After the trip to the Valley of the Kings, Khonsu gives Faunus, Ethan and Teddy a full briefing on the mission that the 'guardians' have proposed....Faunus and Jim then use the portal in the 'Lion's Cave' to travel to Nevada in order to collect 'Sigi', and then return to Luxor before setting off to 1920s Berlin and the search for von Braun.
for more information about this chapter go to the article
'NASA & the STAR GODS'
for more information about this chapter go to the article
'NASA & the STAR GODS'
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| Luxor - East Bank - Panorama |
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| Jim's Suite |
There Jim gave Zac and Josh the surprise he had promised them, by having them move into a palatial suite.
In case you might be wondering why Zac and Josh would want to share a suite, then the answer is to be found long ago, and in 'another place', as described in the 'Story of Gracchus'.
And so Zac, Josh, Glen and Max all 'freshened up', and then went down to the Winter Palace pool, for a lazy afternoon in the sun.
Khonsu then brought Ethan and Teddy up to speed with further information about the mission, with the assistance of Teddy on the laptop.
"So perhaps you could explain, in practical terms, what might be involved regard this 'mission', and also why these 'guardians' think it is so important." Jim suggested.
"The problem lies with the recent contact that certain humans have had with 'non-terrestrial' beings.", Khonsu began, as Teddy tapped away on his laptop, making a note of what Khonsu said.
"As you well know, 'non-terrestrial' beings have had contact with the earth from very earliest times - as is described in the legends about 'Zep Tepi'.", Khonsu explained.
"The 'First Time' was when the 'neteru' ruled.
'Zep Tepi' was said to be a golden age, during which the waters of the 'abyss' receded, the 'primordial darkness' was banished, and certain human races, emerging into the 'light', were offered the gifts of civilization.
During that time there were intermediaries between the 'gods' - the 'neteru' - and humans.
Those intermediaries were the 'Urshu', a category of 'lesser divinities', whose title meant the 'watchers' or 'guardians' - also known as the 'Nephilim' - a word that comes from the root nephila, signifying the constellation of 'Orion'.".....
"Well.... before I answer that directly, let me explain some other things.....
There is much speculation that beings that you know of as the 'greys' are very disturbed by humans' attempts to explore, or possibly colonize their own solar system, beginning with Earth's moon, and possibly later, the planet Mars.", Khonsu said.
They appear to be organic, like humans, but in fact are very different.
They do not age, or 'wear out', for that matter - although you would probably know all about that - but also they are hardly affected by variations in temperature, gravity or G forces resulting from travelling and manoeuvring at high velocities.
Equally they are not affected by biological life forms, such as bacteria or viruses - or by radiation.", Khonsu explained.
"But....", Teddy interrupted, "they are affected by certain types of electromagnetic radiations ..."
"Yes, that is true, Teddy.", Khonsu agreed.
"So you say the greys are disturbed and concerned by humans' possible plans to travel to the moon or planets - but why should the 'guardians', whoever they are, be worried about that ?", Jim asked.
"Well, it is very simple, Jim.
Just like humans on the earth, the greys are divided into factions.
Some see humans as possible 'friends', and maybe allies in the future, while other groups, who have established outposts on Earth's moon and also Mars, fear that the humans will try to destroy them.", Khonu replied.
"And why should humans want to destroy the greys ?", Ethan asked, sounding puzzled and shocked.
"The greys, you must understand, being effectively immortal, have a very thorough knowledge of human history.
They know how warlike and violent humans can be.....
More to the point, they have seen humans discover new places and races on the Earth, and they have seen humans simply destroy whole civilizations.", Khonsu said.
"That's true, Ethan.
Remember what the 'Boss' told us about what the Europeans did after they began to colonize North and South America.", Jim said.
"Yes....'suppose so...", Ethan replied.
"And now the humans have very powerful weapons, so the 'guardians' are justifiably worried.", Khonsu said.
"So what about stopping humans inventing these powerful weapons ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, it could be done, Ethan, but you need to learn that changing the past needs to be thought out very carefully.
If you change one thing, it could cause lots of other problems - and the 'guardians' don't think that preventing the creation of atomic weapons - for example - is the best solution regarding this particular situation.", Khonsu explained.
"So perhaps you could explain, in practical terms, what might be involved regard this 'mission', and also why these 'guardians' think it is so important." Jim suggested.
"The problem lies with the recent contact that certain humans have had with 'non-terrestrial' beings.", Khonsu began, as Teddy tapped away on his laptop, making a note of what Khonsu said.
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| 'Zep Tepi' |
'Zep Tepi' is ancient Egyptian and can be translated as the 'First Time', referring to a remote epoch prior to ancient Egypt, and associated with Osiris, who was later seen as the bringer of civilization to first humans.Khonsu then continued.
"The 'First Time' was when the 'neteru' ruled.
'Zep Tepi' was said to be a golden age, during which the waters of the 'abyss' receded, the 'primordial darkness' was banished, and certain human races, emerging into the 'light', were offered the gifts of civilization.
During that time there were intermediaries between the 'gods' - the 'neteru' - and humans.
Those intermediaries were the 'Urshu', a category of 'lesser divinities', whose title meant the 'watchers' or 'guardians' - also known as the 'Nephilim' - a word that comes from the root nephila, signifying the constellation of 'Orion'.".....
"So OK.... we already know about these 'neteru-thingys', and such like - but why are these 'guardians' so interested in this guy von Braun ?", Ethan asked, still not actually understanding what was really going on.For the ancient Egyptians Orion ( Sah) was associated with the netr 'Osiris' ('Asar' or 'Ausar' in ancient Egyptian - hence the 'A' in the American 'Apollo Space Project' logo), and more particularly the star 'Rigel' (β Orionis). The 'A' does not stand for 'Apollo', but rather for 'Asar' - 'Osiris' in ancient Egyptian. The three stars on the 'A' are the three stars of 'Orion's Belt', and the three stars in a vertical line are the 'Sword of Orion' - one being the 'Orion Nebula'. The four large stars behind the 'A', almost forming a rectangle, are the other main stars of the constellation of Orion. The overall symbolism is Masonic. Phoebe was identified with the moon in Greek mythology, and is said to have given Apollo the rites of his oracle in Delphi. The Egyptian God (neter) of the moon was Khonsu - son of Amun and Mut (the Theban Triad).
