Ethan and Teddy discover Tolson's plans for attending the 'Combat Club' - they inform Zac, who prepares a plan. Meanwhile Ethan sorts out the 'designer-thingy-guys', and the new brochure is issued, while Jim has serious discussions with Novius and Tony - and Ethan begins rehearsals for the next concert as the pipe organ is installed in the Park Theater.
note: this chapter contains some 'adult' material - all individuals featured in this chapter were over the age of twenty one years at the time that the original images were produced
It was Ethan's 'Secret Office' - the one that everyone knew about, (mainly because of all the noise - supposedly music - that emanated from the room).
The hotel switchboard operators were also able to connect calls to the 'secret office via the 'in house' 'phone system - so such an office obviously existed - and the cleaners made no secret of the fact that they were always finding the so called 'secret office' littered with plastic 'Pepsi-Max' bottles and cheeseburger wrappers.
However, in his 'secret but not so secret office', Ethan had received a call from a dreadfully underpaid McDonald's employee (but then aren't they all) about two characters that had showed up in what he would like to call 'the restaurant' where he was working.
These two guys were identical to the guys in the photos he had been shown - and to get a bounty on his initial payment he had called this unlisted number - the unlisted, untraceable number of an encoded line connected to one of the endless number of phones littering Ethan's 'secret office'.
(an hopefully the McDonald's employee would be too stupid to remember the number - but if he did remember it - well, he wouldn't be given the chance to pass it on to anyone else - Zac's minions would see to that...)
Max replied - and then told Teddy - 'the eagles have landed' - not a very imaginative code.
So Teddy - who was a 'sort of'' honarary member of the 'Athena Security Service', (although it wasn't called that when he was co-opted by Faunus to 'arrest 'Dr Brandt') - any way Teddy, via his amazing fur encased, digital, 'bug' proof electronics contacted Zac - (the 'bugs' being electronic, and not little creepy-crawly things).
 |
| Zac and Teddy |
"Hi ! How's it going, my fury little friend?", Zac replied.
"Good - but me and Ethan here - we've got some info for you about Tolson and Caleb.", Teddy said.
"OK - so let's have it...", Zac responded.
"Well - rather stupidly this FBI dork keeps meeting our Caleb at the same place - same table like - it's the McDonald's close to the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
So Ethan thinks something might be going on, so can you get one of your under-cover guys to 'snoop' on them, and see if he can pick up their conversation ?", Teddy asked.
"No problem, Teddy.
We have guys at the 'Athena Park' and the 'Combat Club', both minutes away - so as long as Caleb and Tolson are still there, we can find out what's going on.", Zac said confidently.
Now the 'Athena Security Service' has lots of 'wicked' little devices that Tony Stark had originally developed for the 'US Department of Defence', but when he fell out with them, he had never fully developed or delivered those 'gizmos' - but now the updated versions were in the sole use of Zac and his minions. So it was always 'kid's play' to snoop.
"So now you've done that, Teddy - do you mind if I get on with my orchestrating ?", Ethan asked Teddy.
"Fine by me, but if you must use that 'toy piano', please plug in the headphones so we don't have to hear that some old tune over and over again...", Teddy said.
Meanwhile, Max was getting on with a proper, 'grown-up' job, of contacting all the orchestra members, in an attempt to arrange the first of the very belated rehearsals for the concert.
Now 'tape' is actually a misnomer -
Recorded on one of Tony's gizmos, the 'tape' is actually a digital audio file - but 'the Tolson Tape' does sound much more 'secret-squirrel'.
So - as soon as Zac received the recording, he sent it, encoded, to Teddy - who had switched himself off while he waited for a response from Zac - not wanting to be bored by watching Ethan waving his arms around, and making funny faces - cut off from the world by wearing his headphones as he 'orchestrated', as he put it, and Max making endless 'phone calls to members of the 'Park Theater Orchestra'.
When the digital audio file did arrive, Teddys eyes lit up - literally.
"Got the info...", Teddy said to Ethan.
Of course Ethan was wearing his 'phones, and playing his 'toy piano' very loudly.
"GOT THE INFO !", Teddy then shouted - and for a little bear, Teddy could shout very loud.
"OK - no need to shout...", Ethan replied, taking his head-phones off.
"So what has Zac got to report?", Ethan asked, instantly changing roles from that of being a 'musician of genius', to being an operative of a 'top secret' security organization.
"Well the audio is long and tedious - but Zac condensed it nicely...", Teddy began.
"And ? - I'm waiting... and right in the middle of a superb suspension...", Ethan said tetchily...
And for those who are actually interested in what Ethan is doing:
'A suspension in music is where a note from a chord is held whilst the other notes of the chord change to a new harmony - the held note is discordant and 'clashes' with the new chord, and this tension is only resolved when the note moves down a degree to a note belonging to the new chord. It is a wonderful musical effect that has been used for centuries and remains a key component of many contemporary pieces and songs.'
 |
| J Edgar Hoover - Director of the FBI |
So Teddy began explaining to Ethan what Zac had just told him...
"Well it seems that someone called 'J Edgar' - I think that's Mr Hoover - the Director of the FBI - is sadly missing his friend Mr Tolson, and wants to know when they will get back together.
It seems that they've already missed two lunch dates....
"Yes... all very sad - but did Hoover mention anything about Caleb - or more to the point, anything about us and Jim, and stuff.", Ethan demanded, becoming impatient.
"Well yes - I was just coming to that..."
And Teddy continued...
"The latest is that Mr Tolson has acquired one of these 'California Combat Club Platinum Cards', and is planning to visit the 'Club' in the next couple of days - but here's the hassle - Tolson want's to see Caleb appear in the ring...", Teddy went on.
"And why's that a problemo ?", Ethan asked.
 |
| Brody |
"And who's 'we'...?", Ethan asked.
"Zac, Brody and me...", Teddy replied.
"Yes - I get your point, and you can probably include me in 'we' - not that I know that much about this 'Combat Club' business.", Ethan admitted.
"Now Zac says that we've got Tolson 'hooked' - but we don't want to lose him, so he probably needs to see Caleb in a fight - so Zac thinks we should meet - soon, and with Jim, to decide what to do.", Teddy said.
"Well, if you want my advice - which you probably don't, as I'm not one of your 'secret squirrel' types, use two hooks...", Ethan suggested.
"Ethan, we always appreciate your advice, but I'm not sure, in this case, what you mean exactly by 'two hooks'.", Teddy responded.
"A second hook - Brody ! - and stop buttering me up...", Ethan said.
"Yes - it's a possibility... but let's wait and talk with Zac and Jim.", Teddy proposed.
"Well, you don't want to leave it too long...
So get Tolson to meet with Brody - and then get Brody to invite Tolson to the 'Combat Club' with his card-thingy, and Tolson can watch a fight between Brody, and say Paco - and we can 'spring the trap' - if that's Zac's intention - without having to rely on Caleb, who I don't trust anyway.", Ethan suggested.
"Sneaky...", Teddy muttered.
