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 'Boss' and Faunus 'finalize' matters with Jonathan and Mrs. Kent - and then, while the new member of the group prepares for what will be the final part of the journey, and also meets Teddy and Glaux, the 'gang' enjoys a short break in Wichita, before they move on to Tennessee
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| The Road to the Kent Farm |
The Kent's farm was not far outside the town of Hutchinson - a short drive along a fairly straight road that rand through what appeared to be good farming country.
Ethan ha alerted the 'Boss' to the fact that the 'farm boy' had been located, and so the 'Boss' had got Faunus to pas on the information to the others, who then were able to 'stand down'.
The 'Boss' then assured Ethan that he, accompanied by Faunus', would soon be arriving at the farm.
This would be simply achieved by using a tracking devise, fitted to all of the fleet of automobiles used by the 'Boss' and his associates.
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| Entrance to the Kent Farm |
'The 'Boss' also warned Ethan to be very careful regarding what he said to young Jonathan Kent and his mother.
Eventually they arrived at the farm, and Jonathan got out and opened the farm gate.
The farm itself was not large, and although it was quite well cared for, it gave the impression of having seen better days.
It had been some years, judging by the date on the headstone in the cemetery, since Jonathan Kent senior had been around to look after the place, although considering his wife and son, and any hired hands they could afford to employ, had been responsible for the farm's upkeep it was not looking too bad.
If Jonathan left the farm to go to college, however, without his input, and the decline in farming profits being felt in Kansas, it would make things very difficult for Jonathan's mother.
Jonathan turned to Jim.
"This could be difficult
We don't get strangers calling very often...so I'd better go in first, and explain things to my mother - so you and Ethan just wait here.", Jonathan said, obviously a little embarrassed.
A short while later Mrs Kent came out onto the porch with Jonathan.
She looked worried.
Ethan, however, broke the ice with a wave, and his infectious smile.
"Come in....please...", Jonathan's mother said, realizing that it seemed rude to leave their two guests sitting outside in the convertible.
Jim and Ethan mounted the four wooden steps, and politely shook hands with Mr's Kent.
"This is all a little strange...", she began.
"Jonathan here has told me how you met in the cemetery, and how you were looking for him - and he says that your uncle has some kind of job for him...but as far as I know, Jonathan's planning to go to College after High School .... but come in anyway.".
And so, although Jim and Ethan's appearance at the Kent farm was very unexpected, 'country hospitality' demanded that they be given a friendly welcome.
Soon they were all seated in the very comfortable living room of the Kent's Farmhouse.
Mrs Kent looked young for her age (as the mother of a boy leaving his teenage years), and was an attractive and kindly looking woman.
On a low bookcase was a framed picture of a handsome young man.
Jim looked to it.
"Is that a photo of your husband ?", he asked.
"Yes, that's Jonathan....shortly after we were married.", Mrs Kent said wistfully.
"A very handsome man...", Ethan added.
"Well I thought so...", Mrs Kent said, with feeling.
"And Jonathan here thinks very highly of him...", Jim said.
"Now about this job....", Jim then said, getting down to business - perhaps a little too quickly.
"I can't really tell you anything about it....as it's my uncle who is making the offer, but I've taken the liberty, with Jonathan's permission, to ask my uncle to speak to you about it, and he should be arriving here at the farm shortly.
Mrs Kent looked at Jonathan - obviously surprised.
"And this job...Jonathan...you know about it ?", Mrs Kent asked, sounding rather annoyed.
"Not really....Jim said that his uncle would explain everything.", Jonathan replied.
And before anything else could be said, the sound of the huge Cadillac was heard outside the house.
"That will be my uncle now....", Jim said.
Jonathan jumped up - obviously keen to know what the 'Boss' had to say, and went to the door.
"Ah...you must be Jonathan....", it was the voice of the 'Boss' at his most friendly and accommodating.
"I've come to speak with your mother, Jonathan, if that's convenient.
My name is Johnson.", the 'Boss' said.
"Show Mr Johnson in...Jonathan.", Mrs Kent called out from where she was sitting.
She had overheard the request from the 'Boss' to speak to her, and she considered it far from polite to leave him standing at the door.
The 'Boss' came into the living room, along with Faunus.
They were both looking very formal, wearing dark business suits, and Faunus was carrying a 'MacBook Pro'.
Mrs Kent stood, and offered her hand to the 'Boss'.
"I'm Martha....Martha Kent.....and you must be Jim's uncle ?". Martha said.
"Yes....and I hope that you don't mind us calling on you like this - in this rather unexpected way.",
The 'Boss' then turned, and indicated to Faunus.
"This is Don Picaro, one of my most trusted advisers.", the 'Boss' added, as Faunus nodded to Martha.
"Well I don't know why you want Jonathan to work for you,", Martha began, "and of course it's up to Jonathan to make any decision about this - he's not a boy, after all, but I do think it would help if you told us a little more about yourself, and what this job is all about.", Martha said.
"Of course....that's only to be expected.", the 'Boss began.
"Well, I originally came from Europe, but as a young man I studied at Yale, and spent much of my early life as an archaeologist and anthropologist, researching in Mexico, and here in the South and the Mid-West.
Later I settled in 'Vegas, and developed business interests in importing, and in the Hotels, Catering and Sports Facilities, mainly in Nevada and California, a although I also kept some business interests in Mexico and Central America."
"So if...just if , Jonathan took up your offer, where would he be working ?", Martha asked.
"Well mainly in 'Vegas, where I have my headquarters.", the 'Boss' replied....guessing what would come next.
"But that's quite some way from here...", Martha said.
"Yes, but he would have a company car or, if you required him urgently, we would fly him into the Wichita National Airport, which is only a short drive away.", the 'Boss' explained, reassuringly.
"I see....", Martha replied, gradually realizing that this was not just any everyday job-offer.
"So...if you don't mind me asking, why did you choose Jonathan here ?", Martha asked, obviously puzzled.
"Well actually, I didn't....
One of my senior advisers spotted him on some internet articles.
We were looking for someone who could be useful in possibly the Sports facilities area, or also possibly in security - like our Ethan here.", and the Boss' gestured to Ethan - "But of course not all our security personnel need to be as physically big as your Jonathan.
Security also requires brains - for instance in detecting fraud and such-like.", the 'Boss' explained.
"Now my main concern here is that Jonathan won't be worried about what's happening on the farm.
For that reason I want to prepare a financial package that will ensure that in his absence you shall be secure, and the farm will be able to be run as your late husband would have wished.", the 'Boss' stated.
Martha looked visibility surprised."
"Now my intention is to give Jonathan a salary that will substantially help to support the farm, and clear any outstanding debts, but that sum will be placed directly in a 'Farm Account' that will be under your exclusive management.
A lesser sum will be allocated to Jonathan for his own personal use.
In addition, a company car, and a company apartment - situated in the same apartment block as Jim and Ethan - and also Zac, who will be Jonathan's direct boss - will also be provided, plus a clothing allowance, and gym and sports facilities membership.
Now if you have the time, and are agreeable, Don Picaro can confidentially work out with you the farm finances so that a remuneration package can speedily be put into operation.", the 'Boss' explained.
"Now I don't wish to sound rude or ungrateful, but this all sounds too good to be true, so may I ask - respectfully - what's in this for you ?", Martha asked.
Now Jim, of course, could have answered that question very simply.
If the 'Boss' wanted something, he would simply make 'an offer that couldn't be refused' - and that's how he always got what he wanted.
"What's 'in it for me' is a a good, loyal and conscientious worker - who will not be distracted by any family or other worries - that's all.", the 'Boss' stated.
