The Gravity of Anti-Gravity II

by Tim Blagge

  “Unless there is additional business,” I said to Blosh and my staff, “I’m going to go home and practice my speech.”

  When I got to our apartment, I realized that Brenda was still out on the road garnering the support of the people. When I called her she was just finishing up her last event.

  “We got our agreement from Mindcon so my speech will reflect their cooperation,” I said.

  “Can you trust them Bill? I sense from my talks with the people that they have always suspected the motives of that organization. No one could really explain their feeling but it is pervasive all over the planet.”

  “To answer your question, Brenda, I don’t trust them at all but, as powerful as they are on Velador and elsewhere, I decided a direct confrontation at this time would not benefit anyone – particularly us.”

  “What are you going to do about their intervention on Earth?” Brenda continued. “On the one hand, they saved our lives but on the other, we are just the means to an eventual end. And that end would be disastrous for Earth.”

  “All good questions, young lady,” I answered. “Part of the contract they just signed is to end all activities on Earth but this minute, the biggest question I have is; when will you be getting home?”

  “I should be there in about an hour so warm up the sheets and I’ll see you then.”

  The next day before I went to work, I called a meeting of my family.

  “Okay everyone, our work here is winding down. I’ve got to coordinate the rebuilding of the parts of Velador that were destroyed in the war but, other than that, I’m done.

  Pops added that the production of fighters and nuclear weapons continued in New Pasadena but that he was slowly turning over the management of the facility to his assistants.

  Jerry and Joanna were still training pilots and a small army in the event they were needed. Soon the defense force would be able to proceed without them.

  “Here comes the big question,” I said with the emphasis on ‘big’, “When do we go home? Or maybe the question is; do we go home? Brenda, you’re first.”

  “I’ve thought a lot about this and my first preference is to go home.” Brenda said. “I really miss my parents and my church but I think I’d like to have my baby here first and go home after he’s a month or two old.”

  “Jerry and Joanna, you’re next.”

  “I haven’t decided for sure but I think I’d like to stay,” Joanna said. “Here people know and respect me. I have a job that is valued and it’s fun. If I went home, when Jerry wasn’t there it would be just me, hanging out with my girlfriends listening to them talk about boys or some other drama in their lives. It all seems a little petty after all we’ve been through here.”

  “Jerry, anything to add?”

  “Well, I am a General here and I’m good at it. I’m just a Lieutenant at home so I agree with Joanna. I vote to stay here. Whatever she decides is fine with me.”

  “Pops and Grandma, you are last but not least”

  “Bill, I’ve been thinking a lot about that exact decision lately.” Pops said as he carefully crafted his response. “Even though back home I enjoyed my retirement, I discovered it was not as satisfying as working toward some goal or project for my employer. When we worked on anti-gravity, I realized something. It gave me a purpose and direction in life. I decided that being a productive individual again was what I really wanted. Even though I realized your invention might result in failure, I had something important to do. I suddenly felt needed.”

  “Bill, as long as I’m healthy, I don’t want to go back to the feeling of being irrelevant or inconsequential. I’m sure many retired people who are healthy, feel the same. Unfortunately, our society puts too many of us geezers out to pasture based on age and not based on our abilities. No one here worries about my age; only what I can do.”

  “For now, I choose to stay here, and I know Elizabeth feels to same.” Pops said.

  “So then it sounds like everyone’s made up their minds. For Brenda and me, our baby should arrive in about five months. My plan is to resign as World Chancellor a month before the birth and return to that stone cottage near Grapsner. We both loved that place and want to have our child there. After the baby is old enough to travel, it’s back to Earth where we will decide if we want to pursue anti-gravity or just live off Brenda’s stash of diamonds.”

  “What are Stella and Rolf going to do now that Mindcon has been ordered to quit their planet meddling?” Jerry questioned.

  “She told me at the desert facility that since she was pregnant, she was thinking of taking a leave of absence until her baby was a few years old,” Brenda said. “But somehow I can’t picture that woman in retirement.”

  -Chapter 38-

  The next months went as planned. The Cromwells began to move to the same planet they’d identified a century earlier. They had also begun to send their first pioneers there to start the immense job of relocating an entire population. Veladorian uranium ore had also begun flowing to Cromwell to supply their power needs back home.

  The cleansing and rebuilding of Velador after the war had begun in earnest. Everything appeared to be returning to normal.

  As planned, I stepped down as World Chancellor and the CEO’s appointed one of my assistants to the position. He was fiercely loyal to Velador and the restoration of government by the Guidelines that had been the law for generations.

  Brenda and I moved to the stone cottage, relaxed and got mentally prepared for the addition to our family. It was a joyful time for us. I heard through others that Stella was also nearing her delivery date and thought it would be ironic if the two babies were to share the same birth date.

  Right on schedule, Brenda’s water broke and we were transported to the clinic in Grapsner for the delivery. The proudest day of my life was when my son was born. Needless to say, we named him William Burton IV.

  Jerry and Joanna came to the recovery area followed by Pops and Grandma.

