"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 theater 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..."
ADULT MATERIAL - PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS FEATURED IN THIS CHAPTER WERE OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS AT THE TIME THAT THE ORIGINAL IMAGES AND TEXT WERE PRODUCED
Jim and Ethan sat back in the elegant comfort of their Pullman limousine.
"So tell me, Ethan - why did you want two Cadillacs ?", Jim asked, as Chuck began the drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas."Ah - well the nice white one, without the roof, is for you and me going on 'fun drives'...
the big black one, with the 'funny doors', is for going to work - meetings and things, and special occasions, like concerts.", Ethan explained.
Teddy was listening carefully, but was being a very good bear, and said nothing.
"And we also need to get some matching white cushions for the white one, in case it's a long drive, and Teddy gets tired of sitting on my knees.", Ethan added.
"Well yes, but if you're driving, it would be better for Teddy to be sitting beside you.", Jim suggested.
"Yes - I hadn't thought of that...", Ethan admitted.
As soon as Ethan had decided to buy the 'Eldorado' convertible, Jim contacted 'Sigi' and Max and ordered them back to 'Vegas by the evening 'AirWest' flight.
"Ah - I think, as it's nearby, at my hotel.", Ethan stated.
Despite the fact that all the bills for the very expensive furnishings and decoration of the office came through, via Evans, the hotel manager, to Franklin, Jim was required to maintain the pretense that the large office, and attached secretarial staff, was in fact operating 'secretly' under Ethan's supervision as a semi-independent organisation within the 'Athena Corporation' (not true).
It was attractively decorated, in a typically American 'contemporary' style, and is reasonably priced.
For instance, it is fatal to stop off at the reception area, as that will inevitably bring about unwanted attention from the staff.
Jim, truth to tell, had little interest in the 'day to day' running of an hotel, or of any of the other hotel 'operations' of the Athena Corporation' - other than to satisfy himself that everything was clean, tidy and well cared for - and that included the staff.
But he well knew that it was essential for him and his associates to put in an occasional appearance if things were to run well, and not become lax.
We're finally back- and I hope that there's been no problems while we've been away in Mexico.", Jim said, shaking hands with his young singing star.
The view from the stage was quite intimidating, even when the theater was empty, although both Ethan and Aaron - who had previously had no experience of performing in public, had both coped with the situation brilliantly.
"No problemo - I have something very nice for you to sing - a bit 'folksy', but with a symphonic accompaniment - but it might need some rehearsing - Ethan said.
It was only a short drive from the 'Paradise Park Hotel' to the 'California Combat Club'.
"Sometimes- but they are, oddly, invaluable.", Jim said quietly, hoping that Ethan wouldn't hear him.
"I'm pleased to see you training hard - but before we talk, I'd like to get a good look at your physique and see how you are developing." Jim said, smiling.
And so, while Jim, Ethan, and Teddy watched, Adam, with the assistance of Mikey, took numerous 'shots' of Johnathan, which were subsequently uploaded to the 'computer system' of the 'Combat Club'.
Stubbornly, however, Caleb stood his ground, as far as he was able, but when he seemed to have taken enough, Jim wisely suggested that Kurt stop the demonstration.
"Yes, but think back.....
Teddy was listening carefully, but was being a very good bear, and said nothing.
"And we also need to get some matching white cushions for the white one, in case it's a long drive, and Teddy gets tired of sitting on my knees.", Ethan added.
"Well yes, but if you're driving, it would be better for Teddy to be sitting beside you.", Jim suggested.
"Yes - I hadn't thought of that...", Ethan admitted.
 |
| Max Thomas |
 |
| Siegfried Brandt ('Sigi') |
Not surprisingly, 'Sigi' and Max were loath to leave the beach at the 'Playa del Carmen' in Mexico, but being full-time employees of 'Athena Corporation' they had little choice but to return to Vegas.
But the arrival of `Sigi' and Max would come later....
For now, Ethan was looking forward to lunch.
"So where do you want to go for our meal ?", Jim asked.
 |
| Ethan and Teddy's 'Secret Office' |
"But Ethan - you don't own a hotel in 'Vegas.", Jim said - obviously puzzled.
"Well, I call it 'my hotel' because Teddy and I have our 'secret office' there.", Ethan explained pretentiously.
Now Ethan, from the time that he arranged his famed 'inaugural concert', had used an office on the very top floor of the hotel that they were just approaching - an office that he always referred to as his 'secret office' - where he composed and arranged his music, and organised the 'Entertainments Division' of the 'Athena Corporation' - with some considerable help from Max.
 |
| 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel' - Las Vegas |
"OK - well let's go to your hotel, and have a meal there...", Jim said, not prepared to get into a bizarre discussion regarding who owned what.
The hotel in question was the 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel'.
It was a large, and very profitable hotel, with an elegant classical frontage, above which towered huge modern accommodation blocks.
 |
| 'The Renaissance Restaurant' - 'Athena Paradise Park Hotel' |
One of its main assets are its casinos, which provide most of the profits.
The Hotel also has a number of restaurants - one of which is particularly fine - the 'Renaissance Restaurant' - and of course the hotel also features the renowned 'Park Theater', which Ethan used for his concerts, and was also the venue where the singing sensation, 'Aaron', discovered previously by the 'Boss', regularly appeared.
