The Gravity of Anti-Gravity II

by Tim Blagge

  “I feel a little sorry for Rambo and Chancellor ‘B’. They looked like they were trying to do what was best for Velador but got a little off track. What do you people think?”

  “I’m not sure,” Brenda was the first to respond, “but I can’t wait to see how justice works here. Joanna, I know you’ve studied the subject a little. Do the Veladorians have trials like we do at home? From what we’ve just witnessed it’s a little different.”

  “Since the CEO’s have the ultimate power here they are allowed to be judge and jury for situations like this.” Joanna explained. “Normally there is an adversarial relationship similar to home with a prosecuting and defending attorney. The designations are different but it’s basically the same. The difference here is that there are very few crimes committed. The justice system seems to be one of the most under worked departments in the government. And in my studies, CEO Blosh was a renowned prosecuting attorney before going into politics. He is one of the most highly respected people on all of Velador.”

  “I really liked his direct approach. We’ll see you kids later.” Grandma commented as she and Pops entered their room.

  “After catching some rays for about an hour, a messenger arrived and told us the meeting would begin in about forty five minutes. Good I thought, just enough time to go in and clean up.

  In the room Brenda looked at me with that cute loving smile and said, “Bill, I wonder if they will still send you to Cromwell to talk to their head dude? Stella seemed to think it’s too dangerous to go there.”

  “I don’t know what to think. I was called out by Boiknest by name.” I said. “It might be seen as a sign of deception to send someone else. I guess I’ll do whatever is asked of me. Brenda, there’s one thing that’s been bugging the heck out of me though. Remember when Stella got mad at me for changing our war plan at the last minute?

  “Yes I do,” Brenda responded. “That was one of the most uncomfortable episodes in my entire life.”

  “Me too, but I can’t get the name she called me out of my head; a ‘gutless pawn’. I get the gutless part because I backed off destroying all of Cromwell, but a pawn? What do you think she was driving at?”

  “Well, in chess, pawns are the lowest level player and are easily manipulated and commonly sacrificed.” Brenda began to think out loud. “Maybe there is something else going on behind the scenes?”

  “Who knows?” I said. “This entire Stella and Rolf show has been a deception from the beginning. I thought I understood why, but now I’m not so sure.”

  “Let’s get ready Bill; we don’t want to be late for the big reveal.”

  As soon as everyone was seated, Blosh called the meeting to order and stood up.

  “The CEO’s have voted unanimously on the following. Our decision and decree are final and unchangeable. After our meeting, this information will be communicated to our citizens who have been waiting patiently for our response and decisions.”

  First, we have ruled that Assistant Chancellors Digger and Clinton did not violate any responsibilities of their position and will return to their post with no repercussions. They will be reprimanded and directed to inform our World Chancellor of any contact with anyone who is not Veladorian.”

  Blosh motioned to one of his assistants to go out and inform Clinton and Digger of the decision.

  “Second, we have the issue of Assistant Chancellor Rambo. His actions were a complete betrayal of our people and society. Some in this room say he is a traitor and we should exact the harshest of penalties. Others think his motivation had some validity, moderating his crime but not denying it. We have declared Assistant Chancellor Rambo guilty of being a traitor to the people of Velador. We have decided to imprison him until a suitable punishment can be agreed upon.”

  Another assistant left the room to inform Rambo of the decision and arrest him.

  “Third, is the issue regarding our World Chancellor of Velador Blofmoklirum.” Blosh began again. “The CEO’s have determined that Chancellor ‘B’s’ loyalties have been spread between the people of Velador and our prized entertainment business Mindcon. In our opinion, this lack of focus on our people’s needs has reached the level of unacceptability. Without further prejudice, Chancellor ‘B’ will be removed from office and forever banned from working within our Government.”