"And perhaps you could be a little more specific - I mean what is this 'trap' anyway ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, according to Zac it's a bit like this...
Zac and Jim want some evidence of Tolson, with Caleb, or Mikey, Brody or any of the 'Combat Club' boys', at the ringside - or anywhere else in the 'Club' for that matter, with Tolson looking decidedly 'off duty' and enjoying himself, and then we threaten to reveal such images and audio to Hoover, and if necessary the press and media, and even other sections of the US Administration, and in that way we could get control over Tolson, and get information about the ongoing investigations being conducted by the FBI.", Teddy explained.
"I see...", Ethan said, in that way that hinted that he really didn't 'see', as he tried to digest all that information.
"Anyway, I need to sort out the 'designer -thingy guys' about this 'brochure-thingy', and we also need to see Zac and Jim - so perhaps we should go to the 'Club Athena'...", Ethan then proposed.
"Sounds good to me. ", Teddy agreed.
And so Teddy was able to 'play' with the elevator buttons again - but on this occasion it was not so much fun, as they were descending in the grimy 'service elevator'.
After the trip to the 'Club Athena' - which was not a long trip, Emma showed Ethan and Teddy, and Max into Jim's office.
"No need to tell Mr Johnston who we are - I think he know by now...", Ethan told Emma just before she made her usual announcement.
Jim got up from his seat, and came round to the front of his desk.
"Nice to see you, boys.
Zac will be here in a while - but at present he is just sorting out some financial details with Franklin.", Jim said, indicating that Ethan and Max should avail themselves of the ornate armchairs - and seeing that Teddy had his bright blue HP laptop, held precariously in one paw, Jim indicted that Teddy should sit on Jim's large, marble topped desk.
"And why this rather unexpected visit ?', Jim asked.
"It was because of a call that we received from Zac earlier - about Tolson and Caleb.", Teddy responded.
 |
| Teddy's version of the new 'Combat Club Brochure' |
"Ah yes, I was rather expecting some reaction to that information - but we'd better wait for Zac to finish with Franklin - which might take some time.", Jim said.
"But first, I got a rather disgruntled report from you, Teddy, and so I've called in the 'designer-thingy-guys', as Ethan likes to call them, in order to clarify what we can expect from them.'
Jim then held up the cover design of the 'California Combat Club Brochure.
"I believe the problem relates to this... and the accompanying pages."Jim proposed.
"Yes, Jim... ", Teddy replied a little nervously - obviously worried in case his complaint had put Jim in a difficult position as regards the 'designers'.
"Well I think Teddy's was quite right to complain...
I would imagine that the 'Corporation' pays these 'designer-thingy-guys' quite a lot of money, and if Teddy can make a really 'cool' brochure for us for nothing, well we seem to be just wasting money.", Ethan said.
"Well, it's a bit more complicated than that, as the fees paid to the designers come from your allocation, Ethan, as 'Director of Entertainments for the Athena Corporation' - but in essence you are correct in suggesting that we are not getting good value for money.", Jim agreed.
"So what are we going to do ?", Teddy asked - being as logical as ever.
Jim smiled...
"We tell them that we already have an excellent brochure, although it is not yet complete - produced 'in house' - and we then put them on notice that they need to research the subject of any future project thoroughly - and in this particular case by consulting Kurt - and then present a digital 'mock-up' of images, accompanied by appropriate text, for the approval of yourself - with my subsequent approval - along with a financial estimate that can be passed by Mr Franklin Black...
Jim paused for a moment.
"So - when they arrive, you can read that off from Teddy's laptop - I presume that you have all of that transcribed ?", Jim concluded.
"As always - of course...", Teddy responded.
 |
| Zac Taylor - Head of Athena Security Service |
"Not a chance !", Jim said confidently..
And at that point Zac, wearing the newly designed Athena Security Service uniform, was ushered into Jim's office.
Emma, interestingly, had this 'thing' about men in uniforms, and Zac was certainly gaining her attention, as Zac's uniform was undoubtedly so much smarter, more elegant, (and tighter fitting), than Police Chief Eckart's.
"So Zac - everything good with Franklin ?", Jim asked.
"Yes - it's all sorted out...", Zac replied, wearily.
"Good - well first Zac we have some designer guys to see, who seem to be making a problem for Ethan - and then we'll get down to our discussion about Tolson.", Jim said.
And at that moment Emma brought in the 'head designer' - and he was looking understandably nervous.
And so Ethan, using the text that Teddy had quickly prepared on his laptop, read out the summary of Jim's decision regarding the 'Combat Club Brochure' to the 'head designer'...
"Mr Johnston and myself have discussed the current situation, and have concluded that we already have an excellent brochure, although it is not yet complete - produced 'in house', and I have therefore been asked by Mr Johnston to put you on notice that you and the other designers need to research the subject of any future projects we may ask you to undertake thoroughly - and then present a digital 'mock-up' of images, accompanied by appropriate text, for my approval - and the subsequent approval of Mr Johnston - and that you must provide us with a financial estimate that can be approved by Mr Franklin Black before any payment can be made.As for the current edition of the 'California Combat Club Brochure' we will cancelling our previous instruction, and no further payments shall be made.
"So if, and when, we require further work from yourselves we shall be in touch...", Ethan concluded with a flourish.
Now that was quite a 'stiff' response from Jim and Ethan, but the 'head designer', wishing to continue his financially advantageous relationship with the 'Athena Corporation', was disinclined to raise any objections, particularly as the slightly menacing figure of Zac was standing to the right, directly behind where Jim was sitting.
"Of course, Sir.", the 'head designer' grovelled, "and may I apologize on behalf of my staff for any problems we may have caused, and assure you of our intention to produce our finest work for you in any future projects...", the 'head designer' said as he backed out of Jim's office.
Now Jim, Ethan and the other 'boys', who had come from that 'distant time', were almost always nonplussed by the subservience they encountered from those from outside the 'inner circle' of the Corporation who worked for them,
This was understandable, for although the 'America' in which they found themselves was quite aggressively business orientated, it did not compare with the excessively violent 'free-for-all' that typified the business and political culture and practices of the ancient world, and it was possibly for such reasons that the 'Athena Corporation' was seen and feared by many as a slightly updated version of the 'Cosa Nostra' - although in reality it wasn't - although Caleb was still to be convinced.
Some individuals, like Kurt and Brody, however, although not being part of the 'inner circle' were more than happy to go along with the very abrasive, and at times deadly business practices of Jim and his closest associates.
 |
| 'Aliens', who ever or whatever they may |
Now during this discussion I would like Zac at some point to tell us what he is actually planning with Tolson - I mean - we seem to be quite confident that Caleb is not in any way a dangerous security leak - he just doesn't know enough about us as individuals, or our aims and objectives to be of any assistance to the FBI, or any other security service for that matter - do you agree Zac ?", Jim began.
Zac nodded in agreement.
 |
| Tony Stark |
So then Jim continued...
"Now, we could use Caleb for our benefit, however - in order to find out in what the opposition is really interested.....
