When introduced, Gwen saw a twinkle in her grey eyes. If she wasn't mistaken, envy was written all over her face knowing Gwen was moon bound to meet some other life forms. They both shook hands with warmth, then sat down to discuss the reason she was there.
In a persuasive voice Lois said, "Let's get right to it Gwen and Matt. America wants to transport Americans to the moon. We been there and done that, as they used to say. We're not attaching any strings nor have any designs of political sway to your team. We just want the rocket to have the USA written on the side of it. Whatever you say goes. Like a taxi, tell us where and we will oblige. The meter is disconnected, by the way. You dictate the terms and we'll try to do what you desire. What do you say A team?"
Gwen wasn't expecting what she heard; but then again what did she really expect, was a good question. Both Matt and Gwen would say later that the president had chosen well his secretary of state. Be that as it may, the question remained: "Would the American government keep their promises?" This would be a tough call.
Matt replied, "We're not politicians Ms Secretary; but scientists. What recourse would we have if you broke your promise, say a string fell out of the White House that a full blown press conference was going to be held at such and such a time. We're not interested in a press conference or photo opts. We just want to go to the moon to meet the Scio folks. I'm afraid of the unknowns we would face with the fine offer you submitted. However, we'll take this offer under advisement and get back to you, when, I'm not sure."
"I understand your reluctance to be exposed to the political side of the equation Matt. If I state here that there would be no photo opts other than some video of your training perhaps. Also a guarantee that there would be no press conferences or anything else you can think, would you seriously consider my offer," said Secretary Langlois.
Matt looked at Jerry and he nodded an affirmative. Gwen also bumped his knee. Matt said, "Yes, we'll think about it. Now is there anything else you'd like to add Ms Secretary?"
"Yes, the lotto for the remaining four which will be chosen. As we have connections around the world, we'd like to help with that end of things. If you'll provide the guidelines we can have the tickets delivered in about two week's time," said Lois.
Again Jerry nodded a yes. "That would be fine with us. Our lawyers will be in touch with your office," said Matt.
"I'm scheduled for a trip to Russia this evening. It's very easy to get a hold of me by calling this secure classified number," as she handed a card across the table to Matt. "I am available 24/7 so feel free to call anytime."
Gwen thought, what a job working 7 days a week and on call at any hour. Well……… maybe after this trip to the moon, her job might not look so bad after all. Matt looked at her funny as if to say, why are you smiling?
In the afternoon, Alice returned with some new suppositions about Scio and its solar system. Alice was warmly greeted by the team. She said, "I hate to ask what's happened since I've been gone, but I'd appreciate a condensed version if possible."
Gwen grinned and said, "Alice, every hour that you're gone something new happened. The major points are, new artifacts found at our site in Spain; we're about to choose a carrier to the moon, it's between Blake and NASA at this point in time. Also, Mac has decided to jump ship and join our team and new Atlantis Foundation; we want to offer you a ride to the moon, supposedly a round trip ticket." That last statement brought the house down laughing.
When it quieted down, things got a bit more serious. Alice said, "I've some interesting things here to show you." She spread some rolled up solar maps out on the table. Various heavy items were placed on each corner to keep them from rolling back up. "Now under heavy magnification we've come to the conclusion that Scio being the home planet has three other smaller planets nearby. It was difficult to separate what we thing are moons from planets, but this is what we agreed upon: There're three planets orbiting their sun along with Scio. Two moons orbit Scio. It also appears that four other planets comprise their solar system. Those four are or appear some distance from Scio. Whether or not life is on any planet except Scio is an unknown.
The solar system adjacent to Scio's system is very complex with too many dots to make heads or tails of the system. I'd rather not speculate at this time."
Matt was peering at the circles showing Scio many times bigger than any other planet. He knew that was from the original map found in the book. Gwen was following his thinking as he pointed to each circle representing either a planet or a moon. Mac, from the other side of the table did his own speculation. Lisa and Diane were next to Mac.
Gwen said, "Alice, I've no questions as to me it's obvious that any speculation would prove fruitless. Let's leave it like it is for the time being. We need to concentrate on this new discovery of artifacts, which we vouchsafed to Barry. From what we hear from him, in about two days we should receive our first shipment of artifacts. He mentioned that in addition to what Liz had said about content, some smaller steel tubes were discovered. This should provide some interesting content. We can hope that some written record will reveal more of the plight of Atlantians. I'm still at a loss as to why the Scio folks took humans from Earth to Scio in the first place. Why not just move to another continent like North America for example."
Alice said, "Gwen, are you having skeptical thoughts about our new friends the Scio race?"
"I guess I am Alice. I realize being pessimistic is not always healthy, but facing an off world race with literally millions of years advancement over our puny history, is a bit overwhelming."
Mac said, "You know my wife Shirley said the same thing the other night. On the one hand I'm happy we found the answer to what happened on Atlantis, but on the other hand, I'm not so optimistic about the outcome. However, we have no choice really. To pass up this opportunity would be foolish."
