Strange ominous dark triangles over 'Antelope Valley' where 'Edwards Air-force Base' is situated - and where Tony Stark is working on the mysterious sarcophagus that seems to be able to 'stop time'. And the Ethan gets obsessed with buying a Cadillac for himself and Teddy so he can go for drives with Jim...
The first peoples of the 'Antelope Valley' include the Kawaiisu, Kitanemuk, Serrano, and Tataviam.Europeans first entered in the 1770s, during the colonization of North America.
'Antelope Valley' - Los Angeles County - California - USA Father Francisco Garces, a Spanish Franciscan friar, is believed to have traveled the west end of the valley in 1776.By 1808, the Spanish had moved the native people out of the valley, and into missions.Jedediah Smith came through in 1827, and John C. Fremont made a scientific observation of the valley in 1844.After Fremont's visit, the '49ers' crossed the valley, via the Old Tejon Pass, into the 'San Joaquin Valley' on their way to the gold fields.Later, a better wagon road, the 'Stockton – Los Angeles Road' route to 'Tejon Pass', followed in 1854.Stagecoach lines across the southern foothills came through the valley along this wagon road, and were the preferred method for travelers before the coming of the 'Southern Pacific Railroad' in 1876.The rail service linking the valley to the 'Central Valley' and Los Angeles started its first large influx of white settlers, and farms and towns were soon established on the valley floor.More significantly, the aircraft, and later aerospace industries took hold in the valley, at Plant 42, and 'Edwards Air Force Base', originally called 'Muroc Army Air Field', which was established in 1933 - and later had strong links with NASA.
US Air Force Materiel Command
'Edwards Air Force Base' is a United States Air Force installation in California. Most of the base sits in Kern County, but its eastern end is in San Bernardino County and a southern arm is in Los Angeles County. The hub of the base is Edwards, California. The base was named after World War II USAAF veteran and test pilot Capt. Glen Edwards in 1950; prior to then the facility was named Muroc Air Force Base. It is the home of the 'Air Force Test Center', 'Air Force Test Pilot School', and NASA's 'Armstrong Flight Research Center'. Most importantly, it is the 'Air Force Materiel Command' center for conducting and supporting research and development of flight, as well as testing and evaluating aerospace systems from concept to combat.
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| Interstate 15 |
Interstate 15 (I-15) is a major Interstate Highway in the western United States, running through Southern California and the 'Inter-mountain West Region'. I-15 begins near the Mexican border in San Diego County and stretches north to Alberta, Canada, passing through the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Montana.
The journey from McCarran, Las Vegas, to Antelope Valley took about four hours - much of it being on 'Interstate Fifteen'.
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| Interstate 15 - California |
'Now this is more like it !", Ethan exclaimed, as they sped along the darkened interstate while they relaxed in the air-conditioned comfort of their stretch limo.
"Well, I think your problem is with humidity, Aurarius.", Novius proposed.
"Where you originally came from, in Greece, the climate was dry, particularly in Summer, and it was the same in Baiae, and also, of course in 'Vegas.
The part of Mexico that we visited, however, was very humid, particularly around Palenque, although I must admit that there are some very dry and arid areas in Mexico, but so far we haven't visited them yet.", Novius continued.
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| 'The Las Vegas Hotel Athena' - Nevada - USA |
"And Egypt also is very dry, and the air is good - except in Cairo...", Ashraf added.
"So when are we going to Egypt ?", Ethan asked - taking a lead from Ashraf.
"After we've sorted out our business with Tony, and also done some work in 'Vegas...
You see, in case you've forgotten, we have commitments in 'Vegas and Los Angles also." Jim said.
"Commitments like what ?", Ethan asked.
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| 'Theater of the Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel' - Nevada |
"And getting a program at the 'California Combat Club' sorted out for Brody when he eventually returns from Mexico.", Jim explained.
"So when are the others coming back?", Ethan asked.
"Well for Clare and Brody three weeks will probably be enough for this vacation.
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| Brody |
Josh and Zac, however, will have to stay longer in Mexico, as they have some serious works to do...", Jim replied.
"Ah, I suppose that's to do with the gold, and other valuable stuff in the ground, that we're not supposed to talk about...", Ethan said, with a cryptic grin.
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| Mexican Gold |
"Yes, all very technical.", Ethan commented.
For more about the gold follow the LINK here
Eventually the 'Villa Athena' came into view.
