open images in a new tab to enlarge imagesPlease 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....
The 'Boss' decided to take the 'bull by the horns' - to use a well worn 'Western' cliché - and travel to Wyoming, and try to discover the true meaning of Glen's strange dreams and visions.......and we find out more about Teddy....
Teddy was getting very bored sitting alone in Ethan's room, with nothing to do - but then there was the sound of running footsteps in the hotel corridor.
'Why....' Teddy wondered, 'did Ethan have to run everywhere ?'......
But then Ethan burst into the room....
"We're gettin' out of this crazy place tomorrow !", Ethan triumphantly announced.
"So don't you like Amarillo ?", Teddy asked, as Ethan began to clear his things out of the hotel room closet.
"Oh, it's OK, but there's not much to do here.", Ethan replied, as he looked through his bedside cabinet.
"So why the sudden move, Ethan ?", Teddy asked.
"Well, over dinner, the 'Boss' said that all theses dreams and visions and things were obviously upsetting our Glen, so it all needed sorting out and, if it was these pesky aliens doing it, then the best way to do it was to find out what they wanted.." Ethan explained.
"And so we have to go all the way to Wyoming to do this ?", Teddy asked.
"Yes...it seems so.", Ethan replied, as he stripped off to take a shower.
"Well that's quite good news for me...", Teddy said,
"It'll be good to get out of this room for a change, but I don't want to be stuck in my 'Walmart' bag bag for days, so ask Faunus to let me sit on a seat in the auto, like you guys, and I'll promise to sit still, and not embarrass anybody." Teddy said.
"OK...no problemo...", Ethan said, as he stepped into the shower.
"So don't you like Amarillo ?", Teddy asked, as Ethan began to clear his things out of the hotel room closet.
"Oh, it's OK, but there's not much to do here.", Ethan replied, as he looked through his bedside cabinet.
"So why the sudden move, Ethan ?", Teddy asked.
"Well, over dinner, the 'Boss' said that all theses dreams and visions and things were obviously upsetting our Glen, so it all needed sorting out and, if it was these pesky aliens doing it, then the best way to do it was to find out what they wanted.." Ethan explained.
"And so we have to go all the way to Wyoming to do this ?", Teddy asked.
"Yes...it seems so.", Ethan replied, as he stripped off to take a shower.
"Well that's quite good news for me...", Teddy said,
"It'll be good to get out of this room for a change, but I don't want to be stuck in my 'Walmart' bag bag for days, so ask Faunus to let me sit on a seat in the auto, like you guys, and I'll promise to sit still, and not embarrass anybody." Teddy said.
"OK...no problemo...", Ethan said, as he stepped into the shower.
Walmart White Plastic Bags Now in case you're not American, Walmart is a US multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. Headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, the company was founded by Sam Walton (no relation to Josh ? - All the boys have full names - dreamed up by Franklin of course - and Josh is Joshua Paul Walton -which you should know if you have bee reading this story properly, as Teddy would expect you to). Walmart has approximately 11,348 stores and clubs in 27 countries, operating under 55 different names......'Wowie !', as Ethan would say. In many parts of the world Walmart white plastic bags are 'ubiquitous' - it's Latin meaning everywhere, so hopefully nobody notices Teddy's bag.
Walmart Logo
"So when do we 'move out' ?", Teddy asked, trying to make it all sound like something from 'Wagon Train'.
Of course the problem with being in the South West for any length of time was the fact that everyone started to behave, look and talk like a cliché from a Western movie, or TV series
"We 'move out', as you put it, Teddy, first thing in the morning, because it's a long drive.", Ethatn replied.
"I've noticed how you guys who are not animatronic get very grumpy when you run out of your 'power-source'.", Teddy explained.
"You mean 'food'...Teddy.", Ethan added.
"Yes, 'power source'", Teddy replied.
"Well....OK.....but it's time for bed now, Teddy", Ethan said, as he settled down.
"All very well...", Teddy said, with a note of resignation, "but I've been on this bed all day you know.", Teddy grumbled.
And Teddy moved over to let Ethan stretch out.
"Do you want a cuddle tonight ?", Teddy asked.
"Yes please, Teddy.", Ethan replied.
And so they settled down to a quiet night, full of sweet, gentle dreams.
Once the bellhops had loaded all the luggage, the two autos set off.
"Well then we started by going to Navajo country, and now we are driving to Colorado, which is the country of the Arapaho and Cheyenne.", the 'Boss' said, obviously 'priming' Jim.
To some groups the 'Star People' were like 'guiding spirits' - or even 'gods' - but other groups believed that they were descended from the 'Star People'.
"Well we're heading now for Castle Rock, and the two groups - 'tribes' if you like - who are most associated with this area are Arapaho and Cheyenne.", the 'Boss' explained.
A large part of Arapaho society was based around the idea of the 'warrior'.
(Teddy knew about 'Wagon Train' because Faunus had programmed him with lots of 'trivia' about American popular culture - in the hope that he would seamlessly fit into to what was known as 'everyday life'.)
"We 'move out', as you put it, Teddy, first thing in the morning, because it's a long drive.", Ethatn replied.
"Well you make sure that you have a good breakfast...", Teddy said solicitously.'Wagon Train' is an American Western series that aired on the NBC television network (National Broadcasting Company), and also on the lower rated newer American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The series was inspired by the film 'Wagon Master' directed by John Ford, and also harkens back to the early wagon train epic 'The Big Trail' starring John Wayne. The series chronicles the adventures of a wagon train as it makes its way from St. Joseph Missouri across the Mid-Western plains and the Rocky Mountains to California and the trials and tribulations of the series regulars who conducted the train through the American West.
Wagon Train - TV Series
"I've noticed how you guys who are not animatronic get very grumpy when you run out of your 'power-source'.", Teddy explained.
"You mean 'food'...Teddy.", Ethan added.
"Yes, 'power source'", Teddy replied.
"Well....OK.....but it's time for bed now, Teddy", Ethan said, as he settled down.
"All very well...", Teddy said, with a note of resignation, "but I've been on this bed all day you know.", Teddy grumbled.
And Teddy moved over to let Ethan stretch out.
"Do you want a cuddle tonight ?", Teddy asked.
"Yes please, Teddy.", Ethan replied.
And so they settled down to a quiet night, full of sweet, gentle dreams.
The 'boys', of course, had no idea how far away the Devils Tower was.....and it was only over a substantial breakfast the the 'Boss' told them the plan for the journey.
It was then that they first heard of Castle Rock - not a particularly well known town in the United Stated of America.
And even driving to Castle Rock, would be a long journey - and that would only take them half way to their intended destination.
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| Castle Rock - a 'cool' Logo |
Castle Rock was founded in 1874, and is the county seat of Douglas County, Colorado. The region in and around Castle Rock was originally home to the Arapaho and Cheyenne people. They occupied the land between the Arkansas and South Platte Rivers. White settlers were drawn to the area by rumors of gold, and by land opened through the 'Homestead Act of 1862'. However, it was the discovery of rhyolite stone, not gold, that ultimately led to the settlement of Castle Rock.
