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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 (see above) 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' owns a number of Hotels in Vegas that were not originally 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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| 'American Dreams' |
"So it should take about nine hours - and if there are no delays we should be there before midnight, so Ethan...'phone the hotel and tell them when we expect to arrive...", Jim said, as he accelerated hard...
They were soon on Route 54.
It was going to be a long journey, but Jim and Faunus agreed to share the driving as neither Ethan or Glen could drive.
 |
Route 54.
|
Glen spent the first part of the trip dozing.
It seemed that he was not entirely happy - maybe sulking to some extent.
Faunus was 'lost' to the world.
In situations like this - when he was not needed, he usually seemed to be in some sort of meditative state - or just simply turned 'inward' upon himself.
In such cases it was best to leave him alone - unless the occasion required his involvement.
Ethan had brought along a good supply of DVDs, and he and Teddy, using headphones, spent much of the first part of the journey watching some of Ethan's favorite Disney cartoons.
 |
| Catalina Pool - 'Biltmore' - Phoenix |
Jim, of course, was looking forward to spending some time in a comfortable - one might almost say 'luxurious' - hotel, and he was desperately hoping that the 'Boss' would give them some time to relax, and not whisk them off yet again to some 'god-forsaken' place.
He was also hoping that the 'Boss' would keep to the suggestion that they might return to the Biltmore in Phoenix - a hotel where Jim had really felt at home.
 |
| Confederate Southern Cross |
What had surprised Jim was the fact that originally the 'Boss' had intended to take Jim to see the 'South' - the remnants of the old Confederacy - but Jim had, in the end, been left out of the trip to Memphis, which he understood was at the very heart of the culture of the Confederate states.
The other issue that bothered him was that the 'Boss' had not revealed to him the business that he and Josh and Novius were attending to in Memphis.
Also, of course, they were all secretly concerned about the new meeting with the 'aliens'.
While they had treated such involvement in a light hearted manner previously, the problem with the 'aliens' was that they really were very 'alien', and it was difficult to gauge what they actually wanted.
Their lack of emotion, and lack of empathy was troubling, and meant that in practice they were very unpredictable.
Having Faunus with them helped, of course - and also there was the surprising fact that Teddy seemed to have some control over them.
After an hour or so, Ethan and Teddy removed their headphones as the first DVD finished.
"So Ethan, which of those DVDs that you've brought is your favorite ?", Jim asked, pleased to have an opportunity for some conversation.
"Not sure...", Ethan replied.
"And what about Teddy ?", Jim asked.
"Teddy... well he doesn't really have a favorite, and anyway he knows them all off by heart, and can 'play' them to himself in his 'head' whenever he wants to.", Ethan replied.
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| 'Pinocchio' |
"And what about 'Pinocchio', Teddy ?... doesn't that make you feel like you would want to be a 'real' bear ?", Jim asked.
Central to the story of 'Pinocchio' was the idea that, through his own efforts, 'Pinocchio' (a wooden puppet without strings) might become a 'real boy'.
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| Welcome to New Mexico |
'Real' bears are big, smelly, stupid things... and I'm 'cute', sweet and very, very clever.
And real bears are not called Teddy - so they'e not really teddy-bears.", Teddy replied - and there was no answer to that.
About then Faunus emerged from his meditation - if that's what it was.
"I think it's about time I took over, Jim, so pull over when you get the chance." Faunus said, stretching.
"Good idea...", Jim said, obviously relieved.
"And now we're back in good old New Mexico - hot and dusty....", Ethan said, as he noticed the sign close to the State Line.
"So if this is 'New Mexico' - then where is 'Old Mexico' ?", Ethan mused, as Jim and Faunus changed places.
"Old mexico is 'South of the Border'....", Faunus explained.
"And what border is that ?", Ethan asked.
Jim, of course, realized that this could become one of those very convoluted conversations, but rather than intervene, he decided to wait and see how Faunus dealt with it.
"The Border between the United States and the Republic of Mexico...", Faunus said, as he restarted the engine.