American 'Apollo Space Project' Logo
"Well.... before I answer that directly, let me explain some other things.....
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| Alien Grey |
Grey aliens, also referred to as Roswell Greys, or Greys, are extra terrestrial 'entities'. Typically, when sighted by humans, Greys are described as having small bodies with pale, grey-coloured skin, enlarged hairless heads, and very large black eyes - and lack, external human body parts such as noses, ears or sex organs. Their bodies are usually described as being elongated, having a small chest, lacking in muscular definition and visible skeletal structure. Their legs are shorter, and jointed differently from humans with arms proportionally different from a human. Greys do not speak, but communicate by telepathy."Now it needs to be understood that the 'greys' are actually cybernetic organisms.
They appear to be organic, like humans, but in fact are very different.
They do not age, or 'wear out', for that matter - although you would probably know all about that - but also they are hardly affected by variations in temperature, gravity or G forces resulting from travelling and manoeuvring at high velocities.
Equally they are not affected by biological life forms, such as bacteria or viruses - or by radiation.", Khonsu explained.
"But....", Teddy interrupted, "they are affected by certain types of electromagnetic radiations ..."
"Yes, that is true, Teddy.", Khonsu agreed.
"So you say the greys are disturbed and concerned by humans' possible plans to travel to the moon or planets - but why should the 'guardians', whoever they are, be worried about that ?", Jim asked.
"Well, it is very simple, Jim.
Just like humans on the earth, the greys are divided into factions.
Some see humans as possible 'friends', and maybe allies in the future, while other groups, who have established outposts on Earth's moon and also Mars, fear that the humans will try to destroy them.", Khonu replied.
"And why should humans want to destroy the greys ?", Ethan asked, sounding puzzled and shocked.
"The greys, you must understand, being effectively immortal, have a very thorough knowledge of human history.
They know how warlike and violent humans can be.....
More to the point, they have seen humans discover new places and races on the Earth, and they have seen humans simply destroy whole civilizations.", Khonsu said.
"That's true, Ethan.
Remember what the 'Boss' told us about what the Europeans did after they began to colonize North and South America.", Jim said.
"Yes....'suppose so...", Ethan replied.
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| Trinity Test |
"So what about stopping humans inventing these powerful weapons ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, it could be done, Ethan, but you need to learn that changing the past needs to be thought out very carefully.
If you change one thing, it could cause lots of other problems - and the 'guardians' don't think that preventing the creation of atomic weapons - for example - is the best solution regarding this particular situation.", Khonsu explained.
'Trinity' was the code name of the first detonation of a nuclear device. It was conducted by the United States Army at 5:29 a.m. on July 16, 1945, as part of the 'Manhattan Project'. The test was conducted in the Jornada del Muerto desert about 35 miles (56 km) southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, on what was then the USAAF Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, now part of White Sands Missile Range.
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| Jim and the Multiverse |
"The 'safe solution', Jim is the one I've already told you about, which is to prevent, or at least delay for a considerable time, the possibility of humans going into space - and trying to ensure that they are not aware that they have been stopped.", Khonsu replied.
It should be noted that in the 'alternative world' that Jim and the 'boys' find themselves, the Americans and the Russians have not yet developed viable 'space programs', and are some considerable time away from moon landings and such like.- see 'The Multiverse' - and 'An Idiot's Guide to the Multiverse'.
"And how will they not be aware of that ?", Jim asked.
"They should not be 'aware' because the timeline will be altered, and they will have no knowledge that future events have not taken place.", Khonsu said.
"Mm...that's difficult to understand....", Ethan mumbled.
"Well of course, Ethan.
Almost everything about altering time is difficult to understand - and not just for you...", Khonsu said.
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| The Moon |
"You see, the only way to calm the present tensions is to have a situation where the greys on the Earth's moon do not think that they are about to be threatened.
And the greys, you must understand, do not need to use powerful weapons against the Earth.
Already they have spent much time studying the biology of humans - with their many 'abductions' - and so for them, being biologically immune, it would be easy for them to create viruses that would effectively destroy the Earth's population, against which humans would have no antidotes - no defence.
But before that, they need to obtain sufficient human biological material so that they can continue their experimentation in the hope of possibly breeding a new human cybernetic species capable of surviving outside the earth's biosphere in the artificial subsurface conditions on the Earth's moon and Mars.", Khonsu said.
"Wow ! That all sounds very nasty....!, Ethan said...
"So your saying that if there's no sign that humans are able to successfully leave the Earth, and move out into other parts of the solar system, the greys will be satisfied with that situation ?", Jim asked.
"Yes, it seems very likely...", Khonsu replied.
And you're implying that this German astrophysicist, von Braun, is the only one who can develop a successful space program on the Earth. ?", Jim then asked.
"Yes....it seems strange, but no one else seems to come anywhere near him with regard to
the research required to achieve extra-terrestrial flight....", Khonsu said.
"Odd....", Ethan said....
And Ethan could be very perceptive on occasions.
"Well - to be truthful....if we don't take this proposed action, von Braun will get assistance from another extraterrestrial group - but if he's not around, then that group will have a great deal of difficulty in finding anyone of similar ability who will be in the sort of position that von Braund will be to develop such a space program...." Khonsu said.
The group that Khonsu is talking about is a group of 'aliens' using human 'occult' traditions to manipulate many high status humans into developing semi-religious and political movements that will unconsciously assist the aliens in various ways - not always to the benefit of humans. Such movements are what humans term Masonic on the one hand, and nationalistic on the other hand. Examples are the appendant bodies of Freemasonry and also such groups as the Thule Gesellschaft and the 'Alldeutsche Gesellschaft für Metaphysik'.
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| Die Glocke |
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| Project Montauk |
"Oh no !...not that business again....", Ethan said, sounding very 'fed up'.
'Die Glocke', were designed to test the possibilities of distorting space and time. The 'Bell' was reportedly an object, approximately 9 ft. in diameter and 12-15 ft. tall. The device was made out of a hard, heavy metal (depleted uranium ?) and filled with a mercury-like substance - 'Xerum 25' - violet in color. It was suggested that the 'Glocke' could actually bend time and space
"So what are you saying ?...that von Braun was responsible for those projects as well ?", Jim asked, sighing.
