The stadium remained quiet. Lucas addressed the audience. "Fellow humans, I realize this is a big shock to you and the world. In mankind's history violence has been a common occurrence. Most of the world's population would rather live in peace without conflict." Lucas paused and looked down at James T to make sure he was recording his blinking code. "On Scio and its companion worlds no wars take place; or will take place. Before us Atlantians arrived, we were told that Scio was attacked by beings from another solar system. We've seen the videos and have heard the stories. Scio and its entities have power beyond our imagination. The video is brief with a large flash. When it became normal light again, nothing of that invading force was seen.
That was many centuries ago. If there is one drawback, it might be that we live too long. Are the Scio's immortal, I don’t know. For us we believe in reincarnation to return and enjoy another life completely different than our other lives.
I suppose you're wondering when the first ship will be here for transporting earthlings to Scio. It's already here orbiting around Earth. No we don’t have a point of debarking. As a family or as an individual you can say these words and you'll be transported to the mother ship. We encourage you to only take family pictures and your bible if you want. You'll not need anything else.
Speak out loud each and every one of you as an individual or family together: 'I hereby request transportation to Scio. I make this request of my own freewill.'"
The A team was a little shocked as many from the audience repeated what was required and rapidly disappeared. Gwen estimated about 25% left Mother Earth for Scio.
Matt with a big lump in his throat, a heart that was pounding like a beaver tail on water warning his friends danger was coming, listened to James tell him what Lucas has sent him in code.
Chapter Twenty One
James said, "Matt, Lucas passed a message to me for you. He said you must negotiate directly with the High Council otherwise human kind will be used strictly for labor. He also said they'd keep their word."
"Let's load up for the ride to the hotel. I'm sure the HC is eavesdropping on our hotel conversation but presently this stadium is buzzing with thousands of conversations."
A surprise was waiting at the hotel for the team. Jerry had flown in from Australia. In a conference room the team members had a meeting. Jerry said, "I listened to the whole thing. Not much seemed really strange, but I'm sure mankind is in for one hell of a ride. I see few options to the whole thing. I guess our foundations are a thing of the past. I'd like to be with you when you go Matt, Gwen and team members."
A knock at the door produced Lucas and his team of Atlantians. He said, "Excuse the intrusion, but I've a message from the HC. May we join you for a few minutes?"
"Of course," Matt said. "We were just discussing what we might do in the near future."
Matt thought the Atlantians were a little nervous; or more so than usual. Gwen nudged Matt's leg to agree with him. She knew something was up and it was not good. A look around the table confirmed her suspicions.
Lucas said, "The HC requests your presence just as soon as you can put your Earth side affairs in order. You're to return with us on the smaller ship."
"Is this a request or an order Lucas," said Matt.
"I'd take it both ways Matt. Take the time you need, such as a few days, then we'll go. Scio beings are not overly emotional or overly patient. We'd best make haste. We're all sorry to be the bearer of such news."
"We understand," said Gwen. "We'll make the necessary arrangements and hurry as much as possible." She looked around the table receiving nods of approval. The Atlantians left leaving the earthlings to ponder their future.
"I flash back on when Columbus left Europe in 1492 for the Americas. He had three ships of hopefuls. None had gone before them. Let's face it we're in much better shape than they ever were. We know where we're going and can expect safe travel. Sustenance will not be a problem. I doubt we have a cold winter facing us. We need to take this opportunity to make a better life for all of us. We can show the Scio beings we are more than just flakes bent up acquiring wealth. JB what do you think?"
"Please remember I'm an old timer with not a damn thing to lose. I'm both relaxed and anxious at the same time. Indeed the Scio beings will use us humans to the fullest, but they've a reason for it. We might not understand the reasons, but we can adapt to anything. The more mankind learns the better we'll be. Regardless of what we all do, we can learn from it. My aunt was 94 when she passed on. She worked hard her whole life. She never had running water or electricity until she was past 50. She went through three husbands. Hard work never killed anyone. The world in 2013 is spoiled to the core; save a few. Even the slum area residents regard work as beneath them. Nevertheless, we must argue our case from a point of strength not weakness. For example, I had a student come to me one time and say: 'Tell me professor what I need to do and I'll do it.' That student sits among you at this very moment. I suggest the same approach to the Scio High Council."
Gwen was totally embarrassed with a red face. Matt was so proud of her. He said, "I've no idea what to take; if anything. Many of you have families so you'd best make those kinds of arrangements to either take with us or make sure contact can be made at a later time. I'd think take with us is best. Let' stick together."
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*
Matt and Gwen met with Lucas and his team. Matt said, "We can be ready in two days time Lucas. Our team's families are on their way now. We'd like a face to face meeting with the HC to voice our thoughts. This is a request not an order or demand."
An alto voice was heard with surround sound saying "We accept your request Matt and team. We look forward to talking to you. Upon landing, after you've been shown your new residences, Lucas will accompany you for our meeting. Welcome aboard."
