news comes through from the 'Villa Athena' that Tony Stark has achieved success with the 'Armant Sarcophagus' - and is awaiting Jim's return. - Jim, however, has a rendezvous at the 'Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl' at Chechen Itza, as well as a visit to to Ethan's Villa at San Cristóbal de las Casashe , and an inspection of the new Corporation Resort at 'Ciudad del Carmen'......
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The end of the stay in Palenque turned out to be somewhat downbeat.
While the memory of 'the Boss' had been honoured by Jim and the others - no one, except perhaps for Faunus, really comprehended what had initially drawn Alexander Johnston - 'the Boss' - to the hot, steamy jungles of Chiapas, or what he had learned from his long association with the Maya, and the 'Jaguar Priests', while he waited for the eventual return of 'Marcus' and the 'boys'.
for 'Marcus' and the 'boys' the move from one 'world' to another 'world' was practically instantaneous, but for 'the Boss' many years had to pass - see Hugh Everette's 'Many Worlds Theory'
"You know, although I felt that 'the Boss' treated us badly right at the end, I miss him now - and I really cared for him - a bit like I would have liked to have cared for the father that I hardly knew... and now cannot clearly remember.", Ethan said to Jim, when they got back to the suite at the 'Hotel Quinta Chanabnal'.
"Yes - I know what you mean...", Jim said
And then there was another voice in the room - quite soft and measured
"Well it's about time somebody said something nice about Gracchus !".
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| Glaux |
"I think it was Glaux - up there on the rail of the four-poster bed.", Jim said - disbelieving.
"I do talk you know...", Glaux said...
"But it's just that Teddy has never helped you to understand me - but as he helped Ethan to understand the language of music when we were in Germany - and how to speak Spanish - well, we thought you two might be smart enough to interpret Owl....", Glaux explained.
"Well that's really cool... and thoughtful of you.", Ethan said.
"Yes, it seemed appropriate about now, as I was sent to help you two.
You see Teddy is here to help you because he's very clever - but I'm here to help you because I'm very wise.
After all, the great Athena is the 'goddess' of wisdom - unlike these rather stupid and bloodthirsty Mayan 'gods'.", Glaux continued.
Jim however, having got over the shock of hearing Glaux speak - wanted to say more about 'the Boss' - who had been occupying most of his thoughts during their time in Palenque.
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| Ἀνάγκη - Ananke - Fate |
Ἀνάγκη - (Ananke) from the common noun ἀνάγκη, 'force, constraint, necessity') is the 'goddess' of inevitability, compulsion and necessity. One of the Greek primordial deities, the births of Ananke and her brother and consort, Chronos (the personification of Time) were thought to mark the division between the time of 'Chaos' and the beginning of the Cosmos. Ananke is considered the most powerful dictator of fate and circumstance; mortals as well as gods respected her power and paid her homage. Sometimes considered the mother of the 'Fates', she is thought to be the only being to influence their decisions.
Ethan shook his head, puzzled, and tickled Teddy's ear.....
"True - and although he's usually gentle with us, I suppose actually he's really 'alien' - even more so than those 'pesky aliens' - but he hides his real character well - and maybe for good reasons - though I find it difficult to understand him....", Ethan said.
"Anyway, now we have a talking owl - which I suppose is better that a talking parrot.", Ethan concluded.
And so, over lunch, Jim explained to the group about the journey to their new destination - Chichén Itzá - with Ethan providing the 'correct' Mexican intonation.
Apparently there is a phonemic distinction between chʼ and ch, since the base word chʼeʼen, (which, however, is not stressed in Maya), begins with a postalveolar ejective affricate consonant. The word "Itzaʼ" has a high tone on the "a" followed by a glottal stop (indicated by the apostrophe).
Jim, however, said nothing about the fact that Glen had indicated that there was the possibility of a 'meeting' at Chichen Itza, as Jim had not decided who would be present at the proposed 'meeting'.
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| The Village of Pisté - Chichén Itzá |
There was, however a good hotel close to the village, where reservations had been made - the strangely named 'Mayaland' Hotel.
"So what's this 'Mayaland-thingy' like ?", Ethan asked Jim.
"..'better ask Josh - he arranged it all...", Jim replied, concentrating on his lunch.
"Well, its more like a real hotel...", Josh replied.
"You mean not like a rather cheap film-set.", Clare said rather disparagingly.
"I suppose so.", Josh said, passing Clare the brochure.
"Well, it's fifty rooms - and three restaurants - so that sounds better.", Clare enthused.
"Yes - and the 'Pyramid of Kukulkan', and other Mayan sites are only ten minutes walk away..", Josh added.
"The problem, though, is getting from here to Chichén Itzá.", Jim said.