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| 'Courtyard Hotel Amarillo West' - California |
For this journey Jim traveled with the 'Boss' in the black Cadillac limousine, while Faunus had decided to drive Ethan and Glen in the Esdel, leaving Jim's convertible in California, at the 'Courtyard Amarillo West', to be picked up on the return journey.
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| Teddy in his Walmart Bag |
"So Glen....", Faunus began, trying to be casual, "any strange dreams last night ?".
"Well..very much the same, but not anywhere as upsetting.", Glen replied.
Once they had left the suburbs, Ethan asked Faunus if Teddy could come out of his Walmart bag, and sit on the seat, next to him and Glen.
"That's fine..", Faunus said, "as long as Glen doesn't mind, and Teddy gets put away if any cops turn up".
Glen looked down to where Teddy was peering out of his bag.
"It's fine by me.....I'm beginning to get used to that crazy bear now." Glen said, grinning.
Teddy growled.
Yes - Teddy sometimes growls - as all teddy-bears can growl - unless their growl's gone wonky.
Ethan looked annoyed.
"Just watch who you call 'crazy'.....", Ethan said, "after all, you're the one having weird dreams, and getting us driving halfway across the country."
Glen blushed...."Yes, that's true...", he said, apologetically.
Back in the Cadillac the 'Boss' was relaxing.
"So Jim, this reminds me of when we started out.", the 'Boss' said, yawning.
"How do you mean, Sir ?".Jim asked, a little confused.
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| Navajo Country |
"So now you're going to tell me all about these native American tribes, which presumably you have studied, Sir.", Jim said, slightly teasing, but also very interested in what the 'Boss' might be able to tell him.
"Well, only if you want me to...", the 'Boss' said, in a pretense of hesitation.
"Of course I want you to tell me, Sir.", Jim said, smiling.
"That's good, Jim.", the 'Boss' said, strangely grateful.
But before you begin, can I ask you something ?", Jim said.
"Of course !", the 'Boss' replied, as he opened and switched on his laptop.
"It seems to me, Sir, that there is some sort of strange connection between the native Americans and UFOs and 'aliens'....so am I right ?", Jim asked.
"It's a difficult question to answer.
When I first studied Native American history and culture at Yale - a long time ago - at least by the standards of this place and time, very little connection was made between 'Indians', as we called them, and outer space - but after Roswell things began to change.", the 'Boss' began.
"So is that why you're so interested in the 'Roswell business'.", Jim interrupted.
"Yes, partly, but also because it's a fascinating event on it's own....
But the difficulty with your question is the fact the the Native American's - as you describe them - are not one people, but are many people - different races with different languages, different cultures and different beliefs.
One thing that is common, however, to most Native American groups is a belief in 'Star People'.
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| Native American Thunderbird |
Various Native American groups also reported, and still report sightings of what we would now call UFOs - and these may be actual UFOs, or they may be related to the concept of the 'Thunderbird'...."
The 'Boss' paused for a moment.
"And what's this Thunderbird...?", Jim asked, obviously puzzled.
The 'Boss' sighed.
"You ask too many questions, Jim.....but good questions."
Jim smiled.
"The Thunderbird is a legendary creature in certain Native American peoples' culture and religion.
It's a supernatural being of power and strength, and it is especially important to these peoples, and frequently depicted, in the art, songs and oral histories of many Pacific Northwest Coast cultures, but is also found in various forms among many peoples of the American Southwest, East Coast of the United States, Great Lakes, and Great Plains.
In many mythologies the Thunderbird is believed to have been sent by the 'Great Spirit'.
The Thunderbird controls the upper world, and throws lightning at underworld creatures, and creates thunder by flapping its wings.", the 'Boss' explained.
Jim then decided to change his tack.
"And what's this Thunderbird...?", Jim asked, obviously puzzled.
The 'Boss' sighed.
"You ask too many questions, Jim.....but good questions."
Jim smiled.
"The Thunderbird is a legendary creature in certain Native American peoples' culture and religion.
It's a supernatural being of power and strength, and it is especially important to these peoples, and frequently depicted, in the art, songs and oral histories of many Pacific Northwest Coast cultures, but is also found in various forms among many peoples of the American Southwest, East Coast of the United States, Great Lakes, and Great Plains.
In many mythologies the Thunderbird is believed to have been sent by the 'Great Spirit'.
The Thunderbird controls the upper world, and throws lightning at underworld creatures, and creates thunder by flapping its wings.", the 'Boss' explained.
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| Arapaho Camp - circa. 1868 |
"So which are the Native American groups originating from the places where we are now traveling to ?" Jim asked.
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| Arapaho Warrior |
"Go on, Sir....", Jim said, becoming intrigued.
The 'Arapaho' are a tribe historically living on the plains of Colorado and Wyoming.
They were close allies of the 'Cheyenne' tribe, and loosely aligned with the 'Lakota' and 'Dakota'.
By the 1850s, Arapaho bands formed two tribes: the 'Northern Arapaho' and 'Southern Arapaho'.
Since 1878, the 'Northern Arapaho' have lived with the 'Eastern Shoshone' on the 'Wind River Reservation' in Wyoming.
Since 1878, the 'Northern Arapaho' have lived with the 'Eastern Shoshone' on the 'Wind River Reservation' in Wyoming.
The 'Southern Arapaho' live with the 'Southern Cheyenne' in Oklahoma.
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| In an Arapaho Village |
Most young men wanted this role, and after adopting the use of horses, the Arapaho quickly became master horsemen and highly skilled at fighting on horseback.
Warriors, however, had larger roles than just combat in the society, and they were expected to keep peace among the camps, provide food and wealth for their families, and guard the camps from attacks.
Like other plains Indians, including their Cheyenne allies, the Arapaho have a number of distinct military societies.
Each of the eight Arapaho military societies had their own unique initiation rites, pre- and post- battle ceremonies and songs, regalia, and style of combat.
Unlike their Cheyenne, Lakota, and Dakota allies, the Arapaho military societies were age based.
Each age level had its own society for prestigious or promising warriors of the matching age.
As the warriors aged, they would then graduate to the next society.", the 'Boss' continued.
"So it was quite a complicated and advanced society...", Jim added, admiringly.
"You're right, Jim, but look at the image of the Arapaho boy I've brought up on my laptop.....
These people had a profound knowledge of their environment, some interesting art, and a complex mythology and understanding of spiritual matters - and yet in terms of material development they were 'primitives' - technically classified by anthropologists as 'aborigines'.
The image I'm talking about shows this well, as boy is handling what was, at the time, a piece of 'hi-tech' equipment - a Colt revolver - obviously obtained from 'white' settlers.
Also the plains tribes were remarkably violent, and although the 'white' Europeans were guilty of using excessive violence against them, the tribes themselves could hardly be described as 'civilized' or restrained with regard to their approach to conflict.
Now, unfortunately, these native Americans have been 'romanticized' - and most people are not prepared to face up to the gritty and cruel reality of early American history.", the 'Boss' concluded.
