The Gravity of Anti-Gravity

by Tim Blagge

  “It appears that you are more advanced than us; have you solved all of society’s problems?” asked Pops.

  “Mr. Burton, our society has made some compromises over the last few hundred years and unfortunately, in government, one size or style does not fit everyone perfectly. But as I’ve just explained, the overriding ideal we all live by is valuing the independence of the individual. You might call this freedom from overreaching government control. We have reduced our laws from tens of thousands to just a few simple rules by which people must abide. We are taught from a young age just how far we can stray from these rules which we call Guidelines.”

  “Does everyone get the same pay? Pops asked.

  “No, we are a free market society and if particular skills are required that are in short supply, remuneration is free to increase. If an entrepreneur opens a business and does well, his income is free to rise to any level as long as he abides by society’s Guidelines,” answered Stella.

  “In our free economic environment, of course, jobs end and jobs are created. Our unemployment level if calculated similarly to the way it’s done on Earth has been below two percent for over one hundred years; and most of that we attribute to a very small and frugal government. People here keep almost all of what they earn and are free to save, invest, reinvest or donate. These decisions are made strictly by and for the benefit of the individual. This may sound selfish but on Velador everyone works first for their own benefit and second for the good of society. This approach has proven for us to create the most overall benefit for the most people on our planet.” Stella elaborated.

  “We have determined that employment gives people a sense of purpose. And with a small government, our citizens tend to be happier and create fewer problems for society.”

  “So you don’t have any police or prisons.” Pops asked.

  “Yes we do,” Stella continued. “We don’t have as many police as there are on Earth and prisons are few but we do have them. Individual freedom with minimal governmental control is not without danger but with proper education we experience an extremely low level of criminal behavior.” Stella explained.

  “Do you have religion on Velador?” Grandma asked.

  “We do and it’s growing.” Stella said. “Since we have ventured out to other worlds, and we have found out how similar we all are, more of my people believe that some original power must have planted the seeds of life all over the universe. As with Earth, there is disagreement on the scope and details but it has become a healthy conversation among the people of Velador.”

  “Before we have to land, I’ve got something important I need to tell you,” Stella said with a childlike excitement.

  Oh boy, here it comes. The ‘we need to talk’ speech. I thought. These are never good.

  “When we land,” Stella continued, “there will be thousands of people to greet you so don’t be frightened. You six people have the esteemed honor of being the first aliens to be brought back to Velador. The curiosity and desire to get a first hand look at you has generated an excitement on our world not seen in centuries.”

  “Just wonderful,” Jerry bellowed. “After all we’ve been through, now we’ll be monkeys in a zoo. Don’t put Bill in the front cage Stella. He’d be the monkey who would save his poop and throw it at the gawking audience.”

  That comment brought a hearty laugh from everyone including Rolf, a rare chuckle from a serious man.

  “No, no it’s not like that!” Stella said.

  “Well then, how did all these people find out about us?” Jerry asked next.

  Stella cleared her throat and told us the whole story. “First, our mission to help other worlds transition through all the dangers associated with the discovery of anti-gravity is a noble task that our world endorses. But it is expensive. So in conjunction with our individualistic, self sufficient society, some of our entrepreneurs created an organization to carry out that mission. To finance these endeavors, we continually provide our people almost live feeds and updates of our progress and we charge a small fee to those who choose to watch. I am pleased to announce that our operation on Earth has drawn by far, the largest worldwide audience in the history of Velador. All of you, Rolf and me are stars on a global scale here.”

  “It is similar in concept to your reality shows on television, but this, as you know is the real thing with all the dangers, betrayals, lies, power struggles, romance and emotions common to life on Earth. There are no scripts, no directors and no retakes like the reality series that you are used to watching at home.” Stella said.

  “The fact that our planet went through our own horrendous anti-gravity transition period, three hundred years ago, has made yours and Earth’s story even more riveting to our people.”

  “How’d you get video of everything,” Jerry asked.

  “With our technology, we have extremely small recording devices, Stella explained. “Even though we can’t record everything, we get more than enough to tell the story.”

  “I’m curious,” Jerry said thoughtfully. “Did you record your personal bedroom encounters with Bill?”

  “Yes, Jerry,” Stella answered and added, “Sex is as common on our planet as yours and my interaction with Bill added an element of passionate emotion. And it was critical in gaining Bill’s trust.”

  “Great Bill, not only are we reality stars on a planet far, far away,” Jerry added with his typical humor, “You’re a porn star too!”

  “So let’s go meet our adoring public!” Jerry bellowed.

  -To Be Continued……

  “The Gravity of Anti-Gravity II”

  Follow the second electrifying installment of the story of genius Bill Burton and his family and friends as they arrive on Velador and begin a brand new adventure in “The Gravity of Anti-Gravity II”, The Fight for Velador!

  The recent deception and deceit experienced by Bill has caused him to be more cautious and far less trusting. He and his friends and family are thrust into the middle of a new and unexpected war with Cromwell; a powerful world dedicated to securing the raw materials they need while slowly exterminating the Veladorian population!