At present our most valuable secrets lie with the 'aliens', who ever or whatever they may actually be, and also with Mr Stark.
By that I mean the secrets of the 'Dimensional Portal', the 'Sarcophagus' and 'Armantium'.
This information must on no account be leaked to any person, or persons, or groups outside of our 'inner circle'.
That is imperative.
However at present I think it unlikely that our opponents have any substantial information about such matters - although there may be some suspicions on their part - and that should be something that we should watch very carefully
 |
| Majestic XII Logo |
"So now, Zac, what was your plan for Caleb and Tolson ?", Jim then asked.
'Well initially I wanted him to feed us - mainly unknowingly - with information about what was going on in the FBI, and maybe also odd pieces of information regarding the CIA and 'Majestic'.
For those who have either missed the previous information about 'Majestic XII' or need a refresher - 'Majestic XII' is a secret committee of scientists, military leaders, and government officials, formed in 1947 by an executive order by U.S. President Harry S. Truman to facilitate recovery and investigation of alien spacecraft.The original 'Majestic 12' themselves were :Lloyd Berkner, Detlev Bronk, Vannevar Bush, James Forrestal, Gordon Gray, Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Jerome Clarke Hunsaker, Donald H. Menzel, Robert M. Montague, Sidney Souers, Nathan F. Twining, Hoyt Vandenberg.
 |
| Washington Naval Observatory |
Majestic 12' is often spoken of as the 'ultimate secret', but that is an exaggeration.Firstly, the existence of the 'Majestic 12' is relatively well known - so its' existence and purpose is not really a secret - but secondly, and more to the point, the main agencies that serve 'Majestic 12' (NSA, CIA and FBI) - even today - are still apparently 'fumbling around in the dark' and are quite unable to 'get to grips' with various phenomena that they are intended to investigate, explain, or possibly exploit.The headquarters of the Majestic 12 are at the 'Naval Observatory' in Washington, DC (which has its main instruments at Flagstaff, Arizona).
 |
| Agent Lewis |
'MJ-XII' is only responsible to the President of the United States, although it appears that sometimes MJ-12 can even operate without the knowledge of the President.
The late Agent John Lewis is the only person directly linked to 'MJ XII' that Jim and the 'inner circle' have ever met - (in Aswan in Egypt) and he has been eliminated, and so no longer poses a threat.
"So why does the the Government in America use capital letters for everything ?", Ethan then interjected.
"You mean acronyms... ", Zac began.
An acronym is a word or name formed from the initial components of a longer name or phrase.
 |
| Roman Eagle |
"That's easy to explain, Ethan - it's just a quick way of saying what is probably a long name - like S.P.Q.R., for 'Senātus Populusque Rōmānus' - if you remember.", Zac explained.
"Oh yes - I always wondered why they put that under their rather irritated looking eagle-thingys.", Ethan said - privately worrying where the 'Q' came from, as it was not a separate word - but he wisely said nothing, as he knew Jim wanted to get on with the discussion.
Ethan, of course, was speaking as a 'Hellene' (whom the Romans referred to as 'Achaeans'), which is why he wasn't very respectful when referring to Jupiter's sacred eagles
So Zac then got back to Jim's initial question about Caleb and Tolson.
"Well - Caleb, being a simple farm-boy, didn't really seem to understand what was going on."
"Well that's a bit like me...", Ethan commented.
Zac struggled to continue...
"Caleb had met up with this young guy Gordy - who said he was working for people who wanted information about the bosses who ran the Athena Corporation.
Gordy, as we quickly discovered, was a surprisingly young FBI agent , acting as a 'handler' for Caleb.
Now Gordy had been told that one of the businesses 'controlled' by the 'Athena Corporation' was the 'California Combat Club', so Gordy told Caleb to put himself forward as a wrestler at the 'Club'.
 |
| Seal of the FBI |
Then Gordy's boss - Tolson - wanted to see Caleb personally - and that's when things started to go wrong.
"So Caleb didn't know that he was actually working for the FBI - or that Tolson was the FBI Assistant Director ?", Jim asked - interrupting.
"Apparently not - he was, and is, still convinced that 'our guys' are some sort of Mafia organization - you know, hotels, casinos, guns, sharp dressing and thick wads of bills, and that a similar - possibly rival Mafia 'family' is trying to infiltrate the 'Athea Corporation' - using Caleb - and it seemed that, although Caleb believed that what he was doing was very dangerous, he had serious money problems, so he was prepared to take the risk.", Zac explained.
Jim interjected...
 |
| Ethan's Gold Plated Colt Defender Series 90 |
"Well, don't blame me - and anyway we can hardly go around on bicycles, or in secondhand cars, wearing T-shirts and jeans, and living in a trailer-home like Caleb did.", Ethan retorted.
"True - and don't take it to heart, Ethan - but perhaps we could try not to flash the money around so much, and keep your gold-plated hand-guns out of sight - if you get my meaning.", Jim responded with a smile.
 |
| Tolson's 'Bugged' Hotel Suite |
Jim then returned to the main point of the discussion...
"OK, Zac - well what actually went wrong ?", Jim asked, sensing that Zac was avoiding an issue that he had not yet fullu identified.
"Well from the audio that we have recovered of the meetings of Tolson and Caleb in Tolson's hotel suite at the 'Athena Park Hotel', it seems that Tolson was not really interested in gaining information from Caleb about us - but was more concerned about pursuing some sort of relationship with Caleb.
This is something that we did not expect as we are not very familiar with sexual attitudes in this society and at this time period.", Zac admitted.
"Yes - now I'm not a 'biological entity', or emotionally attached to any one time or place, so I think that I may be of some help here." Teddy then proposed.
"I see - so explain what you mean, Teddy." Jim said.
note: this section contains 'adult' material
"OK - well let me try to explain..", Teddy began.
"Homosexuality in your time differs markedly from homosexuality the contemporary West, and particularly in America.
This may well be indicated by the fact that Latin has no words that would precisely translate as 'homosexual' and 'heterosexual'.
 |
| Ganymede and the Eagle |
Society at that time was patriarchal, and freeborn male citizens possessed political liberty (libertas) and the right to rule both himself and his household (familia).
Virtue (virtus) was seen as an active quality through which a man (vir) defined himself.
The 'conquest mentality' and the 'cult of virility' shaped all same-sex relations.
Roman men were free to enjoy sex with other males without a perceived loss of masculinity or social status, as long as they took the dominant, or penetrative role.
Acceptable male partners were slaves and former slaves, prostitutes, and entertainers, whose lifestyle placed them in the nebulous social realm of 'infamia', excluded from the normal protections accorded to a citizen even if they were technically free.
Although Roman men in general seem to have preferred youths between the ages of twelve and twenty as sexual partners, freeborn male 'minors' were off limits at certain periods during the later Roman Empire, though professional prostitutes and entertainers might remain sexually available well into adulthood.
This, of course, apart from Max in present company, you well know, and that would also include Josh and Novius - and possibly Ashraf."
Jim, Zac and Ethan nodded in agreement.
