6
(God Save the King)
Ridley was seated in the first-class section of flight 567, an Airbus 330s operated by Delta Airlines, flying over the Atlantic Ocean at close to its top speed of 837 km/h. His Master, Paul Rogers, sat directly beside him on an aisle seat. Ridley was gazing out the window. The flight departed from Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, about halfway to its destination, Heathrow Airport in London, England. The trip had been tiring, starting with a five-hour drive from Pine Gap to Lexington. The plane was carrying its full complement of 447 passengers, with varying reasons to traverse it. They had engineered these planes with maximum numbers of the idea.
As he sipped a cup of Jack Daniels and looked out the window, all he could see were clouds with a blue backdrop. He was sipping what the people from Pine Gap called "Jack in the Black." They had driven for over four hours and then navigated the airport to board a plane with a flight time of fourteen hours and thirty-six minutes. Ridley found it strange that his Master didn't just teleport them to their destination. When he asked his Master about it, Paul explained that extravagant displays of magic were just for show-offs and assholes.
During their journey to England, they traveled in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and took a flight with Delta Airlines. While sipping bourbon, he gazed at fluffy white clouds. When breaks in the clouds appeared, it looked like solid blue below them. He was wearing a pair of newer Bluetooth headphones connected to the sound of the movie they were showing, which was the original “Predator” featuring the muscular Arnold Schwarzenegger––known for his iconic one-liners in the film. The plane smelled like a scented air freshener that was somewhat sickly sweet. The environment was relatively comfortable in temperature.
He looked over at Paul, who had a pillow behind him and was reclined slightly. Paul had driven from Pine Gap to Lexington. This wouldn't be Ridley’s first time in the UK - it would be his third. He had visited once as a boy with his grandmother Johnson. Then, as a college student, he went on a school trip to see the sights. Despite the weather, the place had its positives. A charming male flight attendant was making the rounds. He stopped by the sleeping Paul and Ridley. He had short brown hair and seemed comfortable flying.
He asked, “Can I get you a refill on that, sir?”
Ridley was polite, “Yes, please. Do you have any of those peanuts you handed out earlier? This stuff makes my stomach burn if you don’t eat something.”
If Ridley had not been with Paul, the flight attendant would have been someone he could have talked to. The male flight attendant was an attractive young man who appeared to be gay. He was always friendly and seemed to be a pleasant person. As he was busy, he reached into a cart and placed two packs of Planters Honey Roasted Peanuts on the tray in front of Ridley. He then smiled and offered Ridley three small Jack in the Black bottles and a fresh cup of ice.
The hunky flight attendant asked, “Can I get you anything else, sir?”
The apprentice grinned and thought that he might have provided a most interesting answer at one time. It didn't hurt to look. He was delighted with his master, Paul, and then some. He bet this charming flight worker, though most attractive, could not throw fireballs or project lightning. Paul Rogers was skilled at both, much to some people's chagrin back home.
Ridley said, “I am fine, thank you.”
The looker flight attendant said, “Need anything else? Just hit your call sign, sir.”
Ridley smiled to himself and thought, "I must remember that." He planned to tease Paul later once he woke up, and they arrived at their destination. Knowing Paul's good sense of humor, Ridley was sure that Paul wouldn't get angry. As the cart was wheeled down the aisle, Ridley remarked, "Oh, the nice-looking flight attendant is rolling the cart away."
He poured a fresh cup of Jack Daniels over ice and tried to focus on the characters battling a highly advanced alien on a hunting expedition. His mind slowly drifted, and then he fell asleep. There are some recurring dreams that almost all humans report having from time to time. It's not weird or unusual, and it is quite the opposite. The phenomenon of déjà vu is associated with this, though most people don't know it. Most people, at one time or another, dream they can fly. Almost everyone dreams of food if they go to bed hungry. This was not according to Ridley Johnson; it was according to Psychology Today magazine.
Ridley suddenly found himself in the first-class compartment, but things seemed slightly off. He realized he was at a higher than usual and a horizontal angle. Looking down, he saw himself and his Master asleep next to him. It was disorienting, yet it felt strangely natural. There was a slight delay between what he was seeing and hearing. On the widescreen showing the movie, one of the characters seemed to be straining and then cut loose with a large caliber machine gun. The gunfire flashed briefly before the sound caught up through the sound system.