  The conflicts, treachery and betrayals continue unabated but the enemies are now more devious and far more powerful. Bill’s cleaver solutions to new and dangerous mysteries will thrust him into an unplanned leadership role; a role in which he will excel.

  So how does Bill and his supporting cast of characters deal with the Cromwell Republic and are they the real culprit after all?

  Join mild-mannered Bill in this thought-provoking thriller while he continues to sort though people who are not what they seem and conflicts that appear to have no solution! Will Bill, Brenda, Stella, Pops and Jerry find answer? Or is the conundrum in which they find themselves unsolvable?

  Bill’s miraculous journey will captivate and challenge the reader’s sensibilities and cerebral puzzles run rampant from beginning ‘til end!

  Read the first three chapters of “The Gravity of Anti-Gravity”

  ‘The fight for Velador!’

  Prologue

  This is the second installment of the story of Bill Burton, the genius inventor of anti-gravity. You can now read the first installment “The Gravity of Anti-Gravity” for free on Kindle! If you haven’t read part one, for continuity I suggest you read it prior to reading this installment.

  In Bill’s own words, the first story is rife with greed, betrayals and mysteries involving criminal organizations and the highest levels of our world’s governments. If Bill learned anything in the first chronicle, it is to trust no one! This theme is continued in the second installment.

  This next part of Bill’s life expands the universe of depraved entities obsessed with increasing their control over society and the power that it represents. Diverse new characters, both good and evil, pose baffling new mysteries and conundrums for our hero and his family.

  This character driven series is two other things. One is the love story that grows throughout book
one and flourishes in book two. The second involves an underlying parody that comments on the folly of today’s governmental systems and its adminstrators.

  Like the first installment, ‘the Fight for Velador’ is an exciting read. As Bill’s experience broadens, his clever solutions to problems vary between simple and bizarre. If you were intrigued and entertained by the first book, follow Bill on his next adventure. You won’t be sorry!

  Thanks, Tim Blagge, author

  Preview of Book Two

  The Gravity of Anti-Gravity II

  The Fight for Velador!

  -Chapter 1-

  “Where will we be landing on Velador,” Pops asked Stella.

  “It’s a city we call Prossfell,” Stella answered. “In English, Prossfell could be translated as Far Horizons or Distant Goals. It is the seat of our World Government even though as I’ve explained before, it’s authority over the independent States on Velador is limited.”

  “With only a short notice, the mayor of the city quickly declared a two hour holiday so our people could properly greet you.” Stella added.

  “I hope they are not disappointed when they see us in the flesh,” Grandma commented.

  “At least Bill won’t have to worry about that,” Jerry said. “He’s already been seen in the flesh several times by these people so no surprise there. How many times did they see you naked Bill?”

  “Not important Jerry,” I answered, “and let’s change the subject, okay?” I took Brenda’s hand, placed it in my lap. I gave it a little squeeze while forcing a half smile in a futile attempt to reassure her.

  “Yeah Bill, How many times did these people see you naked?” Brenda asked as she pulled her hand back and replaced it in her own lap.

  “Like I said Brenda and everybody else; it’s old news and it’s not important. So let’s drop it!”

  “Stella, how long before we land?” I asked, attempting to change the subject of an uncomfortable line of questioning.

  “We are descending now and should be on the ground in about ten minutes.” Stella answered. “I was just told that our World Chancellor will greet you personally and escort you into his chambers for a little Q and A. This conversation will be broadcast world wide but don’t get nervous; just be yourselves. Our people have seen you as you are and in some very trying situations, I might add, so this should be nothing by comparison.”

  Then Rolf, who had stepped away briefly, came up to us and held out his hand and showed us several small odd shaped items.

  “These are translation devices and have been programmed to translate our language into English.” Rolf explained. “Put them in your left ear. The people you will be speaking to will have a similar device which will translate English to our Veladorian language so everyone will speak in their own language and the listener will hear the conversation in theirs.”

  “These devices also double as a communication device; a phone if you will.” Rolf continued. “As soon as we get them programmed, you will be able to call anyone on Velador by saying ‘nist’ followed by the name of the person you are calling. When someone calls you, simply say ‘axnist’ to answer.”

  We all looked out the window to see the land rise up as we started our final descent. The recollection of the last few months suddenly jumped back into my head. The complete betrayal and deception of my own and many of the other governments back on Earth made me recognize the futility of simply trying to do something good. The potential benefits of my anti-gravity device touched off a firestorm of greed and lust for power and ended in the death of many people. I was afraid it was only the beginning. After hearing of the hundred years of conflict that ensued on Velador after their first device was invented, I made a decision. When I returned to Earth, I would dismantle the Flying Wallenda, sell it for scrap and try to live a quiet and uneventful life.

