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 - .
ADULT MATERIAL & THEMES - 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
"So it was nice seeing the kittens again.", Ethan commented, as their Cadillac sped down 'Interstate 15' towards Las Vegas.
 |
| Driving Down 'Interstate 15' - Nevada |
"Anyway, I was not really concentrating on all the talk earlier - I was thinking about the concert - so what's going on - like what was decided.?', Ethan admitted.
"Well, as I just said, Novius has agreed to have Caleb living at the Villa Athena for a while, and Tony says that he's making good progress with the sarcophagus - and he's investigating a new project for using Armantium as a power generating fuel - but he needs us to find more of it, if it is to be used commercially.
Then there's also this book - 'Βιβλία του Ιδρύματος' that Novius wanted us to find - which seem to mean a trip to Europe, and maybe also Egypt.
'Βιβλία του Ιδρύματος', according to Novius, deals with the 'foundations of creation', how everything came to be, and how everything began - 'the mystery of becoming' - but it also tells of distant future events - that is future events that had not happened in the time of the Ancient Romans and Greeks when the book was supposedly written - and research indicates that these 'prophecies' are very accurate
"So, there's a lot going on.", Ethan said, having finally got himself to concentrate on what had been happening.
"Seems so, Ethan.", Jim replied.
On arriving in Las Vegas, Chuck pulled into the specially reserved executive parking area.
Now Ethan, in previous weeks, had been moaning to Jim about all the unwanted fuss and attention that the hotel staff had made every time he had visited the hotel, and so Jim had sent a rather curt memo to Evans, the manager, regarding the matter.
Now, when Jim, Ethan and Teddy arrived in the main lobby, all the staff studiously continued with their work, and waited for Jim or Ethan to approach them.
 |
| Main Lobby - Athena Park Hotel - Las Vegas |
So Jim strode up to the reception desk and asked for a table for two to be prepared for them immediately in the 'Renaissance Restaurant'.
"Of course, intermediately Mr Johnston...", the rather overawed receptionist replied - calling a bell-hop to take Jim, Ethan and Teddy to the Restaurant.
"Now that's better...", Ethan said approvingly, while he admired the posters advertising the 'Combat Club' that had been placed tastefully either side of the reception desk, as they waited for the bell-hop to arrive.
So they went to the restaurant...
"I like this restaurant-thingy, but why is it called the 'Renaissance Restaurant' ?", Ethan asked, while the young bellhop spoke to the Maître d'.
"Well I named it.
 |
| 'Renaissance Restaurant' - 'Athena Park Hotel' - Las Vegas |
It was originally called the 'Park Restaurant' - which gave people the idea that it was an outdoor establishment - and that was not good - and as it was very elegant and classic I thought - but actually Teddy suggested - that we call it the 'Renaissance Restaurant'.", Jim admitted - deciding to be truthful rather than having Teddy sulking.
"So would you like me to tell me what the word Renaissance means, Ethan ?", Teddy then asked.
"Not really, but as you're going to tell me anyway, you might as well get on with it.", Ethan replied.
"Short version, or long version ?", Teddy asked.
"Short, obviously - as the Maître d' shall be wanting to take our order.", Ethan answered curtly.
Ethan then sat Teddy on the pristine, white tablecloth.
And so Teddy began -
"The Renaissance is a period in European history marking the change from the Middle Ages to modernity- and covering the 15th and 16th centuries, and was an effort to revive and even surpass the ideas and achievements of classical antiquity. It occurred after the Crisis of the Late Middle Ages and was associated with great social change."
Then there was an awkward silence...
"That's it ?", Ethan queried.
 |
| Max and Ethan - 'Cell-Phone' |
The service, of course, was excellent, and the first course soon arrived.
"So what do we need to do this afternoon ?", Ethan asked Jim - but they were interrupted by Ethan's 'cell-phone'.
Max: Hi Ethan - this is Max - so where are you?Ethan: In the 'Renaissance Restaurant- thingy' - having lunch with Jim and Teddy.Max: Well you should be here - I've go a lot of very annoyed musician waiting for you.Ethan: Ah, my rehearsal - yes - well I'll just finish my chocolate ice-cream and be with you...
And Ethan closed the 'phone.
"Well that's what I need to do this afternoon...", Ethan said as he picked up Teddy.
"Yes - and I must get Josh to meet me at my office to we can start planning this next trip abroad.", Jim said.
Now for Ethan it was just a short walk to the 'Park Theatre' - and Jim was driven by Chuck back to Summerlin and the 'Club Athena'.
"You know you should really be on time for rehearsals - it's not a good idea to have the players annoyed with you - you really won't get good work from them..", Teddy commented in his best reproving manner.
And when they entered the auditorium they were greeted with a deafening silence.
"Mm - not so good...", Teddy muttered as they approached the conductor's podium, where Max was waiting for them.
"Where have you been ?
