Once inside the saucer, the 'boys' and Teddy soon meet up with the 'alien leader'. Before the 'alien' answers the questions that Tony has given Teddy, the 'alien leader' gives a long explanation of how the sarcophagus came to Egypt, and what its original purpose was - thus shedding light on many of the customs and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
"Greetings Marcus !", the 'alien leader' said, as Jim and the others entered the main chamber of the saucer.
"Greetings Sir... thank you for allowing us to come aboard.", the Jim replied, speaking slowly and carefully.
As they approached the 'alien leader', the little grey who had been holding Ethan's hand, backed away, along with the few others who had entered the chamber.
 |
| 'Alien Leader' |
"Yes Ethan, a little interior decorating does help to pass the time in the vast depth of outer space.", the 'alien leader' replied.
"Wowy! he's remembered my name !", Ethan said excitedly.
"Yes Ethan, and he's paying you a special compliment by actually using 'humor'.
You don't really think that they got their paintbrushes out do you ?.", Teddy said.
"And I am pleased that you brought our furry friend with you also.", the 'alien leader' continued, seemingly very happy to renew their acquaintance.
"And I am pleased to see you again, but try to remember that my name is Teddy, and my fur is just to make me attractive to theses humans here.", Teddy said.
"I understand - but tell me, Teddy, why are humans attracted to protein filaments ?", the 'alien leader' asked.
"I don't really know...", Teddy replied.
Then there followed what humans would describe as 'an awkward silence', almost as if the 'alien leader' was waiting for one of the group to say something.
"And who is the other human that you have brought with you ?", the 'alien leader' then asked.
"Oh him... that's 'Sigi', Ethan said, as if it were a matter of no consequence.
'Sigi'... I see - a strange name." the 'alien leader' murmured.
"And he is strange, if you do not mind me saying -
Young, and at the same time strangely old...", the 'alien leader' continued.
Teddy looked to Jim, and discretely shook his head.
 |
| 'Sigi' |
At the same time Teddy was explaining a few things about 'Sigi' to the 'alien leader' - telepathically.
"It is a compliment 'Sigi', and I am pleased to meet you.", the 'alien leader' said, trying to do his best to sound 'humanly sincere'.
"Oh... well thank you - and I'm pleased to meet you also.", 'Sigi' replied, anxious not to cause any problems.
And Teddy's information gave the 'alien leader' some very complicated facts to think about...
After a few moments of thought, the 'alien leader' resumed his conversation.
"I believe, Marcus, that there is a particular subject the has brought you here to visit us.", the 'alien leader' began.
Ethan then quickly spoke...
" Maybe - but as we might be here for a while, I was wondering if you could d 'magic up' those little stools that we used before, and maybe with a cushion - they were a bit hard last time.", Ethan said, not letting Jim reply, and being purposefully evasive in order to give Jim time to gather his thoughts.
Almost instantly the cubes rose slowly and smoothly up out of the floor, stopping at just the right height to sit on, including a smaller one specially for Teddy - just as before.
"And I hope that you will notice that the 'seats', as you call them, have been padded for your comfort.", the 'alien leader' said, with a wry smile.
"Gee thanks, and I also notice that you'v e turned up the heat a bit..
Last time it was very cold in here.", Ethan said.
"Yes, we do not like warmth, but as you will not be here for very long, we are prepared to make an exception for you.", the 'alien leader' conceded.
"So, Marcus - are you prepared to tell us why you are visiting us ?", the 'alien leader' asked, deftly returning to his original question.
"As you probably know, we came upon an 'artifact' on our last visit to Egypt...", Jim began.
"Ah yes... the land of Kem... the 'Black Land' - a land of magic and mysteries...", the 'alien leader' said, dreamily.
Ancient Egypt is commonly referred to as 'km.t' - believed to be a reference to the black Nile Delta earth. The Greek form of 'Αίγυπτος' - (Egypt), signifies it as 'the divine place of the primeval mound' - the fertile black soil of the land after the Inundation
This puzzled Teddy and the 'boys', as it was the first time that they had witnessed the'alien leader' displaying any kind of real emotion..
