It's the night of the concert - and a 'show' at the 'California Combat Club'. Everyone is looking their best - evening dress and bow-ties - arriving in a fleet of black Cadillacs.
'Sigi' gives an opening speech - inaugurating the new pipe organ, and honouring 'Marcus' -
and the concert proceeds.
Later, Jim and the 'boys' attend the 'California Combat Club' for Paco's first public appearance - and Mickey accompanies Tolson - but the evening does not turn out as Tolson was expecting
ADULT IMAGES & LANGUAGE - PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS (EXCLUDING 'TEDDY') FEATURED IN THIS CHAPTER WERE OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS AT THE TIME THAT THE ORIGINAL IMAGES AND TEXT WERE PRODUCED
Having checked on the ticket sales, Ethan and Teddy, with Max, 'snuck' into the 'Renaissance Restaurant' at the 'Athena Park Hotel' for a quick, light evening meal, before returning to the 'Penthouse Building' in Summerlin in order to shower and change their clothes for the evening concert.
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| Teddy with Bow Tie |
Of course Teddy would not be changing into evening wear - teddy-bears never wear clothes (whatever you may see in shops, in books or on movies) - and Teddy's only concession to formality was a black bow-tie.
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| Athena Owl Gold Cuff Links |
As can be expected from Teddy's bow tie, Teddy had consulted his data-files, and had decided that the concert should be a 'black tie' occasion.
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| Clare - Evening Gown and Necklace |
Clare would be accompanying Jim to the concert (but not to the Combat Club show).
But to express his gratitude for the tireless service and loyalty that Clare had shown to himself, Ethan, Teddy and the 'boys', Jim had bought her a pearl encrusted evening dress, and a lavish pearl and diamond necklace featuring a large, unusually clear Nevada emerald.
A fine emerald must possess not only a pure verdant green hue as described, but also a high degree of transparency to be considered a top gemstone. Emeralds are members of the beryl family, and rank among the traditional 'big four' gems along with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
Of course there was always the problem at the 'Penthouse regarding Ethan's cologne.
Although Ethan's 'Creed White Cologne' was extremely expensive, and generally well thought of, Teddy, with his hypersensitive odor receptors found it very annoying so immediately after Ethan had used the cologne, Teddy demanded that Ethan sat out on the roof patio, by the pool.
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| 'Harley Davidson Electra Glide' Police Motorcycles |
And so, as the time for the concert approached, all those who were closely associated with the 'Athena Corporation' gathered at the 'Las Vegas Hotel Athena' - from which they would process in a convoy of black Cadillac limousines along the 'Strip' to 'South Las Vegas Boulevard', where the 'Athena Park Theater' was situated.
And in order to give a 'presidential' feel to the whole situation, Jim had gifted ten 'Harley Davidson Electra Glide' police motorcycle to the Henderson Police force, which were now providing 'outriders' for the Cadillac procession to the 'Park Theater' - and of course Chief Eckart and Emma - Jim's 'robot' secretary - according to Ethan - had been invited to the concert.
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| The Funeral Cortege of Alexander Johnson |
"This reminds me of the funeral cortege...", Glen commented to 'Sigi' - both of whom were travelling in the first limo, along with Tony and Ashraf.
"Yes, but don't let Jim hear you say that - even now he's still very sensitive about the passing of 'the Boss'.", 'Sigi' warned.
By the time they had set off, Jim was already wondering if may not have been wiser to have had everybody simply take a 'cab' down to the Park Theater, as he was loath to be the center of so much attention.
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| Park Theater at Night |
Jim, however, had begun to realize, in America avoiding publicity almost amounted to asking for publicity, as people became intrigued by the idea that people who were shy of publicity had something to hide.
Fortunately Jim not only had the assistance of the local police, thanks to his close connection with 'Chief Eckart', but he also had his own security teams to keep the 'overly curious' at bay.