They were thinking of 'calling it a day', so I had to 'phone you to get you here.", Max said, sounding panicky.
"Don't worry - lets just get on with the rehearsal.", Ethan said quietly, as he sat Teddy on the little side table next to his music stand.
 |
| Th Rehearsal Begins - Park Theater - Las Vegas |
What's all that stuff for ?", Ethan asked Max.
"Oh - behind that curtain they are installing the pipe organ - but they won't make any noise while you're rehearsing.", Max assured Ethan.
"I should hope not.", Ethan said, as he then turned to the assembled orchestra.
"Ladies and gentlemen - I apologize for my delay in arriving, but as 'Entertainments Director' for all of the 'Athena Corporation's' many establishments, there are occasions when unexpected things need my attention - and such an occasion occurred today.
There will, of course, be a twenty-five percent bonus in your payment for today's rehearsal to cover this inconvenience.", Ethan announced.
And, not surprisingly, there was a ripple of polite applaud from the assembled musicians.
"Now today I have a short orchestral setting of a song that Aaron will be singing at our next concert.
It may appear very simple, but it is important that it is played with great delicacy, emotion and understanding.
It is based on an American folk tune of the previous century, and should therefore evoke feelings of nostalgia.", Ethan explained
(that last sentence had been provided by Teddy, and Ethan was not too sure what it actually meant, but Teddy assured Ethan that the musicians and would respond appropriately.)
"Not bad..." Ethan said to the assembled players - "but now once more - and with feeling..."
 |
| Panorama - Washington DC - USA |
Hoover was missing his 'Assistant Director' - Clyde, and he was also worried about the investigation into James Johnston and the 'Athena Corporation'.
To make matters worse, the 'head of station' at Las Vegas had also informed Hoover that Agent Gordy had 'gone off the grid' along with Caleb Harley, like an ominous repetition of what had happened to the CIA agent Lewis.
So J Edgar felt that he had no other option but to 'phone Clyde in order to check on what was happening.
 |
| Clyde Tolson & J Edgar Hoover - Cell-Phone |
Hoover: Is that you Clyde ?
Tolson: Yes Edgar - good to hear from you...
Hoover: So what's going on ?
Tolson: Well not really... I seem to have lost my contact at the 'Combat Club - and for some reason agent Gordy can't be contacted.
Hoover: So what the hell's going on down there ?
Tolson: From what I can gather Johnston has some pretty professional people working for him, and maybe he has, in some way, caught on to the fact that he's being watched.
Hoover: So have you had our local 'station' people working with you ?
Tolson: Not so far, Edgar, as I thought we wanted this to remain discreet.
Hoover : OK - well get on with it...
I miss you...
Tolson : I know...
Outside, in 'Paradise', it was a typical fine Nevada afternoon, and Tolson, disturbed by J Edgar's 'phone call, had decided to take a walk in the immediate area of the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
No - Tolson's position appeared to be the result of his 'good looks', his personal charm, and the very unusual, and close relationship that he had with J Edgar Hoover.
Having reached the 'Combat Club', and having seemingly achieved nothing, Tolson decided to return to the 'Athena Park Hotel' - with the intention of contacting Hover, and informing Hoover that he would be returning to Washington.
"I have a 'Platinum Club Card' - but I haven't used it yet - I was looking for someone to go with - someone who could help me a bit with what goes on...", Tolson continued, awkwardly.
Fortunately, back at the 'Park Theater', it was near the end of the rehearsal session when Ethan's 'cell-phone' sprang into life once again.
As it happened, Max was looking after Ethan's phone while he was conducting, and answered it on Ethan's behalf.
Because of stuff that Novius said, Jim is planning some more trips - and I suppose he wants to tell us what he's got planned.", Ethan finally admitted as they arrived at the 'Club Athena' in Summerlin.
And so Emma flounced out of the room, and the 'boy's arranged themselves on the various chairs and sofas in Jim's large office.
It was Faunus who had just quietly arrived in Jim's office, unnoticed by everyone except Jim, who was sitting facing the doors.
The first is the concert that Ethan has been working hard to arrange.
So when Clare had settled Ethan, Ashraf and Faunus with refreshments, (Teddy, of course, needed no refreshments), Ethan began by asking where Faunus had been, as they hadn't seen him for some considerable time.
"The 'cosmos' is the universe regarded as a complex and orderly system - the opposite of chaos.
However, the term was not part of modern language until the about one hundred years ago when a man called Alexander von Humboldt used the ancient Greek word as the title to a book he had written which he called - in German of course - 'Kosmos', and through that book he influenced our present idea of the 'universe' as 'one interacting entity'.
Well I've heard you talk about the Aeons before - and also the 'First Time', which has a strange Egyptian name, if I remember rightly." Ethan said.
"Now let's be serious for a moment.", Faunus interjected.
