"We have immediate plans to fix some of our problems with conventional methods, those which you have heard me address in great detail throughout the campaign. But remember these conventional fixes are big Band-Aids that we apply to the wounds of the American society. They are only temporary solutions."
He paused, looking slowly at his audience, noting the looks of renewed hope and anticipation. Then, in a loud booming voice, he continued, "We, you and I, have to do more! Government can't fix everything. People fix problems. People take care of people. People are our future. People must have vision, for without vision, we are nothing."
Cheers and applause rang out at this last statement. It was the slogan that had developed the last few months of the campaign as Edward’s outlook for a new America.
Edward described his vision. "We need jobs. We need more efficient energy sources. We need room for our booming population. We need the chance to begin again, and to regain our heritage as explorers. The solution to many of our problems is in space and the exploration of the planets, our new frontier."
He went on to explain that it was inevitable, that no matter how the Earth conserved its resources on this planet today, at some point in time, which was a lot closer than they had suspected, the resources would be depleted. Once that happened, an obvious chain of events would come into play, all of which were bad unless they began to address these issues now.
He continued. "The population explosion is continuing, and new generations, our children, will need jobs and the opportunity to achieve their vision, as we have had. That is the key. Opportunity. A word that means fairness to each and every person to become what he or she might. Equality for all."
Again, Edward paused his speech. Slowly he looked toward the sky, raising his hands in that direction. He then looked back into the eyes of his supporters. "Our direction is outward. Not for a few chosen, but for the masses. The vastness of space is the answer that fits the question of the future. If people are to be allowed to reach for that dream, we need to begin an aggressive program with all nations to expand into our solar system and beyond. The solutions to our problems here at home are out there, waiting. Those who sit and think about it are just dreamers. Our dreaming days are over!"
Almost immediately, his acceptance speech ignited serious discussions around the world and led leaders of many countries to offer their support for a joint space exploration effort. In the United States, he had raised the fervor of the people into anticipation that had not been seen since the first lunar landing on the moon.
Edward was a man of his word; it had been a key principle in his campaign. He instituted a process that placed novices rather than experts in influential positions. His approach was that new and innovative ideas usually did not come from so-called experts, but rather from people who were totally detached from the area. Experts were too close to it day in and day out, and often developed natural roadblocks in their minds. By the placement of those who saw things in a simplified manner to feed the imagination of the experts, renewed vigor would be inserted and could be maintained. Eyebrows were raised regarding this theory by some of the stalwart conservatives. Nevertheless, the consensus and Edward’s successes quieted them.
An appointee named to head the ambitious plan of "Vision for Tomorrow through Space," was a woman who had no experience in space exploration, but who possessed an exact working business knowledge on how to get a quality product marketed in the most cost-effective way. Also, she had the drive to sell the idea and make it appealing to even the most conservative person. Her name was Sarah McClendon.
* * * *
Greg wasn't sure the robe looked appropriate; it felt big and awkward on him. It reminded him of the robes worn by a judge. He turned sideways in the mirror and looked indifferently at the image. Chuckling, he raised his arms upward, the large awkward sleeves flopping about his elbows made him appear to have wings.
Giving up on trying to decide about the robe, he walked over to the window. He looked out of the large plate glass window that offered an excellent panoramic view of the mountain range, the scenic woods and beautiful horizon that surrounded the facility that he and the newly formed UCDW now called home.
The facility was carefully tucked away in a valley in the mountains of West Virginia. It was ideal. It had breathtaking views and was totally isolated from the outside world. Leumas, Edward, Sarah and he had spent many months searching for the perfect location, and had unanimously agreed upon this location.
Using Council technology, they were able to shield the area from any type of detection by conventional radar systems and satellite surveillance. This shielding allowed spacecraft to come and go without detection by creating an impenetrable funnel that the spacecraft traveled into to land at the site spaceport.
The entire site covered several thousand acres of wilderness and included a security force provided by the United States military. They military and senior officials understood this to be a retreat for high-level officials who were never, never to be disturbed. If the military ever got curious, the Council had set up a fake compound that could be spied upon to satisfy curious eyes. They had covered all the possible contingencies with no less than three fail-safe stopgap precautions for every possibility.
Everyone agreed with the idea of Earth's expansion out into space, but they also were convinced that a favorable reaction from the public regarding the UCDW being stationed on Earth was very doubtful, so they compromised. The Council would be here on Earth, but not announced to the public, not yet anyway. That would come sometime in the future, after Sarah had ingrained the idea into the public's head that expansion into space was self-sustaining and would make available tons of opportunities for jobs, save the planet's resources and ensure the future growth of the Earth's heritage and culture. Then there would be hints of other alien races. Then initial contact and from there…well, that would have to be seen. Edward would have to stay in office for as long as possible to carry out the plan to fruition.
