After 'Sigi's' graduation, the next 'gala' was the 'Inaugural Show' at the California Combat Club'. All the boys would be attending, but not Clare, as Jim thought such a display to be inappropriate for a 'nice young lady'. 'Sigi' also would not be attending as he would be taking Samantha to the 'Graduation Prom'. The final 'Grand Gala', however, was to be the Concert at the 'Park Theater' - intended to launch the 'Park' as the 'premier musical venue' in 'Vegas.
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The next morning Jim had decided to take it easy.
He could see no point in going to the 'California Combat Club' as he was quite confident that Kurt would have everything in hand, and was quite happy to limit himself to a brief 'phone call.
Kurt, of course, knew that if there were any problems, as the evening approached, he should 'phone Jim and Zac immediately.
With Ethan, however, things were not so simple, and he had arranged to have a further 'dress' rehearsal during the morning in anticipation for the actual concert on the following evening.
Jim wisely left Ethan and Teddy to get on with matters as he could sense that Ethan was getting nervous, and he didn't feel that his presence at the 'Park Theater' would provide any help for Ethan.
Once Ethan and Teddy had left for the 'Park 'Theater, Clare came into the dining room to clear away the breakfast things.
"So Jim... did you mean what you said about going to Egypt last night ?", Clare asked.
"Of course Clare.", Jim replied.
"And where shall we all be staying ?", Clare asked.
"Well in Luxor to begin with, but later we shall probably travel round the country to see the sights.", Jim said.
"And this place in Luxor - is it a nice hotel ?", Clare asked.
"It was a hotel, but then I bought it, and now it's like a big villa by the river Nile -
Here, I have a photo of it...", and Jim showed Clare a photo of the 'Winter Palace' which was on his laptop
"But it's huge, Jim.
However did you afford it ?", Clare naively asked.
Even by this time Clare was not really aware of the fact that Jim was really very wealthy.
"Well, as a hotel it was not making much money, and the owners actually wanted to get rid of it...", Jim said, not wanting to go into all the details.
Jim paused and smiled.
"I really bought it because Ethan knew that his kittens liked the gardens, so he wanted me to buy it for them."
And Jim showed Clare a photo of the Winter Palace Gardens.
Clare shook her head in disbelief.
"All I can say is these must be really nice kittens !", Clare said.
"Oh they are, Clare...
You'll love them.", Jim said as he showed Clare a photo of Sekhmet.
"They're twins - Bastet and Sekhmet - and it's impossible to tell them apart - so don't ask me who this is."
"Adorable !", Clare exclaimed.
"And where are the kittens now ?", Clare asked.
"Oh, they're with Novius and Glaux, but Novius is not very good with animals, and they miss Ethan.
That's why I want to get them back to Egypt for a while", Jim explained.
"Well, I'm really looking forward to meeting them...", Clare said.
"But are there any restrictions on taking pets into Egypt from the US ?", Clare asked.
"Not the way we're going.", Jim replied, smiling.
"Now I only agreed to this because I thought that we would be flying...
I'm not keen on going by boat, or sneaking into the country...", Clare said, sounding very 'prim and proper'.
"Well I thought that you understood about all of this, Clare.
After all, there have been enough hints, right from before I came here, when Ethan arrived.", Jim said.
"I'm not sure what you mean, Jim.", Clare said.
"Well let's go into the living room, and sit down, and I'll try to explain.", Jim said.
"You see if you're going to come with us we really need to talk...", Jim began.
"If you remember, when Ethan first came on his own to the penthouse you thought of him as a boy with no past.
Then I think you noticed that Ethan and I seemed to know each other from another time and another place - although we never seemed to talk about it - and it was the same with Josh and Zac.
But I'm sure at the funeral for the 'Boss' you must have noticed that things were odd...", Jim said, struggling to give Clare a reasonable explanation.
"Well I'm not doing this very well, so I might as well just come out with it.
Ethan was not an all-American kid lost in Las Vegas - and I was not some 'lost boy' but a Roman Patrician - and that's what 'the ring' was all about - and Zac was not American either...
We were all brought here from another time and another place by Faunus - and you see Faunus is not even from this world. but don't ask me to try and explain...
And Faunus did similar things for Josh, Novius (Nathan) - and Glen, who was once an ET - if you can believe it, and 'Sigi', who was once a very nasty old Austrian psychiatrist who worked for the SS - and it all seems so ridiculous and unbelievable when I tell you...", Jim said, sounding a bit desperate.
"Well you're right - but the important fact is that you're saying that Faunus can take us anywhere - instantly.", Clare said.
"Yes - in Room 33, in the 'Club Athena', Faunus has a place with a special door - what he calls an 'interdimensional gateway' - and if it's set up properly, you just walk through it, and you find yourself somewhere else - and in this case it will be the 'Winter Palace' in Egypt - so there will be no flight - and no problems with Glaux and the kitties, or problems with visas and passports."
Jim then stood up and looked at Clare.
"So that's it - the 'big secret', and you probably think I'm mad.", Jim finally said.