At this point Teddy decided to help out Faunus - "Well although the center of Neoplatonism was in Alexandria - the Ptolemaic capital - the library at Alexandria not longer exists - so if these manuscripts were housed there, then those copies were probably destroyed.
Now these hermits were great collectors of scrolls and books, and many of those scrolls and books ended up in Coptic monasteries.
The most famous find of manuscripts in the area was in 1945, at a town called نجع حمادى - Nag Hammadi - which is about fifty miles north-west of Luxor.", Teddy continued.
"So how does that help us - those ones have already been found." Ethan said, beginning to sound a bit despondent.
Don't worry - we'll find what we're looking for.", Faunus said.
"And yes - and the fifty dollars - keep it - payment for work well done...", Jim said.
Put them in a pair of shorts, and boxing gloves, and they'll go for each other 'hell for leather' - particularity if you pay them well.
"Well that's as far as we need to go at the moment - Zac will come to see you Kurt, and Mikey tomorrow in order to run through the details, and you, Kurt, can then brief the 'performers', and those staff who will be on duty on the evening in question." Jim said.
"He will be taken to the 'Athena Park Hotel' - which is an 'Athena Corporation' property - whereas the 'Combat Club' is officially and legally not an 'Athena Corporation' property - and therefore the 'Athena Security' has no jurisdiction there -
But that 'dark stormy night' was all a very long time ago - and Jim was not thinking of the storm, and the blood, and that 'other world', as he coolly and calmly planned with Mikey and Kurt, for Tolson's probable downfall - in a very different 'world and time'.
"That's getting better - but now, for a change, I have a piece specifically for the brass section.
You'll find it marked 'Flourishes and Fanfares'...
Now this needs to be played mostly staccato, forcefully and very, very crisp.", Ethan explained.
Ans so the rehearsal continued, while the twenty-four hour work on the installation of the pipe-organ was briefly suspended.
 |
| California Combat Club - Entrance Façade - Las Vegas |
The hotel was actually physically linked to the 'Park Theatre', where Ethan was holding his rehearsal, and a little further away, just past the McDonald's Burger-bar, where Caleb first met Tolson, was the 'California Combat Club'.
Tolson walked down as far as the Combat Club, past the huge white marble, classical columns, in the vain hope that he might accidentally meet up with Caleb, or perhaps Gordy...
The next 'show' was being well advertised, with fetching posters, which were mounted in opulent looking brass frames, of well muscled, near naked wrestlers,
Now although Tolson held the position of ' Associate Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation', he had not achieved that exalted rank because of his investigative abilities, or even because of his organizational talents - the organization of the FBI being, surprisingly, very much in the capable hands of Miss Helen Gandy.
But that is not to say that Tolson was unintelligent, as his education at 'Coe College', in Cedar Rapids makes clear.
So, Tolson had reasonably assumed that Caleb, apparently being a 'drifter', had simply 'moved on', but he was far more concerned about the disappearance of FBI Agent Gordy - who was intended to be his 'link' to Caleb and the 'Combat Club' - which was believed to be a 'front' for the 'Athena Corporation', and therefore a route to information about James Johnston (Jim) - which was presumably why he was in las Vegas in the first place
 |
| Mikey - Outside the 'Athena Park Hotel' |
As he reached the hotel, however, he was accosted by a handsome young man who he believed he may have met before, but to whom he was unable to put a name.
"Hi ! - looking for Caleb ?", the young man asked, putting out a friendly hand.
They shook.
"Well yes - I haven't seen him for a while", Tolson admitted - and there was an awkward pause.
"You don't remember me - do you ?", the young man stated.
Tolson - embarrassed, shook his head.
"I'm Mikey - you know - from the 'Combat Club'.
We met once before...", Mikey explained.
Tolson nodded, pretending to remember.
"So, your interested in the 'wrestling boys'...", Mikey said, making it abundantly clear what he really meant.
"Well yes...", Tolson replied, unused to such a 'forward' approach.
 |
| Mikey on Duty at the 'Combat Club' |
"Well I'm your boy...
When we stage 'shows ', I often act as a sort of 'meeter and greeter' - taking people to their seat, and telling them how to place bets and such things - so I would be prepared to be a kind of 'escort' for you - if you wanted - and I could also introduce you to some of the young wrestlers before and after the matches." , Mikey said.
"And you would expect something for this service ?", Tolson asked.
"Well, it's up to you, if you want to show your appreciation for my services....", Mikey replied, trying to sound diffident - but not too diffident.
"So what about Caleb ?", Tolson persisted.
"Well as far as I know he just 'took off...'
Maybe it was a 'family problem' - I know his father was very ill.", Mikey replied.
Now in case you haven't worked it out, Mikey was reciting a well-prepared 'script' provided by Zac.