This was all fine until he drifted out of the plane's cabin. He tried not to, but he could not grab hold of anything and was slowly leaving the plane. He began to think this was a problem and felt some physical sensation. Something held his arm, and he was back in his seat. Paul was sitting there looking sleepily at him, with his hand solidly around his arm. Ridley looked left and right, and it had gotten darker outside.
The Apprentice said, “What the hell was that!”
His Master looked amused, “You fell asleep and projected yourself into the astral plane. It is just a sign you are growing stronger. I had wondered when it would happen, but now it has.”
The PA system on the plane beeped, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Jones. We are beginning our approach and will be landing at Heathrow. At this time, please deactivate any electronic devices you have. Fasten your seatbelts. We will get you safely on the ground. We want to thank you for flying Delta Airlines. I hope you have had a pleasant flight.”
The large jet turned slightly, but the skilled pilots executed the maneuver slowly and smoothly, making it almost imperceptible. Ridley's cousin, a Navy pilot, had explained that at this point, they would slowly open the flaps to reduce velocity. Understanding the process made it quite fascinating. Looking out the window, the lights of London sprawled below as the plane slowly descended. The massive city was a sight to behold; one could even see the flashing runway in the distance.
"They buckled their seatbelts, which Ridley found ridiculous. In a low voice, he said to Paul, "I wonder how many times Captain Jones has done this? Or could this be his first time, and we are about to become tomorrow's front-page news?"
His Master looked at him grinning, and said, “If there were a problem, I would teleport everyone off this plane to safety.”
Ridley grinned back and said, “You are such a killjoy.”
His Master said, "Once we return home after this ridiculous nonsense. It is about time for you to start learning to teleport. And we will hone your Astral Projection so you don’t float out of a plane. You were never in danger, Ridley. Your body is an anchor, and you would have returned to it. When dueling, I will even teach you how to knock someone’s astral form from their body temporarily. Low-level force attack that buys you some time and disorients your opponent.”
The lights from below got more prominent, and Ridley said, “Yeah! Another way for you to kick my ass.”
Paul said, “If you ever must fight my cousin, Victor, he is vulnerable to that one. His skills at Astral Projection are lacking. You, however, seem to be a natural at it.”
The plane landed without incident. Heathrow was like all large airports. A fucking nightmare in real life. After they disembarked, waited in line, produced passports, waited again for luggage, and walked outside, there was a nice-looking fancy Rolls Royce and a man holding up a sign that said, “Paul Rogers.” The man took their luggage and put it in the boot. When one is in Rome, the trunk of a car becomes that boot. Except they were in the United Kingdom, it was just the concept.
He opened the door so they could sit in the backseat. They got in and buckled up. Ridley said, “Ooh, fancy.”
Paul said, sounding annoyed, “Los Iluminados Once’ is a bit ostentatious. They don’t understand this cousin from across the pond is a simple mountain man. I would have just taken a cab.”
Ridley asked, “Los Iluminados once’? The Enlightened 11?” He thought this would be a good time to joke as they were tired. “I would have just ridden that beauty of the flight attendant serving us. He was flirting with me. He gave me his nuts, and I am not kidding.”
Paul smiled now, “If you think I thrash you in the dueling room. The object is to visit London, not flatten it.”
Ridley countered, “Would the rest of this Enlightened 11 not be upset about that?”
Paul patted his leg and said, “Too bad, as I am the strongest, and you will grow to be even stronger than I.”
They appeared to have been driving for quite a while, and the traffic in the city was a nightmare. London was never designed initially with automobiles in mind, and their version of expressways seemed like they needed to be better. No matter which direction they went in or around the city, it was always bumper to bumper.
The Apprentice said, “No wonder they don’t allow firearms for the public. If this were the States, road rage would make this place look like the Wild West. Plus, this driving on the wrong side of the road is weird.”
Paul said, “To them, we are the ones doing that, and they were around a long time before us. However, I must agree, though one gets used to it.”