The fastest way takes about six hours, and four of those are in a helicopter, which I think will be a problem for Teddy - and it's ridiculously expensive - about seven thousand dollars - just to get Teddy badly frightened", Jim explained.
"So why not use the 'portal' ?" Ethan suggested.
"Well, I think we'll have to - but we must make sure we're not being watched..."Jim said.
"But what have you got on your data-base about this 'Mayaland Hotel', Teddy ?, Jim asked.
"Well not much, apart from the usual advertising stuff - but it's unusual in that it' very close the the archaeological site -
Anyway, this is what it says:
'Built in 1923, this historic hotel has been named one of the world’s top hotels by 'National Geographic' and 'Conde Nast Traveler' magazines.
It has a private entrance to the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, which allows guests to go in and out at their leisure while staying at the hotel.'
And it's also got a planetarium ! - like in Roswell - remember ?", Teddy added.
"Well sounds good - but let's wait and see...", 'Sigi' remarked.
Now as Jim was emphasizing the need for stealth when the group left Palenque using the 'portal', at the same time those in high places, namely Hoover and Tolson, were continuing to be concerned with the activities of Jim and his friends in Mexico.
The FBI agents had not returned to Washington - but were still 'acting under orders' to maintain their surveillance 'in the field'.
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| State Arms of Yucatan |
So - the FBI agents were left very much 'on their own' - which was not a good situation in which to be in a country as volatile as Mexico.
Drug cartels fighting 'turf wars' are a major problem in the Yucatan, which is exacerbated by blatant police corruption - often aimed a 'wealthy' foreign tourists.
Fortunately, unknown to most of Jim's groups, the 'Athena Corporation' operated its own 'security service' in the area, separate from the local police and local 'Federales', but supported by Central Government Security forces.
Yucatán officially the 'Free and Sovereign State of Yucatán', is one of the 32 states which comprise the 'Federal Entities of Mexico'. The Yucatán State is divided into 106 municipalities, and its capital city is Mérida. The state is located on the north part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It was a very important region for the Maya civilization, which reached the peak of its development here, where the Maya founded the city of Chichén Itzá. The Yucatán Peninsula is a major tourism destination, as well as home to one of the largest indigenous populations in Mexico - the Maya people.
Hoover and Tolson at FBI HQ
"So what's the problem with the Mexicans, Clyde ?", Hoover asked angrily.
"They're backing out...
They don't want to ruffle the feathers of the bosses of the 'Athena Corporation'.", Tolson replied.
"And why not ?", Hoover demanded to know.
"Well, they say the group from the this 'Athena Corporation' are just ordinary tourists - but also, possibly, they're looking for sites for new resorts and hotels - and the Mexican Government needs that sort of investment.", Tolson explained.
"But Mr Hoover - what are you really hoping to find by investigating this James Johnston and his associates ?", Tolson then asked.
"That, Clyde, is what's 'bugging' me...
We don't know much about his 'so-called' associates, we don't know where his money's coming from.... and dam it, we don't even know where he comes from.
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| Richard M. Helms - Director of the CIA (DCIA) |
Now I wanna know what's goin' on with that 'son of a bitch - Clyde.", Hoover said, turning away and striding down the echoing hallway.
What Hoover didn't mention, however, even to his closest associate, Clyde Tolson, was the UFO factor.
That aspect of the case was buried in Hoover's 'secret files'... and it was an aspect of the case alluded to only once, and briefly, by Richard Helms of the CIA.
Hoover didn't know what to make of that particular information, and had 'put it on the back burner' - at least for the moment.
Richard McGarrah Helms was an American government official and diplomat who served as Director of Central Intelligence. Helms began intelligence work with the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. After the 1947 creation of the 'Central Intelligence Agency' (CIA) Helms was promoted during the presidencies of Truman an Eisenhower, and was then later made DCIA.
Now you might be wondering why this chapter is entitled 'Arrival in Chichén Itzá,' considering the group haven't even left Palenque.
The answer, of course, is simple.
Using the 'Dimensional Portal', leaving and arriving are practically simultaneous... so let's go to Chichén Itzá.
Wisely, Jim waited until 'siesta' time.....
A 'siesta' (from Spanish - meaning 'nap') is a short rest taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in many countries, particularly those where the weather is warm.Jim then ordered the limos to be waiting at the rear entrance to the hotel.
As the group were the only guests in the hotel, and the hotel staff were all taking their,`'siesta', there was little chance of Jim and the group being spotted 'sneaking' out of the hotel - not that they really needed to 'sneak' out, as Jim had paid in advance, but they wanted to avoid any awkward questions.
The limos were then told to park in a deserted lane, close to the Palenque archaeological site.
The group, with their luggage, then stood rather incongruously by the roadside, while Zac explained to the bemused drivers that they were waiting for some 'government vehicles' to pick them up - and while Zac was making his explanations, he handed out the crisp white envelopes that could be relied upon to buy silence.
