Secretary of State, Lois Langlois said, "My office, via the CIA, has word that the billionaire Gerald Longingstem has been approached to lend a hand in the formation of a foundation for this Atlantis discovery. It would appear sir that we are not dealing with a second string of players."
"I think we need our Science Minster Red Hemlock to pay a visit to London to congratulate the team for their discovery," said the president. Also Lois why don't you take up the kind offers from our Australia friends and pay them a visit."
++++++
In London, at the museum, Barry and Zig had their heads together working on a website with her friend. Where Zig was short and skinny, Benny was rather tall and chubby. However, Barry said later, the guy knew his stuff.
Matt and Mac were working on the leather book together while Alice had left for Scotland. Lisa and Diane were going over word for word of the coded message when the fax started printing out a message. When it finished Lisa read the contents and slowly walked over to Matt and Mac. She handed the paper to Matt and went back to the desk with Diane. She told Diane it was from the Australian dude who was one of the good ones being a philanthropist.
Matt quickly read it and then passed it to Mac. When Mac finished he said, "Wow, this guy I hope is for real. He's on his way now to visit us. Roll out the red carpet Matt. I can't wait to meet this guy."
"Me too. I wish Gwen was here to be in on the first meeting, but such is life these days. What do you guess his arrival time being Mac?"
"It's a long ways from down under to here. I'd guess the better part of 24 hours in the air, but I really don't know."
"Well, if he is coming I'd guess he's more than interested. Also he would get to view the artifacts. I'd fly around the world to see them if it was me. Now, the Scio people are a mystery beyond my imagination Mac.
"We could wonder and speculate till dooms day and still now come close to knowing the answer why," said Mac.
"What I think about Mac is the fact they can travel through space and time. Does that mean they are watching us as we speak to each other?"
"I think there's little doubt about that. I'm not sure they can pick up every word or not, but I'd speculate they generally know what is happening on earth at any given time," said Mac.
Chapter Fourteen
Circling the planet were enough off world satellites to observe any place on Planet Earth. They were not ordinary satellites, but objects put in place with cloaking devices. Nothing on Planet Earth could detect the circling spies.
A Scio council meeting was being held discussing the recent activity on Earth. The council consisted of three appointed members for life. They were appointed by a representative for each major area of the planet. As Scio was similar to the geography of Earth, the major areas were determined by size and population. In all there were ten major areas. The requirements put in place many thousands of years ago, prevented any abuse of power. Simply put, if you did the right thing you had nothing to worry about. By the time Scio had reached this level of advancement, safeguards were 100% effective.
"What are the recent developments from Planet Earth," asked the Chief of Council. By age he was the senior council member, but held no additional power over the other two. His personality by nature led the council members in any given situation. If anything major arose, a backup of eleven appointed advisers were called in to vote on an issue of upmost importance.
A staff member said, "It appears the governments on Earth are in a discussion of how to make the trip to the moon. In England the Atlantis team is working hard to make this discovery a scientific expedition and to document contact with another world outside their solar system. Would the council members like for me to look into the future to see what transpires?"
In unison all three answered negative. For each of the council members working out what the earthlings would do or might do was part of the ongoing learning process of any life form. It would be too easy to see what happened, but never know the steps that were taken to meet the ends of the different issues. Besides mystery is the best bed partner. Few read the end of a book before the beginning. The end reader loses all the delicious meat between the covers.
The youngest of the council members said, "How long will it be before a message is sent to us from their moon?"
The staff man answered, "Very soon now. I expect in about one of our months, equal to two months of Earth time, we'll receive our previously coded message."
"Is our former Land of Contentment, or Atlantis representatives prepared to travel to their moon?"
"Yes they are ready. We have three direct descendents eager to meet their former race."
"Let's meet back here in ten days to see what has developed on Planet Earth. It's going to be interesting to see how the humans react to the reality when they come face to face with their future," said the oldest member of the council.
"It was plainly noted that contact should come when they were ready to make the next step in evolution. Like I said before, we were prudent to take humankind before they evolved into what they are today. I wonder if we are making a mistake making contact with such a violent race," said a council member.
"If worse come to worse, as the English speakers say, we will move them off planet to start over again. We can provide a similar planet as Earth with lots of resources to exploit. I wonder if they would be as greedy as before."
What followed, if seen, would be as if someone turned a light switch off, complete darkness, replaced the council meeting.
++++++
In London, excitement was slowly building knowing that Gerald Longingstem was coming. Both Matt and Max, and of course JB and Gwen wanted to keep this discovery and subsequent travel to the moon, out of the greedy hands of governments and private interest groups.
The news lately had the Chinese at the forefront with a gratis offer to transport the team to the moon. Russia simply couldn't afford the same offer. So far the USA had not publically entered the picture. Private space pioneers, like Blake Aviation and Starlite Space Agency, were jockeying for position.