So, what is the deal with Los Iluminados Once? Why is it Spanish, and we are in the UK? They are the ENGLISH, after all.”
His Master explained. “They are the collective overseers of magic in the Western Hemisphere. There are eight European representatives, and currently, three of us are from the States.”
Ridley said, “Seems hardly fair, seeing how we provide their nuclear umbrella, and if they like eleven, how about eleven carrier battle groups?”
Paul could not help but grin at his apprentice, “Well, Los Iluminados existed long before 1776. We are in the UK because during World War II. The representative from Spain went rogue and backed the Axis. They are in, you could say, a timeout. As is the States representative from New England, she showed her ass but good. My grandfather had to stop that, so they were in a timeout.”
Ridley asked, “Since your gramps were straight, wonder if he liked seeing it? Who are the other two from the States?”
Paul laughed and then said, “You will meet them. You are worse than a kid. Buy why? Buy why? But why?”
After what seemed like forever, they arrived at the country Estate of Stonehaven, where the event would be hosted. It was a large, well-kept English estate that looked almost like a medium-sized castle without heavy fortifications. Well-maintained gardens and shrubbery surrounded it. In front was a substantial fountain with a black horse statue in the center. Water spouted from it, and the pool of water had lighting.
His Master said, "This is where it gets confusing. This is Stonehaven Manor, and there are two council members named Stonehaven, whose ancestral roots are in this area. They are twins named Nathaniel Stonehaven. Their father was a bit eccentric. The one who lives here is Baron Nathaniel Stonehaven, who represents the UK. The other brother lives in the States and went there with his mother as a little guy. He goes by just Nat Stonehaven. Nat is the representative of the Midwest, and he is a nice guy. Nathaniel is an exercise in self-importance, and he will hit on you. Be prepared for that. They are not each other’s greatest fans either. Is it a cross-pond rivalry? Who knows?”
They climbed out of the back seat as the driver left their luggage. A man with the best posture Ridley had ever seen came from the house and said hello to them relatively formally.
His Master looked to Ridley and said, “Bentley, this is my Apprentice, Ridley Johnson. Ridley, this is Nathaniel’s Butler, Bentley. Nice to see you, Bentley. We are glad to be here.”
Bentley turned to Ridley, “Nice to make your acquaintance, young man. Always a pleasure, Master Paul. Our cousins are welcome to Stonehaven. You two are the first to arrive, and it has been too long. Sir Nathaniel is waiting just inside. I will look at your bags, sir. One room or two?”
Paul Rogers said, “We just need one Bentley. Thanks for your hospitality.”
The man with a perfect posture said, “Excellent, Sir.”
He just turned and began retrieving bags. Ridley went to help, and Paul put a hand on his arm. “It is considered impolite strangely, come on.”
They started to walk inside, and every part of Ridley’s nervous system lit up. He instinctively went to erect magical shielding. Again, his Master put his hand on his arm, and they just stood there. This was not something one saw, ever, but between them and the house, it looked like a small thunderstorm formed close to the ground. There was a brilliant flash of lightning, and it dissipated, leaving a man with some luggage between them and the house.
Paul said in a low voice to his Apprentice, “The brother, Nat, being an ass for the benefit of his twin.”
Paul and Ridley walked up to him; a bit of smoke came from his flannel shirt. He wore tightfitting jeans and cowboy boots, placed a white ten-gallon hat on his head, and had a neat red and black checkered flannel shirt. He was dressed like a country music performer. His appearance and dress were very similar to those of the country music superstars in the States in his heyday, George Strait.
As they approached him, Master lightly said, “No George Strait jokes, maybe a few.”
He turned to them and spoke first, and he had that Midwestern drawl. He must have moved to the US when he was young. “Well, howdy Paul, this must be the amazing Ridley all over the grapevine.”
His hand flew out, and Paul shook first, and then Ridley did. The Apprentice said, “Hi, I am indeed Ridley Johnson. It is nice to meet you.”
The younger George Strait clone said, “I am Nat Stonehaven God, I hate this place. Your aura is amazing, Ridley. You will be a powerhouse.”
