Chapter 1:

Banger’s Paradise

Shoreditch, England

Saturday, May 10^th, 2008 Current Era

Darkness filled the quiet bedroom. The late night silence broken only by the occasional rustling of the sheets, as the sole occupant of the king-sized bed shifted in his sleep.  Tossing and turning, Gareth Lonigan Reed fell into a restful sleep. Moments later, a massive explosion rocked the building. 

Instantly he was awake, heart racing as if he were a ninety-year-old man receiving a lap dance, yet he was only twenty. His fingers raked through his mop of brown hair, before he glanced around the simple bedroom.  The small, framed photograph on the bedside table still stood upright, and he wondered if the explosion was real or just a nightmare.

When a second thunderous explosion nearly heaved him out of bed, he knew.  Throwing a dark bathrobe over his sleep pants and shirt, he rushed from the bedroom. He stumbled down the long smoke-filled corridor, unable to see the ornate tiled archways and marble floors through the stagnant, grey haze.

He practiced the emergency drill hundreds of times in the past, yet this was not a drill. He understood the expectations placed upon him, yet knowing and doing became two distinct items in his mind given the current circumstances. His momentum came to an abrupt halt behind the carved pillar marking the entrance to his goal.

The sight greeting him left him sickened. The lifeless bodies of the people he considered family laid crumpled about the control room.  He evaluated the scene around him. Petra and Isaac facedown in a pool of blood, executed. Tricia Logan’s body lay twisted over her communications panel, her neck obviously broken. Hamish’s, Javier’s, and Miguel’s bodies littered about, perishing as they fought off the intruders. Kambiz Adieh died shielding his wife Tahereh, but odds were all he managed was to prolong her life a few extra moments for she lay dead at his feet. Finally, Dr. Amina Singh’s body lay mangled nearby. 

Nina’s sobbing in the distance brought him out of his daze. The sixteen-year-old was smack in the middle of her worst nightmare as she clutched her father’s body in despair. Her pale satin nightshirt drenched in blood, clung to her body.  

Reed watched helplessly as two men subdued Magda, the only mother figure that he ever knew, before throwing her to the ground. The dark-haired man who now towered over her, glared at her with revulsion. Reed had never seen Marduk in person before. He knew that Marduk was over one-hundred-thousand Earth-years old, yet the man glowering down at Magda looked no more than thirty-five.

“In a few moments, the Guardians of Nam will be no more,” Marduk exclaimed. “Your line has been a thorn in my side since the Exodus. It is time for your interference to end.”

       “Even though we fall, there will be others to assume our roles,” Magda retorted defiantly. “The Guardians will continue in their task to prevent your return to Nibiru, or ever coming to power on Earth again, Marduk.”

“Your husband and friends are all dead.  Only your precious Nina and Reed remain alive, and my forces are searching him out as we speak.”

Reed watched in terror as Marduk grabbed Nina’s long hair, pulling her to her feet. The thump of her father’s lifeless head striking the marble floor made Reed nauseous. He knew he would never forget that sound.

“Now Magda, unless you would like to witness your precious, virginal daughter initiated before you die, I suggest you reveal to me the location of the Guardian Thirty,” Marduk ordered.

Reed saw the horror on Magda’s face as Marduk pushed her sobbing sixteen-year old daughter against the wall. Restraining her by the neck with one hand, he slowly ran his other down the side of Nina’s body as she began to sob.

“Leave her alone, she’s not part of this,” Magda pleaded causing Marduk to laugh with twisted amusement.

“But she will be when she comes of age. You have been grooming her since birth. You raised her to speak and read the ancient tongues. Look at your daughter, not only is she intelligent, but filled with determination.”

Marduk forced Nina to meet his gaze, before moving his lips closer to hers.

“Please don’t,” Nina pleaded in Sumerian.

Reed realized she hoped to appeal to his affection for a people long since gone, but the unnatural gleam in his eye revealed her attempt would fail.

“You will learn to appreciate me young one,” Marduk replied in kind.

Nina shook head negatively at him, hoping to hide the terror she was feeling. Marduk grabbed her chin with one hand, caressing her flushed cheek with the other. Without taking his eyes from hers, he addressed her mother.