"Well only in as much as he was involved with Kammler, and the much of the SS Organisation Waffenentwicklung (SS Weapons Development Organisation).
But von Braun's real obsession was with 'space flight'.", Khonsu explained.
"But this means that we're back with Dr Siegfried Brandt...", Ethan said.
"Well, not really....you need to get von Braun out of the picture very early on... say before 1930....whereas Brandt only gets into the picture much later." Khonsu said.
"Well you seem to know a lot about all this.....
But let's get down to the real business.....what do you want us to do ?", Ethan asked.
"Well somehow you must redirect von Braun, so that he doesn't become involved with the German rocket program.
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| USSR/USA Standoff |
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| US Missile Test |
If you can do that....good, because in that case, the Germans will still lose the war, but von Braun will never go to America, because there will not be any rocket program - and also there will not be any rocket scientists for the Russians to capture - and while there will still be a standoff between the Americans and the Russians after 1945, nuclear war will be very unlikely with atom bombs being dropped from conventional bombers.
So then the world, for the humans, will probably be much safer, and with less money spent on missiles and space projects, the economic outlook will be much better.", Khonsu suggested.
"Well, there is a lot of 'probably' and 'unlikely' in all that....but if it stops the greys from getting really scared of humans, and maybe eliminating the human race, it's probably worth the risk..", Jim said reluctantly.
"But you don't want von Braun killed - not that we would do that....", Ethan queried.
"No, leaving a 'hole' like that could be problematic, and anyway the 'guardians' are very fussy about not going against the moral imperatives..", Khonsu said.
"So what do you think, Teddy....
how should we do this ?", Jim asked.
So far, Teddy had been very quiet, just listening, and tapping away at his bright blue laptop as he recorded everything that had been said.
"Well...I've been doing a lot of research on this....", Teddy began....
"Now how's that, Teddy ?
You've been typing all the time...", Ethan said, interrupting.
"Now it is possible to do two things at the same time...", Teddy replied.
"Mm.....possibly, ", Ethan replied, not really convinced.
"Well I can do four or five things at the same time....so there !", Teddy said defiantly.
"OK....well what have you found out.", Jim asked, trying to avoid Teddy and Ethan starting an argument.
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| Von Braun and Senior Wehrmacht Officers |
See Teddy's database on NASA and von Braun at 'NASA & the Star Gods'.
"To begin with he sounds OK - a bit of a 'spoilt rich kid' - playing Beethoven and Bach on his mum's grand piano, and reading lots of science fiction books and comics - but then he gets pally with this Oberth guy, and then gets to know Jack Parsons - by 'phone would you believe ? - must have cost a fortune, and of course he gets involved with National Socialists and the Vril, and starts to think, under the influence of Parsons and Crowley, that he belongs in the stars, as one of the Aryan 'Star Gods'.
All very weird....", Teddy explained - or not as it happens.
"Well I don't really know what you're on about, Teddy, but I'm sure you're right...", Ethan said.
"Read about it a bit more then....", Teddy said.
"It's all on my laptop - in a file called NASA & the Star Gods.", Teddy said helpfully.
"But you still haven't answered my question, Teddy.....What should we do about von Braun ?", Jim insisted.
Teddy looked puzzled, and thought for a moment...
(Teddy always looked a little puzzled, but in this case he looked really puzzled.)
"Change him....", was all that Teddy then said.
"Well what's that supposed to mean ?", Ethan asked, thoroughly bemused.
"According to my research he was a far better musician that an engineer or scientist - that is before he attended the 'Technische Hochschule' in Berlin in the late 1920s.
Also he was, at that time, still torn between a technical career, or a career as a musician or a composer - and, more important, he studied music and composition under Paul Hindemith.", Teddy said.
"Paul whoey ?...", Ethan asked, by then completely lost.
"Paul Hindemith....a great modern German composer...", Teddy replied.
"But you still haven't answered my question, Teddy.....What should we do about von Braun ?", Jim insisted.
Teddy looked puzzled, and thought for a moment...
(Teddy always looked a little puzzled, but in this case he looked really puzzled.)
"Change him....", was all that Teddy then said.
"Well what's that supposed to mean ?", Ethan asked, thoroughly bemused.
"According to my research he was a far better musician that an engineer or scientist - that is before he attended the 'Technische Hochschule' in Berlin in the late 1920s.
Also he was, at that time, still torn between a technical career, or a career as a musician or a composer - and, more important, he studied music and composition under Paul Hindemith.", Teddy said.
"Paul whoey ?...", Ethan asked, by then completely lost.
"Paul Hindemith....a great modern German composer...", Teddy replied.
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| Paul Hindemith |
Paul Hindemith was born on 16th November 1895, and was a prolific German composer, violist, violinist, teacher and conductor. In the 1920s, he became a major advocate of the Neue Sachlichkeit (new objectivity) style of music. Notable compositions include his song cycle 'Das Marienleben' (1923), 'Der Schwanendreher' for viola and orchestra (1935), and the opera 'Mathis der Maler' (1938). Hindemith's most popular work, both on CD and in the concert hall, is the 'Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber', written in 1943.
"..'never heard of him....", Ethan said.
"I don't suppose he ever wrote songs for Disney movies ?", Ethan then asked...
"No, Ethan, but he was very famous.", Teddy said.
"Well, Jim, could Faunus do that ?", Ethan asked.
At that moment the door to the drawing room opened, and Faunus came in.
"Yes....I probably could, and it sounds like a very good idea...", Faunus said.
"Oh...I wish wouldn't' do that....I always think that you're listening just round the corner, somewhere...", Ethan said, visibly startled.
"Well I suppose I am - but it's only a 'metaphysical corner'..., Faunus said, grinning.
"Please, don't start Ethan off....", Teddy said, closing his laptop.
"Well would that 'do the trick' - 'changing' him I mean ?
After all, it would 'screw up' the American Space program - which is what these 'guardian-thingys' seem to want ?", Ethan asked.
