Back in Luxor, Jim sets in motion plans to mine Armantium,
and then utilise the power of the extra-terrestrial 'hype-element'.
Discussions follow regarding the nature of the 'aliens' in 'Chichén Itza', the
true identity of Upuaut - and the decision is made to fly to Alexandria to consult
documents in the 'Bibliotheca Alexandrina'
 |
| Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor - Egypt |
Meanwhile, Jim is deep in conversation with Josh - and they're trying to decide if it's safe to let Ethan keep his rendezvous with Sheik Ahmed' nephew Ibrahim, who will apparently show Ethan some land on the West Bank, close to Medinet Habu which the Sheik's brother might be prepared to sell to Jim.
The problem, of course, is that Ethan might accidentally mention something about the real purpose to which the project will be put.
Eventually Jim decides that Ethan should got to the West Bank, and meet with Ibrahim, but that first Jim will have a serious talk with Ethan - making it clear what Ethan may or may not reveal about Jim and the group...
But first there was the meeting called by Jim - to be attended by Zac, Josh, Novius, Tony and Ethan and Teddy to discuss the next step that would result from the 'Athena Corporation' having received the mineral mining rights from the Egyptian government.
 |
| Howard Carter |
So the designated members gathered in what was now known as the 'Carter Conference Room' in the 'Winter Palace'.
The conference room, although its traditional appearance had been maintained, was completely soundproofed, and fitted with security and anti-bugging devices so that the confidentiality of any information discussed during meetings was maintained.
Howard Carter - born in 1874 and died in 1939 - was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the intact tomb of the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh Tutankhamun in November 1922, the best-preserved pharaonic tomb ever found in the 'Valley of the Kings', situated on the West Bank at Luxor. During the period when he was excavating the tomb he had many meetings with Lord Carnarvon, his sponsor, at the 'Winter Palace', when it served as a hotel for upper class Westerners.
 |
| The 'Carter Conference Room' - Winter Palace - Luxor - Egypt |
As Jim spoke, Teddy put on his horn rimmed glasses, opened his blue HP laptop and prepared to type in the contents of the discussions that would take place.
(being animatronic, Teddy could type so fast that he was able to transcribe every word that was said. It was all a bit unnecessary, however, as Teddy was, in addition, making an audio and video record of the proceedings.)
So Jim began his introductory comments -
"Now before we start, let me remind you that the information given at this meeting is not to be revealed, in any form, to any person outside this group without permission from either myself or Zac.
Jim then paused for a moment to let that fact sink in, and everyone nodded in agreement.
Jim then continued.
"Yesterday, representatives of the 'Athena Corporation' met with His Excellency Tarek El-Molla - 'Minister for Petroleum & Mineral Resources', and his associates.
I am pleased to inform you that the meeting was highly productive, and the mineral exploration and exportation licences that we were seeking were granted.
 |
| 'Athena Secure Repository' at Henderson - Nevada - USA |
This land will be used as a depot for the transport of Armantium to the US.
Because Tony believes that Armantium is only required in relatively small quantities, we are looking into the possibility of transporting it by 'dimensional portal' direct to the 'Henderson Repository' in Nevada, thus avoiding any involvement by the Egyptian and US authorities in the process.
Of course, other 'ordinary' minerals will be transported to the 'Medinet Habu Depot', and then transported by road to Alexandria, and taken by sea to the US, but mainly as a diversionary tactic."
"Unless of course it's gold...", Ethan cheekily interjected.
"Yes, Ethan - that is if we find any gold deposits alongside the Armantium.", Jim replied with a smile.
 |
| The 'Armant Pyramid' |
"So, all the better...", Josh said, who by then, with the mention of gold, was beginning to show greater interest.
Novius then entered into the discussion...
"Now may I just ask, Marcus (Jim), apart from the possibility of finding gold deposits, just why do we want more Armantium, after all we already have a large amount of Armantium in the sarcophagus that you and the others found in that strange pyramid out in the dunes on the West Bank ?", Novius asked.
"Well that takes us back to our previous and most recent encounter with the 'aliens', when we were in Mexico, at Chichén Itzá, in Mexico.
Now the 'Alien leader' quite deliberately told us about various other locations where Armantium could be found, and said that we could have a monopoly of the mineral, as his kind had no need of it.
 |
| Teddy and the 'Alien Hologram' |
"Yes, and that's when they did that horrible 'hologram-thingy' - and frightened me and Teddy silly.", Ethan exclaimed.