“The eyes are the passageway to the soul, Magda. You know as well as I do her eyes are those of the Anunnaki, not of a hybrid. Shimmering midnight-blue eyes flecked with gold, unlike those you will find on any creature on Earth, save my own, of course. Your family has intermarried exclusively within the royal bloodline of Nibiru. Therefore, the blood that courses through her veins is more Anunnaki than native. She is as much a prize, as the ship for the journey home. You have bred the perfect hybrid queen, just as the oracles foretold.  The next ruler of Nibiru will be an Anunnaki, with a hybrid wife of the royal line. Even my grandfather will be unable to deny my rightful claim to the throne.”

“I’ll die before I will lie with you,” Nina shrieked.

“Don’t be so certain of that my dear. My birthright will at last be restored. The kingship mine and you my queen. The choice is yours whether you become a caring spouse, or the spouse I care to use as I see fit.”

“I’d rather be dead.”

“Unfortunately for you, death is not an option,” he retorted with a smirk. “I assure you, if you cooperate, being my queen would actually be quite pleasant. Taking control of Nibiru will be simple enough, as whispers from home indicate that the situation has once again grown quite grave. The need for gold to salvage the atmospheric shield increased dramatically.  Soon Nibiru will be approaching Earth - the time of the Crossing grows near. I am confident that the ever-faithful Guardians stockpiled sufficient gold over the past three-and-a-half Earth millennia to adequately reinforce the planet’s defenses. I will use this as my bargaining chip, for without it, Nibiru will be damaged beyond repair during its next circuit. It will be quite simple they will either bow before me, or perish.”

“You will never find the gold,” Nina snapped hatefully in the tongue of Nibiru. “It is not a bargaining chip in your quest to further inflate your massive ego. The gold belongs to Nibiru’s people. You are not half the leader your grandfather is, and never will be. Your family was right to condemn you to exile here. You turned into the monster they accused you of being.”

Reed and Magda watched in horror as Marduk, who stood almost a foot-and-a-half taller than the five-foot-tall Nina backhanded her with all his might. The impact sent her crashing to the ground dazed like a discarded rag doll.

“You will speak only with permission,” Marduk ordered matching her language. “In time you will learn to behave as my queen. Obedience to your King is mandatory. Any insolence and disrespect punished, and consequences severe. I warn you now, my young bride, I shall enjoy every exquisite moment of your punishment. Allow me to demonstrate the consequences of your actions.”

Reed watched as Nina struggled to sit up, stroking her swollen cheek. He stepped forward as Marduk approached Magda with a looped rope and thin, polished marble reed in hand. Leaving the concealment of the pillar, Reed rushed to the small cabinet under the communications console and removed a small satchel. He pulled a long, dark metallic tube with gold buttons and struggled to activate it. 

He heard the crack of breaking bones and turned to see Magda’s body go limp. Her corpse seemed to fall to the ground in slow motion, as Reed could not do more than watch in shock. His distraught eyes now locked on Nina as she crawled toward her dead mother as she sobbed.

When Nina caught a glimpse of him, she yelled, “Corre! Salgate de aqui!” 

Reed raised the weapons cylinder, pointing it at the men now rapidly advancing on him. As he activated the weapon, he yelled, “Nina, al piso, al piso!”

The force of the weapon’s discharge flung Reed back against the wall, and left everyone who had been standing, flat on their backs barely conscious.  Nina was lying across her mother’s body sobbing uncontrollably.  Winded, but first to his feet, Reed moved to the main control panel, inputting a series of codes. Yanking the hysterical teen off her mother’s body, he ordered, “Come on, we have to get out of here.”

“I can’t leave them! Please Reed, I can’t leave them behind.”

“They’re dead!” he snapped more harshly than intended. It was clear by the stubborn look in her eyes that she was not planning to cooperate.  Nothing was worse in Reed’s mind as a thickheaded Spaniard, no matter how attractive she may be. He snatched her off her feet, and set out through the archways carrying her.

“NO!” she screamed as she struggled against his hold.

“Stop it!” he demanded setting her back feet on the floor. Grabbing her shoulders he forced her to meet his gaze, before gently pleading, “There is nothing we can do for them; I’m sorry.  Right now my job is getting you to safety, which means as far away from here as possible.”

“But…”

Reed gently kissed her forehead before extending his hand to her, and whispered, “Trust me… please.”