"But you take your time, and think about it, and talk it over with Jonathan....Don Picaro will give you my number....", and with that the 'Boss' stood up and prepared to leave.
As the 'Boss' rose to leave, he gestured to Jim and Ethan to follow him.
"Come on, boys - let Mrs Kent and Jonathan have a chance to talk about this..." the 'Boss' said quietly - deliberately including the word 'chance' in his remark.
"Yes, Sir.", Jim said, and Martha looked up, surprised at the respect that Jim showed his uncle.
Jim and Ethan then made their goodbyes, shaking hands with Martha, who was obviously unsure if she really wanted them to go, meanwhile, as the 'Boss' shook hands with Martha and left the farm-house with Jim and Ethan, Faunus (Don Picaro) stayed on, casually talking to Martha and Jonathan.
The 'Boss' by then had settled himself in the back seat of Jim's convertible, leaving Jim, accompanied by Ethan to drive him back to the hotel in Wichita.
Interestingly, the huge black Cadillac was left for Faunus, so there was no hurry for him to leave.
And, of course, it was at this point that Faunus could work his 'magic' and, as a seemingly 'disinterested spectator' he could use his laptop to begin convincing Martha and Jonathan that they would be very foolish, at least from the financial point of view, to reject the offer that he 'Boss' had made.
And so, using Jim's convertible and the large black Cadillac, they set off once again to Hutchinson.
Now while Kansas is a place full of nice friendly 'folks', there are drawbacks to this particular state.
The main one is that unless you like really wide-open, very flat spaces, then the Kansas landscape isn't all that interesting, so the journey back to Hutchinson was, to be honest, quite boring.
Eventually they arrived at the Cosmosphere.
What surprised them, however, was the fact that the Cosmosphere was right next to the Hutchinson High-school, and more to the point, next to the Salt-Hawk's Stadium, where Jonathan must have played on so many occasions.
And so they parked, and just went into the main entrance, and paid the $9.50, just like everyone else, and Ethan didn't even bother to try and get in for half-price.
Now they had been to a 'space museum' before - that is Jim and Max and the 'Boss' - and on that occasion (Chapter 28) they had taken the 'original, younger version' of Glen -
(if you find that a little confusing, then you need to go back to Chapter 25 - 'Visitors and Combat').
On this occasion, however, they were taking the 'new' Glen, who had no memory of that previous occasion - so to avoid 'problems', no mention of it was made.
And so, for 'new' Glen, and Ethan a 'space museum' was a new experience.
Jim, who was expecting to be bored, was agreeably surprised.
While the building was not quite so lavish as that at Alamogordo, in New Mexico, the actual contents of the 'museum' was far more comprehensive and detailed.
Ethan, although not technically or scientifically minded, found it interesting, and was relieved to find that there were no exhibits about 'pesky aliens'.
Ethan, of course, insisted on having one of those 'typical' tourist-style photos taken of himself as an astronaut, supposedly landing on the Moon with Neil Armstrong - and it looked surprisingly convincing - except for the fact that Ethan was not wearing a space-suit.
The question, of course, remains - if the 'gang', with a digital camera, could fake Ethan landing on the Moon - then what about the landing on July 20, 1969 - and the suspiciously sharp and clear photos of that event.
'Real or fake....?' that's the question.
And why no further landings after December 11, 1972 - or was it the last landing ?
Ethan decided he should talk to Teddy, and get Teddy to remind him to ask the 'alien leader' - assuming that they had a further meeting.
Glen enjoyed the visit to the Cosmosphere immensely, and the 'Boss' was interested to see many exhibits of early rocketry. going right back to the initial German developments.
As at Alamogordo, however, the highlight of the trip was the planetarium.
For some reason that they were unable to discover, the Planetarium was called 'The Justice Planetarium' - which worried Ethan, as he thought their may be a possibility that he might be arrested for some unknown crime - like 'transporting a teddy-bear across the State Line' - but nothing so dreadful actually occurred.
The Planetarium itself had been recently upgraded with the latest equipment, but was rather small.
Of course nobody knew - except Faunus.
And the dream ?
It was of the Great Kiva - in Chaco Canyon - New Mexico.....
"So why don'rt you join us for this conversation...?", Faunus added, sarcastically.
"This could be difficult
We don't get strangers calling very often...so I'd better go in first, and explain things to my mother - so you and Ethan just wait here.", Jonathan said, obviously a little embarrassed.
A short while later Mrs Kent came out onto the porch with Jonathan.
She looked worried.
Ethan, however, broke the ice with a wave, and his infectious smile.
"Come in....please...", Jonathan's mother said, realizing that it seemed rude to leave their two guests sitting outside in the convertible.
Jim and Ethan mounted the four wooden steps, and politely shook hands with Mr's Kent.
"This is all a little strange...", she began.
"Jonathan here has told me how you met in the cemetery, and how you were looking for him - and he says that your uncle has some kind of job for him...but as far as I know, Jonathan's planning to go to College after High School .... but come in anyway.".
And so, although Jim and Ethan's appearance at the Kent farm was very unexpected, 'country hospitality' demanded that they be given a friendly welcome.
 |
| Martha Kent |
Mrs Kent looked young for her age (as the mother of a boy leaving his teenage years), and was an attractive and kindly looking woman.
On a low bookcase was a framed picture of a handsome young man.
Jim looked to it.
"Is that a photo of your husband ?", he asked.
"Yes, that's Jonathan....shortly after we were married.", Mrs Kent said wistfully.
"A very handsome man...", Ethan added.
"Well I thought so...", Mrs Kent said, with feeling.
"And Jonathan here thinks very highly of him...", Jim said.
"Now about this job....", Jim then said, getting down to business - perhaps a little too quickly.
"I can't really tell you anything about it....as it's my uncle who is making the offer, but I've taken the liberty, with Jonathan's permission, to ask my uncle to speak to you about it, and he should be arriving here at the farm shortly.
Mrs Kent looked at Jonathan - obviously surprised.
"And this job...Jonathan...you know about it ?", Mrs Kent asked, sounding rather annoyed.
"Not really....Jim said that his uncle would explain everything.", Jonathan replied.
And before anything else could be said, the sound of the huge Cadillac was heard outside the house.
"That will be my uncle now....", Jim said.
Jonathan jumped up - obviously keen to know what the 'Boss' had to say, and went to the door.
"Ah...you must be Jonathan....", it was the voice of the 'Boss' at his most friendly and accommodating.
"I've come to speak with your mother, Jonathan, if that's convenient.
My name is Johnson.", the 'Boss' said.
"Show Mr Johnson in...Jonathan.", Mrs Kent called out from where she was sitting.
She had overheard the request from the 'Boss' to speak to her, and she considered it far from polite to leave him standing at the door.
The 'Boss' came into the living room, along with Faunus.
They were both looking very formal, wearing dark business suits, and Faunus was carrying a 'MacBook Pro'.
Mrs Kent stood, and offered her hand to the 'Boss'.
"I'm Martha....Martha Kent.....and you must be Jim's uncle ?". Martha said.
"Yes....and I hope that you don't mind us calling on you like this - in this rather unexpected way.",
The 'Boss' then turned, and indicated to Faunus.
"This is Don Picaro, one of my most trusted advisers.", the 'Boss' added, as Faunus nodded to Martha.
"Well I don't know why you want Jonathan to work for you,", Martha began, "and of course it's up to Jonathan to make any decision about this - he's not a boy, after all, but I do think it would help if you told us a little more about yourself, and what this job is all about.", Martha said.
"Of course....that's only to be expected.", the 'Boss began.
"Well, I originally came from Europe, but as a young man I studied at Yale, and spent much of my early life as an archaeologist and anthropologist, researching in Mexico, and here in the South and the Mid-West.