"So shall we meet any of theses Native Americans on this trip ?", Jim asked eagerly.
"Quite possibly, but it's unlikely that they'll look like you will probably be expecting."
"Why, Sir ?", Jim asked boldly.
"Well, to begin with they don't go around in Native American dress, and also, although few will admit it, there has been a lot of intermarriage, so many look a little like Faunus who, if you remember, passed easily as a Mayan native, and even now is often mistaken for a Mexican - Don Picaro, you know.", the 'Boss' replied, smiling.
"Yes, I remember.
It was that really weird photo you took while you were on that expedition - at the time when you were studying at Yale.
I first saw it at the Villa de los Jaguares, when Josh joined us.
When I first saw the photo I couldn't believe it....", Jim said.
"And why was that ?", the 'Boss' asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well first he looked so young - yet it was so long ago.....also he looked so different in that different time, and different place, where I first met him.......", Jim said, trailing off into a dreamy silence.
"And I started off really badly with him, and I still feel guilty about it."Jim said.
"Don't....", the 'Boss' said, firmly.
"It wasn't your fault.
It's difficult coming to terms with Faunus when he acts in certain ways."
Jim nodded.
"Don't I know it."
Meanwhile Faunus was driving Ethan, Teddy and Glen to Castle Rock.
"So, Faunus...where is this place, Castle Rocky-thingy ?", Ethan asked.
"It's in Colorado - somewhere.....", Faunus replied.
"You mean you don't know !", Ethan said, obviously somewhat alarmed.
"No...but I've got this little navigation device in the car - and it should get me right to the doorstep of the hotel...", Faunus said, confidently.
"Well give me an old-fashioned map any day..", Ethan said.
"I think, Ethan, you should have more confidence in modern technology - after-all, look at me.", Teddy said, butting in.
"Yes, but you're not really technological, are you. ?", Ethan burbled on carelessly.
"You just keep going, and you never need recharging - in fact I think your USB port has rusted over.", Ethan continued.
At that, Glen looked suspiciously at Ethan.
"Then what makes him work ?", Glen asked.
"Oh...I was just kidding.
He's full of little servo motors, and computer circuits, and a voice simulation unit.", Ethan said nervously, trying to cover his mistake.
"So how come the servos never make a noise ?", Glen asked, obviously rather troubled by what Ethan had said.
"Well just between the three of us, Glen, Teddy's a 'cyborg'.", Faunus said, trying to cover up Ethan's blunder.
"Teddy's a 'cybernetic organism' - cyborg for short. ", Faunus explained.
"He's is a being with both organic and biomechatronic body parts.
Cyborgs are commonly thought of as mammals, including humans, but they might also, conceivably, be any kind of organism - like a teddy-bear.
Cyborgs often have physical or mental abilities far exceeding a human or other counterpart - so Teddy is a bear that can talk, and is extremely intelligent, but a little naive at times.", Faunus explained.
"And he can also 'freeze' people, and 'aliens'...", Ethan unwisely added.
"God...this is all getting too much !", Glen said quietly, as he gazed at Teddy.
"Is he dangerous...I mean if I poke him will he vaporize me, or something ?", Glen asked.
"I wouldn't advise it, Glen, he's been programmed with the most appalling language.", Ethan said.
Glen smiled.
"I see...I really can't take you guys seriously.", unsure as whether or not to believe Faunus and Ethan.
"I think you'd better, Glen, because there's some very serious stuff coming up when we reach Sundance, and your Devils Tower.", Faunus warned.
Glen looked nervous....
"What do you mean ?", he asked.
"Should we tell him ?", Teddy asked, as he gently climbed onto Glen's lap.
"Tell me what ?", Glen asked nervously.
Ethan looked down at Teddy, who was carefully making himself comfortable.
"Well, Teddy....we've got him in a locked car, speeding down the highway, and there's a 'crazy' teddy-bear with 'laser eyes' sitting on his lap, and I've got my Colt Defender, and there's no place for him to hide.....so if he doesn't like what we tell him, there's 'nuttin' he can do about it.", Ethan said, with a wicked grin.
"Oh, come on, guys...give me a break !", Glen said, beginning to look quite alarmed.
"Ethan....the problem is, the more you use that voice, the more you begin to look like Thumper, and one day that's how you might end up - a cute fluffy little rabbit.", Faunus said, half seriously.
"Well, it's about you, really.....but let's begin the beginning.", Faunus said.
"OK...", Glen said slowly, sounding rather suspicious.
"Well tell us, when you were young, and living in Cleveland, were you interested much in science fiction, and UFOs and such things ?", Faunus asked, trying to make it all sound very innocent.
"I was much more interested in sport - basketball and my wrestling - and cars.
I didn't read much, but I did watch some TV series about aliens and stuff, but not a lot.", Glen explained.
"And did you see anything on TV about aliens capturing people and taking them on board their flying saucers - what they call 'alien abductions' ?", Faunus asked.
"Well yes....but what's this all about ?", Glen said, apparently becoming uneasy at the line Faunus' questioning was taking.
Glen quickly looked at Faunus and Ethan.
"You guys......and Jim and the 'Boss'......'you're from the government or something...?", Glen asked aggressively.
"Now calm down, Glen....
No way...we're your friends...", Faunus said.
"So what, then ?", Glen continued......
"Well we have reason to believe that you may have been abducted by aliens, and all these dreams, and drawing are connected with that.", Faunus said, trying to be as calm as possible.
"Well I'm sorry, Faunus , but people who say things like 'we have reason to believe' - smell to me like cops, or something worse.", Glen said, obviously becoming frightened.
"Glen....", Ethan interrupted.
"Faunus is being straight with you.
We have nothing to do with the police, or the government, and we only want to help."
"OK....then why do you think I may have been abducted by aliens - I only met Faunus when I got off the bus in Amarillo - so how did he know anything about me ?", Glen asked.
"That's not important." Faunus then said in a slow, and very deliberate manner.
Both Ethan and Teddy, at that point, knew what Faunus was doing.
"But then, I suppose that's not important", Glen said, rather dreamily.
Ethan smiled - and waited to see what was going to come next.
"So, Glen, we are going to Sundance , and then to the Devils Tower in order to find out what these 'aliens' want, and we need you to help us.", Faunus said.
At this point - if you haven't understood what is happening, (which might mean that you are slower on the uptake than Ethan - which could be a problem for you), then we should explain.
Faunus has 'taken over' Glen - what humans call 'hypnotism', but withFaunus it's not quite the same, - so Glen has stopped being awkward, and is now quite happy to help, believing he is an important member of the group (which he is), on an important mission (which he is) - and the next thing to do is to have a meal at yet another of those roadside diners.
So Ethan called the 'Boss' on his cell phone, and they made an arrangement to stop at the next diner.
Meanwhile, Ethan and Glen had a quiet chat about Teddy, as if nothing had happened - which it hadn't, and which was good.
Teddy, however, was not very happy, as he hated people talking about him as if he was just a 'stuffed toy', and was unable hear their conversation.