  “Fourth, this last action garnered the strongest support of any of our decisions and requires a more complete explanation. We have decided to appoint a new interim World Chancellor to replace Chancellor ‘B’. This person was the primary impetus to our defense of Velador. He devised a brilliant strategy and in the end was responsible for our victory. Even though we expect some opposition to this decision, most of our citizens will fully support this appointment. At this moment, he has become the most revered person on our planet. I’d like to introduce our new World Chancellor of Velador, William Burton III!”

  When I heard my name it was like a shot went through my body and I nearly wet my pants. The applause was loud and the smiles broad. People were asking for a statement from me. I was completely speechless.

  When the noise subsided, only one statement came to mind and I don’t think it played well to the group. Either that or they didn’t understand what I was saying.

  “What in the hell were you people smoking when we were out of the room.” I said.

  The humans, Rolf and Stella laughed until they cried but it took a little time for an explanation of my comment to circulate among the other people in the room who, one by one politely chuckled. The fact that no one smoked on Velador added to the confusion.

  “I’m an alien!” I said. “How could I possibly qualify for a position like that? I’m not a citizen either. Don’t you have rules against non-citizens holding office? What if I turn the position down? I really think you should reconsider!”

  “Bill, have a seat,” Blosh smiled and took over the meeting once again. “Remember I said interim as in temporary. Our people will love having our hero as our chief while the CEO’s sort through other candidates and make a decision on a permanent replacement. In addition, a lofty status should help your negotiations with the Cromwell; a meeting that begins in three days by the way. Even though having you stay on in our world forever would be something we would embrace, we understand you have work to do back on Earth.”

  “I’m glad you appreciate what I did but to repeat what you said, this is basically an honorary position, correct?” I asked.

  “No, you are the World Chancellor of Velador now with all the rights and privileges that accompany the position. But keep in mind that The CEO’s can always replace you.”

  Thanks for the vote of confidence but as the new World Chancellor, I am immediately going to challenge the limits of my authority. Maybe you’ll want to kick me out then.”

  “I’d like to appoint General Jerry Smith as the Interim Head of our Defense Forces. Jerry’s leadership in our fight for survival helped turn the tide in our favor and being our Interim Field Commander makes solid sense.”

  “I’d like to appoint my wife as Velador’s Interim Goodwill Ambassador to help heal the emotional wounds our people have just suffered. And Pops, what can I say about my Grandfather. He’s the real hero. Without him kicking butt as we say back home, we’d all be digging ditches at a uranium mine somewhere in a remote region. Most of the credit goes to him. Pops, you always say you’re retired. As long as you’re here, I am appointing you as my Interim Manager of Industry. And last but not least, I’d like to ask my sister Joanna, what interim position she would like to fill.”

  “I’d like to work with Jerry and train new pilots, Bill.” Joanna answered

  Blosh stepped in the conversation again and explained to the committee that Joanna was the ace of our fighter contingent single-handedly downing at least five enemy ships. Joanna beamed and the people in the crowd applauded.

  “Joanna, you are now the Interim Fighter Pilot Training Person. I suggest you refine your title after this meeting.” I decree
d.

  “See Bill, it’s easy to be in charge.” Blosh said. “I move we approve all of Bill’s appointments.”

  The approval was unanimous.

  “I will now adjourn our meeting.” Blosh said. “I know all the CEO’s want to get back to your home States and begin the task of returning things back to normal. I’ll have our spokesperson inform the media as to our decisions so you can depart immediately.”

  After things settled down, Blosh came up to me and told me a celebration in my honor had been scheduled in Prossfell just before I was to leave for Cromwell with General Boiknest. He also told me that I’d needed to be briefed on Cromwell etiquette and what I could and could not negotiate while I was there. His comment concerned me greatly.

  “What I offered on my video presentation is what we must do.” I stated as firmly as I felt. “We cannot afford to alter anything. If you have other limits on items that I did not discuss, fine, but we need to supply the Cromwells the fuel they need and we need to help them find a new home planet; nothing less!”