When she reluctantly complied, he rewarded her with a reassuring smile.  They made their way toward the formal lounge. Standing before the large mahogany door, Reed rested the palm of his hand against a flat, crystal square mounted to the wall. They heard the door unlock a moment before it silently slid into its pocket in the wall. Once inside they locked the door with the tap of another crystal.

Reed headed to the bar as Nina stood dazed staring at a portrait of her parents hanging over the marble fireplace. He heard her sob as he searched the bottles for the one marked Enki’s Brew. He knew, if he looked at the portrait, she wouldn’t be crying alone.

“Come on Nina, I found it,” he implored.

When she did not respond, he led her to the bar.

“Calm down,” he soothed “Now is not the time for us to grieve, it is the time for us to live.”

He wiped her tears away as she nodded in agreement. The bottle marked Enki’s Brew, was part of the bar, hidden amidst a group of normal bottles. Unscrewing the top half of the flask, Reed discovered a small brass lever and gave it a tug.

“Hang on Nina!” he yelled immediately before the wood floor beneath their feet gave way.

The dark near-vertical passageway was wide enough for no more than three average-sized people. The smell of chlorine and mold hung in the air around them. Two seconds into their descent, the angle of the passage slowly changed and they quickly slid down a curving, tube-shaped slide. Numerous twists and turns later, and they were no longer in darkness. They found themselves free falling once again, this time landing in the cold, murky water below.

As their soaked heads broke the surface, they realized they landed in an artificial lake, surrounded by a massive cavern. The walls were unnaturally smooth and polished, and Reed realized this had all been man made.

They swam together to the south end and Reed boosted her onto dry land. Climbing out behind her, he stared as she lay on the ground, trembling as tears threatened to overwhelm her. Her beige nightshirt, saturated with blood before her swim, now appeared an eerie shade of pink. He hated himself for the uncouth direction his thoughts journeyed.  He could not help but appreciate how the drenched garment clung to her recently developed body.  He had known her for four years, watching the awkward, skinny child of twelve, developing into the curvy sixteen-year old before him.

“Where are we going?” she asked shakily.

Her cheeks turned crimson when she noticed the nightshirt left little doubt that she was one hundred percent female. She was grateful she at least wore undergarments at night or he would be receiving an even more revealing show.  He removed his soggy bathrobe, wrapping her in it before turning her to face him.

“Thank you Reed.”

“I promised your parents if anything ever happened to them I would take care of you,” he explained moving the wet hair from her face. Even red and puffy, he couldn’t help but admire her eyes as he gently tilted her head upward so she made eye contact with him. “Magda and Rafael … they were the only true parents I had ever known; I owe them everything.  They secured our future.  We have multiple places we can go and the financing to live securely.”

“What about Gage?” she whispered staring up at him. She could see the answer - his brother was dead.

“You heard Marduk everyone else is dead.”

Sinking into his arms, he held her for a few seconds as they both attempted to comprehend the events of the past half hour. He knew of her crush on his brother, and she would probably feel his loss nearly as much as that of her parents. 

“We have to get out of here as the complex is set to blow itself into oblivion in the next few minutes.  I imagine right about now old Marduk is realizing he’s stuck without a way out. Sometime in the next few minutes the big dolt will be kissing his pathetic ass good-bye.”

“Dios mio.”

“God has nothing to do with it Nina. Of all people, you should know that God never existed.  We are the product of the Anunnaki genetically engineered slave-breeding program. There was nothing holy about that, just convenient for them.”

“Just because Enki and Ninhursag advanced life on Earth doesn’t mean there isn’t a higher power,” Nina retorted. Virtually everything she had Marduk stripped away over the past half hour, she was not going to allow Reed to take the only thing she had left - her faith.

“That supposed higher power just allowed my only brother and your entire family to be killed by a bloody raving lunatic. So much for him being a merciful supreme being.  You’ll excuse me if I don’t have your blind faith.”

“Everything happens for a reason. Without faith you die.”

“Bullshit!” he muttered walking down the only passageway leading from the artificial cavern.  The smooth stone floor soon gave way to a rocky surface, and drops of water trickled over them from the small stalactites overhead.

“You are quite cynical for someone so young,” Nina said.

“What can I say, I play my strength,” he muttered standing at the entrance to a massive lake-filled cavern.  The smell of chlorine was gone, replaced with that of fish and seawater, revealing that freedom was within their grasp.