Matt was becoming a little stressed out. He really needed Gwen around at this time. He was leaning heavily on Mac and the other team members. For the first time since he could remember, he wished he wasn't alone. He had come to rely on Gwen a lot these past few years. He also knew that work would take his mind off personal feelings. He said to Mac, "Mac, what do we say to this philanthropist coming?"
"I think we should tell him of your discoveries and how the link to other life forms is connected. Then when he knows for sure a trip to the moon is required to continue the space trail, let him mull that over for awhile. He'll have some ideas I'm sure. A man in his position knows what and how the world goes around each and every day. My think Matt is this, what happens after we make contact. Are we prepared to look at all options?
One thing we do know and that is the Scio folks took some Atlantis people to their home planet. Why---- we don’t know the answer to that question. Let's look at the possibility of them asking if some of us want to make the trip to Scio. Who wants to take the 'giant leap for mankind' as Armstrong said? Furthermore, why would they want any of us to relocate to their planet? The real corker is this one, what if they want to meet some of our leaders or address the world via the UN or something like that. Matt, I remember as an undergrad and grad student asking a question of a PhD holder. He would hem and haw around and scratch his head like the question was not up his alley. I realize now that to answer any question of a learned person; they don't know where to begin to answer it. It's not that they don't know the answer; quite the contrary, it's where to begin, knowing that it would take a long time to answer if all the background was filled in. In other words, if we asked the Scio people why they wanted us to visit their world, why would they offer the invite? Just to say, 'Hey, come on back with us for a little visit' and then what? I know I'm not explaining myself very well here, but what is their motive and reasoning behind humans relocating to their
planet?"
"Are you saying there might be something rotten in Denmark kind of thing," said Matt.
"I'm not sure Matt. I guess I'm a little paranoid wondering why the Scio people are being so altruistic. There could very well be a very understandable and reasonable reason for the Scio civilization to make contact with us earthlings. It's just a little overwhelming to think that for the last 12 thousand years humans from earth have been living on Scio located 2.5 million light years from here.
Can you imagine what a ton of knowledge they have been exposed to? Lord, if a thousand came back to earth to teach us what they know, an explosion of knowledge would rock the world. As it is now, technology is outstripping our ability to keep up with it. As you're aware, people don't talk much to each other face to face anymore. They communicate via their smart mobile phones. I can't fathom the idea of metal telepathy or something similar that make voice obsolete.
Matt, I had a dream the other night. We humans didn't eat anymore. Food was unnecessary. What we did is similar to fueling up your car with petrol. You plugged yourself into a blood bank and exchanged your blood for new high protein vitamin enriched blood. Like a drive through Big Mac place. Of course it was all synthetic created in a factory. In that dream, strangely, my wife was the manager of the production line.
Caution is advised Matt. We must be thinking at all times. Ask pointed questions when needed. On the one hand, we show our friendship and on the other keep a little skepticism in reserve."
"Nicely put," said Matt. He turned to see the guard had someone who wanted entry into the room. Matt saw the Australian for the first time. Gerald Longingstem walked in with purpose. It wasn't like he owned the place, by more like confidence. Matt noticed his neck swiveling back and forth taking in all that was visible. Most like, he thought, looking for the artifacts. Matt stood and held out his hand.
Matt said, "Welcome Mr. Longingstem. I've looked forward to this occasion to welcome you to our discovery."
"Jerry, please call me Jerry. I came as fast as I could Dr. Holmes. I told my wife before you contacted me I hoped you would send some word," he said with kind eyes revealing a warmth and friendship. At 59 he appeared to age with grace. His hair short had the salt and pepper look. He had white skin of a descendant of England, with only a few age lines, except the usual around the eyes. Matt's first impression was he liked the guy.
Introductions out of the way, a tea or coffee break was called. A place at the table was offered to Jerry and soon the 'weather' talk faded into business at hand. Matt said, "What was written in the news reports are pretty much all is known at this point in time. You must have some questions and we'd be glad to answer the best we can."
The tea was served by Lisa and Diane. Jerry was cordial and polite. He asked, "How can I best help you. It would seem to me that to make contact with the off world Scio sentient beings, if in fact they are sentient, would take an expedition to the moon. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that is our core issue facing us today. Regardless of the provider of space travel, their reasons aren't the same as ours. As scientists we are going to send a message of friendship and interest. The ones offering space travel, such as China, Russia, the USA and private companies are seeking rewards other than pure scientific interests. We're not so naive to think that the Scio folks are not completely aware of what is going on, be that they obviously can see the future, but how much of a hindrance, in what we hope to achieve, will they be."
"I see what you're saying Matt, if I might call you by your first name. If, one is chosen over the others, there'll be hell to pay. I'm thinking about China, for example. They wouldn't want to joint venture a space trip. Russian and the USA have done it many times with the space station. The real force to be reckoned with is private companies such as Blake and Starlite. They'll push hard and argue that governments pushed private enterprise to enter the space market. To take it away now would be government interference in a capitalistic world."