Greg's stomach churned between nervousness and anticipation. Today was to be the first meeting of the Council, and Sarah and he were to begin their role as the co-leaders of the UCDW.
Sarah had returned late last night from her Washington Headquarters for Space Development. They snuck away from all the commotion of last minute details and discussed the demanding dual role that she had committed to. Greg selfishly tried to get her to change her mind, but it was what she wanted. She was totally dedicated and dove into her work with an insatiable appetite. They'd agreed that he would handle the day-to-day activities of the Council, while she worked on the space program concepts and marketing them to the American people.
Greg thought about Sarah and how their relationship had grown. He didn't think it would ever be possible to feel so much love toward one woman as he did for her. But both of them being realists, and having accepted enormous responsibilities, they knew that time together would become a very precious commodity. I'll have to make up things to get her out here more often. Otherwise, she'll work herself to death. Besides, it will be nice to see her as much as possible.
His thoughts drifted to the curvature of her gentle face and the laugh that always made him smile. A knock at the door caused the image to fade.
"Come on in," he called.
Leumas entered, dressed in his own Council garb. Greg greeted him with a warm handshake. "Is it time?"
"Not yet, Greg, but soon," Leumas answered, eyeing Greg speculatively. "Nervous?"
"No, not nervous. Very nervous," Greg smiled. "Hey, what do you think of this sheik's robe thing?"
Leumas laughed and adjusted the robes. "Don't worry. You look fine and you'll do fine. Is Sarah here yet?"
Greg's eyes glazed momentarily. "She's coming down the hall right now."
Seconds later, there was a knock on the door and Sarah entered. She was wearing her Council robes as well, but Greg thought they looked a heck of a lot better on her than they did on him. He looked appreciatively at the wa
y the white folds fell softly about her figure.
She took several steps into the room and smiled at them both. "Hi, Greg, Leumas," she said, and then fixed her gaze on Greg, looking up and down, and then said coyly, "Nice outfit. I think I know the tailor."
"Cute, Sarah," he responded playfully.
"You know, you two make a cute couple," Leumas interjected.
"Thanks," they both said simultaneously, which caused an outburst of laughter from all three of them.
"Okay, you two, it's time to go. The Council members will be waiting." Leumas said as he moved toward the door.
"Ready, Sarah?" Greg asked, looking into her eyes.
She exhaled. "As ready as I am ever going to be. Let's do it."
The three of them walked out of the room and headed down the corridor to where the new hall of the Council had been carved into the interior of a mountain. All one hundred and fifty-six new members of the Council were present today for this inauguration and opening session of the new UCDW.
Thoughts ran through Greg's mind about the last six months and how it had changed their lives, his in particular. His lifestyle had changed one hundred and eighty degrees from what it had been. He'd gone from virtually no responsibility in his life to carrying the weight of the entire galaxy on his shoulders. The strange thing was that it didn't feel that way. It felt like this was what he had always been meant to do. The thought gave him a warm feeling that washed away his earlier nervousness.
He glanced at Sarah walking beside him, and sent a little thought to her. ::Good luck there, lady.::
::Thanks, and the same to you. I know you will do well. I'm just here for show; my work is back in D.C.::
::I know, and I've been thinking about what we discussed last night.::
::Was that before or after you made passionate love to me?::
::I…ah…:: Greg's thoughts stuttered.
::It's good to know I can still surprise you once in a while. You always seem to know what I'm going to say so I thought I try and catch you off guard.::
::Well…it worked,:: Greg said finally. ::It was wonderful.::
::Yes, it was,:: Sarah agreed.
::Which brings me to my point. I think you need to get back here more often. You know, 'planetary affairs' and all that stuff,:: he said teasingly.
::Uh-huh,:: she said sarcastically. ::Is that the only reason?::
::Maybe, maybe not. I guess you'll have to come around and find out.::
::That almost sounds like a proposal to me.:: She glanced up at him, teasing him with her eyes.
::The Council awaits us,:: he thought, trying to sound serious while avoiding a direct answer.
::Oh, well then,:: Sarah thought, ::if that's the way you want to be. I guess I'll have to talk to you later…on one of my many visits.::
He smiled at her but did not respond, verbally or mentally. There was no need. They understood each other perfectly.
As they came closer to the Great Hall, the immensity of the ceiling and the size of the gutted-out area of rock were overwhelming. Greg's first thought was the goldfish perspective, from inside the fishbowl looking up. It appeared as if the entire inside of the mountain had been carved out and only the tiniest bit of shell remained.
The three entered and approached the center podium, which was the place of the Leaders of the Council. The murmuring clash of alien races speaking different tongues quickly died away at their entrance, replaced by a deafening silence as the members stared at them intently. Greg could feel the mixed emotions of the members.
Leumas stopped at the base of the steps that would take Sarah and Greg to their higher positions. He looked and indicated with his eyes that this was their step to take, not his. He then gave them a thumbs up and a large smile.