"Let's all retire to the loft and make a decision about who will carry us to the moon. I'd like to see us get the show on the road. I'll call Gladys and tell her to go ice cream shopping!" Gwen smiled and slugged his arm.
Chapter Eighteen
Over dinner and desert, the A team discussed the choice of either America or the UK to fly them to the moon. A vote was taken with a show of hands, including Gladys. The winner by a narrow margin was Blake Aviation. However, they decided to take Lois up on the offer of lotto so they hammered out a list of requirements for entry. It was decided ages 25~40 male or female. A four year university or college degree at the minimum was mandatory. The three winners would be interviewed by a psychologist to determine their mental fitness and by a physical fitness test as well. English was also required, but race did not matter.
There wasn't a lot to do until Barry and the recent discoveries were viewed. After that, barring nothing out of the ordinary, they would leave for space training in California at the Blake Aviation facilities by the end of the week.
Matt called their lawyers and told them the results of choosing Blake and of the USA volunteering the lotto drawing. It would be a rush lotto. After talking to the lawyers, Matt called Jerry for a lunch meeting. He agreed and the time was set. Gwen decided to stay home as she felt a little queasy that morning. She blamed in on too much ice cream, but Gladys gave a harrumph on that end of things.
Jerry said, while having lunch on a sunny day in London, under an umbrella on the sidewalk, "I think you made the right choice Matt. Blake will do the job. The USA will be disappointed, but that's life. I'll take care of the lotto business for you so you guys can begin your training." He took a long pull on his Bass Ale and gave off a satisfied sigh. "You know Matt, England has the best beer in the world. Sure we can buy Bass or Smith's down under, but somehow it taste better here in the UK."
"I'm basically a wino Jerry. To each their own, I say. I used to drink a lot of beer when I was younger, but it seemed to put some extra pounds on me. I switched to wine and been there ever since."
"When you come back from the sojourn a vintage bottle of rose bubbly will be waitin
g for you. I've three left and would love to share one with you while you tell me all about meeting the Atlantians."
They were all at the museum when Barry showed up with Liz in tow. Both were very excited and both were talking at the same time. Matt put the brakes on with a good humor smile saying, "Okay you guys, you did good. Now where are the items you're so damn proud of?"
"Right behind me Matt," said Barry. Gwen noticed he was a little sunburned and Liz had a nice tan. Both seemed very happy as young folks usually are after a nice vacation off the coast of Spain and Portugal.
Just then the guard opened the door once again and a team of men brought in two cart loads of wooden boxes. Matt counted twelve boxes in all. They were about the size of apple boxes he guessed. Both he and Gwen stood there with their mouths slightly open wondering what treasures lay in each box.
Barry said, "We numbered the boxes according to contents. For example boxes 1 ~ 3 contain mostly pottery. 4 and 5 are laden with eating utensils and cups. We think they are silver, but I'm not sure. 6 ~ 8 are jewelry and other things. 9 ~12 are filled with short steel tubes like the long one you found before."
"I want to see the tubes first," said Matt.
"I want to see the jewelry first," said Gwen.
"I want to see the pottery first," said Lisa.
"I want to see it all right now," said Mac laughing his head off. No doubt Santa Claus would have thought Christmas had come early that year to England; the team was full of joy.
"Bring on the champagne," said Matt.
It was decided to take one box at a time setting each item on a wheeled stainless steel table that could be pushed around like a hospital gurney. Each piece would have to be meticulously cleaned, photographed, and catalogued.
The boxes of pottery were nothing special, but the jewelry was most special in design. Of course some were just plain silver or gold, but some had astrology and replicas of the Scio Solar System intricately made by expert craftsmen. Gwen fell in love with some of the pieces. All of the girls gave off exclamations of amazement and joy.
Matt, Barry and Mac were into the boxes of short steel tubes. Like artillery shells they were lined up facing the top when opened. Barry said, "JB cleaned most of them saying Merry Christmas. He also said if needed he could come, but someone should stay with the diving team." Barry, with the devil in his eye, continued by saying, "JB has found a home with Sid and family, if you know what I mean."
Matt said with a smile, "We know what you mean Barry. You're just jealous of an old man with a young woman."
"You got me on that one Matt. By the way, JB said he received another e-mail from our 'deep throat' dude. I've alerted Zig to trace it for us. I'll let you know what she finds out."
Matt had taken the first steel cone out and set it on the conference table. Like the other one, he popped it rather forcefully releasing the top third of the tube. Inside he drew out with latex gloves on, a parchment most likely from a camel. It was in pristine condition, but they treated it like ultra-thin crystal glass setting it gently on the table to read. It was written in Old Latin and Matt called Gwen over from her jewelry inspection.
Gwen came over and quickly read the brief writing. After reading it she looked at Matt and he shrugged his shoulders. Gwen said, "Translated it says: 'Beware of Scio'."
