grown up', and is part of our 'security', and always carries a 'Colt'.
He's also very close to Zac, so be warned.
 |
| 'Villa de los Jaguares' - Los Angeles |
"You mean Josh and the bird ?"
"Ah !... now let me warn you... don't call Glaux a 'bird' when he can hear you, otherwise there might be trouble !", Ethan interrupted.
"But he is a 'bird' ?", Glen asked... very puzzled.
"So... you weren't listening last night in the saucer... eh ?", Ethan said.
"Well let me tell you what that pesky 'alien' said.", ... and Ethan self consciously cleared his throat.
"Glaux is an archetypal embodiment of one of the greatest of all the Æons... but don't ask me what that means...", Ethan concluded.
"Crazy..", Glen said.
"OK, enough of this talk, let's see if the 'Boss' is ready to go.", Faunus said.
 |
| 'Weird Carpets' at the Western Inn - Sundance |
Ethan then dashed up to his room to get Teddy, and then Ethan (and Teddy), Glen and Jim got into Jim's auto, with Jim driving, and Faunus and the 'Boss' got into the Cadillac, with the 'Boss' driving - and they pulled away from the Western Inn Hotel - Sundance
"Well... I'm not sorry to get away from that place, with its weird carpets.", Ethan said ... and Teddy agreed...
 |
| Skippy Homeier |
 |
| 'The Road to Denver' - the 'TruColor' Movie |
'Trucolor' was at three-color process, popular between 1949 and 1953, which used Kodak Eastmancolor negatives. DuPont positive stock (type 875) was used to make 'release prints'. This stock had a 'mono-pack' structure that used synthetic polymer rather than gelatin as a color former. 'Trucolor' gave movies a distinctive appearance, with a tendency to feature oranges and blues in the final prints, which gives movies shot using this process a distinctive ambiance.
 |
| Rainbow over the Highway to Denver |
But highways in the US have a tendency to all look the same.
Ethan spent his time playing with Teddy's ears, and Glen dozed off.
In the Cadillac, up front, Faunus waited to hear what the 'boss' might have to say.
"Well, it's a beautiful morning, Faunus - appropriate for the first day of a holiday.
The sad thing is that when I set out on this trip with Jim, it was intended to be a relaxing holiday, and then things got in the way - quite by accident it seems.", the 'Boss' said, somewhat wistfully.
"Ah well... that, Sir, was all a hangover from Brandt, and may I say, without being disrespectful, your obsession with Roswell.", Faunus said.
Faunus, of course, was a master at correcting people, pointing out their faults, and giving them advice without them even realizing it.
"So what's on your mind, Sir ?", Faunus asked, deciding to break the awkward silence.
"Well it was interesting what you had to tell me about the meeting yesterday, but...", and there was an awkward pause.
"I'm still worried about this 'alien business'.", the 'Boss' said, sounding a little exasperated.
"Well there's not much we can do about it - thanks to our 'friend' Dr Brandt.His involvement in the 'Montauk Project' acted as a magnet to 'aliens' who were aiming at creating a simple way of moving through time.
The origin of the Montauk Project dates back to 1943 when radar 'invisibility' was being researched aboard the 'USS Eldridge' where the Eldridridge was stationed at the 'Philadelphia Navy Yard'. The events concerning the ship have commonly been referred to as: the 'Philadelphia Experiment'. The objective of this experiment was to make the ship undetectable to radar, and while that was achieved, there was a totally unexpected and drastic side effect. The ship became invisible to the naked eye, and appeared to have been was from time and space.
USS Eldridge
"We, of course, became involved when I mistakenly allowed you to send Jim to Dr Brandt.Although this was a remarkable breakthrough in terms of technology, it was a problem for those people involved. Those who survived were discharged as 'mentally unfit', or otherwise discredited, and the entire affair was covered up. After the war, research continued under the tutelage of Dr. John von Neumann who had directed the technical aspects of the 'Philadelphia Experiment'. His new orders were to find out what made the mind of man tick, and why people could not be subject to inter-dimensional phenomena without disaster. A massive human factor study was begun at 'Brookhaven National Laboratories' on 'Long Island', New York. It was known as the 'Phoenix Project' - which later evolved into the 'Montauk Proiect.'
Montauk Radar
That alerted the 'aliens' to our presence, and they began to suspect that we had some connection with advanced aspects of what was referred to, in this world, as 'inter-dimensional travel'.
This, of course, makes if difficult for us to disengage from the 'aliens', despite my having effectively removed the threat posed by Dr. Brandt.", Faunus explained.