  “Hail, hail the gangs all here,” Jerry said. “Congratulations you two. That is one good looking kid. Really takes after Brenda I think.”

  “Another stroke of good luck,” I joked but I really did agree with Jerry. “So when are you going to start your family?”

  Joanna and I decided to wait a little.” Jerry answered “She loves her job and just to remind everyone; Joanna just turned twenty. There’s plenty of time to create a few crumb crunchers later.”

  “So have you decided when you are returning to Earth?” Jerry continued. “I understand the criminals are still there, sitting around, playing poker just waiting for you to return so they can steal your device. Oh, and there’s one more little rumor that might interest you. As we left to come here we heard Stella was in labor.”

  “I hope she does well,” Brenda commented. “In spite of her choice of employers and her prior relationship with Bill, I like her.”

  “Brenda and I have decided to go back to Earth a month after the delivery as long as there are no problems. Since the Doctor just declared Brenda and Four fit, that’s our plan.”

  “Four, you’re calling him Four?” Pops asked.

  “Only until we think of something we like better. You realize he’s the fourth in a long line of brilliant human beings.” I joked.

  “So ‘Four the Brilliant’; that has a catchy ring to it.” Jerry responded.

  “Where will you, Brenda and ‘Four the Brilliant’ stay when you get back to Earth?” Pops asked carrying a bad joke a little longer than necessary.

  “First we’ll go to your place Pops and see what the end result was there. We’ll have to see Brenda’s folks, and that should be quite interesting. Then I thought I’d call the FBI to see how much they know about that last attack. After that I’m not sure whether to contact the government or Forest Buckholder.”

  “Bill, in case I forget later, I had my guys create a way for us to communicate.” Pops said as he handed me a small device that was similar to the translation devices we used on V
elador. “When you hear a high pitched tone, push this small button on the back and just slip it in your ear and talk. It has a frequency that’s different than anything here or on Earth. As you know, someone who tries to contact you will need to be on the Earth side of the jump zone.”

  “Okay I’ve got it. Now I think Brenda needs to rest so let’s leave. I’ll see you all before we return to Earth.”

  Two weeks later I got a call. It was Stella.

  “Bill, I’ve got to see you. When would be a convenient time?”

  “Anytime’s alright with me. I’m sure you heard Brenda just had our Baby. It was a boy,” I explained.

  I knew that Stella was aware of the birth because it was big news on Velador. She and Rolf’s baby also made news but with a little less fanfare.

  “I’ll come tomorrow about mid morning,” Stella said. “See you then.”

  The next day, Stella arrived in a transporter that was driven by a man I didn’t recognize. I watched through the window as she picked up her baby, wrapped it in a blanket and walked to my door.

  “Hello stranger,” I said as I kissed her in the cheek. “Let me see your little bundle of joy.”

  “That’s why I need to talk to you Bill.” Stella said and slowly pulled the blanket back and revealed the baby. To my utter shock, the baby had a human face!

  I suddenly felt like someone had punched me in the stomach as the blood drained from my head. “This baby looks human,” I said.

  “Yes Bill, it’s your son. I was told this was not possible but it happened and here he is. I was shocked beyond belief too. I thought you’d want to know.”

  “Oh my God Stella, how’s Rolf taking it?”

  “He always knew that unforeseen things can happen on a mission like ours. Even though he is deeply hurt, he will be alright and we have made a decision.”

  “Before she could explain her decision, Brenda came down the stairs with Four. She smiled when she saw Stella and her new child.

  “Let’s compare babies, Stella.” Brenda said as walked up and pulled back the blankets.

  At first I saw utter confusion on Brenda’s face and then it looked like she was going to faint. I put my arm around her shoulder and helped her to the couch to sit down.

  “I had a dream about this or should I say nightmare and it has come true,” Brenda mumbled softly as she stared off into space. “It’s Bill’s isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” Stella said. “And when Rolf and I found this out, we made a decision. We want to go back to Earth with you. Since Rolf and I still look human and our new baby looks human, we felt Earth might be a better place for him because he would fit in there. Since Mindcon suspended operations on Earth, we are no longer employed by them. If you agree, we could still help you launch your anti-gravity device. What do you think?”

  “Stella, this has been a huge shock to Brenda and I. We will need to digest this revelation and get back to you after the numbness wears off. I’ll call you in a day or two. We are planning on leaving in two weeks. Is that timing okay?”

  “We’ll meet your schedule so just let me know.” Stella said and left.

  “Bill, take Four for a while,” Brenda said. “I’m going up to bed. We’ll talk when I come down again.”

  Three hours later Brenda came down looking refreshed and beautiful.

  “It’s nice to see you gorgeous. I hope you’re coming to relieve me. It feels like I’ve been elbow deep in baby crap ever since you left.”

  Brenda laughed and appeared to be in particularly good spirits.

  “Have you worked your way through the fact that in just the few days you’ve become both a mom and a step mom?”

  “Damn it Bill, when are you going to learn to tone down your comments about sensitive issues like this?”

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “But the question remains, do we let Stella and Rolf come back with us and help me with my anti-gravity invention? I don’t know if I told you but when we first got to Velador, I decided that if and when we got back to Earth I was going to sell the Flying Wallenda for scrap. Maybe that’s a better plan.”