Of course, the press, and those who were simply curious had gathered at the most conspicuous entrance to the Parks Theater, but Jim had decided to use the entrance that was only accessible from the Athena Park Hotel.
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| Park Theater - Grand Entrance |
Not only was it a more private entrance, but more appropriately it was designed in a very grand and opulent neo-classical style, which was much more to Jim's taste.
Young 'bell-hops' from the 'Athena Park Hotel', along with Evans, the hotel manager, and Mario Giordano, the manager of the 'Park Theater'. were on hand to greet Jim - and also Ethan as the 'Entertainments Manager for the Athena Corporation', and also part owner of the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
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| Lounge of the Executive Box in the 'Park Theater' |
Evans and Mario Girdano then escorted Jim and Clare, and Ethan and Teddy and Max to the private lounge of the Executive Box in the 'Park Theater', where the other VIP guests were gathered, prior to taking their seats.
Light refreshments were offered to the guests, while the audience gathered in the auditorium, but in memory of, and in deference to the strict rules of 'the Boss', no alcohol was served, and no smoking was permitted in the executive lounge.
Ethan and Teddy and Max however were required in the auditorium, but the line up for the 'Executive Box' was Jim and Clare, Novius, Tony Stark, Josh, Zac, 'Sigi', Glen, and Ashraf.
In adjacent boxes were Franklin, Dr Lockwood, Johnathan Kent, Brody Harrison and Caleb Harley.
(Kurt was not attending as he was busy with preparations for that night's show at the 'Combat Club'.)
Meanwhile, Ethan was preparing to personally conduct the six trumpeters situated either side of the stage, and the other members of the brass section in the orchestra (8 horns, 4 trumpets ,4 trombones, and 2 tubas), who were to play a fanfare as Jim entered the 'executive box' (pulvinar).
'Concert Program'
"So Jim, this is what the 'boys' came up with - so I wonder what it's going to sound like ?",
Clare asked, as she handed Jim the hastily prepared program card.
PART I
'Opening Fanfare'
Brass Players for the Fanfare for the Entry of Jim
Having taken his seat, with Clare at his side, and also Novius, Tony Stark, Zac and Josh
"Sigi' entered the executive box in order to make an introduction to the awaiting audience...
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| Apollo - God of Light, Music and Art |
"Ladies and gentlemen - it is with great pleasure that I introduce Jame Johnson, our generous benefactor, who is attending this concert to celebrate the first public performance of music played on the newly installed 'Park Theater Pipe Organ' - one of the largest in the country, and certainly the most technically advanced ..."
Jim then rose from his seat - to the applause of the audience - and thanked 'Sigi' (Mr Brandt).
He then made the inaugural dedication...
"Hoc Organum Marcus Octavianus Gracchus Apollini - Deo Lucis Musicae et Artium consecravit."
(of course most of the audience presumed that he was speaking in Italian - but in fact it was Latin)
roughly translated Jim said :
'This Pipe Organ, I Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, consecrate to Apollo, the God of Light, Music and Art. "
'Sigi' then continued - "The first piece in tonight's concert is an 'Inaugural Prelude', intended to 'showcase' the remarkable range of this magnificent instrument."
`
'Inaugural Prelude'
Of course no one in the audience had actually heard the 'Park Theatre' pipe organ being played - and so, as the 'Inaugural Prelude' began, the sheer volume and the depth of the pedal notes was a surprise to everyone.
And also Ethan's virtuoso playing....
The applause was deafening - and some members of the audience even rose to their feet, in order show their appreciation.
Clare was - not surprisingly - stunned - and Jim, despite his almost complete lack of interest in any kind of music, appeared to be deeply moved.
Ethan then left the organ bench in order to take a bow - while at the same time shaking hands with Max, who had been conducting the orchestra.
(Now if you're wondering how it was that Max, with no musical training could conduct an orchestra - well it was all because of Faunus' visits in the early hours of the morning - unknown to Max - when he imparted the knowledge and skills that enabled Max to be of genuine assistance to Ethan - but Max, however, had no knowledge of those visits, and was left deeply puzzled regarding his new found skills.)