Mikey had first met Zac when he joined the Combat Club when 'the Boss', Alexander Johnston had moved the 'Club' from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.Right from the outset Mikey had understood that Zac was a 'force to be reckoned with', and had made every effort to win Zac's confidence and approval.As such he also did his best to help and assist Kurt, who quite obviously looked up to Zac, despite the age difference - Kurt was about ten years older than Zac.As for Mikey, although he had been given no 'official position' by Jim (as yet), it was obvious that he was Kurt's close assistant, and everyone else in the Club looked to him as well as Kurt for guidance.
"So when's the next show scheduled ?", Tolson eagerly asked.
"I'm not sure, and by the way, what's your name ?", Mikey asked.
That, however, was a problem for Tolson as he had been forced to give his real name when he bought a 'Combat Club Platinum Card' using a credit card - FBI agents at Tolson's pay grade were not in the habit of adopting false identities..
"Oh, it's Clyde...", Tolson nervously replied.
And at that point Mikey was sure he had the guy that Zac was interested in...
"Well, Clyde, if we swap 'cell-phone numbers I can tell you when the next show is upcoming." , Mikey replied.
And they did.
"So would you like to come for a coffee or something - as we're standing outside my hotel ?", Tolson suggested.
 |
| Twenty Dollar Bill |
"You're staying here ? Very swanky...", Mikey said, pretending to be surprised - although the only reason that he had been near the hotel in the first place was because Zac had told him that was where he had a good chance of meeting Tolson.
"Love too Clyde, but I only popped out to get some gum, and I need to get back to the 'Club' - but I should be in contact with you very soon.", Mikey said, pleased that it was 'mission accomplished.
"OK - well thanks for your help - and here's a little something for you...", Tolson said, scrunching a twenty into Mikey's hand as they shook.
The United States twenty-dollar bill ($20) is a denomination of U.S. currency. A portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president (1829–1837), has been featured on the obverse of the bill since 1928 and the 'White House' features on the reverse. The average life of a $20 bill in circulation is 7.8 years before it is replaced due to wear. About 11% of all notes printed recently were $20 bills.
"Gee... thanks !, Mikey said, waving as he set off for the 'Combat Club'.
As soon has he was back at the 'Combat Club', Mikey told Kurt what had transpired - including the twenty dollar bill.
"OK Mikey, I'll get the next 'show' organized for as soon as possible, and I'll let Zac now what's happening.
And 'good for you' telling me about the twenty dollars - if Zac discovered that you had not declared it - well, I'll leave you to imagine - and anyway Zac will see you alright - be sure of that." Kurt said, slapping Mikey on the back.
So, the first part of the 'trap' was set.
By Jove, theses are annoying little gadget-thingys.
Just when your'e trying to concentrate, they interrupt you !", Ethan exclaimed.
'Jove' - Jupiter - Latin: Iūpiter Optimus Maximus Capitolinus, is the king of the gods in ancient Roman religion and mythology. Jupiter was the chief deity of Roman state religion throughout the Republican and Imperial eras, and is associated with the thunderbolt, the oak and the eagle. 'By Jove' was a common exclamation in ancient Roman times, although Teddy had pointed out to Ethan, on numerous occasions, that in the time and place that they now found themselves it would be considered odd, and possibly anachronistic.
 |
| Josh and Ethan - Cell-Phone |
"It's Josh, for you - he says it urgent.", Max said.
"OK ladies and gentlemen - good rehearsal - and speak to Mr Thomas (Max) here regarding the next session....", Ethan said, as he took the 'cell-phone from Max
Ethan: Hi Josh - what's up ?Josh: Oh, it's just a message from Jim.He needs to see us later, as he wants to discuss some plans he's making as a result of your recent meeting with Novius...Ethan: Okey dokey - where shall we meet ?Josh: 'Club Athena'.Ethan: And is Max invited ? .Josh: Yes of course - so see you soon.
Ethan then closed his 'cell-phone''
"Come on Max - we've got to go and see Jim...", Ethan said.
So between themselves, Ethan and Max ensured that all the orchestra members knew when they were required to attend the next rehearsal, and Max 'phoned for Chuck to bring the limo round to the rear entrance of the 'Park Theatre'.
"Well Ethan, what's all this about ?", Max asked.
"..'Secret Squirrel', Ethan said mysteriously.
"So why take me along if I'm not supposed to know ?', Max questioned.
"I didn't say you weren't supposed to know - but I just want to leave it up to Jim to tell you - or not.", Ethan answered.
"Tell me what ?", Max persisted.
"Oh all right - I can never keep secrets anyway...
 |
| Emma - Jim's weird Secretary |
On arriving at the 'Club', which was the administrative center of the 'Athena Corporation', Ethan and Teddy and Max found Zac, Glen, Ashraf and 'Sigi' already waiting in the foyer.
Moments later Emma, Jim's weird secretary, swept in, as always carrying a digital device, (which Ethan believed was her 'power-pack' - as he was convinced that she was an android).