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| Villa Athena - Night - Antelope Valley |
Immediately after the limo had parked, however, the Mexican servants, who worked at the villa, illuminated the front entrance, and emerged to greet the 'visitors', and take their luggage.
Jim had obviously warned Tony of their imminent arrival, and was immediately on hand in the library to greet them.
"So how's it going - guys ?", Tony then asked, cheerful as ever.
"I wasn't expecting you back so soon.", Tony continued, as he shook hands.
"Everything's good, but we've got some more data from the 'aliens' about the sarcophagus, so we thought it was best to get it to you as soon as possible....",Jim explained.
So Tony turned to Teddy, shaking his paw...
"OK, Teddy - well do you want to download it now onto the system, or wait 'till the morning - ", Tony proposed.
"Well it shouldn't take long - so we might as well do it now...", Teddy answered.
Novius then intervened.
"So, I'll leave you gentlemen to your work - it's been a long day for me.", Novius said, as he made his way to his private apartment.
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| Armantium Crystals |
"Well, it's quite technical, so I'm not entirely sure - but it's about Armantium, and its properties, and I think it's a bit of a warning from the 'aliens' for you to be careful how you handle it.", Teddy explained.
"Yes - well that's the 'trick', isn't it, Teddy - finding out just what makes these beautiful crystals so dangerous.
They don't seem to be toxic, or radio active - but as your 'alien' friends say, they seem to store some sort of energy - and it's very potent...", Tony observed, being unusually serious.
Here Jim added some more information...
"Yes, and as you'll probably find out from Teddy's download, that one source of Armantium is - not perhaps surprisingly - to be found to the West of Armant, in the Theban Hills - seemingly the result of an ancient 'meteor strike'.
Another source is to be found - equally coincidentally, in the hills to the north of Palenque - also the result of an 'meteor strike' - and this is because Armantium is not naturally found on this planet, but can only arrive from other sources, as in the case of comets and meteorites.
But anyway, Josh, with Franklin's help, is putting in mining claims in Chiapas, and later, I'll go with Ethan and Teddy and Ashraf to Egypt to investigate buying some mining rights to land to the West of Armant.", Jim said.
"Oh - so we do get back to Egypt, eventually !", Ethan asked excitedly.
"Yes - eventually - but now I think we should retire - that is if Teddy has finished 'downloading' ?",Jim suggested.
"Yes - all done.", Teddy replied.
"Cool - then come on 'kitties' - and you can tell Teddy all about your garden adventures here while we have been away.", Ethan said to the two kittens.
And so while Ashraf said goodnight to Tony - Jim, Ethan and Teddy, Ethan guided the two happy little kittens down one of the many hallways, to the apartment where they would be spending the night.
Ethan woke up the next morning very much his 'old self'.
Obviously sleeping with the two kittens on either side, and Teddy sitting quietly on his pillow all night was exactly what Ethan needed.
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| Morning at the Villa Athena |
It was sunny and warm, and so Novius arranged with the Mexican servants for breakfast to be taken out in the garden, and Tony, Ashraf and Novius joined Jim, Ethan and Teddy.
"So what's new", Jim asked.
"Interesting you should ask...", Tony replied laconically - as he carefully buttered his second slice of toast.
"There's been a lot of excitement 'round these here parts - from the locals - strange things in the skies.", Tony continued, parodying the talk of ranching folk.
"Such as...?", Jim asked, intrigued.
"Dark triangles... at night...", Tony replied mysteriously.
"Now I know about these...", Teddy began.
"And why doesn't that surprise me ?", Ethan interrupted.
Undaunted, Teddy carried on.
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| Black Triangle UFO |
"Well we would never have guessed if you hadn't told us.", Ethan said sarcastically.
"Now Ethan - there's more to these triangles that just that...", Teddy argued.
"They are reported to be completely silent, hovering, often very close to the ground, and moving very slowly - before later taking off at fantastic speeds, and disappearing.", Teddy further explained.
"Well when I heard about these rumors and sighting, I gave some of the Mexican boys digital cameras, as I knew that you would be interested - and they managed to get a few descent shots.", Tony said.