Equally, the fact that many members of the group regularly carried 'side-arms' was an added incentive, if any were needed, for people to conveniently forget anything they might know, or might have seen or heard.
Once the limos had departed Ethan took the precious gold box from his Walmart bag, and laid it on the ground.
"Now stand back guys.", Ethan warned, as he pressed the red button.
The 'dimensional portal' instantly appeared - in its 'stealth mode'.
This meant that the SEBF was automatically engaged, and the portal only appeared in two dimensions - which meant that it could only be seen directly from the front and rear.... so the perceived image of the 'portal' had no depth, which was very odd.
The group, with their luggage, then stood rather incongruously by the roadside, while Zac explained to the bemused drivers that they were waiting for some 'government vehicles' to pick them up - and while Zac was making his explanations, he handed out the crisp white envelopes that could be relied upon to buy silence.
Equally, the fact that many members of the group regularly carried 'side-arms' was an added incentive, if any were needed, for people to conveniently forget anything they might know, or might have seen or heard.
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| The 'Portal' in the Jungle at Palenque |
"Now stand back guys.", Ethan warned, as he pressed the red button.
The 'dimensional portal' instantly appeared - in its 'stealth mode'.
This meant that the SEBF was automatically engaged, and the portal only appeared in two dimensions - which meant that it could only be seen directly from the front and rear.... so the perceived image of the 'portal' had no depth, which was very odd.
And so, carrying their luggage, they all disappeared into the 'portal', including Glaux.
For Glaux it was his first trip in the 'portal', and he nervously sat on Josh's shoulder.
As always, there was plenty of room inside the 'portal', and everyone stood around, waiting expectantly for Teddy to enter the co-ordinates on the control panel.
"So where are we headed for, Teddy ?", Jim asked.
"According to my data-base maps there's an entrance leading from the Chichén Itzá archaeological site directly into the grounds of the 'Mayaland Hotel' - one of the 'selling points' of the hotel.", Teddy replied.
"And you're sure you've got the co-ordinates right ?", Ethan asked.
"Of course... and remember to leave the 'portal' as quickly as possible - no 'hanging about'...", Teddy replied, as he punched in a series of digits.
As usual, nothing seemed to be happening, but immediately after Teddy had finished entering the co-ordinates, a tiny green LED on the control panel flashed, indicating that the process was complete.
"That's it people...
We've arrived at 'Chichén Itzá'... so lets quickly leave the 'portal', and proceed to the hotel.", Ethan stated very professionally.
Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the 'Terminal Classic' period. The archeological site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico. Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities, and it was likely to have been one of the mythical great cities, or Tollans, referred to in later Mesoamerican literature. The city may have had the most diverse population in the Maya world, a factor that could have contributed to the variety of architectural styles at the site. Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archeological sites in Mexico, with over 2.6 million teach year. (open map in new tab to enlarge)
Mayan Archaeological Sites
So everyone made their way out of the 'Dimensional Portal', and much to their surprise, they were confronted by a small gate that led into the grounds of the 'Mayaland Hotel, while behind them loomed the silent bulk of the 'Pyramid Temple of Kukulkan'.
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| The 'Portal' and the 'Temple of Kukulkan' - 'Chichén Itzá' |
"Well it's certainly big." Clare remarked, as they prepared to carry their luggage to the rear entrance of the hotel.
Meanwhile, after checking that no one was left behind in the 'Portal', Ethan pressed the second red button on the gold box, and the entire 'Portal' simply disappeared - apparently neatly 'folded up' inside the gold box - but they only had Teddy's word for that.
It was only a short walk across the grass to the rear entrance of the Mayaland Hotel, with a fine archway leading into the marble tiled reception area.
Not surprisingly the reception staff were somewhat surprised to find a large group, complete with luggage suddenly appearing.
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| Reception Area - MayaLand Hotel - Chichén Itzá |
Ethan did the talking, using his faultless upper class Mexican Spanish - and explained about the previous reservations.
Glaux, of course, had taken flight, and had found a nice perch where he waited to see which balcony would be most suitable for him to use during his stay at Chichén Itzá.
“Well it certainly looks better than the Hotel Quinta Chanabnal.”, Novius commented.
“Me… I’m just hoping that it’s got a decent swimming pool…
I’m getting ‘out of shape’, with all this sitting around...”, Brody moaned.
“Well it does have a swimming pool – I checked it out on the Interned site – but the main thing is that, as you’ve all seen, it’s right next to the ruins – that I think Jim wants to look at tomorrow.”, Teddy said.
“Now enough of this chatter -
Ethan, get the reception to organize some staff to get our bags up to our rooms... while Josh organizes payment.”, Jim said, getting down to business.