Now being the owner of a hotel, and visiting such same hotel, simply for the purpose of having a quiet meal, is not quite so easy as it may seem -
 |
| 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel' - Logo |
The best ploy is to merge with a group of guests, and make one's way to the intended restaurant, and having reached that restaurant unmolested, to then avoid the attentions of the Maître d' (head waiter).
Carrying a teddy-bear, of course, does not help.
Jim, Ethan and Teddy managed most of the manoeuvre, but had obviously been spotted by some unidentified member of staff, as the hotel manager appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, as they selected a suitably inconspicuous table.
"It's so good to see you again, Mr Johnson !", the Manager - Evans - enthused, as he called over the Maître d' and a flock of waiters.
"I trust you enjoyed your holiday in Mexico...", Evans continued.
"Yes, thank you, Evans...
Now, if you will excuse us, we would just like to take a quiet lunch - and later, if you are not busy, perhaps you could escort us on a brief inspection of the establishment.", Jim replied, trying to be as polite as possible.
Evans, of course, dearly wanted to take lunch with Jim - or second best, with Ethan, so that he could put over some of his 'pet ideas' regarding 'improvements' for the hotel - but that was not the way that Jim worked (and Ethan was well aware of that fact).
Now Mr Evans was not the original manager of the 'Paradise Park Hotel'. Jim, on purchasing the hotel, had inherited the previous manager - a gentleman called Mr Damrosch. Jim did not really approve of Damrosch, but initially he had no grounds for dismissing him. Then there were problems -
When Ethan was appointed as the head of the 'Club Athena' Entertainments Division - with his headquarters at the 'Paradise Park' - Damrosch had resented being outranked by such a young executive, and had not shown Ethan sufficient respect. In addition, Damrosch had mismanaged Aaron's appearances at the 'Park Theater', and Franklin had discovered some financial discrepancies and irregularities that had involved Damrosch. Jim decided to take action in the traditional 'Roman' manner, with the assistance of the young wrestler, Brody. Subsequently the Henderson Police Department had decided that the appearance of Damrosch in Lake Meade - with a broken neck - could be put down to 'suicide', and as a result there was a noticeable improvement in the general attitude of executives working in the 'Athena Corporation', and the Assistant Manager at the 'Paradise Park', Evans, was instantly promoted to the position of Manager ... What actually happened to Damrosch ? - Well follow the LINK for the full story...
Brody at the 'Combat Club'
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"So what next ?", Ethan asked, as they began their meal."
I suggest, when we finish our meal, that you go to your 'secret office', with Teddy, and look at your messages and correspondence, and I'll start my boring inspection with Mr Evans.", Jim suggested."
And where shall we meet later ?", Ethan asked."
The 'Park Theater' - and we can see how Aaron is getting on.", Jim replied...
Inspections were simply a matter of 'form'.
 |
| Standard Double Room - 'Paradise Park Hotel' |
The inspection tour with Evans began with the hotel rooms.
While they were adequate, very little could be said for them.
The 'Paradise Park' was considered a 'good' hotel, but it was not expensive, and therefore the rooms, while clean and tidy, were, in Jim's view, cramped and poorly furnished - but customer responses to the accommodation were good, which made Jim wonder what the guests' own homes were like.
The only 'ordinary' home that Jim had ever visited since arriving in this 'new time' and 'new place' had been Brody's original apartment - the squalor of which had shocked Jim.
Jim found the kitchens boring, the pools utilitarian, and he had little understanding of the gambling, except in that it provided a large portion of the 'Athena Corporation's income.
For him, the really important matter was the 'balance sheet' - and Franklin could supply that information for him at a moments notice.
 |
| Executive Private Lounge - 'Athena Paradise Park Hotel' |
So - after a brief tour of inspection Jim asked to be taken to the 'Executive Private Lounge', where he would wait to be joined by Ethan.
Meanwhile a message was sent to Mr Duncan (Ethan) to say that Mr Johnson (Jim) was ready to inspect the 'Park Theater', where Aaron would be waiting for them.
So after a short wait, Ethan and Teddy turned up.
Evans, the manager, seemed to have disappeared, so Jim had to rely of Teddy, who had a 3D photographic memory of everywhere that he had ever been before, to guide them through numerous hotel hallways to the 'Park Theater'.
Fortunately Aaron was waiting for them at the hotel entrance to the theater.
"Good afternoon, Aaron...
 |
| Aaron at the Park Theater |
"No sir, no problems, and it's good to see you again - and Mr Duncan..", Aaron replied, as always exuding old-fashioned 'Southern charm', and respectful politeness.
To Jim and Ethan, Aaron's attitude always seemed somewhat strange - in a nice way, however - as all three of them were about the same age, and yet Aaron always treated them with the respect owing to people who were much older.
"So, can we go and have a look at the theater ?", Jim asked politely.
"Of course - let me take you on stage so that you can get the view that Mr Duncan and I have when we are performing.", Aaron said enthusiastically.
The 'Park Theater', of course, had the largest stage in 'Vegas, and with the various improvements and additions that Ethan and Jim had installed, (with advice from Teddy), while they had been in Mexico, it was by far the best venue in the South West.
 |
| Park Theater - View from the Stage |
So how are your performances going ?", Jim asked.