"Good afternoon gentlemen - Mr Johnston will see you now" - and she led them into Jim's office.
"Thank you Emma.", Jim said wearily.
"She's not going to last much longer...", Ethan mumbled, as they all made their way into Jim's office.
Come in, please and take a seat and that will be all, Emma", Jim said.
 |
| Jim's Office - 'Club Athena' - Summerlin - Nevada |
"I'm sorry to have brought you all here so precipitously, but there are certain matters that need our mediate attention.", Jim began.
I recently met with Novius.
We discussed long term objectives, and he referred me to documents that he had seen many, many years ago, which contained information that could be of help to us in the future - that's as far as I can reveal.
These documents are collectively known as 'Βιβλία του Ιδρύματος' - in Greek, loosely translated as 'The Books of Foundation'.
Such books would be eagerly sought by various powerful groups and nation states - and it is essential, therefore, that they do not fall into the hands of unscrupulous people.
I have taken upon myself, with your assistance, to recover these documents.
Then there is also the matter of Armantium - the rare mineral that Mr Stark has discovered is a potent source of energy.
If this is the case - and only we know about it - then we can create a monopoly if we can buy up the areas where this mineral can be economically mined.
These two projects may well involve searches outside the borders of the USA.", Jim said.
"And where, exactly would these 'searches' take place.", Josh asked,
"Well, with regard to Armantium, Mexico is one place to look, which is an area with which we have some familiarity - and also Upper Egypt, which we know well.
The documents could be in many places.
They are very ancient, and therefor could be found in Egypt, but also in Greece or Italy - and Rome in particular.", Jim replied.
"OK Jim - but Egypt, Greece and Italy are big places to search if we are looking for ancient documents - so how do we know where to concentrate our searches ?", Zac asked.
"Well, we have Novius, and also Ashraf who,could both help a lot...", Jim started to reply...
"Yes and I might be of some help..."
 |
| Ancient Greek Manuscript |
"These documents, rightly according to Novius, are Hellenistic Gnostic documents, almost certainly written on papyrus.
"So, you've decided to come back and help us.", Jim said, slightly sarcastically.
"Well yes - I thought you all needed a bit of time to get on with thing on your own - and I should say that you seem to have been doing quite well - but I think you might need a bit of help with this new project.", Faunus observed.
"So when are we thinking of starting out on this 'project', a Faunus describes it.", 'Sigi' asked.
"Well thee are two thing that need attending to before we need to travel...
 |
| US Intelligence Community |
The other is a more delicate matter, and involves a member of the FBI, who we hope will be attending a public 'show' at the 'California Combat Club' quite soon.
If things go as I intend, then a prompt departure may well be in our interests, but also the 'operation' involving the 'Combat Club' should 'take the heat off ' our our intended searches.
Zac has informed me, however, that another, highly secret organization, belonging to the US Intelligence Community - the 'Strategic Scientific Reserve' - is now taking an interest in our activities - so Zac will be briefing you before we travel on the personnel and methods of this group.
 |
| Strategic Scientific Reserve - Seal |
The 'Strategic Scientific Reserve', or SSR, is a top-secret US intelligence agency, formed in 1940 by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt
"So Zac, why is this 'Strategic Scientific Reserve-thingy' interested in us ?", Ethan asked.
"Well we are not entirely sure if they are taking an active interest, but the nature of 'armantium' is such that they may view the possession of this unique mineral as something that should be kept out of the hands of an independent group, such as ourselves, and reserved for the US Government alone - so we need to be on the alert with regard to any activities with regard to this mineral resource.
"And what about the CIA - are they still watching us ?", Glen asked Zac.
"Possibly - but you must remember that they are only a real problem when we are outside the US - whereas the FBI are the main problem in this country.", Zac replied.
"OK - so let's focus on the immediate situation.", Jim said, interrupting at that point.
"Zac - I need you to liaise with Kurt at the 'Combat Club' in order to get the problem with Tolson sorted out - and Ethan - get the work on that pipe organ at the 'Park Theater' finished as soon a possible, so that we can get the concert underway.
Meanwhile I will be getting building work organised in Henderson.
And tomorrow I want Faunus - if you will remain with us for a while, to meet with Novius and Zac in order to work out a plan for searching for these manuscripts, and Josh, I want you to work with Franklin and get some prospecting specialists to be given small samples of Armantium - but only after the have been vetted by our security - in order to facilitate their work in areas in Chiapas where prospecting can begin."
Jim then rose from is seat.
"Well, I think that is enough for the moment - so please let me know how matters are progressing.", jim concluded.
As they left the 'Club Jaguar', Ethan invited Faunus and Ashraf back to his penthouse in Summerlin.
Max, however, didn't join the group in the penthouse, as he needed to inspect progress on the installing of the pipe organ at the 'Park Theatre', however, he arranged to see Ethan the following day, as Ethan wished to rehears Aaron with the new song.
 |
| The Penthouse - Summerlin - Las Vegas |
"Well, I do have things to do, other than keeping you guys out of trouble...", Faunus replied with a sly grin.