"And what, exactly is this 'Montauk Project', Faunus ?", the 'Boss' asked, obviously intrigued.
 |
| Camp Hero Radar Installation |
During what they called the 'Cold War', the top secret base was the center of a series of radars trained on the Atlantic to detect any incoming attacks - presumably from the USSR.
For Radar Geeks - The AN/FPS-35 radar was a long range radar used in the early 1960s. It is one of the largest air defense radars ever produced and was designed to operate at 420 to 450 MHz. The prototype was developed at the 'Thomasville Aircraft Control and Warning Station' in Thomasville, Alabama. All of the radars have been dismantled except for the one at 'Camp Hero' on the eastern tip of 'Long Island', New York.After closing, the base became shrouded in mystery, as rumors of secret government experiments in 'mind control' and 'telekinetic powers' emerged as people claimed to have been abducted as children, and subjected to violent beatings and forced drug-taking to test the limits of the human mind.", Faunus explained.
 |
| Dr Siegfried Brandt |
"Well that was when I was searching for Jim.
Brandt, not realizing who I was, gave it all away - or rather some of it - so later I researched it.
Anyway... the work that was being undertaken by Brandt for 'MK Ultra', centered round the discovery that changing the repetition rates and amplitude of a radar pulse could affect different biological functions.
"Such as...?", the 'Boss' queried.
"Well many were minor - heart rate, blood pressure and so on... but also cell division and related to that - the rate of aging.", Faunus replied.
"Ah... so that may go some way to explaining our Maria, and Brandt himself.", the 'Boss' cleverly concluded.
"Yes, probably...
By using these techniques a person's thoughts could also could be controlled - which was the initial purpose of the 'MK Ultra Project'.
With the 425-450 MHz of radio frequency power, it was discovered that a 'window' into the human mind could be opened.
Once enough data had been collected, Brandt began to make some sense out of which functions did what.
During this period, Brandt also experimented with what he called 'frequency hopping'.
This consisted of the transmitter instantaneously and randomly shifting around to any of 5 different frequencies that were being fed to the transmitter.
This technique became very important eventually, as it was the key to 'bending' time.
 |
| Hugh Everett III |
However, what Brandt was really looking for was a method of dispensing with the elaborate, power hungry, and often unreliable technology, and instead developing a technique that could facilitate 'time travel' by the simple expedient of using the human mind alone - and this is why he was so keen to continue his research with Jim.", Faunus continued.
"And this, of course, is what you can do...", the 'Boss' said, with a smile.
"Well... sort of...", Faunus admitted.
"Well, now it's beginning to make a bit more sense...", the 'Boss' said.
The 'Boss' looked to the highway, obviously thinking about what Faunus had told him.
"So are we just stuck with this situation ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Well, for the moment...", Faunus said - and the 'Boss' drove on, heading for Cheyenne.
"So this Cheyenne place... it's a halfway point on our journey to Denver.... right ?", Faunus asked. trying to politely change the subject.
"Right, Faunus...", the 'Boss' replied smiling, as he realized what Faunus was doing.
"Cheyenne is interesting, Faunus...
It's named after the Native American tribe that originally lived there.", the 'Boss' said, obviously about to fill a boring journey with lots of little known facts about the country through which they were driving
"The Cheyenne are one of the indigenous peoples of the 'Great Plains', into which we are now driving.
Their language is of the Algonquian family.The Cheyenne comprise two Native American tribes, the Só'taeo'o, or Só'taétaneo'o, and the Tsétsêhéstâhese.
These tribes merged in the early 19th century.
 |
| Cheyenne Warriors |
At times they were allied with the Lakota and Arapaho, - who we met when we went to the Devils Tower, although at some times they were enemies of the Lakota.
Having settled in the famous 'Black Hills' of South Dakota, and the 'Powder River' country of present-day Montana, they introduced the 'horse culture' to the Lakota in about 1730.
Allied with the Arapaho, the Cheyenne pushed the Kiowa to the Southern Plains.
In turn, they were pushed west by the more numerous Lakota.
The Cheyenne Nation, or Tsêhéstáno, was at one time composed of ten bands that spread across the Great Plains, from southern Colorado to the Black Hills in South Dakota.
They fought their traditional enemies, the Crow, and later (1856–79) the United States Army.
In the mid-19th century, the bands began to split, with some bands choosing to remain near the Black Hills, while others chose to remain near the Platte Rivers of central Colorado.
 |
| Nóávóse - 'Bear Butte' |
The tribe always carried the 'Maahótse' when they waged tribal war, and the 'Maahótse' were kept in the 'Maahéome', or 'Arrow Lodge'.