"No Jamie... I had my suspicions all along - after all, you and the 'boys' are not very good at keeping secrets, but I will only really believe it after I step through this door you're talking about, and find myself in Egypt.", Clare said, smiling.
"So, you still want to come with us to Egypt ?", Jim asked.
"I think so, Jim, even if it's only to look after you and Ethan and Teddy.", Clare said sweetly.
"But I must admit, when I first met the 'Boss', even although he didn't have an Italian accent - because of his looks, I always imagined him as a mafia-kind 'boss', especially as he had 'Latino' types, like Frank, working for him...
But then, when guys like Zac, and later Ethan and you, and Josh, came along I wasn't so sure...
With Ethan, however, things were not so simple, and he had arranged to have a further 'dress' rehearsal during the morning in anticipation for the actual concert on the following evening.
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| 'Park Theater' - Las Vegas - Nevada |
Once Ethan and Teddy had left for the 'Park 'Theater, Clare came into the dining room to clear away the breakfast things.
"So Jim... did you mean what you said about going to Egypt last night ?", Clare asked.
"Of course Clare.", Jim replied.
"And where shall we all be staying ?", Clare asked.
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| Winter Palace - Luxor - Egypt |
"And this place in Luxor - is it a nice hotel ?", Clare asked.
"It was a hotel, but then I bought it, and now it's like a big villa by the river Nile -
Here, I have a photo of it...", and Jim showed Clare a photo of the 'Winter Palace' which was on his laptop
"But it's huge, Jim.
However did you afford it ?", Clare naively asked.
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| Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor - Egypt |
"Well, as a hotel it was not making much money, and the owners actually wanted to get rid of it...", Jim said, not wanting to go into all the details.
Jim paused and smiled.
"I really bought it because Ethan knew that his kittens liked the gardens, so he wanted me to buy it for them."
And Jim showed Clare a photo of the Winter Palace Gardens.
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| Sekhmet |
"All I can say is these must be really nice kittens !", Clare said.
"Oh they are, Clare...
You'll love them.", Jim said as he showed Clare a photo of Sekhmet.
"They're twins - Bastet and Sekhmet - and it's impossible to tell them apart - so don't ask me who this is."
"Adorable !", Clare exclaimed.
"And where are the kittens now ?", Clare asked.
"Oh, they're with Novius and Glaux, but Novius is not very good with animals, and they miss Ethan.
That's why I want to get them back to Egypt for a while", Jim explained.
"Well, I'm really looking forward to meeting them...", Clare said.
"But are there any restrictions on taking pets into Egypt from the US ?", Clare asked.
 |
| Ethan |
"Now I only agreed to this because I thought that we would be flying...
I'm not keen on going by boat, or sneaking into the country...", Clare said, sounding very 'prim and proper'.
 |
| Zac |
After all, there have been enough hints, right from before I came here, when Ethan arrived.", Jim said.
"I'm not sure what you mean, Jim.", Clare said.
"Well let's go into the living room, and sit down, and I'll try to explain.", Jim said.
"You see if you're going to come with us we really need to talk...", Jim began.
"If you remember, when Ethan first came on his own to the penthouse you thought of him as a boy with no past.
Then I think you noticed that Ethan and I seemed to know each other from another time and another place - although we never seemed to talk about it - and it was the same with Josh and Zac.
But I'm sure at the funeral for the 'Boss' you must have noticed that things were odd...", Jim said, struggling to give Clare a reasonable explanation.
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| The Ring |
 |
| Jim - the 'Lost Boy' |
Ethan was not an all-American kid lost in Las Vegas - and I was not some 'lost boy' but a Roman Patrician - and that's what 'the ring' was all about - and Zac was not American either...
We were all brought here from another time and another place by Faunus - and you see Faunus is not even from this world. but don't ask me to try and explain...
And Faunus did similar things for Josh, Novius (Nathan) - and Glen, who was once an ET - if you can believe it, and 'Sigi', who was once a very nasty old Austrian psychiatrist who worked for the SS - and it all seems so ridiculous and unbelievable when I tell you...", Jim said, sounding a bit desperate.
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| Novius (Nathan) |
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| Glen |
"Yes - in Room 33, in the 'Club Athena', Faunus has a place with a special door - what he calls an 'interdimensional gateway' - and if it's set up properly, you just walk through it, and you find yourself somewhere else - and in this case it will be the 'Winter Palace' in Egypt - so there will be no flight - and no problems with Glaux and the kitties, or problems with visas and passports."
Jim then stood up and looked at Clare.
"So that's it - the 'big secret', and you probably think I'm mad.", Jim finally said.
"No Jamie... I had my suspicions all along - after all, you and the 'boys' are not very good at keeping secrets, but I will only really believe it after I step through this door you're talking about, and find myself in Egypt.", Clare said, smiling.
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| Dr Siegfried Brandt ('Sigi') |
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| 'Dmensional Portal' - Room 33 |
"I think so, Jim, even if it's only to look after you and Ethan and Teddy.", Clare said sweetly.