“Over there,” he motioned to a dark covered vessel tied to a rickety dock. Approaching with caution, they realized it looked more like someone tried to whittle a VW hippie-van out of a redwood tree.

“What is it?” Nina asked running her fingertips gently over the smooth hull.

Much to his relief, he explained, “It’s a small Anunnaki submarine; quite a bit smaller than the one Noah used during the great flood, but for the two of us, it will do.”

Reed helped her climb through the top hatch, before following.  The sub rocked violently when be mountain overhead began to shudder. As the cavern slowly quivered, rubble mixed with larger rocks rained down upon them.

“Hold on,” he yelled attempting to coax the vessel to submerge. “It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”

She watched him struggle with the controls. He knew if they kept taking hits the sub might not be watertight when they finally managed to go under. Once they were under water finding the channel leading to the Mediterranean before the entire cavern overhead collapsed, would become their next adventure. Dying as a pancake wasn’t exactly how Reed imagined his end; the possibility of suffocating in a sub trapped under water wasn’t appealing either.

“If we don’t get this bloody thing to submerge soon we’re going to be dead.”

“At least then I would be with my parents,” Nina whispered sadly.

“You’re bloody morbid, you know that? Here we are, quite possibly about to die and you find the silver lining.  Well at least it’s silver for you.”

Try as he might, the control stick remained in the upright position. He knew for the sub to dive he had to shift it forward, but it seemed to have a mind of its own. Pushing with his shoulder it inched forward, sending them into a steep dive. Reed felt himself soar over the control panel, landing on the glass view screen. When Nina landed on top of him, her elbow dug into his groin.

“Geroff!” he yelled shoving her away. “Strap yourself in, NOW!”

He struggled to level out the small submersible. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched her secure herself in a chair, as he finally managed to control the craft. The turmoil on her face was unmistakable as she brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them tightly.  He watched as her head rested on her knees; when her shoulders quivered, he realized she was crying.

Another series of rocks struck the hull, and he wondered if the entire cavern was finally collapsing overhead.  He returned his full attention to navigating the small craft, shifting a lever that caused them to accelerate. When he stumbled across an underwater passage, he knew they were within six hours of the island of Ibiza and safety.  Pushing a few buttons, a keyboard emerged from the panel. Where the normal alphabet would appear, there were odd cuneiform symbols.  After careful consideration, he pressed three of keys then sat back allowing the sub to guide them to their destination.

He watched as Nina silently sobbed in her corner. Torn between wanting to comfort her or wallow in his own loss he sat paralyzed, spellbound by the distraught teen’s grief. He snapped out of his fog when a massive rock struck the top of the sub.  The lights dimmed, followed by a loud screech as the engines failed.  

As the sub sunk toward the ocean floor, panic quickly set in.  Frantically Reed pushed buttons on the panel attempting to restart the engines. As they sputtered to a start, another rock struck them. The lights flickered, the engine heaved then darkness surrounded them as the sub dropped like a stone toward the bottom.

“Nina,” Reed called urgently to her, reaching into a small cabinet in search of a flashlight.  The fluorescent glow stick he found bathed her in eerie green light. She remained sobbing in her corner, clutching the harness holding her in place.

 “Nina!” he called more forcefully, but she either did not hear him, or chose to ignore him. He moved over and shook her until she acknowledged his presence, grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her until she looked at him through numb eyes. “Come on Nina don’t shut down on me now.”

When the sub struck the hard bottom, it sounded like a hundred fingernails running down a blackboard. Reed covered his ears, unprepared for the subs sudden pitch to the right. He realized they hadn’t struck bottom, rather a rock formation.

“NO!” Reed screamed as the sub overturned, slamming him against the hatch. When his head met he metal lever everything around him went black.

Gareth Lonigan Reed groaned laying face down on the edge of his bed.  His sleepy eyes struggled for clarity gazing at the blurry alarm clock. Slowly he stumbled into the adjoining bathroom.  Gazing into the mirror made him feel old.  It had been over twenty years since the events of his nightmare occurred, yet the mornings after the dreams left him feeling if they occurred a day earlier. His reflection hadn’t changed much over time, just worse for wear.  The light brown hair of his youth now peppered with grey, and wrinkles formed around his eyes. To him his crow’s feet resembled pterodactyl feet in dimension. He felt every year of forty-two years. Back then, he was an innocent, his blue eyes loaded with mischief and wonder.  Now the wonder gone but the mischief remained.