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| Black Triangle Over Antelope Valley |
'Black triangles' have been a part of the UFO phenomena since the first wave of sightings back in the 1940s. As their name suggests, the objects appear floating in the sky as dark triangular shapes, often displaying lights. Some of the triangles have been described as up to 120 metres long, and they appear to move noiselessly without any contrails. The slow movement of the shapes could suggest some form of 'surveillance', or perhaps even the 'scanning' of the landscape. Although appearing in the US - 'triangles' have also been regularly spotted flying over Europe and the Atlantic Ocean. Having been investigated by the US military, and the US intelligence services, as well as the 'Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program', these groups are believed to have not ruled out an 'alien' origin for 'black triangles', although some civilian investigators suggest that they maybe the result of US 'black projects'.
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| Howard Stark |
Tony thought for a moment - and then spoke.
"Strange...
The lack of any noise - even when accelerating to supersonic speeds, rather precludes the idea that they are the products of 'black projects' from this country.
Such technology simply doesn't exist today - and probably won't... until way into the future.
The silent 'hovering', however, could be achieved by 'anti-gravity' units, based on the principles developed by Howard Stark, my father, in the the 1940s, although even with the modifications that I subsequently made, such a system would be quite incapable of levitating an object as large, and presumably as heavy as the 'flying triangles' that have been observed.
Also, no one has access to my father's or my own research regarding 'gravity shielding.'
Stark Industries - Logo Howard Stark was a scientist and ruthless businessman, later founding 'Stark Industries'. He was an engineering prodigy, constantly creating new technology, and looking for ways to improve it. He designed and built weaponry and devices that have revolutionized the industrial world. Howard later had a wife, and they had their child Tony. Howard's relationship with Tony was a difficult one, however, with Howard rarely expressing affection for the boy. Howard's one major weakness was his severe case of alcoholism, a problem Tony himself would inherit. Howard and his wife died in a car crash, as the result of faulty brakes, allegedly arranged by business competitors 'Republic Oil & Gas'. Howard's death inspired his son to take both business and engineering seriously.
"So why triangles now... and not 'saucers' as you call them ?", Novius asked.
"That's a good question...", Jim agreed - without offering any sort of answer.
"Well there is a sort of answer - but that takes us back to Jacques Vallée's theory, but perhaps in a little more detail...", Teddy interjected.
"Well go on, Teddy...", Novius proposed.
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| Triangular UFO - Antelope Valley |
"Well, you've lost me a bit there...", Ethan said.
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| Tony Stark |
"Yes, but it does make sense, Ethan...
In a way Teddy is saying that whatever it is, it's simply showing us things that it presumes that we can manage, in some ways, to understand.", Tony added - obviously amused by Ethan's confusion.
"So, if I understand all this correctly, what Teddy is suggesting is that behind all of this UFO and 'extra-terrestrial' business is some incomprehensible 'alien presence'.
A 'presence' or 'beings' that we are at present incapable of understanding as it actually is - or as they actually are, and which gets filtered through 'religious' ideas, scientific principles, and also our biases and hopes and fears - always distorted from whatever it actually may be, to something to which we can give some sort of comprehensible name...", Novius summarized.
"And of course, Novius, it’s just also just possible that this 'alien presence' might, in reality, be indifferent to us - 'they' may simply be passing by, on the way to somewhere else, engaged in whatever business that they have that concerns none of us.", Jim said.
"Mm... well that makes you think...", Ethan commented, beginning to understand what was being said.
"Well, regardless, we need to know more about these triangular UFOs, and more particularly, why they are being seen so regularly in this area - particularly considering the work that Tony is doing on the sarcophagus, and his investigations into the properties of Armantium.", Jim declared.
"Quite right, Marcus, and if you can spare Teddy for a day or so, I can do the necessary research.", Novius said.
"And speaking of the sarcophagus, Tony - what progress are you making in that matter ?", Jim asked.
"Come with me, and I'll show you." Tony replied.
"Gucci ! - like 'show and tell' !, Ethan said, trying to get his own back on Teddy by using deliberately obscure slang, as they left the breakfast table, and followed Tony to his 'workshop'.
'Show and tell' is the practice of showing something to a group, and then describing it to them, usually a model or other school-oriented item. In the US it is a common classroom activity in elementary school. In a typical session of 'show and tell', a student will bring an item from home, and will explain to the class why they chose that particular item, where they got it, and other relevant information. Ethan uses the tern to make gentle fun of Tony.
The sarcophagus was still in the place where they had last seen it, but it was obvious that Tony had been doing a lot of work on the mysterious artifact.