"But I must admit, when I first met the 'Boss', even although he didn't have an Italian accent - because of his looks, I always imagined him as a mafia-kind 'boss', especially as he had 'Latino' types, like Frank, working for him...
But then, when guys like Zac, and later Ethan and you, and Josh, came along I wasn't so sure...
Mainly because all of you were blond - but even though you all claimed the be American, you did all have a rather strange accent that I just couldn't place." Clare said.
At that point Teddy cleared his throat - his way of announcing that he felt he was about to say something important.
 |
| The 'Boss' |
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| Frank |
"Well, Clare - if you don't mind me interrupting - the ancient Greeks, particularly the upper classes - like Alexander the Great - had fair hair and blue eyes - not like the present day inhabitants of Greece.
In addition the Greek and Roman gods were always described as having fair hair and blue eyes - 'golden' hair in fact - which is why Jim here was referred to as 'aurea puer ad mare' - 'the golden boy from the sea' in the prophecy.
Also, blond haired 'slave boys' were favoured by the Greeks and Romans.", Teddy said, very knowledgeably.
"Thank you Teddy...
And I suppose the odd accent was Latin ?". Clare asked.
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| Zac |
At that point Teddy decided to give Clare one of his 'mini-lectures.
 |
| Josh |
'Koine Greek' evolved from the spread of the Greek language following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC, and served as the 'lingua franca' of much of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East during the following centuries.
It was based mainly on Attic and related Ionic speech forms.", Teddy said.
"My, you do know a lot, Teddy.", Clare said admiringly.
"Yes - it's my job...", Teddy replied.
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| Alexander the Great Arno Breker |
"But I'm afraid that now I must go and check with Ethan at the Park, but we need to talk more about this later, Clare.", Jim said apologetically as he got up in order to go the 'master bedroom' to get changed.
"Of course, Jim, and I do appreciate you being so honest with me.", Clare said, as she made her way back to the kitchen.
While Clare was in the kitchen, she 'phoned Chuck, asking him to bring round Jim's favorite Cadillac.
A short while later the buzzer sounded, and Clare opened the door.
Chuck then waited in the living room for Jim to appear.
"Good morning, Sir.
Where do you wish to be taken ?", Chuck asked - polite as always - as Jim arrived from the bedroom.
"The 'Park Theater' please, Chuck...".
And so Jim went to see how Ethan and Teddy were managing with their penultimate rehearsal.
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The last time that Jim had been nervous about another person had been just a short time before the 'Boss' disappeared - and that person had been the 'Boss'.
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| Rehearsal at the 'Park Theater' |
To Jim's way of thinking Ethan had recently grown considerably in stature.
Now he was able to command the respect of a full chorus and orchestra, and also Aaron.
Of course Ethan's remarkable musical ability was mainly attributable to Faunus' mysterious way of affecting people's way of thinking, but it was one thing to have a certain ability, and another to be able to communicate your skill and knowledge to others with a true sense of authority.
 |
| Aaron Rehearsing |
At this rehearsal Ethan was carefully coaching Aaron with his singing.
Most of the songs that Aaron would be singing were in a style with which he was not familiar, and so he needed guidance from Ethan, who had heard all the songs, in their original form, on his numerous DVDs.
Fortunately Aaron had an excellent voice, and was able to manage the new and unfamiliar style with ease.
And so Jim sat back, unnoticed, and listened as Ethan's beautiful orchestrations filled the theater, while Teddy, sitting on the conductor's desk, dutifully and little by little, turned over the pages of the orchestral score.
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| Ethan and Teddy's Office - Paradise Park Hotel |
Then Ethan invited Jim to the 'secret HQ' that Ethan and Teddy had created, high up in the huge tower block of the 'Paradise Park Hotel'.
"I like your office, Ethan, and the view.", Jim said.
"Well actually it's my office as well.", Teddy said, as Ethan settled him on his special area of the 'L' shaped desktop.
"Of course... Sorry Teddy..", Jim said, quickly correcting himself.
Ethan then ordered some refreshments, while Jim looked at the magnificent view visible from the full length windows.
Once the refreshments arrived Jim and Ethan sat and ate and drank and relaxed while Teddy played with his bright blue laptop.
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| Brody - Publicity Photo |
Adam is the young photographer who works almost exclusively for the 'California Combat Club'. For more information about Adam, and other characters in this story go to: 'Character Sketches'
Jim quickly brought up a selection of Adam's new photos.
"Well I like that one, Ethan said, pointing to a very attractive 'side-view' of 'Brody' wearing extremely skimpy white wrestling trunks.
"Yes, I agree...", Teddy said.
"So where are they going to use this photo ?", Ethan asked.
"Probably in the foyer, but I think that later you could get your 'art people' to use the image in some good posters as well.", Jim suggested.
"So will that photo be up in the foyer this evening, when the 'Club' opens ?", Ethan said.
"Well, if you think it's good enough, I can 'phone, and get Kurt to have it framed and put up.
Adam has plenty of spare frames so he could get it done before the club members arrive.", Jim said.
"And what do we do between now and when the show begins ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, perhaps we should go back to the Penthouse, and take our time getting ready for tonight's events.", Jim replied, as he moved towards the door of the office.