Soon the Diner came into sight.
Oddly, considering the previous comments about Thumper - 'he of the long ears' - this diner was called the 'Rabbit Ear Diner' (really !).
The two cars parked up, and the 'Boss', and Jim, followed by Faunus and Ethan - carrying Teddy in his Walmart bag - and lastly Glen, entered the diner.
"Oh my god !", Ethan said.
"It's another one of these.....!".
And it was full, and hot, and the smell of fried food was overpowering.
"Well, Ethan, you always said you wanted to see the Wild West.", the 'Boss' said, smiling.
Of course Ethan was hoping to order fried rabbit ear - with all the trimmings - but the 'Boss', who had a good idea that rabbit ears would not be on the menu, managed to dissuade him.
Later, after the meal, and while they were having coffee, and Ethan was having his inevitable Pepsi Max, the 'Boss' asked Faunus to come with him to take a look at the Cadillac, as he thought one of the cylinders wasn't firing properly, and maybe it needed to have the spark-plug changed.
The 'Boss' got into the driving seat of the Cadillac and pressed a button.
Like almost everything on a Cadillac, the hood (UK bonnet) was electrically operated - it saved all that fiddling around, and getting you hands dirty, (Cadillac owners never have dirty hands).
Why don't you have a normal car, like me, with a normal sized engine ?", Faunus asked, sarcastically.
"Your car is not 'normal'.
Nobody can say an Edsel is 'normal' - and particularly a pink one.", the 'Boss' replied.
"It's puce, actually...Sir.", Faunus said, tetchily correcting the 'Boss'.
Once the hood was open, the 'Boss' explained the real reason why they were looking at a perfectly functioning engine.
"I brought you out here, Faunus, because I was wondering if you had the opportunity to talk to Glen about the purpose of our journey to Sundance ?", the 'Boss' began.
"Well yes....but then Ethan started saying stupid things about Teddy, so I had a bit of explaining to do.
Glen obviously thinks that there's something strange about us, but then because I left his memories of his previous life in Cleveland quite vague, his underlying feelings are that he has nothing to go back to - but also that he has no connections here, in the South West - other than us.", Faunus explained.
The 'Boss' pretended to 'fiddle' with the engine, in case anybody came by.
"That's good, Faunus."
"The problem was, however, that when I started to introduce the topic of UFOs and abductions, he became very suspicious, and started to suggest that we were in some way connected with the police, or the government....."
Faunus paused for a moment.
"So I had to take over....".
The 'Boss' smiled.
"I see, you did one of your 'mind control' tricks...", the 'Boss' said warily.
"But I had no choice.
I didn't want to give him too much information - all in one go.
I know you humans often find in difficult to face the truth, and you sometimes become a bit irrational.
And the truth, for young Glen, would be very difficult to come to terms with." Faunus said.
"Of course...", the 'Boss agreed.
"But at some point I think he will need to be told the full story.", the 'Boss' added.
"Well yes.....
But I think it will be problematic to explain to him that he's a 'life force' that was originally 'alien', and was later given human form - and that his previous memories have all been irrevocably lost, and that now he must start again, from scratch, as it were.
The problem is that in some ways he's a bit like Teddy. - a 'life force' that has been given a particular form and identity - although in some ways that is the case for all of us.", Faunus said.
For a moment the 'Boss' looked a bit puzzled.
"Well yes.....
That's a bit too deep for me, but I begin to get the idea.", the 'Boss' said.
"But that's a problem that we shall have to deal with when the time and circumstances require....
For the moment I think that you should take it easy with Glen.....try to get Ethan to think before he says anything, and chat to them about the Indian tribes from this area...
I presume you know about the Indian tribes ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Sir...I've been with you so long - in this time and place - that I think I know almost as much as you do about the Native Americans.", Faunus said.
"Yes...yes of course...", the 'Boss' replied as they made their way back to the Rabbit Ear Diner.
Before they left the 'Rabbit Ear Dinner', the 'Boss' had a quiet word with Ethan.
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| Native American Warriors |
Like other plains Indians, including their Cheyenne allies, the Arapaho have a number of distinct military societies.
 |
| Arapaho Boy with a Revolver |
Unlike their Cheyenne, Lakota, and Dakota allies, the Arapaho military societies were age based.
Each age level had its own society for prestigious or promising warriors of the matching age.
As the warriors aged, they would then graduate to the next society.", the 'Boss' continued.
"So it was quite a complicated and advanced society...", Jim added, admiringly.
"You're right, Jim, but look at the image of the Arapaho boy I've brought up on my laptop.....
These people had a profound knowledge of their environment, some interesting art, and a complex mythology and understanding of spiritual matters - and yet in terms of material development they were 'primitives' - technically classified by anthropologists as 'aborigines'.
The image I'm talking about shows this well, as boy is handling what was, at the time, a piece of 'hi-tech' equipment - a Colt revolver - obviously obtained from 'white' settlers.
Also the plains tribes were remarkably violent, and although the 'white' Europeans were guilty of using excessive violence against them, the tribes themselves could hardly be described as 'civilized' or restrained with regard to their approach to conflict.
Now, unfortunately, these native Americans have been 'romanticized' - and most people are not prepared to face up to the gritty and cruel reality of early American history.", the 'Boss' concluded.
"So shall we meet any of theses Native Americans on this trip ?", Jim asked eagerly.
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| Yale University |
"Why, Sir ?", Jim asked boldly.
 |
| Faunus as a 'Mayan' Native |
"Yes, I remember.
It was that really weird photo you took while you were on that expedition - at the time when you were studying at Yale.
I first saw it at the Villa de los Jaguares, when Josh joined us.
 |
| Faunus as He First Was - for Jim |
"And why was that ?", the 'Boss' asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well first he looked so young - yet it was so long ago.....also he looked so different in that different time, and different place, where I first met him.......", Jim said, trailing off into a dreamy silence.
"And I started off really badly with him, and I still feel guilty about it."Jim said.
"Don't....", the 'Boss' said, firmly.
"It wasn't your fault.
It's difficult coming to terms with Faunus when he acts in certain ways."
Jim nodded.
"Don't I know it."
"So, Faunus...where is this place, Castle Rocky-thingy ?", Ethan asked.
"It's in Colorado - somewhere.....", Faunus replied.
"You mean you don't know !", Ethan said, obviously somewhat alarmed.
"No...but I've got this little navigation device in the car - and it should get me right to the doorstep of the hotel...", Faunus said, confidently.
"Well give me an old-fashioned map any day..", Ethan said.
"I think, Ethan, you should have more confidence in modern technology - after-all, look at me.", Teddy said, butting in.
"Yes, but you're not really technological, are you. ?", Ethan burbled on carelessly.
"You just keep going, and you never need recharging - in fact I think your USB port has rusted over.", Ethan continued.
At that, Glen looked suspiciously at Ethan.
"Then what makes him work ?", Glen asked.
"Oh...I was just kidding.
He's full of little servo motors, and computer circuits, and a voice simulation unit.", Ethan said nervously, trying to cover his mistake.