Later I settled in 'Vegas, and developed business interests in importing, and in the Hotels, Catering and Sports Facilities, mainly in Nevada and California, a although I also kept some business interests in Mexico and Central America."
"So if...just if , Jonathan took up your offer, where would he be working ?", Martha asked.
"Well mainly in 'Vegas, where I have my headquarters.", the 'Boss' replied....guessing what would come next.
 |
| Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport |
"Yes, but he would have a company car or, if you required him urgently, we would fly him into the Wichita National Airport, which is only a short drive away.", the 'Boss' explained, reassuringly.
"I see....", Martha replied, gradually realizing that this was not just any everyday job-offer.
"So...if you don't mind me asking, why did you choose Jonathan here ?", Martha asked, obviously puzzled.
"Well actually, I didn't....
One of my senior advisers spotted him on some internet articles.
We were looking for someone who could be useful in possibly the Sports facilities area, or also possibly in security - like our Ethan here.", and the Boss' gestured to Ethan - "But of course not all our security personnel need to be as physically big as your Jonathan.
Security also requires brains - for instance in detecting fraud and such-like.", the 'Boss' explained.
"Now my main concern here is that Jonathan won't be worried about what's happening on the farm.
For that reason I want to prepare a financial package that will ensure that in his absence you shall be secure, and the farm will be able to be run as your late husband would have wished.", the 'Boss' stated.
Martha looked visibility surprised."
"Now my intention is to give Jonathan a salary that will substantially help to support the farm, and clear any outstanding debts, but that sum will be placed directly in a 'Farm Account' that will be under your exclusive management.
A lesser sum will be allocated to Jonathan for his own personal use.
In addition, a company car, and a company apartment - situated in the same apartment block as Jim and Ethan - and also Zac, who will be Jonathan's direct boss - will also be provided, plus a clothing allowance, and gym and sports facilities membership.
Now if you have the time, and are agreeable, Don Picaro can confidentially work out with you the farm finances so that a remuneration package can speedily be put into operation.", the 'Boss' explained.
"Now I don't wish to sound rude or ungrateful, but this all sounds too good to be true, so may I ask - respectfully - what's in this for you ?", Martha asked.
Now Jim, of course, could have answered that question very simply.
If the 'Boss' wanted something, he would simply make 'an offer that couldn't be refused' - and that's how he always got what he wanted.
"What's 'in it for me' is a a good, loyal and conscientious worker - who will not be distracted by any family or other worries - that's all.", the 'Boss' stated.
"But you take your time, and think about it, and talk it over with Jonathan....Don Picaro will give you my number....", and with that the 'Boss' stood up and prepared to leave.
As the 'Boss' rose to leave, he gestured to Jim and Ethan to follow him.
"Come on, boys - let Mrs Kent and Jonathan have a chance to talk about this..." the 'Boss' said quietly - deliberately including the word 'chance' in his remark.
"Yes, Sir.", Jim said, and Martha looked up, surprised at the respect that Jim showed his uncle.
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| The Hotel in Wichita |
The 'Boss' by then had settled himself in the back seat of Jim's convertible, leaving Jim, accompanied by Ethan to drive him back to the hotel in Wichita.
Interestingly, the huge black Cadillac was left for Faunus, so there was no hurry for him to leave.
And, of course, it was at this point that Faunus could work his 'magic' and, as a seemingly 'disinterested spectator' he could use his laptop to begin convincing Martha and Jonathan that they would be very foolish, at least from the financial point of view, to reject the offer that he 'Boss' had made.
"So, Sir.....how do you think it went ?", Jim asked.
"Very well, Jim....and it's now just a question of waiting for that call.
"And you think that Faunus will clinch the deal ?", Ethan asked, leaning forward from the back seat.
"Yes Ethan, but I told Faunus to be very gentle.....Mrs Kent is a very nice woman, and I want here to feel that she's not being 'pushed' into a deal.
"And Jonathan....what do you think of him ?", Jim asked.
"A very nice boy.", but that was all the 'Boss' would say at that point.
And so they drove along the quiet Kansas roads to the Hyatt Regency in Wichita.
"And once we get our answer, probably later tonight.... or in the morning - we can all then relax, and have a look round Wichita.", the 'Boss' concluded, as he settled down in his seat. obviously pleased with the morning's work.
And of course, back at the Kent Farm, Faunus was being very clever as, for much of the time, to Martha, Faunus' face and voice were morphing very subtly into the face and voice of her beloved husband Jonathan - convincing her that all would be well if she allowed her son to take this step - which would not only allow him to start an independent life, but would also keep him close to her, and safeguard the home and farm to which she had devoted so much of her life.
It was, as the 'Boss' had said often, 'an offer that could not be refused'.
And so Faunus spent the afternoon going through the farm accounts, effectively wiping out all the debts that had been lying so heavily on Martha's mind, and ensuring that she would be able to hire sufficient farm hands, order new farm machinery, and begin the next year with stocks of seed and other essentials sufficient to ensure a highly profitable year's farming.
And although it may have seemed 'too good to be true'...it was true, and was simply a further case of the 'Boss' trying to possibly atone for things in the very, very distant past that he regretted, by helping those who he felt were 'deserving' in the very strange present in which he found himself - and Faunus' one main hope was that Jim might possibly learn from this.
When the 'Boss', Jim and Ethan arrived back the hotel, Josh and Glen wanted to know immediately just how Jim and Ethan had found the 'farm-boy', who they now knew as Jonathan - and it was indeed a strange tale of an almost 'chance' meeting in a cemetery.
Unfortunately Jim and Ethan had little to say about Jonathan, except that he was tall, very polite, and quite retiring.
"And if he decides to join us....well how are you going to explain me and Glaux ?", Teddy asked - and Glaux tilted his head over to one side with a definitely questioning look.
"We'll take it slowly....", Jim said.
"And do you think he'll like me ?".....Teddy asked.
"I don't know, Teddy.
I doubt if he's ever had a talking teddy-bear as a friend.", Ethan replied.
Teddy looked downcast.
"I do hope he likes me....", Teddy said.
At that point the 'Boss' called them all into lunch.
Once they were all seated Josh asked a very obvious question.
"So, Sir, why didn't you bring Jonathan back with you - so that we could all meet him?"
The 'Boss' smiled, but Ethan took it upon himself to answer.
"Well, Jonathan lives on the farm with his mother.....his father died when he was young....and now it's up to her to decide if she wants Jonathan to come with us to 'Vegas.", Ethan explained.
The boys looked round at one another.
They very rarely - if ever - thought about mothers.....and such thoughts had only really come to them since seeing the movie 'Peter Pan' at the 'Mayan' movie house in Denver.
Foolishly, the 'Boss' had not realized what effect the motherless 'lost boys' in the movie might have had on his own 'boys' - and those thoughts had been on the 'boys' minds for some days now, and the mention of Jonathan's mother had now brought those thoughts back once again.
"Is she nice - Jonathan's mother ?", Josh asked.
"Yes Josh, she's a really lovely lady, and I hope that you - and all the boys will have an opportunity to meet her before we go back to 'Vegas.", the 'Boss' replied, very gently.
"And can me and Glaux meet her also ? ", Teddy asked - because, of course Teddy knew very little about mothers.
"Yes, of course, Teddy.", the 'Boss' replied.
After lunch the eagerly expected 'phone-call came, and the 'Boss' was able to announce that the Kents had accepted his offer.
Of course the 'boys', Teddy and Glaux all wanted to know when Jonathan and his mother would be arriving, but the 'Boss' made it clear that it would not be for some time, as Jonathan would have to give 'notice' to his High School, and there would be lots of financial details to be finalized by Franklin before Jonathan could join them.