Motsé'eóeve organized the structure of Cheyenne society, their military or war societies led by prominent warriors, their system of legal justice, and the Council of Forty-four peace chiefs, the latter was formed from four véhoo'o (chiefs or leaders) of the ten principal 'manaho' (bands) and an additional four 'Old Man' meeting to deliberate at regular tribal gatherings, centered around the Sun Dance.
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| Cheyenne Medicine-man |
The Só'taeo'o prophet Tomȯsévėséhe - 'Erect Horns' had received the Ésevone - also known as the Is'siwun - the 'Sacred Buffalo Hat Bundle' at Toh'nihvoos, which is now known as Stone Hammer Mountain, and is situated near the Great Lakes in the present state of Minnesota.
The Sacred Buffalo Hat is kept in the hóhkėha'éome - in English the 'Sacred Hat Lodge'.
 |
| Cheyenne Sun Dance |
His visions convinced the tribe to abandon their earlier sedentary, agricultural traditions, and instead to adopt the nomadic Great Plains 'horse culture'.
Also they replaced their earth lodges with portable 'tipis', and switched their diet from fish and agricultural produce, to mainly bison and wild fruits and vegetables.
Their lands then ranged from the upper Missouri River into what is now Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and South Dakota.....
The questions I'm quite sure that you asking yourself, Faunus are... 'Where did these visions come from ?' - Who was their god, Ma'heo'o ?' - and 'Did they benefit from the radical cultural and political changes that Erect Horns required them to undertake, as a result of his 'supernatural' experiences ?", the 'Boss' suggested.
"Well of course, Sir.
It's a very strange story that you tell - but not unconnected with our recent experiences.
Again we have the problem of if this 'prophet' had some kind of 'alien' contact...like is some 'ET' posing as the Cheyenne 'god', and making these suggestions, and if that was the source of these social and cultural changes, then it seems to me strange, as it took the Cheyenne away from a settled, peaceful lifestyle, to a far more unsettled, and warlike existence on the Great Plains.
Now I would have thought that their earlier lifestyle would have enabled them to assimilate with the coming Europeans - however, the unsettled, aggressive life style would inevitably lead to a conflict that they could not win.", Faunus speculated.
"Well you certainly got that right, Faunus.", the 'Boss' said.
"So what actually happened, Sir ?", Faunus asked.
 |
| Mounted Native Ameican Warrior |
Like many other plains Indian nations, the Cheyenne were a 'horse and warrior' people, who developed as skilled and powerful mounted warriors.
A warrior was viewed by the people not as a maker of war but as a 'protector', 'provider', and 'leader'.
Warriors gained rank in Cheyenne society by performing and accumulating various acts of bravery in battle known as 'coups' - and so there was an obsession among young men regarding 'counting coup'.
The title of 'war chief' could be earned by any warrior who performs enough of the specific coups required to become a war chief.
Specific warrior societies developed among the Cheyenne, as with other plains nations.
Each society had selected leaders who would invite those that they saw worthy enough to their society lodge for initiation into the society.
Often, societies would have minor rivalries; however, they might work together as a unit when warring with an enemy.
Military societies played an important role in Cheyenne government.
Society leaders were often in charge of organizing hunts and raids as well as ensuring proper discipline and the enforcement of laws within the nation.[
Each of the six distinct warrior societies of the Cheyenne would take turns assuming the leadership role within the nation.
 |
| Cheyenne Dog Soldier |
The fifth society is split between the 'Crazy Dog Society', and the famous 'Dog Soldiers'.
The sixth society is the 'Contrary Warrior Society', most notable for riding backwards into battle as a sign of bravery.", the 'Boss' explained.
 |
| Mounted Cheyenne Dog Soldier |
"Yes... really !", the 'Boss' confirmed.
"All six societies, and their various branches exist among the Southern and Northern Cheyenne Nations in present times.
Warriors used a combination of traditional weapons such as war clubs, tomahawks, bows and arrows, and lances, as well as non-traditional weapons such as revolvers, rifles, and shotguns acquired through raid and trade.
The Cheyenne had many enemies among the surrounding Native American tribe, but once they had settled on the Great Plains, and become a warlike, warrior based culture, that was only to be expected - and to some extent warfare among the tribes was almost a 'game' - if a bloody one.
Things were different, however, when the Europeans arrived on the Great Plains, and the Cheyenne had to fight the US Army.", the 'Boss' explained.
"So you say that these military societies still exist.... but what happened to the Cheyenne in the end ?", Faunus asked.
The 'Boss' smiled.
The'Boss' always wondered, when Faunus asked such questions, if he really needed to ask them.