"Does that mean that you come from Egypt ?", Ethan blurted out...
 |
| Alien at 'Zep Tepi' |
For the first time the 'alien leader' smiled.
"Oh no, young Ethan.
I am not here to deceive you into thinking that I am an Egyptian 'god', like those impostors that you met at 'Chaco Canyon'.
No - but we were there at the 'First Time' - what the native people called 'Zep Tepi'.", the 'alien leader' replied.
The Egyptians believed that on a certain date the material universe had been brought into existence through the activities of the 'Æons' at the instigation of the 'ONE' - the source of all being.The time, known as 'Zep Tepi' was the time of perfection - and that all sentient beings should strive to return to that 'state of perfection'.
"But that is not a subject that I wish to talk about at the moment - because that subject is not the reason why you came to see us.
"Hmm... that's true", Ethan admitted.
Jim looked uncomfortable, and intervened at that point.
"No, Sir - the reason that we came here, as Teddy has probably already told you telepathically, is to get information about the 'artifact' that I previously mentioned, that we discovered on our last visit to Egypt.' Jim explained.
 |
| Tony Stark Working on the Sarcophagus |
"Well our friend Tony Stark, who has been investigating the 'artifact' for us, has already discovered that - as you have said, the 'artifact' preserves 'flesh', rather than destroys it.", Jim responded.
"Yes, and what else has this 'Stark-being' discovered ?", the 'alien leader' asked.
"Well, he has discovered that the 'artifact' effects biological structures, seemingly moving them forward and backwards in time, and also possibly removing them from the normal flow of time completely, without affecting their normal functioning.", Jim said.
"Yes... so it seems that this Tony Stark is a very clever human.", the 'alien leader' commented.
"Yes - very clever.
And it seems that he also had a lot to do with making Teddy.", Ethan added - without having been asked.
"So, before I give Teddy the information about the artifact to give to this Tony Stark, perhaps we should talk about what this 'sarcophagus', as you call it, can really do, and what it is for.", the 'alien leader' said.
"Now I presume that this is of interest to our new friend ?", the alien leader added questioningly - meaning 'Sigi'.
"Yes, of course.... we would all be interested to hear what you have to say about this 'artifact' as you call it.", Jim replied encouragingly.
"Good..", the 'alien leader' began...
"Aliens, as you call us - 'aliens' very much like ourselves, were 'researching' this planet that you call 'Earth' many, many thousands of years ago.
 |
| Nile Valley from Space |
At that moment a large holographic image, presumably taken from space, of the 'Nile Valley' appeared behind the 'alien leader'.
"So, you mean the Nile Valley...", 'Sigi' said, scrutinizing the image, and wanting to make it clear to the 'alien leader' that he was involved in the discussion.
"Exactly - and have you been there ?", the 'alien leader' asked.
"Yes, as it happens, I have...", 'Sigi' replied.
"Well, at the time that these 'aliens;' were researching the area it had slightly more rainfall, and was much less densely populated.
Now these 'aliens' were not 'dimensional beings', but rather, like all of us here - limited by certain laws of physics, and although interstellar travel was not beyond their capabilities, there were problems because of the distances involved, even although they were able to travel at near light-speed."
At that point Ethan began to feel a little out of his depth.
 |
| Einstein and Relativity ? |
The 'alien leader' looked at Ethan strangely.
"What is all this about your head ?", the 'alien leader' asked.
"Oh sorry - it's just an 'Earth way' of saying it's hard to understand.", Ethan explained.
"We do know about Albert Einstein - an Earth scientist who formulated some interesting theories", and at that point the large holographic image of the Nile Valley slowly dissolved into a portrait of Albert Einstein.
 |
| Ancient Egyptian 'Neteru' - 'The Nine' (open in a new tab to enlarge) |
The 'alien leader' glanced back at the image, and then proceeded.
"But to return to the 'Nile Valley', some unscrupulous 'aliens' had previously encountered the inhabitants of the 'Nile Valley'.
Those 'aliens' had allowed themselves to be seen as 'superior beings' - the inhabitants called them 'neteru' in their own slowly developing language.