The good side of that was that they would be staying for a few days at the Hyatt Regency - a hotel that they all liked - and there would be time to relax - do some shopping, and look around the town.
"Well that was quick....", Ethan said to Jim.
"Yes....but think of it, Ethan, in the Kents' position would you pass up an offer like that ?".
"Suppose not....",Ethan said, fluffing up Teddy's fur.
"So what do you suggest we do ?", Glen asked.
The 'Boss' however, was 'listening in' to their conversation.
"I would suggest the 'Allen House' - it's one of the early houses by Frank Lloyd Wright.", the 'Boss' suggested.
"Well if we go there, I just hope it's a bit better than 'Taliesin West' !", Jim said.
"And what's this 'Taliesin Westthingy' ?", Ethan asked...confused, as usual.
And of course, back at the Kent Farm, Faunus was being very clever as, for much of the time, to Martha, Faunus' face and voice were morphing very subtly into the face and voice of her beloved husband Jonathan - convincing her that all would be well if she allowed her son to take this step - which would not only allow him to start an independent life, but would also keep him close to her, and safeguard the home and farm to which she had devoted so much of her life.
It was, as the 'Boss' had said often, 'an offer that could not be refused'.
And so Faunus spent the afternoon going through the farm accounts, effectively wiping out all the debts that had been lying so heavily on Martha's mind, and ensuring that she would be able to hire sufficient farm hands, order new farm machinery, and begin the next year with stocks of seed and other essentials sufficient to ensure a highly profitable year's farming.
And although it may have seemed 'too good to be true'...it was true, and was simply a further case of the 'Boss' trying to possibly atone for things in the very, very distant past that he regretted, by helping those who he felt were 'deserving' in the very strange present in which he found himself - and Faunus' one main hope was that Jim might possibly learn from this.
When the 'Boss', Jim and Ethan arrived back the hotel, Josh and Glen wanted to know immediately just how Jim and Ethan had found the 'farm-boy', who they now knew as Jonathan - and it was indeed a strange tale of an almost 'chance' meeting in a cemetery.
Unfortunately Jim and Ethan had little to say about Jonathan, except that he was tall, very polite, and quite retiring.
"And if he decides to join us....well how are you going to explain me and Glaux ?", Teddy asked - and Glaux tilted his head over to one side with a definitely questioning look.
"We'll take it slowly....", Jim said.
"And do you think he'll like me ?".....Teddy asked.
"I don't know, Teddy.
I doubt if he's ever had a talking teddy-bear as a friend.", Ethan replied.
Teddy looked downcast.
"I do hope he likes me....", Teddy said.
At that point the 'Boss' called them all into lunch.
Once they were all seated Josh asked a very obvious question.
"So, Sir, why didn't you bring Jonathan back with you - so that we could all meet him?"
The 'Boss' smiled, but Ethan took it upon himself to answer.
"Well, Jonathan lives on the farm with his mother.....his father died when he was young....and now it's up to her to decide if she wants Jonathan to come with us to 'Vegas.", Ethan explained.
The boys looked round at one another.
 |
| 'Peter Pan' at the Mayan - Denver |
Foolishly, the 'Boss' had not realized what effect the motherless 'lost boys' in the movie might have had on his own 'boys' - and those thoughts had been on the 'boys' minds for some days now, and the mention of Jonathan's mother had now brought those thoughts back once again.
"Is she nice - Jonathan's mother ?", Josh asked.
"Yes Josh, she's a really lovely lady, and I hope that you - and all the boys will have an opportunity to meet her before we go back to 'Vegas.", the 'Boss' replied, very gently.
"And can me and Glaux meet her also ? ", Teddy asked - because, of course Teddy knew very little about mothers.
"Yes, of course, Teddy.", the 'Boss' replied.
Of course the 'boys', Teddy and Glaux all wanted to know when Jonathan and his mother would be arriving, but the 'Boss' made it clear that it would not be for some time, as Jonathan would have to give 'notice' to his High School, and there would be lots of financial details to be finalized by Franklin before Jonathan could join them.
The good side of that was that they would be staying for a few days at the Hyatt Regency - a hotel that they all liked - and there would be time to relax - do some shopping, and look around the town.
"Well that was quick....", Ethan said to Jim.
"Yes....but think of it, Ethan, in the Kents' position would you pass up an offer like that ?".
"Suppose not....",Ethan said, fluffing up Teddy's fur.
"So what do you suggest we do ?", Glen asked.
The 'Boss' however, was 'listening in' to their conversation.
"I would suggest the 'Allen House' - it's one of the early houses by Frank Lloyd Wright.", the 'Boss' suggested.
"Well if we go there, I just hope it's a bit better than 'Taliesin West' !", Jim said.
"And what's this 'Taliesin Westthingy' ?", Ethan asked...confused, as usual.
Taliesin West
Max
(Now if you have been reading this story carefully, you would know that when Jim and Max (the young bellhop from the 'Club Jaguar') had been taken by the 'Boss' to visit Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Taliesin West', Ethan and Josh were at the 'Villa de los Jaguars', near Los Angeles, in California being taught how to shoot by Zac - so neither Ethan or Josh know much about 'Taliesin West', or what happened there.)
"Oh, it's this weird place that this architect called Frank Lloyd Wright built near a place called Scottsdale, in Arizona.", Jim explained.
"Funny name...", Ethan commented.
"What, Scottsdale or Frank Lloyd Wright ?", Jim asked.
"Both...", Ethan replied, which didn't really help.
"Well I don't know about Scottsdale, but Frank Lloyd Wright designed this really nice hotel in Phoenix - the 'Biltmore' - and he also designed parts of the 'Villa de los Jaguars' in Los Angeles.", Jim explained.
"Yes... trust you and 'cute' little Max to end up staying in a really nice hotel designed by somebody famous !", Ethan said, obviously annoyed.
"Well if you'd stop being a little 'green-eyed monster', Ethan, I might take you, and the rest of the 'gang', back to the 'Biltmore' on our return trip to 'Vegas.", the 'Boss' said - interrupting.
"That would be good, Sir - and I didn't mean anything bad about what I said about Max - really.", Ethan said in his best - 'you can't ever be mad at me' - voice.".
"OK...", the 'Boss' said as he smiled, and ruffled Ethan's hair.
"So where should we go this afternoon ?", Jim asked.
 |
| The Biltmore Hotel - Phoenix - Arizona |
"Well I don't know about Scottsdale, but Frank Lloyd Wright designed this really nice hotel in Phoenix - the 'Biltmore' - and he also designed parts of the 'Villa de los Jaguars' in Los Angeles.", Jim explained.
"Yes... trust you and 'cute' little Max to end up staying in a really nice hotel designed by somebody famous !", Ethan said, obviously annoyed.
"Well if you'd stop being a little 'green-eyed monster', Ethan, I might take you, and the rest of the 'gang', back to the 'Biltmore' on our return trip to 'Vegas.", the 'Boss' said - interrupting.
"That would be good, Sir - and I didn't mean anything bad about what I said about Max - really.", Ethan said in his best - 'you can't ever be mad at me' - voice.".
"OK...", the 'Boss' said as he smiled, and ruffled Ethan's hair.
"l what about the Cosmosphere ?", Ethan suggested.
Now it wasn't that Ethan was very much interested in rockets and 'outer space' - in fact he was far from keen on the 'pesky aliens', as he called them, but he had read the internet site about Hutchinson to Jim earlier in the day, and he had remembered about the Cosmosphere, mainly because he thought it was a 'really weird' name.