"OK - but why now ?", Ethan persisted.
"Simple - this is not like buying hotels, or putting on concerts or wrestling shows - this is 'serious business' - and I just might be of some assistance - and also I like to spend time with Novius and the kittens, and I think you're going to need Novius during this part of your adventure.", Faunus explained.
"Mm... now you're getting me worried - and I didn't think we were on an 'adventure' - I thought that this was just 'life'...", Ethan mumbled, with a mouth full of cheese-burger.
"But life is an adventure - but what's really troubling you, Ethan ? You know I can tell...
"Well, it's these manuscript-thingys...
"No one has ever mentioned them before, and now they suddenly seem to be very important - and I'm wondering what's going on.", Ethan confessed.
At that point Ethan was expecting Teddy to say something - maybe some long complicated explanation. but instead he just sat quietly on Ethan's lap, saying nothing - and looking intently at Faunus.
"So let me try to explain...", Faunus began gently.
"These writings - often referred to as 'The Books of Foundation' were intended to describe something of the nature of the 'cosmos'."
"And what's this 'cosmos-thingy' ?", Ethan asked - interrupting.
Faunus had expected this sort of question, and was not perturbed by Ethan's question.
 |
| Pythagoras of Samos |
Originally the philosopher Pythagoras used the term 'κόσμος' - 'cosmos', for the order of the universe.
Πυθαγόρας ὁ Σάμιος - (Pythagoras of Samos), was an ancient Ionian Greek philosopher and the eponymous founder of Pythagoreanism. His political and religious teachings were well known in 'Magna Graecia', and influenced the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and, through them, the West in general. Knowledge of his life is clouded by legend, but he appears to have been the son of Mnesarchus, a gem-engraver on the island of Samos.
 |
| Alexander von Humboldt |
Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt (1769 – 1859) was a German polymath, geographer, naturalist, explorer, and proponent of Romantic philosophy and science. He was the younger brother of the Prussian minister, philosopher, and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767–1835).
In 'The Books of Foundation', not only is the nature of the 'κόσμος' described, but also its structure, nature and origins, and man's purpose within the κόσμος.
These subjects are dealt with in sections that are given various titles - such as 'Ontology - which is about the nature of 'Being', 'Cosmogonists' - which is about how things were created, 'Biogenesis' - which is about how living things came into existence, 'The Demiurge' - which describes the creator of this particular 'κόσμος', 'The First Time' - which is a bit complicated, and 'The Incarnation of the Aeons', and the 'Nature of the Will'.
There then follow other chapters dealing with the subsequent history of sentient beings on Earth, although at the time that the manuscripts were written such things hadn't as yet happened - so they were really like prophecies."
Ethan looked puzzled.
 |
| Temple of Horus at Edfu - Upper Egypt |
"The Egyptian name for the 'first time' is 'Zep Tepi', Ashraf suggested.
"Yes, quite right - and that was explained to Ethan - but quite some time ago, when we visited the Temple of Horus at Edfu in Upper Egypt.", Faunus agreed.
"Oh yes - I remember - the place, with those grumpy looking birdy-thingys sitting outside the main entrance - but it was very well preserved, unlike some of the other 'crumbly places.", Ethan reminisced.
"So - where might we find these manuscripts ?", Ethan asked, in a strangely scholarly manner.
At that point Teddy entered the conversation...
"We... might find these documents almost anywhere - but it is unlikely that they would be in the US, or Canada, unless they are in some museum or university collection - and if they were, then that would be common knowledge, at least in the academic world, and we could easily check it out on the internet.", Teddy said.
"Well why don't we do just that ?", Ethan suggested.
"...Already have...", Teddy instantly replied.
"So when did you do that ?", Ethan asked.
"While Jim was talking to us - at the 'Club Athena'.", Teddy responded, a if it was obvious.
"What ! You checked all the museums and university collections while Jim was talking ?", Ethan exclaimed.
"Yes - I have a very fast search-engine.", Teddy replied calmly.
"So we're not going anywhere simple - like nearby..", Ethan said.
"No - I'm afraid not...", Teddy replied.
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| Πλωτῖνος - Neoplatonic Philosopher |
"Novius - who claims to have had sight of theses manuscripts - a long time ago I might add - suggests that they are 'Gnostic' or 'Neo-Platonic' - so that means that there is a good likelihood that if copies have survived then a good place to look would be Egypt.