"Have you any suggestions," asked Matt. By now you could hear a pin drop. All eyes and ears were on Jerry. Mac was squirming a little while Barry, Zig and the computer guy were quietly looking on.
Lisa asked, to relieve the tension and to allow Jerry a little more time to answer, "More tea or coffee anyone?"
Jerry looked up and smiled while holding up his tea cup. "Thank you Lisa. Now, I'm not sure how to say this or how or what will develop, but as you know my foundation and its long record of providing for special things, we could put this project under my foundations umbrella. Or, another plan might be to establish your own foundation Matt and I'll help finance it. Forgive me Matt for looking into your financial background. Even though you are very wealthy indeed, space travel is a money drain. I'll let that sink in for a minute and while you think about it, may I examine your newly found artifacts?"
"Of course. Barry will you remove the cover please."
Matt and Mac huddled up at the table discussing what Jerry had mentioned. Matt said, "Mac, what do you think about what Jerry said. I kind of like the second idea that we form our own foundation with Jerry's help and guidance. However, this is new unexplored territory for Gwen and I. One way or the other we'd like you to play any role you so choose."
"Thanks Matt. I'll discuss with my wife what you have offered. Meanwhile, I too like the second one. I'm confident you can tie the museum with your foundation. It would be a good marriage. Jerry has a vast amount of connections around the world. I for one like the idea of a private company for the expedition to the moon. Governments have hidden agendas and private interests rather than the good of the people. We need to consider the idea how this will benefit the average person around the world. If man can spread his population to other solar systems and planets, overcrowding, pollution and other detrimental things to human growth would disappear.
Today we have the Christians against the Muslins. This might be an opportunity for the two aforementioned religions to separate. I can think of opportunities to raise the level of poor to productive lives with adequate rewards. It might that the Scio are looking for humans to work for them. It's a thought."
"Time will tell. Let's invite Jerry back and discuss what we just talked about," said Matt.
"Jerry, what do you think of a new foundation under your guidance and help with a tie to the British Museum," asked Matt.
"That would work just fine Matt. I'm deeply impressed by the artifacts. It appears that we're dealing with a very advanced civilization. Already my office on the flight here said the US Secretary of State was on her way to Australia. She left a message that she wanted to see me. I can feel the pressure from there to here," he said laughing. There's no escaping from such a powerful government as the USA. But, for the time being, let's get this show on the road."
"What do you suggest we do about transportation to the moon," asked Matt
"Now that's not an easy question to answer. It's obvious we have to hire it done. Who do we hire and what limitation do we put on the transporters once were there. It's clear to me that whoever transports the expedition wants to meet the Scio people. I'd think we need to make it clear only a select few will actually meet the off world life forms. If indeed the Scio people took some or most of the 'Land of Contentment' people, then wouldn’t it be prudent to have some of those available to our expedition?"
"You raise and make a good point Jerry. As you know both Gwen and I have been named to go by the Scio people. Kind of scary to realize they knew our names 12 thousand years ago. Be that as it may, we need to train I suppose for weightlessness. I'm sure we'll be contact very shortly by various representatives to use their service. I'm going to recall Gwen as she has a very good head for these kinds of things," said Matt.
"I've a firm of solicitors I use here in England Matt. They can get together with yours and prepare the foundation papers." He looked at his watch and continued by saying, "I'm a little tired so if you don’t mind a late dinner, I'll take a short rest and meet you for a pleasant night's conv
ersation."
They shook hands around and Jerry said, "You're all welcome and I insist you join me for dinner," Zig and her friend were shocked, but felt honored to join them.
"Let's say 9 pm at Savoy. It's not so far from your loft Matt. I'll see you later."
Chapter Fifteen
Sir Blake and his two nephews having dinner at uncles club were pleased with what had transpired so far. Tomorrow a detailed proposal would be delivered to the British Museum. Sir Blake had cut the cost to the bone hoping that the future would make up the shortfall. He said, "Nephews, let's have a toast to our progress to date. When we see the rocket trail of fire lifting off maybe then we can relax a little. The pilot will carry an introductory letter to the Scio beings presenting an overview of Blake Aviation and its future plans.
After our proposal has been signed, I'll fly back to California and oversee the preparations for the flight. You two stay here and liaison with the archeologists. Everything we own is on the block with this project. Nothing can go wrong."
"Uncle," said James, "What if Starlite comes in under us or out maneuvers our plan?"
"I've consider that," said Sir Blake while he sniffed the brandy from his special selection. He inhaled its fragrance and then let out a slow exhale. He closed his eyes for a moment savoring its olfactory soothing goodness. "As we speak, I'm looking at the possibility of acquiring Starlite."
James saw his uncle puff out his chest like a rooster does after jumping a hen. He thought, At least the old man has balls.
Gwen received the message from Matt to return home soonest. She wondered if something was really wrong or what. She'd only been there for two days and had been so busy she failed to contact him. Quickly, she used her cell to call him. After he said hello, she jumped in saying, "Are you alright? Any emergency happening. You have me a little scared my Tall Man."
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