So Ethan started with his Spanish once again –
"Buenos días, mi nombre es Ethan Duncan.
Jim Johnston hizo una reserva hace dos días para él y ......" etc.
which seemed to really impress the reception staff – and soon the ‘gang’ were being led up to their rooms, while their luggage was taken care of.
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| Jim's Suite - MayaLand Hotel - Chichén Itzá |
Immediately Jim and Ethan started unpacking, while Teddy waited patiently to get his paws on his Laptop and printer.
"So Ethan, perhaps later you could go down to the hotel reception and get some printing paper, as I have some maps to print off...", Teddy suggested.
Meanwhile, Glaux, who was perched in a nearby tree, heard Jim, Ethan and Teddy talking (owls have amazing hearing), and immediately flew over, and sat on the balcony rail of the suite.
"Ah... I see that Glaux has found us.", Ethan said, as he went over and opened the doors to the balcony so that Glaux could come in and join them.
"So when are we meeting these 'pesky aliens' again ?", Ethan asked, as he tickled Glaux round the ruff, as the fluffy little owl tried to look as lovable as possible.
"I'm not sure...", Jim replied, distractedly.
"OK...
So what's this meeting going to be about ?". Ethan persisted.
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| Pyramid-Temple of Kukulcán - Chichen Itza |
"But don't you think it's a weird place for them to land...
I mean, it's so close to the hotel, and if they're going to land on top of the pyramid .......
well I don't see how Novius is going to climb up all those stairs - that is if you think he should come with us....", Ethan added.
Glaux looked quizzically at Jim.
"Yes... that's a good point, Jim.", Glaux said sagely.
At that point Teddy interrupted the discussion.
"Now my 'database' says that there are ninety-nine steps on each side of the pyramid, plus a few extra ones leading to the temple platform at the summit, and I think that's far too many for Novius to manage - even if he takes his time.", Teddy explained.
At that moment there was a knock on the door.
It was Josh, with some news.
"Hi guys - sorry to disturb you, but Ashraf got a message from Tony at the 'Villa Athena' in Antelope Valley...", Josh began.
"So why didn't Ashraf come up and tell us about it ?", Jim asked.
"Well, he's still a bit embarrassed about his English, so he told me what Tony had said, and asked me to tell you.", Josh explained rather diffidently.
"OK - so I'll have a word with him tomorrow, and perhaps, Teddy, you could give him some help, like you did with Ethan and his Spanish...", Jim suggested.
Teddy nodded in agreement.
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| A 'Non-Aging' Mouse on the Dendera Zodiac at the 'Villa Athena' |
"Well, it's like this...
Tony thinks he's cracked the problem...
To put it simply, the mice are not aging - and he's pretty sure that he's worked out the settings on the Dendera 'control disc'.
"So, that's good - but there's nothing we can do about that right now...", Jim responded.
"OK - so what do we have to deal with right now ?", Josh responded.
"It's this business with the 'aliens' wanting yet another meeting - and the question of who we should take." Jim said thoughtfully.
"Well, I always said they were 'pesky little thingys', and now they'r just becoming a nuisance.", Ethan interjected.
"True... but let's focus on who we should take to this meeting...", Jim proposed.
So - they sat down and thought.
"Well, we don't want to involve Clare - it wouldn't be right...", Ethan began - thinking back to the time at the 'Winter Palace', when he had let Clare in on some confidential information - which seemed to cause a lot of trouble.
"But we should take Novius with us, as long as the 'aliens' do something about all those steps.", Josh said - and Jim agreed.
"And 'Sigi' ?", Josh asked.
"Well yes - but he is 'Sigi' Brandt... and how can we be sure that there's not still some of the old 'Dr Siegfried Brandt' lurking in his brain - somewhere ?", Ethan asked.
Ethan, of course had met Dr Brandt (twice) - and really didn't like him...
"Don't worry, Ethan...
Dr Siegfried Brandt's 'long gone', and all that is left is our bright young 'Sigi'.", Teddy said reassuringly.
"Well, I suppose you should know.", Ethan replied, thinking back to the night at the 'Club Jaguar' (now known as 'Club Athena').
"OK, then we take 'Sigi'... and Glen should come as he's an important link for the whole situation.", Jim said.
"So what about Zac ?", Ethan asked.
"Well I think that he and Brody should stay in the hotel grounds, just to keep watch.
We don'r want any uninvited guests snooping around.", Jim replied.
"Right - so why don't you get everyone together for our evening meal, after we've all unpacked, and let them know what's going on, and perhaps tomorrow morning we could 'scout out' the area round the 'Pyramid of Kukulcán' in preparation for this eventual meeting ?", Ethan suggested - being remarkably astute for a change.
"Yes - good thinking Ethan.", Jim said.