It was just a hologram...",
Zac said.
"Yes - well you weren't sitting right under it !", Teddy said.
"So, regardless - it seems that they want us to have this Armantium - although I'm not quite sure why.", Jim then said, trying to get back to the point he was making earlier in response to Novius' very pertinent question.
"The only real danger that I see is that the 'aliens' - if that is what they truly are - might be trying to mislead us - as we only have their word that they are the 'good guys', as Ethan put it.", Novius commented.
 |
| Tony Stark |
"So, putting aside long term concerns, are we all agreed that Ethan and Teddy should visit the 'West Bank' and view the land that may be offered for sale by the Sheik's brother ?", Jim proposed.
And everyone agreed.
So then, when those attending the meeting had dispersed, Jim asked Ethan and Teddy to remain behind.
"Now guys, this is an important mission.
We need that land at 'Medinet Habu', so be nice to the Sheik's nephew, but be very careful what you tell him.
It's quite clear that the people on the West Bank are very curious about us, so no talk of gold, or Armantium - although I doubt is anyone here has even heard of it.
Your story is that we are thinking of opening an alabaster shop - maybe combined with a small hotel.
As for what we do in the US - we just run hotels and restraints - and if you're asked where we originally come from, say Italy - is that clear ?", Jim said firmly, and Teddy and Ethan nodded.
 |
| Luxor West Bank |
 |
| Luxor Bridge - Egypt |
Now Ethan wanted to arrive in style, so he told Hassan to get one of the 'Mercedes Maybach' Limos ready as he preferred to cross the Nile by the bridge, rather than by felucca, motor-boat or ferry.
And so Ethan and Teddy set off in the air-conditioned comfort of their limosioune - crossed the bridge, passing through the police check-point with no problems, and drove on to 'Medinet Habu'.
"So where are we meeting Ibrahim ?", Ethan asked Teddy as they drove through Al Birat.
"Its a small hotel and restaurant called the 'Pharaonic Rose' - its quite close to the 'Medinet Habu' temple at 'Al Birat' - Hassan knows where it is.", Teddy replied.
Actually 'Al Birat' was the area of the 'West Bank' where Hassan and his family lived - so he obviously knew it well.
The hotel was small, and hardly 5 star, but seemed clean and well cared for.
So on arriving, Ethan asked for the restaurant - which they found was empty - and so they ordered some shay, and decided to wait for Ibrahim.
Quite soon a black 'Mercedes' pulled up outside the Hotel.
Not quite as lavish a model as the 'Mercedes Maybach Pullman' in which Ethan and Teddy had arrived, but still a sign that the extended family of the Sheikh was obviously wealthy by the standards of the 'West Bank'.
 |
| Ibrahim |
The driver, who was presumably the nephew of the Sheikh's brother, was casually but well dressed, and youthful.
"Hi - I think you are Ethan...", the young man said as he approached their table.
The young man, who was obviously Ibrahim, spoke good English, and had addressed Ethan in an informal, Western manner.
"And you must be Ibrahim...", Ethan replied - somewhat pointlessly.
"My uncle tells me you want to buy land in Habu... which I will show you", Ibrahim said.
"Yes - we are thinking of building a hotel somewhere in 'Medinet Habu' - and maybe also an alabaster shop.", Ethan replied.
 |
| مراد - Murad - Chef de Cuisine |
My friends say that you are very rich people - and I see that by your Mercedes.", Ibrahim commented.
"Well it's not my limo - it belongs to the company - and I am not very rich.", Ethan replied ingenuously.
"But you are a friend of the 'young pasha' ?", Ibrahim persisted.
Now 'young pasha' was the name that many of the people on the 'West Bank' had given to Jim, as a number of them, including Ismail and Murad, came from the 'West Bank', and worked for Jim at the 'Winter Palace' in Luxor
"Oh yes - we're in business together.", Ethan replied, feeling himself being gradually cornered.
"So how shall we go to look at this land that your uncle owns ?", Ethan said, quickly trying to change the subject.
"Well perhaps it's best if we take my Mercedes...", Ismail suggested.
"Okey-dokey.", Ethan replied.
Ibrahim looked at Ethan strangely - it was an expression he had obviously not heard before.