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| Clare at the Penthouse - Las Vegas |
"And I think you ought to know that I found it necessary to tell Clare more about ourselves, and about how we were travelling to Egypt this time.", Jim said.
"And how did she take it ?", Ethan asked - picking up Teddy.
"Surprisingly well - but I'm not sure if she really believed me, or maybe she really didn't understand what I was actually telling her.", Jim said.
"Mm...Well now we need to be sure that she doesn't tell anyone - accidentally - about what she knows - that is anyone outside our group.", Ethan said.
Ethan, of course, was not very sure about taking a 'girl' on their trip to Egypt - but then Ethan, although he was very fond of Clare, only really liked her in the familiar confines of the Penthouse - or as he had always thought of it - 'his Penthouse', (and since the passing of the 'Boss', it was in actual fact 'his Penthouse'), and anyway, apart from Clare, Ethan was always very uncertain and nervous in the company of females (see Book II - Chapter 28).
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| Park Hotel - Las Vegas - Nevada |
"No, I wouldn't - just leave it for the moment - that is unless Clare wants to talk about it - and then just be honest and straightforward with her." Jim said.
And so they left the huge 'Park Hotel', and Chuck drove them back to Summerlin, and the Penthouse - and no further mention was made of the conversation that Jim and Clare had earlier in the day.
Howard Robard Hughes Jr.
Summerlin is a suburb of Las Vegas. It lies at the edge of the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon. With an average annual household income of $139,061, Summerlin is one of the most affluent communities in Nevada. Summerlin was named after Jean Amelia Summerlin, the grandmother of Howard Hughes.
Summerlin - Las Vegas - nevada - USA
In 'Our America', Howard Hughes never gets the chance to get really 'weird', as he is killed on July 7, 1946, while test flying the XF-11, which he crashes near 'Hughes Airfield' at
Culver City, California.
One result of the death of Howard Hughes was the fact that there was no Howard Hughes to buy up the 'Desert Inn Hotel and Casino' in Las Vegas - which was subsequently bought by the 'Boss' - along with some land in Summerlin, where the 'Boss' later situated the 'Penthouse Building'. The 'Desert Inn', since the demise of the 'Boss', has been renamed the 'Athena Desert Inn' - although Jim had given it little attention since he has inherited the large, and famous hotel.
XF-11 Crash - Howard Hughes 1946
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| 'Athena Desert Inn' - Las Vegas - Nevada |
Back at the 'Penthouse' Jim looked through his messages while Ethan regaled Clare with an account of the penultimate rehearsal of the concert to be held at the 'Park Theater'.
Then, after a light meal that was brought up from the Club Athena, Jim and Ethan prepared to attend the inaugural event at the 'California Combat Club'.
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| Jim Arrives at the California Club - Inaugural Night |
Equally, once inside the 'Club', Jim briefly inspected the foyer, and the 'lobby cards', and then discretely disappeared into the 'service rooms' where Kurt's office was located to check that everything was running to plan.
After a quick word with Brody and 'Tank', Jim and Ethan then had some discussions with Zac about security, and with Josh about the the levels of attendance.
At that time 'Sigi and Glen had not arrived.
Teddy would be staying in Kurt's office - not only because Teddy was not particularly interested in the activities of the 'Combat Club', but also because Jim, who would be accompanied by Ethan in the auditorium, liked to keep a low profile on such occasions.
Security, of course, was essential, and a laborious process, as all cell-phones, cameras, and any other recording devices had to be surrendered by all 'club members' attending.
In order to comply with state law and city ordinances in Las vegas and Nevada, such 'performances' such as were presented at the 'Combat Club' were only permitted if the establishment was run as a 'private members club' - with tickets sold twenty four hours in advance of the event.
Even so, seat prices ranged from $1,000 up to $3,000 - but even so attendances were always high, and as this was an inaugural event, demand had been higher that usual, with many having to be informed the previous day that all seats had already been booked.
For Jim and Ethan there were no special seats, or special 'box', as Jim did not want to be recognised as the owner or organiser of the event - in fact Jim always avoided any publicity of any kind, however the seats that Jim and his guests used were in a reserved row.
On such occasions, Kurt was presented as the person responsible for the 'California Combat Club', although anyone with any intelligence could easily see that he was only the 'front man'.
Once Jim and Ethan were settled in their seats Novius, accompanied by Glen and Max, who had been chauffeured from the Villa Athena, arrived.
In the past, (that is the distant past), Novius had always been keen on the presentations in the arena that had been organised firstly by his friend Gnæus (Gracchus), and later by Marcus (Jim) - and now, although things were rather different in this 'new world', he still very much appreciated the modernized version of the 'Roman Pancratium' (Greek: Pankration) which usually preceded the contemporary wrestling bouts staged at the 'Combat Club'.
After a quick word with Brody and 'Tank', Jim and Ethan then had some discussions with Zac about security, and with Josh about the the levels of attendance.
At that time 'Sigi and Glen had not arrived.
