Unknown to anyone there, a newsman, with bona fide credentials, stood poised with pen and notepad. Beside him his camera man was snapping pictures like there was no tomorrow. He was in fact, the PR man from Blake Aviation. Nobody paid him any attention.
The Director looked at his watch and walked to the podium. This was old hat for him, but inside he felt the tension coming with the announcement of other life forms having at one time visited Planet Earth.
He looked around as the room once again went silent. He said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the British Museum. Once again we are proud to reveal an exclusive show of artifacts never before seen by modern man. For thousands of years, man has searched for the fable island of Atlantis. Humankind has debated for millenniums' if it were true that Atlantis did in fact exist. Well, we're here today to affirm the fact Atlantis did exist. We have inconvertible proof a unique civilization occupied an area just off the southeastern coast of Spain near The Gulf of Cadiz." The director let that sink in as he watched fingers flying over laptops.
"To my right are the two archeologists responsible for the discovery. And behind them is the remarkable evidence to support the claim. Let me be clear here today. We stand behind the evidence as it's been carbon dated and the text of the book states clearly about life in and around Atlantis. More remarkable is the fact that Atlantis had visitors from outside our solar system." The buzz became a roar of gasps as sounds of voices being raised.
"Before I turn the conference over to our Atlantis founders, let me show you and explain the artifacts." Two guards removed the cover revealing the metal box, leather book and the tube. Alongside the tube lay the code. The director walked to the cart and rolled it forward to the edge of the stage. Guards stood in front of the stage to make sure nobody wanted to reach out and touch.
"The first discovery was this metal box. Inside the box was this leather bound book. In it, written in Old Latin, describes the civilization that resided there. The city was laid out in concentric circles with an infrastructure of water, sewage and power available. Now the tube was just recently found near the same place as the metal box. Inside it was a single piece of papyrus with lines of binary code. I'll let Dr Gwen Sharlott and Dr. Matt Holmes tell you more."
Matt and Gwen replaced Director Hargrove at the podium. Matt spoke first: "My colleague Dr. Sharlott and I have been searching for Atlantis for more than ten years. We believed it to be in and or around the Pillars of Gibraltar, as mentioned by Plato. Evidence of a massive earthquake happened around the geological time mentioned in southeastern Spain. We viewed satellite imagery of the ocean floor just off the coast. Our belief led to our search in that area. While on a site, not long ago, another quake occurred. On subsequent dives it was then we first discovered the metal box. I refer to it as a metal box because the metal is an unknown exotic metal to our metal specialists. Inside was the leather bound book in front of you. Copies will become available on our new website we intend to create.
In the text a message or a code was placed for our discovery. Our dives a few weeks later revealed a metal tube. Inside it was the code in binary form. It is tied to the English alphabet as you should know. I need not remind you that English had not been developed at the time in history. Once again our dating shows more than twelve thousand years BP. Now I'm going to let Dr. Sharlott tell you about the coded message."
Gwen looked at Matt and then back to the quiet newsroom. "The message fairly simply states a team will go to the moon at a precise location. From there a machine unknown to us will be available to enter a coded message of numbers. From that point an underground room will become available for earthlings to experience the same atmosphere and gravity as we here on earth. It is at that point we will experience our visitors from another solar system. Which, by the way, according to the documents we have been provided and then verified by a noted astronomer, Dr. Alice Winslow, in or next to our Milky Way Galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy approximately 2.5 million lights years distance from Earth."
Mac walked up and took the podium, much to Gwen's relief. He said, "There's not a lot I can add to what's been said before. The message from Scio, yes, that's the name of the planet, states six individuals will transport to the moon. It further states that our two archeologists, Dr's Holmes and Sharlott are two named specifically in the coded message. The other four are to be determined by lotto worldwide. Indeed some parameters must put in place. Space travel is not for the young, old or unfit just to name a few of the requirements. I know you have many questions and most of those questions can't be answered, so having said that, we open the floor for questions.
Some of the ground rules are to direct a question to an individual, please use that person title."
One can imagine the many questions, both professional and personal that came about that day at the British Museum. After about twenty minutes, Director Hargrove called an end to the news conference. As usual questions continued to be shouted out and some of the media were put out that they didn't get to ask what they wanted to.
The 'A' team went back to their room, to rest and relaxe, before finding a way home without battling the reporters. All knew this find was a life changer. Mac asked for coffee. Gwen asked for coffee with a shot of brandy. Barry asked for the brandy and forget the coffee. Those comments brought on a round of chuckles and made the team relax a little.
++++++
In a high rise office building, located in California, sat three men including Sir Blake watching the events unfold at the British Museum. Sir Blake said, "Well gentlemen, we've our work cut out for us. It must be our company that transports the individuals to the moon. What we learn from the trip would give us a giant head start on space travel. I can't imagine the monetary rewards stemming from this opportunity."