"Oh... I see...", Ethan replied, but it was quite obvious that he didn't see at all....
"Good idea...", Jim said, obviously relieved.
"And now we're back in good old New Mexico - hot and dusty....", Ethan said, as he noticed the sign close to the State Line.
"So if this is 'New Mexico' - then where is 'Old Mexico' ?", Ethan mused, as Jim and Faunus changed places.
"Old mexico is 'South of the Border'....", Faunus explained.
"And what border is that ?", Ethan asked.
Jim, of course, realized that this could become one of those very convoluted conversations, but rather than intervene, he decided to wait and see how Faunus dealt with it.
"The Border between the United States and the Republic of Mexico...", Faunus said, as he restarted the engine.
"Oh... I see...", Ethan replied, but it was quite obvious that he didn't see at all....
'South of the border, down Mexico way
That's where they fell in love
When stars above
Came out to play
And now as they wander, their thoughts ever stray
South of the border, down Mexico way'
 |
| Highway Dust-Storm - New Mexico |
Now the first time that you drive on a straight, and often almost deserted US Highway through a magnificent 'desert landscape' beneath a magnificent Texan or New Mexican sky you will be rightly amazed, overwhelmed and entranced - especially for the first hour or so, but if you have been doing it for many weeks, as the 'boys' have, then you might become somewhat blasé about the whole business... so perhaps it is best if we passed over that part of the story, including the roadside diner, and the obligatory 'dust storm'.
Soon they were regretting the decision to try to reach Albuquerque in one day.
It was possible, of course, but it made for a grueling drive.
Teddy, of course, didn't mind - he simply switched himself off - with an automatic 'wake-up call' for their ETA (estimated time of arrival) at the hotel in Albuquerque.
Glen dozed - he was very good at doing that.
But most of the burden fell on Faunus and Jim, who were taking it in turns to drive.
Later...
"Are we there yet ?", came a muffled squeak from Teddy's Walmart bag.
It seemed that Teddy's automatic 'wake-up call' had gone off just a little early (to say the least).
"How many more times are you going to ask that...?", Jim asked in reply.
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| Albuquerque - New Mexico - USA |
"Oh it's really dark !", Teddy said, as he poked his head out of the bag yet again.
"Yes indeedy !", Ethan said.
"Of course, Teddy, it's been a long drive.", Jim added, "but we'll be coming up to the hotel soon."
"Looks like a big city...", Glen said, rubbing his eyes.
"Yes, and perhaps that means a good hotel, and some good shopping...", Ethan said.
Carefully Jim parked outside the main entrance to the Hotel.
"Now remember... all very serious and adult, and no smart remarks from you, Ethan, and Teddy - don't poke your head out of the bag, or say anything.", Jim said.
Faunus smiled.
It was nice, he thought, to see Jim taking command.
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| Entrance - Hotel Chaco - Albuquerque |
And so they stepped out of Jim's cream convertible, while Faunus flipped the switch on the dash to unlock the automatic trunk.
A squad of bellhops immediately turned out to deal with the luggage, and open the heavy, plate glass doors leading to the main reception area.
Ethan gazed up, fascinated.
"Well Jim, this is really more like it !".
Jim smiled...
"Yes Ethan, I think we chose well with this one."
"What's it like ?", Teddy whispered.
"Shut up Teddy - we'll show you later.
Lets just get checked in...", Ethan said quietly.
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| Reception at the Hotel Chaco |
Faunus stood close by, to ensure that there were no problems, and he registered first, and provided his 'fake' ID in the form of a passport naming him as Señor Manuel Picaro, a Diplomatic Representative of 'Estados Unidos Mexicanos' (the United Mexican States) - which, of course, he wasn't, but then Faunus could get almost anybody to believe almost anything.Estados Unidos Mexicanos, (the United Mexican States) is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. Covering almost 2,000,000 square kilometers (770,000 sq mi),[ the nation is the fifth largest country in the Americas by total area, and the 13th largest independent state in the world. With an estimated population of over 120 million people, the country is the tenth most populous state and the most populous Spanish-speaking state in the world, while being the second most populous nation in Latin America after Brazil. Mexico is a federation comprising 31 states and Mexico City, a special federal entity that is also the capital city and its most populous city. (Not to be confused with 'New Mexico' - one of the States of the USA)
Coat of Arms of Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Glen had no problems, and Ethan was a model of politeness.