Ethan then mounted the conductor's podium, and gestured for silence as he introduced the next item on the program.
"That was exhausting, so now, ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to take a break from playing,
and simply conduct the next piece which is my interpretation of a simple, Western style tune
for a slightly more 'modern' orchestra, which is entitled 'Love Me Tender'.
'Love Me Tender' - Orchestral Prelude
And not surprisingly this slightly syncopated and 'folksy' rendering, that also featured the richness of a full symphony orchestra, went down very well with the audience.
On coming to the conclusion of the well received piece, the applause dramatically increased as Aaron made his appearance.
"I can tell that most of you have heard about our resident singer, Aaron,
who is definitely making his mark in 'Vegas - and beyond.
Tonight he will be giving a performance of the vocal version of the piece
that we have just played to you..."
And with that announcement, that elicited further applause, Ethan began conducting the introduction to the vocal version of 'Love me Tender'.
'Love Me Tender' - Sung by Aaron
As soon as Aaron had finished his rendering of the song, the audience called for an encore, which Ethan and Aaron wee glad to perform.
The Ethan called for silence...
'Thank you, ladies and gentlemen - and Aaron will be returning in part two of this concert ....
So now we come to the finale of part one of this concert....
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| 'Großer Saal des Wiener Konzerthauses' - Vienna - Austria |
"The instrument's debut came in the first performance of Strauss' Præludium on October 19, 1913,
an occasion and a work acclaimed by the public and the critics alike.
And so now, we would like to play tonight that same 'Festlicher Præludium' for the inauguration of this unique instrument in our theater here in Las Vegas."
The lights then went down in the auditorium, and the huge thirty-two foot pipes of the organ were bathed in golden light as Ethan prepared to play the opening chords of the 'Festlicher Præludium für Orgel und großes Orchester' by Richard Strauss.
'Festlicher Præludium für Orgel und großes Orchester'
Richard Strauss
And, as at the first performance in 1913, this performance of the 'Festlicher Præludium', on this occasion at the 'Park Theatre',concluded the first pat of the concert to great acclaim.
The lighting of the huge organ pipes dimmed, and the 'house lights' brightened as many members of the audience left their seats in order to stretch their legs, and search of refreshments.
Jim, and the others in the executive box, retired to their private lounge, wishing to escape the eager gaze of those below, who were obviously intrigued by the rare public appearance of the elusive Mr Johnson and his entourage.
"So what do you think, Jim ?", Josh asked, as they were handed their drinks by the waiters from the 'Athena Park Hotel'.
"It's all very surprising - and very impressive.", Jim replied, looking decidedly puzzled.
"This is going to be beneficial for us all...", Tony, who had joined them, commented.
"You mean like with tourists, coming to hear concerts ?", Glen queried.
"Yes - and in all sorts of ways -
It shows that w are people of 'culture', and benefactors of 'culture'", Novius added.
"And now we need to not only help the schools, but also the University here - and also hospitals.", Jim suggested.
But their brief conversation was interrupted by a tinkling bell that indicated that the second part of the concert was about to begin.
PART II
Once the audience had returned to their seats, and Jim and his guests were seated in the 'executive box', Ethan mounted the podium.
"We hope that you are enjoying this concert so far, and we begin the second part of this concert with a short piece by a composer who is a particular favourite of mine - Vítezslav Novák - which describes a visit to a village church, and was written for organ and orchestra, and so is appropriate for his particular concert.
And so Ethan returned to the organ bench where Teddy, (who had already pres-elected the required stops), was waiting for him, while Max took up his baton, readied the orchestra, and then made the first down-beat to begin the piece.
'Okamžiky v církvi' - ('Slovak Suite')
Vítezslav Novák
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| Vítězslav Novák |
Vítězslav Augustín Rudolf Novák,1870 - 1949, was a Czech composer and academic teacher at the Prague Conservatory.