"Well I think that you should ask the people who come to hear me sing - and listen to Mr Duncan's music.", Aaron replied very modestly.
"And is there anything that we can do to help you ?", Ethan asked.
"Well - if you're not too busy - perhaps a song ?", Aaron asked, tentatively.
 |
| Paradise Park Hotel and Theater - Las Vegas - Nevada |
"That sounds very good sir...", Aaron replied, polite as ever.
"And how's your family ?", Jim asked.
"Very well, thank you sir...", Aaron replied.
"OK - well we have to go now, but Ethan will contact you in the next couple of days in order to arrange some rehearsals.
So, after shaking hands with Aaron, Teddy guided them back to the main reception area, where Jim indicated his approval to Evans the manager.
"So where to next ?", Ethan asked, as Chuck smoothly drove away from the 'Club Athena Paradise Park Hotel and Theater' - to give it its full title.
"The 'Combat Club' - in order to discuss the upcoming programs...", Jim replied.
 |
| California Combat Club - Paradise - Las Vagas |
Now as you should know, the prefix 'California' was simply a historical accident.
The 'Boss' had established the first 'Combat Club' in Los Angeles, on his return from his time in Mexico with Faunus.
Later, when he created 'Club Jaguar', in Las Vegas, he realized that an entertainment and gambling venue such as the 'Combat Club' was better suited to 'Vegas', and so he sold off the original club building in Los Angeles, and built the monumental new 'Combat Club' in 'Paradise' - Las Vegas - in the state of Nevada.
Seal of the City of Las Vegas
'Paradise' is a town in Clark County, Nevada, United States, adjacent to the city of Las Vegas. It was formed on December 8, 1950. As an unincorporated town, it is governed by the Clark County Commission with input from the Paradise Town Advisory Board. Paradise contains Harry Reid International Airport, the University of Nevada, most of the 'Las Vegas Strip', and most of the tourist attractions in the Las Vegas area (excluding downtown).
"So what needs sorting out at the 'Combat Club' ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, I want to see how Johnathan's doing, and then I want to send Adam, as he hasn't got much photographic work at the moment, to Mexico to check out this Mexican style of wrestling - you know, 'Lucha Libre', as we might use it on occasions here.", Jim replied.
"And no - I don't know - What's this 'Lucha Libre - thingy' ?" Ethan asked.
'Lucha Libre' - Practice Ring
'Lucha Libre', meaning 'freestyle wrestling', is the term used in Mexico for professional wrestling. Since its introduction to Mexico in the early 20th century, it has developed into a unique form of the genre, characterized by colorful masks, rapid sequences of holds and maneuvers, some of which have been adopted in the United States. Matches can be won by pinning the opponent to the mat for the count of three, making him submit, knocking him out of the ring for a predetermined count (generally twenty) or by disqualification
'Lucha Libre - thingy' - as you call it, is a kind of Mexican wrestling, but wait until we get back to the 'Penthouse', and Teddy can tell you all about it... because now I need to talk to Kurt... ", Jim replied.
Kurt, in case you've forgotten, is an 'associate' of the 'Boss', who had the task of managing the prestigious 'California Combat Club'.
Kurt - Manager of the' Combat Club' Having practiced numerous combat sports himself in the past, he is an accomplished trainer, with an excellent eye for new talent.He also has an excellent appreciation of the requirements of the sophisticated and wealthy audience who attend the 'spectacles' offered by the ' Club'.We first meet Kurt in Chapter XIV- 'A New Beginning', when he supervises the auditions of the two new wrestlers, Damien and Brody.Kurt always carries a Beretta 92FS - and will not hesitate to use it in order to protect his Boss, Jim, or any of Jim's associates.
"So what do you want to talk to Kurt about.?", Ethan inevitability asked
Jim sighed...
"As I previously explained... as usual, I need to talk about Brody and Jonathan - so stop distracting me and let me get on with it.", Jim replied.
"And why always those two ?", Ethan persisted.
"Because my data-base indicates that those two are responsible for most of the profits at the 'Club'..." Teddy explained, although he hadn't been asked.
'Okey dokey...", Ethan said - having at least got a 'straight answer'.
"Don't you sometimes find those two annoying ?", Kurt asked, referring to Ethan and Teddy.
 |
| Mikey |
Of course Teddy heard everything with his super-sensitive hearing.
Jim then turned to Mikey...
"So where is Johnathan...?
I want to see him."
"Oh, he's in the gym, as usual, sir."
And Mikey led Jim into the gym, where Johnathan was training.
Johnathan was bench-pressing, wearing a T-shirt and track-suit bottoms.
On seeing Jim, he immediately let his two 'spotters' take control of the loaded barbell, and left the bench in order to greet his 'Boss'.
Spotting in weight or resistance training is the act of supporting another person during a particular exercise. Spotting is particularly necessary when performing the bench press. Because of the risks of lifting a heavy weight in the supine position, a lifter will often ask for a spotter unless he or she is completely confident that the lift will not be failed. When pressing very heavy weight two spotters can used - and they usually 'take control' of the weight one the required repetitions have been completed.
 |
| Johnathan Posing |
Mikey, who was in the gym acting as Johnathan's assistant, quickly went with Johnathan to find the appropriate kit (Speedos) for Johnathan to change into, and help him with removing his shoes, socks, track-suit bottoms, T-shirt and wrist supports so that Jonathan could pose appropriately dressed for Jim.