Jim then paid with his credit card, which featured an almost astronomical spending limit, ('astronomical' - appropriate considering their 'business' in Chaco Canyon, and the fact that a couple of the bellhops were struggling with the large case containing Jim's telescope).
The card, of course, ensured that they would receive the finest service during their stay - which Jim hoped would be a long one.
The card, of course, ensured that they would receive the finest service during their stay - which Jim hoped would be a long one.
"It's all very 'Native American' - but in a nice, modern and 'non-crumbly' way...", Ethan remarked, as he looked around the vast reception area.
"This must have been what Chaco canyon was like - when it was new - before it fell apart.", Ethan added.
Jim nodded as he tried to look as dignified as possible as he completed the registration forms.
"I like it...", Glen said.
Glen was never one for many words - although this was possibly because of an error in Faunus' programming, which maybe needed adjusting.
"I want to know who those two little suicidal guys are - sitting up there on the wall inf front of us."
"Probably kachinas...", Faunus said, sounding very knowledgeable.
"That's right, Sir...", the receptionist said, "but then being Mexican, you would probably know."
Jim smiled, and Ethan looked confused.
"Kachy-whatys ?", Ethan said.
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| The Way to the Elevators |
"Kachinas, Sir... they are ancestral spirits of Pueblo Indians.", the receptionist explained.
"Yes... ", Ethan said, distractedly.
A kachina is a spirit being in the religious beliefs of the Pueblo 'Native American' cultures located in the southwestern part of the United States. In the Pueblo culture, kachina rituals are practiced by the Hopi, Zuni, Hopi-Tewa and certain Keresan Tribes, as well as in most Pueblo Tribes in New Mexico.
"Well, lets see the rooms." , Ethan said.
And so they went to the elevators.
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| Teddy at the Hotel Chaco |
As soon as Jim and Ethan entered the first room, and put Teddy's Walmart bag onto the bed, Teddy poked his head out - looked around - and then scuttled up the bed as fast as his dumpy little legs could carry him, and settled on the pillows.
"Excellent pillows, boys... I think I'm going to like it here...", Teddy said, settling himself back against the pristine white bed linen.
"I agree with Teddy...", Ethan said, turning to Jim.
"I think it's very nice here.
I think it must be the 'Native American Indian' in me.", Ethan continued.
"That's nonsense, Ethan... your skin's so fair, and you're blond...", Jim replied, grinning.
"Oh, you've noticed.", Ethan said, giving Teddy a stroke.
"Yes... but I do agree... it's a very nice hotel." Jim said.
And so they took Faunus and Glen, and looked at the other rooms.
And then they went around the public rooms, in order to decide if everything was to their satisfaction.... which it was...
"So I wonder how Zac and Brody are doing ?", Glen asked, as they continued to look around.
So now we can find out...
So now we can find out...
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| Las Vegas - Nevada - USA |
"I told you, Brody, it's for back-up - for security.", Zac said.
"So it's not for any wrestling or anything like that ?", Brody asked, sounding unsure.
"No way... and when you get to New Mexico, Jim will buy you a gun, and I'll give you a chance to practice with it before you are used for security." Zac explained.
"So I'll be helping you to protect the 'Boss' ?", Brody asked, keen to get everything straight.
"Actually no, Brody.
You'll be protecting Jim.", Zac said, beginning to get a little tired of Brody's continual questioning.
"I see... and why Jim."
"Because Jim's the next down from the 'Boss' - like his deputy - and the 'Boss' is not in New Mexico, but in Tennessee, on some business with Josh and Novius."
"Oh... I see.
I didn't understand...", Brody said, realizing that he didn't really know all that much about the organization that the 'Boss' was running.
"Anyway, you'll probably enjoy the trip...