After a quick shower, he made his way from his room. Looking down the long, curved staircase of the duplex, he felt emptiness surrounding him.  No sooner than he took his first steps on the marble floor downstairs, he slipped, barely able to clutch to avoid falling.

“Ruddy stupid floor,” he snapped, and as always, his Scottish brogue grew more pronounced matching the level of his annoyance.

“Aw come on Reed old man, you love that floor because Evie chose it. So I know, even though you risk breaking your neck on it nearly every morning, it reminds you of the trouble maker,” laughed the young, light-haired American standing in the kitchen doorway. 

Reed glanced at his friends red shirt and couldn’t help but smile at the image of Mick Jagger staring at a large-mouthed bass; beneath it read, Darwin Wasn’t Wrong Just Misguided. 

“Evie will be home day after tomorrow,” Reed stated happily.  “Hopefully she’ll bring back my lucky slippers before I break my neck on this bloody floor.”

“I went to the grocer and stocked up on her favorite things. Now all I need is coffee.”

The kitchen counter overflowed with packages and Reed couldn’t resist rummaging through the bounty as Darius powered up the coffee maker. Much to Reed’s disappointment, he pulled out package upon package of assorted sized rice cakes and couldn’t help but shake one at Darius, asking, “How can she eat these dreadful things?  She might was well save the environment and eat Styrofoam instead.”

“That image gives new meaning to the term recycling. I just thought that since she spent the past eighteen months in Japan, she might appreciate some of her old favorites,” Darius replied placing a few boxes of Frosted Cherry Pop Tarts in the cupboard.

“She’s going to hate you. Remember how sensitive she was about that baby fat she carries,” Reed replied. “She’s not a little girl anymore, which makes me feel ill. She’s turning eighteen next week and already completed university. Suddenly I feel ancient.”

“Who’d have thought you of all people would have a child of above average intelligence? At least you don’t have to worry about her chasing boys.”

“I know. My genetic contribution had nothing to do with her intelligence, so don’t blame me. I’m innocent for once. I’m just a simple Scottish lad in paradise.”

“Don’t I know it,” Darius laughed as they shared the newspaper and coffee.

Reed noticed Darius staring at the science section oddly. He couldn’t help but ask, “Something wrong?”

Turning the newspaper so Reed could read the headline, LEICESTER ARCHEOLOGY TEAM HEADS HOME AFTER SUCCESSFUL UNDERWATER EXCAVATION!

Beneath the headline was a large photograph of students with their professor. Most of the group stood tan and proud behind a long table littered with artifacts.  The middle-aged professor wore shorts and a polo shirt, while the students surrounding him were dressed in swimwear and shorts.  Reed allowed his eyes to travel from student to student, finally resting on the youngest, smallest female in the group.  She wore a pair of cut-off shorts and a bikini top as she smirked at a male student. Much to Reed’s displeasure, the boy returned her mischievous gaze holding her long, brown ponytail. Eva Marie Reed had left London over a year earlier as a chubby teen, but was returning a toned, young woman and neither her father, nor best friend appreciated it.

Her bikini top barely concealed what Reed considered two of her three most precious assets.  Next to her was a tall, muscular boy with long hair, wearing nothing but swimming trunks.  While the others posed for each photograph, Evie and her friend had eyes only for each other.

“Bloody hell! What happened to her? And when did she get … those … those…” Reed stammered.

“Breasts, they are called breasts,” Darius blurted out as he continued staring in disbelief.

“And who is that boy looking at my daughter like that? And where is her damned shirt?!”

“My questions exactly!”

The two carried on over breakfast as they plotted the demise of Evie’s suitor, knowing, full well they would never act on the plot. They found the simple act of plotting, therapeutic.

Eventually the conversation turned to the First Annual Banger’s Paradise Pharaoh’s Olympics, benefiting the African Children’s Fund. They planned the sold-out event for weeks and a virtual who’s who of London purchased tickets. As the two approached the elevator, Reed glanced at Darius’ shirt yet again. He knew the young man considered himself a joker but tonight Darius would learn which of them, truly was the master.