This little phrase is a variant of okay (OK). It is 20th century American, and first appears in print in a 1932 edition of 'American Speech'. It is a perky version of okay, utilizing that favourite device of two-word phrases - rhyming. As a reduplication it is properly spelled with a hyphen, although it is often given without. Like okay, 'okey-doke' is used to indicate that all is well, e.g. 'everything is okay here', but may be used when responding positively to a request
Ethan, however didn't try to offer any explanation, but simply paid for the shay, and they left the 'Pharaonic Rose'.
In fact Ethan's use of the term 'okey-dokey' was another of a number of glitches in Faunus' programming of Ethan in which he had tried to produce in Ethan the outward appearance of an intelligent 'all American boy'.
 |
| Farm Land at 'Kom Lolah' - Medinet Habu - Birat |
"So what's being grown there ?
"I really don't know - probably sugar cane." Ibrahim replied.
"I see, and this land is owned by your uncle ?"
"Yes - it's been in the family a very long time, but with many people on the 'West Bank' moving to Cairo, or working with the tourists, it's not easy to get people to work in the fields - the pay is not good.", Ibrahim explained.
"Well the site looks big enough - and there is a village near by ?", Ethan said, trying to be relatively non-committal.
"Yes - 'Kom Lolah' - which is right next to the 'Medinet Habu' Temple.
There may be people there who could work in you hotel - people who would not then be working in the fields.
And over there", Ibrahim said, pointing to the West, "are the Theban Hills - a nice view from your hotel.", Ibrahim cleverly suggested - presumably not realizing that there was no intention of building a real hotel on the fields they were viewing.
"And would there be any problem with changing the use of the land from farming to some other purpose ?", Ethan asked, without directly indicating what that purpose would be.
"It would be no problem at all, Mr Ethan.
My uncle, he has good connections with people who run the city.
He can get all the papers that you will need.", Ibrahim replied.
"Well, the 'young pasha', as you call him, will be using Arabic speaking lawyers from America, and also Egyptian lawyers from Cairo, and of course Mr Franklin Black, so tell your uncle not to make any promises he cannot keep.
"Of course.
We know to be fair and true with the 'young pasha'
It is well known, on the 'West Bank', what happened to the men from Abu Esh who try to cheat the 'pasha'...", Ibrahim said quietly.
Ethan pretended not to hear Ibrahim's last statement, and gave no response.
Slightly unnerved by Ethan's silence - Ibrahim continued.
"Just near here is the Temple of Ramesses III, which is very popular with tourists - so a good place for a hotel and alabaster shop."
 |
| Temple of Ramesses III - Medinet Habu - West Bank - Luxor |
"Yes - I know - I've been there on previous visits.", Ethan replied, as he raised his Hasselblad, which he had wisely brought with him, and took some photos.
"That is a very good camera - I see many tourist cameras, but not like this one.", Ibrahim said, admiringly.
"Yes, it's a good camera, but like the car, it's not mine - just part of the job." (this however was not true also).
Now the one thing that Ibrahim had not commented about was Teddy, who was sitting on the dusty ground at Ethan's feet while Ethan took the photos.
Teddy, however, in accordance with Jim's instructions, had switched on his 'SEBF' - and so Ibrahim simply hadn't notice the cute, fluffy third member of their party - who was somewhat incongruously wearing vey expensive, gold framed sunglasses - not that he needed to, as the numerus filterrs built into his visual systems were designed to protect his 'eyes' form all forms of radiation - including solar.
"Well this seems quite good to me - but obviously Mr. Johnston will have to inspect the site in person, so who should we contact to make an appointment for a meeting ?", Ethan asked, trying to be very formal.
"It would be good for you to 'phone Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb.
I can give you his 'phone number, and you can make the arrangement.", Ibrahim said.
"So why not your uncle ?", Ethan asked.
"Sheikh Ahmed knows the 'young pasha', and the Sheikh speaks English very well - and he has many meetings with people who are not Egyptians, so I think he would be the best person to contact.", Ibrahim suggested.
"Okey-dokey - if you think that's best.
 |
| Hassan |
A little later, arriving back at the 'Pharaonic Rose', they found Hassan standing in the shade of the restaurant entrance.
Hassan and Ibrahim greeted one another warmly as they lived in the same area, and had a brief conversation, before Hassan opened the door of the Mercedes for Ethan and Teddy.
"So what did Ibrahim have to say ?", Ethan asked Hassan.
" He say he was surprised that you were very young - and talk about you being very rich - you know the car, clothes and the camera.", Hassan explained.