"So how come the servos never make a noise ?", Glen asked, obviously rather troubled by what Ethan had said.
"Well just between the three of us, Glen, Teddy's a 'cyborg'.", Faunus said, trying to cover up Ethan's blunder.
(Faunus, of course, was telling another of his little 'white lies', as Teddy was actually a real live teddy-bear - created and programmed by Faunus).
Ethan was just about to say 'a cy-what', and then thought better of it, as he had already said too much.
Glen, however, said practically the same thing...
"What's a cyborg ?""Teddy's a 'cybernetic organism' - cyborg for short. ", Faunus explained.
"He's is a being with both organic and biomechatronic body parts.
Cyborgs are commonly thought of as mammals, including humans, but they might also, conceivably, be any kind of organism - like a teddy-bear.
Cyborgs often have physical or mental abilities far exceeding a human or other counterpart - so Teddy is a bear that can talk, and is extremely intelligent, but a little naive at times.", Faunus explained.
"And he can also 'freeze' people, and 'aliens'...", Ethan unwisely added.
 |
| Devils Tower - Wyoming |
"Is he dangerous...I mean if I poke him will he vaporize me, or something ?", Glen asked.
"I wouldn't advise it, Glen, he's been programmed with the most appalling language.", Ethan said.
Glen smiled.
"I see...I really can't take you guys seriously.", unsure as whether or not to believe Faunus and Ethan.
"I think you'd better, Glen, because there's some very serious stuff coming up when we reach Sundance, and your Devils Tower.", Faunus warned.
Glen looked nervous....
"What do you mean ?", he asked.
"Should we tell him ?", Teddy asked, as he gently climbed onto Glen's lap.
"Tell me what ?", Glen asked nervously.
Ethan looked down at Teddy, who was carefully making himself comfortable.
"Well, Teddy....we've got him in a locked car, speeding down the highway, and there's a 'crazy' teddy-bear with 'laser eyes' sitting on his lap, and I've got my Colt Defender, and there's no place for him to hide.....so if he doesn't like what we tell him, there's 'nuttin' he can do about it.", Ethan said, with a wicked grin.
"Oh, come on, guys...give me a break !", Glen said, beginning to look quite alarmed.
'Nuttin' (nothing) was a word that Ethan, who is a Disney fan, had picked up from his favorite character, Thumper, in the movie 'Bambi', which Ethan plays endlessly in the Penthouse 'home cinema' - and on occasions - like this one - Ethan even imitates Thumper's voice, which is somewhat unnerving, as Ethan is a very good mimic.
"OK guys, so what's this big thing you want to tell me ?", Glen asked, obviously becoming exasperated.Thumper is the rabbit character from Disney's animated film 'Bambi', released in 1942. He is known and named for his habit of thumping his left hind foot. As voiced by the young actor, four-year-old Peter Behn, (born on October 24, 1934 in Prescott, Arizona, USA), (and not Ethan), the vivacious character of Thumper was expanded to a lead role in the story - and is famous for the line: "If you can't say something nice, don't say 'nuttin' at all". - For more Disney go to Chapter 16 - 'Searching for Jim'.
"Well, it's about you, really.....but let's begin the beginning.", Faunus said.
"OK...", Glen said slowly, sounding rather suspicious.
"Well tell us, when you were young, and living in Cleveland, were you interested much in science fiction, and UFOs and such things ?", Faunus asked, trying to make it all sound very innocent.
Now if you have been reading this story, you should know that Glen never lived in Cleveland, but Faunus was just checking to see how effective his programming on Glen had been, while at the same time introducing the topics of UFOs and aliens."Not really, Glen said.
"I was much more interested in sport - basketball and my wrestling - and cars.
I didn't read much, but I did watch some TV series about aliens and stuff, but not a lot.", Glen explained.
"And did you see anything on TV about aliens capturing people and taking them on board their flying saucers - what they call 'alien abductions' ?", Faunus asked.
"Well yes....but what's this all about ?", Glen said, apparently becoming uneasy at the line Faunus' questioning was taking.
Glen quickly looked at Faunus and Ethan.
"You guys......and Jim and the 'Boss'......'you're from the government or something...?", Glen asked aggressively.
"Now calm down, Glen....
No way...we're your friends...", Faunus said.
"So what, then ?", Glen continued......
"Well we have reason to believe that you may have been abducted by aliens, and all these dreams, and drawing are connected with that.", Faunus said, trying to be as calm as possible.
"Well I'm sorry, Faunus , but people who say things like 'we have reason to believe' - smell to me like cops, or something worse.", Glen said, obviously becoming frightened.
"Glen....", Ethan interrupted.
"Faunus is being straight with you.
We have nothing to do with the police, or the government, and we only want to help."
"OK....then why do you think I may have been abducted by aliens - I only met Faunus when I got off the bus in Amarillo - so how did he know anything about me ?", Glen asked.
"That's not important." Faunus then said in a slow, and very deliberate manner.
Both Ethan and Teddy, at that point, knew what Faunus was doing.
"But then, I suppose that's not important", Glen said, rather dreamily.
Ethan smiled - and waited to see what was going to come next.
"So, Glen, we are going to Sundance , and then to the Devils Tower in order to find out what these 'aliens' want, and we need you to help us.", Faunus said.
At this point - if you haven't understood what is happening, (which might mean that you are slower on the uptake than Ethan - which could be a problem for you), then we should explain.
Faunus has 'taken over' Glen - what humans call 'hypnotism', but withFaunus it's not quite the same, - so Glen has stopped being awkward, and is now quite happy to help, believing he is an important member of the group (which he is), on an important mission (which he is) - and the next thing to do is to have a meal at yet another of those roadside diners.
Meanwhile, Ethan and Glen had a quiet chat about Teddy, as if nothing had happened - which it hadn't, and which was good.
Teddy, however, was not very happy, as he hated people talking about him as if he was just a 'stuffed toy', and was unable hear their conversation.
 |
Rabbit Ear Diner - Colorado
original image: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk
|
Oddly, considering the previous comments about Thumper - 'he of the long ears' - this diner was called the 'Rabbit Ear Diner' (really !).
The two cars parked up, and the 'Boss', and Jim, followed by Faunus and Ethan - carrying Teddy in his Walmart bag - and lastly Glen, entered the diner.
"Oh my god !", Ethan said.
"It's another one of these.....!".
And it was full, and hot, and the smell of fried food was overpowering.
"Well, Ethan, you always said you wanted to see the Wild West.", the 'Boss' said, smiling.
Of course Ethan was hoping to order fried rabbit ear - with all the trimmings - but the 'Boss', who had a good idea that rabbit ears would not be on the menu, managed to dissuade him.