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| Novius at the Villa Athena - Los Angeles |
"Without Werner - his younger brother Magnus - who also worked on the project, and Hermann Oberth would not get very far - and there's every chance that they would not be able to surrender to the Americans - so I doubt if the Americans would have got further than just producing some fairly ineffective missiles...", Teddy said.
"Okey dokey....so what happens next ?", Ethan asked....
"Well, first I want Teddy to encode everything about this project, and send it off to Novius in Los Angeles for his comments.....
In the meantime we need to decide what happens to the others - as I think this job doesn't need too many people....
We don't want to draw attention to ourselves....", Faunus said.
"True...", Ethan said, trying to sound very 'clued up' and enthusiastic.
"So who's going ?", Teddy asked.
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| Ethan with his Guns - Los Angeles |
"I have to go, as even Teddy can't make permanent 'changes' to our 'subject' without my help and guidance.", Faunus said.
"Right...", Jim said.
"And Teddy needs to come as he can help Faunus, and Teddy also has all the background information, and can also understand and speak German.", Ethan said.
"And I think you should come, Ethan....", Faunus said.
"No...!" Count me out !' (more movie slang).
"I can't speak German, and from what I've seen on the movies, those Nazi guys are real nasty and frightening." Ethan said.
"Doesn't matter...", Teddy said.., "I need you.", and there was no arguing with that.
"Anyway, we need someone who can handle a gun.", Teddy added.
"So is that it...?", Ethan asked.
"No...we need 'Sigi' as he speaks perfect German.", Faunus said.
"But he's living somewhere near Las Vegas...", Ethan spluttered.
"True....but so what - our destination is Berlin, in Germany, and we're in Luxor in Egypt.", Faunus said, smiling.
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| Lion's Cave Doorway |
"Yes, I was coming to that...so how do we do this traveling ?", Ethan asked.
"What ..! you mean we go through a door in the 'Lion Cave', end up in Room 33 in 'Vegas, pick up 'Sigi', go through a door again, and step out in Berlin in the 1920s.", Ethan said incredulously.
"Yes....something like that..", Faunus replied.
"So what was all that 'shit' about mucking about in big jets for god know how long, when we came to Egypt ....We could have just stepped through a door !", Ethan said, nonplussed.
"Well not really - not with Max and Glen...if you remember.", Faunus explained.
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| Doorway to Room 33 - First on the Left |
"Now tell me, if we go through those gold nice doors in the Lion's Cave on the West Bank will it work, because when we were last in the 'Club Athena' the builders were doing all that work up there on the first floor ?
I mean, if we step out thinking we'll be in Room 33, - will we just find ourselves floating in hyper-space, whatever that is...?", Ethan asked.
"Oh yes.....not to worry..... Franklin reported to me, when we were in Cairo, that all the building and decorating is finished, and everything is working.", Jim said reassuringly.
"Well, I'd like it if you checked it out before we go..", Ethan said.
"Of course....I'll do that when I go to get 'Sigi'.", Jim explained.
"So your job, Jim, is to explain to the others that myself, Ethan and Teddy will be off on a business trip for a short while.", Faunus began explaining.
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| Dahabiya - Nile - Upper Egypt |
"Then I want you to hire a Dahabiya, along with Ismail Am'r as your guide, and take the 'boys' on a cruise down the Nile to Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
A Dahabiya is a sailing boat that is based out of Luxor, Esna or Aswan for a relatively long cruise on the Nile river in Upper Egypt. Originally built to carry celebrities and royal families, the Dahabiya is a luxury pleasure boat for the Nile. The name means 'golden one' alluding to the gold decoration. The name came to be applied to other boats with similar luxuries.
Hopefully by the time you have finished your trip we will be back from our mission.
For my part I need to go with you, to pick up 'Sigi', and meanwhile I want Ethan to get clued up on 1920's Germany, with the help of Teddy, and I want you, Teddy, to find out everything you can about the von Brauns, and also Paul Hindemith.....OK ?", Faunus said.
Jim, Teddy and Ethan looked at one another....
They hadn't realized that things were going to happen so soon - or that the mission was really going to happen.
"Yes, of course.", Jim replied.
"Oh shit...! What have we got ourselves into this time ?", Ethan said to Teddy.
"A difficult situation, I think....", Teddy replied.
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| Zigi's Apartment - Green Valley - Henderson - NV |
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| 'Sigi' at the Door - Henderson |
"I wasn't expecting you back quite so soon..."
"I told you before, 'Sigi', don't call me 'uncle'..", Jim said, as 'Sigi' invited him in.
for 'Sigi' and Jim's first (?) meeting - go to Chapter 3.
For Jim and Faunus it hadn't been a long journey........just a boat ride across the Nile with Mahmoud, a taxi with Hassan to the West Bank, a short climb to where he knew the 'Lion Cave' would appear, and then a step through the gilded bronze doors, which brought him out into the elevator lobby on the top floor of what had been 'Club Jaguar', and was now 'Club Athena'.
This was the first trip Jim had undertaken with Faunus, but now he was familiar with the method, he was quite confident he could make the return trip, hopefully with 'Zigi'.
Finally Jim called up Chuck on his cell-phone, and he and Faunus took the short drive to Henderson, just outside 'Vegas, where 'Sigi' had his apartment
Then there was the problem of explaining to 'Sigi' about what was going to happen.
Jim stepped into 'Sigi's apartment.
"We need to have a serious talk, 'Sigi'...", Jim began.
"I see...", 'Sigi' said, looking nervous, as he went into the kitchen to make some coffee.
"Now you speak German...yes ?". Jim asked, although he already knew the answer.
"Yes, of course....I am German - well Austrian, although it's some time since I lived there...I think.", 'Sigi' replied.... becoming strangely vague.
"Well I have a job that needs doing in Berlin, and I want you to go, along with Ethan.", Jim explained.
"And I suppose Ethan doesn't speak German...", 'Sigi' guessed - obviously correctly.
Jim nodded, as 'Sigi' handed him the coffee.
At that moment there was a knock at the door.
'Sigi' was not expecting anyone - but opened the door regardless.
"It's Faunus, uncle Jim !", 'Sigi' said, obviously surprised.