  “Bill when you see what anti-gravity has done for people here; it would be a shame to pass on the breakthrough of this or any other generation.”

  “I agree but if it gets dangerous again, remember I’m a married man with one, maybe two kids to think about.”

  “There you go again, making light of a delicate situation.”

  “You’re right again Brenda but I’m really happy that you’re taking this so well. Maybe a reformed Rolf and Stella could help us with my project. What’s your take on them now?”

  “I still don’t trust either one.” Brenda confessed.

  -Chapter 39-

  Two weeks later the three of us were standing in a field ready to board our ship back to Earth. The ship was one of Pops last Big Bertha models to come off the line from his California plant. He helped me carry all the baby paraphernalia and stow it on board.

  “It doesn’t matter which planet you’re on Pops, babies are a nightmare to travel with.” I commented.

  “Let me show you around. This is one beautiful ship,” Pops said proudly.

  When we went up the stairs to the pilot’s cabin he acted surprised.

  “Who are you men? I thought Manswaltov and Giblechly were the pilots.” Pops said to the men.

  “They had an emergency and asked us to take their place. I’m sorry Mr. Burton, is that a problem?” they asked.

  “I guess not, but you are transporting my Grandson and his wife and baby, so please be careful. And try not to be seen when you get to Earth. There have been enough saucer sightings there to fill a phone book. We don’t need any more.”

  “I’ll be careful.” The man said.

  “For the record, what are your names?” Pops asked.

  “Bedunclash, and Wistuhulf” came the reply.

  “Fly safe and I’ll see you when you get back. I’ll want a full report then.” Pops added as we went back down the stairs.

  “OK son, take care and I expect to be home someday before I die so keep watching for me.”

  Pops hugged me followed by Grandma, Jerry and Joanna. We waved and I couldn’t stop the tears as they walked off the ship. I hugged Brenda and Four and we sat down and took our seats.

  “We are ready to depart,” the pilot said, “and we will be picking up our other passengers in about ten minutes.”

  The ship landed again and Rolf, Stella and another man got on board. He was introduced as Dr. Jupsiv. “Rolf we weren’t told of any other passengers. Who is this man?” I demanded to know.

  “The doctor is going along so that he can check the health of our returning people.” Rolf explained. “Remember we are now forbidden to have any presence on alien planets so we are beginning to return some of our people to Velador. His job is to make sure we don’t bring any of Earth’s diseases back.”

  “I forgot to ask you Stella,” Brenda broke into the conversation and asked. “What did you name the baby?”

  “We decided on Abraham after your sixteenth president and he will take on our assumed last name of Morton,” Stella answered

  The Pilot again announced that we were about to ascend so we all got strapped in and comfortable. Once we were in the air we quickly approached the jump zone and after a few minutes, broke into Earth’s solar system. Rolf took little Abe up the steps to the pilots area and Stella asked if she could take Four up there too. She said she wanted to let us relax a little while we adjusted to the pressure and oxygen level difference before arriving at the field behind Pops house.

  As soon as everyone except Brenda and me were upstairs, I began to feel nauseous and dizzy. I looked at Brenda whose eyes began to rollback in her head. As I tried to get up to help her, I passed out.

  “Stella and the doctor raced down the stairs. Both were wearing oxygen supply masks. Dr. Jupsiv opened his bag to reveal a machine. It was an ITD device, but the adapted type that was used to erase the memories of th
e captured Cromwell soldiers.

  “Are you sure you can erase just a few targeted memories Jupsiv,” Stella asked. “If these people end up like those Cromwell soldiers, we’re in big trouble.”

  “Don’t worry Stella, even though working with the brain is not an exact science, we have been running tests on both Cromwells and Veladorians since before the war ended. Our people felt this skill might be needed someday so they have invested a tremendous amount of time, money and research on the project.”

  “The tricky part is that we are trying to erase large blocks of recent memories and implant new ones.” The doctor explained. We will erase all the memories just before Burton’s meeting with the Cromwells and replace them with new memories. These new memories will closely resemble his actual life during this period but any references to Mindcon, our history and plans will be left out. We will do the same thing with Mrs. Burton. The most difficult part is blending their recollections because they were not always together.”

  “This has never been done before and I’m uneasy about the outcome,” Stella went on. “How certain are you that we won’t end up with drooling idiots?”

  “Nearly one hundred of our scientists have worked feverishly for the last six months. The procedure was tested hundreds of times. In the end, we were able to erase and then re-implant the same or different memories we took out. It was fascinating!”

  “In this case it took time to create memories of a life that resembled someone’s real life, but not completely. We had to follow Burton and his wife’s life closely and add chapters as they unfolded. The implanted memories include information that occurred yesterday. We had to fabricate a plausible scenario for today.”

  “Keep in mind Stella, the best way for us to take over Earth’s economy is with the help of the inventor of anti-gravity. But he must never know he is helping us or our plan falls apart,” Jupsiv elaborated as he began to install electrodes onto the neck and head of Bill.