Now it wasn't that Ethan was very much interested in rockets and 'outer space' - in fact he was far from keen on the 'pesky aliens', as he called them, but he had read the internet site about Hutchinson to Jim earlier in the day, and he had remembered about the Cosmosphere, mainly because he thought it was a 'really weird' name.
Cosmosphere is a space museum in Hutchinson. The museum houses over 13,000 spaceflight artifacts. The Cosmosphere grew from a planetarium established on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in 1962. The 105,000-square-foot (9,800 m2) facility houses the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow, and a collection of US space artifacts second only to the 'National Air and Space Museum' in Washington, D.C. The Cosmosphere has four venues - The Hall of Space Museum, The Justice Planetarium, The Carey Digital Dome Theater, and Dr. Goddard's Lab (an explosive live science presentation on the history of rocketry). The Cosmosphere museum begins with the earliest experiments in rocketry during the World War II era, explores through the Space Race and Cold War, and continues through modern times with the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. It does not have any examples of flying saucers !
|
| Kansas Landscape |
Now while Kansas is a place full of nice friendly 'folks', there are drawbacks to this particular state.
The main one is that unless you like really wide-open, very flat spaces, then the Kansas landscape isn't all that interesting, so the journey back to Hutchinson was, to be honest, quite boring.
Eventually they arrived at the Cosmosphere.
What surprised them, however, was the fact that the Cosmosphere was right next to the Hutchinson High-school, and more to the point, next to the Salt-Hawk's Stadium, where Jonathan must have played on so many occasions.
And so they parked, and just went into the main entrance, and paid the $9.50, just like everyone else, and Ethan didn't even bother to try and get in for half-price.
Now they had been to a 'space museum' before - that is Jim and Max and the 'Boss' - and on that occasion (Chapter 28) they had taken the 'original, younger version' of Glen -
(if you find that a little confusing, then you need to go back to Chapter 25 - 'Visitors and Combat').
 |
| The Hutchinson Cosmosphere and the High-School and Salt-Hawk's Stadium |
And so, for 'new' Glen, and Ethan a 'space museum' was a new experience.
Jim, who was expecting to be bored, was agreeably surprised.
 |
| Ethan - on the Moon |
 |
| The Justice Planetarium |
The question, of course, remains - if the 'gang', with a digital camera, could fake Ethan landing on the Moon - then what about the landing on July 20, 1969 - and the suspiciously sharp and clear photos of that event.
'Real or fake....?' that's the question.
And why no further landings after December 11, 1972 - or was it the last landing ?
Ethan decided he should talk to Teddy, and get Teddy to remind him to ask the 'alien leader' - assuming that they had a further meeting.
Glen enjoyed the visit to the Cosmosphere immensely, and the 'Boss' was interested to see many exhibits of early rocketry. going right back to the initial German developments.
As at Alamogordo, however, the highlight of the trip was the planetarium.
For some reason that they were unable to discover, the Planetarium was called 'The Justice Planetarium' - which worried Ethan, as he thought their may be a possibility that he might be arrested for some unknown crime - like 'transporting a teddy-bear across the State Line' - but nothing so dreadful actually occurred.
The Planetarium itself had been recently upgraded with the latest equipment, but was rather small.
So in the end it was a good trip - enjoyed by all....
And everything was fine.....until that night.....
And until Glen started dreaming......
And until Glen started dreaming......
Of course nobody knew - except Faunus.
And the dream ?
It was of the Great Kiva - in Chaco Canyon - New Mexico.....
A kiva is a structure used by Puebloans for religious rituals, many of them associated with the 'Kachina' belief system, and the 'Star People'. Similar subterranean rooms are found among ruins in the North-American Southwest, indicating uses by the ancient peoples of the region including the ancestral Puebloans, the Zuni, the Mogollon, and the Hohokam. Those used by the ancient Pueblos of the Pueblo I Period and following, were usually round and evolved from simpler pit-houses. Great kivas differ from regular kivas in several ways; first and foremost, great kivas are always much larger and deeper than normal kivas. Whereas the walls of great kivas always extend above the surrounding landscape, the walls of normal kivas do not, but are instead flush with the surrounding landscape. Normal kivas are often found incorporated into the central room blocks of great houses, but great kivas are always separate from core structures. Great kivas almost always have a bench that encircles the inner space, but this feature is not found in normal style kivas. Great kivas also tend to include floor vaults, which might have served as foot drums for ceremonial dancers, but normal kivas do not.
Kiva - Chaco Canyon - New Mexico
That morning, at breakfast, Faunus ensured that he was sitting next to Glen.
"So Glen, would you like to tell me about your dream ?", Faunus asked quietly.
"You know ?", Glen replied, confused.
"Well I suppose I should have guessed...", Glen continued.
"You probably 'monitor' me, just like 'they' do...", Glen added, with a note of resignation.
By then Ethan had managed to overhear the conversation.
"I think he's really one of 'them' - in disguise.", Ethan 'chipped in', half seriously.
"No, Ethan...not really.
I'm not one of 'them', but in some ways like 'them' - and I do know what Glen has been dreaming about - and I know it's upsetting him." Faunus explained.
 |
| Devils Tower - Wyoming |
"Sorry...I'll go and give Teddy his morning brush instead.", Ethan replied, sounding hurt.
(Ethan always brushes Teddy's fur with a very soft brush every morning and evening.)
"No...sorry Ethan, I'm not really annoyed, but if you want to join us, then try to make helpful comments.", Faunus said.
"OK...and I promise I'll just listen, quietly.", Ethan replied.
Faunus smiled.
He knew that Ethan meant what he said, but would probably forget very quickly, and soon come out with some very weird comment - but then that was Ethan.
"So Glen...tell us the dream...", Faunus said - the use of 'us' making it clear that Ethan was now included.
"Well there's not much to tell.
It wasn't like the previous dreams, though, with the bits about the 'Devils Tower'.", Glen began, but was predictably almost immediately interrupted by Ethan.
"Well thank goodness for that !
At least it means that we won't be having another one of those 'holicepter' trips, and having to protect Teddy from nasty snakes.", Ethan said.
Faunus shook his head.
"So Ethan, you seem to be presuming that this dream is like the previous ones that Glen had...telling us to go somewhere, and meet the 'aliens'.", Faunus suggested.
"Suppose so - seems obvious to me.", Ethan replied.
"Well perhaps we should let Glen tell us something about the dream....before jumping to conclusions.", Faunus said gently.
"Well, it was a bit like the previous dreams I had - back in Amarillo - with me walking through these ruins at night.
But it was not as frightening.
I think it was this place you called 'Chaco Canyon' - maybe in Mexico - or somewhere like that.
Then it was suddenly day.... and I found myself looking down on what seemed like a town, but very old, and partly ruined - built into the hillside.
Then it was night again, and I saw this large stone circle, buried in the ground - also very old and ruined - and then a big round glowing object came down from the sky.
It looked like the flying saucer that we saw at the Devils Tower.
And this thing landed on the stone circle - like the stone circle had been made for it, like a landing-pad.
And then I was in one of the buildings, and I met the 'alien'.", Glen said, sounding puzzled at his own description.
"Well .....deeply creepy...", Ethan said.
"And did the 'alien' say anything ?", Faunus asked.
"Yes....but I think we should discuss it privately with the 'Boss'...", Glen replied, sounding rather embarrassed.
"I see...", Ethan muttered under his breath, intending to go and give Teddy a good brush, as Glen and Faunus got up to go and see the 'Boss', but before Ethan could leave, Jim, and Josh, with Glaux, and Novius arrived in the breakfast room.
"So where are they off to in such a hurry ?", Jim asked.