Faunus had been waiting the Cadillac, giving Jim a chance to speak to 'Sigi'.
"So you came up together ?", 'Sigi' said.
"Oh yes...I just waited in the limo to give you a few moments with Jim...", Faunus said.
'Sigi then dashed into the kitchen to get another cup of coffee for Faunus.
"I hope you don't mind me saying...but 'Faunus' is a very unusual name...", 'Sigi' said, as he returned with the coffee.
"A very old name....'Sigi'... Italian, but originally from the Latin.", Faunus replied.
"And you've known Jim a long time ?", Zigi asked.
"Well in one way yes....a very, very long time, but in another way no...", Faunus replied.
'Sigi' looked puzzled...
"But you both look about the same age...", 'Sigi' said.
"Well, I'm a little bit older that Jim...", Faunus said, smiling.
"So anyway, what's this about a trip to Germany ?", 'Sigi' asked, sounding enthusiastic.
"Well, perhaps Faunus should explain some things......", Jim said, hoping that Faunus would sort things out.
"So, this is his idea....yes ?", 'Sigi' asked, looking to Faunus.
"Well, not exactly....", Faunus began.
"Now, 'Sigi' - I want you to listen to me very, very carefully...", Faunus said, in that particular tone of voice that Jim had heard so many times before.....and at the same time that Faunus started speaking, Jim very quietly got to his feet and let himself out of the front door, and stood out on the small balcony.
Wisely, Jim was well aware of the effect of Faunus' voice, and preferred to remain unaffected.
"We need your help, 'Sigi'.", Faunus began.
"We need to find someone, and we need to help them.
In order to do this we need to journey to Germany, but not that country as it is now, but as it was many years ago...", Faunus said very softly.
"Yes.... yes of course.. Faunus..", 'Sigi' said calmly.
"To help this person we need to travel first to a place where we will find Ethan, and also Teddy....you remember Ethan and Teddy ?", Faunus continued.
"Yes....Ethan was that young blond boy, and Teddy...well Teddy was a teddy-bear - but he could walk and talk....", 'Sigi' said, giggling quietly to himself.
"Yes, 'Sigi', and Teddy likes you very much, and you can talk to him in German - and he can speak and understand German.", Faunus explained.
"Can he...?
Oh I would really like to talk to someone in German...it's been so long....", and 'Sigi's voice voice trailed away as he imagined having a conversation in German with Teddy.
"Now we are going to get Ethan and Teddy, and then we are going to Germany, and going to Germany is just as easy as stepping through a door...and we will do that soon, and you will not be nervous, and it will be very easy.
And no one shall miss you at school, and you don't even have to pack....just come as you are....", Faunus continued.
"OK....and do we go with my uncle Jim ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"Yes, 'Sigi' , and the limo is outside, and we can go whenever you're ready."
"And who are we going to help ?", Sigi asked'.
"A young man called Wernher...
Now I have a photo, which I would like you to keep...", and Faunus gave 'Sigi' an original photo from the time to which they were intended to travel.
"Remember his face...", Faunus said sternly.
"But when you meet him he will be a little younger.....", Faunus added.
So 'Sigi', by then fully under Faunus' control, packed an overnight bag, switched off the electricity and water, threw away the few items of food that might spoil in the fridge, and switched off his cell-phone.
"OK, uncle Jim...I'm ready......".
They left unobtrusively, and probably none of the neighbours noticed, and soon the were cruising along on via route 515 N in one of Jim's many big, black Cadillacs.
"So how long will we be away for ?", Sigi asked.
"Not sure...", Jim replied, in a tone that didn't invite any further questions.
It was only a half hour dive, and they were soon pulling up at the entrance to the newly refurbished 'Club Athena'.
"I told you before, 'Sigi', don't call me 'uncle'..", Jim said, as 'Sigi' invited him in.
for 'Sigi' and Jim's first (?) meeting - go to Chapter 3.
For Jim and Faunus it hadn't been a long journey........just a boat ride across the Nile with Mahmoud, a taxi with Hassan to the West Bank, a short climb to where he knew the 'Lion Cave' would appear, and then a step through the gilded bronze doors, which brought him out into the elevator lobby on the top floor of what had been 'Club Jaguar', and was now 'Club Athena'.
This was the first trip Jim had undertaken with Faunus, but now he was familiar with the method, he was quite confident he could make the return trip, hopefully with 'Zigi'.
Finally Jim called up Chuck on his cell-phone, and he and Faunus took the short drive to Henderson, just outside 'Vegas, where 'Sigi' had his apartment
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| Henderson - Nevada - USA |
Jim stepped into 'Sigi's apartment.
"We need to have a serious talk, 'Sigi'...", Jim began.
"I see...", 'Sigi' said, looking nervous, as he went into the kitchen to make some coffee.
"Now you speak German...yes ?". Jim asked, although he already knew the answer.
"Yes, of course....I am German - well Austrian, although it's some time since I lived there...I think.", 'Sigi' replied.... becoming strangely vague.
"Well I have a job that needs doing in Berlin, and I want you to go, along with Ethan.", Jim explained.
"And I suppose Ethan doesn't speak German...", 'Sigi' guessed - obviously correctly.
Jim nodded, as 'Sigi' handed him the coffee.
At that moment there was a knock at the door.
'Sigi' was not expecting anyone - but opened the door regardless.
"It's Faunus, uncle Jim !", 'Sigi' said, obviously surprised.
Faunus had been waiting the Cadillac, giving Jim a chance to speak to 'Sigi'.
"So you came up together ?", 'Sigi' said.
"Oh yes...I just waited in the limo to give you a few moments with Jim...", Faunus said.
'Sigi then dashed into the kitchen to get another cup of coffee for Faunus.
"I hope you don't mind me saying...but 'Faunus' is a very unusual name...", 'Sigi' said, as he returned with the coffee.
"A very old name....'Sigi'... Italian, but originally from the Latin.", Faunus replied.
"And you've known Jim a long time ?", Zigi asked.
"Well in one way yes....a very, very long time, but in another way no...", Faunus replied.
'Sigi' looked puzzled...
"But you both look about the same age...", 'Sigi' said.
"Well, I'm a little bit older that Jim...", Faunus said, smiling.