"OK - so let's get back to the 'Winter Palace'.", Ethan said - and Hassan drove off heading for the Luxor Bridge.
The trip back - from Birat on the West Bank to the 'Winter Palace' on the East Bank - was uneventful.
"Lot of fuss for nothing, if you ask me.", Ethan said.
 |
| Winter Palace - Entrance - Luxor |
"Yes - but it was a nice view.", Teddy replied, after switching off his 'stuffed toy' mode.
"But it's only going to be a depo for dumping lots of bits of rock.", Ethan declared.
After the short drive they arrived at the Corniche once again, and came to the grand entrance of the 'Winter Palace'.
"Ah - home again !", Ethan declaimed as Hassan pulled up in front of the now carpeted staircase to the main entrance.
"It is good to hear you say this is 'home', effendi.
We like you to think of this as your home.", Hassan said.
But after thanking and leaving Hassan, that mention of 'home' got Ethan thinking, as he made his way up the stairs
'Where was his home ?
Home was something far distant - both in space, and more importantly in time - and never to be found again.... '
 |
| Jim's Drawing Room - Winter Palace - Luxor |
Ethan then had another set of stairs to climb to take him to his suite, where he found Jim waiting for him.
"So how did it go ?", Jim asked, noticing that Ethan was looking a little depressed.
"Ethan's thinking about home...", Teddy said.
"How do you know - you're just a teddy-bear.", Ethan muttered as he flopped down on one of the ornately upholstered sofas.
"I can read your mind...", Teddy replied.
"Perhaps - but Jim want's to know about the land in Birat - not my private thoughts !" Ethan replied angrily.
"OK - so just calm down - and why are you two quarrelling ?", Jim asked.
 |
| 'Teddy Mk I' Arrives at the Penthouse this is how Teddy looked before his 'upgrade' during the first visit to Cairo |
"And Hassan mentioned about 'home' - and I got to thinking that I didn't have a real home any more.", Ethan said.
"OK - well I'm sure that Ethan will be quite happy to give you a good brushing, and remember that most of the 'gang' don't have a real home...", Jim added.
"Yes, and my 'home' was a 'FedEx' box", Teddy said
"So that's sorted out - so just tell me - what happened when you got to the West Bank ?", Jim asked.
So Ethan, while he absentmindedly brushed Teddy - who had got dusty during the trip - described his meeting with Ibrahim, and the farm land that he had been shown, and showed Jim the preview images on his Hasselblad, and Teddy wisely said nothing.
"Well that looks ideal - so I think that you and Teddy and myself and Zac and Josh should go and have a look - so I'll phone Sheik Ahmed and arrange a time and day to have a further viewing.", Jim said.
"So what do we do while we wait to get this thing sorted out ?", Ethan asked.
"Well this evening Novius wants to meet with us to discuss this business about the manuscripts that he feel that we need to find.".
"So where shall we have lunch, only I'm feeling hungry", Ethan said.
"'Glad you mentioned that, as I've got Ismail to arrange to have lunch served in the gardens.", Jim said.
"And Ismail should join us - I don't like him being treated as a servant.", Ethan proposed.
"Of course - I need to talk with him anyway.", Jim said.
As usual, it was a sunny day, with a very light breeze.
And Jim had guessed that Ethan might be in a bad mood, as he had been sent to the West Bank on a 'boring' mission, and so he had a small dining area set up in the gardens.
This setting would also provide Ethan with the opportunity to feed the kittens who, once they sensed the food would come to the table in the hope of getting some snacks.
Jim then 'phoned Ismail, inviting him to lunch, and asking him to have Murad have the meal ready to serve.
"Right - let's go and have lunch...", Jim said.
"OK, but what can we tell Ismail about what's going on ?", Ethan asked.
"Well everything except the business about the Armantium.", Jim replied.
"So gold and other stuff is not a problem ?", Ethan queried.
"No - Ismail can be trusted so don't worry.", Jim replied.
Of course as they made their way down to the gardens, they were required to use the stairs, as Teddy was still worried about the elevator, despite that fact that engineers had checked out the mechanism, and assured Jim that it was in perfect working order.
 |
| Preparations for Lunch - Winter Palace Gardens - Luxor |
And so, leaving the main building, they walked over to where the lunch area had been provided with tables and chairs.
Ismail was already waiting for them, and the table had already been set.