"Going to see the 'Boss'.....
Glen's had another one of his 'creepy' dreams, and seems to have had a message from the 'pesky aliens'....so they're off to tell 'Sir'.", Ethan said, sounding annoyed.
"Oh - I hope this doesn't mean another tip to the Devils Tower...", Jim sighed.
"No....I think it might be somewhere in New Mexico....somewhere very hot !.... and then it will take me all day to brush the sand out of Teddy's fur !", Ethan muttered.
"You spend far too much time with that teddy-bear...", Josh said.
"Yes, well he's not like Glaux....Teddy needs lots of looking after.", Ethan replied, getting even more irritated.
So while Ethan and Josh were discussing the merits, or otherwise, of looking after Teddy and Glaux, Faunus and Glen were elsewhere, and discussing Glen's recent dream with the 'Boss'......
"And this new dream, Glen - tell me about it...", the 'Boss' asked, apparently casually.
"It was like the previous dreams, Sir, but without anything about the Devils Tower.....just the place I think you called Chaco Canyon.", Glen explained hesitantly.
"And how do you know it was Chaco Canyon ?", the 'Boss' asked.
"Well there were all these old buildings, with hills all around, but the main things were these big circular things - set into the ground....and the sun was bright, and it was very hot - and then the bits of the dream that were at night had as sky with hundreds of very bright stars.", Glen explained.
"Well, sounds like it...I think you're right, Glen." the 'Boss' said.
"And Sir, at our last meetings with the aliens I explained how the Devils Tower was a difficult place for us to got to, and they suggested then Chaco Canyon.
It seems that they've got some special connection with the place, and they were quite pleased to meet there.",Faunus added.
"Well good, Faunus.
It's easy to get there - there's a direct road, and at night it's deserted, and there will be no problem about helicopter flights that are obviously always monitored.
We don't want any more problems with the CIA.", the 'Boss' said.
"The only problem with Chaco, however, is the fact that there are many reports of UFO sightings in that area - but then again, one more sighting shouldn't make any difference and alert the authorities.
Your best bet would be to get friendly with the local Pueblo elders, and the Pueblo Police.
I think some of the elders will remember my name from the times when I did archaeological work in the area.
With them on your side, I can't see you having any problems with the Federal or State authorities....", the 'Boss' advised.
"And what's our cover story ?", Faunus asked.
"Well as you're going there at night, I think the astronomical photography idea is probably the best - after all, tourists go in the day.
 |
| Deceased Rattle Snake that bit Teddy |
 |
| Sundance Helicopter |
It wasn't like the previous dreams, though, with the bits about the 'Devils Tower'.", Glen began, but was predictably almost immediately interrupted by Ethan.
"Well thank goodness for that !
At least it means that we won't be having another one of those 'holicepter' trips, and having to protect Teddy from nasty snakes.", Ethan said.
Faunus shook his head.
"So Ethan, you seem to be presuming that this dream is like the previous ones that Glen had...telling us to go somewhere, and meet the 'aliens'.", Faunus suggested.
"Suppose so - seems obvious to me.", Ethan replied.
 |
| Glen Dreams of the Pueblo Bonito |
 |
| Chaco Canyon |
But it was not as frightening.
I think it was this place you called 'Chaco Canyon' - maybe in Mexico - or somewhere like that.
Then it was suddenly day.... and I found myself looking down on what seemed like a town, but very old, and partly ruined - built into the hillside.
 |
| Stone Circle - Kiva - Alien Landing-Pad ? |
It looked like the flying saucer that we saw at the Devils Tower.
And this thing landed on the stone circle - like the stone circle had been made for it, like a landing-pad.
And then I was in one of the buildings, and I met the 'alien'.", Glen said, sounding puzzled at his own description.
"Well .....deeply creepy...", Ethan said.
"And did the 'alien' say anything ?", Faunus asked.
"Yes....but I think we should discuss it privately with the 'Boss'...", Glen replied, sounding rather embarrassed.
"I see...", Ethan muttered under his breath, intending to go and give Teddy a good brush, as Glen and Faunus got up to go and see the 'Boss', but before Ethan could leave, Jim, and Josh, with Glaux, and Novius arrived in the breakfast room.
"So where are they off to in such a hurry ?", Jim asked.
"Going to see the 'Boss'.....
Glen's had another one of his 'creepy' dreams, and seems to have had a message from the 'pesky aliens'....so they're off to tell 'Sir'.", Ethan said, sounding annoyed.
"Oh - I hope this doesn't mean another tip to the Devils Tower...", Jim sighed.
"No....I think it might be somewhere in New Mexico....somewhere very hot !.... and then it will take me all day to brush the sand out of Teddy's fur !", Ethan muttered.
"You spend far too much time with that teddy-bear...", Josh said.
"Yes, well he's not like Glaux....Teddy needs lots of looking after.", Ethan replied, getting even more irritated.
"And this new dream, Glen - tell me about it...", the 'Boss' asked, apparently casually.
"It was like the previous dreams, Sir, but without anything about the Devils Tower.....just the place I think you called Chaco Canyon.", Glen explained hesitantly.
 |
| Chaco Canyon - Night |
"Well there were all these old buildings, with hills all around, but the main things were these big circular things - set into the ground....and the sun was bright, and it was very hot - and then the bits of the dream that were at night had as sky with hundreds of very bright stars.", Glen explained.
"Well, sounds like it...I think you're right, Glen." the 'Boss' said.
"And Sir, at our last meetings with the aliens I explained how the Devils Tower was a difficult place for us to got to, and they suggested then Chaco Canyon.
It seems that they've got some special connection with the place, and they were quite pleased to meet there.",Faunus added.
"Well good, Faunus.
It's easy to get there - there's a direct road, and at night it's deserted, and there will be no problem about helicopter flights that are obviously always monitored.
 |
| CIA |
"The only problem with Chaco, however, is the fact that there are many reports of UFO sightings in that area - but then again, one more sighting shouldn't make any difference and alert the authorities.
Your best bet would be to get friendly with the local Pueblo elders, and the Pueblo Police.
I think some of the elders will remember my name from the times when I did archaeological work in the area.
With them on your side, I can't see you having any problems with the Federal or State authorities....", the 'Boss' advised.
"And what's our cover story ?", Faunus asked.
"Well as you're going there at night, I think the astronomical photography idea is probably the best - after all, tourists go in the day.
 |
| Jim's telescope |
One important point, however, don't mention UFOs or 'aliens', as the Native Americans in that area are very sensitive about anyone probing for information about what they call the 'Star People'.
So remember to take Jim's telescope and a couple of cameras.", the 'Boss' concluded.
"So you said take Jim's telescope..... so does that mean that Jim's not coming with us ?", Faunus asked.
"No, I'm afraid not.
Myself, Josh (and Glaux) and Novius, will be going to Memphis - as we have some business there - and might be a few days.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Sir, but there was something else in the dream...", Glen said.
"A message from the 'alien leader'...."
The 'Boss' looked quizzically at Glen.
"Yes...go on Glen...." - the 'Boss' said encouragingly.
"Well it's about this guy 'Brody'.
The alien leader said that he and Faunus had made an agreement the previous time they met, and it had been decided that Brody would be at the next meeting.....", Glen explained.
There was an awkward silence....
"So Faunus....remind me, why did the 'alien leader' want you to take Brody to the next meeting ?", the 'Boss' asked, sounding a little irked.
"Well, as far as I can ascertain it's all connected with their genetic experiments relating to their acquisition of human emotions.", Faunus replied.
"OK, so can you be a little straightforward in your explanation ?...", the 'Boss' probed.