Gone were all the thin lapis-lazuli panels, undoubtedly worth a 'small fortune. - or more probably quite a large fortune, and instead, all that remained was the gold alloy frame, which held together Armantium panels, which were run through with glittering circuits.
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| Sarcophagus - Stripped of Lapis-Lazuli Panels |
"So what happened to all the 'blue-thingys' ? Ethan asked.
"Well they were apparently mainly for decoration, but they also carried cryptic hieroglyphic inscriptions, which included instructions for using the sarcophagus.", Tony explained.
"And where are they now ?", Jim asked.
"Don't worry, Jim - I got Franklin to have them all secured in the 'Athena Corporation Vault', after I had all the inscriptions digitally photographed, and uploaded into my computer systems, so that Ashraf can study them further, in order to see if we can decipher any more useful information from them.
The 'blue-thingys' that Ethan was asking about were thin sheets of Lapis Lazuli ('stone of heaven'), a deep-blue metamorphic rock, often used as a semi-precious stone, that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. Fine 'gem quality' Lapis-Lazuli is valued at over $150/ct, but in modern times Lapis has never been found in large panels, such as those found on the 'Armant Sarcophagus'.
"OK - so what now ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, the experiments on the mice have been going well, with no fatalities or other problems, so using the sarcophagus, within the parameters indicated by the external hieroglyphic inscriptions, it does seem to be safe." Tony replied.
"So what does it actually do ?", Novius asked.
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| United States Air Force Emblem |
"OK - so let's get back to these triangular UFO.", Jim said.
"Now they're not hovering over the 'Villa Athena' - as far as we know - so hopefully they're not interested in what Tony's doing - or in us - as things stand, but according to Teddy, and our Mexican boys, there are things in 'Antelope Valley' that seem to attract their attention...
So - any ideas...?", Jim asked.
"Edwards Air-force Base - that's probably what's attracting them...", Teddy announced.
"So why not go there - and have a 'look see' ?", Ethan suggested.
So as has been already stated - the large base - originally known as 'Muroc Air Force Base' - is mainly situated in 'Antelope Valley', California.,and was named after the USAAF test pilot Capt. Glen Edwards in 1950. It is the home of the 'Air Force Test Center', 'Air Force Test Pilot School', and NASA's 'Armstrong Flight Research Center'. Most importantly, it is the 'Air Force Materiel Command' center for conducting and supporting research and development of flight, as well as testing and evaluating aerospace systems from concept to combat.
Edwards Air Force Base - Antelope Valley - California
Jim raised an eyebrow, is if unsure,
"So how do we get to see it - this Air-force Base - it's obviously a 'secret squirrel' kinda place ?", Ethan asked
"Well we could go and drive by ,but first Teddy needs to check if there are any parts of the base that are open to the public", Jim said hesitantly.
"OK - so as we're finished breakfast, lets get ready, and meet in the main entrance hall.", Jim said.
As usual, Ethan and Teddy were the last to join the group - the excuse this time being that Teddy was checking his data-base - apparently he had come across a lot of new information.
So Jim told Chuck that they would be heading for Edwards Air-force Base, and Chuck entered the details into the on-board digital GPS system, and they were off.
"So are we actually going to be allowed on the Base ?", Novius asked.
"Apparently yes - as they have a museum open to the public.", Teddy replied.
"Yes - but I don't suppose they'll have any of their top-secret projects on display.", Novius said.
"True - but there might be hints as to what might be going on there...", Teddy said.
"Ah.. once again you sound like you know more than you want to tell us.", Ethan suggested.
"Maybe...", Teddy replied, as inscrutable as ever.
And so the large, black Cadillac sped on its way - but little was said as everyone was occupied with their own thoughts regarding the mysterious'black triangles' that regularly and silently drifted slowly across the skies above Antelope Valley.
Then they came in sight of the base.
"Look - a sign-thingy !", Ethan declared.
"And a baby sign - presumably a warning about 'low-flying tortoises'...", Ethan added.
In America, the term 'tortoise' refers to all turtle species that live primarily on land. In Antelope Valley, the tortoises found are the 'Desert Tortoise' ('Gopherus agassizii'), which is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae.
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| 'Museum of Space History' - New Mexico |
"Now this reminds me of the 'Museum of Space History' in New Mexico...", Jim said.
"Yes... 'the Boss' took you and Max and Glen there - and you were spooked by two 'Men in Black' in the museum.", Ethan said.