So Ethan then went down to reception in order to get Teddy some nice shiny inject paper for his 'visual aids', and later, after unpacking, everyone met in the airy, spacious dining room for their first meal at the Mayaland Hotel.
'Well, a nice bright, sunny morning in Mexico - once again.
And quiet, considering this hotel has fifty rooms....', Teddy thought to himself.
As it was quiet, Teddy decided to imitate a 'sophisticated' alarm clock, and gently 'warbled' into Jim's ear.
"Oh, good morning, Teddy...
That was nice of you to waken us so gently for a change.", Jim muttered.
"I thought it was appropriate, as this is a very calm and quiet hotel...", Teddy replied quietly.
It took a little more effort to get Ethan to wake up, but soon they were out of bed, showered and causally dressed.
"So once again we're looking at ruins, and pretending to be interested...", Ethan said, as they left their suite and headed for the elevator.
"Yes, Ethan - but I want you to pay attention today, as we may be wandering around these ruins late at night, in the dark, quite soon.", Jim said, seriously.
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| Al-fresco Breakfast - Mayaland Hotel - Chichen Itza |
"Okey dokey - point taken Jim...", Ethan replied, as Teddy scrutinized the elevator buttons.
"This looks like a very friendly elevator, Ethan.", Teddy said, as he pressed the appropriate button in order to take them to the ground floor.
It seemed that breakfast in 'Mayaland', was taken al fresco...
with rather insubstantial tables and chairs casually arranged on a well laid chessboard style patio.
But the setting was pleasant, with shrubs, trees and large palms providing shade.
Little was said during breakfast, although Jim was considerate enough to ask everyone if they were satisfied with their new accommodation.
After receiving positive replies, Jim then suggested that they all made their way to the Chichen Itza Archaeological Site which was connected to the hotel's gardens.
No limos - or any other form of transport for that matter - was needed in order to reach the 'Chichen Itza Archaeological Site' as it was literally 'next door' to the Mayaland Hotel - just 'through the garden gate' as it were.
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| The Pyramid-Temple of Kukulcán - (Structure 5B18) - Chichen Itza |
Also, the walk to the 'Pyramid-Temple of Kukulcán' was easy, as the area was flat and level, and covered in reasonably well tended grass - and as it was early morning, it was not too hot or humid.
As usual, whenever they went 'site-seeing', there were few people about - although if this was because of something weird that Faunus (who was not actually with them) had done - or was the result of Teddy's SEBF was impossible to tell.
Teddy then addressed the group
"Now, before we have a closer look at this pyramid, I thought I might say a few words about the 'Chichen Itza Archaeological Site'.
And so Teddy began his introduction, while Ethan handed out plans of the Archaeological Site:
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| Plan - 'Chichen Itza Archaeological Site' |
Probably the most recognizable building in the city is the one we are standing in front of here, which is the 'Temple of Kukulkan', known to the Spanish as 'El Castillo' - 'the Castle'.
This pyramid demonstrates the accuracy of Maya astronomy - and also the influence of the Toltecs,
The temple has 365 steps - one for each day of the year.
Each of the temple’s four sides has 91 steps, and the top platform makes the 365th.
The entire structure is 79 ft high, plus an additional 20 ft for the temple at the top. The square base measures 181 ft across.
Devising a 365-day calendar was just one feat of Maya science.
Also, twice a year, on the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow falls on the pyramid in the shape of a serpent.
As the sun sets, this 'shadow snake' descends the steps to eventually join a stone serpent head at the base of the staircase at the pyramid’s side.
Inside the pyramid are tunnels and chambers, including what has been called the 'Hall of Offerings', the the 'Chamber of Sacrifices', and the 'Throne Room', where a throne on the form of a red jaguar was found
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| Chichen Itza Archaeological Site - Aerial View |
The city’s only permanent water source was a series of sinkhole wells.
Chichén Itzá's 'ball court' is the largest known in the Americas, measuring 554 feet, long and 231 feet wide.
During ritual games here, players tried to hit a 12-pound rubber ball through stone scoring hoops set high on the court walls, and the losers were put to death.
After centuries of prosperity and absorbing influxes of other cultures like the Toltecs, the city met a mysterious end.
During the 1400s people abandoned Chichén Itzá to the jungle.
Though they left behind amazing works of architecture and art, the city’s inhabitants left no known record of why they abandoned their homes.", Teddy said, as he came to the conclusion of his introduction.
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| Summit of the Pyramid of Kukulcán - Chichen Itza |
"So 'uncle Jim' - can we climb the steps to the top ?", 'Sigi' asked.
Jim was unsure, and decided to get Ethan to check things out...
'Well, Ethan, you can read Spanish - so are there any notices saying that climbing the pyramid is forbidden ?", Jim asked.