Jim says the hotel is really great, and the 'Boss' has arranged for us to travel in his private jet.", Zac explained.
"Private jet !....", Brody said, obviously surprised.
"So how rich is the 'Boss' ?", Brody asked.
"Much richer that you can probably imagine.", Zac replied.
"So when do we go ?", Brody asked, sounding more enthusiastic.
"Oh, in about and hour's time...", Zac said, casually.
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| The Apartment Block - Las Vegas |
"Fuck !... I need to pack !", Brody said.
"You could have told me earlier...",
"Well you were the one asking all those damm-silly questions...", Zac said, grinning.
So they quickly got changed, and left the gym at the 'Combat Club', and sped off in Zac's white Chevy truck to the apartment block in Summerlin.
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| Highway to McCarran Airport - Las Vegas - Nevada |
"And remember, don't pack too much stuff - anything that you might need we can buy in Albuquerque - paid for by the 'Boss' of course.", Zac said.
Once they arrived at the apartment block, Brody rushed up to his apartment to pack, and moments later he was waiting in Zac's apartment.
Zac, of course, was already packed.
Then, after a very brief wait, Chuck arrived with a big black Lincoln limo.
Soon they were speeding through 'Vegas, and on their way to McCarran airport.
McCarran Airport - Las Vegas - Nevada McCarran Airport is the main airport for public and military use in the Las Vegas Valley in the U.S. state of Nevada. It is in Paradise, about 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Downtown Las Vegas. The airport is owned by Clark County and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation. It is named after the late U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, a member of the Democratic Party who contributed to the development of aviation both in Las Vegas and on a national scale and was staunchly anti communist. The airport was built in 1942 and opened to airline flights in 1948. It has expanded since then and has employed various innovative technologies. The airport has four runways and two passenger terminals. East of the passenger terminals is the Marnell Air Cargo Center, and on the west side of the airport are fixed-base operators and helicopter companies.
"So... how big's this private jet ?", Brody asked.
"Oh, not very big at all - four to six passengers and a crew... two engines." Zac replied.
"And you've flown in it ?", Brody continued.
"Once...", Zac replied.
"But you don't sound too happy about it.", Brody said.
"Well I'm here... all in one piece.", Zac replied.
"I've never flown.", Brody said.
"Never thought I ever would."
"Are you nervous ?", Zac asked.
"Yes... very !", Brody replied.
"And you a first class wrestler... ?", Zac said, with a reassuring smile.
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| Zac and Brody 'embark' on the Cessna |
The black Lincoln was allowed onto the tarmac - 'special customers' with a private jet...
Zac and Brody stepped out, and met the pilot and co-pilot.
Zac shook hands with the pilot.
"Good to have you on board Sirs...", the pilot (or 'Captain' as he preferred to be called), said respectfully.
"A short 'hop' today.
You'll only just get settled, and it will be time to disembark.", the 'Captain' said cheerily.
'Why did they always talk as if the aircraft was a ship...' Zac wondered.
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| Cessna 252 - Interior |
"Shit !... It's small !", Brody exclaimed.
Zac tutted.
"Brody - we're supposed to be respectable businessmen.", Zac said quietly.
"Oh yes... Sorry." Brody replied.
"Anyway, there's only the two of us...", Zac said as they both settled down in the luxuriously upholstered seats.
Then, before anything else could happen, an attractive young hostess appeared and checked their seat-belts.
"Brody - we're supposed to be respectable businessmen.", Zac said quietly.
"Oh yes... Sorry." Brody replied.
"Anyway, there's only the two of us...", Zac said as they both settled down in the luxuriously upholstered seats.
Then, before anything else could happen, an attractive young hostess appeared and checked their seat-belts.
So what's really going on ?
Well... the 'Boss' doesn't want any further problems with the Federal authorities - so, on this occasion, he has taken some precautions.
Franklin
The 'Cessna' is registered privately in Franklin's name - so there is very little connection with 'Club Jaguar'.
Brody and Zac are not registered at the Hotel Chaco, although Katrina (private secretary to the 'Boss') has reserved two rooms at the Hotel for two of her 'friends'.