"So anyway, what's this about a trip to Germany ?", 'Sigi' asked, sounding enthusiastic.
"Well, perhaps Faunus should explain some things......", Jim said, hoping that Faunus would sort things out.
"So, this is his idea....yes ?", 'Sigi' asked, looking to Faunus.
"Well, not exactly....", Faunus began.
"Now, 'Sigi' - I want you to listen to me very, very carefully...", Faunus said, in that particular tone of voice that Jim had heard so many times before.....and at the same time that Faunus started speaking, Jim very quietly got to his feet and let himself out of the front door, and stood out on the small balcony.
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| The Apartment of 'Sigi' - Green Valley - Henderson - NV |
"We need your help, 'Sigi'.", Faunus began.
"We need to find someone, and we need to help them.
In order to do this we need to journey to Germany, but not that country as it is now, but as it was many years ago...", Faunus said very softly.
"Yes.... yes of course.. Faunus..", 'Sigi' said calmly.
"To help this person we need to travel first to a place where we will find Ethan, and also Teddy....you remember Ethan and Teddy ?", Faunus continued.
"Yes....Ethan was that young blond boy, and Teddy...well Teddy was a teddy-bear - but he could walk and talk....", 'Sigi' said, giggling quietly to himself.
"Yes, 'Sigi', and Teddy likes you very much, and you can talk to him in German - and he can speak and understand German.", Faunus explained.
"Can he...?
Oh I would really like to talk to someone in German...it's been so long....", and 'Sigi's voice voice trailed away as he imagined having a conversation in German with Teddy.
"Now we are going to get Ethan and Teddy, and then we are going to Germany, and going to Germany is just as easy as stepping through a door...and we will do that soon, and you will not be nervous, and it will be very easy.
And no one shall miss you at school, and you don't even have to pack....just come as you are....", Faunus continued.
"OK....and do we go with my uncle Jim ?", 'Sigi' asked.
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| Wernher von Braun |
"And who are we going to help ?", Sigi asked'.
"A young man called Wernher...
Now I have a photo, which I would like you to keep...", and Faunus gave 'Sigi' an original photo from the time to which they were intended to travel.
"Remember his face...", Faunus said sternly.
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| Route 515 N - Henderson to Las Vegas - Nevada - USA |
So 'Sigi', by then fully under Faunus' control, packed an overnight bag, switched off the electricity and water, threw away the few items of food that might spoil in the fridge, and switched off his cell-phone.
"OK, uncle Jim...I'm ready......".
They left unobtrusively, and probably none of the neighbours noticed, and soon the were cruising along on via route 515 N in one of Jim's many big, black Cadillacs.
"So how long will we be away for ?", Sigi asked.
"Not sure...", Jim replied, in a tone that didn't invite any further questions.
It was only a half hour dive, and they were soon pulling up at the entrance to the newly refurbished 'Club Athena'.
Las Vegas is Spanish for 'The Meadows', officially the City of Las Vegas and often known simply as 'Vegas, is the 28th-most populated city in the United States, and is the largest city within the greater Mojave Desert. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The Las Vegas Valley as a whole serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous for its mega casino–hotels and associated activities. The city's tolerance for numerous forms of adult entertainment earned it the title of 'Sin City', and has made Las Vegas a popular setting for literature, films, television programs, and music videos.
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| 'Paradise Park Hotel' - Las Vegas - also owned by Jim |
The door-men, and bellhops, were obviously taken by surprise, and the manager was immediately summoned to greet the 'young Boss', as Jim was now known to the staff.
Jim had decided to perform a brief inspection of the club, as Faunus had pointed out previously that it would look strange if they simply went to the top floor, disappeared into room 33, and were then not see again for some considerable time.
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| Penthouse Apartment Block - Las Vegas - Nevada |
Chuck waited patiently, and once Jim had spoken to the Hotel manager, and more importantly to Franklin, he had Chuck drive him, Faunus and 'Sigi' to the Penthouse as he wanted reassure Clare that all was well, and that he, Ethan and Teddy would be returning soon.
If you haven't been following the story, Clare was employed by the 'late Boss' to look after Ethan (because he obviously needed looking after), and then Jim arrived, and later Teddy - so Clare became a substitute 'mother' or 'big sister' for the 'boys'
Clare
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| Elevator Lobby - Top Floor - Club Athena |
So then it was back to the Club Athena.
Jim then gave Chuck, who always had a pretty good idea of what was going on, extended leave, and Jim, Faunus and 'Sigi' made their way up to the mysterious top floor of the Club Athena.
As they left the elevator, Jim gave a cursory inspection of his office, that had been recently completed.
Satisfied with the work that had been done, Jim then headed to the double doors leading to room 33.
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| Jim's Office - Top Floor - Club Athena |
"Well it's mainly down to Franklin, but now you must pay attention to Faunus.", Jim said, a little distractedly.
"OK, 'Sigi'....just relax..", Faunus said, using that weird intonation that Jim always found strangely disturbing.
Faunus then opened one of the doors, and gave 'Sigi' a gentle shove.
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| The Other Side of the Door |
"Wow...what 'cool' décor....", 'Sigi' said, imagining quite incorrectly, that room 33 had been given an Egyptian style 'makeover'...... it was, of course, not Room 33 in 'Vegas, but rather, the 'Lion Cave' in the Theban Hills, in Egypt !
'Sigi' stood gazing around, amazed at the strange room.
What, undoubtedly was very odd, was the fact that the room seemed to be hanging in space - because the starry sky, seen between the columns, didn't seem to be simply painted on the walls, but in fact really was the sky, as it might look far out in space.
The whole effect was very disconcerting, and 'Sigi' had no idea how it was achieved, but he had little time in which to ponder.
"Come on 'Sigi'....we have things to do !", Faunus said, as he strode down the columned hall towards an identical set of doors at the opposite end of the room.
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| Theban Hills - West Bank - Luxor |
'Sigi' then found himself gently shoved through the second set of doors, and he was shocked by a blast of hot air, and very brilliant light.
"Where the fuck !", 'Sigi spluttered, as he surveyed the rocky, bleak terrain.