Ridley wasn't sure what to say when someone complimented his aura. The man seemed friendly, so he decided to find out if he had a sense of humor. "You've been on the grapevine as well, Master Stonehaven. Is it true that you have some oceanfront property in Arizona?"
The man in the cowboy boots began laughing. “I do, and all of his exes live in Texas as well.”
As they all laughed and entered the manor, they were greeted by an unusual sight. Imagine if the American country music legend George Strait had been born in the UK. This person was impeccably dressed in Italian suits, had perfectly slicked-back hair, and wore an arrogant expression. He appeared friendly to everyone until his gaze fell upon Nat. He had some oceanfront property in Sherwood.
He bowed slightly and sounded like Nat, “Paul Rogers, I assume this young, handsome man would be Ridley. Welcome to my home. As you know, our American cousins always are. Brother.” He had a thick British accent. “I see Nat that you dressed for the occasion. What do you call that giddy-up, the shit-stomping special?”
Nat Stonehaven replied, “I see, brother, you are trying to glue your hair into place before it all recedes out. Top secret news, it isn’t working.”
Nathaniel Stonehaven said, “That is because some of us have enough taste to accept age. Not run to a doctor and pay one gazillion dollars to have hair from a dog’s ass implanted on your head.”
Nat retorted, “Apparently, your taste knows no bounds. I see, as per usual, that your waistline is like the universe. Constantly expanding.”
Ridley was looking back and forth between this like a tennis match. He bet these two could do this all night.
Paul said, to try and instigate some peace, “Well, we had a relatively good flight in. Ridley here, Astrally Projected, during the flight for the first time.”
Nathaniel looked at Ridley creepily and said, “Yes, the first time is always a treat. To be sure. We must have drinks and get you to your rooms, as you must be worn to a cinder from your travels. Those with enough taste to travel and not flash off the house shielding in a hurricane. Everyone else will be here tomorrow, so.......” Again, he looked squarely at Ridley. “For tonight, it is just us."
They all sat in a spacious, oak-paneled room that was ornately decorated to an almost bizarre level. The room featured thick and expensive-looking carpeting, which Ridley would say, as they put it back in Pine Gap, undoubtedly cost a pretty penny. The chairs and ancillary furniture looked old, and he was sure they were positively antique. Mounted on the wall were several animal heads that a taxidermist had worked up. Additionally, there were several impressive grandfather clocks, which, oddly, none were running. He guessed they were just for decoration.
The butler Bentley was pouring an alcoholic beverage into glass containers that looked like they had been hand-blown and crafted. When they all had some, Baron Nathaniel Stonehaven said, “Gentlemen and my brother, this delightful beverage is Louis XIII de Remy Martin Black Pearl Grande Cognac. Please enjoy the hospitality. Cheers for long health, peace, and love.” They all drank a small drink, and it was very smooth.
He continued, “So, young Ridley, what do you think of the Cognac?”
Ridley answered, “It is delicious, Master Stonehaven, very smooth. I have never had anything quite like it.” He took another small sip of it.
Nathaniel said, “It can be hard to come by with much effort. One bottle costs around 33,000 British Pounds.”
Ridley almost spat his mouthful of the drink back into the glass and had to cough a bit. Some had gone down the wrong way.
They sat, talked, and were finally shown to their rooms. The Midwestern George Strait Clone and the English George Strait Clone did not clash anymore for this night. After the Cognac, Bentley had shown the Master and his Apprentice to their room.”
Their room was charming, with a large, canopied bed like the one they had shared. All the furniture was antique and neatly placed. The room had a set of double doors that led out onto an overlook from the third floor, which provided a view of the front of the house. Additionally, there was an adjoining full bathroom in this room. Ridley was lying on the bed while his Master came over and massaged his back.
Paul said, “What do you say we shower and get some sleep?” The Apprentice stayed there for a minute, enjoying the feel of his Master’s hands. So, together, they unpacked some stuff and headed to the bathroom. It was a nicely sized one with a large shower stall, which was closed off with glass borders. There was also a full bathtub if one wanted to bathe that way. A lengthy smooth countertop had two sinks with one large mirror covering both. A wardrobe was full of fresh towels and washcloths.