Teddy would be staying in Kurt's office - not only because Teddy was not particularly interested in the activities of the 'Combat Club', but also because Jim, who would be accompanied by Ethan in the auditorium, liked to keep a low profile on such occasions.
Security, of course, was essential, and a laborious process, as all cell-phones, cameras, and any other recording devices had to be surrendered by all 'club members' attending.
In order to comply with state law and city ordinances in Las vegas and Nevada, such 'performances' such as were presented at the 'Combat Club' were only permitted if the establishment was run as a 'private members club' - with tickets sold twenty four hours in advance of the event.
Even so, seat prices ranged from $1,000 up to $3,000 - but even so attendances were always high, and as this was an inaugural event, demand had been higher that usual, with many having to be informed the previous day that all seats had already been booked.
For Jim and Ethan there were no special seats, or special 'box', as Jim did not want to be recognised as the owner or organiser of the event - in fact Jim always avoided any publicity of any kind, however the seats that Jim and his guests used were in a reserved row.
On such occasions, Kurt was presented as the person responsible for the 'California Combat Club', although anyone with any intelligence could easily see that he was only the 'front man'.
Once Jim and Ethan were settled in their seats Novius, accompanied by Glen and Max, who had been chauffeured from the Villa Athena, arrived.
In the past, (that is the distant past), Novius had always been keen on the presentations in the arena that had been organised firstly by his friend Gnæus (Gracchus), and later by Marcus (Jim) - and now, although things were rather different in this 'new world', he still very much appreciated the modernized version of the 'Roman Pancratium' (Greek: Pankration) which usually preceded the contemporary wrestling bouts staged at the 'Combat Club'.
παγκράτιον (Pankration) was a sporting event introduced into the Greek Olympic Games in 648 BC, and was an empty-hand submission sport with scarcely any rules. The athletes used boxing and wrestling techniques, but also others, such as kicking and holds, locks and chokes on the ground. By the period of the Principate, the Romans had adopted the Pankration, (spelled in Latin as 'Pancratium') into their Games. In 393 A.D., the pankration, along with gladiatorial combat and all pagan festivals, was abolished by edict by the Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I. Pankration itself was an event in the Olympic Games for some 1,400 years. Like all contestants in ancient Greek athletic events, the Pankration fighters competed naked.
As the lights in the main auditorium dimmed, Kurt climbed into the ring and politely greeted the club members.
He then announced that the first contest would be a lightweight Pankration bout.
In the original Greek Pankration there were no weight divisions - and this also applied to Greek boxing and Greek wrestling - but in deference to the expectations of modern audiences, weight divisions, along with a 'roped ring' were featured in the Pankration as it was presented at the 'Combat Club'.
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| First Pancratium Contest of the 'Inaugural Show' for the full explicit version of this image go to: 'Brody Wrestles - the Inaugural Fight' |
As with much of what happens in Las Vegas, gambling played an important part at the 'Combat Club'.
Every seat had a small built in terminal, where club members could enter their club membership details, and also their financial details, and then place a bet on which contestant would win the fight that was in progress.
About halfway through the contest the betting facility would be switched off.
Once the contest was over, funds would be transferred to the winning club member - or subtracted from the losing club member's account.
It was, of course, a system that had been designed by Franklin.
The two contestants entered the ring wearing dressing gowns - young guys in their early twenties.
Under the gowns the contestants were, in deference to the rules of the Pankration, wearing nothing.
Both wrestlers were slim, about the same height, with well defined muscles.
There was a referee, but he had little to do except start the fight, and then separate the fighters at the end of each of the five rounds.
(the original Pankration was fought non-stop without rounds - but in deference to modern custom the Pankration contests at the Combat Club were divided into five rounds - with the moratorium on betting taking place at the end of the third round)
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| High School Wrestler |
The wrestlers competing in this first section of the evening's entertainment were not well known, permanent participants in the Combat Club presentations.
 |
| Jonathan |
Good looking, nicely muscled athletic guys prepared, to wrestle naked for 'ready money' with no questions asked were not difficult to find in Las Vegas, and Mikey and Tripp could easily be sent out to find such recruits who would often be 'hustling' on the sidewalks, and in the malls of downtown 'Vegas.
It was also helpful that many such guys, in common with Jonathan, had previous experience of wrestling from their time in both junior and senior high school.
Of course, being a champion high school wrestler himself, Jonathan was always on hand to coach the new recruits to the 'Combat Club' in order to bring them up to standard before their first public appearance.
 |
| Second Pancratium Contest of the 'Inaugural Show' for the full explicit version of this image go to: 'Brody Wrestles - the Inaugural Fight' |
The first contest was a resounding success, (being won by the wrestler on the left in the image with three submissions to one), and while the club members discussed the fight and the various attributes of the two wrestlers, the next two slightly older contestants arrived in the ring.
Being slightly older, the wrestlers were rather more rough in their fighting, with both young men getting noticeably aroused during their contest.
The outcome was two submissions to one, with the winning fighter causing his opponent, (in the foreground, on the right in the image), to retire, having been kicked in the groin - a completely legal move in this style of wrestling - and therefore having to be carried from the ring.
 |
| First High School Wrestling Contest |
The next contest was a new innovation, resulting from Jonathan's knowledge of Senior High School Wrestling.