"Thank you for inviting me to lunch, pasha.", Ismail said as he joined Jim ,Ethan and Teddy.
"Not at all .
And why should you not join us - you are a colleague and a friend - not an employee or a servant.", Jim said.
The lunch was then served.
Ethan was nervous, and said nothing - in case he made a mistake - and Teddy, sitting on the beautiful cream tablecloth was also silent.
"Was it a good trip to the 'West Bank' ?", Ismail asked Ethan.
"And how did you know that we went to the 'West Bank' ?, Ethan asked sounding slightly alarmed.
"Hassan told me - was that wrong. ?", Ismail asked.
"No - not at all Ismail.", Jim interjected.
Jim was concerned not to give the impression that the trip to the 'West Bank was a secret - particularly as Hassan knew some things regarding the purpose of the trip.
"Ethan was there on my behalf to look at some land.", Jim explained briefly.
"And you find this land, Ethan effendi ?", Ismail asked.
"Oh yes - it's near 'Medinet Habu', and is used now for growing sugar cane.", Ethan replied.
"And Jim pasha, he wants to make a hotel there ?", Ismail asked.
Ethan looked to Jim despairing - thinking that it seemed that there could be no secrets in Luxor, or on the 'West Bank'.
"Possibility - but we need to check it out some more.", Ethan said.
"That would be good if it gives people in Birat well paid work, but mot hotels in Birat and Habu make little money.
Better to have a hotel here in Luxor.", Ismail suggested.
Jim though it was better not to make any reply to that comment.
The remainder of the lunch passed without comment - with Ismail obviously realizing that Jim had not really appreciated his last comment.
 |
| Novius |
It was the whole group in fact, and Jim, at that point wanted to familiarise all of them with the main facts of the situation.
"Now we don't want to prolong our time in Egypt, nice though it may be, as we need to make our presence felt in the US also, as there is still much to do there.
Time in Egypt - or elsewhere - needs to be seen as a 'pleasant diversion' - although there will usually be a serious agenda to any foreign visits that we make - after all, we are not 'happy go lucky' tourists - and of course Tony has his own business interests to attend to...", Jim began.
"Well I'd like to be a 'happy go lucky' tourist - but I never get the chance...", Ethan said, trying to get the mood of their gathering a little less sombre.
"Well the first thing I need to report is the fact that we are making progress in our attempts to purchase some land on the West Bank of the Nile - and it is my intention to build a depot there that will receive shipments of a very special mineral, which I am hoping Tony will be able to use in order to greatly increase the profitability of the 'Athena Corporation' - something that should benefit all of us.
Now as usual, I must impress on you that this information is highly confidential.
That is why I am informing you at this meeting, as such information is not allowed to create a 'paper trail' that may become available to those who might not have our best interests at heart.
 |
| الإسكندرية - Alexandria - Egypt |
Now once the agreement regarding land purchase is complete, we shall be travelling north to Alexandria in order to conduct research in respect of some manuscripts that Novius considers may provide us with some useful information.
However, we shall not spend too much time in Alexandria, as we need to return to the US in order to make arrangements for the design and construction of the buildings at Medinet Habu, and also the facilities that will need to be constructed where mining the operations will be undertaken to the north of Armant, on the 'West Bank'...", Jim continued.
"Well Alexandria sounds like it might be interesting...", Josh commented.
الإسكندرية Greek: Ἀλεξάνδρεια - Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great, of Macedon, Alexandria grew rapidly and became a major centre of Hellenistic civilisation, eventually replacing Memphis, in present-day Cairo, as Egypt's capital. During the Hellenistic period, it was famed for its 'Ptolemaic Lighthouse', which ranked among the 'Seven Wonders of the Ancient World', as well as the 'Great Library'. The library has subsequently been rebuilt as 'Bibliotheca Alexandrin'. Called the 'Bride of the Mediterranean' by locals, Alexandria is an important industrial centre due to its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez.
Teddy will have a lot more to tell us about Alexandria later...
"So - before we start talking about Alexandria, what's this special 'mineral stuff' that needs to be in a depot in this place on the West Bank ?", Caleb asked.
"That's a good question Caleb, and I think it's about time I made sure that we all know about this aspect of our operations, and also understand the highly confidential nature of this information.
 |
| Tony Stark in his Lab |
Tony then began his explanation - obviously simplified for his non-specialist audience -
"The 'mineral stuff' as Caleb has described it, has been given the name 'Armantium' - because we first found it in Armant - a small town on the West Bank of the Nile, close to where we are here in Luxor.