Ethan then interjected with a query...
"So what has this to do with Tolson ?
"Well Teddy - if I may interrupt you... we have been doing some research regarding on this matter, and some interesting 'facts' have come to light.
It seems that rumors are rife, but not aired publicly, that Tolson and Hoover make use of teenage 'street boys' in the Washington area.
Now while we accept that both Tolson and Hoover have many enemies, who might be prepared to make such accusations - it should be noted that Hoover still lives with his mother, and is not married, and equally Tolson is not married.
Also they are rarely seen in female company when they 'go out on the town' - usually preferring their own company, and also regularly go on holiday together - as a 'couple'.
Now in our time, while both men would, by their ages, be expected to be married, there would be no slur on their characters if they made use of youths or boys of the right social class, in fact, if they didn't they would be considered to be lacking in masculinity - but what we are not taking into account are the religious problems about sex in this time and place.
 |
| The Classical Tradition of the American Republic |
"So what your saying is that in this time and place, the behavior of Hoover and Tolson would cause problems for them ?", Jim queried.
"Undoubtedly...", Teddy said, "although this is strange, as the American Republic was inspired, originally, by the classical ideals of the ancient world - your world... and remember, even the description of the American form of government - 'Republic' is Latin - 'res publica' - 'public affair' - and the emblem of that Republic is Jupiter's Eagle.", Teddy said pointedly to Jim, Zac and Ethan.
"OK but this is not really getting us anywhere...", Ethan said, sounding exasperated.
"I agree - but I think we had better talk about this whole matter of 'classical culture' with Novius when we visit him tomorrow, at the Villa Athena - after all he is a real classical philosopher.", Jim said, wanting to get some sort of resolution to the main matter of Tolson and Caleb.
for more information about the founding of the American Republic
follow link above
Zac then continued...
"Well, as to my proposed plan, I was hoping that this - what shall we call it ? - 'friendship' between Tolson and Caleb would develop, and we could obtain sufficient audio and video evidence that would enable us, through our contacts in the media, to make a public scandal with regard to the US security services in general, and Hoover and Tolson in particular - and that might get them off our backs for the foreseeable future."
Now at this point we need to consider the overall situation - in that the 'boys' and Novius have found themselves in an 'alternative universe', in accordance with the 'Many Worlds Theory' suggested by the American physicist Hugh Everett III.
Hugh Everett III The theory proposes that there are an infinite number of 'universes' - some identical to the one that you may know, and some totally different - however many will differ in ways that may be barely noticeable.Hence the appearance, in the version of 'America' that 'boys' find themselves, of 'old style' automobiles, J Edgar Hoover as the Director of the FBI, no President Kennedy, an eighty year old Marilyn Monroe and no Howard Hughes - but the inclusion seemingly anachronistic items such as laptops, digital cameras and cell-phones - etc.Of course the 'boys', having been transported a temporal distance of two thousand years, in error or on purpose - who knows? - by Faunus, some time previously, are unaware of any of these seeming anomalies - that is possible anomalies as they would appear to people in your 'universe', but not to the people in the 'universe' that the 'boys' now find themselves. Now this is all very complicated, which is why it is included here as an aside - and links have been provided (above) in order to explain Everett's theories in more detail.
Now while in the 'America' in which the 'boy's found themselves, homosexuality was not exactly against the law - although there were laws regarding indecency, sexual acts with minors and such like, the overwhelming 'Christian' view of morality, however, made it very difficult for anyone who was 'outed' as a male homosexual.
And in this 'America' the concept of 'political correctness' didn't exist - and various 'prejudices' were still commonly held my the majority of the population.
 |
| Hoover and Miss Gandy - Hoover's Secret Files |
For decades, the Federal Bureau of Investigation had used the 'Sex Deviates Program' to investigate, harass and intimidate homosexual men in the United States.
These actions were justified by the belief that homosexuals posed a 'security risk' in two ways: their behavior was thought to be an indication of immorality, and it also probably made them susceptible to blackmail.
Now it has been suggested that the Bureau was driven by an overarching and intense fear and loathing of homosexuals.
Hoover's notorious 'Sex Deviates' file encompassed nearly 99 cubic feet or more than 330,000 pages of information so at this time, exposure might mean nothing short of ruin, and homosexual American men had much to fear from law enforcement of every kind, but especially the FBI, with its inexhaustible federal resources and connections.
Of course those with money and influence could get round such problems, and all sort of illegal or socially unacceptable activities were indulged in by various groups, such as movie moguls, who often abused female actresses and child stars, and famous performers movie stars and performers could avoid the law with relative ease, and also business tycoons, Union bosses, and of course the real Mafia - but then for Jim and the 'boys' there was nothing new in such behavior - they has seen it all before - a long time ago.
As regards the 'ordinary' American citizens, the FBI spent much time and money educating the public about the threat of 'deviates'.
 |
| J Edgar Hoover - the obsessive spy |
The question, of course is, what was that agenda?
Popular notions would undoubtedly suggest that Hoover targeted homosexuals because he was compensating for his own homosexuality in some way, and thus was a hypocrite, but no one dared to make such an allegation publicly.
However, if it was revealed - and proved that he was a practicing homosexual, along with his Assistant Director, Tolson, that would be almost certainly catastrophic for the FBI - the US Security Services in general, and even the incumbent government, including the Presidency.
This dangerous line of arguing was obviously behind Zac's thinking, as Jim well understood.
There was silence in the office as Jim sat thinking - and none of the other four in the room were prepared to interrupt his thoughts.
Finally Jim stirred, as if from a deep reverie.
"We are in dangerous waters here.", Jim began.
"The consequences of what we do might be considerable...
Like Ethan, I do not entirely trust Caleb... but I like him, and I think in some ways it would be better for him to be back on the farm - but that would not solve the problem of him providing for his family and sick father, so I think we should continue his employment, but not at the 'Combat Club', but maybe at another of our establishments.
 |
| Mikey |
Mikey is used to 'picking' up customers at the 'Club' - and it's no problem for him - and get him to bring Brody in on the act.
That's our 'two hooks' ...
And I will get Kurt to arrange a 'show' featuring Brody and Paco - and we'll see how things go.
But let me make this clear - I don't want us to use any tricks or coercion in this matter
If Tolson wants to put himself in an 'awkward' position regarding the boys, then that's his problem - and we know that Mikey and Brody well know how to look after themselves.", Jim suggested.
"So - do we all agree ?", Jim asked.
And they all assented.
"Now tomorrow I want to got to see Novius for an important meeting, and I want Ethan and Teddy and Josh and Zac to attend, but that will not include you, Max - but then I'm sure that you will have plenty to do organizing this series of 'secret' rehearsals at the 'Park Theater', and perhaps you could also drop in at the 'Combat Club' and have a word with Brody and Mikey about Tolson...
So - until tomorrow, gentlemen." Jim concluded.
And then Emma came to show them all out - as if they didn't know their way.
"I'm sure she's an FBI spy-android-thingy...", Ethan muttered under his breath to Teddy.