Stylistically he was part of the neo-romantic tradition and his music is considered an important example of Czech 'modernism'.
He worked towards a strong Czech identity in culture after the country became independent in 1918.
His compositions include operas and orchestral works.
Perhaps his most well known composition is his 'Slovácká svita' ('Slovak Suite'), Op 3,2 the first part of which Ethan included in the concert as it is scored for orchestra and pipe organ.
This piece was also well received by the audience, particularly because of the magnificent entry of the pipe organ at the beginning of the coda.
In music, a 'coda' - (Italian for 'tail') is a passage that brings a piece (or a movement) to an end. It may be as simple as a few measures, or as complex as an entire section.
The next piece gave the orchestra an opportunity for a rest, as Ethan was to play Bach's 'Tocatta in D Minor'.
This piece is particularly well know for it opening notes - played almost as a 'fanfare'.
'Toccata and Fugue in D Minor' - J S Bach
Ethan had chosen this piece as it was the ultimate work that could be used to show off the beauty and power of a large pipe organ.During the short pause, after the ending of the 'Slovak Suite', Teddy, who was an expert on 'organ voicing' (just as he was on everything else), had been jumping around on the organ console pulling out stops, and creating a series of 'pre-sets' in order to give a unique sound to Ethan's rendering of the 'Toccata and Fugue'.
(pre-sets are combinations of stops brought into play by depressing pistons situated just below each manual [keyboard], and also on the 'foot-board'- the 'Park Theatre Organ has five manuals.)
Of course Teddy was operating his 'SEBF', so nobody in the orchestra and audience really noticed - as it was 'somebody else's business'.
A Toccata (from Italian 'toccare', literally, 'to touch') is a virtuoso piece of music typically for a keyboard, fast-moving, lightly fingered or otherwise virtuoso passages or sections, generally emphasizing the dexterity of the performer's fingers.
Johann Sebastian Bach's toccatas are among most the famous examples of the form.
Of course Ethan's rendering of Bach's great master work was warmly received, and while the audience were applauding, the choir made their way to the space allocated to them between the orchestra and the organ bench.
Once they were in place, Aaron returned to the stage to loud applause, while Ethan came down from the organ bench, and took over the conducting from Max.
This next piece is has no organ part - but we know that you want to hear Aaron - so I have chosen his song that I feel fits in well with the other pieces that we have been playing for you.... it's 'How Great Thou Art' - and the orchestra and choir, under Ethan's direction, then began the introduction.
'How Great Thou Art' - Aaron - Orchestra & Choir
'How Great Thou Art' is a song based on an original Swedish hymn entitled 'O Store Gud', written in 1885 by Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940) who was a Swedish poet and elected official, best known for writing the Swedish language poem "O Store Gud" (O Great God) from which the English language song "How Great Thou Art" is derived.
Ethan wisely sought the approval of Jim and Novius to include this song in the concert, as Ethan was aware that Jim would permit no reference to anything associated with christianity, however, as the song has no direct references to the christian religion, Jim and Novius saw no reason why it should not be included. (the same criteria applied to 'Okamžiky v církvi' - from the 'Slovak Suite'), If this seems strange - then you should refer to earlier chapters in this story dealing with the origins of the main characters.
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| Camille Saint-Saëns |
The audience gave Aaron a standing ovation - and then Ethan gestured for silence.
"The next piece once again shows off the qualities of our new pipe-organ as it is accompanied by the 'Park Theater Symphony Orchestra'.
This piece is the well loved and famous 'Organ Symphony' by Camille Saint-Saëns...
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 – 1921) was a French composer, organist, conductor and pianist of the Romantic era. One of his His best-known works is his Third ('Organ') Symphony (1886). Saint-Saëns was a musical prodigy; he made his concert debut at the age of ten. After studying at the Paris Conservatoire he followed a conventional career as a church organist, first at Saint-Merri, Paris and, from 1858, La Madeleine, the official church of the French Empire. After leaving the post twenty years later, he was a successful freelance pianist and composer, in demand in Europe and the Americas.