The two contestants were kitted out in the style of High School Wrestlers - in contrast to the much earlier (ancient) style of wrestling, which was performed naked.
The rules, however, were a little different to School or College Wrestling, with no 'pins', and only submissions or knock outs accepted.
Kurt had been dubious about including bouts of this type, but as Jim had pointed out, many of the male Club Members in the audience would have had fond memories of their days High School wrestling, and so this kind of wrestling would probably be appreciated.
And Jim had been right, and the 'High School' style wrestling was very successful, and much appreciated by the club members.
There was then a short break in the program, and Jim, Ethan, and Josh were accompanied by Zac to a hospitality suite reserved for the management of the 'Club Athena Corporation'.
"So who was responsible for this ?" Ethan asked as they entered the dimly lit suite. - obviously not impressed.
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| Hospitality Suite - 'California Combat Club' - Las Vegas |
"Kurt...", Teddy replied.
Teddy was sitting on one of the sofas, beating up some cushions as he desperately tried to make himself comfortable.
"I see...", Ethan replied...
Now as Kurt was busy elsewhere getting the next contest ready, Ethan felt he could give full reign to his opinions regarding Kurt's taste in interior decoration.
"Well I can't understand why people in 'these here southwestern states' are so obsessed with weird carpets, and things being orange and yellow and brown - as if there wasn't enough orange, yellow and brown in the landscape as it is...", Ethan said.
"Well, we'll see what we can do, but just for now we're using this instead of Kurt's office tonight, as there's a bit more room in here...", Jim explained.
As they made themselves comfortable, with Teddy sitting on Ethan's lap, 'Sigi', escorted by Mikey arrived.
"So what happened at the Prom ?...
Did 'Sam' dump you ?", Jim asked,
"Oh no - it's a 'high school thing', so it ends early, but all the guys go off for a bit more of a celebration, but I decided to take my leave of 'Sam', and see how things were going here.", Sigi replied.
"So how did you get here ?", Ethan asked.
"Took a cab... - it's not far...", 'Sigi' said as he found a seat.
"Anyway... to answer your question, things are going very well, so far.
As you can see, this is now the intermission, and we have three more contests - a 'High School Style' bout, and Pancratium contest, and finally the one that I imagine everyone's been waiting for - with 'Brody'.", Ethan said.
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| Second 'High-School Style' Wrestling Contest |
"No... it seemed to go down very well - although the rules are slightly changed in order to increase the pace a bit." Josh said.
Moments later a bell rang to indicate that the contests were about to be restarted.
And so they resumed their seats, and Jim graciously asked 'Sigi' to sit on his left, while Ethan took his usual place on Jim's right.
Meanwhile, Teddy sulked in the rather claustrophobic hospitality suite while he waited for the - to him - very strange human ritual of wrestling - to finish.
The two wrestlers for the second high school style wrestling contest climbed into the ring, and the fight began.
 |
| Third Pancratium Contest the 'Inaugural Show' |
After the second 'High School' style contest, there was a return to the origins of 'classical wrestling', with a further pancratium contest featuring two well muscled and well endowed wrestlers, which ended in what amounted to a knock-out, with one wrestler (in the foreground in the image) ending up 'horny' and 'unconscious' as the result of a prolonged 'sleeper hold'.
While the unconscious, defeated wrestler was being carried out of the ring, the club members prepared themselves for the appearance of the wrestler who had been heavily and prominently referred to on the numerous attractive posters displayed in many of the venues that were managed by the 'Club Athena Corporation'.
Of course, this was all a scheme to present Brody as a 'winner', in order to subsequently skew the betting in favor of the 'Combat Club' - but that fact would only become operative well after this apparently 'inaugural' match.
And so the final contest was between the new, and unknown wrestler who fought under the name of 'Tank'.
Tank's opponent for this contest was of course Brody, who was now referred to as the 'New Superstar' of the Las Vegas wrestling scene, although in reality he had very few 'wins' to his credit.
And so the final contest was between the new, and unknown wrestler who fought under the name of 'Tank'.
Tank's opponent for this contest was of course Brody, who was now referred to as the 'New Superstar' of the Las Vegas wrestling scene, although in reality he had very few 'wins' to his credit.
'Tank' Professional wrestling, in the America that Jim had found himself, is a form of theatrical performance wherein athletes perform with a predetermined, scripted outcome. It is based on classical and "catch" wrestling, with modern additions of striking attacks, acrobatics, feats of strength, fast-moving athleticism. The performances are all planned (if not rigidly choreographed) to maximize the entertainment value to the audience, and reduce the chances of the performers suffering real-life injuries. Professional wrestling also often incorporates a form of 'melodrama'. Performances take place in a ring similar to the kind used in boxing (a sort of theater in the round). In many ways this form of wrestling is similar to that practiced in the ancient Roman arena - however, ancient Roman contests, because slaves were used, often resulted in the permanent injury, or in many cases even the death of the performers.