So Ethan and Teddy returned to Ethan's 'secret office' in the 'Athena Park Hotel' - where Ethan began furiously working on his orchestration of that 'nice little western tune', while Teddy switched off his audio circuits so that he wouldn't have to listen to Ethan endlessly repeating phrases of music on his digital piano (he had misplaced his headphones !), as he scribbled away on various sheets of manuscript paper scattered on his desk.
At the same time Max was checking that all the various members of the 'Park Symphony Orchestra', as it was now grandly called, would be able to attend the first rehearsal, to take place in two day's time, and then on subsequent rehearsal dates for the upcoming concert.
Meanwhile, Zac, (head of 'Athena Security'), was having a very private discussion with Kurt, outlining Jim's new policy regarding Caleb, and Jim's requirement for a 'show' featuring Brody and Paco, which should be arranged so that Tolson could attend, accompanied possibly by Mikey.
So Kurt had the difficult job of telling Caleb that he hadn't 'made it' as a potential wrestler for the 'Combat Club' - however, Kurt was able to make his task a little easier by staging, that evening, a practice match at the 'Club', between Brody and Caleb, during which Caleb was well and truly beaten.
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| Brody Easily Defeats Caleb in the Practice Ring |
It was then relatively simple to suggest to Caleb that wrestling was not really his 'forte'.
Of course this was the last thing that Caleb wanted to hear, but Kurt knew that there was an excellent 'consolation prize' for Caleb in the form of an offer - not at that point specified - that Jim would make to him, with the same accommodation and 'perks' - but Caleb, fearing that he was going to be 'let go', or worse, was sent by limo to the 'Club Athena' for an appointment with Jim in order to discuss the situation.
There was still, however, the problem of Agent Gordy...
If Caleb was simply given another position in one of the 'Athena Corporation's' other establishments, then Gordy, or one of the numerous agents or contacts of the FBI would presumably not take long to find Caleb - and what they would do with someone who had been so close to Tolson was difficult to guess - so Jim handed the problem over to Zac.
Emma ushered Caleb into Jim's palatial, neoclassical office.
Caleb stood nervously in front of Jim's desk, like a naughty schoolboy brought before the headmaster.
"So Caleb, Kurt has told me what happened when you had a slightly more serious 'fight' with Brody...", Jim began.
"Yes, Sir... Brody beat me - easily.", Caleb mumbled.
"Yes, and Kurt is of the opinion that you are not really 'cut out' to be a wrestler - at the moment anyway.
It's simply not enough to just look good.", Jim continued.
Caleb nodded in mute agreement.
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| Wayne Gordy |
And I also know about your 'go-between' - Wayne - Wayne Gordy - and we will deal with him very soon, so you probably won't be seeing him again.", Jim said grimly.
"But you won't do anything bad to him...", Caleb pleaded.
"No, we won't - that's the sort of thing the Mafia, who you seem to be so obsessed with, do.
But as I told you before - we are not Mafiosi.
The Mafia are just amateurs - and also pretend to be Christians.
No - you have nothing to fear from us.
But if you do, by any chance, see Wayne, I suggest that you tell him to get out of Las Vegas as soon as possible - as I doubt if Mr Hoover will be very pleased with the way he handled this job.
You see, you've been working for the FBI..." Jim explained.
"So who was Mr Tolson ?
I though he was just a rich guy in competition with you and the others...about the gambling and the hotels ?", Caleb asked, sounding confused.
"No Caleb - you obviously don't read the newspapers, watch TV or listen to the radio... "
Jim paused for a moment - mainly for dramatic effect...
"Mr Tolson is the 'Assistant Director of the FBI' - and Mr Hoover's 'best buddy', if you get my meaning.", Jim said.
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| Caleb - in Jim's Office |
Jim then continued in an apparently pleasant and friendly manner...
"So, regardless, you will still have your apartment in the 'Penthouse Building', and all the other perks, and your current salary will still be paid into your account... "
But then Jim's tone changed -
"But be warned - if you have any more financial problems, talk to me or Ethan - because if I find that you are taking money from elsewhere, for any reason, you will discover that the Mafia are the amateurs, and we are the professionals - and yes, that is a threat...", Jim said.
"Yes Sir...Thank you Sir... ", Caleb stuttered.
"So, Caleb - the safest thing for you is to go on a holiday, while things calm down, and as far away from Las Vegas as possible...", Jim said, pondering the problem.
"So tell me - where do you usually go on holiday ?", Jim asked casually.
"No where, Sir.
I've never been like on a real holiday - I've only been to Cedar Falls and Rochester - and here in Las Vegas is the furthest I've ever traveled.", Caleb explained.
I've never been like on a real holiday - I've only been to Cedar Falls and Rochester - and here in Las Vegas is the furthest I've ever traveled.", Caleb explained.
Jim sat back in his chair and smiled.
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| Villa Athena - Antelope Valley - California |
So now - go back to your apartment at the Penthouse Building - relax, but get packed as we will be setting of for 'Antelope Valley' by about one in the afternoon. Jim said as he buzzed for Emma to come and take Caleb down to reception.
"When Caleb arrived in reception he was met by Zac, who took him out of the Club Athena by a discreet rear entrance where a very large black Cadillac was waiting, with the engine running.
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| Caleb's Apartment in the 'Penthouse Building' - Summerlin |
Zac opened the rear door for Caleb, who very nervously got into the limo.
"Don't worry, Caleb - Jim wants to look after you, so we are just making sure that you get back to the 'Penthouse Building' safely.
I have an apartment there as well, so I'm just going home, like you.", Zac said reassuringly.
And Zac, as usual, spoke the truth, and Caleb arrived back in his new home safe and sound.
Meanwhile Ethan, who had returned to his 'secret office' at the 'Athena Park Hotel' with Max, was 'fielding' questions from Max about some of the 'loose ends' that he didn't quite understand from the discussion about Tolson and Caleb.
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| 'Athena Park Hotel' - Paradise - Las Vegas |
"Don't worry, Max - our boss might be nicknamed 'Jaguar Jim', but he's a good guy at heart, just you see.", Ethan said.
"So tell me Ethan - Teddy talked a lot about homosexuality and things - but I found it confusing when he was talking about ancient Rome, and 'many worlds' and things like that - so I really think that some time we should just sit down, and perhaps you could explain to me what all this is about....", Max proposed.
"So what do you think, Teddy ?" Ethan asked, turning to the little bear who was busy putting all of Ethan's musical sketches in some sort of order.
"Later, Ethan - after we've get these rehearsals sorted out", Teddy said distractedly.
"Okey dokey, Teddy...
So you just settle down, and print off these orchestra parts for tomorrow.", Ethan replied.
"So, I'll just have to wait - ", Max commented with a note of resignation.
"Guess so." Teddy concluded.
As usual, Teddy woke Ethan and Jim up by jumping up and down on them and squeaking "Wake up! - Wake up! ". - It was an unfortunate 'glitch' in his programming.