As you may know, the term can be taken to mean 'powers', and undoubtedly those 'aliens' appeared 'powerful' to the relatively primitive Earth people.
In later times the memories of those alien beings were interpreted as contacts with the 'gods' - a very nebulous term however in most 'Earth' languages.
Now to explain about the 'artifact' that you have found, the 'aliens' that I have been describing...."
"Er... not your lot - but the 'nasty ones'..." Ethan interjected.
"Yes - the 'nasty ones'...
Well the natives observed the means by which the 'nasty ones', as we shall now call them Ethan, before making homeward journeys - 'returning to the stars' - used 'machines' similar to 'your artifact'.
We believe that these 'machines' were able to slow down biological time, or maybe even stop it, for the duration of their interstellar travel.
 |
| Heh - God of Millions of Years © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021 |
Obviously the few inhabitants who, on occasions, saw the use of the machines presumed that the 'alien's using them, who had probably been temporarily sedated, were dead, and were surprised to learn that the 'aliens' involved could be revived, and live for hundreds, or even thousands of years - an obvious misunderstanding of the techniques of 'near light speed travel'.
This misunderstood information later developed into the idea of the 'neteru' being able to live a life of 'millions of years' among the stars..."
Ḥeḥ was the personification of infinity or eternity in the Ogdoad in ancient Egyptian religion. His name originally meant "flood", referring to the watery chaos that the Egyptians believed existed before the creation of the world. Depictions of Heh were also used in hieroglyphs to represent one million, which was essentially considered equivalent to infinity in Ancient Egyptian mathematics, thus this deity is also known as the 'Neteru (god) of millions of years'.
"This explains a lot.", Jim said thoughtfully.
The 'alien leader' continued....
 |
| Ancient Egyptian Embalming |
Their version of the 'aliens' apparel, however, consisted of tightly bound strips of linen.
 |
| Osiris as an Animated Mummy |
Teddy then interrupted...
"Excuse me, Sir, but may I just add something to your fascinating account ?", Teddy asked, very deferentially.
"Why, of course, Teddy.", the Alien leader replied.
"Well, the others may not know this, but the English word 'mummy' is derived from the medieval Latin 'mumia', which is a borrowing of the medieval Arabic word مومياء - 'mūmiya', which meant an embalmed corpse..."
"Why thank you Teddy...", the 'alien leader' said.
"And so, as I was saying...", the 'alien leader' continued...
"The native people of Egypt, in ancient times, based their ideas about life after physical death on a journey to the stars, although later this was mixed with other ideas about an underground 'netherworld'.
Either way, they had misinterpreted the activities of the 'aliens' they had encountered, believing them to be 'gods', rather than extraterrestrial beings.
Now as you have rightly guessed, the 'artifact' the you found is not a product of the ancient Egyptian civilization, despite having hieroglyphic markings.
The markings are engraved in gold on the deep-blue metamorphic mineral panels - a mineral that you call 'lapis lazuli' - that the native Egyptians placed over the original structure of the device, as your friend Tony Stark has doubtless discovered.
 |
| Ancient Egyptian Royal Sarcophagus |
The ancient Egyptians, however, continued to copy the device, using it as a 'pattern' - but without the advanced technology that it contained - for the sarcophagi that they they regularly used when burying high status individuals, in the mistaken belief that it would operate as a reanimation device - which it is not - at least under normal circumstances - what the original 'alien' machine was intended for.", the 'alien leader' explained.
"Well what was this 'sarcophagus machine' really intended for.", Glen asked.
"It's original purpose was to control biological time beyond the parameters of normal perceived time...", the 'alien' leader enigmatically replied.
"Mm... and could you explain to us, simply what you mean by that ?", Ethan asked.
"The original intention of the machine was, as I have already said, to control biological time beyond the parameters of normal perceived time...
It had nothing to do with bringing dead people back to life - that was a misunderstanding that was made by the ancient Egyptians", the 'alien leader' said emphatically.
"Yes Sir, we understand that now, but could you please explain, in everyday examples, what that actually means - as we are just simple Earth people, and you are undoubtedly far more intelligent than we are.", Jim said intervening, and attempting to flatter the 'alien leader' in the hope of obtaining an answer that they could all understand.