Saint-Saëns - 'Organ Symphony' - 1st Movement
Saint-Saëns - 'Organ Symphony' - 2nd Movement
One of its most outstanding and original features is Saint-Saëns' ingenious use of keyboard instruments - piano, scored for both two and four hands at various places, and the pipe organ. The symphony makes cyclic use of its thematic material, derived from fragments of plainsong, as a unifying device; each melody appears in more than one movement. Saint-Saëns also employs Liszt's method of thematic transformation, so that these subjects evolve into different guises throughout the symphony.
And so the concert came to an end...
Ethan then went over to the podium...
"And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have sadly come to the end of our inaugural concert.
I am sure that the orchestra has enjoyed playing for you, and the choir has enjoyed singing for you.
And so to conclude - the orchestra will play, and the choir will sing for one last time, and I will accompany them of the newly installed pipe organ.
The final item - as you can see from your programs - is the national anthem, so I will ask you all to stand."
Ethan then returned to the organ bench, and Max raised his baton to direct the choir and the orchestra. as two long vertical banners unfurled either side of the outer organ pipes.
'The Star-Spangled Banner'
'The Star-Spangled Banner' is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from the 'Defence of Fort M'Henry', a poem written on September 14, 1814, by 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Outer Baltimore Harbour in the Patapsco River during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large U.S. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort during the U.S. victory. The poem was set to the tune of a popular British song, written by John Stafford Smith. In 1931, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution (46 Stat. 1508) making the song the official national anthem of the United States, which President Herbert Hoover signed into law.
'O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave ?'
As the audience was already on their feet, it seemed natural for the end of the concert to elicit a 'standing ovation' - and after numerous bows, Ethan and Teddy and Max and Aaron were finally allowed to leave the stage.
By the time the audience had stopped clapping, Jim and his guests were long gone - with Jim giving final instruction to the group in the executive lounge.
Clare was to leave with Zac as her escort, and return to the 'Penthouse Building' in Summerlin, where she would supervise the packing for Jim and the 'boys' for their trip to Egypt, which would take place the following morning - but Zac would then return to 'Paradise', where he would meet Jim and the 'boys' at the 'California Combat Club'.
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| Park Theatre - Las Vegas |
Franklin, and Dr. Lockwood would be returning to the 'Club Jaguar' in Summerlin for the night.
(although Dr. Lockwood would be on call for the 'Combat Club'.)
Glen was to return to Henderson, to pack, while 'Sigi' and Josh, along with Johnathan Kent and Brody, would accompany Jim, Ethan and Teddy and Max to the 'California Combat Club'.
Meanwhile, news had spread of the 'gala event' at the 'Park Theatre', and so Josh ordered the Athena Security personnel to block off the side streets next to the theatre, so that Jim and his group could be driven the short distance to the 'California Combat Club' by the back roads, and so avoid the attentions of the press and media.
ADULT MATERIAL - PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS (EXCLUDING 'TEDDY') FEATURED IN THIS CHAPTER WERE OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS AT THE TIME THAT THE ORIGINAL IMAGES AND TEXT WERE PRODUCED - ALL WRESTLING FIGHTS ARE SIMULATED
Having evaded any following automobiles, the three Cadillacs arrived at the rear of the 'California Combat Club'.
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| Posters Outside the California Combat Club - Paradise - Las Vegas |
The venue was just on the verge of being opened to Club Members for the evening 'show', so Jim and the 'boys' were in time to have a chat with Kurt, before taking their seats in their private box.
Kurt was with Adam (the in-house photographer for the Combat Club') - and they were about to take a few preliminary shots of the new 'recruit' while they waited for the main arena to fill up.
"So Kurt, is everything ready for tonight's 'show' ?", Jim asked as he offered his hand to Kurt.