Did Faunus actually know all the answers to such things ?.....and he was just trying to make those around him feel in some way 'needed'.
But the 'Boss' decided to play along.....
 |
| US Cavalry in the Field |
What is surprising is the time that it took.
Innumerable conflicts flared up, and innumerable treaties between the US Government and the various Indian nations and tribes were signed.
 |
| Indian Charge |
The worst of those defeats, of course, was the Battle of the Little Big Horn, which resulted in the death of Lt. Colonel George Custer - supposedly 'Custer's Last stand'.
Strangely, right at the end of the Indian Wars, an odd 'mystical' messianic and millennial movement emerged that came to be known as the 'Ghost Dance'.
Inspired by the teachings of the Paiute leader Wovoka, massed performances of the dance, it was believed, would reunite the living with spirits of the dead, and bring the spirits to fight on their behalf.
It was also believed that the dance would bring a 'new world' into being....there would be landslides, earthquakes, and great winds.
Hills would pile up on each other, and the earth would 'roll up like a carpet', with all the white man's ugly things – the stinking new animals, (sheep and pigs).... the fences, the telegraph poles, the mines and factories.
Underneath would be the wonderful 'old-new' world, and the return of the vast herds of bison, as it had been before the whites came. .
 |
| Wovoka |
 |
| Ghost Shirt |
An elaboration of the Ghost Dance concept was the development of 'ghost shirts', which warriors could wear, and the shirts were believed to repel bullets through spiritual power.
These beliefs, of course, were a recipe for disaster, and the unrest that the Ghost Dance caused among many Native American groups resulted in the US Army panicking, and inflicting numerous atrocities and massacres - (including the massacre at 'Wounded Knee').
So, to answer you question, Faunus, the Cheyenne, and many other Native American groups still exist, mainly on reservations, but most of the real fire and energy of their cultures has been dissipated - not surprisingly.", the 'Boss' said, sadly.
Cheyenne is the capital of the U.S. State of Wyoming, and the county seat of Laramie County. Cheyenne is situated on Crow Creek and Dry Creek...and that's about it. The 'Boss', Faunus, the 'boys' and Teddy will not be stopping.
Unfortunately the diner which had been recommended to the 'Boss' was not on the highway that they were using, but was actually in the 'City' (town) of Cheyenne.
Faunus subsequently speculated that it may have been a 'roadside diner' when it was first built, but that as the years had passed, the environs of the town had grown up around it.
Originally the diner had been an excellent example of 'streamline moderne', but now it looked decidedly 'shabby.
Streamline Moderne is an international style of related to Art Deco art, architecture and design that emerged in the 1930s. It was inspired by aerodynamic design. Streamline architecture emphasized curving forms, long horizontal lines. In industrial design, it was used in railroad locomotives, telephones, toasters, buses, appliances, and other devices to give the impression of sleekness and modernity. It features strongly in the decor of 1930s US movies. - see the 'Art Deco' article in this blog.
 |
| 'Cheyenne Diner' open in new tab to enlarge and read door notice |
As they drew up outside the grandly named 'Cheyenne Diner', Teddy carefully peeked out over the door of Jim's convertible.
"Oh my god !..... It's another one of those !", Ethan said, taking in the dilapidated, curved façade of the, to him, ancient diner.
"Look Ethan... at the sign on the door.
'No dogs and no teddy-bears.'...
That can't be right ?", Teddy said, obviously amazed, and at the same time perturbed.
"Maybe this is not a good town for a teddy-bear to come to.", Teddy said, ducking down in case anybody should see him.
"Don't be silly, Teddy.
It's obviously just one of Faunus' little games....", Ethan said, grinning.
Teddy didn't looked convinced.
"Well if you must eat here, I can hide in the trunk of Jim's convertible...", Teddy suggested.
"No Teddy... the auto might get stolen, and then what would happen to you ?", Ethan replied, obviously concerned.
So Teddy ended up, yet again, in his Walmart bag.
Once they were all on the sidewalk they approached the entrance.
The 'Boss' stopped to look at the notice that was seemingly stuck to the glass door.
He turned and looked to Faunus.
"Your work, I presume ?", the 'Boss' asked, smiling.
"Yes, Sir... just a little joke.", Faunus replied.
"Well I can remember a time when there were signs on doors in the US - but they didn't say 'NO TEDDY BEARS' - but something else.
And they were not good times.", the 'Boss said, quite seriously.
"Point taken, Sir.", Faunus said, almost apologetically.
The 'boys' and Teddy, however, did not understand.
And as they walked through the door, the sign dissolved into nothing, but nobody seemed to notice.
Once seated, Ethan turned to the 'Boss'.