The 'Boss' himself is not even in New Mexico, and by the time Brody and Zac arrive in Albuquerque the 'Boss' will be in Tennessee.
Chaco Canyon - New Mexico - USA
Later, when the 'boys' go to 'Chaco Canyon', they will travel in Jim's convertible and Faunus' pink Edsel (yes, he has that with him), and not use a helicopter - which was a mistake when they went to the 'Devils Tower' - and so there will be no approach to the 'Department of the Interior' - so the whole operation will be far more private and secure.
But nothing is that simple, as the flight will prove.
The 'Cessna' then taxied around on the runways.
For Brody, everything was OK until the pilot reached the start of the runway, put the brakes on, and then revved up the jet engines.
The little jet shook, as it strained against the brakes.
Then the brakes were released, and the Cessna shot down the runway.
Brody was sure it would reach the end of the runway before it managed to take off, and he sat with his eyes closed, waiting for the worst.
When he managed to open his eyes, he found that they had, in fact, taken off, and the Cessna was smoothly banking away from the airport in the bright morning sun.
"Well I'm glad that's over....", Brody sighed, presumably referring to the take-off, as Zac smiled.
It was a good day for the flight, and as they sped west they began to relax.
About halfway through the flight, however, the 'Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center' informed the pilot of the 'Cessna' of a high altitude, unidentified 'target' approaching them at some considerable speed from the east.
As the 'target' came up level with the Cessna, it slowed significantly, and appeared to be accompanying the small jet.
The pilot then spoke over the intercom, informing Zac and Brody of - as he put it - 'company' - but told them it was nothing to worry about, and was quite common in this area - which was just over the 'Hopi Reservation'.
Both Zac and Brody peered out of the windows and there it was, flying along beside them - a shining silver disk.
"Shit ! - It's one of those flying saucers !", Brody said, sounding part amazed and part alarmed.
Zac was unsure how to react.
Both the 'Boss' and Faunus had explained to him, during encoded 'phone calls, about the contacts that the 'gang' had recently experienced with 'aliens', and the connection between those contacts and the present trip that he and Brody were undertaking to New Mexico, but he was aware that such information was only for himself, and so he was not at liberty to discuss such matters with Brody.
"Well, as the pilot said... 'this quite common in this area' - so I suppose it's nothing to worry about.", Zac said, trying to sound casual.
The UFO flew along beside them for about ten minutes and then, without warning, shot vertically up into the sky at an enormous speed.
Now as the flight was only a matter of one hour and twenty minutes, after the 'excitement' of the UFO they found themselves making the approach to Albuquerque - which had the unlikely name of 'Sunport'.
The landing, which is generally agreed to be the most dangerous part of any flight, Brody was able to take in his stride, and once in the terminal it did not take Zac long to spot Faunus.
"Oh, he's back at the Hotel - on the 'phone to the 'Boss'.", Faunus replied, as they then walked over to the inevitable 'pink' Edsel.
"So how are you, Brody ?", Faunus asked.
Not having seen Brody for quite some considerable time, Faunus was keen to re-establish good relations.
"I'm very hot.", Brody replied, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Well this is New Mexico... you'll have to get used to it, but the hotel's air conditioned", Faunus replied, as he held open the door of the Edsel.
The drive to the 'Hotel Chaco' was a little uneasy, as very little was said.
There was, of course, much that Zac and Faunus wanted to discus, but not in front of Brody.
For Brody, everything was OK until the pilot reached the start of the runway, put the brakes on, and then revved up the jet engines.
The little jet shook, as it strained against the brakes.
Then the brakes were released, and the Cessna shot down the runway.
Brody was sure it would reach the end of the runway before it managed to take off, and he sat with his eyes closed, waiting for the worst.
When he managed to open his eyes, he found that they had, in fact, taken off, and the Cessna was smoothly banking away from the airport in the bright morning sun.
"Well I'm glad that's over....", Brody sighed, presumably referring to the take-off, as Zac smiled.