The 'alien leader' thought for a moment.
 |
| Interstellar Spaceflight |
You would want to be conscious for takeoff and landing, and perhaps for some periods during the flight in order to undertake surveys of the stars and other technical matters, but for most of the time you would be in suspended-animation.
However, even in suspended-animation the body would age, even if only slowly.
Using the 'sarcophagus', as you call it, however, could enable you to arrive at your destination, regardless of how distant it might be, practically the same biological age as when you started out, despite the passing of perceived time.
The problem, if it is a problem, of course, would be the fact that, with the 'sarcophagus', your lifespan, whether travelling or not, could be almost indefinitely extended, and without any signs of biological ageing - and you would have to decide if that was something that you really wanted..."
There was a momentary pause in the 'alien leader's' narration while everyone digested what he had just said.
"You see, if you asked most 'beings' if they wanted to stay young - always - and live forever, their first reaction would be positive - but then there would be various matters to consider...", the 'alien leader' added.
"Such as ?", Ethan asked, looking puzzled.
"Well... suppose living forever got boring - same old thing, all the time, forever ?
Now if everyone was living forever - all your friends and acquaintances, for example - that might be acceptable - but what about if you were the only one, or if there were just a few of you ?", the 'alien leader asked perceptively.
"Yes, I see what you mean.
You would have to watch them growing old, and eventually dying, but you would just stay the same...", Ethan said.
 |
| Android |
"No... and I think perhaps you , and maybe your companions may misunderstand some things...
My body is not constituted in quite the same way as your bodies are.
We are partially 'android' - also known as 'cyborgs' - and our biological elements are very simple, and therefore easily replaced - as are our non-organic elements.
An android is a humanoid robot or other artificial being, often made from a flesh-like material. The word was coined from the Greek root ἀνδρ- 'andr'- 'man', and the suffix - 'oid', 'having the form or likeness of", and so the term 'android' is used in reference to human-looking robots.
"The 'little ones', as you call them, are mainly of synthetic construction, and lack any real individuality, while we 'leaders', as you call us, have brains. which you would describe as ' neuro' computers .", the 'alien leader 'continued.
A 'neuro-computer' is a partially organic computer composed in part of organic material such as living neurons. 'Neuro-computers', composed partially of neurons, are different than conventional computers because they are thought to be capable, in some respects, of 'thinking for themselves', because of the dynamic nature of neurons.
'Neuro-Computer'
"It is for these reasons that we do not need to use such devices as the 'sarcophagus machine'.", the 'alien leader' replied.
"Well... I think I understand...", Ethan said - but with little conviction.
"If you are not sure, perhaps I can make it easier...
"We 'leaders' are somewhat like your Teddy, but without the protein filaments - what I think you humans call fur.", the 'alien leader' added as further explanation.
Teddy looked puzzled, (difficult for a teddy-bear with an IQ actually off the scale), unsure if he really wanted to be compared to a hairless, weird looking 'alien', but diplomatically he made no comment.
At that point Jim began to feel that their meeting with the 'alien leader' had gone on long enough - and in fact he was not sure if they had even achieved their original purpose, which was to provide technical answers regarding Tony Stark's work on the 'Armant Sarcophagus'.
"I'm sorry to interrupt...", Jim said to the 'alien leader', "but time is moving on, and I think it may be best if you could provide Teddy with the information that we originally came for - and if you wish to explain other things to us - then we could perhaps arrange a further meeting ?"
The 'alien leader' seemed surprised.
"I see... but I am prepared to continue with our meeting now - if you so wish.
 |
| Relative Time |
If it concerns you that time has passed, and it will become light, and we shall be visible - may I assure you that while time has passed here, outside no time has passed.
It was two o'clock in the morning, as you measure time, when you came to us - and now - outside - it is still two o'clock, and, and will continue to be two o'clock until such time as you leave - so you may stay for as long as you like...", the 'alien leader' explained.
Jim was slightly unnerved by the 'Alien leader's' response.