"Well my intuitive analysis of the 'alien leader's' intentions is that they want generate in Brody a emotional states that they can then carefully study - and the reason they have chosen Brody is that Brody's emotional reactions are very forceful - or shall we say 'virile' - and they have gleaned that information from Ethan - telepathically ", Faunus explained.
"Yes...I get your drift - and very delicately put may I say.", the 'Boss' commented.
"Well first I want it clear that I don't want Brody 'damaged' in any way.
He's a valuable commodity.
And also, I think we need to try and bring this involvement with these 'aliens' to an end in some way.....
For one thing they are a considerable inconvenience, and also they open us up to investigations by agencies with whom we do not wish to be involved.
In addition we are not gaining anything for ourselves from this on-going situation.", the 'Boss' said, trying to make his position very clear.
"Yes...I completely agree....but I would point out that the literature and research indicates that such contacts can continue for considerable periods of time - even years.
Now I may be able to terminate this connection with these particular 'aliens' forcibly - but at present I would prefer not to, until we know a little more about them.", Faunus explained.
"I understand - and of course I am always prepared to take your advice.....
So, enough for the moment.
I will arrange for a flight in our Cessna from 'Vegas to Farmington Airport for Zac and Brody - and I suggest that you get Jim to make reservations at a suitable hotel in Albuquerque for himself, you, Zac, Brody, Glen and Ethan - and get Ethan to take Teddy.
I will contact Zac and Brody with information and instructions, and have Franklin arrange with Chuck for transport to 'Vegas International.
It is important that you, Jim, Ethan and Glen get to Farmington Airport with transport to meet Zac and Brody....OK ?", the 'Boss' said, pausing to make a mental check that he had covered all the necessary arrangement.
"And what about Glen ?", the 'Boss' asked Faunus.
"Don't worry - I'll wipe all the talk....", Faunus replied.
Glen looked annoyed.
"Not again...", he said unhappily.
"Glen, it's not that we don't trust you....but others have ways of making the most determined give up their secrets, so it's best that you just don't know....", the 'Boss' explained.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have calls to make and messages to send.... and I need to talk to Josh and Novius.", the 'Boss' said.
Faunus and Glen then returned to where they had left Ethan and Jim, while Josh (with Glaux, and Novius) were called over for further discussions with the 'Boss'.
"So what was that all about ?", Jim asked.
"Oh, my dream....I think...but Faunus has wiped most of it.", Glen said.
"Another 'top secret' discussion I suppose...", Jim said - but Faunus ignored the comment.
"So where's Ethan.", Faunus asked.
"In his room, giving Teddy a good brush - and sulking....", Jim replied.
"Well can you bring him down here, because there are somethings we all need to talk about.", Faunus said.
So Ethan was dragged away from Teddy half way through the brushing session.
"So what's up ?", Ethan asked, in a good imitation of 'Bugs Bunny'.
"It seems, guys, that Glen's dream means a trip to New Mexico, with our base in Albuquerque.", Faunus explained.
"Well that's one place we haven't been to, so far...", Ethan said.
"Presumably it's near that place called Chaco Canyon that the 'alien leader' was on about when we met him last time.
Very hot, and very dusty - and miles away from anywhere.", Ethan added.
"That's right, Ethan, but as Chaco Canyon is some considerable distance from any large town or city, we'll be staying in Albuquerque.", Faunus said.
"Well I hope it's has got some good hotels .....", Jim added.
 |
| Hasselblad H6D-400c Digital Camera |
"So you said take Jim's telescope..... so does that mean that Jim's not coming with us ?", Faunus asked.
"No, I'm afraid not.
Myself, Josh (and Glaux) and Novius, will be going to Memphis - as we have some business there - and might be a few days.
 |
| Brody |
"A message from the 'alien leader'...."
The 'Boss' looked quizzically at Glen.
"Yes...go on Glen...." - the 'Boss' said encouragingly.
"Well it's about this guy 'Brody'.
 |
| The 'Alien Leader' |
There was an awkward silence....
"So Faunus....remind me, why did the 'alien leader' want you to take Brody to the next meeting ?", the 'Boss' asked, sounding a little irked.
"Well, as far as I can ascertain it's all connected with their genetic experiments relating to their acquisition of human emotions.", Faunus replied.
"OK, so can you be a little straightforward in your explanation ?...", the 'Boss' probed.
"Well my intuitive analysis of the 'alien leader's' intentions is that they want generate in Brody a emotional states that they can then carefully study - and the reason they have chosen Brody is that Brody's emotional reactions are very forceful - or shall we say 'virile' - and they have gleaned that information from Ethan - telepathically ", Faunus explained.
"Yes...I get your drift - and very delicately put may I say.", the 'Boss' commented.
"Well first I want it clear that I don't want Brody 'damaged' in any way.
He's a valuable commodity.
And also, I think we need to try and bring this involvement with these 'aliens' to an end in some way.....
For one thing they are a considerable inconvenience, and also they open us up to investigations by agencies with whom we do not wish to be involved.
In addition we are not gaining anything for ourselves from this on-going situation.", the 'Boss' said, trying to make his position very clear.
"Yes...I completely agree....but I would point out that the literature and research indicates that such contacts can continue for considerable periods of time - even years.
 |
| Four Corners Regional Airport - New Mexico |
"I understand - and of course I am always prepared to take your advice.....
So, enough for the moment.
I will arrange for a flight in our Cessna from 'Vegas to Farmington Airport for Zac and Brody - and I suggest that you get Jim to make reservations at a suitable hotel in Albuquerque for himself, you, Zac, Brody, Glen and Ethan - and get Ethan to take Teddy.
I will contact Zac and Brody with information and instructions, and have Franklin arrange with Chuck for transport to 'Vegas International.
It is important that you, Jim, Ethan and Glen get to Farmington Airport with transport to meet Zac and Brody....OK ?", the 'Boss' said, pausing to make a mental check that he had covered all the necessary arrangement.
"And what about Glen ?", the 'Boss' asked Faunus.
"Don't worry - I'll wipe all the talk....", Faunus replied.
Glen looked annoyed.
"Not again...", he said unhappily.
"Glen, it's not that we don't trust you....but others have ways of making the most determined give up their secrets, so it's best that you just don't know....", the 'Boss' explained.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have calls to make and messages to send.... and I need to talk to Josh and Novius.", the 'Boss' said.
"So what was that all about ?", Jim asked.
"Oh, my dream....I think...but Faunus has wiped most of it.", Glen said.
"Another 'top secret' discussion I suppose...", Jim said - but Faunus ignored the comment.
"So where's Ethan.", Faunus asked.
"In his room, giving Teddy a good brush - and sulking....", Jim replied.
"Well can you bring him down here, because there are somethings we all need to talk about.", Faunus said.
So Ethan was dragged away from Teddy half way through the brushing session.
"So what's up ?", Ethan asked, in a good imitation of 'Bugs Bunny'.
"It seems, guys, that Glen's dream means a trip to New Mexico, with our base in Albuquerque.", Faunus explained.
"Well that's one place we haven't been to, so far...", Ethan said.
"Presumably it's near that place called Chaco Canyon that the 'alien leader' was on about when we met him last time.
Very hot, and very dusty - and miles away from anywhere.", Ethan added.
"That's right, Ethan, but as Chaco Canyon is some considerable distance from any large town or city, we'll be staying in Albuquerque.", Faunus said.
"Well I hope it's has got some good hotels .....", Jim added.
 |
| Albuquerque - New mexico |
Albuquerque - also known locally as Duke City was named in honor of Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Alburquerque, who was Viceroy of New Spain from 1702 to 1711. The growing village was named by provincial governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés. Albuquerque is set in a valley surrounded by the famed Rio Grande to the west and the Sandia Mountains to the east. Albuquerque is home to 'Kirtland Air Force Base', the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, and the University of New Mexico, and a concentration of high-tech private companies and government institutions.