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| The Kittens - Bastet (left ) and Sekhmet (right) |
Being awake and busy all night was no problem for Teddy, though, as he never really slept - he only pretended to, on occasions, in order to help Ethan 'settle down'.
"Oh my - another long trip to 'Antelope Valley'...", Ethan muttered despairingly, as he stumbled to the shower room...
"Yes, but you can spend time playing with the kittens and Glaux.", Jim said brightly.
Once they were showered and dressed, they went to the dinging room for breakfast.
"So, Ethan - how are you getting on with this new concert ?", Clare asked, as she served them breakfast.
Well not very well - too many interruptions...", Ethan replied.
:And you, Jim - how are you ?", Clare, their ever faithful housekeeper, asked solicitously.
"Tired Clare - like Ethan says,, there's a lot going on - and this morning we have to go the 'Antelope Valley' to see Novius and Tony.", Jim replied.
"Well, give them my love...", Clare said - and she really meant it.
"Of course Clare - but first I have to go and see Caleb.", Jim said.
So Jim went down to Caleb's apartment.
Caleb had only just got up - as it was very early in the morning.
"Hi, Caleb...", Jim began.
"I just wanted to check that you were fully packed - you see you might be in 'Antelope Valley for a while, until things sort themselves out.", Jim explained.
"I'm good, sir - I've got everything, ready.", Caleb assured Jim,
"OK, then leave your luggage outside your room, and Chuck will come up and collect it,", Jim said.
"And remember to be very respectful to Novius - he's the person with all the answers - well almost all,...", Jim added.
"So here we go again...
Another trip along this long, straight boring road to see Novius.", Ethan complained.
"Yes, well you just listen to some music through your earphones and doze off...", Jim advised.
As usual, the journey was uneventful, (and there was no strange hitch-hiker encountered, as occurred on their previous visit to see Novius).
Jim had 'phoned on ahead, so as they approached down the gravel roadway leading to the central pavilion of the villa, Novius could be seen waiting with Ashraf on the steps to greet them.
(now it should be remembered that Novius was not prepared to use the 'American' names that the boys had adopted, and always addressed them by their Latin names - Marcus for Jim, Aurarius for Ethan, Petronius for Zac, and Adonios for Josh)
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| Main Entrance Vestibule - 'Villa Athena' - 'Antelope Valley' |
"So good to see you again Marcus - if only for a brief visit.", Novius said embracing Jim as he stepped forward.
"And Aurarius - and Teddy - and this young man - I know we've met before but I'm afraid I don't recall the name.", Novius added.
"It's Caleb - and I'm pleased to see you looking so well, Novius.", Marcus then said as he accompanied Novius through the main entrance.
"Come into the study and tell me how things are...", Novius said.
"Well today I have come to you for advice and some serious discussion...", Jim began.
"I see - well let's go to the study, take some coffee, and I can see if I can be of any help to you, Marcus replied.
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| Novius at the Villa Athena |
"And I was wondering if Caleb could spend some time in the garden with the kittens, as our discussion relates to some sensitive matters.", Jim requested - looking to Caleb.
"Of course, Sir - and I do like cats anyway...", Caleb replied to Jim, not seeming in any way offended.
Once Caleb had left the study Novius turned to Jim.
"If you don't trust him, Marcus, why did you bring him with you ?", Novius asked gently.
"It really has nothing to do with trust, Novius.
The boy did something stupid, and now he might be in danger, and so I feel that I am obliged to give him protection, and this place is much safer that Las Vegas.", Jim explained.
"I see - well I'll accept your judgement of the situation- and Caleb can stay here as long as you feel it might be needed.", Novius replied.
"But why do you want my advice ?", Novius asked.
"Mainly because you are probably the wisest and most experienced person to whom I can turn...
For one thing you know who I really am - and you come from the same time and place that I and the others do.", Jim began.
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| Agathon - Marcus' Greek Tutor |
"Well it's true - after Gracchus died, you were all we had to guide us...", Ethan added, poignantly.
"It's nice of you to say that - but let's get on with it.
What's the trouble. ?", Novius asked.
"It's not really trouble, Novius - it's just that I'm not sure where we go from here...", Jim said, gathering his thoughts.
"Now you're a very well educated young man - so think back to what your Greek tutor, Agathon, taught you about how deal with a problem - any problem...
It wouldn't matter if it were a problem of mathematics, or ethics or philosophy - the first step was always to look at the problem logically.
It was the great gift that the Greeks gave to the world - 'logic'.
Agathon was a Greek Platonist philosopher who was employed by Gracchus as a tutor for Marcus shortly before Gracchus adopted Marcus as his heir. Platonism has a profound effect on Western thought. Platonism affirmed the existence of abstract objects, which are asserted to exist in a third realm distinct from both the sensible external world and from the internal world of consciousness, and is the opposite of Nominalism. This can apply to properties, types, propositions, meanings, numbers, sets, truth values, and so on... The central concept of Platonism, a distinction essential to the 'Theory of Forms', is the distinction between the reality which is perceptible but unintelligible, associated with the flux of Heraclitus and studied by the likes of science, and reality, which is imperceptible but intelligible, associated with the unchanging being of Parmenides, and studied by the likes of mathematics.
Plato
"Well - the first thing I want to know is how is Mr Stark's getting on with his work with the sarcophagus ?", Jim asked.
"Very well - apparently, although I'm sure he doesn't tell me everything.", Novius replied.
"But at least he didn't use the kittens on any of his nasty experiments - as far as I can tell...", Ethan added.
"No - but he was talking about using monkeys - but I told him I was not going to have monkeys wandering about in the villa...", Novius said.
"OK, but what's the situation now ?", Jim asked.
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| Pyramid at Armant - Upper Egypt |
"So in ordinary language the sarcophagus works, seemingly with no bad side-effects - but Tony doesn't actually understand how...", Jim concluded.
"Yes...", Novius replied tersely.
"And that's where the advice and the philosophy come in, Novius." Jim observed.
There was an awkward silence in the dimly lit study.
"Well we could just take it back to the pyramid in Armant, or bury it - which probably wouldn't be safe - but we really need to know why we found, and possibly who, or what made it in the first place.", Ethan suggested.
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| Temple of Montu - Armant - Upper Egypt |
"And yes, that was Faunus' idea.
He started talking about the 'Duat' and then mentioned that temple.", Ethan added.
"Well we saw the Temple, but as it was a bit boring, so we went for some shai, and you, Teddy, started talking about the 'Buchis Bull', and so we decide to go and look for the 'necropolis' where the bulls were buried.", Jim said, continuing the story.
"Yes, but there was nothing there worth seeing, but we found the building that had been used by an archaeological expedition that had worked there in the 1920s and 1930s.
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| Photos in the Dunes - Armant - Upper Egypt |
"So you weren't actually looking for the pyramid - or the sarcophagus ...", Novius commented.
"No, we found it accidentally.', Jim said.
"You never told me that before, Marcus - so it seemed to appear because of the presence of you and the 'boys'.", Novius said, sounding surprised.