'Brody'
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'Tank' and Brody
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| The Contest Continues |
The 'script for this contest, however, unknown to the club members, soon featured 'Tank, taking the part of the 'heel', and Brody, predictably being the 'face' who, in an unlikely turnaround wins the bout.
The first sign of 'Tank' taking the role of the heel comes when he reaches into 'Brody's' skimpy blue wrestling trunks in order to crush his opponent's 'nuts'.
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| Flying 'Tackle' |
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| 'Crotch Grab' |
After taking a lot of punishment, 'Brody' then offered to submit (however, 'Tank' would need to obtain three submissions from 'Brody' to win the contest).
At that point it was usual for the contestants to separate after a 'submission', and that gave 'Brody' a chance to mount an attack while 'Tank' was off his guard.
'Brody' then mounted a 'flying tackle' on his unsuspecting opponent, and then swung behind 'Tank, putting his hand between 'Tank's' legs, and grabbed the big blond wrestler's 'crotch'.
So 'Tank' was then subjected to to same kind of attack that he had inflicted on 'Brody'.
'Tank' by then had already submitted twice, and one more submission would mean that he had lost the fight to 'Brody'.
And by then 'Tank' was in so much pain that he was quite incapable of offering any resistance to the continuing onslaughts being offered by 'Brody', so it was an easy matter for 'Brody' to then go out onto the apron of the ring, pulling 'Tank's' prone body with him.
So 'Tank' was then subjected to to same kind of attack that he had inflicted on 'Brody'.
'Tank' by then had already submitted twice, and one more submission would mean that he had lost the fight to 'Brody'.
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| The End for Tank |
Then 'Brody' spread 'Tank's' legs wide, and roughly jerked 'Tank's' crotch into the metal corner post.
Instantly 'Tank' squealed in agony, however, as 'Tank' managed to resist the urge to make a final submission, 'Brody', once again clawed and crushed 'Tank's' already mangled 'nuts'.
And that was enough to cause 'Tank' to offer his final screamed submission, and bring the fight to its inevitable climax.
'Tank' was left the hanging over the ropes in the corner, jerking spasmodically as he continued to clutch at the bulge in his skimpy black wrestling trunks, while 'Brody' strutted round the ring, flexing his biceps as he received the applause of the club members.
Eventually Mikey and Tripp jumped into the ring in order to untangle 'Tank', and then carry the helpless, groaning wrestler back to the locker-rooms.
And in the Hospitality Suite, Teddy, being very bored, had switched himself off - but had left his 'activity sensors' on so the he would know if anyone entered the suite - and of course he immediately 'picked up' the return of Ethan.
"So... it's finally over...", Teddy said disapprovingly.
"Yes Teddy - it's all finished..." Jim said as he sat down on one of the brown sofas of which, previously, Ethan had been so critical - mainly because of its color.
"Well I'll warn you - the cushions are lumpy, and not at all comfortable...", Teddy commented, obviously still sulking, as waiters quickly came forward offering refreshments.
Moments later Tripp came into the Hospitality Suite, apparently to check that all was well, but in reality to ingratiate himself with Jim or Ethan.
Tripp was 'smart' - smarter that Mikey - and he understood who were the real bosses, at least in the confines of the 'Combat Club'.
As he was hoping, Jim slipped him some folded 'bills'.
"Make sure that guy called 'Tank' gets to see Dr Lockwood, and get Brody showered clean, changed - and no 'messing about' with him tonight - I want him in here - fast.", Jim said.
Trip was Brody's 'boyfriend', and it was usual for Brody to 'relax' with Tripp in the locker-room after training sessions and particularly after fights.
"Yes 'Boss'...", Trip replied.
Generally the term 'Boss' was taboo among those addressing Jim - since the demise of the original 'Boss' (Mr Johnson) - but Tripp and Mikey were allowed to still use the old appellation.
"So was that to your liking, Sir ?", Kurt asked, as he came up behind Tripp.
"Yes, that was fine, Kurt... very good.", Jim replied.
"So when do you want Brody to fight again...?
I should have thought that after that performance quite a few 'punters' would like to see a repeat performance, imagining that they'd get a good return on their wager.", Kurt said.
"Well... perhaps a week ?", Jim suggested.
"Right... Sir, I'll get it arranged...", Kurt replied, as he turned away to greet Brody, who had just arrived (rather breathlessly) at the 'Hospitality Suite' with Tripp.
Jim, unusually, offered his hand to Brody, much to Brody's surprise.
"Well done Brody... that was an excellent performance.", Jim said warmly.
"Thank you, Sir.
I try to do my best... for you.", Brody replied, grateful for the attention he was receiving from his 'boss'.
It was, of course, the second 'excellent performance' that Brody had recently offered - the first being the matter of 'sorting things out' regarding Damrosch.
"Would you like a lift with me back to Summerlin ?", Jim then asked.
"Well, I have my own transport here...", Brody replied.
"No matter - that can be delivered back to the Penthouse Building, ready for the morning.