"Yes - I think we're all set...", Kurt replied.
"And what about Mikey ?", Jim asked, taking Kurt to one side.
"Oh yes - he went off early, picked up Tolson from the 'Park Hotel', and then came back here, and is showing Tolson around.", Kurt explained.
"And Mikey - he's not on duty ?", Jim questioned.
"No - like you wanted, he's just playing the part of a 'street boy' that Tolson's picked up...", Kurt said with a smile.
"Good...", Jim said decisively.
"So ... we've got a bit of time before the 'show' begins, so would you like to see this 'new boy' ?", Kurt asked.
"Why not...", Jim replied.
Kurt then called Tripp to bring the 'new boy' into the studio.
Wearing only a brief pair of white Speedos, the new young wrestler came hesitantly into the studio.
Kurt then introduced Jim....
"This is Mr Johnson - but it's a good idea to always call him 'Sir' - as he pays your wages."
"Yes Sir...", the 'boy' replied.
"So OK - show Mr Johnson some poses - he wants to see how much muscle you've got.", Kurt said.
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| Cody Rogers - Photoshoot |
"And does he have a name ?", Jim asked.
"Yes - Cody - Cody Rogers...", Kurt replied.
"And what's his story ?", Jim asked.
"Much the same as the others - in this case he comes from West Virginia - Fairmont actually- not much work there....".
"So , Cody, how did you get this physique ?", Jim asked.
"You mean my muscles, Sir ? "
Jim nodded.
"Well football and wrestling, at Fairmont Senior High.", Cody replied.
'Fairmont Senior High School', is a public high school in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The current school building, built in 1928, serving grades nine through twelve.
"Well I think he's cute...", Ethan said to Teddy.
"You would.... you'll probably want to wrap him up, and take him home with you.", Teddy replied.
"Did that teddy-bear talk ?", Cody asked, looking shocked and a little embarrassed.
"No - 'must be your imagination - probably because you're a bit nervous", Ethan said.
"Oh yes, and this is another of your bosses - Mr Duncan.
He' s the 'Director of Entertainments' at the 'Athena Corporation'...", Kurt explained - and Cody and Ethan shook hands.
"So will he be appearing tonight ?", Zac asked - referring to Cody.
"Oh no - we need to do more work with him before he appears in public.", Kurt replied.
"So have you any objections if I use your office and have a few words with him ?", Zac said.
Obviously Zac was intending to give the 'new boy' an informal 'screening' while he had the opportunity.
"OK Cody - get dressed and go with Zac to my office...", Kurt ordered.
In order to enlarge images right click and open link in a new tab
"So, Mr Johnson.", Kurt began, being deliberately formal.
"Would you like to take your guests to the 'executive box ?"
Jim nodded in approval, and Kurt led then along a hallway, and then up some marble steps.
"We have the executive box recently refurbished - so I hope that you like it....", Kurt commented.
Eventually, following the sound of muffled conversation, and soft background music, they came to a pair of sliding doors covered in padded white leather
The doors that were electronically controlled, automatically and silently slid open to reveal the new 'executive box', reserved exclusively, and at all times for Jim and his associates.
The private box was completely enclosed, with separate air conditioning, with one way shatter-proof glass (bullet and bomb proof) at the front, so that the guests had a perfect view over the ring, while no one could see in...
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| View from the new Executive Box - 'California Combat Club' |
The first fight had just started - but they had apparently missed very little.
"Well this is all very comfy...", Ethan commented, as he relaxed in his well upholstered, white leather armchair.
Teddy was sitting of Ethan's lap, but had switched himself off, (he was still maintaining an automatic video and audio record of everything that was happening, however).
Teddy has switched himself off because he had no interest in gambling, (he always knew who would win and who would loose to a very high level of probability), and could see not interest in watching human beings hurting, or pretending to hurt themselves for apparently no reason.
“Well I’m glad you like the new seating I’ve had installed, but try to concentrate on the fight, Ethan, or you might miss something...“, Jim suggested.