"But Egypt's a big place - so where in Egypt ?", Ethan quite sensibly asked.Neoplatonism began in Alexandria, Egypt during the third century AD. Its founder was Ammonius, an Alexandrian philosopher. The foremost exponent of the teachings was the Roman philosopher Plotinus who was born in Egypt, studied with Ammonius in Alexandria and took the Neoplatonic doctrine to Rome. After settling in Rome his major works were the 'Enneads', that contains a comprehensive exposition of Neoplatonic metaphysics. Other important Neoplatonic thinkers were the Syrian-Greek scholar and philosopher Porphyry, the Syrian-Greek philosopher Iamblichus, and the Greek philosopher and mathematician Proclus.
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| The 'Great Library' in Alexandria - Lower Egypt |
The 'Great Library' in Alexandria in Egypt, was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. The Library was part of a larger research institution called the 'Mouseion', which was dedicated to the Muses, the nine goddesses of the arts. The Library itself was probably not built until the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. The Library quickly acquired many papyrus scrolls, owing largely to the Ptolemaic kings' aggressive and well-funded policies for procuring texts. It is unknown precisely how many such scrolls were housed at any given time, but estimates range from 40,000 to 400,000 at its height."So if not Alexandria - where then ?", Ethan insisted.
"Well, very close to the area that you are familiar with - ", Teddy replied.
"Yo mean around Luxor ?", Ethan questioned.
"Not just Luxor - but including that area.
It's known to scholars as the 'Thebaid'.
The 'Thebaid' acquired its name from its proximity to the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes (modern Luxor). During the Ancient Egyptian dynasties this region was dominated by Thebes and its priesthood at the temple of Amun at Karnak. In Ptolemaic Egypt, the Thebaid formed a single administrative district under the Strategists of Thebes. The capital of Ptolemaic Thebaid was Ptolemais Hermiou, (now المنشأة - El Mansha - near Sohag) a Hellenistic colony on the Nile, which served as the centre of royal political and economic control in Upper Egypt."You see, when the Greek and Roman influence declined in Egypt, the area became depopulated, and then became the site of many religious groups who wished to live as 'hermits' in the desert.
Now these hermits were great collectors of scrolls and books, and many of those scrolls and books ended up in Coptic monasteries.
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| نجع حمادى - Nag Hammadi |
Thirteen papyrus codices (a codex is a manuscript book especially of Scripture, classics, or ancient annals) buried in a sealed jar were found by a local farmer. The writings in these codices comprise 52 mostly Gnostic treatises, but they also include three works belonging to the 'Corpus Hermeticum' and a partial translation/alteration of Plato's 'Republic'. The discovery of these texts significantly influenced modern scholarship's pursuit and knowledge of Gnosticism. The contents of the codices were written in the Coptic language.
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| Hugh Everett III |
Don't worry - we'll find what we're looking for.", Faunus said.
And so, while Faunus was summoning up visions of the ancient world - long, long ago - with images of ruined temples, forgotten libraries, and the long lost books of great philosophers, Jim, on the other side of Town - that town being the Las Vegas of a particular 'universe' (the 'many worlds theory' having first posited by the ancient Greek philosopher Anaximander - and later developed by Hugh Everett III) which may well not be the universe in which you are reading this story - was planning to pay a visit, the next morning, to the 'California Combat Club' in order to discuss matters with the manager, Kurt.
It was early the following morning when Jim was driven to the 'California Combat Club'.
Jim was not a frequent visitor at the "club', and he reason for this has previously been explained, and was a simple one - Jim was not keen on having people - and especially the media directly linking the 'Combat Club with the 'Athena Corporation' for complex reasons.
This was not specifically a legal concern either, as Police Chief Eckart had no problems with the activities of the 'Club' - partly because of his close association with Emma, Jim's personal secretary', but mainly because Franklin had made certain 'arrangements' with Eckart that were very much to the Chief's advantage.
And it was true that the 'Club' was well advertised in the 'Athena Corporation's' other establishments, but then so were numerous other 'Vegas attractions, (many of which were also owned by the Corporation - although that fact was not publicized).
As usual, Kurt was in his office, apparently chatting with Mikey.
When Tripp brought Jim into Kurt's office, both Kurt and Mikey stood - as a sign of respect.
"Get us some coffee please, Tripp - and then leave us.", Kurt said, as he extended a hand to Jim in greeting.
"So Kurt - there's a lot going on, and I would really appreciate it if you could get this next 'show' up and running as soon as possible.
"I understand, Jim.
Zac has explained the whole situation to me and Mikey, and we're getting match plans ready already - as we speak.", Kurt explained.
"That's good - and you've made contact with this Tolson guy ?", Jim asked Mikey.
"Oh yes - for someone high up in the FBI he doesn't seem very 'street-wise'...", Mikey commented, shaking his head and smiling.
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| Brody Harrison & 'Paco' Valiente - Practice Ring - 'Combat Club' |
"So would you like to see the boys working on their moves ?", Kurt asked.
"Yes - that would be good...", Jim replied.
"They're working in the large practice ring...", Kurt said as he guided Jim past some doors and on into the darkened practice ring area.