The stage was set with Matt, Gwen, Liz and Barry, Gladys, JB and Maria, Mac and his family, Diane, Ziggy and many others were prepared to go. Gwen's parents reluctant but were ready. Sid in Spain decided to wait until the last minute to leave.
Matt sent word to Lucas they were ready to go. The Scio space ship landed at Dallas airport. A bus took the travelers to the space ship. Lucas and team hurried aboard, but the A Team took its sweet time before finally boarding the ship. All took a last look and a deep breath of air before boarding. Tears were streaming down most of their faces. One hold out was JB and his friend Maria. They were holding hands smiling and enjoy each other's company. Barry was holding Liz's hand. It appeared they were becoming closer. A recorded voice said, "Prepare for takeoff."
All felt the acceleration, but nothing like the rocket ship so recently taken before. Once into space, small windows slide open revealing an eye full of stars. Another voice said, "Prepare for black out conditions. Just relax. When you awaken we'll be near Scio." The windows silently closed. Gwen felt her eye lids grow heavy; as did the rest of the team.
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**
Chapter twenty two
Everyone aboard the space ship awoke at the same time. Gwen had a slight headache and her stomach grumbled for some food. She reached over to hold Matt's hand. The windows opened revealing a scene much like the video had when viewed on the moon. Scio did seem huge as they quickly entered its atmosphere. The ship landed and was immediately carried inside the domed structure. Lucas said, "In a few minutes we can get off. Transportation is waiting for us. Just relax and enjoy the scenery. As you'll see many of the chores normally done by humans are the robots job. We noticed on Earth there was a lot of noise, here is very quiet. Don't be alarmed."
A noiseless above ground transportation system, similar to a rapid transit or subway system, whisked them away from the space port. A giant dome covered the entire area as far as the eye could see. Many humans were seen riding and some walking as they sped towards their new homes. Green grass broke the paved areas. Many small parks were seen with young and old enjoying the grounds. Gwen thought it wasn't so much
different than back home. The clothing she saw was primary soft pastel or earth tones. She saw nothing gaudy or harsh, such as, purple hair or body piercing. She laughed inwardly.
A robot was waiting at the doorway of a high rise apartment. A bank of elevators lined one wall. As all things are circular on Scio, so was the elevator. Lucas said, "Earth floor please." The robot mentally opened all four doors to take the new residents up to their floor. Gwen noticed a new button with a big E on it. They never felt the elevator move. In no time the door opened into a circular hall way. Lucas said, "Each door has your name on it. When we gave you an injection upon landing we recorded your height. An eye scan opens the door. Residents feel safer with a closed door that can't be opened by anyone but them." Inside you'll find clothing to wear that also has been determined upon debarking for size. For now each of you has a wrist watch to tell time with. Also, each residence has a robot at your disposal. I know you're hungry. Just tell the robot what you'd like to eat and it will fix it for you. Take a rest now and I'll be back in about ten hours to pick you up for your meeting."
Each walked slowly until they found their name upon a door. Soon all were behind the doors looking around at their new home. Gwen, with the curiosity of a woman investigated each and every room. Matt sat down in a comfortable looking chair only to feel it conform to his body. He closed his eyes and was almost asleep when Gwen said, "Tall Man, I'm hungry."
"Tell the robot what you want to eat. Tell it that I'd like steak and eggs please."
Gwen spoke directly to the robot and it took off after hearing what was ordered. She thought, life might not be too bad here after all.
The same was silently spoken throughout the Earth floor.
Matt and Gwen felt and heard their wrist watch alert them to fact the ten hours was up. Lucas was on the way to pick them up for the HC meeting. Earlier Matt had discovered next to his chair a button that said: push me. He did and up came a screen with the list of Earth residents. Matt said, "JB room please."
JB said, "Hello Matt. Nice to see you looking refreshed. I'm ready when you are. Mac is here visiting now. We'll meet you down in the lobby."
Lucas was waiting for the four of them in the lobby. The transportation was seating for six. It was hard to guess the speed, but Matt estimated around 50 miles per hour. It took almost thirty minutes to arrive at a dome under a dome. Robots were in attendance, but very different than the ones at their new residence. They appeared more formidable. A single elevator stood in the middle of the lobby area. Two robots were at the side of the door looking serious. The door opened as they walked up. Matt thought he felt the elevator descend. In just a few seconds the door opened into a circular room with five chairs sitting in front of what appeared a stage. Lucas took the lead and sat down on the end. The others sat in no particular order except Gwen and Matt together.
Matt saw a semicircle wall made of what looked like the same material as the box they found. As the chairs formed around their bodies, the wall silently opened disappearing somewhere behind the stage. Gwen was getting stressed out realizing she was about to meet the most powerful civilization imagined. Even though the room was a comfortable temperature, she felt a trickle of sweat run down her back. For her baby's sake, she took some deep breaths.