Meanwhile Josh Max and ‘Sigi’ were discussing the pros and cons, and the attributes of the two fighters.
The fight was between two relatively new wrestlers - Blake (who had been involved with the photo-shoot for the new brochure), and a relatively untried young wrestler called Wyatt.
To distinguish them, Blake was wearing red briefs - and Wyatt was wearing pale purple...
Jim’s was not really concentrating on the ‘fight’, however, despite his advice to Ethan, and was on the ‘house phone’ to Kurt in order to get confirmation that Mikey and Tolson were at the ringside, watching the fight, and that their presence was being captured by the CCTV system in the auditorium.
As the ‘fight’ progressed, Blake gradually weakened his opponent, working first on Wyatt’s legs, then his shoulders, and finally his back.
Then, when Wyatt was in no condition to resist, Blake hoisted him up, with Wyatt’s’s legs bent over Blake’s shoulders.
With Wyatt’s head between Blake’s knees, and looking down at the canvass, he had no idea what Blake was about to do.
As usual, Kurt was keeping a close watch on the proceeding, and signaled to Blake to bring the encounter to an end.
Blake was experienced enough to know what to do, and brought his elbow don sharply between Wyatt's spread legs.
Wyatt screamed, and let go of Blake's ankles, as his legs kicked convulsively.
Wyatt then toppled onto the canvass, with Blake holding on the the waistband of Wyatt's wrestling briefs,
Predictably the skimpy briefs tore, and Wyatt ended up on his back on the canvass, with his legs fitfully kicking, and his hands clutching his groin as he groaned repeatedly that he was submitting.
Kurt immediately sent in Brandon and Quin - two 'ring-boys' (seconds) - to get Wyatt out of the ring.
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| Dr Lockwood |
Dr Lockwood is the 'in-house' physician for the senior members of the 'Athena Corporation' (inherited from 'the Boss' - Alexander Johnson). - Lockwood was also - on a separate contract - the resident physician to the 'California Combat Club'.
Meanwhile the public address system announced Blake's undoubted victory - and the 'club boys' (like Mikey - although he was not on duty that night) were busy attending to the 'club members' winnings.
"Well that was dramatic...", Ethan commented, sipping his Pepsi Max.
As an aside, male nudity, in an 'entertainment environment', is legal in Clark County, Nevada -
but only in establishments where those appearing nude are over 21 years old age,
and in establishments where alcohol is not served, or otherwise available.
In view of the above, on Jim's instructions, Kurt ensured that the 'California Combat Club' could not be considered under any circumstances to be a 'gay strip joint', and where nudity occurred it could be only be construed as 'accidental' to the action taking place, as in the case of Blake and Wyatt - and of course Chief Eckart, of the local police, could be relied on to be co-operative with regard such matters
So, as there was a short pause in the program, Jim checked over details of the plans regarding Tolson with Zac, 'Sigi' and Josh.
(The executive box had been constructed - under the supervision of Zac - to be completely 'secure' - and sealed off from the rest of the building - so conversation could not be overheard or recorded.)
Meanwhile Wyatt, who had been given a 'shot' for the obvious pain he was suffering, was stretchered out of the ring, with his mid section by then modestly covered with a towel, while Blake was publicly congratulated by Kurt.
Back in Kurt's office, however, Kurt made it clear that he was far from pleased.
Lockwood had told him that Wyatt was badly hurt and might well be unable to wrestle again.
"So Blake - you need to learn to control yourself.
You're supposed to 'pull' the blows you inflict - and not permanently injure the guys working here !
Now I'll have to decide what to do about Wyatt - and as for you - you will forfeit your current month's money - .
I'll speak to you further in the morning - after I've spoken to the 'Boss'....", Kurt said sharply.
In the 'Executive Box' Jim seemed far from relaxed.
Once again he reached for the 'in-house phone' in order to speak to Kurt.
 |
| Brody at the Door |
Moments later Jim was in Kurt's office - and then there was the hesitant knock on the door.