'Men in Black' (MIB) are reported by many observers of UFOs and abductees. MIBs often claim to be government agents who harass or threaten UFO witnesses to keep them quiet about what they have seen. It is sometimes implied that they may be aliens themselves.
"Yes - and we never did find out if they were really 'Men in Black', Mormons, or CIA or NSA Agents...", Jim said grinning.
Then Novius changed the subject.
"So, Teddy - what were you hoping to find here that would help to better understand these black triangles ?", Novius asked.
"Well, nothing directly - I was thinking more of what Tony said earlier about the 'alien' entity simply showing us things that it presumes that we can manage, in some ways, to understand.
So all these anomalous things - like things seen in the skies, and 'aliens and the like are related to what humans can understand in terms of their beliefs and particularly their technology.
But just let me have a look round here, and I might be able to find some exhibits that might explain this better - particularly with regard to triangles in the sky.", Teddy proposed.
Ethan shook his head...
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| Edwards Air Force Base - Interior |
"Take me over there !", Teddy then demanded, pointing with his paw to some photographs - and Ethan reluctantly obliged.
"But this is German stuff.... so what's it got to do with our 'triangle thingys'.", Ethan protested.
Jim, Tony, Ashraf and Novius, however, crowded round.
"There... triangular aircraft !", Teddy announced triumphantly.
And there were two photographs - looking suspiciously like the triangular UFOs that had been seen so often over Antelope Valley
'OK - so tell us about them...", Ethan demanded.
"Well the bottom photo shows the H.XVIII - often called the 'Amerika Bomber' - for obvious reasons...", Teddy began.
"And can you explain what these obvious reasons are ?", Ethan asked - being purposefully awkward.
"Yes - actually...
The 'Amerikabomber' - or in English - America bomber - project was a German project to develop designs and produce a long-range bomber for the German Air Force that would be capable of striking the United States - and specifically New York City - from Germany.
The idea was first thought of in 1938, but plans for such a long-range bomber did not begin to appear until early 1942.
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| Arado E.555 - 'Amerikabomber' |
'Arado Flugzeugwerke' was a German aircraft manufacturer that produced land-based military aircraft and seaplanes during the First and Second World Wars.", Teddy continued.
"I must say you pronounce German very well...", Ethan commented.
"Thank you - I think that's why 'Sigi' likes me so much.", Teddy replied.
"So - get on with it...", Jim said, intervening as he sensed an argument brewing.
"Well, the 'Arado' version of the 'Amerikabomber', while being a highly advance delta wing design, giving it a triangular appearance, had large, vertical tail-planes, and so is not really of interest to us.
The bomber developed by the Horton brothers, however, is something different.
The Horton brothers were born in the early nineteen-hundreds, in Baden-Baden, in Germany.
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| Horten XVIIIB Flying Wing Bomber |
Their great contribution to aeronautics was the 'flying wing'.
The Horton version of the 'Amerikabomber', the H.XVIII, was a long, smooth blended wing body, with four turbojet engines with the exhausts centered on the trailing end.
The important feature, though, is the lack of a rear stabilizer in the form vertical tail.", Teddy explained.
"But you're not suggesting that these triangular aircraft are now flying over 'Antelope Valley'.", Jim said, interrupting Teddy.
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| Northrop YB-49 Flying Wing Bomber |
In 1947 an aircraft produced by the 'Northrop Corporation' was flown here in California.
The photo's here in this museum, on this display.
It was known as the 'YB-49' - and the bomber was later cancelled amid allegations of government interference and mismanagement.
The 'YB-49' had a length of 53 feet, 1 inch (16.180 meters), wingspan of 172 feet, 0 inches (52.426 meters) and overall height of 15 feet, 2 inches (4.623 meters). It weighed 88,442 pounds (40,117 kilograms) empty, and its maximum takeoff weight was 193,938 pounds (87,969 kilograms).
Undoubtedly the 'Flying Wing Bomber' 'YB-49' derived its basic concept and overall design from the Horton flying wing - and the working drawings and specifications captured in Germany by US forces.
The point of this is that in the late forties the triangular flying wing became an acceptable form for aircraft for the first time ever.
And so, as Tony explained earlier, the 'alien' entity is simply showing us things that it presumes that we can manage, in some ways, to understand - in this case, that triangles can fly.... although without the aid of jets, propellers or rotors...", Teddy concluded.