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| Flight Map - Las Vegas to Albuquerque |
About halfway through the flight, however, the 'Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center' informed the pilot of the 'Cessna' of a high altitude, unidentified 'target' approaching them at some considerable speed from the east.
 |
| Albuquerque Air Traffic Control |
The pilot then spoke over the intercom, informing Zac and Brody of - as he put it - 'company' - but told them it was nothing to worry about, and was quite common in this area - which was just over the 'Hopi Reservation'.
 |
| UFO over the Hopi Reservation |
"Shit ! - It's one of those flying saucers !", Brody said, sounding part amazed and part alarmed.
Zac was unsure how to react.
Both the 'Boss' and Faunus had explained to him, during encoded 'phone calls, about the contacts that the 'gang' had recently experienced with 'aliens', and the connection between those contacts and the present trip that he and Brody were undertaking to New Mexico, but he was aware that such information was only for himself, and so he was not at liberty to discuss such matters with Brody.
"Well, as the pilot said... 'this quite common in this area' - so I suppose it's nothing to worry about.", Zac said, trying to sound casual.
 |
| Albuquerque Airport |
Now as the flight was only a matter of one hour and twenty minutes, after the 'excitement' of the UFO they found themselves making the approach to Albuquerque - which had the unlikely name of 'Sunport'.
The landing, which is generally agreed to be the most dangerous part of any flight, Brody was able to take in his stride, and once in the terminal it did not take Zac long to spot Faunus.
'Sunport' - Albuquerque Airport Logo
"So where's Jim ?", Zac asked, as they made their way to the car-park.
"Oh, he's back at the Hotel - on the 'phone to the 'Boss'.", Faunus replied, as they then walked over to the inevitable 'pink' Edsel.
"So how are you, Brody ?", Faunus asked.
Not having seen Brody for quite some considerable time, Faunus was keen to re-establish good relations.
 |
| 'Hotel Chaco' - Albuquerque - New Mexico - Entrance |
"Well this is New Mexico... you'll have to get used to it, but the hotel's air conditioned", Faunus replied, as he held open the door of the Edsel.
The drive to the 'Hotel Chaco' was a little uneasy, as very little was said.
There was, of course, much that Zac and Faunus wanted to discus, but not in front of Brody.
It wasn't a long drive from the airport to the Hotel.
"Nice looking place.", Brody commented, as they pulled up outside the main entrance.
"Yes... it's very new, and very luxurious and expensive." Faunus explained.
"So how much is this stay going to cost me ?", Brody asked, sounding concerned.
"Nothing... of course.
It's all part of your work for the 'Boss'.
Travel, clothes, room, food, drinks - but of course no alcohol - you know the rules the 'Boss' has for that... it's all included.", Faunus said.
"Great !", Brody replied...
"Yes... it's very new, and very luxurious and expensive." Faunus explained.
"So how much is this stay going to cost me ?", Brody asked, sounding concerned.
"Nothing... of course.
 |
| Hotel Chaco - Lobby - Albuquerque |
Travel, clothes, room, food, drinks - but of course no alcohol - you know the rules the 'Boss' has for that... it's all included.", Faunus said.
"Great !", Brody replied...
"And I can continue my training ?", Brody asked, eager to give a good impression.
"Of course... there's a gym in the hotel.", Faunus added.
Brody then checked in with the documents that Franklin had provided, while the bellhops took his luggage up to his pre-booked room.
"Of course... there's a gym in the hotel.", Faunus added.
Brody then checked in with the documents that Franklin had provided, while the bellhops took his luggage up to his pre-booked room.
"Brody Harrison ?
Who thought up that one ?, not entirely happy with his newly acquired surname.
"Franklin, of course.
It's all a question of statistics - the combination, according to Franklin's computers - states that it is a combination that is very unlikely to come up with nay negative results...", Faunus explained.
Zac then checked in, and in accordance with his status, his luggage was taken to his suite, situated next door to Jim and Ethan.
After having been given time to shower and change, Jim and Faunus took Zac and Brody down to a private lounge on the lower floor, where the various member of the 'gang' were waiting to greet them.