"Well that's your job to sort out, Jim.", Faunus said.
And so Jim began scouring the internet in order to find an acceptable hotel in or near Albuquerque.
"Please do.", Jim said.
Jim was feeling a little peeved at having been left out of most of the discussions about Glen's dream, and felt that the 'Boss' had been ignoring him to some degree recently.
"You see if we have to leave this nice hotel, just I was beginning to enjoy myself here, then at least we should move to a hotel that's equally good, if not better." Ethan explained.
"I agree...", Jim said, as he brought up a page with some four star hotels in Albuquerque.
Suddenly Ethan nudged Jim - quite hard, as it happens.
"There it is, Jim...and very suitably named !", Ethan said.
"Yes...very much what we are looking for....
Surprising in this part of America...", Jim agreed.
"So what do you think, Glen ?", Ethan asked.
"Looks great to me....", Glen replied..
"So let's make a booking !", Jim said.
And no time was lost.
And what was the name of this hotel ?....
'The Hotel Chaco' - Bellamah Ave. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
And so the booking was made - the 'phone number and email was noted, and the address was copied so that it could be entered into the Garmin DriveSmart in Jim's convertible.
"Wowy !..this is going to be fun.....actually checking into an expensive hotel without the 'Boss' looking on, and doing all the talking.", Ethan said, obviously becoming excited.
That comment, however, gave Jim pause for thought.
What was his role in all of this, and was the 'Boss', by handing over this side of the trip to him a sign of the growing confidence that the 'Boss' had in him, or was it just a 'convenience', as the 'Boss' had other business interests elsewhere.
By the next day everything had been arranged - and everyone was ready to 'check out'.
The bags were packed, the bellhops had been tipped, and the autos were polished and sparkling.
Novius, Josh (with Glaux) were already settled in the black Cadillac.
Glen, Faunus and Ethan were in the rear seat of Jim's cream convertible.
Jim, for some reason he couldn't quite understand, was standing by the driving door, carrying Teddy, (neatly brushed), in the badly creased Walmart bag.
(Jim had promised, by spitting on his hand and making a 'pinky-promise' - not that Teddy had a 'pinky' - to buy Teddy a fine new bag.)
The 'Boss' approached Jim, looking rather embarrassed - which always meant he was about to say something that he meant very seriously.
"This all began seemingly so long ago when we set off from 'Vegas - and as we began I stopped the Cadillac, and told you that we had entered the territory of the Navajo - and now you are going back to where we started....but without me.
This is the first time we have parted since you came to me, and now I am leaving you to look after Ethan, and Glen - and that silly little bundle of fur you call Teddy....."
"I heard that.....!", came the muffled remark from the Walmart bag.
"So remember... Ethan is really just a 'kid', Glen is 'new' to this world, take care of Brody, and remember that Teddy is probably wiser than any of you.... but take care - and give my best wishes to Zac when you meet him.... so good luck !".
The 'Boss', avoiding eye-contact, shook hands with Jim, and walked away to the Cadillac without looking back.
So the 'Boss' did care....Jim thought, as he slowly opened the door of the convertible, settled into the driving seat, and started the engine.
And so Jim began scouring the internet in order to find an acceptable hotel in or near Albuquerque.
"Mind if I join you on your search ?", Ethan asked, as Jim opened up his laptop.It is interesting to note that there have been numerous sightings of UFOs around and near the Kirtland Air-force Base, the associated Manzano nuclear weapons storage area, and the Sandia National Laboratories - all based at Albuquerque - and the area around Chaco Canyon has been a 'hot-spot' for UFO activities for centuries, according to Native Americans.
Kirtland USAFB Sighting - enlarge to view in new tab
"Please do.", Jim said.
Jim was feeling a little peeved at having been left out of most of the discussions about Glen's dream, and felt that the 'Boss' had been ignoring him to some degree recently.
"You see if we have to leave this nice hotel, just I was beginning to enjoy myself here, then at least we should move to a hotel that's equally good, if not better." Ethan explained.
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| Web-site - 'Hotel Chaco' - Albuquerque |
Suddenly Ethan nudged Jim - quite hard, as it happens.
"There it is, Jim...and very suitably named !", Ethan said.
"Yes...very much what we are looking for....
Surprising in this part of America...", Jim agreed.
"So what do you think, Glen ?", Ethan asked.
"Looks great to me....", Glen replied..
"So let's make a booking !", Jim said.
And no time was lost.
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| Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS plus Built-In Bluetooth |
'The Hotel Chaco' - Bellamah Ave. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
And so the booking was made - the 'phone number and email was noted, and the address was copied so that it could be entered into the Garmin DriveSmart in Jim's convertible.
"Wowy !..this is going to be fun.....actually checking into an expensive hotel without the 'Boss' looking on, and doing all the talking.", Ethan said, obviously becoming excited.
That comment, however, gave Jim pause for thought.
What was his role in all of this, and was the 'Boss', by handing over this side of the trip to him a sign of the growing confidence that the 'Boss' had in him, or was it just a 'convenience', as the 'Boss' had other business interests elsewhere.
The bags were packed, the bellhops had been tipped, and the autos were polished and sparkling.
Novius, Josh (with Glaux) were already settled in the black Cadillac.
Glen, Faunus and Ethan were in the rear seat of Jim's cream convertible.
Jim, for some reason he couldn't quite understand, was standing by the driving door, carrying Teddy, (neatly brushed), in the badly creased Walmart bag.
(Jim had promised, by spitting on his hand and making a 'pinky-promise' - not that Teddy had a 'pinky' - to buy Teddy a fine new bag.)
The 'Boss' approached Jim, looking rather embarrassed - which always meant he was about to say something that he meant very seriously.
"This all began seemingly so long ago when we set off from 'Vegas - and as we began I stopped the Cadillac, and told you that we had entered the territory of the Navajo - and now you are going back to where we started....but without me.
This is the first time we have parted since you came to me, and now I am leaving you to look after Ethan, and Glen - and that silly little bundle of fur you call Teddy....."
"I heard that.....!", came the muffled remark from the Walmart bag.
"So remember... Ethan is really just a 'kid', Glen is 'new' to this world, take care of Brody, and remember that Teddy is probably wiser than any of you.... but take care - and give my best wishes to Zac when you meet him.... so good luck !".
The 'Boss', avoiding eye-contact, shook hands with Jim, and walked away to the Cadillac without looking back.
So the 'Boss' did care....Jim thought, as he slowly opened the door of the convertible, settled into the driving seat, and started the engine.
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| 'This all began seemingly so long ago when we set off from 'Vegas' |
Please note that this chapter is intended for adult viewers (over 18 years), and may contain images and text featuring nudity and strong language. Please do not view this chapter if you find such features objectionable....
And so the two automobiles speed away, taking two different routes - and perusing two different objectives
Howard Hughes note: for those who read this chapter. You should be warned that the person depicted in the chapter logo is not who you may think it is.
John F Kennedy
'Alternative America' (Hugh Everett III) has many surprises - as when Jim and Max bumped into a very elderly, alcoholic lady called Marilyn Monroe in the Catalina Pool at the 'Biltmore' in Phoenix. - Equally, nobody talks about President Kennedy, as JFK died in action during World War II. Likewise, the 'Boss' owned a number of Hotels in Vegas that were not owned by Howard Hughes, who was killed in an air-crash in 1946 - so the logo does not represent Elvis - but if not, then who ?
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| Marilyn Monroe |
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021