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| Flying Wing - 'Latest Technology' |
"No... I don't think we should be worried - mainly because I think it's here, at this place, the Air-force Base, that 'they', whoever 'they' are, are showing an interest in the 'latest technology' that we have - and are adapting their 'appearance' to mimic and imitate what we are doing.", Novius suggested.
"Yes - perhaps you're right...", Jim agreed.
"So you've been very quiet during this trip, Ashraf - what do you think ?", Tony asked.
"I think 'Novius effendi' is correct.", Ashraf replied tersely.
"So are we finished here ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes...", Jim replied.
"So, Novius, I'll drop you, and Tony and Ashraf off at the 'Villa Athena, and then Chuck will drive us to Los Angeles, where Ethan, Teddy and I have some business to attend to...", Jim said.
"We do ?", Ethan asked, obviously puzzled.
"Yes - so 'phone, and ask Chuck to come to the main entrance of the museum". Jim said.
"Okey dokey...", Ethan obediently replied.
The city of Los Angeles - the 'City of the Angels' - often referred to by its initials 'L.A.',and is the largest city in California.It is the also the second-largest city in the United States, following New York City.Los Angeles is known for its 'Mediterranean type of climate', Hollywood film industry, and sprawling metropolitan area.The city of Los Angeles lies on the coast, in Southern California.The city is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and extends through the Santa Monica Mountains, and into the San Fernando Valley, covering about 469 square miles.It is the seat of 'Los Angeles County', which is the most populous county in the United States, with just over 10 million residents.
Los Angeles - Panorama
But back to our story :
Ethan was surprised when Jim told Chuck to head for Los Angeles, after they left Novius, Tony and Ashraf at the Villa Athena'.
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| Cadillac Symbol |
"Yes, but LA is the best place round here for 'auto dealers'...", Jim explained.
"But haven't you got enough cars ?", Ethan asked.
"But haven't you got enough cars ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes, but all those Cadillacs and Lincolns were left to me by the 'Boss' - and now I don't need any more - but you said that you wanted an auto of your own - so Teddy and I - and Chuck, are going to take you to Los Angeles to help you to choose one...". Jim said.
"Well OK - if you say so - but can I afford one ?", Ethan asked
"I think so, Ethan - and you could probably also buy the whole dealership !", Jim replied, smiling.
"Oh - so they're cheap...", Ethan responded.
"Yes - something like that...", Jim said, winking to Chuck.
"But I think you need to have a quiet talk to Teddy about this money situation when we get back to the 'Penthouse'.", Jim added.
"OK...", Ethan said - obviously not really understanding the situation.
THE CADILLAC STORY
The company was named after Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, who founded Detroit, Michigan - and the Cadillac crest is based on his coat of arms.'General Motors' purchased the company in 1902.'Cadillac' had laid the foundation for the modern mass production of auto-mobiles by demonstrating the complete interchangeability of its precision parts, while simultaneously establishing itself as one of America's premier luxury cars.'Cadillac' was purchased by the 'General Motors' (GM) conglomerate in 1909.'Cadillac' became General Motors' prestige division, devoted to the production of large luxury vehicles.
Post-war 'Cadillac' vehicles, incorporating the ideas of 'General Motors' styling chief, Harley J. Earl, innovated many of the styling features that came to be synonymous with the classic American luxury automobile, including tail-fins, wraparound windshields, and extensive exterior and interior use of bright-work (chrome and polished stainless steel) - and 'Cadillacs' are notable for their luxury and dimensions.
Harley Jarvis Earl (November 22, 1893 – April 10, 1969) was an American automotive designer and business executive.He was the initial designated head of design at 'General Motors', later becoming vice president, the first top executive ever appointed in design of a major corporation in American history.He was an industrial designer and a pioneer of modern transportation design.A coach-builder by trade, Earl pioneered the use of 'free-form' sketching and hand sculpted clay models as automotive design techniques.He subsequently introduced the 'concept car' as both a tool for the design process and a clever marketing device.Earl's 'Buick Y-Job' was the first concept car.Harley Earl authorized the Frank Hershey design for the 1948 Cadillac, which incorporated the first automotive tail-fin.