The doors opened into a private hallway concealed behind the main bar.  The employees already arrived and were busy putting the final touches on the facilities for tonight’s event.  Reed looked out through the cream-colored archways that were part of the clubs ancient cultures theme and smiled contentedly.

He had purchased two dilapidated square blocks of Shoreditch on London’s East End ten years ago and over the next year tore everything down.  Banger’s Paradise, and its associated parking garage, had taken two years and a small fortune to build, but Reed considered it worth every penny. 

The building itself was modeled after an ancient Mayan step pyramid. The exterior covered with white marble and strategically placed spotlights to add elegance.  The main level featured multiple bars and clubs, the second level a restaurant, the third private party rooms; and levels four and five Reed’s living space, which he shared with Evie and their friend Darius James.

Young Darius came to live with them years earlier after his parents died. He was only fifteen at the time, but quickly became a cherished member of the family.  He was the son Reed never had, and when he came of age took over as lead bartender at Banger’s and attended university.  The customers called him Wraith as he had the habit of appearing out of thin air to refill their glasses. The older females wanted to adopt him and the younger ones wanted to have their way with him. Reed always watched with amusement as Darius encouraged them in order to refill their glasses, or leave an abnormally large tip, but never gave into temptation.

The main level separated into five large, distinct suites, all kept within the overall ancient cultures theme. The massive bar arched into each of the large, themed rooms.  Directly overhead, jutting down from the ceiling was a glass office that provided an observation point into each room. From here, Reed’s office served as the command center on a nightly basis.  He could look down over the throngs of people, but to them the office was merely a large mirror, concealed by one-way glass.

Ancient Egypt was the theme of the first room. Its walls adorned with hieroglyphs and reliefs surrounding mosaics of the Giza Plateau. Sarcophagi served as elegant tables and round, carved, wooden ottomans, capped with cushions serving as chairs.  Along one wall, were two floor-to-ceiling giant asps, their mouths open wide, revealing passageways to the restrooms. The staff in Giza, as the room was nicknamed, dressed as ancient Egyptian courtesans and warriors.

The next room was a tribute to the Mayans. Replicas of their ancient art and culture filled the walls. Each of the tables resembled a small step pyramid, topped with the circular Mayan stone calendar covered in protective glass. The chairs made of simple wood and straw. Here the staff dressed as the ancient Mayans, with colorful clothes.  Where the staff at Giza walked around barely clothed, the staff here was adequately covered.  For this very reason, it became the center for more family-oriented gatherings, while the Giza was the wild, singles area.

The third room was near and dear to the hearts of most natives of the British Isles. Bluestone tables filled the room in a circular pattern, with strategically placed larger tables in the circle’s center. Looking down from the nearby gaming lofts was similar to an aerial view of Stonehenge. Suspended flat panel televisions formed upside-down pyramids as they displayed the latest sporting event. 

In the center of the room was a large fountain featuring a sculpture of the Celtic Lady of the Fair Hair. Most people tended to stare at the beautiful sculpture whose long stone hair appears to be blowing in the wind, along with her long revealing dress. Every time the former red devils, now known as Manchester United, won a match, the fountain would activate for fifteen minutes, providing free-flowing taps of Reed’s custom red Anunnaki Ale from her fingertip and breasts. Each corner of the room held a billiard table and a staircase leading to raised lofts for card and other private games of chance.

This was perhaps Reed’s favorite place in the entire building.  The servers dressed as medieval wenches. While the uniform motif didn’t truly fit in with the stone arrangements, Reed couldn’t help but feel the sports-crazed men who frequented the room appreciated the view of female bosoms barely restrained in their clothes as much as he did.

The next room, known as the Harems, was for couples and intimate gatherings.  It featured private booths that sat two, four or six people and contained different combinations of armchairs, loveseats, sofas, and chaise lounges.  These booths required reservations and rented in hour-long blocks. Layers of colorful silk fabrics concealed the compartments, their interiors illuminated with soft colored lights or candles upon request.  The servers were dressed as belly dancers. When a request made, they would provide a private dance or lessons to the guests.

The final room was an auditorium; its walls and stage made of faux stone to simulate a cave. A raised stone path protruded from the far wall leading to a stage surrounded by a mosh pit. Behind the pit were comfortable seats set up in arcs, each higher than the last. It was here that people would come to drink, listen to a band, partake in open mike night, or watch the latest comedian hone their skills.