"I agree with you Sir Blake," said the President of Blake Aviation, USA division. With NASA all but moth balled, our company leads the field in rocket use even beyond Russia. We possess the technology to land on the moon and return on any given day. We could be ready in a month at the outside."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves my friends," said an ancient looking man that if left to the devices of a strong wind, would never be found again. We need some political maneuvering on both sides of the Atlantic. You guys only see the dollar signs and not the path to the fortune. Like a game of chess, one move at a time. Let's call it a day and come back tomorrow refreshed with some good ideas."
"You're right as usual," said Sir Blake. "Let's meet back here tomorrow at 10 am. I expect all of you to have some good news to report. This is a make or break it for our company, gentlemen. To get where we are today, we are hanging by a thread. If we get one bank to call in a hefty interest payment, we go down the tube. Let's not panic here as we do have some time; but not a lot."
Chapter Thirteen
They were lucky to have had their phones disconnected. Gladys was in a fret with worry after she had read the morning papers. Barry had put on a disguise to fetch the papers. Also the news last night had stirred a hornet nest up. Far into the night debates were seen with or from every walk of life commenting on the alien connection of Atlantis.
Where do go from here was the big question of the morning. They wanted to go to the museum and continue their work. Alice wanted to work on the solar system maps. Gwen and Matt were curious how the barge and JB's work was coming along. Barry was reading the newspapers and Liz was surfing the computer news. Gladys was cleaning the breakfast dishes and mumbling words that the world would soon end.
While the 'A' eam was determining what to do, Downing Street had a secure line to the White House. Neither the prime minister nor the president had a firm agenda, but needed to touch base that news of this magnitude would have far reaching affects. Nothing was decided and both agreed to let it develop for the time being.
The same could be said throughout the world's governments. China thought it an opportunity to reach out with an offer to transport the selected team. India had the same kind of thinking
. Russia, always a major player, prepared to present transportation to and from the moon. Not to be left out, the USA could throw money and revive the space program.
As it turned out, all of the major countries with the ability of space travel called emergency special meetings. The major religions were also huddled in emergency meetings. With the confirmation of life outside the known world of God's creation, literally the shit could hit the fan. Not forgotten were the power brokers of major corporations all looking for a niche to boast the bottom line.
Even the poor people took this news as a positive thing. This fresh injection of expansion could lead to prosperity. Needless to say, anyone who could read, or understand the concept orally, had a boost of hope for the tomorrow.
The A team decided to brave the storm and go to work at the museum. Barry left to get the van. Everyone was dressed conservatively so as not to draw any unnecessary attention. Gwen pilled her hair on top thinking that might help hide her from nosy reporters.
As they exited the building, swarms of reporters fired off question as Matt's newly hired security helped them into the van. Matt stopped and rose to his full height saying in a voice that commanded respect, "This coming Friday we'll have a statement to make at the museum. Having said that we have nothing further to add since yesterday." He ducked into the van and Barry drove off unhappy he hadn't run over a reporter.
Mac greeted the team with a fresh pot of coffee or tea. Gwen said, "I knew it would be like this, but now that it's upon us, the weight is very heavy."
Lisa said, "Even us lowly peons were bothered last night. I didn't ask the cleaning staff, but they too probably were asked questions. Reporters these days leave no rock unturned."
Alice said, "I've work to do and damned if I'll let anything deter me from the discovery of a solar system that supports life. My colleague and I want to present a map to a group of Astronomers in a few weeks. My inbox is flooded with queries. Matt, you said something about a website. Anything further on that thought."
"Yes, Barry is working with Zig on that very thing as we are talking about it. She has a friend, no surprise there, who designs websites. Both will be here around noon from what I hear. Now I'd like for us to go over what was written down by code. Obviously, whoever wrote it didn't waste words. I want to take it sentence by sentence to make sure we are all on the same thought line."
"We know that the coordinates are in the Andromeda Crater. How do we know what to look for once the shuttle has landed? In other words, is there a sign pointing to a machine that says enter here. I don't mean to be flippant, but what would a person be looking for," said Liz
Alice was listening closely and marveled at the intelligence of Liz asking the right questions. Gwen too, was thinking the same thing. Barry was thinking other thoughts rather than the moon problem. Zig was coming and he looked forward to that get together.
Mac, at age forty five, realized he stood no chance of going as part of the expedition to the moon. However, he delighted in being in the middle of this discovery. He'd enjoy writing up the discovery for the museum advertising. The flood of people coming to view off world artifacts would overwhelm the facility. A special wing or room was needed to house the discoveries. Also, he smiled, there must be more discoveries coming.
"Mac, sorry to break your train of thought, but before we tackle the code again, any ideas how we go about booking a rocket to the moon," Matt asked.
"No idea Matt. I'm sure before the week is out information along those lines will be forthcoming. What we probably need is a special foundation for an umbrella with a board made up of scientists or academics. It's just my thinking though."
"I'll ask JB what he thinks," said Gwen. As a matter of fact, maybe we should fly down there Tall Man."