At that point 'Sigi' found himself inexplicably in a dusty, dry lunar landscape, except that the sky was a painfully bright blue - so it was obvious he was not on the moon.
"So where are we ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"This, 'Sigi' is the West Bank of the Nile, at Luxor, in Egypt...", Jim replied.
"But I thought we were going on a trip to Germany...", 'Sigi said, understandably disoriented and confused.
"We are, Faunus said, but first we must drop off Jim - who's going for a trip down the Nile, and also pick up Ethan and Teddy who are waiting for us at a very nice hotel in Luxor.
Hyperspace is a set of extra dimensions beyond the three that are normally experienced. These extra dimensions (see superstring theory) are able to instantly connect distant points in real space.
"So how did we get from 'Vegas to here in no time at all ?", 'Sigi', who was still very confused, asked.
"Ask Faunus...", Jim replied.
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| Crossing the Nile by Felucca - Luxor - Egypt |
After a short while they got down to the village.
Jim had 'phoned Hassan and Mahmoud as soon as they had arrived, and so Hassan was waiting for them with his taxi outside the coffee shop at Qurna village, and when they reached the Nile, Mahmoud was waiting with his felucca.
Jim told Mahmoud to take his time crossing from East to West, as he wanted 'Sigi' to have a chance to see the undoubted beauty of the River Nile, and the backdrop of the Theban hills.
During the crossing 'Sigi' said nothing, as he tried to come to terms with what was happening.
Having made a leisurely crossing of the Nile, Mahmoud brough the felucca skillfully into a berth at the Corniche, conveniently opposite the Winter Palace Hotel.
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| Winter Palace Hotel - Luxor - Egypt |
"This, 'Sigi', is where we are staying...", Jim indicated, as they made their way along the wooden jetty, carefully avoiding the tangle of ropes.
"Do you own this one as well, uncle Jim ?", 'Sigi' asked, as he looked up at the beautiful, 'fin de siècle' building.
"No, not yet...", Jim replied, with a gleam in his eye.
'Fin de siècle' is a French term meaning end of century, a term which typically encompasses both the meaning of the similar English idiom 'turn of the century' and also makes reference to the closing of one era and beginning of another. The term is typically used to refer to the end of the 19th century. This period was widely thought to be a period of degeneration, but at the same time a period of hope for the opening of a new era.
And so, after leaving Mahmoud, Jim and 'Sigi' went into the Winter palace, while Faunus returned to the West Bank with Mahmoud.
What Faunus would be doing on the West Bank he didn't say - but he undoubtedly spent some time in the 'Lion Cave' making preparations for the 'trip' to 1920s Berlin..
Jim, however, booked 'Sigi' into a room in the Winter Palace with an American Passport as identity for an indeterminate stay.
When the reception asked about luggage Jim explained that it was being sent on as 'Mr Brandt' had made an unexpectedly sudden journey to Egypt.
And so everything was organised - so far....
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| A Room for 'Sigi' - Winter Palace - Luxor |
"So I think we'll get that luggage for you.
It won't be very good - the shops here are not as good as 'Vegas, or Los Angeles, or even Cairo, but it will be better than nothing...", Jim said to 'Sigi'.
"But first we need to get Ethan and Teddy....", Jim added.
"Why ?", Sigi asked. confused.
"Because Teddy is the only one who can speak Arabic....", JIm replied.
"Except for me, that is....", a voice said behind them.
"Shit !...where did you come from ?, 'Sigi' exclaimed, visibly shaken.
"Now 'Sigi'...take care with your language when you're with your 'uncle'....", Faunus said grinning....
"But no matter, take me, and Ethan and Teddy as they've been studying hard all day.", Faunus continued.
So they went through the convoluted corridors of the Winter Palace until they came to the suite where Ethan and Teddy had been researching German history.
Ethan and Teddy were surprised to see 'Sigi' - but very pleased.
Teddy especially so as he had taken a liking to 'Sigi' as 'Sigi' had carefully looked after him during the difficult day of the funeral for the 'Boss'.
"So how did you get here so quickly, 'Sigi' ?", Ethan asked.
"That will all be explained later...
For now we need to do a little shopping....", Faunus said.
"For me ?", Ethan asked hopefully.
"No...for 'Sigi' here, and for Khonsu.
They both need some luggage, as staying in a hotel with no luggage can cause questions to be asked.", Faunus explained.
"So where do we buy this luggage ?", Ethan asked.
"I think the souq would be the best place.
They probably have a good selection, and I'm sure that Faunus will be able to haggle and get a good price...", Teddy, who had an exhaustive database on Luxor, suggested.
And so, as they were in a hurry, they 'phoned for their favourite calèche, and quickly arrived at the souq.
The most famous souq in Egypt, of course, is the Khan Al-Khalili in Cairo, which Jim, Ethan and Teddy had previously visited, just prior to travelling to Luxor
The Khan Al-Khalili, however, had its origins as an ordinary, everyday market, and only later later became the premier 'tourist souq' in Egypt, and would not really a very good location for purchasing such everyday items such as luggage. - and anyway, they were in Luxor and not Cairo.
There was a 'tourist souq' in Luxor, but there was also an everyday souq that sold almost everything, and that would be ideal.
It didn't take long for Faunus to spot a seller of reasonable quality luggage.
Faunus presented himself as an Egyptian tour guide, hailing from Cairo, who was escorting a small group of Americans, who needed some small items of luggage, in order to accommodate some of their souvenirs that they as bought during their trip to Aswan.
So Faunus managed to get reasonable prices for four items of luggage of good appearance.
"But first we need to get Ethan and Teddy....", Jim added.
"Why ?", Sigi asked. confused.
"Because Teddy is the only one who can speak Arabic....", JIm replied.
"Except for me, that is....", a voice said behind them.
"Shit !...where did you come from ?, 'Sigi' exclaimed, visibly shaken.
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| Corridor - Winter Palace |
"But no matter, take me, and Ethan and Teddy as they've been studying hard all day.", Faunus continued.
So they went through the convoluted corridors of the Winter Palace until they came to the suite where Ethan and Teddy had been researching German history.