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| Pepsi Max Note this Blog is NOT sponsored by 'PepsiCo'. |
Pepsi Max (also known as Pepsi Black in some countries) is a low-calorie, sugar-free cola, marketed by PepsiCo as an alternative to their drinks Pepsi and Diet Pepsi. Maybe in your America it has been renamed 'Pepsi Zero Sugar', but in this America it is known as 'Pepsi Max' - and Ethan is a Pepsi Max addict, which is probably why he's so full of energy, and so slim.Back in the harsh sunlight, the 'Boss' and Faunus walked over to where the huge, gleaming Cadillac was parked alongside Faunus' Edsel.
 |
| Cadillac Engine |
Like almost everything on a Cadillac, the hood (UK bonnet) was electrically operated - it saved all that fiddling around, and getting you hands dirty, (Cadillac owners never have dirty hands).
Why don't you have a normal car, like me, with a normal sized engine ?", Faunus asked, sarcastically.
"Your car is not 'normal'.
Nobody can say an Edsel is 'normal' - and particularly a pink one.", the 'Boss' replied.
"It's puce, actually...Sir.", Faunus said, tetchily correcting the 'Boss'.
Once the hood was open, the 'Boss' explained the real reason why they were looking at a perfectly functioning engine.
"I brought you out here, Faunus, because I was wondering if you had the opportunity to talk to Glen about the purpose of our journey to Sundance ?", the 'Boss' began.
 |
| Cleveland Suburb |
Glen obviously thinks that there's something strange about us, but then because I left his memories of his previous life in Cleveland quite vague, his underlying feelings are that he has nothing to go back to - but also that he has no connections here, in the South West - other than us.", Faunus explained.
The 'Boss' pretended to 'fiddle' with the engine, in case anybody came by.
"That's good, Faunus."
"The problem was, however, that when I started to introduce the topic of UFOs and abductions, he became very suspicious, and started to suggest that we were in some way connected with the police, or the government....."
Faunus paused for a moment.
"So I had to take over....".
The 'Boss' smiled.
"I see, you did one of your 'mind control' tricks...", the 'Boss' said warily.
"But I had no choice.
I didn't want to give him too much information - all in one go.
I know you humans often find in difficult to face the truth, and you sometimes become a bit irrational.
And the truth, for young Glen, would be very difficult to come to terms with." Faunus said.
"Of course...", the 'Boss agreed.
 |
| Glen |
 |
| Alien Life-force |
"Well yes.....
But I think it will be problematic to explain to him that he's a 'life force' that was originally 'alien', and was later given human form - and that his previous memories have all been irrevocably lost, and that now he must start again, from scratch, as it were.
The problem is that in some ways he's a bit like Teddy. - a 'life force' that has been given a particular form and identity - although in some ways that is the case for all of us.", Faunus said.
For a moment the 'Boss' looked a bit puzzled.
"Well yes.....
That's a bit too deep for me, but I begin to get the idea.", the 'Boss' said.
"But that's a problem that we shall have to deal with when the time and circumstances require....
For the moment I think that you should take it easy with Glen.....try to get Ethan to think before he says anything, and chat to them about the Indian tribes from this area...
I presume you know about the Indian tribes ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Sir...I've been with you so long - in this time and place - that I think I know almost as much as you do about the Native Americans.", Faunus said.
"Yes...yes of course...", the 'Boss' replied as they made their way back to the Rabbit Ear Diner.
"I've just had a word with Faunus, and he tells me that you were a little careless with what you were saying in front of Glen, so for the rest of the journey please be a little more careful."
The 'Boss' couldn't help but smile as Ethan gave a remarkable impression of a 'naughty schoolboy'.
"I'm sorry Sir...I sometimes get excited and forget.
I'll try to remember in future....".
With and apology like that it was quite easy to see why the 'Boss' was so attached to his 'special little guy'.
Of course, the 'Boss' had been careful to ensure that nobody else heard his brief conversation with Ethan - as always in such situation, - and Ethan, of course was grateful for the continuing respect that the 'Boss' showed him.
So, leaving the culinary delights of the 'Rabbit Ear Diner', they returned to their respective autos.
The drive to Castle Rock would only be a couple of hours, if that, and Faunus was well armed with hopefully interesting and exciting stories for Glen and Ethan about the 'savage' Indians of the 'Great Plains'.
Teddy, however, was getting a bit sticky in his plastic Walmart bag, and was glad to be allowed to sit in the front seat of the Edsel, with Faunus, as they set off for Castle Rock.
Once Jim and the 'Boss' were settled in the Cadillac, with Jim taking over the driving, Jim decided to take advantage of the situation and approach the 'Boss' again about a subject that he been troubling him for some time.
Jim was still puzzled about the connection between the Native Americans and 'aliens' and UFOs, and he was sure that both Faunus and the 'Boss' were not revealing everything that they in fact knew.
When Jim broached the subject, once they were making good headway towards their destination, the 'Boss' consented to give a slightly fuller explanation.
And so the 'Boss' began one of his thoughtful talks.....
"Native Americans, it seems, do not have any fear of 'aliens' because their cultures can remember a time when 'Star People', as they call them, used to interact very freely with human beings.
Before the Europeans discovered the Americas, the land had been populated by many cultures, and there were millions of people, however, Native Americans were almost annihilated by the coming of the white settlers, and this meant that much their ancient knowledge went with them."
The 'Boss' then paused for a moment to let Jim consider that fact.
Then he continued...
"There were, of course, some survivors who passed down stories and legends of their peoples.
The interesting point for us is that a lot of those stories revolve around what the native Americans call the 'Star People'.
The 'Star People' it seems were various beings who, it appeared, came from the sky, and shared a connection with certain chosen human beings.
It has been said that the ancient world had been in contact with many 'extra-terrestrials' who were very advanced, and this is evident by the many stories which describe the interactions.
Many cultures have been separated by many thousands of years, and yet they refer to flying objects, and advanced technology, that at the time was thought to be magic, or the actions of the 'gods'..... and these stories are very prevalent among the Native tribes of America."
The 'Boss' leaned forward, opened the chilled drinks cabinet, and took out a 'Pesi Max for Jim, and poured himself a Jack Daniel's.
The 'Boss' then leaned back in his luxuriously upholstered leather seat, next to Jim, who was at the wheel, took a sip, and and continued.
"To give you particular examples, the Hopi, who were a peaceful tribe, thought that their ancestors had come from the Pleiades - very significant star cluster in many mythologies.
Of course, the 'Boss' had been careful to ensure that nobody else heard his brief conversation with Ethan - as always in such situation, - and Ethan, of course was grateful for the continuing respect that the 'Boss' showed him.
So, leaving the culinary delights of the 'Rabbit Ear Diner', they returned to their respective autos.
The drive to Castle Rock would only be a couple of hours, if that, and Faunus was well armed with hopefully interesting and exciting stories for Glen and Ethan about the 'savage' Indians of the 'Great Plains'.
Teddy, however, was getting a bit sticky in his plastic Walmart bag, and was glad to be allowed to sit in the front seat of the Edsel, with Faunus, as they set off for Castle Rock.
Once Jim and the 'Boss' were settled in the Cadillac, with Jim taking over the driving, Jim decided to take advantage of the situation and approach the 'Boss' again about a subject that he been troubling him for some time.