Armantium is an 'extra-terrestrial mineral' - meaning a mineral not naturally found on this Earth as it has originated in outer space.
Such materials include those found in cosmic dust and meteorites - Iridium and Osmium are two examples of extra-terrestrial minerals arriving in meteorites, and being extremely rare on earth, with only tiny amounts mined annually.
Armantium is also very rare, and arrives on earth in the same manner as Iridium and Osmium.
 |
| Osmium |
The important point to remember is that we are the only people who know of the existence of Armantium, and that is because the sarcophagus that we found in the dunes outside of Armant was constructed from gold, lapis lazuli and Armantium.
Now without going into technical details, Armantium is highly reactive in certain circumstances, and is, I believe a 'hyper-element' - that is a form of matter that is outside our current knowledge of the 'Periodic Table'.
So among other things, it can be s source of tremendous energy - but without the radiation drawbacks of other highly reactive elements.
So any way, to cut a long story short, we want to maintain a monopoly of this mineral as it will almost certainly put us in a powerful position economically, financially, and in the long term, possibly politically."
Tony ended his brief explanation, and the room fell ominously silent.
"So - it's not just a silly mafia thing, Caleb...", Ethan said.
"No - not at all - and at this point you must all understand that you cannot just 'bale out' - regardless of how you might feel.
This knowledge 'locks' you into this current situation.
And now, Novius, can you give us some information regarding this proposed visit to Alexandria ?" - Jim asked.
Novius consulted his notes.
"Well, as Jim has said, Armantium was discovered when Tony dismantled the 'Armant Sarcophagus' some time ago.
His subsequent investigations revealed certain aspects of this unusual and rare mineral.
 |
| Partially Dismantled Sarcophagus |
Later, when we were visiting Mexico - and 'Chichén Itza' to be exact - we were contacted by 'beings' claiming to be extra-terrestrials - who gave us information regarding the mineral Armantium.
Some of you at this meeting were either there, of have been told about this incident previously, so I won't bore you with too many details.
As a result of the information that we received, Marcus (Jim) decided to obtain mining rights here in Egypt, so that we could recover more of the mineral that the 'aliens' had indicated could be found in the hills to the north of Armant.
It is for this reason that land is being acquired at 'Medinet Habu' where a depot can be established where the Armantium can be transferred, using the 'dimensional portal', to Henderson in Nevada.
However, while we are in Egypt we shall be travelling to Al-Iskandariya (Alexandria) because my researches have indicated that there may be manuscripts there that could give us further insights into the nature of the so called 'aliens' who are providing us with this information regarding the Armantium.
 |
| Dimensional Portal |
That description, in fact, simply means that they are from beyond this earth.
So what or who they are we do not know.
 |
| Islamic 'Djinn |
My researches , however, have led me to wonder if such 'beings' may have been encountered in the past, and were then referred to as 'gods', spirits' 'angels' and such like
Recently I have been reading about the 'Watchers' - sometimes known as the 'Guardians'.
These entities, rather like the Islamic 'Djinn' may be good, bad or neutral.
The 'beings' that we have encountered, perhaps not surprisingly, have informed us that they are 'good' - but I think it is important for us to research this subject so that we can com to our own, independent conclusion.
Reference to the 'Watchers' is made in the canonical book - such as Daniel - and apocryphal books - such as Enoch - of the Ethiopian Jewish and the Coptic scriptures, and also the 'Dead Sea Scrolls', the 'Zohar', and the writings of Philo.
 |
| Lucifer - the Bringer of Light |
In addition the 'Watchers' taught their humans arts and technologies such as weaponry, metallurgy, optics, astronomy, magic and sorcery, and other techniques that would otherwise be discovered gradually over time by humans.
The account in the 'Book of Enoch' has been associated with the passage in the Hebrew book called 'Genesis' which speaks of the 'Watchers' as the 'sons of the gods' - of whom 'Lucifer' was the leader.
And at that point Max interrupted.
"I thought Lucifer was the Devil."
"No - it was the christians who wanted people to think Lucifer was the 'Devil' - the leader of the 'fallen angels' - but in reality he was the bringer of light - which is what the name means in Latin.
Lucifer, and the 'Watchers', according to Enoch and to other documents, was the bringer of the light of knowledge.", Novius answered.
Novius then continued.