  “Bill, I hope your appointment hasn’t gone to your head already but what you do and how you do it is up to us.” Blosh said. “You are just the interim Chancellor and that limits your power.”

  “CEO Blosh, you may not understand this but power is the last thing I want. I made a promise to the Cromwells and because of it we won the war. I refuse to have you make me a liar. What I promised is well within Velador’s ability and as far as I’m concerned, is not negotiable.”

  I turned, grabbed Brenda’s hand and we walked toward our room. Everyone had already left except for Stella who heard everything.

  “Bill, you really stuck to your guns with Blosh.” Brenda whispered. “I’m afraid by the look on his face, your tenure as the Head Honcho might get cut short.”

  “So be it Brenda. But unless you disapprove, I may have a way around any reluctance the government may have toward granting the Cromwells exactly what I promised them on worldwide television. It’s right out of Ronald Reagan’s playbook. Let me tell you about it.”

  Two leisurely days later, we were transported to Prossfell for our celebration the next day. I was escorted to an office that had just been vacated by Chancellor ‘B’.

  As I walked in with Brenda and the rest of my family, it seemed odd that I was standing in the prime administrative seat of an entire world.

  “How strange is this?” I asked. “That a fluke, an unplanned conglomeration of bizarre events has propelled me to this amazing, if not temporary situation in which I find myself.”

  All of my family in the room knew about Blosh’s comments because I had told them. No one was able to offer me any wisdom because none existed. They had only told me to follow my gut; that it had led me in the right direction up to this point so I should consider it a friend rather than an adversary. I liked that sentiment.

  “Okay people, my handlers will be here in ten minutes so you should go.

  Everyone said goodbye. Brenda was the last to leave and came up and whispered that she’d be saying a prayer for me. I thanked her and said that was the best thing she could do.

  I sat down and started going through some documents that had been left on Chancellor ‘B’s old desk. I began reading the ones that had been translated to English for me when my attention was drawn to the noise of the people who had gathered outside the office. When they saw that I had noticed them, they came in, crowded around and thanked me for leading the resistance group. I tried to tell them my participation was minor but they wouldn’t listen to me. They were simply star struck. Weird I thought; if they only knew the real me. Then I had an idea.

  I stood up, held my hands up and asked for quiet. “I have a question. In my speech to the Cromwells and the entire population of Velador you all heard the two things I promised the Cromwells if the hostilities ceased. Do any of you think I offered too much?”

  To a person, they agreed that my proposal was fair and reasonable. So I had my answer and I had my plan to get what I knew was right!

  Two men came in, cleared the office and escorted me to a conference room where alleged experts were to get me up to diplomatic speed. After two hours of instruction, Blosh and two of his assistants walked in. The two men showed me diagrams of the amount of fuel that the Cromwells used to power their fusion reactors worldwide. It will take 600 thousand tons of ore to satisfy their annual needs they told me.

  “Now don’t offer them or agree to a kilogram more than that?” they said.

  “How old is your data” I asked.

  The two men looked at each other and said the information was based on estimates tallied from the latest information they had on Cromwell.

  “And how old is that information?” I asked.

  “It was acquired from our archives and is a little over one hundred years old but should be fairly accurate,” one of the men answered.

  “Blosh, you’re kidding right? Data from a century ago? Have these men revise their analysis based on usage required by households and industry for four billion people there living on an overheated planet. I’ll want to understand all the assumptions for the analysis too before my departure tomorrow. Now for the biggest and most problematic promise,” I continued. “Tell me you people have discovered a planet or two that has not developed intelligent life and could support a large population.”

  “We have discovered three but they are unavailable.” Blosh answered.

  “Why are they unavailable?” I asked.

  “Because they have all been sold or acquired.” He answered.

  “Who in the hell could afford to buy one planet, much less three?” I said loudly.

  “Bill, I’m starting to understand how your mind works so don’t jump to conclusions when I tell you this. It is Mindcon. Mindcon owns all three!”