Jim was still puzzled about the connection between the Native Americans and 'aliens' and UFOs, and he was sure that both Faunus and the 'Boss' were not revealing everything that they in fact knew.
When Jim broached the subject, once they were making good headway towards their destination, the 'Boss' consented to give a slightly fuller explanation.
And so the 'Boss' began one of his thoughtful talks.....
"Native Americans, it seems, do not have any fear of 'aliens' because their cultures can remember a time when 'Star People', as they call them, used to interact very freely with human beings.
Before the Europeans discovered the Americas, the land had been populated by many cultures, and there were millions of people, however, Native Americans were almost annihilated by the coming of the white settlers, and this meant that much their ancient knowledge went with them."
The 'Boss' then paused for a moment to let Jim consider that fact.
Then he continued...
"There were, of course, some survivors who passed down stories and legends of their peoples.
The interesting point for us is that a lot of those stories revolve around what the native Americans call the 'Star People'.
The 'Star People' it seems were various beings who, it appeared, came from the sky, and shared a connection with certain chosen human beings.
It has been said that the ancient world had been in contact with many 'extra-terrestrials' who were very advanced, and this is evident by the many stories which describe the interactions.
Many cultures have been separated by many thousands of years, and yet they refer to flying objects, and advanced technology, that at the time was thought to be magic, or the actions of the 'gods'..... and these stories are very prevalent among the Native tribes of America."
The 'Boss' leaned forward, opened the chilled drinks cabinet, and took out a 'Pesi Max for Jim, and poured himself a Jack Daniel's.
The 'Boss' then leaned back in his luxuriously upholstered leather seat, next to Jim, who was at the wheel, took a sip, and and continued.
"To give you particular examples, the Hopi, who were a peaceful tribe, thought that their ancestors had come from the Pleiades - very significant star cluster in many mythologies.
Pleiades Star Cluster
The Pleiades, also known as the 'Seven Sisters', and Messier 45, is an open star cluster containing middle-aged, hot B-type stars located in the constellation of Taurus. It is among the nearest star clusters to Earth and is the cluster most obvious to the naked eye in the night sky.
Legends from the Dakota point to the same star cluster, which they called 'Tiyami', as being the primal home of their ancestors.
The Cree also believed that their ancestors came from the stars, but they were in 'spirit form', and only later turned into humans when on Earth.
The Lakota people talk about mysterious, celestial beings that were able to manifest as spheres of light, and they would choose children to follow them when they went on a journey through time and space."
"And what's this business about a 'journey though time'?", Jim asked, interrupting.
"Yes...I thought you might spot that....
'Well that's something that I will leave to Faunus to explain, as it's a bit to complicated for me.", the 'Boss' said apologetically.
"OK, but I will remember to ask him.", Jim said.
The 'Boss' smiled.
"Now you just keep your eyes on the road, and listen", the 'Boss' said.
"Now as for UFOs, the Native Americans have talked about 'shields' that fly for a long time, and it is thought now that they relate to what we now call 'flying saucers'.
An Oglala holy man, who toured with 'Buffalo Bills Wild West Show', said that he had experienced 'flying shields' a long time before the term 'UFO' was invented.
He said that it made very little sound, and that it had lights on it that were like neon lights.
He went on to say that 'little people' had come and each of the groups had talked in a different language and they could read minds.
He also said that he could read their minds, and communication was silent.", the 'Boss' explained.
"Well that's really weird, because the UFO that we saw near Corona was like two concave objects joined together, and it was practically silent, and most of the 'aliens' were small, and when they communicated with one another, and also with Faunus, it was by telepathy.", Jim said excitedly.
The 'Boss' nodded and continued.
"Well that fits in with what we know of the experiences of many native peoples.
An important point in all of this is the fact that so many native legends refer to the sky, and describe interactions with those who apparently 'dwell' in the sky.
Also, some of these legends were believed to explain certain 'celestial fixtures', such as the formation of the Pleiades.
That constellation, in fact, turns up with some regularity among ancient native peoples.
The prevalence of star and sky myths, of course due, in part, to the 'outdoor' nature of 'native' cultures, with the sky, - particularly the night sky, looming overhead so mysteriously - like a living reality - and such a sky is rarely contemplated by those who live mostly indoors."
Jim nodded, remembering how brilliant and detailed the night skies were in the South Western states.
The 'Boss' paused, and then looked around.
"But Jim, I think it might be a good idea if you payed attention to your navigation device, as I just saw a sign on the road welcoming us to Castle Rock", the 'Boss' warned - and Jim obediently complied.
And so they arrive at Castle Rock, and 'La Quinta Inn'.
Both autos parked-up, and as the 'Boss', moments before, had rang ahead, bell-hops were immediately available to take their luggage and escort them to Reception.
"Looks a bit sparse....", Ethan said, as he entered the reception area, casually swinging his Walmart bag - much to Teddy's annoyance.
"Modern, you see...", the 'Boss' said.
"And Jim thought Taliesin West was bad.....", the 'Boss' added, as he checked them in.
"Well this will do me,..." Jim replied.., "as I'm a bit tired after that driving."
And so they spread themselves out on the rather idiosyncratic lobby furniture, while their luggage was taken up to their rooms.
One very heavy item of luggage that was being transferred to Jim and Ethan's suite was an item that you might have completely forgotten about.
It was Jim's amazing Meade telescope.
The telescope, in its beautiful and very heavy, protective traveling case, had been lugged from one hotel to another for much of their journey.
The telescope, of course, was a very extravagant gift from the 'Boss' to Jim, and had been bought at the Lowell Observatory, in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Jim had only managed to use it once, and that was on a brief stargazing expedition near Tuscon, (note: link leads to adult content), Arizona.
It was on that stargazing expedition that they were accosted by what appeared to be and an abandoned 'alien'.
Faunus named the rather strange alien 'Roger', - who it seemed was trying to make friends with Faunus' Esdel, and who also wanted to have a look through Jim's telescope
Later, with a little help from Faunus, the wonky alien became 'Glen' - that is 'Glen Mk I' (or 'Little Glen') - not to be confused with 'Glen MK II - the current version.
And why all the fuss about this telescope ?
Well - Jim had never had any real interest in astronomy, (the 'Boss' of course had), and the only reason that the 'Boss' had bought the telescope was because of the encouragement from the suspiciously young, so called 'Director' of the Lowell Observatory, Dr.James Smith, (Faunus, in one of his endless disguises), who, having knowledge of future events, realized that an expedition to the summit of the Devils Tower in order to take astronomical photos would be an excellent cover to fool the National Parks Service of the Department of the Interior, and the helicopter hire company.
But that was for later.....
The Cree also believed that their ancestors came from the stars, but they were in 'spirit form', and only later turned into humans when on Earth.
The Lakota people talk about mysterious, celestial beings that were able to manifest as spheres of light, and they would choose children to follow them when they went on a journey through time and space."
"And what's this business about a 'journey though time'?", Jim asked, interrupting.
"Yes...I thought you might spot that....
'Well that's something that I will leave to Faunus to explain, as it's a bit to complicated for me.", the 'Boss' said apologetically.