Harley Earl The styling of the 1948 Cadillac with tail-fins would prove predictive of 1950s trends and secured 'GM's' place at the cutting edge of automotive design.Inspiration for the fins came from the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, but it extended beyond the war, during the age when space rockets captured the popular imagination in the 1950s and 1960s.The style caught on throughout Detroit and eventually led to competition between Harley Earl and his counterpart at Chrysler, Virgil Exner, over the size and complexity of tail-fins, culminating with those on the later Cadillac models.Before Earl retired, 'General Motors' became the largest corporation in the world, and design was acknowledged as the leading sales factor within the automotive industry.
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| The Center of Los Vegas |
It was another long drive down Interstate Fifteen to Los Angles - a journey that they had all taken many times before.
The center of L.A. was 'the USA' as most people liked to imagine it.
The sidewalks were lined with palm-trees, there was bright sunshine, and lots of well dressed, happy people, and a general air of affluence and luxury.
Of course, just as in 'Vegas, there was a seamier side to things - poverty, homelessness and crime - but passing through L.A., riding in a huge air-conditioned limousine, the less attractive side of the city would be the last thing on most peoples minds - although Jim and Ethan, unlike some, had their fair share of the difficulties of city life in the past.
"Do you remember the first time we came to L.A., Jim...", Ethan asked.
"Yes - the 'Boss' brought me you and Josh here in a beautiful white Lincoln... and I think it was the first time that I had a cheeseburger at a 'McDonald's'...", Jim replied, reminiscing.
"And that time he bought us some 'peachy' suits, and shoes, from 'Hugo Boss'.", Ethan enthused.
Hugo Boss AG, often styled as 'BOSS', is a German luxury fashion house headquartered in Metzingen, Baden-Württemberg. The company sells clothing, accessories, footwear and fragrances. Hugo Boss is one of the largest German clothing companies...
Interesting other facts - The company of 'Boss AG' was founded in 1924 by Hugo Boss, and with the rise of the National Socialist Party, Boss began to produce and sell Party uniforms. Boss - who was an active member of the National Socialist Party from 1931, and remained so until capitulation of the 'Third Reich' in 1945 - utilized forced labor drawn from German-occupied territories and prisoner of war camps to supply the German government with uniforms for organizations such as the SS, Waffen-SS, Wehrmacht and the Hitler-Jugend, resulting in a large boost in sales.
SS Uniform by 'Hugo Boss'
"OK, Chuck, take us to the dealer that the 'Boss' always used when he wanted to add a new 'Caddy' to his collection.", Jim said.
Chuck nodded, and quickly drove to 'Cadillac Corner', West Sunset Boulevard - which was presumably the best place to go in California if you wanted the best Cadillacs - and the 'Boss' had bought far more than most people from Frank Corrente - who ran the place.
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| Hugo Boss - Los Angeles - California |
"No - now concentrate - You said you wanted a convertible, so let's try and choose one...", Jim said firmly.
So they arrived at 'Cadillac Corner', which surprised Ethan as it was quite a plush setup.
"Wowy - swanky...
Are you sure we can afford this, Jim ?", Ethan queried, as Chuck then parked their auto, and they entered the showroom.
"Stop worrying about the money, and look at the cars...", Teddy advised.
"OK, well you stop talking, and switch to 'stuffed toy' mode...", Ethan said.
"OK...", Teddy replied.
"Good morning Sir.", the salesman said, studiously ignoring Ethan, mainly because teenage boys holding a teddy-bear very rarely, if ever, came into the showroom.
"Good morning, my man...", Ethan replied, with his usual, very formal and inappropriate greeting.
The salesman was understandably confused.
"I want to buy a Cadillac convertible - your best.", Ethan added, and this only made matters worse for the unfortunate salesman.
So, as the showroom was empty, and rather than cause a 'scene', the bemused salesman 'went along' with the bizarre situation, and led Ethan, Jim and Chuck over the where a magnificent Cadillac convertible was displayed.
"This is a very popular model, although it is at the top of the Cadillac range, and therefore it is very expensive.", the salesman began, trying to be deliberately off-putting.
"It has a 126.3" wheelbase, and a V8 engine, with a fuel consumption of eleven mpg .", the salesman continued.
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| Cadillac 'Eldorado' Convertible |
"I see - ", Ethan responded, in his usual inscrutable manner - hiding the fact that he didn't have a clue what 'mpg' meant - or what a 8.2L V8 engine, or a 'wheelbase' was.