  -Chapter 35-

  The next morning, we all got dressed up in some new Veladorian finery that was provided to us by some assistants who were assigned to us.

  “Wow, Pops, wow Jerry, I’d say you look good but damn it, you’re dressed just like me.” I observed. “I assume the profession of Clothes Designer is not a very high paying job on this planet.”

  “And you should see Brenda.” I added. “Her outfit successfully hides every bit of sexy on one of the sexiest females I’ve ever seen. How does Joanna look?”

  “She looks great.” Jerry answered “Last evening she visited Beatrice. Remember her? Joanna picked some fabric, drew a little sketch and Beatrice whipped it out in less than an hour. Joanna’s outfit would be appropriate for the red carpet at the Oscars.”

  “Brenda may be jealous or maybe not. Her growing abdomen is beginning to annoy her.”

  Brenda and Grandma arrived in their monochromatic plain pants suits.

  “Great look ladies,” I said with a smirk and got nothing but a sour look from both of them.

  In walked Joanna and by Earth standards she looked phenomenal. Her dress was a shimmering blue and brought out the color of her eyes. It was deeply cut down the front and the back. It was gathered in all right the places to accentuate her slender figure.

  “You look beyond fabulous Joanna,” Brenda commented as she fondled the fabric. “Where did you get your dress?”

  “Beatrice,” Joanna answered.

  “Damn it,” Brenda swore. “Why didn’t I think of that? Being the pregnant wife of the head of a planet probably dooms me to living life in a potato sack. Oh well, just another episode in the life of Brenda. And Bill, I mean all that in a good way.”

  At the appointed time, we met at the same platform we stood on after we got married. Everything was set up and the crowd was at least double what it was before. There were people gathered as far as we could see.

  “Jerry, does this remind you of Times Square on New Year’s eve?” I asked loud enough for all to hear.

  Everyone agreed and as I turned around, I saw CEO Blosh who was slated to be the Master of Ceremonies. He was walking toward us.

  “Good Mor
ning Bill and everyone,” Blosh said as he shook all our hands and smiled broadly. “This massive turnout has exceeded all our expectations. As the details of our resistance efforts have become known to our people, the outpouring of appreciation for all of us including Rolf and Stella has been amazing. This crowd, estimated to be over a million is testament to the joy we feel over our victory.”

  “Bill, I need to give you something that should help you on your mission to Cromwell.” Blosh continued. “I had some engineers work on it all night so you could take it with you. It’s a translation device. All you have to do is speak English into it and your words will come out in the Cromwell language with no translation through the Veladorian language first. It’s not complicated but it took us a while to round up a copy of their language. We haven’t needed one for over a century so we had lost or misplaced the copies we had. The one we used was from Rolf’s earpiece.

  “Sounds great,” I turned the small device on and held it up to my lips and said. “I love you Brenda!” Out of the device came “Froshserss dvunkly pim, Brenda” Now you’ll know when a Cromwell comes up and tries to hit on you, Brenda.” I added.

  “That’s something I’ll need to remember for sure Bill,” Brenda said with the extreme sarcasm I’d grown to know and love.

  “Have you practiced your speech enough?” Jerry asked.

  “Yes I have and the operative concept is short and sweet; not much to remember.” I answered.

  Before I stepped out, Blosh also gave me the revised estimates of the uranium ore that would be needed by the Cromwells. I quickly looked through the new numbers and the estimated Cromwell requirements were over twice the original amount.

  “OK people, it’s time to go on stage.” Blosh instructed as he pointed toward the stairs.

  As we all went up the steps and reached the stage from one side, Rolf, Stella and some of the Veladorians who had been critical in our efforts entered from the other. Pops Chief Engineer, his Manufacturing Manager, our flight instructor Mr. Chuzwit and a few others walked on. We all waved to the crowd. The response could only be described as thunderous and most of us had to plug our ears to avoid damage to our ear drums.