"Nope - nothing this side, but I'd better go right round, just to check - in case there are any 'sneaky' signs round the other sides.
...'cause we don't want to get into trouble - do we ?", Ethan replied, a little cheekily, as he sat Teddy on the bottom step of the pyramid...
"Now Novius - if you want to try the steps, I want you to be very careful - we can't afford to have any accidents...", Jim said, while they waited for Ethan to return from his trip round the pyramid.
The steps, however, were undoubtedly going to be a problem.
Not only were they very rough and uneven, but in addition most of the treads were not level, and sloped slightly from back to front, making them quite dangerous.
Novius tried a few steps with Clare's help, but Clare said, quite firmly, that at least for Novius they were unsafe.
In fact a chain had been provided to help those who were prepared to attempt the climb, but even for the fit and agile, mounting such a large number of badly worn steps was going to be difficult.
By then Ethan had made the circuit of the pyramid, and had not found any signs banning the climbing of the pyramid.
"OK, well you stay here, Clare - with Novius, and 'Sigi', Glen, Ethan and Teddy, and myself will attempt to 'scout out' the temple platform on the summit, and Ashraf, Brody and Zac can keep a lookout.", Jim said.
"Well you'll have to carry me, Ethan, as my legs are too short to get up these steps.", Teddy moaned.
"Of course, Teddy - anyway, I carry you almost everywhere..", Ethan said.
"Yes - true, but don't drop me, or fall - it could be a long way down.", Teddy pleaded."
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| Temple Platform - Pyramid of Kukulcán - Chichen Itza |
And so Jim led the way slowly up the ninety-one steps to the final point which was the last step that formed the 'platform' on which the Temple to Kukulcán stood - (the Mayan name for Quetzalcoatl).
Eventually they all reached the temple platform safely - and were able to catch their breath, and admire the view.
"Well there isn't much room up here for a UFO to land.", Glen observed.
"No, and I don't fancy climbing up here in the middle of the night !", Ethan declared.
"But you must admit it's a wonderful view...", 'Sigi' said.
"Yes - but now we have the problem of getting back down.", Ethan said.
"Well, let's go carefully, and if we get back to the ground with no mishaps, then we'll have a look round, just like ordinary tourists.", Jim said.
And that's exactly what they did...
"So - what about the temple, Marcus ?', Novius asked when they reached the ground once again.
"Not much to report, Novius - so you didn't miss much.
Empty inside - and rather grim - but a beautiful view from the top..,", Jim replied.
"But now people - let's have a look at some of the other buildings...", Teddy said in good 'tour-guide' style...
"So follow us...", Teddy then said, meaning himself and Ethan.
And as they walked, Teddy began his 'mini-lecture'.
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| Great Ball Court - Chichen Itza |
"There are thirteen ball-courts for playing the Mesoamerican Ball-game in Chichen Itza, but the 'Great Ball Court' to the north-west of the Castillo is by far the most impressive.
And here we see the precursor of much modern monumental architecture...
It is the largest and best preserved ball-court in ancient Mesoamerica, and measures 551 by 230 ft.
The parallel platforms flanking the main playing area are each 312 ft long.
The walls of these platforms stand 26 ft high - and set high up in the center of each of these walls are rings, carved with intertwined 'Feathered Serpents' - depicting 'Quetzalcoatl'.", Teddy explained.
'Sigi' then had a question.
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| Maya 'Ball-Game' - Chichen Itza |
"So why did these Maya have thirteen ball-courts in the city ?
I mean, even if they had a large population in the city, that's a lot.
Even a big city in America only has one or two stadiums, and these Maya had no horses - or cars buses or trains for that matter, so it's not as if people could come from surrounding towns or villages.
It just seems a bit weird."
"Good question, 'Sigi' - and no one really know why - but this 'Maya ball-game' was not like modern sport.
It was part of their religion - based on the myth of the 'Hero Twins' - which I won't bore you with at the moment.
But bear in mind that the members of the losing team were sacrificed - killed by decapitation, disemboweling, or having their hearts cut out, and the players were usually enemy warriors who had been captured in recent battles - so there may have been large numbers of players who, for complicated religious and 'astronomical' reasons, would have to play on specific dates - so perhaps all the 'ball-courts' would be needed on the same day, and at the same time... so they might need lots of courts", Teddy suggested.
"Well I think these Maya were very strange and nasty people - and far more bloodthirsty than even the ancient Romans...' Ethan commented.
for more information about the 'Maya Hero Twins' and human sacrifice go to: `
"OK - so let's move on.....", Teddy suggested...
Some distance away was a large, truncated pyramid.
And Teddy continued his explanations...
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| 'Temple of the Warriors' - Chichen Itza |
This complex is similar to 'Temple B' at the Toltec capital of Tula, and indicates some form of cultural contact between the two regions.