"You wanted to see me 'Boss' ?", Brody asked, as he peered round the door.
"Yes - come in Brody.
Just a few quick words before your next fight.", Jim replied.
"Yes Sir...", Brody replied, wondering what was coming next...
"I don't want any more problems tonight - such as Blake being stupid.
I have some serious 'business' to deal with tonight, and I will need you, with Zac, Josh, Ethan and Teddy.
So as soon as the fight is finished - shower and change, and meet us at the 'trade entrance' at the rear of the building - is that clear ?" Jim said.
"Yes Boss.", Brody replied.
"And change into some decent wrestling briefs - you look like you're going for a swim !", Jim concluded.
"Right Boss - ", Brody replied, grinning.
And so Jim returned to the 'Executive Box', and Brody quickly changed his wrestling briefs and joined Paco in the ring.
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| Brody Applies a 'Back-Breaker' |
And this display was performed, just as it was in the past, in order to encourage the spectators to lay their bets.
Then Kurt gave the signal for the fight to begin.
`Now - because Paco was a recent recruit to the 'Combat Club' he did not have the same wealth of experience that Brody had - but Brody understood well the ethos of the 'Club', and was therefore not out to show off his skills to the detriment of his opponent - unlike Blake - so Brody allowed Paco to take advantage in certain moves and holds.
However, Brody knew that he was required to put on a convincing show, and so, after a reasonable length of time he gradually began to take the 'upper hand'.
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| Neck and Arm Hold |
This move could be applied in a number of ways - some of which were very dangerous, but Brody, taking into consideration the warning that he had been given by Jim, performed the move safely.
The move itself, in the form that Brody applied it, was also somewhat risqué, as the hips of his opponent were raised up, revealing Paco's prominent 'bulge', which Brody playfully slapped.
Having weakened his opponent, Brody then put Paco in a arm and neck hold and dragged him over to the ropes.
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| Paco Rides the Top Rope |
Then - to make up for the brevity of the fight, and give the 'punters' a good conclusion to the fight, Brody ripped off Paco's wrestling briefs - throwing them on the canvass, and hoisted Paco up, and sat him, with his legs astride the top rope.
However, Brody was wise enough to allow Paco to hold on to Brody's shoulder, so that Paco had some control of his perilous and very uncomfortable seating.
Brody then repeatedly jerked at the top rope, and Paco obligingly grimaced and screamed about his 'cojones' - which most of the 'punters' could easily translate.
Eventually Paco let go of Brody's shoulder, wobbled, as both his hands went to his groin.
Then, unable to cope with the violent movement of the top rope, Paco lost his balance and toppled from the top rope onto the canvass - where he lay moaning.
Amid the applause from the audience Brody, in order to receive his opponent's submission, sauntered round to where Paco was still threshing about on the canvass, ineffectually clutching at his 'cojones'.
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| On the Canvass Paco Submits to Brody |
And just to add a further touch of realism to the proceedings, Paco spat out the Spanish expletive 'chumino' at Brody - which amused those 'punters' who understood Spanish.
"Well that wasn't very polite..." Ethan, who understood Spanish, remarked.
"Yes, but it's all done for effect - Brody and Paco are the best of friends really..."., Teddy assured Ethan.
The others in the box, who didn't understand Spanish were simply puzzled - but then Ethan and Teddy often had rather weird conversations.
"So what's next ?", 'Sigi asked.
"I'm afraid nothing - we need to get ready for our visit to the 'Park Hotel' in order to meet Mr Tolson.", Jim replied.
"So when do we come back and see more of this stuff ? I quite liked it....", Ethan asked.
"As soon as we get back from Egypt...", Jim replied, as they left the Executive Box.
As Tolson and Mikey leave the 'Club' they are confronted by the Las Vegas Police and the Athena Security Service.
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with brief résumés
All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2022
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2022
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2022