Proceeding up the six steps to the podium area, they reached the top and took a deep breath simultaneously. Their position commanded a full view of the Council area and its members, which encircled them. This was one of the new arrangements adding to the symbolism of the UCDW. The members encircled the leader. Nothing would ever be hidden behind their backs. Everything would be out in the open for all to see.
They stood silent and still at the raised podium, feeling the representatives' eyes search their faces. Greg knew, as he approached the speaking and translating device, that the first words would be critical. He spoke slowly and clearly.
"Welcome to the delicate beginning of a new era. A beginning can be such a fragile thing, but ours will be one that keeps the past in reverence and holds it in our outstretched hands for all to see. A beginning that will lead us out of the dark past and into a bright future, a future based upon a fellowship and unity that the Galaxy has never experienced before, a future of truth that the Galaxy has never seen before. A future that will keep all of our unique cultures alive and thriving."
He held out his hand to Sarah. She grasped it proudly, and stepped to his side as he continued. "This planet, Earth, shall serve as an example of what cooperation can accomplish in the organized and controlled introduction of technological advancements. This Council, in conjunction with representatives from Earth, will move the planet to join its alien brothers in the cosmos." He paused and looked out at the Council members. "We are here to serve this Council to the best of our abilities."
Silence. The translation was virtually instantaneous, so that was not the cause for a delay in their reaction. Then a sole life form stood and began to clap. It was Leumas. He clapped hard and slowly, and was gradually joined by others that also began to rise and applaud. Soon all of the one hundred and fifty-six members of the United Council for Developing Worlds were all standing, their applause resounding through the great hall.
Sarah and Greg stood at the podium, overwhelmed by the sound that echoed in their ears. It was deafening.
::You know what, Sarah?::
::What?::
::It's just the way I knew it would be. I saw it and…:: he suddenly paused, his face contorting in what appeared to be confusion.
::What's wrong, Greg?::
He hesitated, and then said, ::It's nothing. I just saw a flash of something. Something in the future.::
::How can you…er…tell? Is this another mutation of some sort you're going through? What did you see?::
::I saw us standing here with our successors,:: he said slowly, mixed emotions in his voice.
::Successors? In the future…:: her voice trailed off.
::Yes. And the successors…:: he began.
::What about them, Greg? What's wrong?::
Greg's expression slowly returned to one of contentedness and joy of the moment as his mind settled back into the present and he interpreted what he had seen.
::Nothing. Nothing at all,:: he said simply, smiling at her and squeezing her hand tightly.
::Are you sure?::
::Yes, I'm sure. Let's just say that the future holds some interesting surprises both good and bad. But either way, we should wait until that particular moment and let the natural course of time flow its own way.::
Sarah looked at him, perplexed. ::Huh?::
::Don't worry; it will be an interesting story. That, I most certainly can promise you.::
Part II
MIND TRAP
Excerpt from the personal log of the Leader of the United Council of Developing Worlds, (UCDW). Earth Year 2227: Recorded and logged into the Planetary Archives on the Planet Zire. Archival note: Reference for historical data and research: This entry was made two hundred twenty-five years after the Great Catastrophe.
The plan is risky. It may jeopardize all that we have accomplished.
The Council has judged it a worthy risk. To do nothing will result in nothing. If we can change one small part, the entire disastrous outcome may be changed.
But, to do nothing at least results in a certainty that is known. What the Council is suggesting may backfire with horrendous consequences.
You obviously have strong feelings in this matter. I will allow you to project
your opinion and concerns before I pass final judgment.
Thank you. I would first like to review this historical scenario in its entirety.
You may proceed, but please be brief.
The two-human/alien hybrids have accepted their heritage, although the knowledge of this was just made known to them two standard Earth years ago. They survived all attempts on their lives during their indoctrination into the Council under false pretenses, and defeated the former Leader of the Council, Copolla. Copolla sought only his personal gain by destroying the Council and its members, which would have resulted in certain upheaval throughout the galaxy.
Leumas’s proposal to establish the new Council on Earth because of its unbiased position and under the leadership of the hybrids has been a resounding success. The hybrids tactfully associated themselves with the most powerful leader on the planet, the President of the United States, and developed a global network of mutual cooperation. They have assumed control of the United Council for Developing Worlds and are making excellent progress. Why do we tempt fate?
There is an opportunity that would allow us to repair the great rift that has occurred in our society. You speak of history, so you must be aware that we lost the critical leadership of the Council at a crucial time period. Imagine what we could have done if he had been saved, if the Leader of the Council had been taught the techniques to survive what was to come.
But, what if something goes wrong? What if—
There will be no further discussion on the matter. You have presented your position in an excellent manner, but I see this issue as an opportunity to avoid years of fighting, death and destruction of civilizations, as does the Council. You will proceed with the mission as planned.
Chapter One
“Dreams and visions are the things I fear the most
because I have no power over them.”
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