To him it seemed like an encouragement to stay that might be the first step to a permanent abduction - but he tried to suppress that thought as he was aware that the 'alien leader' could, to some extent, 'read' his thoughts.
"That's very interesting, and a generous offer, but if you could supply Teddy with the information that Mr Stark needs, then we should go now, and I am sure that you could contact Glen to arrange a further meeting.", Jim suggested.
"As you wish...", and the 'alien leader' paused, as if the gather his thoughts.
"Now I believe that you will soon be visiting a location that you call the Yucatan. and we would be more than happy to meet you there." - Jim nodded in agreement.
The Yucatán Peninsula is bordered by the states of Campeche to the southwest and Quintana Roo to the southeast, with the Gulf of Mexico off its north coast. Before the arrival of Spaniards to the Yucatán Peninsula, the name of this region was 'Mayab'. In this area the Maya language originated, and is the source of the word 'Maya' itself. It was a very important region for the Maya civilization, which reached the peak of its development here.
 |
| Calakmul Pyramid - Mexico |
"May I add that the reason for a further meeting is because we are very concerned that you all become fully aware of the serious implications of using the 'sarcophagus machine', and also the importance of not allowing the 'machine to fall into the hands of any others - including other 'aliens'."
And as the 'alien leader' spoke, a beautiful holographic image of a Mayan pyramid appeared behind him.
Calakmul is a Maya archaeological site in the Mexican state of Campeche, deep in the jungles of the greater Petén Basin region. Calakmul was one of the largest and most powerful ancient cities ever uncovered in the Maya lowlands. The main pyramid is a massive pyramid temple, one of the largest in the Maya world, built in the Pre-Classic period and continuing in use through to the Late Classic.
"Now if we have this meeting - I really do hope that you won't try to land your saucer on that pyramid - 'cause it's not got a big enough flat bit on the top for you to land your 'saucer-thingy'...", Ethan said nervously.
The 'alien leader' gave a good simulation of a smile.
"I quite agree, Ethan - but we do know much about this area of your world of which we are speaking, and we know of an excellent spot that is just the right size for us - and we shall contact Glen about it, if you want to have another meeting with us, when you visit Mexico.", the 'alien leader' replied, obviously trying to be as amenable as possible.
"So - I think the best thing to happen, regardless of the time in here, or out there, is for you to pass on to Teddy as much information as is needed in order to help Mr Stark, and then we can return to Las Vegas, and prepare for our visit to Mexico.", Jim said, summing up the situation.
"As you wish, my, my friend.
 |
| Saucer Corridor on Leaving |
"So thanks, Mr 'Alien Leader' - that's all been very interesting, and we look forward to meeting you in Mexico.", Ethan said, as two more of the 'little ones' came up to guide him and Teddy from the main chamber.
"Oh - and thank's for the comfy stools, and the better heating !", Ethan added, as he looked back, and gave the 'alien leader' a wave.
The 'alien leader', not surprisingly, knew nothing about waving, and simply nodded in acknowledgement.
Glen and 'Sigi', relieved to be finally leaving, and feeling very awkward holding hands with diminutive pasty-white aliens, followed Jim, Ethan and Teddy down the corridor, as a blast of warm, desert air hit them.
And so they stepped out onto the desert floor.
"..better get moving in case they take off quite soon...", Teddy suggested.
So they all quickly walked away from the saucer, glancing back every now and then to check if there were any signs that the saucer was about to lift off.
 |
| The Dimensional Portal at Corona Village Hall |
'Yes - if it's still there...", Glen said rather apprehensively.
"Of course it will be... it's got a 'SEBF' - the 'Someone Else's Business Field'. - operating on a high setting...", Teddy responded.
'So how come we can see the Portal - even from here ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"Ah ! That's because it is 'our business', but anybody else around here would not see it - because it's 'none of their business'.", Teddy replied.
"Well, I don'r really get it .", Glen said - but Teddy ignored that remark.
"So Ethan - I notice that the door is closed - and I presume you've got a key ?", Jim asked.