While Jim was waiting, he asked Kurt if Adam, the 'Combat Club' photographer, was available, as he wanted some photos of Johnathan as a record of his current muscular development.
So Adam began setting up the photographic studio, while Mikey helped Johnathan to get changed.
Adam is a young photographer who works exclusively for the 'California Combat Club'.He was originally discovered by a 'friend' of Frank, (who we met in the first chapter of this tale), when Adam had been hustling the 'bars' in 'Vegas but, from his time at High School, Adam had always been interested in photography.
Frank
Adam - 'Combat Club' Photographer The 'Boss' took a liking to Adam, sent him to college to study photography, and bought him the most expensive equipment on the market.Adam had a 'penchant' for boys of his own age (or younger), and this made him ideal for the kind of photography he was required to produce publicity photos for the Club.
Eventually, when Mikey was satisfied that Johnathan looked good, Johnathan came back into the gym area where Jim, Ethan, Teddy and Kurt were waiting.
"So what do you think ?" Kurt asked.
"Excellent !", Jim replied, and Ethan nodded in agreement.
"Are we ready for the photo-shoot then ?", Ethan asked.
"Yep... follow me...", Mikey said, as he took them into the studio.
Adam of course had the best of cameras - Hasselblads - in various models and sizes, and a fully professional lighting set-up in his own studio.
 |
| Hasselblad H6D-400c MS |
'Victor Hasselblad AB' is a Swedish manufacturer of cameras, photographic equipment and image scanners based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company originally became known for its classic analog medium-format cameras that used a waist-level viewfinder. Hasselblad also introduced the world's first digital compact mirrorless camera, the X1D-50c.
 |
| Johnathan in the 'Practice Ring' |
"So, what about showing us some of your wrestling skills ?", Jim asked Johnathan.
Johnathan looked to Kurt for approval.
"Go ahead - we've got this new boy - Caleb.
Just come down from Iowa - 'farm boy' looking to 'make it big' in glamorous 'Vegas... good match for Johnathan. ", Kurt explained with a knowing smile.
So Johnathan led the way to the practice ring, while Mikey got Caleb ready for a little 'practice tussle'.
 |
| Caleb - Publicity Photo |
Iowa is a state in the Mid Western region of the United States, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west. It is bordered by six states: Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the east and southeast, Missouri to the south, Nebraska to the west, South Dakota to the northwest, and Minnesota to the north. Iowa, in common with other Midwestern states (especially Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota), has felt the brunt of 'rural flight from the land'.
While they waited for Caleb to get ready for the exhibition in the 'practice ring', Adam gave Jim some publicity shots he had already taken of the new arrival.
"Nice physique...", Ethan commented, looking over Jim's shoulder.
Finally Caleb entered the ring - looking nervous.
"He's good..", Jim agreed - "...'could be a suitable match against Brody".
"Yes, well, he needs a bit more experience first...", Kurt said - probably correctly.
And undoubtedly Caleb did need some more experience in the ring, as Johnathan was soon throwing the young guy from Iowa all over the ring.
 |
| Caleb - in the Practice Ring |
"OK, Caleb, come and meet your 'boss'.", Kurt said, helping Caleb up off the canvass, and taking him over to Ethan.
"I would like you to meet Mr Duncan - the Director of the Entertainment Division of the Athena Corporation - who is my 'boss', and therefore your 'boss'.
"Really ? - he's a bit young... and what's this with the teddy-bear ?", Caleb rather unwisely responded.
"Actually, Mr Duncan's a lot older than he looks - and I would advise you to be a little more respectful about the bear.", Jim said, intervening.
Caleb looked puzzled.
"Oh, and this is Mr Johnston - and he owns the 'Athena Corporation' - and we all work for Mr Johnston - in fact almost everyone in 'Vegas works for Mr Johnston...", Kurt said - with just a touch of subtle menace in his voice.
"Oh - I see...
Well I didn't mean to offend anyone.", Caleb mumbled.
"You didn't - but then you didn't know - and now you do...", Jim said softly.
"Yes Sir...", Caleb replied.
"So Caleb - get showered and dressed, and we'll take you to see our latest acquisition...", Jim said.
Ethan was nearly as surprised as Caleb at the suggestion that Jim had just made.
"Why are you inviting him to come with us to the 'Hotel Athena' ?", Ethan asked, as Mikey took Caleb off to join Johnathan in the showers.
"Well, it's a 'public place' - so why shouldn't he come.?". Jim replied.
"No reason - but you're the big 'Boss' and he's just a nobody...", Ethan explained.
 |
| Memphis - Tennessee - USA |
A long, long time ago we were just 'nobodies', as you put it... and remember when we were in Memphis - with nowhere to go...", Jim recounted.
"True... not a nice place to find yourself alone.", Ethan admitted...
"But I think this could be a good time to find out more about young Caleb - when he's 'off his guard', when he sees the 'Hotel Athena'...", Jim explained.
"So who is he ? ", Ethan asked, as they walked to the main entrance of the 'Combat Club', to wait for Caleb.