On arriving in the lounge it was Teddy who greeted Zac first.
Teddy, (who was 'allowed out' as the lounge was private), was the first to greet Zac, running up to him, and pulling on Zac's trouser leg, (just as he had done when they first met in 'Vegas at the Penthouse).
"Hi little fella... long time no see....", Zac said.
"Hello Zac... are we still friends ?", Teddy asked very seriously.
"BFF - best friends forever - excepting, of course for your Ethan.", Zac replied.
"Excepting Ethan, of course.", Teddy said.
The others, obviously, were surprised - and amused.
Zac never seemed to show any emotion - to anybody - mainly because he had 'lost' Marcus and his 'Dominus' - but that had been long, long ago.
But Teddy was the exception.
Zac then greeted Jim in typically reserved Roman style, and then greeted Ethan, (in case you've lost the plot, Ethan was Zac's little brother, but that was in another time and another place - a long, long time ago).
They embraced, but that was as far as things went.
Zac was very formal with Glen, whom he had never met before - but about whom he was well informed (by Faunus).
Brody, of course felt completely 'out of things' - realizing that these people - apart from Teddy and Glen - had a long history behind them - a history that Brody had struggled to fathom, in his own simple way, but probably never would.
Jim quickly noticed that something was wrong when everyone started talking and swapping anecdotes.
They had all been warned not to say anything about 'aliens' and suchlike, which limited their conversation somewhat, but regardless, Brody was obviously left out in the cold.
"Zac... send a message to Kurt......
I want Tripp put on the next 'plane from 'Vegas to Albuquerque.", Jim said.
Then Jim went to chat to Brody, asking him about his training, his recent wrestling bouts, and how he was getting on with Tripp."
Tripp and Brody still seemed to be together - so perhaps Tripp could provide Brody with some company.
(of course, Tripp would obviously not 'do a runner' with all the money - he well knew that if he was that stupid, he would be tracked down, and end up in Lake Mead, or somewhere similar - and anyway he knew he was onto a 'good thing' with the 'Boss'.)
Then whole group later gathered for their evening meal.
After the meal Jim brought together Ethan, and Glen for a meeting in their private lounge, while Zac gave Brody the news about Tripp, and also gave him a run-down on his 'security duties' - such as they were.
Meanwhile Faunus 'disappeared'.
"OK, I want to make things clear about Brody.", Jim began.
"Brody's only here because the 'aliens' specifically asked to see him at our next meeting.
Faunus seems to think that they want to use him in their 'research' regarding human emotions - although what that might involve I am not really sure.
As Brody is somewhat of an outsider, I have arranged for Tripp, from the 'Combat Club', to fly in, and be a companion for Brody, as I know that Ethan has had some problems with Brody, and Glen doesn't really know him...
So Tripp should be here by the morning.
As far as Trip is concerned we are only here on a short 'holiday' while we wait for the 'Boss' to finish his business in Tennessee, so be careful what you say to him - and say nothing about 'aliens' or anything like that.
Assuming that Brody, later on, meets with the 'aliens', Faunus, of course will wipe his memory after the event - so neither Brody or Tripp will know of the real reason why we are here.
Is that understood ?", Jim asked as he concluded his brief talk.
The others all nodded in agreement.
Zac then checked in, and in accordance with his status, his luggage was taken to his suite, situated next door to Jim and Ethan.
After having been given time to shower and change, Jim and Faunus took Zac and Brody down to a private lounge on the lower floor, where the various member of the 'gang' were waiting to greet them.
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| Hotel Chaco - Private Lounge |
Teddy, (who was 'allowed out' as the lounge was private), was the first to greet Zac, running up to him, and pulling on Zac's trouser leg, (just as he had done when they first met in 'Vegas at the Penthouse).
"Hi little fella... long time no see....", Zac said.
"Hello Zac... are we still friends ?", Teddy asked very seriously.
"BFF - best friends forever - excepting, of course for your Ethan.", Zac replied.
"Excepting Ethan, of course.", Teddy said.
The others, obviously, were surprised - and amused.