When Banger’s opened a few years ago, it received publicity due to its size and unique shape. It quickly gained notoriety for its exclusive house brews. Unbeknownst to most, the building held three underground levels, two of which were dedicated to brewing and fermenting.  The custom brews were available only at Banger’s Paradise, and their trademark lager, Banger’s Brew became infamous throughout the British Isles for the almost immediate buzz it provided.

“Looks like you have everything under control here. I’m heading down to the cellars to select something special to add to the tap for tonight,” Reed told Darius.

“I say you make the night interesting and throw Inanna’s Brew on tap. People paid a great deal of money to come here, the least you can do is help the women hot and bothered so the men get some when they arrive home.”

“I like that idea. Add an additional layer of security to the Harems so things don’t get out of hand or for that matter in hand.”

“It’s definitely going to be an interesting night.”

“Remind Finian that his Taxi Service will be quite busy this evening and we’ll square away in the morning.  This should help bring down his in-house tab quite nicely. All automobile keys are to be taken at the door with jackets and outerwear. No one gets their auto key back unless you, Mel or I make sure they are fit to drive.  Glasses should be kept full at all times; after all, intoxication loosens purse strings.”

“Have I ever told you that you are a control freak?” Darius asked opening a case marked MayTeq Reserva Especial.

“Now you know why I’m forty-three years old and single.”

Darius pulled a bottle filled with amber tequila from the box, examining the simple gold label. “I see you pulled out one of your special cases.”

“What can I say, I’m feeling charitable. Besides, at twenty euro a shot we’ll make a fortune for the Fund. One more thing, pull out a bottle of our best scotch since I’m stuck playing Pharaoh this fine evening, I might as well be in the mood.  I need to be good and drunk before I get into that awful costume.”

Darius bowed and smiled as he replied, “Yes Pharaoh Stikinmahass.”

As Reed entered the elevator, he mumbled, “I knew I should have spent the past month and a half working out.”

“You’re going to be the most emaciated Pharaoh in history … pathetic.”

“Maybe I should wrap myself in linen and go as a mummified Pharaoh.”

“Use toilet paper, I over-ordered last week, and you’re full of shit anyway,” Darius retorted before the elevators doors began to close. The last thing he heard Reed mutter was a taunting ‘piss off’.

Reed gazed down from the rooftop deck atop Banger’s as the sun set. He was thankful for the unseasonably warm London night as the barely-clad revelers patiently waited for the doors to open.

Right about now, young Darius is entering the crowded staff dressing room, Reed thought, only to discover the attire selected for him by the rowdy female patrons last night. Fundraiser to aid poor children: thirty thousand euros; taxi service for the drunken masses: fifteen hundred euros; watching his young friend die of embarrassment as he wears his Ancient Egyptian Warrior costume: PRICELESS!

       There was just enough time for a final pep talk with the staff and Reed couldn’t resist following the urge to do so. He rushed down to the lower-level staff lounge, and made his presence known.  The crowded room was in mayhem as final details added to their costumes. He laughed as the women liberally applied eyeliner to the men, who couldn’t help but look uncomfortable.

“Did he get here yet?” Reed asked the crew with a mischievous smirk.

“He was here, but was summoned to the brewery before he could gaze upon his … well outfit, if you can call it that,” a tall blonde server replied with a grin. Adjusting her ample bosom in the gem encrusted bikini top, she added, “It’s more like a deliciously small linen napkin.”

“Excellent, I didn’t miss his reaction then.”

“Remind me never to annoy the piss out of you,” the blonde commented heaving her ample chest forward. “This costume is small enough, don’t you think?”

“And you love it. Besides you picked the bloody thing,” one of the waiters commented. “You just wiggle your backside, or jiggle those two saline udders and your tip doubles. We men don’t have that luxury.”

“That’s what socks are for you moron,” she replied staring at his unpronounced crotch.

“How much did you pay for those bad boys?” another waiter asked staring at her twin mounds.

“Technically I’m still making payments on them. Some time next spring, I will consider them a fixed asset. It’s the best money I’ve spent in my life. Want to feel them?” she offered.

“What’s it like to be incredibly shy?” Reed asked.