"Caleb Harley ?... that's all I had time to see, when I looked at his contract forms.", Jim said.
"So - what if he's an agent for the CIA or FBI...?", Ethan asked in a conspiratorial whisper.
'That's a bit unlikely... boy of his age...", Jim retorted.
"And what 'age' might that be ?", Ethan asked, some what put out.
"Well I don't know - eighteen, maybe twenty - but call up Chuck with the limo as Caleb should be here in a moment - and no more talk about 'spies'...", Jim replied.`
 |
| Department of Justice Building - FBI Headquarters - Washington DC |
"Okey dokey - but be careful when you talk to Caleb...", Ethan said to Jim, almost immediately forgetting about 'spies', as Caleb emerged from a side 'staff entrance'.
So what were the real spies up to ?Well, at the same time as Jim was preparing to have himself, Ethan, Teddy and Caleb driven to the 'Las Vegas Hotel Athena' - back in Washington DC, J Edgar Hoover was once again questioning Mr Tolson regarding a certain Mr Johnston.
J Edgar Hoover "So where is he now ?" Hoover was asking."Back here - in Las Vegas.He flew in, rather unexpectedly, in his big private Boeing, with a certain Mr Duncan - one of his associates , and also a teenage Egyptian boy that they seemed to have picked up when they were in Egypt.", Tolson explained."And this Egyptian - he's got a visa and papers ?", Hoover asked."Yes, everything's in order....And strangely enough they later went to 'Edwards Air-force Base' - but just seemingly as 'tourists' looking around the Base Museum. ', Tolson continued."So what are they doing now?", Hoover asked, sounding irritated.They're apparently checking up on their business interests - hotels and casinos - nothing really that concerns us." Tolson said."Well that'll do for the moment, but keep our agents watching them...", Hoover said.
And back in Las Vegas, Jim was telling Teddy to switch to 'stuffed toy' mode - and Teddy obediently complied.
"Why does Teddy always seem heavier when he's pretending to be a 'stuffed toy' ?", Ethan complained, as he struggled to fit Teddy into his white Walmart bag...
 |
| Caleb Harley - 'California Combat Club' |
Have we got a problemo !", Ethan exclaimed as Caleb stepped out onto the sidewalk.
"Yes - he does look very much the 'all American' small-town boy, particularly with those pants - and I do hate orange."
"Well I think we ought to keep him with us - at least until we get him some proper clothes, otherwise there's no telling what might happen to him.", Ethan wisely proposed.
Initially Caleb didn't spot Jim and Ethan - but then, looking along the huge classical frontage of the 'Combat Club', he recognized them - waved - and ran down the sidewalk to join them.
"Hi guys - so - Kurt told me to meet you out here - so where are we going ?", Caleb asked ingenuously.
"Well to begin with, to the 'Hotel Athena'.", Jim replied.
Caleb looked puzzled - and a little nervous.
Now, being a small-town boy, and having just posed for photos practically naked, and then having been offered to be taken to a big-city hotel by two young men - well - it was not surprising that Caleb would be nervous.
"Why are we going to a hotel- and who owns this huge limo ?", Caleb asked.
"Well, Mr Johnston wants to inspect the hotel, and also have a meeting with two associates who have just flown in from Mexico, and the limo is one of the many that Mr Johnston owns..", Ethan explained.
"Yes, and you and I need to have a little talk to see if I am going to keep you on at the Combat Club.", Jim added, rather sternly, as he opened the rear door of the limo for Caleb.
 |
| 'AirWest' Flight Landing at McCarran Airport - Las Vegas |
"So, I just got a message to say that 'Sigi' and Max have arrived back at McCarran airport from Mexico - so we can have a chat with them when we get to the 'Hotel Athena'...", Jim told Ethan, while Caleb sat in the rear of the limo, nervous and wondering what was going on.
While Caleb had been living in Las Vegas for a couple of months, after being taken on at the 'Combat Club', he knew little of the town itself, and had never heard of the 'Hotel Athena', as the link between the 'Combat Club' and the 'Athena Corporation' was not common knowledge.
In fact most of Caleb's time had been spent at the 'Combat Club', and in his small rented room, near the airport, and so he had neither the time or the money to explore the more affluent and famous areas of' 'Vegas.
(Kurt was paying Caleb a only minimum 'subsistence' salary until Jim had decided if Caleb was to be taken on as a full member of the 'Combat Club').
"So, do you mind if I ask where this hotel is that you're takin' me to ?', Caleb hesitantly asked.
"Not at all - in fact we'll soon be arriving there.
It's on the 'Vegas Strip' - I presume you've heard of the 'Strip' ?", Jim questioned.
"Yes - er, Mr Johnston - but I've never been there.", Caleb replied - not sure how to address Jim.
The 'Las Vegas Strip' is a stretch of 'Las Vegas Boulevard South' in Clark County, Nevada, that is known for its many resort hotels and casinos. 'The Strip', as it is known, is about four miles long, and is immediately south of the Las Vegas city limits, in the unincorporated towns of Paradise.
 |
| 'Las Vegas Hotel Athena' - Main Entrance |
"This is the hotel ?", Caleb asked, incredulously.
"This is the hotel...", Ethan said, stepping out of the limo, and handing Teddy to a very bemused young bellhop...