There were no windows in the practice ring - th walls being painted matte-black - and the only ventilation came from the air-conditioning, and large, lazily turning ceiling fans
It was there that Brody and Paco were rehearsing their moves.
"Well, they look in good shape...", Jim commented, as Brody picked Paco up with a shoulder and crotch hold, and then dropped him sideways onto his knee - leaving Paco sprawling on the canvass.
"So what have you got in the program for the upcoming 'show' ?", Jim asked.
"Well, because we need to play the 'innocent party', there must be no Greek style Pankration - so what would you suggest as a substitute ?", Jim asked.
"Well I could get some Asian kick- boxers - they could be expected to put on a good show.", Kurt suggested.
"So where do you get 'Thai Kick-boxers' from ?", - Jim asked - not really knowing what Thai Kick-boxers actually were.
"Not really a problem, Sir.
There are lots of Asian boys looking for works - any kind of work - here in 'Vegas - and they've all seen 'Bruce Lee movies, and so fancy themselves as kick-boxers.
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| 'Paco' on the Canvass - Practice Ring - 'Combat Club' |
By then Paco was recovering from Brody's throw, and was on 'all fours' on the canvass, but at this point Jim was completely 'lost' with regards to Kurt's suggestion - so he spoke to Paco while he collected his thoughts.
"You OK, Paco ?"
"Yes Sir - no problem...", Paco replied, getting to his feet, and shaking hands with Brody.
So Jim returned to the puzzling subject of 'Kick-boxing'.
"So, this 'kick-boxing', - it's a bit like boxing, but kicking with the feet ?", Jim asked.
"Yes - and also the fists - it's really exciting !", Mikey added.
"And the shorts ? they don't sound very attractive...", Jim commented.
"True - but we can have some made really short - so the punters can 'appreciate' the Asian boys' physique's - if you get my meaning".
"OK - then that's fine - so you can get this organised quickly ?", Jim asked.
"Yes - no problem - and if it goes well, we can include 'Kick-boxing' in our programs in future - bu it all depends on the betting of course...", Kurt replied.
"Yes - well that's agreed...
OK - so Mikey - how are you going to arrange to be with Tolson ?", Jim asked.
"I'll arrange to meet him at the 'Park Hotel', and when we come to the 'Combat Club', Tolson will use his 'Platinum Card', and I have my free pass...", Mikey explained.
"And you'll not be in uniform ?"., Kurt asked.
"No - I'll just look like Tolson's 'boy-friend'.", Mikey explained - smiling.
"Good - that's just what we want.", Jim commented.
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| Athena Corporation - Logo |
"And I assume that this will all be done discretely ?", Kurt queried.
"Of course, Kurt - we don't want the 'Combat Club' getting a bad reputation...
Tolson will be approached, and 'extracted' as he leaves the 'Club', and you can take Mikey aside, just as if you were speaking to him normally, as manager to employee.", Jim explained.
"And where will you take Tolson, once you have 'extracted' him - as you put it ?"
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| 'Gorgoneion' - the Gorgon's Head |
We like to keep everything completely legal when an organization such as the FBI is involved.", Jim said.
And why 'Athena' ? - Αθήνα - Athena is an ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who was known to the Romans as Minerva. Her major symbols include the owl, olive trees, snakes, and the Gorgon's Head. In art, she is depicted wearing a helmet, holding a spear, and accompanied by an owl - Glaux. On the night that Gnæus Octavian Gracchus was murdered, Athena sent an owl, Glaux, as protector and guide to Marcus. When Marcus (Jim) became 'Dominus', he took Athena as his patron, in addition to Απόλλων - Apollo.
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| The 'Stormy Night' when Gracchus was Murdered. |
Having checked out the situation at the 'California Combat Club', and made the initial plans for the next 'show', all Jim had to do at that point was to wait for Kurt to inform him that all the arrangements had been made, and wait for the confirmation of the date when Tolson would be willing to attend the 'Club' with Mikey.
At the same time Ethan and Teddy, and Max were continuing to run rehearsals at the 'Park Theater'.
Meanwhile Faunus had taken some conventional transport to 'Antelope Valley', and the 'Villa Athena', mainly because he was travelling with Ashraf, in order to spend time with the kittens - but more importantly because he needed to discuss in more detail problems relating to the proposed search for the 'The Books of Foundation'.
Sigi, of course was helping Zac with the organizing of the video and audio evidence with regard to 'connection' between Tolson an Caleb, while Caleb himself, 'in hiding', had joined Glen - as a 'temporary student' - at 'Green Valley High School' in Henderson.
Faunus, Ashraf, Tony Stark and Novius meet at the 'Villa Athena' and discus the search for the ancient manuscripts, and make decisions about the use of the Armant Sarcophagus - Tolson and Mikey attend the latest 'show' at the 'Combat Club', and there is a Gala Evening at the 'Park Theatre', with the inaugural concert featuring the newly installed pipe organ.
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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