This temple at Chichen Itza, however, was constructed on a much larger scale.
At the top of the stairway, on the pyramid's summit leading toward the entrance of the pyramid's temple, is a 'Chac-Mool'.
And before you ask... a 'Chac-Mool' is a sculpture depicting a reclining figure, with its head facing 90 degrees from the front, supporting itself on its elbows, and supporting a bowl, or a disk, upon its stomach.
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| Chac-Mool - Temple of the Warriors - Chichen Itza |
Sometimes clothed, but often naked - as they would be when sacrificed - these figures probably symbolize warriors carrying offerings to the gods, and the bowl upon the chest or stomach was used to hold their sacrificial offerings such as blood, bowels, human hearts and incense.
'Chac-Mools' are often associated with thrones, and also 'sacrificial stones' - over which the stripped prisoners were stretched when being sacrificed.", Teddy explained.
"Mm... all very gruesome...", Ethan commented.
"Yes, well they were a very 'different' culture...", Teddy replied, trying to calm Ethan down.
"Now if you look along the south wall of the this temple, you will see a series of what are today exposed columns, although when the city was inhabited these would have supported an extensive roof system.
The columns are in three distinct sections -", and Ethan pointed as he mentioned each section.
"A West group, that extends the lines of the front of the 'Temple of Warriors'.
A North group runs along the south wall of the 'Temple of Warriors', and contains pillars with carvings of soldiers in bas-relief;
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| 'Templo de los Guerreros' & 'Plaza de las Mil Columnas' - Reconstruction |
There is also a Northeast group, which apparently formed a small temple at the Southeast corner of the 'Temple of Warriors', which contains carvings of people or gods, as well as animals and serpents.
To the South is a group of three, smaller, interconnected buildings.
The 'Temple of the Carved Columns' is a small elegant building, that consists of a front gallery with an inner corridor that leads to an altar with a 'Chac Mool'.
There are also numerous columns with rich, bas-relief carvings of some 40 personages.
This whole area is known as the 'Plaza of a Thousand Columns', although there are only about 200 in reality.", Teddy concluded.
"Well that was very interesting, Teddy, so let's go back to the hotel, and have something to eat...", Jim said.
Later, having had an evening meal, the group that Jim had chosen for the meeting on the summit of 'El Castillo' - the 'Pyramid of Kukulcán' - gathered in the gardens, just a little away from the chess-board style patio of the al-fresco dining area, where Jim imagined that they wouldn't be noticed or overheard.
"So what's the plan, Jim ?", Zac asked quietly.
"Well I 'm not really sure...", Jim replied hesitantly.
"Great ! - But I'm not climbing up that 'pyramid-thingy', in the dark, even if there is a chain...", Ethan declared.
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| Star-Trek Transporter |
"Now don't get worried - but during dinner, I got this image of us being - now don'r laugh, but I don't know how else to describe it - being 'beamed up' to the temple platform - you know, like in that TV program, 'Star Trek'...", Glen explained, sounding rather embarrassed.
"I see...", Ethan said - sounding definitely leery.
"And you believe in 'transporter beams' ?", Ethan added.
"Well it's only a variation on an 'inter-dimensional portal' - without the 'portal'.", Teddy said.
"So - that gets us to the platform - but where will the saucer, or UFO, or whatever be ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"Apparently hovering on or near the flat roof of the temple.", Glen replied.
"So how do we get from the temple platform to the temple roof - there's no stairs up there that I could see ?", Zac quite sensibly asked.
"Simple - it seems that we go into the temple, and that will then lead us, somehow, to a corridor that will take us to the 'aliens' inside the saucer."Glen replied.
'Well I just hope you're right.", Jim said.
"It should be OK - it's info that can only be coming from the 'aliens'... and they are the ones that seem to want to see us...", Glen said.
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| Pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo) - Chichen Itza - Yucatan |
It appeared to be a moonless night, as they made their way through the gate that led from the 'Mayaland Hotel' to the 'Archaeological Site'.
They carefully avoided the open areas, and stayed close to the remains of the walls of the various buildings in order to ensure that they would be inconspicuous.
The huge bulk of the 'Pyramid of Kukulcán' was not far from the 'Mayaland Hotel', and very soon they were all gathered at the foot of one of the wide flights of stone steps that led up to the temple platform.
Brody and Zac wisely hung back as, if Glen was correct about 'beaming up', they didn't want to find themselves inadvertently stranded 79 ft up in the air, on the temple platform.
"So do these 'pesky aliens' know we're here - waiting for them ? ", Ethan asked, as he held on tightly to Teddy, not wanting to be separated from his furry friend during the process of 'beaming up' to the top of the pyramid.