Ethan and Teddy were surprised to see 'Sigi' - but very pleased.
 |
| Funeral for the 'Boss' - Las Vegas |
"So how did you get here so quickly, 'Sigi' ?", Ethan asked.
 |
| Funeral for the 'Boss' - Las Vegas - Nevada |
For now we need to do a little shopping....", Faunus said.
"For me ?", Ethan asked hopefully.
"No...for 'Sigi' here, and for Khonsu.
They both need some luggage, as staying in a hotel with no luggage can cause questions to be asked.", Faunus explained.
"So where do we buy this luggage ?", Ethan asked.
"I think the souq would be the best place.
They probably have a good selection, and I'm sure that Faunus will be able to haggle and get a good price...", Teddy, who had an exhaustive database on Luxor, suggested.
سوق - a souq or souk is a marketplace or commercial quarter in many Near Eastern and North African towns and cities. The equivalent Persian term is 'bazaar'. In general a souq is synonymous with a bazaar or marketplace, and the term souq is used in Arabic-speaking countries. Evidence for the existence of souqs dates to the 6th century BCE. Initially souqs were located outside city walls, but as cities became more populated, souqs were moved to the city centre and became covered walkways. Shopping at souq or bazaar is a standard part of daily life throughout the Middle East. Today, souqs tend to be found in a city's medina (old quarter) and are often important tourist attractions.
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| Luxor Souq - East Bank - Egypt |
And so, as they were in a hurry, they 'phoned for their favourite calèche, and quickly arrived at the souq.The most famous souq in Egypt, of course, is the Khan Al-Khalili in Cairo, which Jim, Ethan and Teddy had previously visited, just prior to travelling to Luxor
 |
| Khan Al-Khalili - Cairo - Egypt |
There was a 'tourist souq' in Luxor, but there was also an everyday souq that sold almost everything, and that would be ideal.
It didn't take long for Faunus to spot a seller of reasonable quality luggage.
Faunus presented himself as an Egyptian tour guide, hailing from Cairo, who was escorting a small group of Americans, who needed some small items of luggage, in order to accommodate some of their souvenirs that they as bought during their trip to Aswan.
So Faunus managed to get reasonable prices for four items of luggage of good appearance.
 |
| Winter Palace Luxor - Sunset |
Jim contacted Zac on his cell-phone, and informed him that he had brought 'Sigi' to Luxor.
At that time, however, Jim wanted the arrival of 'Sigi' in Luxor to be kept secret, so he asked Zac to take, Max and Glen to the Steigenberger Nile Palace restaurant for their evening meal.
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| Steigenberger Nile Palace - East Bank - Luxor |
Jim wanted Zac to then take the 'boys' on a shopping expedition.
Jim explained that he would pay for all the purchases that the 'boys' would make, and asked Zac to say that Jim, Ethan and Khonsu had business to discuss elsewhere that evening.
Khonsu and 'Sigi' then took their luggage up to their rooms at the Winter Palace.
Later, after dressing for dinner, Khonsu and 'Sigi' re-joined Jim, Ethan and Faunus, along with Josh, in the '1886 Restaurant' of the Winter Palace for dinner.
"So Jim, why have you sent Zac off with Max and Glen..?", Josh asked, once they were seated at their table.
 |
| 1886 Restaurant - Winter Palace - East Bank - Luxor |
(remember 'Sigi' and Josh had only met very briefly at the funeral for the 'Bos'', and Josh didn't know who 'Sigi' really was - not that 'Sigi' knew who he really was for that matter...)
"Well, to get down to it, without all this fancy talk....there's trouble with the 'pesky aliens' again...", Ethan said, interrupting Jim.
"Khonsu, here, says that if a certain German scientist gets a space program up and running, then the 'aliens' might start causing even more trouble than they already do.
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| Von Braun |
"And I don't think you take this very seriously ?", Josh suggested.
"Well it is a bit of a 'kooky' idea...but then you know Teddy...", Ethan admitted.
"Well I think you're all crazy....", 'Sigi' said, despairing...."but then here I am thinking I'm in Egypt, so I must be equally crazy"..
"You are in Egypt, and you're not crazy - and nor are we....but we really need to work out what we're going to do about this problem.", Jim said, trying to reassure 'Sigi'.
"So could you tell me, Jim....who is the person you call 'Sigi' ?". Khonsu asked, changing the subject.
"Yes..of course....sorry for not introducing you.
This is Siegfried Brandt, and I'm his 'guardian'.
He was born in Austria, and he speaks perfect German, so I thought he might help us in our mission.", Jim said.
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| Dr Siegfried Brandt |
"Yes...a relative...", Jim confirmed.....
There was an ominous pause.......
"So, how does Khonsu know about me ?", 'Sigi asked, sounding alarmed.
"It's of no matter....Dr. Brandt was a relative of yours, who happened to work with this Dr von Braun - the German scientist that Ethan mentioned before.", Jim replied.
Fortunately 'Sigi' was unable to put 'two and two together', which was just as well.
Khonsu, of course, by his very nature, quickly realized what must have happened.
"That's very interesting, Jim..", Khonsu commented, giving Faunus a conspiratorial look.
"So let me get this right.....you're going to Germany, and presumably arriving there some time in the past, to stop the development of some space program, so that we have less of a problem with 'aliens', and because I can speak German you think that I can help you. ?", 'Sigi' said.
"Yep..! ...Well put 'Sigi'..", Ethan replied.
'Sigi' shook his head in disbelief.
"Well, if you 'want out', you'd better say, and we can get you back to Green Valley in time for school in the morning...", Jim said.....
Everyone looked at 'Sigi'.
"You don't really give me much choice - 'uncle Jim'..", 'Sigi said...."and it does sound more interesting than school."
The morning before they set out on their 'mission', Ethan, Teddy, Faunus and 'Sigi' are given a brief preparatory talk by Teddy. Then Faunus explains that the process by which they shall be transported through 'time and space' shall transform them, so that they shall arrive in Berlin wearing appropriate clothing, and with all the papers they shall need, plus money for the duration of their stay. So - to some degree prepared - they then cross the Nile, and enter the 'Lion Cave'. There they pass through the temple 'courtyard', and exit by the gilded bronze doors. On the other side of the doors they are met with....Berlin in the 1920s.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202