"Before we comment, let's look at some more tubes," Matt said. Gwen looked grim and left to continue her examination of the jewelry.
Matt and Mac quickly had the tops off of 12 steel tubes with the contents laid out on the table in rows of four. Matt had taken some copy paper and transcribed the Latin into English. It didn't take long to see there was order in the contents. After discussing the order the message was as follows:
1. Greetings fellow man
2. We are from "The Land of Contentment
3. When first encountered, we thought friends
4. After awhile our best and smartest were transported away
5. Our remaining citizens slowly by surely became used
6. Life was not difficult
7. We were lavishly rewarded
8. Sickness and disease were all but forgotten
9. We lived twice as long
10. We because fewer and fewer
11. We were told to prepare for leaving
12. Beware of Scio
"I guess we could say that even though life wasn't too difficult, something led them to believe transported off planet wasn't good. I refer to number 5 where it says ….'became abused' indicates slavery," said Gwen.
"I'd have to agree with you Gwen," said Mac. "I think it's clear the Scio folks needed humans back on their home planet for one reason or another. This just makes the meeting on the moon just that more intriguing.
Barry, Lisa and Diane, along with Liz were listening and thinking about what was said. All four knew not to speak out unless asked to. All of the serious concentration was broken when the guard knocked and Zig came in with a flourish. Heads snapped in her direction. Zig stopped cold and blushed to a dark crimson highlighting her rosy cheeks.
"I'm sorry," she said. "Did I interrupt something important?"
Barry hurried over and said, "We were evaluating some artifacts and nothing to worry about Zig. I know you're here to report on that e-mail from somebody to JB?"
"Yes, I, and others, conclude that it wasn't sent from anyplace we know of. We speculate it is off world, but remember we really don’t know," said Zig
"We thank you Zig, now everyone, let's sit down and have a break time," said Matt.
"I'd like to point something out," said Matt. "We translate the Latin words Caveo Cavi Cautum into, beware; or look out for; or avoid. Apparently the Atlantians were scared of the Scio folks and that would be understandable. We're all scared of something or someone who knows more than we do. Also facing a civilization light years advanced would be mind boggling."
"I agree with you Tall Man. However, at least now we can be better prepared to meet the beings on the moon. We're not going in blind at this point. What I'm afraid of is we won't be able to ask the right questions and or receive the right answer. It really doesn't take much more cranial capacity to spike the intelligence factor. That is, if stimulated the physical brain will actually increase in size. Maybe the Scio folks have discovered a stimulus or something similar along those lines to increase the intelligence of normal mankind. I know this is rather far out stuff, but we're dealing with some really advanced beings here," said Gwen.
"I hear what you're saying," said Mac. "I too have given that some serious thought. Nowhere in this message does it say directly that stay away from Scio beings as they are dangerous. It says beware and that is what we should be and do.
*****
The lawyers took care of the legal contract between the Atlantis Foundation and Blake Aviation. The focus shifted to California where the astronaut training would take place. The lotto system was in process, overseen by Jerry from Australia. After all was said and done he would meet the team in California with the lotto winners.
Surprising the USA and NASA were very helpful. They sent some technicians to help train the A Team. Matt was also very surprised when Secretary of State Lois Langlois arrived unannounced with a big smile, her hand out, as if they were old friends, while the media had a photo bonanza. Matt put on his dog grin and endured the scene. Actually, he thought he'd best get used to it as it, the notoriety, would not go away anytime soon.
Be that as it may, the training was a grueling experience. The winners of the lotto joined the team about ten days into the training.
For the record:
1. James B. Thompson from Australia, thirty three years old geologist. Married with two little girls.
2. Chora Fielding from Brazil. She was thirty six years old, a social scientist, and single with a ten year old daughter.
3. Bernard [Bernie] Flute from Belgium. He was a thirty years old mathematician, single and self professed homosexual.
After arriving, the new team
members were introduced to a crash course on who were the Scio beings and the goal to make contact with them on the moon. Matt said, as they were all in a conference room, "We realize you have many questions to ask. We most likely have a few answers, but in reality we know very little what to expect when we send the coded message from the moon. As our training goes on each of us will try to enlighten you new member the best we can. Each day we should rotate partners so we all get to know each other the best we can. Let me say this, expect the unexpected. Some hard decisions might have to be made under short notice. I'd recommend you say good bye to your love ones before we leave. In other words, make sure your affairs are in order."
Bernie raised his hand and said, "Matt, if I may call you Matt, I've done that very thing. I can't imagine any of us not being prepared knowing this might be a one way trip." The other two new members nodded their heads in agreement.
With that end of things settled, training went forth as scheduled. Matt was worried about Gwen being pregnant, but she seemed to ignore it to the others. At night Matt rubbed her tummy; then he would listen and say, "Hey little feller, you doing okay in your warm house?"
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