"Well, not a key, but a little digital-thingy.", Ethan replied.
 |
| The Alien Saucer lifts Off |
All the 'boys', and Teddy, turned round expectantly, and just managed to see the 'Alien Saucer' rise into the starlit sky at a phenomenal speed, and disappear high above the sleeping town of Corona in a matter of seconds.
"Well - that's that...", 'Sigi said, as they all made their way into the 'Dimensional Portal'.
"Indeedy - and what's next ?", Ethan asked Jim.
But before Jim could answer, Teddy had pressed the button to open the doors.
"You know, I still can't get used to travelling in what seems like no time at all...", 'Sigi' said, shaking his head in disbelief, as they stepped into the 'Portal'.
 |
| Back at the 'Summerlin Penthouse' |
"So, 'Sigi' - Clare will be sleeping, so will you make some tea - and don't make too much noise.', Jim said quietly, while Ethan took the gold box out of his 'Walmart' bag, and got the 'Dimensional Portal' to do its incredible disappearing act.
"So, Ethan - how come you're so friendly with this 'alien leader' guy ?", 'Sigi' asked, as they sipped their Egyptian-style tea (shai).
"..'don't really know.
We jut took to one another at our first meeting.", Ethan replied, sounding slightly embarrassed.
"Well I think he's a bit 'creepy', and it's his voice I hear in my head when these 'aliens' start communicating with me.", Glen said.
"But Jim... you still haven't answered my question...", Ethan said - leaving aside the topic of the 'alien leader'.
"Which was ?", Jim responded.
"What's next ?", Ethan said - repeating himself from when they had been in the 'Portal'.
"Yes...", Jim replied slowly - taking a moment to gather his thoughts.
 |
| 'Villa Athena' |
 |
| Cessna Jet |
"Yes... but Teddy can't go on his own !", Ethan interjected, sounding alarmed.
"And why not ?", Teddy retorted.
"Well - you are a bit on the small side...", 'Sigi' said, smiling.
"Don't worry - I'll take Teddy.
I know he doesn't like flying, so I'll be there to hold his paw.", Ethan offered.
"Well, alright - if I have to... ", Teddy said reluctantly.
"That's good.", Jim said.
"So, Jim - when are we going to the 'Villa Athena' ?", Ethan asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon.
 |
| Boeing 'Dreamliner' |
"..'sounds cool.", Ethan said.
"Yes - everything's cool - except for the flying...", Teddy commented.
"So what's the problem, Teddy ?
You were OK on the 'Dreamliner'. Jim asked.
"Well, the 'Dreamliner' wasn't a problem because it was big - very big, and very quiet.
But that Cessna very small - almost as small as a helicopter - and you know I had a bad experience before in one of those.", Teddy said ruefully.
"No matter, I can't send the 'Dreamliner' on such a short flight - and with only three passengers - one of whom is a nervous teddy-bear.
It'll have to be the 'Cessna'.
The 'Cessna' is perfectly safe, and you can rely on Captain Peters, the Pilot.". Jim said, hoping that he could bring that particular matter to a close.
 |
| Captain Peters and the Cessna 525 |
"So what about this trip to Mexico.?", 'Sigi' asked, diplomatically changing the subject.
"Well we can't go until we know that everything's OK with Mr Stark, and that Teddy, Ethan and Zac have returned safely from the 'Villa Athena'...", Jim said.
"Ah ! There you go - Safely.", Teddy interjected.
Jim glared at Teddy.
"The word 'safely', in this sense, is just a 'manner of speech' - but if it will make you less worried, I can get Chuck to pick you up at the Villa, and drive you back to 'Vegas." Jim said, becoming exasperated with Teddy's constant concerns about safety.
"Thank you.", Teddy said with exaggerated politeness.
"Now, when we go to Mexico, I plan for us to use the 'Dreamliner' - so hopefully Teddy will be happy with that.", Jim began.
"Of course, but could you provide some more cushions and pillows, please.", Teddy said.
Jim sighed.
"Of course - no problem."
 |
| Villahermosa International Airport - Mexico |
"Right - so I plan to take Ethan, Teddy - of course - Glen, Novius, 'Sigi', Max, Brody and Zac.