And so they strode into the Las Vegas 'Hotel Athena', to be greeted by the recently appointed, and understandably very nervous new manager, Mr Reynolds.
"Mr Johnston - so nice of you to visit us.", Reynolds began.
"Yes - and this is Mr. Duncan - CEO of the 'Entertainments Division'...", Jim began.
"Director, actually.", Ethan corrected.
"And this is his assistant, Teddy, and the guy in the funny clothes is Caleb Harley - one of our associates.", Jim continued.
"Yes, Sir... and we have two gentlemen who have just arrived, and wish to see you....
A Mr Siegfried Brandt, and a Mr Max Thomas - they have the appropriate credentials - and will be sent to join you in the Senior Executive Lounge - if you have no objections...", Reynolds said informatively.
"And where is that - the 'Senior Executive Lounge-thingy' I mean ?", Ethan asked.
"Yes, of course... I'll get a bell-hop to show you.", Reynolds said, realizing that the new owners were probably not familiar with the huge hotel's layout.
"No, don't bother, the boy carrying Teddy will do...
Teddy - switch on, and record the route to the Senior Executive Lounge.", Ethan said.
"So - what did I miss ?", Teddy said, as he switched himself on.
"Nothing - just keep a track of where we're going.", Ethan explained.
It was all the bellhop could manage, however, not to drop Teddy as the apparently stuffed toy came to life.
"Oh, and activate your 'SEBF' - full power.", Ethan added.
'Someone Else's Business Field' - is a useful way of safely protecting something from unwanted attention - it utilizes a people's natural tendency to ignore things they don't think concern them. An object becomes not so much invisible, as unnoticed.
 |
| Senior Executive Lounge - 'Las Vegas Hotel Athena' |
The bell-hop opened the door to reveal a very expensive looking 'sitting room' - (two sofas, four armchairs and a large occasional table, all inlaid in ormolu - and laid out in precise and pedantic symmetry).
"And very nice too !", Ethan murmured approvingly as he surveyed the very tasteful, if a little cluttered lounge.
"We need some more cushions.", Teddy said quietly.
"Yes, well later - remember, this was all done while we were away.
If we want any changes, we can have it remodelled at a later date.", Jim said.
So while Teddy busied himself with rearranging the cushions, and Ethan was sorting out a nice big gratuity for the bell-hop, the door buzzer sounded.
The bell-hop gratefully accepted to gratuity from Ethan, and then opened the door and greeted the two visitors who were asking for Mr Johnston.
It was, of course, 'Sigi' and Max.
"So, this is very nice...", 'Sigi said, looking round the room.
"Yes - and it's not for the guests - it's our own executive lounge.", Ethan said proudly.
"And I presume that 'Uncle' Jim chose the very expensive looking furniture.", 'Sigi' added.
'Sigi' usually referred to Jim as 'Uncle' Jim, not entirety seriously, although Jim was legally 'Sigi's' guardian since the death of 'Sigi's' parents in a 'plane crash.
"Yes - well enough of that - 'good to see you both, and how was the flight ?", Jim asked, trying to change the subject.
 |
| AirWest - Tourist Class - Cabin Interior |
"Good, but not as comfortable as on the 'Dreamliner'... but you really need to upgrade the decor and seating ", Max replied - showing Jim a publicity photo he had obtained of an empty cabin
"Looks alright to me.", Caleb proffered, peeking over Ethan's shoulder.
"And how many times have you flown ?", Ethan asked.
Caleb didn't reply...
"Are you serious ?", Jim asked Max.
"Well yes - people who are flying to a reasonably expensive hotel, to gamble in a casino, will not be very impressed by the 'AirWest' tourist class cabins...", 'Sigi' said.
"OK, Teddy, make a note of that, and arrange with Emma for some designers to stop off at 'Club Jaguar' tomorrow - 11 am - for preliminary discussions.", Jim said.
"Already noted, Sir...", Teddy responded.
Jim then turned to 'Sigi' and Max.
"Now, I suppose that you're wondering why I called you back from your nice 'beach holiday' in Mexico...", Jim began.
"Well yes - it's a very nice beach at 'Playa del Carmen' - so I hope you have a good reason for bringing us back.", 'Sigi said.
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| 'Park Theater' Entrance - 'Athena Corporation Entertainments Division' - Las Vegas |
"Well as it happens I have - Max, in case you've forgotten, you are the 'Assistant Director of the Entertainments Division' of the 'Athena Corporation' - directly responsible to the 'Director' here - Mr Duncan - Ethan.", Jim began explaining.
"Am I ? - oh yes - of course...", Max mumbled, trying to sound like he knew what he was talking about.
"So what am I ?", Teddy asked - sounding annoyed.
"The 'Associate Director'..", Jim quickly added.
"Ah yes - and I help write the music - the most important bit.", Teddy added.
"So what am I supposed to do ?", Max asked.
"Well, sort out the advertising, singers, orchestra, organize Aaron's rehearsals while Ethan and Teddy attend to choosing and orchestrating the songs and the music... and you start tomorrow.", Jim explained.
"So what am I supposed to be doing ?, 'Sigi' then asked.
"Well, I'm promoting you to 'Deputy Head of Security for the Athena Corporation'.
Your first job, however, will be to teach Ethan to drive.", Jim replied.