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| Arrival of the 'Alien Saucer' - Pyramid of Kukulcán - Chichen Itza |
We need to be reasonably polite to these 'guys' - and yes, I'm sure they do know we're here.", Jim said.
"Well they didn't seem to mind...", 'Sigi' said as there was the first rumble of thunder.
"Yep !... Here's our 'lift' !", Ethan said, as the familiar form of the 'alien saucer' emerged from the clouds in a mass of rather off-putting lightning strikes that barely missed Teddy, Novius and the 'boys' - accompanied by loud thunder-claps.
"So when is this 'beaming up' going to happen ?", Brody asked rather cynically.
"Now...", Teddy replied, as his fur began to turn all spikey and 'sparkly'.
"Oh dear !", Ethan muttered, as he also turned 'sparkly', along with Jim, Novius, Glen and 'Sigi' - and then they all promptly disappeared !
"So I wonder if we shall ever see them again ?", Brody said, under his breath.
'Beaming up' (or down) is achieved by a 'transporter', which is a fictional teleportation device used in the 'Star Trek' television series. Transportation operates by converting a person or object into an 'energy pattern', and then sending ('beaming') it to a target location, or else returning it to the 'transporter', where it is reconverted into matter. This system is very similar to the real 'transporter' used in the 'Dimensional Portal', which Teddy keeps in a gold box in his white plastic Walmart bag
Teddy's Walmart Bag
"Well, here we are...", Novius said, sounding remarkably composed (in both senses of the word).
"Yes - nice view isn't it ?.. but we could do without those lightning strikes !", Ethan said - and immediately the lightning stopped, just as if someone had heard Ethan's comment, and had 'thrown a switch' - which was, in fact, what had happened.
"Mm... that's better.", Ethan said, as he tried to smooth down Teddy's electrically charged, spikey fur.
"So - Glen said that all we have to do is go into the temple, and that should lead to a small hallway that would lead into the saucer.", Novius said, sounding very confident.
"Okey dokey - so Jim - you're in charge - so why don't you go first.", Ethan said.
"Well - I suppose I should...", Jim said reluctantly.
So Jim stepped forward - into the darkness.
Now as Jim steeped into the total blackness of the unlit 'Temple to the Feathered Serpent', he unknowingly tripped concealed motion sensors that switched on the internal lighting in the area that the saucer had interposed into the stone structure of the pyramid temple.
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| Entrance to the 'Alien Saucer' |
"Gee.... this is spooky...", Ethan whispered to Teddy.
"Actually, it's technically very simple - but effective.", Teddy replied.
"Wow, I didn't think these 'Maya dudes' had electricity.", Glen said, as he stared wide-eyed and uncomprehending at the 'high-tech' hallway that seemed to emerge from nowhere.
"Well - I see they've had the decorators in - yet again, and now it looks a bit squidgy, and just a shade Mayan.", Ethan said.
"Yes - and there's even some Mayan glyphs - if you look carefully.", Novius said.
There were lots of what seemed to be control panels on the side walls of the short hallway, but none appeared to be functioning as there were no lights or 'read-outs' showing.
There was however, a door at the end of the hallway that Jim presumed would lead to a part of the saucer where they would find the 'aliens'.
Suddenly there was a noise.
"That was from outside !", Teddy squeaked, as he struggled free from Ethan's grip, a ran as fast as his little furry legs could carry him, and disappeared out of the entrance, and onto to the temple platform.
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| Teddy and the Spy |
"О бля ! "- the cry came from outside.
Teddy then returned, looking quite pleased with himself.
"I don't know who it was - and it wasn't my fault...
He fell...", Teddy said.
"Who fell ?", Jim asked - obviously very concerned, and also puzzled.
"The Russian guy.", Teddy replied.
"And how did you know he was Russian ?", 'Sigi' asked.
"He swore in Russian, after I pushed him...", Teddy said.
"I thought you said it wasn't your fault.", Glen said.
"Well I grabbed his leg - I was only asking him if he wanted to be my friend.", Teddy said, lamely.
"Well there's not much chance of that now, is there...", Ethan said.
"OK - we'll sort that out when we go back down." Jim said, as he 'phoned Zac to alert him to the presence of a body at the foot of the pyramid.
Once Jim had completed the 'phone call to Zac, they proceeded to the oddly shaped door - which, as expected - smoothly opened, sliding upwards.
Beyond the door was a large compartment of similar design to the hallway that they had just passed through....
The 'boys', Teddy and Novius find a very different interior to the 'saucer', and Marcus and the 'alien leader' get down to an involved discussion, while Teddy takes detailed notes on his bright blue laptop... When they all finally leave the saucer, and return to the foot of the pyramid they are in for a shock when they discover the identity of the 'spy' who Teddy accidentally 'knocked' from the temple platform.
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2022
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2022
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2022