We will fly from McCarran to Villahermos Airport in Tabasco, Mexico, which will take six hours, and then there will be a two hour limo drive to Palenque.", Jim explained.
"And how do you know all this ?", Ethan asked.
"Well Franklin checked it out for me a few days ago.", Jim replied.
"So, when do we go, and can I get time off from High School ?", Glen asked.
"Well, like I said before to you, that's all been arranged at the school - but it will be a few days before all the other various arrangements can be made, you know, the 'Caral' VIP lounge, limos, and suchlike...
 |
| 'Hotel Boutique Quinta Chanabnal' - Palanque - Mexico |
But tomorrow you can go and shop for some suitable new clothes - Franklin's given all of you an extra allowance, except for Teddy, of course - but more important, while we wait for Ethan, Teddy and Zac to get back from the 'Villa Athena' there are some things about Mexico, Palenque, the "Boss' and the Maya that I need to share with you, so we will have a special meeting at the 'Club Athena' tomorrow evening.", Jim said.
After a good night's sleep at the 'Penthouse', Teddy made sure that Ethan and Jim were up early.
'Sigi' and Glen, however, had driven over to the 'Club Athena' the previous evening, where they had been provided with accommodation for the night - prior to their shopping expedition in 'Vegas, and the meeting back at the 'Club Athena' the following evening.
Clare had been interested to know what had happened the previous evening, but Jim was non-committal, simply saying that it had been 'business' - and Clare was wise enough no to ask any further questions.
 |
| Lincoln Continental Lehmann-Peterson Pullman |
After breakfast, Chuck arrived with a large black Lincoln to take Jim, Ethan and Teddy to McCarran International.
"Wowy !" - I haven't seen this one before !" Ethan exclaimed.
"No, Mr Duncan, Sir - it hasn't been used since the funeral - if you don't mind me saying,", Chuck explained deferentially - "and perhaps you didn't notice it then."
"Well, it's certainly big enough...", Zac commented.
"So you don't mind using it, Sir - it won't bring back any difficult memories ?", Chuck asked.
"No - it's fine - and anyway that's all in the past now...", Ethan replied - not really sure of what to say.
It was possible, however, for Jim, Ethan and Teddy to talk openly in the Lincoln as it was a 'Pullman' model, with a partition between the driver's compartment and the passenger's compartment - not that they didn't trust Chuck.
"So how was the meeting with these 'aliens' ?", Zac asked.
"Well, we used the 'Dimensional 'Portal - so it was simple getting to Corona, and the 'alien-guys' were dead on time - and arrived just when and where they said they would.
There was a lot of talk - this 'alien leader' seems to like to talk a lot - and Jim did most of the talking for us, and then they did some sort of mental download on Teddy, so Teddy assures us that he's got all the 'info'.", Ethan related in his inimitable 'preppy' style.
'Preppy' is a youth subculture in the United States associated with old private Northeastern college preparatory schools. The terms are used to denote a person seen as characteristic of a student or alumnus of these schools. Characteristics of preps in the past include a particular sub-cultural speech, vocabulary and dress, reflective of an upper-class upbringing.
"And what about security ?
"Do you think anyone observed you - or the 'alien's, or the 'alien craft' ?",Zac asked.
"I doubt it..." Teddy said.
"I had the 'SEBF' up full on the 'Portal', which has a very wide range - and there was no body around, so I think there would be no problem.", Teddy added.
"Yes, but what about when you were in the UFO ?
Someone might have walked or driven by...", Zac said.
"Well that's the strange thing...
The 'alien leader' said that although time seem to pass while we were inside the saucer, outside time didn't pass.
I know it doesn't make any sense, but all our time pieces - my watch, our 'cell-phones' and Teddy's internal clock all read the same time - two o'clock - when we left the saucer, which was the same time when entered the saucer", Jim explained.
"Now that is strange !", Zac said thoughtfully.
 |
| Cessna Interior |
After the initial greetings involving the Captain and his co-pilot, Ethan and Teddy with Zac were taken aboard by the glamorous and elegant and stewardess.
"Well, it's a bit bigger than I remember...", Teddy muttered.
"OK - now there's no need to worry.