Sigi looked startled by his sudden promotion - and the rather simple first task that Jim had given him.
"OK, that sounds easy...", Sigi said.
"I hope so -" Jim commented.
"Now a new Cadillac Convertible is being delivered to the 'Penthouse Building' early tomorrow morning, so check it over, and then give Ethan his first lesson - and remember, he's never driven an auto before !", Jim warned.
And while all of this was going on, Caleb was left, sitting bemused in one of the elegant, cream silk upholstered, ormolu-mounted, mahogany armchairs.
Eventually Jim arranged for 'Sigi' and to be driven to his home in Henderson while Ethan, Teddy and Max were taken to the 'Park Theater' to make preparations for the following days work.
That left Jim and Caleb alone in the Senior Executive Lounge.
Jim then used the house 'phone to order some refreshments.
"So who really owns this place ?", Caleb asked. once Jim had finished his call.
"I do, Caleb.", Jim replied, sounding puzzled.
What - you think I hired this room just to fool you ?"
"Well no - it's just that you're about the same age as me, and so are the other guys, and it all seems a bit weird.
"Well yes - but I inherited all this from my guardian - and the other guys are young because older people don't like taking orders from someone my age - so I prefer to have my young friends work with me." Jim explained.
"But tell me about yourself, Caleb - where do you come from ?", Jim asked.
"I was born in Cresco - it's a small farming town in Iowa.", Caleb replied.
Cresco - Iowa - Aerial View Cresco is a city in Howard County, Iowa, in the United States. 'Cresco' is a Latin phrase meaning 'I grow'. Cresco was incorporated on June 6, 1868. The town has a total area of 3.35 square miles, with a 97% white population of approximately 3,888, and for many years the population has been declining. It is the county seat of Howard County. The majority of the population are engaged in 'mixed farming'
"And where is Iowa ?", Jim absent-mindedly asked.
"You sure you're American, 'cause you got a funny accent, and everybody knows where Iowa is.", Caleb said, slightly alarmed, and suspicious.
"Well I've got my American passport here in my pocket - if you want to see it, and my accent is 'funny' because I was originally born in Europe.
And no - not everybody knows where Iowa is - Ethan for example.", Jim replied, trying to calm Caleb.
"Well, there's not much to tell about Cresco - it's probably more interesting wherever you came from.", Caleb said, obviously 'fishing' for information.
"So what does your father do ?" Jim asked - changing the subject.
"Pa - well he's a farmer- like most people in town.
He works just a small farm - with a couple of 'paid hands'...", Caleb began...
"But you didn't fancy being a farmer ?" Jim questioned.
"No way ! - Cresco may be OK to visit, but it's no place to live- nothing to do.
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| Amish Farming - Cresco - Iowa |
The Amish are a group of traditionalist Anabaptist Christians with Swiss-German origins - but more from Teddy later.
"And who are the Amish ?", Jim asked, genuinely baffled as to what Caleb was talking about.
"Oh they're just this group who have strange ideas about religion, and live in funny little communities.
They originally came from Europe, and even now speak German among themselves...", Caleb explained - and this immediately made Jim think of Tripp, from Valley City, in North Dakota, - the boy who worked at the 'Combat Club', who also came from a German-speaking area of the US.
 |
| Iowa Collegiate Wrestling - USA |
"Yes - but I left - as I said, it was no life.", Caleb admitted.
"I see - but why did you decide to join the 'Combat Club'"....
"Well - it's to do with this tradition in Cresco...
There was this guy, Glen Brand.
He was an American wrestler, and Olympic Champion in 'Freestyle' wrestling, and was the first ISU athlete named to 'Des Moines Register Sports Hall of Fame'.", Caleb declared proudly.
"So, he seems to be quite a hero of yours, Caleb.", Jim observed.
"Yes - but my folks didn't approve - we are expected always to be modest in our dress - so they thought wrestling gear was 'sinful' - and there was also problems about me goin' to college - so I just took off - and ended up in 'Vegas...", Caleb explained.
"OK. well that's enough for one night..
You can stay at the 'Club Athena' tonight, and tomorrow I'll see you in my office, about 12 am.", Jim said.
"So are you keeping me on - or is that it ?", Caleb asked hesitantly.
"You just wait until tomorrow....
My office is at the 'Club Athena' - so it's just an elevator ride to come and see me, and find out what's happening.", Jim said.
Caleb was stll unsure - but the fact that Jim wanted to see him in the morning should have made it obvious that he was going to be taken on - in some capacity.
(The 'Club Athena' - previously known as 'Club Jaguar', although being the 'center of operations' for Jim, was still a small, but luxurious hotel, restaurant and casino - and also the 'Vegas home of Faunus, located in the mysterious Room 33)
|
| Ethan and Teddy's 'Secret Office' |
Meanwhile, Ethan, Teddy and Max were at Ethan's 'secret office', making tentative plans for the next big concert at the 'Park Theater'.
"Well it can't be same as last concert - which was all about movies - and very successful - so I thought I'd make it a bit Mexican, as we've just been there.", Ethan suggested.
"OK - but I don't know what Mexican music sounds like.", Max said.
"A bit like Spanish music...but different... ", Teddy said.