"So did you come here shortly after you returned from Mexico, Sir.", Ethan asked, trying to be suitably deferential.
"You mean, because it's so old ?", the 'Boss' replied, smiling.
 |
| Interstate 25 |
"Well, as it happens, you're right, Ethan...
I was doing some anthropological research regarding the Native Americans in the area, and this diner was very new then, and not in the town at all - but now, of course, things are different.",the 'Boss' replied wistfully.
"And what's 'anthropological' mean, Sir ?", Ethan asked, actually getting the pronunciation right.
"Oh, it's to do with studying how people live."
The 'Boss' gave a simple explanation, as he didn't want to get into one of those endlessly complicated discussions that often resulted when Ethan asked a question.
And so, after another vastly calorific, fat laden meal, they returned to the highway, and sped on... hopefully to the clear, clean air of Denver, Colorado.
For the second part of the journey, Faunus drove Jim's convertible, with Ethan, Teddy and Glen as passengers.
Faunus had been charged by the 'Boss' to 'amuse' those with him with a 'scaled down' version of the information that the 'Boss' had given to Faunus on the first part of the drive.
Equally, the 'Boss' gave a similar little 'lecture' to Jim.
Not only did this help to pass the time, but it also ensured that the 'boys' were reasonably informed about the culture and history of the area through which they were passing.
 |
| Colorado State Line |
Teddy, of course, didn't have to listen to what Faunus was saying, as Faunus could simply give Teddy a 'direct telepathic download'.
There was sometimes an advantage to being an 'animated teddy-bear'.
It was not long before they came to a rather odd looking obelisk.
This marked what Americans refer to as the 'State Line' - the border between two states.
Now if Josh had been with the 'gang' - and he soon would be - he could have explained why an Egyptian style obelisk was standing at the boundary between Wyoming and Colorado - (and readers can find out by following the link - and going to the section about 'Freemasonry').
The good news, however, was that Denver - to which they were heading - was in Colorado.
"You'd think that they would have made that 'pointy-thingy' tall enough so they could fit the full name - 'Colorado' - and make it look proper...", Ethan said, as he gazed out at the boundary marker.
"That 'pointy-thingy' is an obelisk, Ethan.", Faunus said.
"Yes, well whatever...", Ethan said, as he continued to tickle Teddy's right ear.
Eventually they approached Denver.
The 'Boss' phoned ahead, to alert the hotel staff to his imminent arrival, and he switched on the navigation device in order to guide him directly to the hotel.
"So why did you choose this hotel, Sir ?... ", Jim asked.
"A number of reasons really...
I've used it before, and it's quite luxurious, quite modern - but not too modern, with excellent service and very pet friendly - you see we have to think of Glaux - although I don't think they've ever had an owl staying.", the 'Boss' said with a smile.
The two autos pulled up outside the 'Kimpton Hotel'.
 |
| The Kimpton Hotel - Denver |
"It looks alright to me, Ethan...", Glen, who had been desperately trying to stay awake while Faunus had been telling them about the Cheyenne, and so forth, commented.
"I agree with Glen - it looks quite reasonable.", Faunus said.
Almost immediately a squad of bellhops emerged from the entrance, and stood on the sidewalk admiring the convertible, and the large, black Cadillac.
"It seems like we're expected...", Ethan said.
The 'Boss' pressed a chrome button on the instrument panel of the Cadillac, and the electrically operated trunk lid rose majestically.
"So this is it ?", Jim said, trying not to sound disappointed.
"Yes... 'this is it'.
I know it doesn't look all that impressive, but that's the case with lots of city hotels.
It's the interior, the food and the service that's important.", the 'Boss' explained.
What nobody had noticed, apart from Faunus and Teddy, were two men, dressed in immaculate dark suites, standing a little way from the main entrance.
'OK Teddy - but only do something if we have trouble.' Faunus said - telepathically to Teddy.
'Right, Faunus', Teddy telepathically replied, desperately trying to sound like a tough secret agent - which is difficult for a fluffy little teddy-bear.
What nobody had noticed, apart from Faunus and Teddy, were two men, dressed in immaculate dark suites, standing a little way from the main entrance.
'OK Teddy - but only do something if we have trouble.' Faunus said - telepathically to Teddy.
'Right, Faunus', Teddy telepathically replied, desperately trying to sound like a tough secret agent - which is difficult for a fluffy little teddy-bear.
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...
After a brief problem with the Government Agents - there is a long awaited reunion of the 'boys' and Teddy with Josh, Novius and, of course Glaux - followed by excellent dining, lots of shopping, and some sight-seeing - followed by a review of previous events and future plans.
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