Zac never seemed to show any emotion - to anybody - mainly because he had 'lost' Marcus and his 'Dominus' - but that had been long, long ago.
But Teddy was the exception.
Zac then greeted Jim in typically reserved Roman style, and then greeted Ethan, (in case you've lost the plot, Ethan was Zac's little brother, but that was in another time and another place - a long, long time ago).
They embraced, but that was as far as things went.
Zac was very formal with Glen, whom he had never met before - but about whom he was well informed (by Faunus).
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| Kurt |
Jim quickly noticed that something was wrong when everyone started talking and swapping anecdotes.
They had all been warned not to say anything about 'aliens' and suchlike, which limited their conversation somewhat, but regardless, Brody was obviously left out in the cold.
"Zac... send a message to Kurt......
I want Tripp put on the next 'plane from 'Vegas to Albuquerque.", Jim said.
Then Jim went to chat to Brody, asking him about his training, his recent wrestling bouts, and how he was getting on with Tripp."
Tripp and Brody still seemed to be together - so perhaps Tripp could provide Brody with some company.
That evening Kurt 'phoned back to say that a very surprised Tripp had been delivered, with a wallet stuffed with high denomination bills, to McCarran Airport, and given a first class seat on a jet to Albuquerque - so Brody would not be on his own for long.Tripp was a boy from Valley City, in North Dakota, of German stock (45% in Valley City), who drifted down south and ended up in 'Vegas. He attempted to 'hustle' Kurt one evening, but Kurt was not interested, and instead, seeing that the boy was badly undernourished, took him for a meal. Kurt liked Tripp, and thought he could help the kid by giving him a position at the 'California Combat Club' as a 'gopher' (UK. 'dogsbody'). At that task Tripp performed exceptionally well, and after a very short while he proved to be indispensable around the club - becoming the club 'mascot' and favorite of many of the fighters, and a constant companion to Marty, the initial 'manager' of the club. When Jim and the 'Penthouse Gang' took over the club, and Marty was dismissed by the 'Boss', Tripp, sensibly, transferred his attentions to Jim, Ethan, Josh and Zac - and then later, to Brody (initially much to Ethan's annoyance).
Tripp
(of course, Tripp would obviously not 'do a runner' with all the money - he well knew that if he was that stupid, he would be tracked down, and end up in Lake Mead, or somewhere similar - and anyway he knew he was onto a 'good thing' with the 'Boss'.)
Then whole group later gathered for their evening meal.
After the meal Jim brought together Ethan, and Glen for a meeting in their private lounge, while Zac gave Brody the news about Tripp, and also gave him a run-down on his 'security duties' - such as they were.
Meanwhile Faunus 'disappeared'.
"OK, I want to make things clear about Brody.", Jim began.
"Brody's only here because the 'aliens' specifically asked to see him at our next meeting.
Faunus seems to think that they want to use him in their 'research' regarding human emotions - although what that might involve I am not really sure.
As Brody is somewhat of an outsider, I have arranged for Tripp, from the 'Combat Club', to fly in, and be a companion for Brody, as I know that Ethan has had some problems with Brody, and Glen doesn't really know him...
So Tripp should be here by the morning.
As far as Trip is concerned we are only here on a short 'holiday' while we wait for the 'Boss' to finish his business in Tennessee, so be careful what you say to him - and say nothing about 'aliens' or anything like that.
Assuming that Brody, later on, meets with the 'aliens', Faunus, of course will wipe his memory after the event - so neither Brody or Tripp will know of the real reason why we are here.
Is that understood ?", Jim asked as he concluded his brief talk.
The others all nodded in agreement.
So Tripp arrives - and there's an opportunity for some shopping, and Brody and Tripp spend most of the afternoon after Tripp arrives in the Hotel gym while Jim, Ethan and Glen go for a daylight look at the Chaco Canyon while waiting on a further message to be given to Glen. Eventually contact is renewed but everyone is in for a big surprise - meanwhile the 'Boss', Novius and Josh arrive in Memphis and meet the 'other' Presley.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021