You can sit on my lap all the way and, if you want, you can switch yourself off.", Ethan said in an unusually soft and gentle tone.
In the end, of course, Teddy didn't turn himself off, and once they were airborne, he spent much of the time gazing out of the window at the massive cloud formations from his 'perch' on Ethan's knee.
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| View from Ethan's Window |
"Sacramento International Airport, Teddy", Ethan replied.
"And why there ?", Teddy asked - once again feigning ignorance.
"Because it's the closest airport to the 'Villa Athena'...", Ethan replied.
"Well that's good... so we get to see a new airport.", Teddy concluded.
"Yes.", Ethan said... wondering where the conversation was going.
"And there will be a limo waiting for us there ?", Teddy then asked.
"Yes," Ethan sighed ... so just look at the pretty clouds - as we'll be there quite soon.".
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| Aerial View of Sacramento - California |
"Well it looks quite big... but how come we've never been there ?", Teddy asked.
"Maybe there's nothing interesting there, Zac suggested."
"Yes, and it's obviously not near the 'Villa Athena'.", Ethan said.
Sacramento - Spanish for 'sacrament' - is the capital city of the U.S. state of California, and the seat and largest city of Sacramento County. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in Northern California's Sacramento Valley, Sacramento's is the sixth-largest city in California, and the ninth-largest capital in the United States.
"The question is how near to the city is the airport ?" Ethan then asked.
"Well I have a map in my data-base, and I can tell you that if this Captain Peters knows his job, then he should soon be turning to make an approach to the main runway." Teddy said.
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| Sacramento International Airport - California - USA |
"And here we go !", Ethan said - in a good imitation of Peter Pan, as the little 'Cessna' sharply banked as it flew over the city in preparation for a landing.
And it was another smooth landing from Captain Peters - and as they taxied up to the terminal building, they spotted a large limo which was obviously waiting for them.
"There you are, Teddy - no problems at all..." Ethan said, as they prepared to 'deplane'.
"Of course not - I have the greatest faith in Captain Peters.", Teddy replied, pretending that he was a confident and experienced flyer.
So they left the 'Cessna', and as Zac, being the eldest and most experienced of the trio, took the role of Jim, and distributed the usual crisp, white and weighty envelopes to Peters, his co-pilot and the delectable stewardess - who had obviously 'taken a shine' to Zac.
Presumably he had been warned about Teddy, and made no comment about the teddy-bear being given pride of place in the back seat of the black Cadillac.
And so, without further ado, they set off on the freeway to 'Antelope Valley'.
This seems to be a very long journey, Zac..
Are you sure that Jim got it right when he planned the route with Franklin ?', Ethan asked.
"Well from my calculations, derived from my 'data-base' maps, it's better to do this journey by limo, as you do not reduce the time take by combining flying with a road connection.", Teddy stated quite emphatically.
'OK, well when we go back, we'll 'phone and get Chuck to come and pick us up.", Zac said.
'Antelope Valley' is located in northern Los Angeles County, California. It is situated between the Tehachapi, Sierra Pelona, and the San Gabriel Mountains. The valley was named after the 'Pronghorns' that roamed there until they were all but eliminated in the 1880s, mostly by hunting, or resettled in other areas - so the one thing that you are unlikely to see in Antelope Valley is an antelope. Though not a true antelope, it is known colloquially in North America as the American Antelope, Pronghorn antelope, Prairie Antelope because it closely resembles the antelopes of the Old World and fills a similar ecological niche due to parallel evolution.
American Antelope
And so they had little choice but to settle down to a long, boring drive along a practically straight freeway - and it was only when they came to the area of 'Antelope Valley' that the landscape became more attractive and interesting'.
'Villa Athena' - 'Antelope Valley' - California
Teddy passes on the 'alien' information to Tony, and then Chuck arrives to drive Ethan and Teddy, and Novius and Zac to the 'Club Jaguar' in 'Vegas for the meeting about Mexico. Two days later the whole group (including Clare) take the Boeing 'Dreamliner' from McCarran Airport to Villahermosa Airport in Mexico - where their Mexican adventure begins.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021