“You forgot virginal,” she teased, leaving him wondering if she had been hitting the brew before her shift yet again.

Darius entered the crowded room, the frustration evident on his normally mirth-filled face. “There you are,” he snapped at Reed.

“Is there a problem?”

“The tap on Gareth’s Stout is broken,” Darius muttered.

Reed couldn’t resist glancing down at his trousers and commenting, “I’ve never received any complaints.”

“It’s leaking you dolt, I’m serious. I smell like a distillery, and the doors open in fifteen minutes.”

Mel knelt before Reed examining his pants, commenting, “I don’t see a leak; perhaps further examination is in order.”

“If I weren’t old enough to be your father I would consider it,” Reed replied half-jokingly. “Maybe you should check Wraith’s spout, he seems awfully tense and in need of adjustment.”

“Been there, done that; although a repeat performance might be warranted,” she commented as Reed gave her a half-hearted shove in his friend’s direction.  “Are there any males who work here who haven’t had one of your spout inspections?”

“Just you, I figured I was saving the best for last.”

“I’m so grateful I’m not your father. I’d have to put you over my knee and spank you.”

“I’ll call you daddy if you want me to?” Mel teased.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? No wonder you make the most tips. You drive a nicer car than I do for Pete’s sake.”

“That’s solely because you are cheap and I am ridiculously over-extended.”

“Reed, the beer-tap?” snapped Darius.

“I’ll take care of it,” he replied calmly. “Just go upstairs and take a quick shower, you smell like the basement.”

“I’ll get his outfit for the night,” Mel offered, hurrying to grab the box from the dressing room. Handing it to him, they waited for his reaction.

“Feels like an empty box.”

“Oh it’s far from empty,” Reed told him with a smirk before whispering to the girl next to him, “Well not that far from empty.”

“Give us a peek,” pushed Melanie opening the box.

Darius reached in, retrieving a small white loincloth and his indignant protest rewarded with the hysterical laughter of those around him.

“I’m not wearing just that … that diaper!”

“Well technically Darius, you are the official cup bearer here,” Reed explained, “So as second in charge, this technically is the appropriate outfit for someone of your status; eventually you can graduate to Pharaoh.”

“There’s no way.”

“Prude,” Melanie derided holding the loincloth against his crotch. “I think you’ll look smashing with all those tattoos and muscles for the women to admire. You work out for two bloody hours a day, share the fruits of your labor.”

“We women love bad boys,” a red headed server added. “Just be thankful it isn’t a thong.”

“Is it hot in here or is it me?” Melanie muttered fanning herself.

“It’s you,” Reed laughed.  “Perhaps you should consider getting yourself fixed.  I read somewhere online that it’s unhealthy for bitches to be in perpetual states of heat.”

“You’re the only man who ever complained. If you didn’t have a daughter who resembled you, I would swear you played for the other team.”

“Judging by the photograph in the today’s paper, Evie has grown up,” one of the servers commented. “She’s developed quite nicely.”

“Hey, some things are sacred,” snapped Reed and Darius together.

“Touchy, touchy,” Mel laughed. “She can’t remain eleven forever Reed. That boy ogling her was quite dishy though, so let me know if you toss him out on his backside.”

“Change the subject Mel,” implored Darius before turning to Reed and insisting on a new uniform for the evening.

“Go get ready Darius and stop whining,” Reed ordered.

“But …”

“If you don’t like it, you are more than welcome to be Pharaoh for the evening. You have one hour to get ready for your grand entrance. I’ll just blend in with the stick up their ass crowd, sitting around in street clothes swilling expensive scotch all evening.”

“You’re a manipulative prick sometimes Reed,” Darius muttered.

“Now that we are clear on that Mighty Pharaoh, go get ready. Why do you think you helped plan the special contests? You know I like to quietly blend in with the crowd.”

Darius threw the loincloth at Mel before leaving the room. She couldn’t resist wrapping her arm with Reeds. “He’s a cheeky young thing, isn’t he daddy? Care to help me put this on later?”

Reed gave her a mischievous smile, pulled his arm from hers and as he headed out the door retorted, “Not without a shot of penicillin and a few liters of Toltec Lager.”

I encourage you to email me with your reviews, AM Gomez

Thank you for taking the time to read this sample of my first original work!

Chapter 2

Inphonic