  As our saucer came gently to rest, except for Jerry, we all stood up and peered out through the small windows. An ocean of humanity or whatever they were referred to on Velador was gathered. I was able to inspect the facial features of the people who were closest to our ship as we neared the ground. With a few exceptions most looked similar to the medical staff we had met earlier while they were tending to Jerry and Pops.

  Even though their actual facial differences were small compared to us, it did give them a surreal look that I found hard to explain. Their eyes were placed farther apart than ours but just a little. Their nose was a little broader and a tiny amount longer. Their mouth appeared to turn down slightly at the corners instead of up like ours. Because the crowd was cheering, I assumed they were happy but by my standards, they appeared almost sad.

  “We’re not in Kansas anymore!” Jerry announced as he and his floating chair moved closer to the window.

  A medical aide exited the elevator shaft in the middle of the saucer and asked if Jerry could stand up. Even though it was a struggle and he had to push himself up with both hands and arms, he did.

  “Jerry,” Stella commented, “another feature of that chair is that it promotes and accelerates the healing process. Your recovery should be about 75% complete by now and you should be totally healed within an hour or two. Pops, how do you feel?”

  “I feel like I could go another round or two with those attackers at my house,” Pops answered. “So Stella, do you know what happened after we left?”

  “This vessel is equipped with a large wave gun similar to the hand held version Rolf used during our rescue from China. Just as our ship landed, a wave burst should have immobilized everyone in the area putting a stop to the hostilities.” Stella answered. “And we sent one of our men with a hand held unit who immobilized the group that was trying to blow up the front door to the fallout shelter. The wave doesn’t penetrate into the ground to the depth of the fallout shelter. That’s why we weren’t affected either.”

  “I assume it hit both the good guys and the bad guys alike?” Jerry questioned.

  “It did,” Stella answered. “There is no way to differentiate between people so everyone was affected. The result of the wave will have given the Police and other emergency teams enough time to get to the scene, arrest the attackers and tend to our friends before they wake up.”

  The door to the saucer opened and we six Earthlings plus two Veladorians, Rolf and Stella, who looked like Earthlings, stood up and filed out.

  As we exited from the craft, a cheer from went up from the mass of people rivaling the crowd noise when the home team wins the World Cup. Thousands of people were standing in a huge grassy square surrounded by large simple grey buildings. Winding paths meandered through groupings of tall trees, plants, small ponds and monuments. The landscape reminded me of Washington D.C. except it seemed friendlier and felt less official.

  Jerry, who had one hand on my shoulder to steady himself, leaned in and said, “I think our reality show here could be a lot more lucrative and a whole lot less dangerous than on Earth. Once I get used to the look of these folks, why don’t we apply for a green card. We’ll say we’re students or guest workers or maybe we’ll volunteer to be guinea pigs. They must be doing reproductive experiments somewhere on this planet.”

  Rolf walked out of our group and up to a trim man standing in the middle of several other slender men. I realized that I saw no overweight Veladorians. I thought these people must have found a cure for fat! Another opportunity to get rich, I mused. Of course a discovery of that magnitude might unleash a reaction on Earth that could make the response to anti-gravity look like child’s play.

  Rolf gave the man some sort of odd salute that I figured was a substitute for a handshake. Rolf turned and waved our group over. When we arrived, the man was introduced to us as Chancellor Blofmoklirum, the duly appointed World Chancellor of Velador. I assumed the computer in my ear had no translations for proper names here.

  One by one, we approached Chancellor ‘B’ as I decided to call him and shook his hand. Even though his handshakes were a little clumsy, Chancellor ‘B’ realized that it was Ea
rth’s gesture of greeting and he got better at it with each new human he met. To a rousing cheer, we were introduced to the crowd one at a time including Rolf and Stella. Stella got the longest ovation, waved to the crowd, smiled broadly and stepped back into our group. Then Chancellor ‘B’ invited us into a large building so we could begin a question and answer period. I was looking forward to that exchange with immense anticipation.

  I put my arm around Brenda’s shoulder and she put hers around my waist as we started walking the hundred yards or so toward the entrance of the strange looking building. As we walked, I asked Brenda what she was thinking at this moment.

  “Bill, I honestly can’t explain it. I may be dreaming, or maybe I’ve lost my mind, but I’m walking with the man I love, on a planet that none of us knew existed, for reasons I’m not sure I can explain. Just another day at the office for us I guess.” Brenda commented with humor and added. “Bill, just hold me tight. I’m feeling a little lightheaded right now at the realization that, my last comment happens to be true.”

  “I’m never letting you go Brenda, in a figurative sense I mean.”

  “Bill, you always were a little overly literal but I get your message.”

  The building that we were approaching was shaped like a gigantic hour glass and was situated centrally in the square. Its base was circular about three hundred feet in diameter. The structure appeared to be about twenty stories tall and it had hundreds of large triangularly shaped windows inset almost randomly into what appeared to be smooth, polished aluminum walls. Its design was unlike anything back on Earth or the surrounding buildings scattered around the square.