destabilization occurring in other countries, its economy, as well as that of most industrialized nations, had come to depend upon less developed countries for their manufacturing capabilities. Ultimately, the US and Europe would suffer the consequences. The trouble was that Gaylord, along with the rest of the government, couldn’t think of any options.
Ten days after Physolan’s last visit, Jason called Gaylord to tell him that Dr. Untiti had received a message to hold a meeting at 2 PM that afternoon. Jason didn’t explain how the secretary general got the message, and Gaylord didn’t ask. Gaylord didn’t have any time to set up the sensors, and he didn’t see much sense in doing so anyway.
As with the previous visits, representatives from all the major Unions and independent countries were in the room either talking among themselves or seated at the table deep in thought. Gaylord noticed that several of the conversations were very heated and sounded like they were about ready to break into violence. There were security men in the room again, but this time it was clear they were there to keep the members from killing each other.
At exactly 2 PM, there was the same flash, and a figure appeared at the end of the table. All those in the room stared in silence at the figure. The alien standing in front of them was not Physolan. He looked very similar in age and physical features, but it was clear he was not the same entity.
He spoke quickly before anyone could recovery, “Hello, my name is Phycanthol, and I am a representative from Physolan’s home world. I am here to apologize for his interference in your world’s affairs. It is strictly forbidden by our law to do what he has done. I only ask that you forgive him and us for this intrusion. Physolan, because, as you would put it, he has been undergoing treatment and is not responsible for his actions. And us, because we failed to prevent him from fleeing our custody and reaching your world. Physolan is very clever even by our standards. I hope he hasn’t done too much damage. You will not hear from us again, at least not for another 100 years. Good bye.”
There was a flash, and he was gone. The room irrupted into chaos.
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