"OK - so tonight Teddy will play me some Spanish-type-thingy music, and I'll see if it gives me any ideas.", Ethan responded enthusiastically.
"I bet Beethoven never had this sort of trouble...", Teddy remarked gloomily.
"Right, so Max - we start tomorrow, after my driving lesson - and we'll get Franklin to organised the orchestra players and chorus, talk to the 'Park Theater' manager, and get the whole show on the road !", Ethan concluded triumphantly.
However, it was getting late - and everyone was looking forward to their evening meal - so the meeting in Ethan and Teddy's 'secret office' in the 'Paradise Park Hotel' came to an end, and Ethan, Teddy and Max returned to the 'Penthouse Building' in Summerlin...
Max went to his own apartment, and Ethan and Teddy proceeded to their Penthouse.
The Penthouse, however, was strangely empty, as Clare was still in Mexico with Brody.
"And what are we to do for our evening meal ?", Ethan asked Teddy.
"Let's ask Jim to dine with us at the 'Lakeside Restaurant'.", Teddy suggested..
"Okey dokey - I'll just call Jim, to see if he's finished with Caleb, and then get Chuck to pick us up, and take the three of us to the restaurant - the three being Jim, Ethan and Teddy.
The 'Lakeside', of course, was their favorite place for evening meals in 'Vegas.
And so they quickly changed for dinner, by which time Chuck had arrived with Jim's ridiculously eccentric cream convertible, complete with 'steer-horns' on the hood, and door handles in the form of solid silver 'six-shooters'.
And it was an ideal warm evening for dining 'al-fresco'...
"So did you get anything decided for the concert ", Jim asked Ethan.
"Well yes- we have some video of Mexico that we can project during the show, so we decided on a slightly Spanish theme - and I have and idea for a nice 'folksy' song that Aaron can sing....
Max is getting things sorted out to get the orchestra together, and I will have a talk with the stage-manager at the 'Park Theater' about the lighting and the video.", Ethan said, and then hesitated.
"There is one thing that you might have to authorize with Franklin, however -", Ethan added, sounding very grown-up.
"I think I'm going to need a pipe organ for one of the pieces...", Ethan said.
"What, ? - You mean a ὕδραυλις - a 'hydraulis' ?", Jim suggested. |
| Hydraulis |
After its invention by the Greeks, the 'hydraulis' or 'water organ', continued to be used through antiquity in the Roman world. The 'hydraulis' was the world's first keyboard instrument, and was the predecessor of the modern church organ.
"No, Jim, we are not back in Rome anymore.
They don't have the 'hydraulis' any more, and in pipe organs now the air is blown by electric motors, partly because the 'hydraulis' would not be loud enough to be heard over a large modern orchestra...
But there is the problem.
For a auditorium-thingy the size of the 'Park Theater', we would need a very large pipe-organ - say with the largest pipes being thirty-two feet - so there would have to be some building work - so can we do that ?", Ethan pleaded.
But there is the problem.
For a auditorium-thingy the size of the 'Park Theater', we would need a very large pipe-organ - say with the largest pipes being thirty-two feet - so there would have to be some building work - so can we do that ?", Ethan pleaded.
"Well, we will have to have some experts make some drawings, and submit estimates - but if you think it would be needed for a good performance, then I cannot see any reason why we should not invest if it will give us a good return.", Jim replied - and at that point the first course of the dinner arrived.
"OK... that's good, and tomorrow we will start work, but tonight Teddy is going to play me some Spanish music to help give me some ideas.. Ethan said enthusiastically.
"That's fine, but I need to get some sleep, so you and Teddy listen to your music in the 'home-cinema'- and use headphones.." Jim insisted.
"Okey dokey, but now you tell me what you and Caleb talked about.", Ethan asked.
"Well, I'm not sure.
I was asking him about his family, and why he came here, and he started talking about some group called the Amish, but I couldn't follow what he really meant.", Jim said.
"Well - if you don't mind, I could help there..", Teddy interjected.
So Teddy cleared his throat, as he usually did when he wanted to indicated that he as saying something serious - and began
"The Amish - Amische in German - are a group of traditionalist Anabaptist Christian church fellowships, with Swiss and German origins.
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| No Cadillacs for he Amish ! |
They also speak a unusual form of German among themselves, and a more orthodox form of German in their worship - so Caleb might get on well with 'Sigi', and maybe Tripp - although I think he might disapprove of some of Tripp's personal behaviour
The Amish value rural life, manual labour, humility, and 'Gelassenheit' - which means submission to God's will.
Historically, the Amish are extreme Christian Protestants, and were violently persecuted in Europe, which led to many of them migrating to America.
Because they live almost completely separately from the rest of society, and live very simple lives, some young Amish feel they need to leave the community - and this is what young Caleb might have been trying to explain to you.", Teddy explained.
"Well thank you Teddy.
I will need to give that information some thought.", Jim said, as he called for Chuck to take them home.
Ethan's white Cadillac Eldorado convertible is delivered - and he ha his first driving lesson with 'Sigi' - the designer-guys meet Jim and Ethan to discuss a new cabin decor for the AirWest airline - plans are made for the pipe organ for the Park Theater - Ethan starts work on the concert program - and Caleb moves into the Penthouse Building
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with brief résumés
All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2022
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2022
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2022