The Master started the water inside the oversized shower and adjusted it to his liking. Ridley finished undressing and joined Paul in the shower. They were road, flight, and then road weary yet once again. They helped soap each other down with fresh shower cloths and washed their hair.
When they finished, Paul approached his apprentice, and they began to kiss. Tired as they were, neither ever grew weary of this, and the hot water felt wonderful. They continued kissing and let the showerhead's hot water wash over them. Both were excited now and desired this moment of intimacy and then rest. Ridley started kissing and worked his way down his master’s chest and abdomen. He knelt before Paul, facing his arousal. Leaning in, he began to kiss and lick the most sensitive areas.
His Master, Paul, placed a hand gently on his Apprentice’s head. This was pleasantly stimulating, and Ridley was enjoying it. He cared for this man and wanted him to feel good. Taking his aroused member into his mouth, he began to glide up and down slowly. Looking up at him, he appreciated the view from this angle. The apprentice started slowly but increased speed and found a good rhythm.
Master moaned appreciatively and used his hand as a guide, not roughly. He was gently urging his Apprentice in his efforts. Ridley observed Paul’s face as he worked. In turn, the man standing looked down. What a magnificent feeling and sight to behold, perhaps the best he had seen. That would seem like a statement came from Paul Rogers, who had seen all aspects of the mystical world and had been on the other side. His Apprentice Ridley surpassed it all, and he let the moment take him.
After several minutes, the Master reached down and gently pulled his Apprentice to his feet. He gently moved Ridley to the shower wall with his chest against it. He pushed him behind him and moved to get into the correct alignment. Gingerly, he began to enter his Apprentice from behind, kissing his neck and rubbing his shoulders. He was soon inside and slowly starting to rock his hips.
Reaching down, Paul Rogers took his hand. He wrapped his fingers around it, not roughly but with enough pressure to provide pleasure as he continued moving his hips. He was intensifying his actions, enjoying the response from his Apprentice. Some lived their whole lives and never got as close to each other as the two had achieved.
Ridley loved this and breathed harder, feeling all the sensations. He moaned as his prostate was stimulated, and the Master’s hand provided a powerful combination. Lightly held against the shower wall, he had no desire to break free. This was not a good time to project into the Astral plane again. He was sure, however, that he trusted the man behind him to come for him.
He was getting closer and sensed Master was close as well. The man behind him, who was teaching him, was patient regardless of the circumstances. He spoke softly into his ear, his voice heavy with breath. “I am glad it was you who rolled those dice. Do you know that?”
The Apprentice did know, and his body knew as well, and he began to ejaculate, which was a marvelous feeling. Shortly after that, the Master pushed fully into him, and his moans of pleasure were enjoyable for his Apprentice to hear. He stayed just that way for a couple of minutes.
Again, he said in a low voice, “What would I do without you?”
They both finally separated and quietly rewashed themselves. They stepped out of the shower stall onto a thick rug, grabbed towels, and dried off. They went into the bedroom, and Ridley was wearing bikini-style underwear. His Master favored tighty-whities, so they climbed into bed and got comfortable, which was not difficult. One could say what they wanted about Nathaniel Stonehaven, but one could not deny he had good taste.
The sheets and bed linens were made of high-quality mulberry silk, and everything smelled freshly laundered. Ridley thought, what a drastic change from witnessing a full-on barroom brawl at the Midway Bar and Grill. He was in the UK at Stonehaven, and the Master had made his life much more enjoyable.
He asked the obvious, “Master, did those two twins have any words before they fell out? Wonder how the house sitter, Char Le Maine, is doing?”
Paul had moved closer and answered, “Don’t let their insults towards each other deceive you if there is trouble. Those two are thick as thieves. Char Le Maine has just been Char Le Maine for a long time. If you think the Stonehaven brothers are bad, wait till you see some of the rest of Los Iluminados Once’, tomorrow will not be boring.”
They were both thoroughly exhausted and fell asleep quickly. Ridley looked forward to it, as it would be intriguing.