"And Teddy - to the best of you'r knowledge did this team of archaeologists report any strange happening during their long period of work in the Armant area, and particularly on the dunes.", Novius asked, turning to Teddy.
"One moment Novius, let me refer to my data-base..."
There then followed a brief period of tense silence while Teddy gave an excellent impression of a 'stuffed toy'.
"No, Novius - there are no reports of any anomalous events occurring during the period from 1928-29, 1931-32, and 1935-36", Teddy reported.
My - you are quick, and very thorough...", Ethan said admiringly.
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| The Sanctuary of the Buchis Bull - Armant |
"So what is this 'Buchis Bull' that you mentioned earlier, Marcus", Novius asked.
"Let me help...", Teddy said, knowing that Jim would probably not remember.
And so Teddy began...
"In Egyptian mythology, Buchis (Ancient Greek: Βουχις, was the deification of the ka ('power, life-force') of the war god 'Montu' incarnated as a sacred bull that was worshiped in the area of Armant.
When these bulls – and in later times also their mothers – died, they were mummified, and placed in a special necropolis known as the 'Bucheum'.
Unlike the other Egyptian sacred bulls - the 'Apis' and the 'Mnevi's – the 'Buchis' cult started towards the end of the pharaonic period, with the earliest known burial taking place in regnal year 14 of Nectanebo II (mid 4th century BC).
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| Storm over the Pyramid - Armant |
Eventually, the 'Buchis' bull was identified as a form of the 'Apis', and consequently became considered an incarnation of 'Osiris'.", Teddy explained.
"Wowy ! That was interesting - although I didn't really understand all of it...", Ethan said.
"OK - I'll tell you about it later...", Teddy said.
"So - there has never been a report of a pyramid at Armant according to Teddy - and yet it was there when we arrived on the dune, and was there for a few days, and then disappeared in a strange storm as soon as Tony had removed the sarcophagus.", Jim explained to Novius.
"So it was seemingly intended for you - and probably those who were with you.", Novius suggested.
"Well, if you think so...", Jim said.
"So that leaves us with the question of who, or what intended the sarcophagus and the Armantium for you and your companions...", Teddy muttered...
"Well we've already talked about that before - like it was the 'aliens' - or it was left in Armant by accident, and us being on the dune just made the pyramid just popup somehow...", Ethan speculated.
"That's a good point, Ethan - we shouldn't think we're so important that the sarcophagus was left specially for us.", Jim agreed.
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| Ananke - Ἀνάγκη |
Faunus explained to me that all these things that have happened - like your becoming a slave - so long ago - meeting me and Gracchus, the eruption of Vesuvius, the so called 'aliens', your discovery of Egypt, the sarcophagus, the dimensional portal and much more - they are all events that have entered into your life as a result of Ἀνάγκη - Ananke.
And as you doubtless realize - Ananke. is beyond your control or the control of anyone else - it is the ruling force of all that exists - all the worlds, all the universes, all the dimensions and all possible possibilities.', Novius said slowly and carefully.
Ananke Ἀνάγκη), from the common noun ἀνάγκη, 'force, constraint, necessity') is inevitability, compulsion and necessity. She is customarily depicted as holding a spindle. One of the Greek primordial deities, the births of Ananke and her brother and consort, Kronos (the personification of Time) mark the division between the eon of 'Chaos' and the beginning of the Cosmos. Ananke is considered the most powerful dictator of fate and circumstance, and mortals as well as gods respected her power and paid her homage. The mother of the 'Fates', she is the only being to influence their decisions - excepting the ONE also).
"By whom - not 'who by', Ethan..." Teddy corrected.
"OK, but you know what I mean." Ethan riposted.
"Yes - but before you two get into one of your arguments, that still may not help us to decide how we should use the sarcophagus.", Jim said.
"That I can't say - but there may be something that might help you - although how you might find it I do not know.", Novius said hesitantly.
"OK - then tell us what it is ...Ethan insisted.
"It's a very ancient manuscript - I only ever saw one copy of it, and it belonged to Claudius.", Novius replied.
"Ah - I can guess what's coming next... ", Teddy muttered almost inaudibly.
"OK, well where can we find this Claudius guy ?", Ethan asked.
"I'm not sure - he's been dead for a very long time - that is if there was a Claudius in this 'universe'...", Novius replied wearily.
"Oh yes - there definitely was a Claudius in this 'universe', Novius .", Teddy said, and then began one of his little mini-lectures.
"He was the fourth Roman emperor, ruling from AD 41 to 54, and a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
He was declared Emperor by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination, when he hid behind some curtains.
He was only made Emperor because there was no one left to do the job after Caligula had killed almost everybody else.Claudius was deeply interested in history, and also the religion of the Etruscans, as Novius will probably tell you.", Teddy concluded - looking very pleased with himself.
"Teddy is quite right, and before he became Emperor, when he was largely ignored by everybody because he had a stammer and a limp, he was my teacher when I was studying Etruscan history and Greek philosophy.", Novius said.
"So you say this book could help us - but where might we find a copy ?", Jim asked.
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| The Book of Foundation |
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| 'The Mystery of Becoming' |
"So what s this books of 'foundation thingy' all about ?", Ethan asked.
"Well Ethan, you must remember that I last saw the scrolls when I was a young man - but it seems that it was one of Claudius' great treasures.
All that I can really remember is that it deals with the 'foundations of creation', how everything came to be - as we might say - how everything began - 'the mystery of becoming'.
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| EmperorClaudius |
"And this Claudius guy - he was a good friend of yours ?', Ethan asked.
"Yes - a very good friend - as far as Emperors can be friends with anybody - bu he was not really a good judge of character, although his knowledge of history, religion and philosophy was remarkable - but it would have been better for him if he had not been forced to be emperor.
But I think that it would benefit us if we could somehow recover a copy of this book - that is if any copies still exist.", Novius concluded.
"Yes, but that would probably mean going to Europe...", Teddy said.
"But also going back to Egypt...", Ethan added, pleased at the thought of taking the kittens back to the 'Winter Palace'.
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| Frank Corrente and Ethan |
"One minute, guys, I think I ought to take this...", Ethan said, trying to sound very business-like.
"Hello - this is Frank Corrente - er... can I speak to Mr Ethan Duncan.", the voice at the other end said hesitantly.
"What's this about ?", Ethan asked, always getting confused when anyone used his last name.
"It's about a Cadillac 'Series 70 Eldorado Brougham' that was ordered by Mr Duncan some time ago...", Corrente began...
"Hi - this is Ethan speaking, and I remember meeting you - so how's it going ?", Ethan replied.
"Good - but I must apologize for the delay in delivering your Cadillac, but I can assure you the we were not to blame.
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| Ethan's Cadillac 'Series 70 Eldorado Brougham |
"That's OK - we've got plenty of Cadillacs around here - but when can you deliver ?", Ethan asked.
"Today - if that's convenient ?", Corrente replied.