Matt was calm and staring at what appeared to be a steel table with a row of round boxes or contains on it. From behind the stage first one then two more shimmering changeable shapes appeared and then disappeared into the boxes. A voice was heard exactly like the one they heard in Dallas. "Welcome Matt, Gwen, Professor, Mac and Lucas. Scio welcomes you. We understand the emotions you must be going through. Let me or we say this before we hear what you have to say. All of Earth's people will be well taken care of. We expect each individual to do his or her part in some productive way. We have some, not many, on a distant planet who failed to conform to our requirements. Those rebels are free to do what they want to without our interference. Life is difficult there, but livable. All others will be placed according to their skills or potential skills. We've no need for doctors or nurses, for example, but research to improve the human condition is ongoing. They will be placed in laboratories. Enough for now, let's hear what you have to say."
Matt cleared his throat swallowing not much down a dry throat. He said, "We're not looking for utopia HC. We'd just like to continue with our work without worrying a hammer might come down on top of us if we say or do the wrong thing. Humans are known for their impulsive actions, without really meaning any harm or disrespect. What can we expect from the council if we make a mistake?"
"In our long history, Matt, we too were a vocal lot. We're not punishing anyone for a small infraction. However, if someone begins protesting and creating unrest among the population, then they will lose the ability to speak. If they continue then they are deemed outcasts and put on the planet we earlier spoke about. Fear not the frustration of the moment or the wicked tongue. You'll know when you're out of line.
"Thanks for the clear and understood answer. We realize not all of us humans will be on the same planet. If a family is split up, how can they stay in contact as time goes by?"
"Like on Earth we allow our workers days off. It's just a matter of coordinating the families schedule to arrange a meeting. Transportation to other planets is provided. Housing is also provided for family get-togethers."
"Is there any subject or region under the Scio umbrella that is taboo to talk about or to visit?"
"We have no secrets to speak of. We, the High Council, are housed in an area that is restricted to any and all. A few special robots are allowed in that area. Even if the planet was destroyed we'd survive. As archeologists, our history is extremely long and interesting. Be our guest Matt and Gwen. We'd be happy to hear what you have to say about certain periods of time."
"How about Earth's history and its written history and other documents of note."
"We'll have regular traffic between Earth and here. Just put in a request and it will be shipped here. You'll want a structure to hold any items sent here. Location will be your choice after you've been here awhile."
"We understand from Lucas that religion can be practiced here without interference. Would you elaborate on that issue?"
"Most of your Earth wars were religion based. We'll separate by planet the major religions, such as, Christians on one planet and Muslims on another. Those two are the major war mongers. The other secular beliefs, such as Buddha, Hindi are unwarlike. They will have options. I must make it clear here, Matt and team, violence will not be tolerated. Banishment is the penalty."
"Thanks for that information. We're a little in wonderment how you would choose where a person or family would reside."
"This may surprise you and inject a little fear into your minds, but be that as it may, we have the ability to scan your brain. Your complete history is stored there. This is a painless procedure. We connect, evaluate, determine, then placement is accomplished. The family goes with that person."
"It all sounds rather impersonal and objective. What if an individual is desirous of a particular field, but hasn't reached that level yet, can that person be allowed to follow a dream."
"That information is the first to be recorded by an individual. If it's determined that individual has the ability, then so be it. Training or education will begin immediately. We hold no one back. We look generations into the future. When your planet Earth heals, human life will return."
"Gwen, my mate and soon to be mother is wondering where she would have the baby when it's due."
"We have birthing centers nearby on every planet. I'll not spoil your future, but let me say your boy will make his mark in history; like his parents did and are doing." Gwen was seen to blush a beat red. She felt a warm glow only a mother can feel. Matt felt on top of the world.
"Earth has many military personal with varied skills. Would any of those types of individuals fit into your way of life here?"
"On our fringes we have outposts with an ear
ly warning system. Skilled pilots are needed along with support personal. Because our universe expands so does Scio. These are volunteer positions with excellent fringe benefits. Our only challenge is the very poor with too many off spring. At first this will be a hardship but after a generation or two, a balance will be reached. Our first priority is to feed and bring the deprived to a healthy level. After that we can educate both the parents and children."
"I ask you to be patient with us. May we adjourn to digest what you've told us? We'd like to resume this conversation at another time at your convenience."
"Agreed. Let's do the same time tomorrow."
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***
On Planet Earth, some of the world's leaders were in a huddle searching for a way to save their professions and wealth. Countries like the USA and Russia had nuclear weapons that rockets would extend to outer space. It was now or never the United States leader said. "There's a ship orbiting as we speak. I say let's send a few rockets and let the bastards know we are not defenseless."
All agreed, including Russia, the UK, China and other nuclear powers. President Willins gave his nod to the military chief of staff. He in return left the Oval Office to put the military on alert. The word went out across the world. In all ten nuclear rockets were targeted on the Scio space ship orbiting the Earth.
The world leaders were now down in the war room watching the action on video screens. In less than 30 minutes ten rockets raced to their target. The officer said, "Fifteen minutes till they reach the target."
A digital clock ticked down the minutes. The videos screen showed white trails as the rockets rose to their destination. A satellite picked up the target and the incoming rockets.
Lost Continent Page 20