"The name 'Eldorado' is a contraction of two Spanish words that translate as 'the golden one'.", the salesman continued.
"Yes - I do speak fluent Spanish." Ethan said haughtily.
"Well I like the look of it, Ethan", Jim commented.
"And if you like, you can have the convertible top in black rather than white at no extra cost.", the salesman explained.
"OK - well how do we know if it works properly ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, whoever is purchasing the automobile may give it a 'test drive'...", the salesman replied, still not knowing who was actually intending to buy the Cadillac.
"I see - but the problem is - I can't drive.", Ethan replied.
The salesman looked aghast.
"Perhaps I may help, sir...", Chuck then said to Jim.
Jim nodded.
"I have been with Mr Johnson on numerous occasions, purchasing Cadillacs, so if the manager, whom I know, is available, I believe he would give me permission to take Mr Duncan, and Mr Johnson Jr, for a test-drive in this vehicle.", Chuck suggested.
Slowly the salesman began to understand, and quickly went to summon the manager.
"Thanks Chuck.", Jim said.
Frank Corrente, the manager soon arrived.
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| Cadillac 'Eldorado' Convertible |
"So, Mr Johnson - what's happened to all those beautiful 'Caddys' that Mr Alexander bought from me over the years ?",
"Oh, I still have them, and regularly use them, but this one is for my young associate, Mr Duncan - his first auto.
And so Mr Corrente opened the doors of the 'Eldorado', and Chuck took his place in the driving seat, with Ethan and Teddy sitting beside him, and Jim sitting in the rear, as the windows to the street were opened, and the huge limo slowly backed out of the showroom.
"So what do you think, Teddy ?", Ethan asked - as Teddy was finally allowed to talk.
"I think it's very big and very shiny...", Teddy replied.
So they had a nice drive round the shopping center of Los Angeles, while Ethan played with the radio and the electric powered seats, and Teddy mused about getting some pillows to match the white leather upholstery so that he could be more comfortable - and then Chuck drove them back to the showroom.
"OK - I'll take it - if you can wrap it for us - and now I want a big black one, with a proper roof and weird doors... ", Ethan said.
"It's OK - we'll have the convertible delivered tomorrow morning - the 'Penthouse Building' in Summerlin, if you remember.... and I think Ethan means that he also wants a 'Series 70 Eldorado Brougham' - you know, the one with the stainless steel roof and the 'suicide doors'.", Jim explained.
The manager grabbed a brochure from his desk, riffled through the pages until he found what he thought Jim was describing.
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| Cadillac 'Series 70 Eldorado Brougham' |
"I think this is what Mr Duncan is talking about...", Mr Corrente suggested - as he showed Ethan a picture of the Series 70 Eldorado Brougham.
"That's it, but what's this creepy 'suicide doors' bit about ?", Ethan asked nervously.
"Oh a suicide door - more correctly called a 'coach door' - is a door hinged at its rear rather than the front. Such doors were originally used on horse-drawn carriages.
Some people think that they are less safe than a front-hinged door but really they make entering and exiting a vehicle easier, allowing a passenger to enter by turning to sit and exit by stepping forward and out.
This is important for passengers who need to make a dignified entrance.", the manager explained.
"Good, that'll suit Teddy.", Ethan agreed rather obscurely.
"So Ethan, perhaps after the convertible is delivered, you could comeback, and Chuck could take you on a test drive in the 'Brougham'.', Jim suggested.
"So... how do I pay ?", Ethan asked.
"That's no problem, Mr Duncan, I can set up an account with Mr Franklin - assuming he is still dealing with financial matters...", the manager said.
"Oh yes - sort it out with Franklin.", Ethan agreed, and they all shook hands, and then Ethan,Teddy, Jim and Chuck left the dealership.
"So now all you have to do is get 'Sigi' to teach you to drive...", Jim said, as Chuck took the Interstate to La Vegas.
"Yes, that'll be good, and then I can take you and Teddy for drives.', Ethan said, sounding contented.
"We have commitments in 'Vegas and Los Angles also." Jim said.
"Commitments like what ?", Ethan asked.
"Lots of commitments - like sorting things out at the 'Las Vegas Hotel Athena', and organizing new concerts for the theatre of the 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel' - with your orchestra and your friend Aaron - remember ?", Jim added.
"And getting a program at the 'California Combat Club' sorted out for Brody..."
And Ethan learns to drive...
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2022
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2022
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2022