"I'd best stay here, but why don't you take someone to keep you company," said Matt.
Gwen could see Liz squirming wanting to shout, 'Take me please'. "Liz, how about going with me. You'll need some sun screen. I'd say pack for about a week, but as you and I are about the same size, I've lots of clothes on board the Lost A."
"I'd love to go," she said while giving a look towards Barry who was glaring back at her. "I can be ready at the drop of a hat."
Both Matt and Mac smiled at each other seeing the back and forth's going on. Now it was back to business.
Matt said, "I was reading an article the other day about Gerald Longingstem, the billionaire from Australia who backs a lot of science expedition through his foundation. We could send him an invite asking for some guidance and such things related to a foundation."
Diane said, "I've his fax number and the foundations e-mail too. My father donates a small amount to his foundation every year. Dad says he's a really nice guy for one so rich.''
"We need a letter head and other things related to this Atlantis business," said Matt. Barry when you see Zig have her friends design a logo and tell them to be creative." Barry nodded and wrote a note.
Mac said, "I too am wondering how we search for a sign that tells us we have found the apparatus to send a message on the moon. Also, how the hell to we get there? I'm not using the pronoun we because I'm going, which I'm not, but collectively speaking. I know some private companies are taking passengers to space and back. But I'd think landing on the moon would be more than just an up and down flight. And better yet, who and how do we contact such a company or government?"
"Like you or we said before, time will solve that problem; if it's a problem," said Matt.
"I made arrangements for my colleague to meet me in at Oxford where we'll put together a map of their solar system. He'll be here in London tonight. I'll still stay with you if it's alright Matt," said Alice.
"Of course it's fine. With Liz going we could ask her to let your friend stay here with us. What do you think Alice?"
"I'll ask him when I pick him up at the station tonight. Whatever happens I'll bring him by for you to meet. I think you'll like him," said Alice.
Sir Blake and his associates were having their meeting that next day at 10 am. Blake Aviation leased the 12th floor of a high rise in LA. In the conference room Sir Blake was saying, "If we play our cards right, my contact says we're on track to be the prime contractor for the Lunar flight. Right now our group is putting together a package for the archeology team to look at. We'll use our London solicitors to deliver it to the British Museum. In all respects it will be very professional; and we hope, profitable."
Sid Circle the current president said, "Sir Blake, I fear certain governments will undercut us and we'll be on the outside looking in."
"I agree with Sid," said Mr. White interjecting a comment before Sir Blake could answer. "We need some political clout as NASA will clearly jump in with both feet re-energizing the space program."
"Gentlemen, I'm way ahead of you. Our leading California senator Black and I had a long phone conversation last night. He sees the big picture and this would put California back on track after years of budget problems. He suggested we flood the TV with ads about our space program and invite specific people to tour our facilities. Now Ben if you would, hound some congressmen and alert our political lobbyists to push forth our plan. If we need to line some pockets, promise the moon, no pun intended, do it."
Sid said, "We need to champion our program and get all of our employees behind us. I'll get PR to do some spot commercials featuring our workers. We'll target the ones who lost their homes and appeal to the nation to help them out. Jobs are what we must push for to boast our image as a corporation for the people and for their future."
"I like it and now I'll head back to London to light some fires under the Downing Street folks," said Sir Blake.
++++++
In the White House a video conference was occurring between the four major powers of the world at the present time: The President's of the USA, China, Russia and the Prime Minister of England. The French and other nuclear countries would, upon hearing about being left out, would vociferously protest. They would be c
almed down when a major meeting of the UN was announced.
Meanwhile, the major topic of course, was off - world life forms capable of interstellar travel with technology far beyond what is found on Planet Earth. All were in agreement that this was reality and not fantasy.
The President of the USA asked for any ideas of what to do and how to do was raised. The PM of England said, "My staff believes we're in no danger and only benefits will result from making contact with them."
"I agree with the PM," replied the Chinese President. "We are prepared to finance the entire trip to the moon and back again."
"Forgive me Mr. President," said the Russian President Valdin, "But are you in a position to fly to the moon, shuttle down and return to earth?"
"We haven't flown to the moon yet, but we have the means to do it. We're prepared to show the world a test run to and from three weeks from now. Regardless whether or not the decision makers say yes or no, we'll be there regardless."
"Let's not start an international crisis gentleman, over this discovery. This is an opportunity to further the advancement of mankind. I propose we collectively put our resources together and see where that leads.
"I think we must also consider the private sector which has proven recently to show by example the ability of space travel. Specifically, Blake Aviation and there're others equally eager to provide transportation," said PM Hothguard.
"I think we can wrap this discussion up and continue under the an emergency session of the UN," said the USA President Wiggins.
The conference over, Wiggins said to his assembled staff, "Ladies and gentlemen you heard what was said. Are we in agreement that China is or will present a thorn in the side of this expedition to the moon?" All nodded at his conclusion of the meeting.
Lost Continent Page 11