"Well thanks, Sir.", Brody replied, realizing that the 'lift' as such, was in reality a coded sign of Jim's approval.
And so while Ethan picked up Teddy, who was very relieved to be leaving the 'Combat Club' (he didn't like all the 'macho' wrestling bit), Jim, Ethan and Teddy said their goodbyes to Zac, Josh, Max and Glen - with a special goodbye from Teddy to 'Sigi' (as they had recently become very close).
Instantly 'Tank' squealed in agony, however, as 'Tank' managed to resist the urge to make a final submission, 'Brody', once again clawed and crushed 'Tank's' already mangled 'nuts'.
And that was enough to cause 'Tank' to offer his final screamed submission, and bring the fight to its inevitable climax.
'Tank' was left the hanging over the ropes in the corner, jerking spasmodically as he continued to clutch at the bulge in his skimpy black wrestling trunks, while 'Brody' strutted round the ring, flexing his biceps as he received the applause of the club members.
Eventually Mikey and Tripp jumped into the ring in order to untangle 'Tank', and then carry the helpless, groaning wrestler back to the locker-rooms.
to enlarge images - open image in a new tab
Jim, Ethan, 'Sigi', Josh, Glen, Max and Zac left their 'ringside' seats and, practically unnoticed by the club members (many of whom were only attending that one night), made their way to the 'Hospitality Suite'. |
| Hospitality Suite - California Combat Club |
"So... it's finally over...", Teddy said disapprovingly.
"Yes Teddy - it's all finished..." Jim said as he sat down on one of the brown sofas of which, previously, Ethan had been so critical - mainly because of its color.
"Well I'll warn you - the cushions are lumpy, and not at all comfortable...", Teddy commented, obviously still sulking, as waiters quickly came forward offering refreshments.
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| Tripp |
Tripp was 'smart' - smarter that Mikey - and he understood who were the real bosses, at least in the confines of the 'Combat Club'.
As he was hoping, Jim slipped him some folded 'bills'.
"Make sure that guy called 'Tank' gets to see Dr Lockwood, and get Brody showered clean, changed - and no 'messing about' with him tonight - I want him in here - fast.", Jim said.
Trip was Brody's 'boyfriend', and it was usual for Brody to 'relax' with Tripp in the locker-room after training sessions and particularly after fights.
"Yes 'Boss'...", Trip replied.
Generally the term 'Boss' was taboo among those addressing Jim - since the demise of the original 'Boss' (Mr Johnson) - but Tripp and Mikey were allowed to still use the old appellation.
"So was that to your liking, Sir ?", Kurt asked, as he came up behind Tripp.
"Yes, that was fine, Kurt... very good.", Jim replied.
"So when do you want Brody to fight again...?
I should have thought that after that performance quite a few 'punters' would like to see a repeat performance, imagining that they'd get a good return on their wager.", Kurt said.
"Well... perhaps a week ?", Jim suggested.
"Right... Sir, I'll get it arranged...", Kurt replied, as he turned away to greet Brody, who had just arrived (rather breathlessly) at the 'Hospitality Suite' with Tripp.
Jim, unusually, offered his hand to Brody, much to Brody's surprise.
"Well done Brody... that was an excellent performance.", Jim said warmly.
"Thank you, Sir.
I try to do my best... for you.", Brody replied, grateful for the attention he was receiving from his 'boss'.
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| The California Combat Club |
"Would you like a lift with me back to Summerlin ?", Jim then asked.
"Well, I have my own transport here...", Brody replied.
"No matter - that can be delivered back to the Penthouse Building, ready for the morning.
"Well thanks, Sir.", Brody replied, realizing that the 'lift' as such, was in reality a coded sign of Jim's approval.
And so while Ethan picked up Teddy, who was very relieved to be leaving the 'Combat Club' (he didn't like all the 'macho' wrestling bit), Jim, Ethan and Teddy said their goodbyes to Zac, Josh, Max and Glen - with a special goodbye from Teddy to 'Sigi' (as they had recently become very close).
"So, my furry friend... now that that's all over, we can finally start concentrating on the concert - after all, that's the important thingy.", Ethan said to Teddy, as they left the California Combat Club - and made their way to the long wheelbase, startlingly white Cadillac that was waiting for them by the sidewalk, along with Chuck and a guy from security, at the main entrance.
As they settled back in the huge white limo, Jim discreetly handed Brody one of the inevitable, thickly packed, pristine white envelopes.
Brody, being equally discreet, said nothing, but simply put the envelope in the pocket of his tightly fitting chinos, nodded and smiled in acknowledgement.
As they settled back in the huge white limo, Jim discreetly handed Brody one of the inevitable, thickly packed, pristine white envelopes.
Brody, being equally discreet, said nothing, but simply put the envelope in the pocket of his tightly fitting chinos, nodded and smiled in acknowledgement.
LINKFinally Ethan and Teddy present their concert, featuring orchestral excerpts from the movies, and songs sung by Aaron - to the general acclaim of the invited audience. Very shortly after, preparation are made for a visit to Egypt in order to supervise the restoration of the 'Winter Palace' in Luxor.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202