"That's excellent - just deliver it to the 'Penthouse Building' in Summerlin, and get the security people there to sign for it, and give them the keys and papers... and thanks..." - and with that Ethan closed this cell-phone - Ethan was always rather abrupt on 'phones as he was not really comfortable using them.
"Well I think your call, Ethan, came at an opportune moment, as I want to have a word with Tony before I make any plans based on what you have told me, Novius.", Jim said as Ethan pocketed his 'cell-phone'.
"Quite right, Marcus.", Novius agreed.
"Now if you can think of a way of contacting Faunus, that might help us....", Jim suggested, leaving the study.
So Jim, Ethan and Teddy stopped off in the garden to see if Caleb was OK, before going to the Pavilion where Tony was apparently still working on the sarcophagus.
Caleb was fine, sitting in the garden taking the sun, with the two kittens stretched out beside him.
"OK Caleb, well if your happy sitting out here, Ethan, Teddy and me have to have a quick chat with Tony.", Jim said, stopping to give each of the kittens a quick stroke.
"It should be 'Ethan and I', Jim...", Teddy said reprovingly.
"Whatever...", Ethan snorted.
Jim then knocked of the steel double doors of the pavilion that Tony was using as his workshop - but there was no response.
"OK - then let's just go in.", Ethan said.
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| Tony Examining a Simulation of an Armantium Reaction |
"Ooo ! what's that 'glowy-thingy' ?", Ethan asked.
"Armantium, Ethan.", Tony replied, as if it were obvious.
"But is it safe to hold it ?", Jim asked.
"Of course Jim - it's not the real thing - it's just a computer simulation.", Tony replied, slowly turning the glowing object as he carefully examined it.
"Well I think it looks real cool.", Ethan said.
"Yes, but if it was real, and not a simulation, it would be very, very hot.", Teddy said.
"So how was it that the mice were not cooked when you experimented on them ?", Jim asked.
"Good question, Jim, but it's a bit like a nuclear reaction.", Tony replied.
"And what does that mean ?", Ethan asked.
"Well, in a normal 'controlled nuclear reaction' graphite is used to slow things down, otherwise you would get an explosion.
But Armantium is weird, because gold has the same effect as graphite - so in nuclear reactors the 'chain reaction' is controlled by using carbon rods which absorb and slow down neutrons which influences intensity of nuclear fission - but with Armantium gold is used.", Tony explained.
"So, Jim, it's a good thing that you have plenty of gold...", Ethan said with grin.
Jim shook his head - he really didn't like Ethan talking about the Mexican gold.
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| Armantium - Catastrophic Chain Reaction |
"In that case, if a reaction is required, the Armantium crystals need to be arranged in a particular multi-dimensional pattern, and then gold must be used to prevent a catastrophic chain reaction.", Tony said.
"Ah yes, I remember when the alien-thingys gave us all a fright with a holographic-thingy of the Earth exploding when we were with them in Mexico...", Ethan reminisced.
"You were frightened... ? think of me, I was underneath it, sitting on my little blue laptop !" , Teddy exclaimed.
"OK, Teddy, but let's hope that if we ever have to be inside that sarcophagus-thingy it doesn't 'cook' us." Ethan said.
"Well, that's all very interesting - but Tony, how's Ashraf getting along ?", Jim asked, trying to guide the conversation to more serious matters.
"Very well - I think one day he'll make a very good scientist - but although he's a great help to me here, I do think he needs some company nearer to his age, perhaps with some of you boys ?", Tony suggested.
"OK - I'll see about arranging that - but more importantly, have you decided yet if the 'rejuvenating' properties of the Armantium, when used in the sarcophagus work, and are safe ?", Jim asked.
"Yes, it appears to work, at least on mice, and it appears to have no adverse side effects, but why would it interest you - you hardly need rejuvenating - you're still very young.", Tony observed.
"Yes, but Novius isn't...", Jim replied.
"Ah yes - I hadn't considered that - but it will be up to him", Tony said.
"Of course, but I'll leave it up to you, for now, to explain things to him... but what are you working on now ?", Jim asked - changing the subject.
"That should be obvious from what I was saying to Ethan - a safe and cheap way to use Armantium to generate power - a sort of 'Armantium power-plant'...", Tony replied.
"And is it possible.", Jim asked.
"Yes, undoubtedly - but you will need to find easily accessible sources of Armantium.", Tony cautioned.
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| Athena Corporation Repository |
"Well I'll have to leave you to it for now, but I have some good news for you - at least I hope that it will please you.
Work has now started in Henderson on a headquarters complex for the 'Athena Corporation' - and included in the complex will be facilities for you to continue with your research and development programs.
There are two reasons for doing this - the first being the fact that the facilities for you here at the villa are obviously inadequate, and the second being that the villa is not secure enough considering the nature of your work.
The headquarters complex, however will not only operate as a repository and administration center, but will als be the headquarters of the 'Athena Security Service' - so security, for you, will obviously not be problem.
Also, I can provide you with a very nice place to live for when you are in Henderson - so what do you think ?", Jim asked.
"Well if you can let me see the plans - then I might have some suggestions, and I undoubtedly would prefer a more secure environment - and I do think we have been rather imposing on Novius, so I will accept you offer, at least provisionally.", Tony said.
"That's good, and I'll get in contact with you soon about new arrangement that I will be making for Ashraf.
But first I must return to Summerlin, as I have to get Ethan back to his rehearsals for his next concert, and I also have to make plans for another trip abroad - so I'll be in touch and give you more details soon.", Jim concluded, shaking hands with Tony and Ashraf.
Jim, Ethan and Teddy then returned to Novius' study.
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| Green Valley High School - Henderson |
"He's making a lot of progress, and he's pleased with the help that Ashraf is giving him, however, Tony and I have agreed that Ashraf should spend more time with people of his own age, although we don't actually know, for sure, how old he actually is.
I have therefore decided to enroll him the twelfth grade at the 'Green Valley High School' in Henderson, where Glen is also a student, and he can have his own apartment in Henderson.", Jim explained.
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| 'Athena Park Hotel' - Las Vegas - Nevada |
"Well if you are agreeable, I should be grateful if you would continue to look after them for a short time - while I have a permanent home built for Ethan and myself...", Jim replied hopefully.
"Of course, Marcus - anything I can do to help...", Novius replied, sad to see Jim and Ethan (Marcus and Aurarius) leaving so soon.
And so the limo was summoned, and Jim, Ethan and Teddy said fond farewells, and left Caleb in the competent hands of Novius, and started on their journey on the 'Interstate 15' back to the 'Athena Park Hotel' in 'Vegas.
Jim, Ethan and Teddy return to 'Vegas, and the 'Athena Park Hotel' for lunch at the 'Renaissance Restaurant' - and during the drive, Ethan asks Jim to explain what actually happened at the Villa Athena in 'Antelope Valley' - and Max contacts Ethan to tell him he's late for his rehearsal - while Jim joins with Kurt and Mikey in order to set a trap for Tolson. Later, Jim starts to outline hi plans for a projected trip to Europe and Egypt - .
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with brief résumés
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2022
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2022
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2022