"But I really want to get back to the 'Watchers'.
Now I first heard about these entities when I was talking to Ashraf - who we then knew as 'Khonsu' - which was his nick-name that he was given by the boys on the West Bank here in Luxor.
Ashraf explained to me that there were intermediaries between the 'gods' - the 'neteru', as the ancient Egyptians called them - and humans.
Those intermediaries were the 'Urshu', a category of 'lesser divinities', or extra-terrestrial beings, whose title meant the 'watchers' or 'guardians' - who were believed to be connected in some way to the constellation of 'Orion'.
 |
| Bibliotheca Alexandrina - Egypt |
Now what we really need to do, at this point, is to work out to what extent these Greys, or 'Watchers' can be trusted.
In other words, do they have our best interests at heart - and I'm hoping that either in the library at Alexandria - the 'Bibliotheca Alexandrina', or in one of the many Coptic churches in the delta area, there may be documents that might help us to decide.
"Yes - and what if we discover that maybe they do not have our best interests at heart ?", Zac asked.
"Well that's the problem....!", Novius replied.
"We could just not have anything to do with them...", Jim suggested.
"Easier said than done...", Teddy said.
"What do you mean Teddy?", Josh asked.
"Well I don't think they'd have any trouble 'bugging' us...
You know, just popping up at the most inconvenient moments - interfering with our plans and suchlike.
 |
| A 'Watcher' or 'Guardian' |
"So what's your solution, Teddy ?", Jim asked.
"Well if we get more of this Armantium, and discover how to really use it's power, then we might, in some way be able to use it against them - and that might deter them, and in that way they may leave us alone.", Teddy explained.
"Possibly - but I hope it doesn't come to that...", Jim said nervously.
"I agree with Teddy.", Tony interjected.
"Let's see how it goes, find out as much as we can about theses critters, and also increase our understanding of the nature of this weird mineral 'hyper' element - and how we can use it...", Tony continued.
"What do you think, Ashraf ? - you in some ways know more about the' Watchers, or 'Guardians than any of us.", Jim asked.
"I think it is a good idea...", Ashraf replied.
"I think it is a good idea...", Ashraf replied.
"So - one more thing Ashraf...", Novius began.
 |
| 'ἄρχοντες' - Archon in 'Human' form |
Beings who stand in authority over the 'Guardians'.
Now my obvious knowledge of the Greek language tells me that these entities are therefore being described as possible 'leaders' - maybe like your 'alien leader'.
In ancient tradition the 'archons' are rulers, each related to one of seven planets.
The Archons are therefore very powerful entities - emanations from the ONE.
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| Upuaut - 'ἄρχοντες-' - Archon in 'Human' form |
They were believed to be 'rulers' over the material world, and in ancient times they are called 'ἄρχοντες' - 'principalities', or 'lords - and in ancient times they were often taken to be 'gods'.", Novius explained.
"So does this explain who Upuaut is ?", Ethan asked, excitedly.
"I think so, Ethan.
You described him as sitting on a throne, and claiming to be an ancient Egyptian 'god' - and that is exactly what we would expect when an 'archon' revealed himself to humans.", Novius replied.
"But what you are saying is that he was not the 'real' Upuaut", Jim suggested, trying to clarify matters.
"Quite right Marcus. (Novius always uses Jim's original Latin name)
If there was an actual being who the ancient Egyptians called Upuaut - the 'Opener of the Ways' - then that being is an 'Æon' - one of the greatest of the many emanations of the ONE.
"Well that's helping I think, and Novius - you are right - we should do some research in Alexandria.
We must learn more about the beings who are offering this 'hyper element' to us before we fully commit ourselves to mining it in Egypt, and asking Tony to develop ways of using its apparently awesome power.
So tomorrow I suggest we leave for Alexandria....", Jim concluded.
"So it's another flight I suppose ?", Ethan said wearily..
"Yes, but it's only about four hours...", Teddy said.
"And where should we stay ?", Jim asked - knowing that Teddy would already have all the necessary information.
"Obviously the 'Cecil Hotel' - it's the best.", Teddy replied without hesitation.
"And how do you know that ?
You've never been there....", Ethan commented.
"It's my job to know....", Teddy replied haughtily.
After a flight to Alexandria, Jim, Ethan and Teddy, Novius, Ashraf and Zac
arrive in Alexandria and search for evidence about the 'Guardians' and 'Archons'
and
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