"OK, but I will remember to ask him.", Jim said.
The 'Boss' smiled.
"Now you just keep your eyes on the road, and listen", the 'Boss' said.
 |
| 'Buffalo Bill' |
An Oglala holy man, who toured with 'Buffalo Bills Wild West Show', said that he had experienced 'flying shields' a long time before the term 'UFO' was invented.
William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody was born on the 26th February 184, and died on January 10th, 1917.He was an American scout, bison hunter, and showman. He was born in Le Claire, Iowa Territory (now the U.S. state of Iowa),
He said that a disk had landed near him, and that the disk was concave, with another one on the top of it.The Oglala meaning 'to scatter one's own' in Lakota language) are one of the seven sub-tribes of the Lakota people who, along with the Dakota, make up the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Seven Council Fires). A majority of the Oglala live on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the eighth-largest Native American reservation in the United States
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| Corona UFO |
He went on to say that 'little people' had come and each of the groups had talked in a different language and they could read minds.
He also said that he could read their minds, and communication was silent.", the 'Boss' explained.
"Well that's really weird, because the UFO that we saw near Corona was like two concave objects joined together, and it was practically silent, and most of the 'aliens' were small, and when they communicated with one another, and also with Faunus, it was by telepathy.", Jim said excitedly.
The 'Boss' nodded and continued.
"Well that fits in with what we know of the experiences of many native peoples.
An important point in all of this is the fact that so many native legends refer to the sky, and describe interactions with those who apparently 'dwell' in the sky.
Also, some of these legends were believed to explain certain 'celestial fixtures', such as the formation of the Pleiades.
That constellation, in fact, turns up with some regularity among ancient native peoples.
The prevalence of star and sky myths, of course due, in part, to the 'outdoor' nature of 'native' cultures, with the sky, - particularly the night sky, looming overhead so mysteriously - like a living reality - and such a sky is rarely contemplated by those who live mostly indoors."
 |
| Legend of the Devils Tower |
The 'Boss' continued, as he finished his Jack Daniel's.
"Now one of these legends might be of particular interest to us on this 'mission', so perhaps you could let Ethan know about it, when we get to Castle Rock.
The legend is one told by the Lakota people, and tells of seven beautiful maidens being chased by a giant bear.
As the bear began to overtake them, they got on their knees and prayed for divine intervention.
The result of their praying was that the ground beneath them erupted, lifting them high into the air, and out of harm’s way, as the huge bear clawed at the risen ground to try and reach them.
The result , the Lakota say, was Devil’s Tower, and it was the giant bear’s claws that carved vertical grooves into the rock.
Subsequently, the seven maidens were installed above as the Pleiades star cluster.
Also, a Zuni elder, and member of the 'Kachina Society', tells that his 'grandfathers' taught him about a very direct connection his people had with what he described as 'beings from space', and that these 'beings' continue to visit and interact with the Zuni people to this day....... and in the same vein, a Sioux shaman stated that when he went on a 'vision quest', a 'disk' came from above.... and such reports are not uncommon - so, to answer your question, Jim, there appears to be a long running association with what we would describe as 'alien' beings and Native Americans - and particularly in the American South West.",
"Now one of these legends might be of particular interest to us on this 'mission', so perhaps you could let Ethan know about it, when we get to Castle Rock.
The legend is one told by the Lakota people, and tells of seven beautiful maidens being chased by a giant bear.
As the bear began to overtake them, they got on their knees and prayed for divine intervention.
The result of their praying was that the ground beneath them erupted, lifting them high into the air, and out of harm’s way, as the huge bear clawed at the risen ground to try and reach them.
The result , the Lakota say, was Devil’s Tower, and it was the giant bear’s claws that carved vertical grooves into the rock.
Subsequently, the seven maidens were installed above as the Pleiades star cluster.
Also, a Zuni elder, and member of the 'Kachina Society', tells that his 'grandfathers' taught him about a very direct connection his people had with what he described as 'beings from space', and that these 'beings' continue to visit and interact with the Zuni people to this day....... and in the same vein, a Sioux shaman stated that when he went on a 'vision quest', a 'disk' came from above.... and such reports are not uncommon - so, to answer your question, Jim, there appears to be a long running association with what we would describe as 'alien' beings and Native Americans - and particularly in the American South West.",
The 'Kachina' cult has been described as a common denominator in Hopi religion. Nearly every Hopi takes part in it, and 'Kachinas' are a popular and much discussed feature of Hopi life. Hopi Kachinas are believed to be supernatural beings, embodying the spirits of living things, and also the spirits of ancestors who have died and become a part of nature. 'Kachina's are believed to possess powers over nature, especially the weather, but higher 'gods' limit the extent of their powers. There are still other supernatural beings in the Hopi pantheon that are not Kachinas, but which affect Kachinas.
Zuni dancer
 |
| La Quinta Inn - Castle Rock - Entrance |
"But Jim, I think it might be a good idea if you payed attention to your navigation device, as I just saw a sign on the road welcoming us to Castle Rock", the 'Boss' warned - and Jim obediently complied.
Both autos parked-up, and as the 'Boss', moments before, had rang ahead, bell-hops were immediately available to take their luggage and escort them to Reception."Looks a bit sparse....", Ethan said, as he entered the reception area, casually swinging his Walmart bag - much to Teddy's annoyance.
"Modern, you see...", the 'Boss' said.
"And Jim thought Taliesin West was bad.....", the 'Boss' added, as he checked them in.
"Well this will do me,..." Jim replied.., "as I'm a bit tired after that driving."
 |
| Lowell Observatory - Flagstaff, Arizona |
It was Jim's amazing Meade telescope.
The telescope, in its beautiful and very heavy, protective traveling case, had been lugged from one hotel to another for much of their journey.
The telescope, of course, was a very extravagant gift from the 'Boss' to Jim, and had been bought at the Lowell Observatory, in Flagstaff, Arizona.
 |
| 'Roger' makes Friends with the Edsel (Douglas) |
 |
| Jim's Meade Telescope |
Faunus named the rather strange alien 'Roger', - who it seemed was trying to make friends with Faunus' Esdel, and who also wanted to have a look through Jim's telescope
Later, with a little help from Faunus, the wonky alien became 'Glen' - that is 'Glen Mk I' (or 'Little Glen') - not to be confused with 'Glen MK II - the current version.
And why all the fuss about this telescope ?
Well - Jim had never had any real interest in astronomy, (the 'Boss' of course had), and the only reason that the 'Boss' had bought the telescope was because of the encouragement from the suspiciously young, so called 'Director' of the Lowell Observatory, Dr.James Smith, (Faunus, in one of his endless disguises), who, having knowledge of future events, realized that an expedition to the summit of the Devils Tower in order to take astronomical photos would be an excellent cover to fool the National Parks Service of the Department of the Interior, and the helicopter hire company.
But that was for later.....
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....
The Cadillac and the Edsel eventually arrive at Castle Rock, where 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 reconnoitre of the Devils Tower.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
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